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.
DSG Global disclosed 48 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. DSG Global reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q2, 2023
Risk Distribution
65% Finance & Corporate
15% Production
10% Ability to Sell
6% Legal & Regulatory
4% Tech & Innovation
0% 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
2020
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
DSG Global 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 Q2, 2023
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 31 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 31 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
48
-1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
48
-1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
18Risks added
8Risks removed
4Risks changed
Since Jun 2023
18Risks added
8Risks removed
4Risks changed
Since Jun 2023
Number of Risk Changed
4
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
4
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of DSG Global 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 48
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 31/48 (65%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights18 | 37.5%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Added
Investors in the Offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value.
The public offering price will be substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our outstanding shares of common stock. As a result, investors in the Offering will incur immediate dilution. Investors in the Offering will pay a price per share that substantially exceeds the book value of our assets after subtracting our liabilities. See "Dilution" for a more complete description of how the value of your investment will be diluted upon the completion of the Offering. See "Dilution" for a more complete description of how the value of your investment will be diluted upon the completion of the Offering.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Added
Participation in the Offering by certain of our directors and their affiliates would reduce the available public float for our shares.
It is possible that one or more of our directors or their affiliates or related parties could purchase common stock and warrants in the Offering at the public offering price and on the same terms as the other purchasers in the Offering. However, these persons or entities may determine not to purchase any shares or warrants in the Offering, or the underwriter may elect not to sell any shares or warrants in the Offering to such persons or entities. Any purchases by our directors or their affiliates or related parties would reduce the available public float for our shares because such shareholders would be subject to volume restrictions on the resale of the common stock and warrants \pursuant to applicable securities laws. As a result, any purchase of common stock and warrants by such shareholders in the Offering may reduce the liquidity of our common stock relative to what it would have been had these common stock and warrants been purchased by investors that were not affiliated with us.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Added
Holders of the Warrants will have no rights as a common stockholder until they acquire our common stock.
Until holders of the Warrants acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise of the Warrants, the holders will have no rights with respect to shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. Upon exercise of the Warrants, the holder will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder as to the security exercised only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Added
There is no established market for the Warrants to purchase shares of our common stock being offered in the Offering.
There is no established trading market for the warrants. Although we have applied to list the warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market there can be no assurance that there will be an active trading market for the Warrants. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the warrants will be limited.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Added
Unless an active trading market develops for our securities, investors may not be able to sell their shares.
We are a reporting company and our common shares are quoted on OTC Markets (OTC Pink) under the symbol "DSGT". However, there is a very limited active trading market for our common stock; and an active trading market may never develop or, if it does develop, may not be maintained. Failure to develop or maintain an active trading market will have a generally negative effect on the price of our common stock, and you may be unable to sell your common stock or any attempted sale of such common stock may have the effect of lowering the market price, and therefore, your investment may be partially or completely lost.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Added
There is no assurance that once listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market we will not continue to experience volatility in our share price.
The OTCQB Venture Market, where our common stock is currently quoted, is an inter-dealer, over-the-counter market that provides significantly less liquidity than the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our stock is thinly traded due to the limited number of shares available for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market thus causing large swings in price. As such, investors and potential investors may find it difficult to obtain accurate stock price quotations, and holders of our common stock may be unable to resell their securities at or near their original offering price or at any price. Our public offering price per Unit may vary from the market price of our common stock after the offering. If an active market for our stock develops and continues, our stock price may nevertheless be volatile. If our stock experiences volatility, investors may not be able to sell their common stock at or above the public offering price per Unit. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the perception that such sales might occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock and our stock price may decline substantially in a short period of time. As a result, our shareholders could suffer losses or be unable to liquidate their holdings. No assurance can be given that the price of our common stock will become less volatile when listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Added
Since our common stock is thinly traded it is more susceptible to extreme rises or declines in price, and you may not be able to sell your shares at or above the price paid.
Since our common stock is thinly traded its trading price is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to extreme fluctuations in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including (but not necessarily limited to):
- the trading volume of our shares; - the number of securities analysts, market-makers and brokers following our common stock; - new products or services introduced or announced by us or our competitors; - actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results; - conditions or trends in our business industries; - announcements by us of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; - additions or departures of key personnel; - sales of our common stock; and - general stock market price and volume fluctuations of publicly traded, and particularly microcap, companies.
Investors may have difficulty reselling shares of our common stock, either at or above the price they paid for our stock, or even at fair market value. The stock markets often experience significant price and volume changes that are not related to the operating performance of individual companies, and because our common stock is thinly traded it is particularly susceptible to such changes. These broad market changes may cause the market price of our common stock to decline regardless of how well we perform as a company. In addition, there is a history of securities class action litigation following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities. Although there is no such litigation currently pending or threatened against us, such a suit against us could result in the incursion of substantial legal fees, potential liabilities and the diversion of management's attention and resources from our business. Moreover, and as noted below, our shares are currently traded on the OTC Link (OTC Pink tier) and, further, are subject to the penny stock regulations. Price fluctuations in such shares are particularly volatile and subject to potential manipulation by market-makers, short-sellers and option traders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Added
Even if the Reverse Stock Split achieves the requisite increase in the market price of our common stock, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to comply with the minimum bid price requirement of the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Even if our Reverse Stock Split achieves the requisite increase in the market price of our common stock to be in compliance with the minimum bid price of the Nasdaq Capital Market, there can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock following the Reverse Stock Split will remain at the level required for continuing compliance with that requirement. It is not uncommon for the market price of a company's common stock to decline in the period following a reverse stock split. If the market price of our common stock declines following the reverse stock split, the percentage decline may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split. In any event, other factors unrelated to the number of shares of our common stock outstanding, such as negative financial or operational results, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and jeopardize our ability to meet or maintain the Nasdaq Capital Market's minimum bid price requirement.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
Added
Even if the reverse stock split increases the market price of our common stock and we meet the initial listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, a failure of which could result in a de-listing of our common stock.
The Nasdaq Capital Market requires that the trading price of its listed stocks remain above one dollar in order for the stock to remain listed. If a listed stock trades below one dollar for more than 30 consecutive trading days, then it is subject to delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market. In addition, to maintain a listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, we must satisfy minimum financial and other continued listing requirements and standards, including those regarding director independence and independent committee requirements, minimum stockholders' equity, and certain corporate governance requirements. If we are unable to satisfy these requirements or standards, we could be subject to delisting, which would have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our common stock when you wish to do so. In the event of a delisting, we would expect to take actions to restore our compliance with the listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our common stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our common stock, prevent our common stock from dropping below the minimum bid price requirement, or prevent future non-compliance with the listing requirements.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
Added
The reverse stock split may decrease the liquidity of the shares of our common stock.
The liquidity of the shares of our common stock may be affected adversely by the reverse stock split given the reduced number of shares that will be outstanding following the reverse stock split, especially if the market price of our common stock does not increase as a result of the reverse stock split. In addition, the reverse stock split may increase the number of shareholders who own odd lots (less than 100 shares) of our common stock, creating the potential for such shareholders to experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares and greater difficulty effecting such sales.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
Added
Following the reverse stock split, the resulting market price of our common stock may not attract new investors, including institutional investors, and may not satisfy the investing requirements of those investors. Consequently, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not improve.
Although we believe that a higher market price of our common stock may help generate greater or broader investor interest, there can be no assurance that the reverse stock split will result in a share price that will attract new investors, including institutional investors. In addition, there can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock will satisfy the investing requirements of those investors. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not necessarily improve.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12
Changed
Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws could discourage a change in control, or an acquisition of us by a third party, even if the acquisition would be favorable to you, thereby adversely affecting existing shareholders.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of making more difficult or delaying attempts by others to obtain control of our Company, even when these attempts may be in the best interests of our shareholders. For example, our articles of incorporation authorize our Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, to issue one or more series of preferred stock, which could have voting and conversion rights that adversely affect or dilute the voting power of the holders of common stock. These provisions and others that could be adopted in the future could deter unsolicited takeovers or delay or prevent changes in our control or management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices. These provisions may also limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13
The price of our common stock could be volatile and could decline following the Offering at a time when you want to sell your holdings.
Numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly. These factors include:
- quarterly variations in our results of operations or those of our competitors; - delays in the establishment of manufacturing, assembly, and storage facilities for the distribution of our products; - announcements by us or our competitors of acquisitions, new products, significant contracts, commercial relationships or capital commitments; - intellectual property infringements; - our ability to develop and market new and enhanced products on a timely basis; - commencement of, or our involvement in, litigation; - major changes in our Board of Directors or management, including the departure of Mr. Silzer; - changes in governmental regulations; - changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts; - the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on capital markets; - our failure to generate material revenues; - our public disclosure of the terms of this financing and any financing which we consummate in the future; - any acquisitions we may consummate; - announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, new services, acquisitions, commercial relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments;- frustration or cancellation of key contracts; - short selling activities; - changes in market valuations of similar companies; and - general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of end markets.
Securities class action litigation is often instituted against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs to us and divert our management's attention and resources.
Moreover, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations for reasons unrelated to operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our common stock and other interests in our company at a time when you want to sell your interest in us.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 14
Our common stock may be affected by limited trading volume and price fluctuations, which could adversely impact the value of our common stock.
Our common stock has experienced, and is likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, we believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and changes in the overall economy or the condition of the financial markets could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations may also cause short sellers to periodically enter the market in the belief that we will have poor results in the future. We cannot predict the actions of market participants and, therefore, can offer no assurances that the market for our common stock will be stable or appreciate over time.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 15
Future sales or perceived sales of our common stock could depress our stock price.
If the holders of our presently issued our future issued common stock were to attempt to sell a substantial amount of their holdings at once, the market price of our common stock could decline. Moreover, the perceived risk of this potential dilution could cause shareholders to attempt to sell their shares and investors to short the common stock, a practice in which an investor sells shares that he or she does not own at prevailing market prices, hoping to purchase shares later at a lower price to cover the sale. As each of these events would cause the number of shares of our common stock being offered for sale to increase, our common stock market price would likely further decline. All of these events could combine to make it very difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 16
Our stock is a penny stock. Trading of our stock may be restricted by the SEC's penny stock regulations and FINRA's sales practice requirements, which may limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
Our stock is a penny stock. The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines "penny stock" to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and "accredited investors". The term "accredited investor" refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in, and limit the marketability of, our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 17
FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
In addition to the "penny stock" rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (see above for a discussion of penny stock rules), FINRA rules require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer's financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 18
Because Robert Silzer, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, controls a significant number of shares of our voting capital stock, he has effective control over actions requiring stockholder approval.
Robert Silzer, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, holds 2,019 shares of our common stock and 150,376 shares of Series A Preferred stock, which are entitled to vote with holders of the common stock as a class at the rate of 665 votes per share of Series A Preferred stock (100,000,040 votes, or approximately 75.0% of votes). In addition, our Directors James Singerling and Stephen Johnston each holds 25,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock (16,625,000 votes, or approximately 12.5% of aggregate votes each). As a result, Mr. Silzer, Singerling and Johnston control 133,250,040 or approximately 100% of shares entitled to vote, and have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, they have the ability to control the management and affairs of our company. Accordingly, any investors who purchase shares will be minority shareholders and as such will have little to no say in the direction of us and the election of directors. Additionally, this concentration of ownership might harm the market price of our common stock by:
- delaying, deferring or preventing a change in corporate control; - impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us; or - discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 6.3%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We may never pay dividends to our common stockholders.
So long as any shares of our senior ranking Series A, B, C, D, or E Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company may not declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividend or make any distribution on the common stock. Furthermore, each of the 4,233 shares of Series F Preferred stock outstanding as of the date of this Quarterly report is entitled, until converted or redeemed, to receive cumulative dividends of 10% per annum, payable quarterly, in cash or Preferred Shares.
Subject to our obligation to pay Series F Preferred stock dividends, and regardless of restrictions imposed by our other series of Preferred Stock, we currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any non-compulsory dividends on our preferred stock or common stock in the foreseeable future, if at all. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. Any return to stockholders will therefore be limited to the increase, if any, of our share price that stockholders may be able to realize if they sell their shares.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We currently have negative operating cash flows, and if we are unable to generate positive operating cash flows in the future our viability as an operating business will be adversely affected.
We have made significant up-front investments in research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses to rapidly develop and expand our business. We are currently incurring expenditures related to our operations that have generated a negative operating cash flow. Operating cash flow may decline in certain circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. We might not generate sufficient revenues in the near future. Because we continue to incur such significant future expenditures for research and development, sales, marketing, general, and administrative expenses, we may continue to experience negative cash flow until we reach a sufficient level of sales with positive gross margins to cover operating expenses. An inability to generate positive cash flow until we reach a sufficient level of sales with positive gross margins to cover operating expenses or raise additional capital on reasonable terms will adversely affect our viability as an operating business.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
Added
If we fail to implement proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements would be impaired, which could adversely affect our operating results, our ability to operate our business and our stock price.
We must ensure that we have adequate internal financial and accounting controls and procedures in place to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis. We have tested our internal controls and identified a material weakness and may find additional areas for improvement in the future. Remediating this material weakness will require us to hire and train additional personnel. Implementing any future changes to our internal controls may require compliance training of our directors, officers and employees, entail substantial costs to modify our accounting systems and take a significant period of time to complete. Such changes may not, however, be effective in establishing the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, and our failure to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis, could increase our operating costs and could materially impair our ability to operate our business. In addition, investors' perceptions that our internal control over financial reporting is inadequate or that we are unable to produce accurate financial statements may materially adversely affect our stock price.
Debt & Financing5 | 10.4%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Added
Provisions of the Warrants offered by the Offering could discourage an acquisition of us by a third party.
Certain provisions of the Warrants being offering through the Offering could make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire us. The Warrants prohibit us from engaging in certain transactions constituting "fundamental transactions" unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the warrants. These and other provisions of the Warrants offered by the Offering could prevent or deter a third party from acquiring us even where the acquisition could be beneficial to you.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Changed
We have limited cash on hand and we will require a significant amount of capital to carry out our proposed business plan to import, market and sell electric vehicles, to continue to expand our fleet management technology sales and service operations, and to manufacture, market and sell our new line of PACER golf carts. There is no assurance that we will raise sufficient capital to execute our business plan or to continue to fund operations of our Company. There is substantial doubt as to the ability of our Company to continue as a going concern.
We incurred a comprehensive loss of $7,491,362 and $6,347,178 during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2023 we incurred a comprehensive loss of $2,847,645 compared to our comprehensive loss of $3,403,861 for the same period in 2022. We had cash of $19,546 as of June 30, 2023 and working capital deficit of $9,111,139, and we believe that we will need significant additional equity financing to execute our business plan and to continue as a going concern, given that, among other things:
- we have begun the importation and homologation of our range of electric vehicles, and we expect to incur significant ramp-up in costs and expenses through the establishment and supply of our dealership network and the fulfillment of anticipated product orders; - we have endeavored to manufacture and assemble our new line of PACER golf carts in North America, and we anticipate significant ramp-up costs and expenses through the establishment of a manufacturing facility; - we anticipate that the gross profit generated from the sale of our electric vehicle and golf cart offerings will not be sufficient to cover our operating expenses until we achieve a high volume of sales, and our achieving profitability will depend, in part, on our ability to materially reduce the bill of materials and per unit manufacturing cost of our products; and - we do not anticipate that we will be eligible to obtain bank loans, or other forms of debt financing on terms that would be acceptable to us.
We anticipate generating a significant loss for the current fiscal year. The report of independent registered public accounting firm on our audited financial statements includes an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern.
We expect significant increases in costs and expenses to forestall profits for the foreseeable future, even if we generate increased revenues in the near term. Our recently introduced and planned products might not become commercially successful. If we are to ever achieve profitability, we must have a successful introduction and acceptance of our electric vehicles and golf carts, which may not occur. We expect that our operating losses will increase substantially in 2023, and thereafter, and we also expect to continue to incur operating losses and to experience negative cash flows for the next several years.
There is no assurance that any amount raised through the Offering will be sufficient to continue to fund the operations of our Company.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Terms of future financings may adversely impact your investment.
We may have to engage in common equity, debt or preferred stock financing in the future. Your rights and the value of your investment in our securities could be reduced. Interest on debt securities could increase costs and negatively impacts operating results. Preferred stock could be issued in series from time to time with such designation, rights, preferences and limitations as needed to raise capital. The terms of preferred stock could be more advantageous to those investors than to the holders of common shares. In addition, if we need to raise equity capital from the sale of common shares, institutional or other investors may negotiate terms at least as, and possibly more, favorable than the terms of your investment. Common shares which we sell could be sold into any market which develops, which could adversely affect the market price.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
Added
Warrants are speculative in nature.
The Warrants offered in the Offering do not confer any rights of common stock ownership on their holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of our common stock at a fixed price for a limited period of time. Specifically, commencing on the date of issuance, holders of the Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the common stock and pay an exercise price of $[_] per share (100% of the assumed public offering price per Unit), prior to five years from the date of issuance, after which date any unexercised Warrants will expire and have no further value. In addition, there is no established trading market for the Warrants and, although we have applied to list the warrants on Nasdaq, there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
We will need additional financing to implement our business plan.
The Company will need additional financing to fully implement its business plan in a manner that not only continues to expand an already established direct-to-consumer approach, but also allows the Company to establish a stronger brand name in all the areas in which it operates. In particular, the Company will need additional financing to:
- Effectuate its business plan and further develop its golf products and service division, and its electric vehicle marketing and distribution division; - Expand its facilities, human resources, and infrastructure; and - Increase its marketing efforts and lead generation.
There are no assurances that additional financing will be available on favorable terms, or at all. If additional financing is not available, the Company will need to reduce, defer or cancel development programs, planned initiatives and overhead expenditures. The failure to adequately fund our capital requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the sale of additional equity securities to raise financing will result in additional dilution to the Company's stockholders and incurring additional indebtedness could involve the imposition of covenants that restrict the Company's operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth5 | 10.4%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We do not currently have all arrangements in place that are required to fully execute our business plan.
To sell our electric vehicles and PACER golf carts as envisioned we must enter into certain additional agreements and arrangements that are not currently in place. These include entering into agreements with distributors, arranging for the transportation and storage for our planned electric vehicles, arranging for a facility for the assembly of our electric vehicles, and obtaining battery and other essential supplies in the quantities that we require. If we are unable to enter into such agreements or are only able to do so on terms that are unfavorable to us, we may not be able to fully carry out our business plans.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
To carry out our proposed business plan for the next 12 months to develop, manufacture, sell and service electric vehicles we will require additional capital.
To carry out our proposed business plan for the next 12 months, we estimate as of June 30, 2023, that we will need approximately $20 million in addition to cash on hand. If cash on hand, revenue from the sale of our cars, if any, and cash received upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, if any are exercised, are not sufficient to cover our cash requirements, we will need to raise additional funds through the sale of our equity securities, in either private placements or registered offerings and/or shareholder loans. If we are unsuccessful in raising enough funds through such capital-raising efforts we may review other financing possibilities such as bank loans. Financing might not be available to us or, if available, may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us.
Our ability to obtain the necessary financing to carry out our business plan is subject to a number of factors, including general market conditions and investor acceptance of our business plan. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of such financing unattractive or unavailable to us. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds, we will have to significantly reduce our spending, delay or cancel our planned activities or substantially change our current corporate structure. We might not be able to obtain any funding, and we might not have sufficient resources to conduct our business as projected, either of which could mean that we would be forced to curtail or discontinue our operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Added
Our management will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds from the Offering and may not use the proceeds effectively.
Our management will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds from the Offering. We intend to use the net proceeds from the Offering to provide funding for the following purposes: research and development; engineering, operations, quality inspection, information technology and sales force expansion; marketing and sales and working capital. Our management will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. The net proceeds may be used for corporate purposes that do not improve our operating results or enhance the value of our securities.
Our expected use of net proceeds from the Offering represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business condition. As of the date of this Quarterly Report, we cannot predict with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon the completion of the Offering. The amounts and timing of our actual use of the net proceeds will vary depending on numerous factors, including amount of cash used in our operations, which can be highly uncertain, subject to substantial risks and can often change. Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds, and investors will be relying on our judgment regarding the application of the net proceeds of the Offering.
The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from the Offering in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities. These investments may not yield a favorable return to our stockholders. If we do not invest or apply the net proceeds from the Offering in ways that enhance stockholder value, we may fail to achieve expected financial results, which could cause our stock price to decline.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
Added
Acquisitions may expose us to additional risks.
We may acquire or make investments in businesses, technologies or products, whether complementary or otherwise, as a means to expand our business, if appropriate opportunities arise. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable candidates or consummate these transactions on favorable terms. If required, the financing for these transactions could result in an increase in our indebtedness, dilute the interests of our stockholders or both. The purchase price for some acquisitions may include additional amounts to be paid in cash in the future, a portion of which may be contingent on the achievement of certain future operating results of the acquired business. If the performance of any such acquired business exceeds such operating results, then we may incur additional charges and be required to pay additional amounts. Acquisitions including strategic investments or alliances entail numerous risks, which may include:
- difficulties in integrating acquired operations or products, including the loss of key employees from, or customers of, acquired businesses; - diversion of management's attention from our existing businesses; - adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers; - adverse impacts of margin and product cost structures different from those of our current mix of business; and - conforming standards, controls, procedures, accounting and other policies, business cultures, and compensation structures between the two companies.
Many of these factors are outside of our control and any one of these factors could result in, among other things, increased costs and decreases in the amount of expected revenues, which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, even if we are able to successfully integrate acquired businesses, the full benefits, including the synergies, cost savings, revenue growth, or other benefits that are expected, may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all. All of these factors could decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the acquisitions, and negatively impact our business, operating results, and financial condition.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR COMMON STOCK
If we issue additional shares in the future our existing shareholders will experience dilution.
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001. Our Board of Directors may choose to issue some or all of such shares to acquire one or more businesses or to provide additional financing in the future. The issuance of any such shares will result in a reduction of the book value and market price of the outstanding shares of our common stock. If we issue any such additional shares, such issuance will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all current shareholders. Further, such issuance may result in a change of control of our corporation.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
If we fail to manage future growth effectively, we may not be able to market and sell our vehicles successfully.
Any failure to manage our growth effectively could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. We plan to expand our operations in the near future in connection with the planned marketing and sale of our licensed vehicles and our PACER golf carts. Our future operating results depend to a large extent on our ability to manage this expansion and growth successfully. Risks that we face in undertaking this expansion include:
- training new personnel - forecasting production, sales and revenue; - controlling expenses and investments in anticipation of expanded operations; - establishing or expanding design, manufacturing, sales and service facilities; - implementing and enhancing administrative infrastructure, systems and processes; - addressing new markets; and - establishing international operations.
We intend to continue to hire a number of additional personnel, including design and manufacturing personnel and service technicians, for our electric vehicles and golf carts. Competition for individuals with experience in designing, manufacturing and servicing electric vehicles is intense, and we may not be able to attract, assimilate, train or retain additional highly qualified personnel in the future. The failure to attract, integrate, train, motivate and retain these additional employees could seriously harm our business and prospects.
Production
Total Risks: 7/48 (15%)Above Sector Average
Manufacturing3 | 6.3%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
Our vehicles are subject to motor vehicle standards and the failure to satisfy such mandated safety standards would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
All vehicles sold must comply with federal, state and provincial motor vehicle safety standards. In both Canada and the United States vehicles that meet or exceed all federally mandated safety standards are certified under the federal regulations. In this regard, Canadian and U.S. motor vehicle safety standards are substantially the same. Rigorous testing and the use of approved materials and equipment are among the requirements for achieving federal certification. Failure by us to have the SOLO, the Tofino or any future model EV satisfy motor vehicle standards would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Manufacturing - Risk 2
We have very limited experience servicing our vehicles. If we are unable to address the service and warranty requirements of our future customers our business will be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to address the service requirements of our future customers our business and prospects will be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we anticipate the level and quality of the service we will provide our customers will have a direct impact on the success of our future vehicles. If we are unable to offer satisfactory service to our customers, our ability to generate customer loyalty, grow our business and sell additional vehicles could be impaired.
Manufacturing - Risk 3
The range of our electric vehicles on a single charge declines over time which may negatively influence potential customers' decisions whether to purchase our vehicles.
The range of our electric vehicles on a single charge declines principally as a function of usage, time and charging patterns. For example, a customer's use of their vehicle as well as the frequency with which they charge the battery of their vehicle can result in additional deterioration of the battery's ability to hold a charge. Battery deterioration will be variable as between our various offered vehicles. Such battery deterioration and the related decrease in range may negatively influence potential customer decisions whether to purchase our vehicles, which may harm our ability to market and sell our vehicles.
Employment / Personnel2 | 4.2%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Changed
Our business may be adversely affected by labor and union activities.
Although none of our employees are currently represented by a labor union, it is common throughout the automobile industry generally for many employees at automobile companies to belong to a union, which can result in higher employee costs and increased risk of work stoppages. We will also directly and indirectly depend upon other companies with unionized work forces, such as parts suppliers and trucking and freight companies, and work stoppages or strikes organized by such unions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or operating results. If a work stoppage occurs within our business, or that of our key suppliers, it could delay the manufacture and sale of our electric vehicles and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results or financial condition. Additionally, if we expand our business to include full in-house manufacturing of our vehicles, our employees might join or form a labor union and we may be required to become a union signatory.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We rely on key executive officers, and their knowledge of our business and technical expertise would be difficult to replace.
We are highly dependent on our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, Robert Silzer. If the Company's senior executive or other key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, the Company may not be able to replace them easily or at all, and the Company's business may be disrupted. Competition for senior management personnel is intense, the pool of qualified candidates is very limited, and we may not be able to retain the services of our senior executives or attract and retain high-quality senior executives in the future. Such failure could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Supply Chain1 | 2.1%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We depend on third parties for our electric vehicle manufacturing needs.
The delivery of our licensed vehicles to future customers and the revenue derived therefrom depends on the ability of our suppliers, including Jonway and Skywell, to fulfil their obligations under their respective license and distribution agreement with our company. Fulfilment of these obligations is outside of our control and depends on a variety of factors, including their respective operations, financial condition and geopolitical and economic risks that could affect China. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or measures taken by the Chinese government relating thereto may also result in non-performance by our suppliers. If they are unable to fulfil their obligations or are only able to partially fulfil their obligations under our existing agreements with them, or if they are forced to terminate our agreements with them, either as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the Chinese government's measures relating thereto or otherwise, we will not be able to produce or sell our licensed vehicles in the volumes anticipated and on the timetable that we anticipate, if at all.
Costs1 | 2.1%
Costs - Risk 1
If we are unable to reduce and adequately control the costs associated with operating our business, including our costs of manufacturing, sales and materials, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects will suffer.
If we are unable to reduce and/or maintain a sufficiently low level of costs for designing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing and servicing our electric vehicles relative to their selling prices, our operating results, gross margins, business and prospects could be materially and adversely impacted.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 5/48 (10%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.1%
Competition - Risk 1
We will continue to encounter substantial competition in our business.
The Company believes that existing and new competitors will continue to improve their products and services, as well as introduce new products and services with competitive price and performance characteristics. The Company expects that it must continue to innovate, and to invest in product development and productivity improvements, to compete effectively in the several markets in which the Company participates. The Company's competitors could develop a more efficient product or service or undertake more aggressive and costly marketing campaigns than those implemented by the Company, which could adversely affect the Company's marketing strategies and have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Important factors affecting the Company's current ability to compete successfully include:
- lead generation and marketing costs; - service delivery protocols; - branded name advertising; and - product and service pricing.
In periods of reduced demand for the Company's products and services, the Company can either choose to maintain market share by reducing product and service pricing to meet the competition, or maintain its product and service pricing, which would likely sacrifice market share. Sales and overall profitability may be reduced in either case. In addition, there can be no assurance that additional competitors will not enter the Company's existing markets, or that the Company will be able to continue to compete successfully against its competition.
Demand2 | 4.2%
Demand - Risk 1
Demand in the vehicle industry is highly volatile.
Volatility of demand in the vehicle industry may materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. The markets in which we will be competing have been subject to considerable volatility in demand in recent periods. Demand for automobile sales depends to a large extent on general, economic, political and social conditions in a given market and the introduction of new vehicles and technologies. As a new start-up manufacturer, we will have fewer financial resources than more established vehicle manufacturers to withstand changes in the market and disruptions in demand.
Demand - Risk 2
Our future growth depends upon consumers' willingness to adopt our range of electric vehicles.
Our growth highly depends upon the adoption by consumers of, and we are subject to an elevated risk of, any reduced demand for alternative fuel vehicles in general and electric vehicles in particular. If the market for low speed or for high speed electric vehicles does not develop as we expect, or develops more slowly than we expect, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be negatively impacted. The market for alternative fuel vehicles is relatively new, rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, frequent new vehicle announcements and changing consumer demands and behaviors. Factors that may influence the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, and specifically electric vehicles, include:
- perceptions about electric vehicle quality, safety (in particular with respect to lithium-ion battery packs), design, performance and cost, especially if adverse events or accidents occur that are linked to the quality or safety of electric vehicles;- the limited range over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge; - the decline of an electric vehicle's range resulting from deterioration over time in the battery's ability to hold a charge; - concerns about electric grid capacity and reliability, which could derail our efforts to promote electric vehicles as a practical solution to vehicles which require gasoline; - the availability of alternative fuel vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; - the availability of service for electric vehicles; - volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline; - government regulations and economic incentives promoting fuel efficiency and alternate forms of energy; - access to charging stations, standardization of electric vehicle charging systems and consumers' perceptions about convenience and cost to charge an electric vehicle;
The influence of any of the factors described above may cause current or potential customers not to purchase our electric vehicles, which would materially adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.
Sales & Marketing2 | 4.2%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Added
We are subject to order and shipment uncertainties. Inaccuracies in our estimates of customer demand and product mix could negatively affect our inventory levels, sales and operating results.
We derive revenue primarily from customer purchase orders rather than long-term purchase commitments. To ensure availability of our products, in some cases we may start manufacturing based on forecasts provided by customers in advance of receiving purchase orders from them. In some cases, our supply chain has been affected by both tariffs or cost premiums imposed by national governments or as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our customers can cancel purchase orders or defer the shipments of our products under certain circumstances with little or no advance notice to us. Some of our products are manufactured according to our estimates of customer demand, which requires us to make demand forecast assumptions for every customer, and which may introduce significant variability into our aggregate estimate. We typically sell to distributors and end users, and we consequently have limited visibility into future end-user demand, which could adversely affect our revenue forecasts and operating margins. Additionally, we sometimes receive soft commitments for larger order sizes which do not materialize. If we manufacture more products than we are able to sell to our customers or distributors, we will incur losses and our results of operation and financial condition will be harmed.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
Added
Our sales and marketing efforts may be unsuccessful in maintaining and expanding existing sales channels, developing new sales channels and increasing the sales of our products.
To grow our business, we must add new customers for our products in addition to retaining and increasing sales to our current customers. Our ability to attract new customers will depend in part on the success of our sales and marketing efforts. There can be no guarantee that we will be successful in implementing our sales and marketing strategy. If suitable sales channels do not develop, we may not be able to sell certain of our products in significant volumes and our operating results, business and prospects may be harmed.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 3/48 (6%)Below Sector Average
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 2.1%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Changed
We may become subject to product liability claims or other litigation, which could harm our financial condition and liquidity if we are not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims.
There is the potential that we could be party to disputes for which an adverse outcome could result in us incurring significant expenses, being liable for damages, and subject to indemnification claims. In connection with any disputes or litigation in which we are involved, we may be forced to incur costs and expenses in connection with defending ourselves or in connection with the payment of any settlement or judgment or compliance with any injunctions in connection, therewith, if there is an unfavorable outcome. The expense of defending litigation may be significant, as is the amount of time to resolve lawsuits unpredictable and defending ourselves may divert management's attention from the day-to-day operations of our business, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Additionally, an unfavorable outcome in any such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Without limiting the foregoing, we may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. The automobile industry experiences significant product liability claims and we face inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event our vehicles do not perform as expected or malfunction resulting in personal injury or death. Our risks in this area are particularly pronounced given we have limited field experience of our vehicles. A successful product liability claim against us could require us to pay a substantial monetary award. Moreover, a product liability claim could generate substantial negative publicity about our vehicles and business and inhibit or prevent commercialization of other future vehicle candidates which would have a material adverse effect on our brand, business, prospects and operating results. We plan to maintain product liability insurance for all our vehicles, but any such insurance might not be sufficient to cover all potential product liability claims. Any lawsuit seeking significant monetary damages either in excess of our coverage or outside of our coverage may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and financial condition. We may not be able to secure additional product liability insurance coverage on commercially acceptable terms or at reasonable costs when needed, particularly if we do face liability for our products and are forced to make a claim under our policy.
What's more, a highly publicized complaint or claim, whether or not justified and whether or not resulting in litigation, could adversely affect the market's perception of our product, resulting in a decline in demand for our product and could divert the attention of our management, having a materially adverse effect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.1%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
The unavailability, reduction or elimination of government and economic incentives could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
Any reduction, elimination or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives that are offered to purchasers of EVs or persons installing home charging stations, the reduced need for such subsidies and incentives due to the perceived success of the electric vehicle, fiscal tightening or other reasons may result in the diminished competitiveness of the alternative fuel vehicle industry generally or our electric vehicles in particular. This could materially and adversely affect the growth of the alternative fuel automobile markets and our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Environmental / Social1 | 2.1%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
We are subject to numerous environmental and health and safety laws and any breach of such laws may have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
We are subject to numerous environmental and health and safety laws, including statutes, regulations, bylaws and other legal requirements. These laws relate to the generation, use, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of regulated substances, including hazardous substances (such as batteries), dangerous goods and waste, emissions or discharges into soil, water and air, including noise and odors (which could result in remediation obligations), and occupational health and safety matters, including indoor air quality. These legal requirements vary by location and can arise under federal, provincial, state or municipal laws. Any breach of such laws and/or requirements would have a material adverse effect on our Company and its operating results.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 2/48 (4%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 2.1%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
If we are unable to keep up with advances in electric vehicle technology, we may suffer a decline in our competitive position.
We may be unable to keep up with changes in electric vehicle technology and, as a result, may suffer a decline in our competitive position. Any failure to keep up with advances in electric vehicle technology would result in a decline in our competitive position which would materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. Our research and development efforts may not be sufficient to adapt to changes in electric vehicle technology. As technologies change, we plan to upgrade or adapt our vehicles and introduce new models to continue to provide vehicles with the latest technology, and particularly battery cell technology. However, our vehicles may not compete effectively with alternative vehicles if we are not able to source and integrate the latest technology into our vehicles. For example, we do not manufacture battery cells which makes us depend upon other suppliers of battery cell technology for our battery packs.
Trade Secrets1 | 2.1%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Protecting our intellectual property is necessary to protect our brand.
We may not be able to protect important intellectual property and we could incur substantial costs defending against claims that our products infringe on the proprietary rights of others. Our ability to compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary system-level technologies, systems designs, and manufacturing processes.
We will rely on patents, trademarks, and other policies and procedures related to confidentiality to protect our intellectual property. However, some of our intellectual property is not covered by any patent or patent application. We could incur substantial costs in prosecuting or defending patent infringement suits or otherwise protecting our intellectual property rights. While we have attempted to safeguard and maintain our proprietary rights, we do not know whether we have been or will be completely successful in doing so. Moreover, patent applications and enforcement, thereof, filed in foreign countries may be subject to laws, rules and procedures that are substantially different from those of the United States, and any resulting foreign patents may be difficult and expensive to enforce. We could incur substantial costs in prosecuting or defending trademark infringement suits.
Further, our competitors may independently develop or patent technologies or processes that are substantially equivalent or superior to ours. In the event we are found to be infringing third party patents, we could be required to pay substantial royalties and/or damages, and we do not know whether we will be able to obtain licenses to use such patents on acceptable terms, if at all.
Failure to obtain needed licenses could delay or prevent the development, manufacture, or sale of our products, and could necessitate the expenditure of significant resources to develop or acquire non-infringing intellectual property.
Asserting, defending and maintaining our intellectual property rights could be difficult and costly and failure to do so may diminish our ability to compete effectively and may harm our operating results. As a result, we may need to pursue legal action in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets and domain names, and to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. If third parties prepare and file applications for trademarks used or registered by us, we may oppose those applications and be required to participate in proceedings to determine the priority of rights to the trademark.
Similarly, competitors may have filed applications for patents, may have received patents and may obtain additional patents and proprietary rights relating to products or technology that block or compete with ours. We may have to participate in interference proceedings to determine the priority of invention and the right to a patent for the technology.
Confidentiality agreements to which we are party may be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. Also, our trade secrets may also be known without breach of such agreements or may be independently developed by competitors. Inability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology and processes could allow our competitors to limit or eliminate any competitive advantages we may have.
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.