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.

Eastern Company disclosed 28 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Eastern Company reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2020

Risk Distribution

32% Finance & Corporate

18% Production

14% Tech & Innovation

14% Macro & Political

11% Legal & Regulatory

11% Ability to Sell

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

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Risks changed

Eastern Company Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q3, 2020

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 9 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 9 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

1Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Oct 2020

1Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Oct 2020

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of Eastern Company 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 28

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 9/28 (32%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights1 | 3.6%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

The Company's stock price may become highly volatile.

The Company's stock price may change dramatically when buyers seeking to purchase shares of the Company's common stock exceed the shares available on the market, or when there are no buyers to purchase shares of the Company's common stock when shareholders are trying to sell their shares.

Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 10.7%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

The Company's goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets may become impaired, which could require a significant charge to earnings to be recognized.

Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment at least annually. Future operating results used in the assumptions, such as sales or profit forecasts, may not materialize, and the Company could be required to record a significant charge to earnings in the financial statements during the period in which any impairment is determined, resulting in an unfavorable impact on our results of operations. Numerous assumptions are used in the evaluation of impairment, and there is no guarantee that the Company's independent registered public accounting firm would reach the same conclusion as the Company or an independent valuation firm, which could result in a disagreement between management and the Company's independent registered public accounting firm.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

The Company's operating results may fluctuate, which makes the results of operations difficult to predict and could cause the results to fall short of expectations.

The Company's operating results may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. As a result, comparing the Company's operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and past results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Quarterly, year to date and annual costs and expenses as a percentage of revenues may differ significantly from historical or projected levels. Future operating results may fall below expectations. These types of events could cause the price of the Company's stock to fall.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

The Company is required to evaluate its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

The Company is an "accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act and is thus required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 requires the Company to include in its report management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal period for which the Company is filing its Annual Report on Form 10-K. This report must also include disclosure of any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting that the Company has identified. Additionally, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm is required to issue a report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting and their evaluation of the operating effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. The Company's assessment requires it to make subjective judgments, and the independent registered public accounting firm may not agree with the Company's assessment. If the Company or its independent registered public accounting firm were unable to complete the assessments within the period prescribed by Section 404 and thus be unable to conclude that the internal control over financial reporting is effective, investors could lose confidence in the Company's reported financial information, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Company's common stock or impact the Company's borrowing ability. In addition, changes in operating conditions and changes in compliance with policies and procedures currently in place may result in inadequate internal control over financial reporting in the future.

Debt & Financing3 | 10.7%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Indebtedness may affect our business and may restrict our operating flexibility.

As of December, 28, 2019, the Company had $98,765,000 in total consolidated indebtedness. Subject to restrictions contained in our credit facility, the Company may incur additional indebtedness in the future, including indebtedness incurred to finance acquisitions. The level of indebtedness and servicing costs associated with that indebtedness could have important effects on our operation and business strategy. For example, the indebtedness could: - Place the Company at a competitive disadvantage relative to the Company's competitors, some of which have lower debt service obligations and greater financial resources;- Limit our ability to borrow additional funds;- Limit our ability to complete future acquisitions;- Limit our ability to pay dividends;- Limit our ability to make capital expenditures; and - Increase the Company's vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions. The Company's ability to make scheduled principal payments, to pay interest on, or to refinance our indebtedness and to satisfy other debt obligations will depend upon future operating performance, which may be affected by factors beyond the Company's control. In addition, there can be no assurance that future borrowings or the issuance of equity would be available to the Company on favorable terms for the payment or refinancing of the Company's debt. If the Company is unable to service its indebtedness, the business, financial condition and results of operation would be materially adversely affected. The Company's credit facility contains covenants requiring the Company to achieve certain financial and operations results and maintain compliance with specified financial ratios. The Company's ability to meet the financial covenants or requirements in its credit facility may be affected by events beyond our control, and the Company may not be able to satisfy such covenants and requirements. A breach of these covenants or the Company's inability to comply with the financial ratios, tests or other restrictions contained in our credit facility could result in an event of default under such credit facility. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our credit facility and/or the expiration of any grace periods, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our credit facility, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If this were to occur, the Company's assets may not be sufficient to fully repay the amounts due under our credit facility or the Company's other indebtedness. In addition, the Company's growth strategy involves expanding sales of its products into foreign markets. There is no guarantee that the Company's products will be accepted by foreign customers or how long it may take to develop sales of the Company's products in these foreign markets.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

The phaseout of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the replacement of LIBOR with a different reference rate, may adversely affect interest rates.

On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it would phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021, or if alternative rates or benchmarks will be adopted. Changes in the method of calculating LIBOR, or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative rate or benchmark, may adversely affect interest rates and result in higher borrowing costs. This could materially and adversely affect the Company's results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. We cannot predict the effect of the potential changes to LIBOR or the establishment and use of alternative rates or benchmarks. We may need to renegotiate our revolving credit facility or incur other indebtedness, and changes in the method of calculating LIBOR, or the use of an alternative rate or benchmark, may negatively impact the terms of such indebtedness. If changes are made to the method of calculating LIBOR or LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to amend certain contracts, including our revolving credit facility, and cannot predict what alternative rate or benchmark would be negotiated. This may result in an increase to our interest expense.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

The Company may need additional capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.

From time-to-time, the Company has historically relied on outside financing to fund expanded operations, capital expenditure programs and acquisitions. The Company may require additional capital in the future to fund operations or strategic opportunities. The Company cannot be assured that additional financing will be available on favorable terms, or at all. In addition, the terms of available financing may place limits on the Company's financial and operating flexibility. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient capital in the future, the Company may not be able to expand or acquire complementary businesses and may not be able to continue to develop new products or otherwise respond to changing business conditions or competitive pressures.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 7.1%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

The inability to identify or complete acquisitions could limit growth.

The Company's future growth may partly depend on its ability to acquire and successfully integrate new businesses. The Company intends to seek additional acquisition opportunities, both to expand into new markets and to enhance the Company's position in existing markets. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to successfully identify suitable candidates, negotiate appropriate terms, obtain financing on acceptable terms, complete proposed acquisitions, successfully integrate acquired businesses or expand into new markets. Once acquired, operations may not achieve anticipated levels of revenues or profitability. Acquisitions involve risk, including difficulties in the integration of the operations, technologies, services and products of the acquired companies and the diversion of management's attention from other business concerns. Although the Company's management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in any particular transaction, there can be no assurances that the Company's management will properly ascertain all such risks. In addition, prior acquisitions have resulted, and future acquisitions could result in the incurrence of substantial debt and other expenses. Future acquisitions may also result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities. Difficulties encountered with acquisitions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

We may be unable to successfully execute or effectively integrate acquisitions, including the Big 3 Precision acquistion and any businesses we may acquire in the future.

We regularly review our portfolio of businesses and pursue growth through acquisitions. We may not be able to complete transactions on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all, and the success of any such acquisitions depends on our ability to combine the acquired business with our existing business in a manner that does not disrupt our and the acquired business's ongoing relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Our results of operations and cash flows may be adversely impacted by (i) the failure of acquired businesses to meet or exceed expected returns, including risk of impairment; (ii) the failure to integrate multiple acquired businesses into the Company simultaneously and on schedule or to achieve expected synergies and (iii) the discovery of unanticipated liabilities, cybersecurity and compliance issues, labor relations difficulties or other problems in acquired businesses for which we lack contractual protections, or insurance or indemnities. In particular, the Company may also be adversely impacted if it is unable to successfully combine its businesses with that of Big 3 Precision in a manner that does not materially disrupt the existing relationships of either the Company or Big 3 Precision or adversely affect current revenues and investments in future growth. Additionally, the Company may not be able to successfully achieve the level of cost savings, revenue enhancements and synergies that it expects in connection with the acquisition. If the Company is not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of its acquisition of Big 3 Precision may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected.

Production

Total Risks: 5/28 (18%)Below Sector Average

Employment / Personnel2 | 7.1%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

The Company depends on key management and technical personnel, the loss of whom could harm its businesses.

The Company depends on key management and technical personnel. The loss of one or more key employees could materially and adversely affect the Company. The Company's success also depends on its ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical, sales and marketing and management personnel necessary for the maintenance and expansion of its activities. The Company faces strong competition for such personnel and may not be able to attract or retain such personnel. In addition, when the Company experiences periods with little or no profits, a decrease in compensation based on profits may make it difficult to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. In order to attract and retain executives and other key employees, the Company must provide a competitive compensation package, if the Company's profits decrease, or if the Company's total compensation package is not viewed as competitive, the Company's ability to attract, retain and motivate executives and key employees could be weakened. The failure to successfully hire and retain executives and key employees or the loss of any executives and key employees could have a significant impact on our operations.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

The Company may not be able to reach acceptable terms for contracts negotiated with its labor unions and be subject to work stoppages or disruption of production.

During 2020, union contracts covering approximately 1% of the Company's total workforce will expire. The Company has been successful in negotiating new contracts over the years, but cannot guarantee that will continue. Failure to negotiate new union contracts could result in the disruption of production, inability to deliver product or a number of unforeseen circumstances, any of which could have an unfavorable material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.

Costs3 | 10.7%

Costs - Risk 1

Environmental compliance costs and liabilities could increase the Company's expenses and adversely affect the Company's financial condition.

The Company's operations and properties are subject to laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including air emissions, water discharges, waste management and workplace safety. These laws and regulations can result in the imposition of substantial fines and sanctions for violations and could require the installation of pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollution emissions and/or decrease the likelihood of accidental hazardous substance releases. The Company must conform its operations and properties to these laws and adapt to regulatory requirements in the countries in which the Company's businesses operate as these requirements change. The Company uses and generates hazardous substances and wastes in its operations and, as a result, could be subject to potentially material liabilities relating to the investigation and clean-up of contaminated properties and to claims alleging personal injury. The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, costs relating to compliance with environmental laws and regulations. In connection with the Company's acquisitions, the Company may assume significant environmental liabilities, some of which it may not be aware of at the time of acquisition. In addition, new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require the Company to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Costs - Risk 2

Increases in the price or reduced availability of raw materials could increase the cost of raw materials, decrease profit margins or impair the Company's ability to meet production requirements on time or at all.

Raw materials needed to manufacture products are obtained from numerous suppliers. Under normal market conditions, these raw materials are readily available on the open market from a variety of producers. However, from time to time, the prices and availability of these raw materials fluctuate, which could impair the Company's ability to procure the required raw materials for its operations or increase the cost of manufacturing its products. If the price of raw materials increases, the Company may be unable to pass these increases on to its customers and could experience reductions to its profit margins. Also, any decrease in the availability of raw materials could impair the Company's ability to meet production requirements in a timely manner or at all.

Costs - Risk 3

If tariffs on imported Chinese products are further expanded to include additional products and the tariff is reinstated to 25%, our cost of raw materials may increase, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company obtains raw materials used in the production of its products from domestic, Asian affiliated and nonaffiliated sources. On January 15, 2020, the U.S. and China signed the U.S.-China Phase One trade deal which, among other things, rolls back tariffs on $120 billion of Chinese products from 15% to 7.5% effective February 14, 2020. The U.S. agreed not to proceed with the 15% tariffs on $160 billion of consumer goods which were scheduled to take effect December 15, 2019. However, the 25% tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports will remain in effect subject to further reductions depending on the progress of future negotiations. If China does not follow through its agreed upon commitments and tariffs are reinstated on $550 billion of Chinese products at the 25% rate, it could result in a loss of business and possible reduced margins for the Company, if the tariffs cannot be recovered in higher selling prices.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 4/28 (14%)Above Sector Average

Innovation / R&D1 | 3.6%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

The inability to develop new products could limit growth.

Demand for new products and the inability to develop and introduce new competitive products at favorable profit margins could adversely affect the Company's performance and prospects for future growth, and the Company would not be positioned to maintain current levels of revenues and earnings. The uncertainties associated with developing and introducing new products, such as the market demands and the costs of development and production, may impede the successful development and introduction of new products. Acceptance of the new products may not meet sales expectations due to several factors, such as the Company's potential inability to accurately predict market demand or to resolve technical issues in a timely and cost effective manner. Additionally, the inability to develop new products on a timely basis could result in the loss of business to competitors.

Cyber Security1 | 3.6%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

A breach in the security of the Company's software could harm its reputation, result in a loss of current and potential customers and subject the Company to material claims, which could materially harm our operating results and financial condition.

If the Company's security measures are breached, an unauthorized party may obtain access to the Company's data or users' or customers' data. In addition, cyber-attacks and similar acts could lead to interruptions and delays in customer processing or a loss or breach of a customer's data. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, the Company may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. The risk that these types of events could seriously harm the Company's business is likely to increase as the Company expands the number of web-based products we offer, the services we provide, and our global operations. Regulatory authorities around the world are considering a number of legislative and regulatory proposals concerning data protection. In addition, the interpretation and application of consumer and data protection laws in the United States and elsewhere are often uncertain and in flux. It is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with the Company's data practices. If so, in addition to the possibility of fines, this could result in an order requiring that the Company change its data practices, which could have an adverse effect on its business and results of operations. Any security breaches for which the Company is, or is perceived to be, responsible, in whole or in part, could subject us to legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations, which could harm the Company's reputation and result in significant litigation costs and damage awards or settlement amounts. Any imposition of liability, particularly liability that is not covered by insurance or is in excess of insurance coverage, could materially harm our operating results and financial condition. Security breaches also could cause the Company to lose current and potential customers, which could have an adverse effect on our business. Moreover, the Company might be required to expend significant financial and other resources to further protect against security breaches or to rectify problems caused by any security breach.

Technology2 | 7.1%

Technology - Risk 1

Our technology is important to the Company's success and the failure to protect this technology could put the Company at a competitive disadvantage.

Some of the Company's products rely on proprietary technology; therefore, the Company believes that the development and protection of intellectual property rights through patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks, confidentiality agreements and other contractual provisions are important to the future success of its business. Despite the Company's efforts to protect proprietary rights, unauthorized parties or competitors may copy or otherwise obtain and use the Company's products or technology. Actions to enforce these rights may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and the Company makes no assurances that any such actions will be successful. In addition to the United States, we have applied for intellectual property protection in other jurisdictions with respect to certain innovations and new products, product features, and processes. The laws of certain foreign countries in which we do business, or contemplate doing business in the future, do not recognize intellectual property rights or protect them to the same extent as U.S. law. As a result, these factors could weaken our competitive advantage with respect to our products, services, and brands in foreign jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our financial performance. We may also encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our licensed and owned intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions. For example, China currently affords less protection to a company's intellectual property than some other jurisdictions. As such, the lack of strong patent and other intellectual property protection in China may significantly increase our vulnerability regarding unauthorized disclosure or use of our intellectual property and undermine our competitive position. Proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial cost and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business.

Technology - Risk 2

The Company relies on information and technology for many of its business operations, which could fail and cause disruption to the Company's business operations.

The Company's business operations are dependent upon information technology networks and systems to securely transmit, process and store electronic information and to communicate among its locations around the world and with clients and vendors. A shut-down of, or inability to access, one or more of the Company's facilities, a power outage or a failure of one or more of the Company's information technology, telecommunications or other systems could significantly impair the Company's ability to perform such functions on a timely basis. Computer viruses, cyberattacks, other external hazards and human error could result in the misappropriation of assets or sensitive information, corruption of data or operational disruption. If sustained or repeated, such a business interruption, system failure, service denial or data loss and damage could result in a deterioration of the Company's ability to write and process orders, provide customer service or perform other necessary business functions.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 4/28 (14%)Below Sector Average

International Operations1 | 3.6%

International Operations - Risk 1

The Company's business is subject to risks associated with conducting business overseas.

International operations could be adversely affected by changes in political and economic conditions, trade protection measures, restrictions on repatriation of earnings, differing intellectual property rights and changes in regulatory requirements that restrict the sales of products or increase costs. Changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies could result in increases or decreases in earnings and may adversely affect the value of the Company's assets outside the United States. The Company's operations are also subject to the effects of international trade agreements and regulations. These trade agreements could impose requirements that adversely affect the Company's business, such as, but not limited to, setting quotas on products that may be imported from a particular country into the Company's key markets in North America. The Company's ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may also be affected by conditions at ports or issues that otherwise affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as port and shipping capacity, labor disputes, severe weather or increased homeland security requirements in the United States or other countries. These issues could delay importation of products or require the Company to locate alternative ports or warehousing providers to avoid disruption to customers. These alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher transit costs, which could have an adverse impact on the Company's business, financial conditions or results of operations. The Company is also subject to the impacts of political, economic and social instability. For example, the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, commonly referred to as "Brexit," was completed on January 31, 2020, commencing a standstill transition period that is currently set to last until December 31, 2020. During this transition period, the United Kingdom's trading relationship with the European Union will remain unchanged while the parties negotiate to agree on and implement a new trading relationship. There remains significant uncertainty about how and when such final agreement will be reached, and the withdrawal could significantly disrupt the free movement of goods, services, and people between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and result in increased legal and regulatory complexities, as well as potential higher costs of conducting business in Europe. Brexit has also contributed to significant volatility and uncertainty in global stock markets and currency exchange rates, and such volatility could continue to occur. The uncertainty surrounding the terms of the United Kingdom's withdrawal and its consequences, as well as market volatility and any deterioration in economic conditions due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, could adversely impact consumer and investor confidence, and the level of consumer purchases of discretionary items and retail products, including our products. Any of these effects, among others, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Additionally, Brexit has resulted in the immediate strengthening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies in which the Company conducts business. Because the Company translates revenue denominated in foreign currency into U.S. dollars for its financial statements, during periods of a strengthening U.S. dollar, the Company's reported earnings from foreign operations are reduced. As a result of Brexit, there may be further periods of volatility in the currencies in which the Company conducts business.

Natural and Human Disruptions3 | 10.7%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Our financial and operating performance may be adversely affected by epidemics and other health related issues.

Our business and financial and operating performance could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics including but not limited to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and other health related issues. As a result of the ongoing novel coronavirus, the Company's operations in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are expected to experience a slowdown or temporary suspension in production. Our business could be materially and adversely affected in the event that the slowdown or suspension continues for a long period of time. During such epidemic outbreak, China, Hong Kong or Taiwan may adopt certain hygiene measures, including quarantining visitors from places where any of the contagious diseases were rampant. Those restrictive measures may adversely affect and slow down economic development during that period. Any prolonged restrictive measures in order to control the contagious disease or other adverse public health developments in China, Hong Kong or Taiwan may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2

Added

Risk related to COVID-19

The Company's business has been and is expected to continue to be negatively impacted by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has experienced and can be expected to continue to experience disruptions to its business, its operations, the delivery of its products and customer demand for its products, including the following: - The Company has operations in Shanghai and Dongguan, China that were adversely affected by the impact of COVID-19. The virus interfered with the ability of Company employees and suppliers to conduct business. We source approximately 10% of our products and components from China. As a result of government mandated shutdowns at the Company's and its suppliers' factories in China, many of the products ordered were delayed by approximately 4 to 6 weeks, which resulted in corresponding delays in delivery of the Company's products to its customers. These delays had an adverse impact on our business, operations, fulfillment of production requirements and operating results. There may be similar delays in the future as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have an adverse impact on our business, operations, fulfillment of production requirements and operating results. - On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the rapidly spreading COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic, and shortly thereafter government authorities in the United States began closing non-essential business. The majority of the Company's businesses are considered essential and have remained open but are operating at reduced levels. This reduction in operations has exacerbated delays in delivery of customer orders and, to the extent we continue to operate at reduced levels, is likely to cause further delays. Any sustained reduction in operations could impair the Company's ability to meet production requirements in a timely manner or at all. These effects have had and are likely to continue to have an adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition and operating results. - Many of the Company's customers in both automotive and non-automotive industries experienced varying degrees of shutdowns beginning in the last week of March 2020, with some of these customers tentatively expected to begin reopening as soon as May 4, 2020. These temporary shutdowns have had and, for so long as they remain in place, are likely to continue to have, an adverse impact on demand for our products. A sustained decrease in demand would negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has had and may continue to have an adverse impact on the operations, financial results and finances of many of our customers, which has impacted and could continue to impact customer payment cycles and payments due from customers. - The broader economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any resurgences, may result in unfavorable operating earnings and cash flow generation in the months to follow. Current global economic conditions are highly volatile due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in economic slowdowns that have caused and are likely to continue to cause contractions in some or all of the markets we serve, which has led to and is likely continued to lead to decreased demand for the Company's products, which in turn is expected to negatively impact the Company's financial condition and operating results. Other macroeconomic factors also remain dynamic, and any causes of market size contraction, including economic uncertainty related to the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, and overall economic slowdowns, could reduce the Company's sales or erode operating margin, in either case reducing earnings. In addition, volatile global economic conditions may cause foreign exchange rate fluctuations, which could result in increases or decreases in earnings and may adversely affect the value of the Company's assets outside the United States. Increased pricing in response to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may offset portions of the currency impacts but could also have a negative impact on demand for the Company's products, which would affect sales and profits. Exchange rate fluctuations could also increase pricing pressure and impair the ability of the Company's products to compete with products imported from regions with favorable exchange rates. - Shutdowns or other restrictions imposed to slow the spread and resurgence of COVID-19 have impacted and may continue to impact the prices and availability of certain of the raw materials used in the production of the Company's products, which could impair the Company's ability to procure the required raw materials for its operations or increase the cost of manufacturing its products. If the price of raw materials increases, the Company may be unable to pass these increases on to its customers and could experience reductions to its profit margins. Also, any decrease in the availability of raw materials could impair the Company's ability to meet production requirements in a timely manner or at all. - The Company's management has been focused on mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our employees and operations, which has required and will continue to require a substantial investment of time and resources. This has resulted and can be expected to continue to result in a diversion of management attention and resources away from strategic, initiatives, new business opportunities, potential acquisitions, and the overall profitability of our business, and the Company cannot predict how long this may continue. - The economic downturn has resulted and could continue to result in the carrying value of goodwill or other intangible assets exceeding their fair value, which has required and could continue to require the Company to recognize asset impairment. - To the extent the Company draws under the revolving portion of the Credit Agreement, debt of the Company would increase. Such an increase in indebtedness could adversely affect the Company's financial results or ability to incur additional debt and could negatively impact credit ratings. The continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any resurgences, could also negatively impact the Company's compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement or the interest rate of borrowings under the Credit Agreement. In addition, as a result of the risks described above, the Company may in the future be required to raise additional debt or equity financing, and the availability, terms and cost of such financing would depend on, among other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, trading prices of the Company's common stock, the credit ratings of the Company, and the outlook for the industries in which the Company operates, all of which could be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extent of any resurgences. There can be no assurance that such financing would be available on acceptable terms, in sufficient quantities, or at all. - Pension plan funded status, the ratio of plan assets over plan liabilities, is largely influenced by current market conditions. To the extent asset returns and interest rates, which are used to discount future plan benefits, change from prior measurement periods, the plan's funded ratio has the potential to change significantly. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly, and additional material impacts and disruptions are likely to occur. The factors described above, which may worsen, and other factors that the Company cannot predict, can be expected to have a material adverse impact on the business, operations, financial results and capital resources of the Company. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company is highly uncertain and subject to change and will depend on future developments, which cannot be accurately predicted, including, but limited to: (i) the duration of the pandemic, including: (a) the extent of any resurgences particularly in those regions that were previously impacted, bur are now reopening, (b) new outbreaks in the regions previously unaffected and (c) how quickly and to what extent normal economic activity can resume; (ii) additional or modified government actions; (iii) the timing of the development and distribution of an effective vaccine or treatments for COVID-19; (iv) new information that may emerge concerning the severity and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and (v) the actions taken to contain COVID-19 pandemic or address its impact in the short and long term, among others. We do not yet know and cannot predict the full extent of potential impacts on the business, operations, financial results and capital resources of the Company. In addition, any of the risks and uncertainties set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the 2019 Form 10-K, as amended by Part II, Item 1A of the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2020 and August 5, 2020, can be expected to be further heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and capital resources. The Company may also disclose changes to risk factors or disclose additional risk factors from time to time in its future filings with the SEC. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that it currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect its business, financial condition, or operating results.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 3

Changes in climate may increase the frequency and intensity of adverse weather patterns and may negatively impact our business.

Natural disasters, changes in climate, and geo-political events could materially adversely affect our financial performance. The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, typhoons, weather conditions such as major or extended winter storms, droughts and tornadoes, whether as a result of climate change or otherwise, severe changes in climate and geo-political events, such as war, civil unrest or terrorist attacks in a country in which we operate or in which our suppliers are located could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 3/28 (11%)Below Sector Average

Regulation1 | 3.6%

Regulation - Risk 1

New or existing U.S. or foreign laws could subject the Company to claims or otherwise impact the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Company is subject to a variety of laws in both the U.S. and foreign countries that are costly to comply with, can result in negative publicity and diversion of management time and effort and can subject the Company to claims or other remedies.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 3.6%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

The Company could be subject to litigation, which could have a material impact on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

From time to time, the Company's operations are parties to or targets of lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, patent and intellectual property, commercial, contract, and environmental and employment matters, which are defended and settled in the ordinary course of business. Any litigation to which the Company may be subject could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations. See "ITEM 3 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS" in this Form 10-K for a discussion of current litigation.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 3.6%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

The Company could be subject to additional tax liabilities.

The Company is subject to income tax laws of the United States, its states and municipalities and those of other foreign jurisdictions in which the Company has business operations. These laws are complex and subject to interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment and interpretation is required in determining the Company's worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of business, transactions arise where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although the Company believes that our tax estimates are reasonable, the final outcome of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from that which is reflected in historical income tax provisions and accruals. Based on the status of a given tax audit or related litigation, a material effect on the Company's income tax provision or net income may result during the period or periods from the initial recognition of a particular matter in the Company's reported financial results to the final closure of that tax audit or settlement of related litigation when the ultimate tax and related cash flow is known with certainty.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 3/28 (11%)Below Sector Average

Competition2 | 7.1%

Competition - Risk 1

The Company faces active global competition and if it does not compete effectively, its business may suffer.

The Company encounters competition in all of its business segments, and imports from Asia and Latin America with favorable currency exchange rates and low-cost labor have resulted in pricing pressure. The Company competes with other companies that offer similar products or that produce different products appropriate for the same uses. To remain profitable and defend market share, the Company must continue to offer high quality custom engineered products on a timely basis, deploy internal engineering resources, maintain cost-effective manufacturing capabilities through its wholly owned Asian subsidiaries, expand its product lines through product development and acquisitions, and maintain sufficient inventory for fast turnaround of customer orders. The Company may not be able to compete effectively on all of these fronts and with all of its competitors, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on its sales and profit margins. In addition, the Company may have to reduce prices on its products and services, or make other concessions, to stay competitive and retain market share. Price reductions taken by the Company in response to customer and competitive pressures, as well as price reductions and promotional actions taken to drive demand that may not result in anticipated sales levels, could also negatively impact the Company's business.

Competition - Risk 2

Changes in competition in the markets that the Company services could impact revenues and earnings.

Any change in competition may result in lost market share or reduced prices, which could result in reduced profits and margins. This may impair the ability to grow or even maintain current levels of revenues and earnings. While the Company has an extensive customer base, loss of certain customers could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations until such business is replaced, and no assurances can be made that the Company would be able to regain or replace any lost customers.

Demand1 | 3.6%

Demand - Risk 1

Deterioration in the creditworthiness of several major customers could have a material impact on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

Included as a significant asset on the Company's balance sheet are accounts receivable from our customers. If several large customers become insolvent or are otherwise unable to pay for products, or become unwilling or unable to make payments in a timely manner, it could have an unfavorable material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition. Although the Company is not dependent on any one customer, deterioration in several large customers at the same time could have an unfavorable material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition. One customer exceeded 10% of total accounts receivable for 2019. No customer exceeded 10% of total accounts receivable for 2018.

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.

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