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frontdoor inc (FTDR)
NASDAQ:FTDR
US Market

frontdoor (FTDR) Risk Analysis

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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.

frontdoor disclosed 39 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. frontdoor reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2024

Risk Distribution
39Risks
44% Finance & Corporate
18% Production
10% Tech & Innovation
10% Legal & Regulatory
10% Ability to Sell
8% 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

2022
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
frontdoor 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 Q4, 2024

Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 17 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 17 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
39
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
39
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
5Risks added
0Risks removed
7Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
5Risks added
0Risks removed
7Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
Number of Risk Changed
7
+7
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
7
+7
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of frontdoor 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 39

Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 17/39 (44%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights2 | 5.1%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and of applicable law may prevent or delay an acquisition of our company, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.
Our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, and Delaware law, contain provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by encouraging prospective acquirors to negotiate with our board of directors. These provisions include rules regarding how stockholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at stockholder meetings and the right of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. Delaware law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between any holder of 15 percent or more of our outstanding common stock and us. We believe these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirors to negotiate with our board of directors and by providing our board of directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers. However, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in the best interests of our company and our stockholders. These and other provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the "DGCL"), could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or other change in control. In addition, because we are regulated by state regulators in certain states, we are subject to certain state statutes that generally require any person or entity desiring to acquire direct or indirect control of certain of our subsidiaries obtain prior approval from the applicable regulator. Control is generally presumed to exist under these state laws with the acquisition of 10 percent or more of our outstanding voting securities of either the subsidiary or its controlling parent. Applicable state laws and regulations could delay or impede a change of control.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Our certificate of incorporation designates the state courts of the State of Delaware, or, if no state court located in the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware, as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could discourage lawsuits against us and our directors and officers.
Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless the board of directors otherwise determines, the state courts of the State of Delaware, or, if no state court located in the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware, will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our company, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer to our company or our stockholders, creditors or other constituents, any action asserting a claim against us or any director or officer arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or restated bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against us or any director or officer governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors and officers. Alternatively, if a court outside of the State of Delaware were to find this exclusive forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings described above, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 7.7%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Added
We depend on the availability of reinsurance to manage a substantial portion of our potential loss exposure for our new home structural warranty business.
If reinsurance is unavailable to us at current levels and prices, our ability to write new business may be limited. Market conditions impact the availability and cost of the reinsurance we purchase. Reinsurance may not remain continuously available to us to the same extent and on the same terms and rates as were historically available or is currently available. Our ability to economically justify reinsurance to reduce our risk may depend on our ability to adjust new home structural warranty pricing to fully or partially recover cost. If we cannot maintain our current level of reinsurance or purchase new reinsurance protection in amounts we consider sufficient at acceptable prices, we would have to either accept an increase in our exposure, reduce our insurance exposure or seek other alternatives. In addition, reinsurance subjects us to counterparty risk and may not be adequate to protect us against losses arising from ceded insurance. Collecting from reinsurers is subject to uncertainty arising from factors that include whether reinsurers, their affiliates or certain indemnitors have the financial capacity and willingness to make payments under the terms of a reinsurance treaty or contract and whether insured losses meet the qualifying conditions of the reinsurance contract. Our inability to recover from a reinsurer could have a material effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Changed
We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock at this point and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
We currently intend to use our future earnings to develop our business and for working capital needs and general corporate purposes, to fund our growth, to repay debt, and to repurchase shares of our common stock. As a result, we did not pay cash dividends in 2024, and we do not expect to pay any cash dividend for the foreseeable future. All decisions regarding the payment of dividends will be made by our board of directors from time to time in accordance with applicable law. There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient surplus under Delaware law to be able to pay any dividends at any time in the future. An insufficient surplus may result from extraordinary cash expenses, actual expenses exceeding contemplated costs, funding of capital expenditures or increases in reserves. If we do not pay dividends, the price of the shares of our common stock must appreciate for you to receive a gain on your investment. This appreciation may not occur. Further, you may have to sell some or all of your shares of our common stock to generate cash flow from your investment.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
We may be required to recognize impairment charges.
We have significant amounts of goodwill and intangible assets, such as trade names. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized and are subject to assessment for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential impairment, including: - significant adverse changes in the business climate, including economic or financial conditions;- significant adverse changes in expected operating results;- adverse actions or assessments by regulators;- unanticipated competition;- loss of key personnel; and - a current expectation that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit or intangible asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of. Based upon economic and financial market conditions, the operating performance of our reporting units and other factors, including those listed above, we have incurred, and may in the future incur, impairment charges. It is possible that such future impairments, if required, could be material. Any future impairment charges that we are required to record could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Debt & Financing7 | 17.9%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Changed
A lowering or withdrawal of the credit ratings, outlook or watch assigned to our indebtedness by rating agencies may increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.
Our indebtedness currently has a non-investment grade rating, and any rating, outlook or watch assigned could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency's judgment, current or future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, outlook or watch, such as adverse changes to our business, so warrant. Any future lowering of our credit ratings, outlook or watch likely would make it more difficult or more expensive for us to obtain additional debt financing.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We have significant indebtedness and may incur additional substantial indebtedness, which could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to obtain financing in the future, react to changes in our business and satisfy our obligations.
As of December 31, 2024, we had $1,199 million of total consolidated long-term indebtedness, including the current portion of long-term debt, outstanding, which is all outstanding under our Term Loan Facilities. These amounts include the incremental borrowings used to finance a portion of the 2-10 HBW Acquisition. As of December 31, 2024, there were $2 million of letters of credit outstanding under our $250 million Revolving Credit Facility, and the available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility was $248 million. In addition, we are able to incur additional indebtedness in the future, subject to the limitations contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness. Our significant indebtedness could have important consequences to you. Because of our significant indebtedness: - our ability to engage in large acquisitions without raising additional equity or obtaining additional debt financing is limited;- our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements or general corporate purposes and our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness may be impaired in the future;- a large portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available to us for other purposes;- we are exposed to the risk of increased interest rates because a portion of our borrowings are or will be at variable rates of interest;- it may be more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to our creditors, resulting in possible defaults on, and acceleration of, such indebtedness;- we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;- we may be at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with proportionately less indebtedness or with comparable indebtedness on more favorable terms and, as a result, they may be better positioned to withstand economic downturns;- our ability to refinance indebtedness may be limited, or the associated costs may increase;- our flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions and ability to withstand competitive pressures could be limited; and - we may be prevented from carrying out capital spending and restructurings that are necessary or important to our growth strategy and efforts to improve operating margins of our business.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Increases in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our indebtedness and could reduce our profitability.
A significant portion of our outstanding indebtedness, including indebtedness incurred under the Credit Facilities, bears interest at variable rates. As a result, increases in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our indebtedness and could materially reduce our profitability and cash flows. As of December 31, 2024, each one percentage point change in interest rates would result in an approximately $6 million change in the annual interest expense on the Term Loan Facilities after considering the impact of the effective interest rate swap. Assuming all revolving loans were fully drawn as of December 31, 2024, each one percentage point change in interest rates would result in an approximately $3 million change in annual interest expense on the Revolving Credit Facility. The impact of increases in interest rates could be more significant for us than it would be for some other companies given that our indebtedness obligations are at variable interest rates. As of December 31, 2024, our variable rate indebtedness used the SOFR as a benchmark for establishing the interest rate.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
The agreements and instruments governing our indebtedness contain restrictions and limitations that could significantly impact our ability to operate our business.
The Credit Agreement contains covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to: - incur additional indebtedness (including guarantees of other indebtedness);- create liens;- redeem stock or make other restricted payments, including investments and, in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, make acquisitions;- prepay, repurchase or amend the terms of certain outstanding indebtedness;- enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates;- transfer or sell assets;- merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets; and - enter into agreements restricting dividends or other distributions by our subsidiaries. The restrictions in the Credit Agreement and the instruments governing our other indebtedness may prevent us from taking actions that we believe would be in the best interest of our business and may make it difficult for us to execute our business strategy successfully or effectively compete with companies that are not similarly restricted. We may also incur future debt obligations that might subject us to additional restrictive covenants that could affect our financial and operational flexibility. We may be unable to refinance our indebtedness, at maturity or otherwise, on terms acceptable to us or at all. Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in the Credit Agreement and the instruments governing our other indebtedness may be affected by economic, financial and industry conditions beyond our control including credit or capital market disruptions. The breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default that would permit the applicable lenders to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. If we are unable to repay indebtedness, lenders having secured obligations, such as the lenders under the Credit Facilities, could proceed against the collateral securing the indebtedness. In any such case, we may be unable to borrow under the Credit Facilities and may not be able to repay the amounts due under such facilities or our other outstanding indebtedness. This could have serious consequences for our financial position, results of operations and cash flows and could cause us to become bankrupt or insolvent.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Our ability to generate the significant amount of cash needed to pay interest and principal on our indebtedness and our ability to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing depends on many factors beyond our control.
We are a holding company, and substantially all of our assets are held by, and our operations are conducted through, our subsidiaries. We depend on our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us so that we may pay obligations and expenses, including satisfying obligations with respect to indebtedness. Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or refinance our obligations under, our indebtedness depends on the financial and operating performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to make distributions and dividends to us, which, in turn, depends on their operating results, cash requirements, financial position and general business conditions and any legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends to which they may be subject, many of which may be beyond our control. There are regulatory restrictions on the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us. The payments of ordinary and extraordinary dividends by certain of our subsidiaries (through which we conduct our business) are subject to significant regulatory restrictions under the laws and regulations of the states in which they operate. Among other things, such laws and regulations require certain subsidiaries to maintain minimum capital and net worth requirements and may limit the amount of ordinary and extraordinary dividends and other payments that these subsidiaries can pay to us. As of December 31, 2024, the total net assets subject to these regulatory restrictions was $184 million. We expect that such limitations will be in effect for the foreseeable future. None of our subsidiaries are obligated to make funds available to us through the payment of dividends. If we cannot receive sufficient distributions from our subsidiaries, we may not be able to meet our obligations to fund general corporate expenses or service our debt obligations. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity capital or restructure our indebtedness. In the future, our cash flow and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of interest on and principal of our indebtedness, and such alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If we cannot make scheduled payments on our indebtedness, we will be in default, the lenders under the Credit Facilities could terminate their commitments to loan money, the secured lenders could foreclose against the assets securing their borrowings, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
Despite our indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our significant indebtedness.
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The Credit Facilities permit additional borrowings beyond the committed amounts under certain circumstances. If new indebtedness is added to our current indebtedness levels, the related risks we face would increase, and we may not be able to meet all of our debt obligations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
We utilize derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to market risks from changes in interest rates on our variable-rate indebtedness and are exposed to risks related to counterparty credit worthiness or non-performance of these instruments.
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and manage this exposure through the use of variable-rate and fixed-rate debt and by utilizing an interest rate swap. On October 24, 2018, we entered into an interest rate swap contract effective October 31, 2018 that expires on August 16, 2025 (the "2018 swap"). The notional amount of the agreement is $350 million. On December 19, 2024, in connection with the Amended Credit Facility, we entered into an additional interest rate swap contract, with an initial notional amount of $299 million with additional step up and step down provisions embedded in the contract. The notional amount steps up in August 2025 by $350 million upon the expiration of the 2018 swap. The notional amount steps down over the term of the agreement on a basis that correlates with the scheduled principal payments on the Amended Term Loan Facilities. We entered into these interest rate swap contracts in the normal course of business to manage interest rate risks, with a policy of matching positions. The effect of derivative financial instrument transactions under the agreements could have a material impact on our financial statements. There can be no guarantee that our hedging strategy will be effective, and we may experience credit-related losses in some circumstances.
Corporate Activity and Growth5 | 12.8%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Added
The acquisition may not achieve its intended results.
On December 19, 2024, we completed the 2-10 HBW Acquisition, with the expectation that the acquisition would result in various benefits, including, among other things, accelerating Frontdoor's growth trajectory, operating synergies, and a strengthened financial profile. Achieving the anticipated benefits of the acquisition is subject to a number of uncertainties, including whether our business and 2-10 HBW are integrated in an efficient and effective manner. Failure to achieve these anticipated benefits could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues generated by the combined company and diversion of management's attention and energy away from ongoing business concerns, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Additional risks relating to the 2-10 HBW Acquisition and integration of 2-10 HBW into our business, include, among others, the following: - general economic and business conditions;- potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen delays or regulatory conditions associated with the acquisition;- our inability to successfully or timely integrate 2-10 HBW in a manner that permits us to achieve the benefits anticipated to result from the acquisition;- disruption to our and 2-10 HBW's business and operations and relationships with service providers, customers, employees and other partners;- diversion of significant resources from our core product offerings;- our inability to retain the service of key management and other personnel of 2-10 HBW;- our inability to effectively diversify and expand into a new line of business and execute on cross-selling opportunities for home warranties and our non-warranty services;- our inability to successfully integrate 2-10 HBW into our internal control over financial reporting, which could compromise the integrity of our financial reporting; and - greater than anticipated costs related to the integration of 2-10 HBW's business and operations into ours. These potential difficulties, some of which are outside of our control, could adversely affect our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. We cannot guarantee that we will achieve our goals or meet our expectations with respect to the acquisition. The full benefits of the 2-10 HBW Acquisition, including the anticipated financial benefits, synergies and growth opportunities, may not be realized as expected or may not be achieved within the anticipated timeframe, or at all. If our assumptions are inaccurate or we are unable to meet our expectations, our business, financial performance and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, the market price of our common stock may decline if our assumptions regarding the anticipated benefits of the acquisition are not accurate, or we do not achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts or at all.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Added
Financing the 2-10 HBW Acquisition resulted in an increase in our indebtedness, which could adversely affect us, including by decreasing our business flexibility and increasing our interest expense.
We financed a portion of the purchase price and related fees and expenses of the 2-10 HBW Acquisition with incremental borrowings under a senior secured incremental term loan facility under our existing Credit Agreement. This increase in our indebtedness may, among other things, reduce our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions or to fund capital expenditures or working capital needs. In addition, the amount of cash required to pay interest on our increased indebtedness, and thus the demands on our cash resources, have materially increased as a result of the indebtedness to finance the acquisition. For further discussion of risks related to our indebtedness, see "Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Indebtedness" below.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Changed
We depend on our first-year DTC acquisition and real estate channels for a significant percentage of our sales.
Consumer demand for services purchased through our first-year DTC channel can fluctuate and, as such, is subject to changes in macroeconomic conditions, including interest rates and inflation, as well as consumer sentiment about the value of home warranties and our reputation as a home warranty provider. Consumer demand may also be significantly influenced by the success of marketing and promotions by us or by our competitors. If we are unsuccessful in attracting consumers to our home warranties, we could experience a material adverse impact to our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. A significant percentage of our sales are generated through our first-year real estate customer and DTC home warranty acquisition channels, which feed our renewal channel. In our real estate channel, our strategic relationships with top real estate brokers and agents are important to our business because they provide marketing and information services that are useful to our real estate customer acquisition channel. These brokers and agents are independent parties that we do not control, and we cannot guarantee that our strategic partnership arrangements with them will continue at current levels or at all. An inability to maintain these relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Demand for our home warranty services is affected by existing home sales, as our services are frequently purchased in connection with real estate transactions. As a result, in periods when home sales are fast-moving, declining or of low inventory levels, demand for our services may be adversely impacted. In addition, changes in the real estate market could also affect the demand for our services if a reduced number of home buyers elect not to purchase our services, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Among others, the number of real estate transactions in which our services are purchased could also decrease in the following situations: - when mortgage interest rates are high or rise, as they did in recent periods;- when the availability of credit, including commercial and residential mortgage funding, is limited; or - conversely, when demand for existing homes exceeds supply.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
We may not successfully implement our business strategies, including achieving our growth objectives.
We may not be able to fully implement our business strategies or realize, in whole or in part within the expected time frames, the anticipated benefits of various new business, growth or other initiatives, including the expected benefits of the 2-10 HBW Acquisition. Our business strategies and initiatives, including increasing and retaining our home warranty customers, delivering superior customer experience, growing our supplier network of independent contractors, leveraging dynamic pricing, expanding our non-warranty revenue, integrating and growing the 2-10 HBW business, leveraging technology for support of our business strategies and pursuing selective acquisitions, including those that complement our existing business and provide cross-selling opportunities for home warranties and our non-warranty services, are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. For example, as part of our non-warranty services, we have leveraged our nationwide network of independent contractors in our partnership with Moen to offer installation of their smart water shut-off valve, including where supported by home insurers. The success of this opportunity depends in part on Moen's marketing of their product and support of this program by home insurers. Operational challenges, delays in product availability, or changes in Moen's strategic direction, or changes in home insurers' support for installation of water shut-off valves, all of which are beyond our control, could result in delays in achieving our anticipated growth objectives and adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, our financial performance is affected by changes in the services and products we offer to customers. We may incur significant costs to implement our strategies, service and product offerings, which may not succeed in increasing revenue, growing our customer base or growing profitability. For example, in 2024, we incurred significant expense when we relaunched the American Home Shield brand through an updated look and feel. Similarly, in 2023, we launched the Frontdoor app, which required a substantial marketing investment. We cannot provide any assurance that these rebranding initiatives will be effective. An unsuccessful execution of strategies, including the rollout of new, or the adjustment of any existing, services or products or sales and marketing plans, could cause us to reevaluate or change our business strategies and could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We will incur certain costs or may offer certain discounts to achieve efficiency improvements and growth in our business, and we may not meet anticipated implementation timetables or stay within budgeted costs or plans. As these efficiency improvement and growth initiatives are implemented, we may not fully achieve expected cost savings and efficiency improvements or growth rates, or these initiatives could adversely impact customer retention or our operations. Also, our business strategies may change in light of our ability to implement new business initiatives, competitive pressures, economic uncertainties or developments or other factors.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
Future acquisitions or other strategic transactions could negatively affect our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our business strategy includes the pursuit of opportunistic strategic transactions, which could involve acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets. For example, in 2024, we acquired 2-10 HBW to access a business opportunity in the new home structural warranty space, complement our existing business and provide cross-selling opportunities for home warranties and our non-warranty services. Any future strategic transaction could involve integration or implementation challenges, business disruption or other risks, or change our business profile significantly. Any inability on our part to consolidate and manage growth from acquired businesses or successfully implement other strategic transactions could have an adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Any acquisition that we make may not provide us with the benefits that were anticipated when entering into such acquisition. The process of integrating an acquired business may create unforeseen difficulties and expenses, including: the diversion of resources needed to integrate new businesses, technologies, products, personnel or systems; the inability to retain employees, customers and suppliers; the assumption of actual or contingent liabilities; failure to effectively and timely adopt and adhere to internal control processes and other policies; write-offs or impairment charges relating to goodwill and other intangible assets; unanticipated liabilities; distraction of senior management from other strategic priorities; and potential expense associated with litigation with sellers of such businesses. Any future disposition transactions could also impact our business and may subject us to various risks, including failure to obtain appropriate value for the disposed businesses and post-closing claims.
Production
Total Risks: 7/39 (18%)Below Sector Average
Manufacturing1 | 2.6%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
Added
Success in our new home structural warranty business depends on our ability to underwrite risks accurately and to charge adequate prices to builder members, as well as our ability to effectively reinsure a large portion of those risks.
Our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows depend on our ability to underwrite and appropriately price the risks of providing new home structural warranties. The role of the pricing function is to ensure that rates are adequate to generate sufficient revenue to pay losses and underwriting expenses and to earn a profit. We rely on historical loss data for our business, our builder members and the geographies in which they operate, as well as the experience of our underwriting team and engineering experts, to project future warranty claims and expenses, allocate risks to our reinsurers and set the price for new home structural warranties and other services that we provide to our builder members. As a result, our ability to price accurately is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: the availability of sufficient reliable data; uncertainties inherent in estimates and assumptions, generally; our ability to conduct a complete and accurate analysis of available data; our ability to timely predict both the severity and frequency of losses with reasonable accuracy; our ability to predict changes in certain operating expenses with reasonable certainty; our ability to retain builder members for multi-year periods and to predict builder member retention accurately; our ability to attract a sufficient number of builder members to allocate risks and price accurately in the event of homebuilder industry consolidation; unanticipated court decisions, legislation or regulatory action; ongoing changes in our claim settlement practices; and unanticipated increases in the cost of reinsurance or an unwillingness of our reinsurers to continue to provide reinsurance coverage to us at the levels for which we have planned. The realization of such risks may result in our pricing being based on stale, inadequate or inaccurate data or inappropriate analyses, assumptions or methodologies, and may cause us to estimate incorrectly future changes in the frequency or severity of claims. As a result, we could underprice risks, which would negatively affect our margins, or we could overprice risks, which could reduce our volume and competitiveness. In either event, our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In addition, underpricing insurance policies over time could erode the capital position of one or more of our insurance subsidiaries, constraining our ability to write new business.
Employment / Personnel2 | 5.1%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
We may not be able to attract and retain qualified key employees, which could adversely impact us and our business and inhibit our ability to operate and grow successfully.
The execution of our business strategy and our financial performance will depend in significant part on our executive management team, home services experts and other key personnel. Our future success will depend in large part on our success in attracting new talent; utilizing current, experienced senior leadership; and smoothly transitioning responsibilities to and implementing the goals and objectives of our management team. Our objectives with respect to integrating and achieving the benefits of the 2-10 HBW Acquisition may be affected by our ability to retain, integrate and motivate employees who have joined from 2-10 HBW. Since the closing of the 2-10 HBW Acquisition, we have lost certain key employees from 2-10 HBW. Any inability to attract or retain qualified key executives in a timely manner, or retain or recruit other key personnel, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We are dependent on labor availability in our customer service operations.
Our ability to conduct our operations is in part affected by our ability to scale our labor force, including on a seasonal basis in our customer service operations, which may be adversely affected by a number of factors. While we employ both domestic and overseas third-party customer service resources to help fulfill our service and other obligations, the effectiveness of such resources may be adversely affected by the availability of labor in such markets and the continuing viability of contract relations with such third parties. In the event of a labor shortage affecting our own customer service personnel or our third-party service providers, we could experience difficulty in responding to customer inquiries in a timely fashion or delivering our services in a high-quality or timely manner and could be forced to increase wages to attract and retain employees, which would result in higher operating costs and reduced profitability. Long call and service wait times by customers during peak operating times could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Supply Chain3 | 7.7%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
Our business process outsourcing initiatives increase our reliance on third-party vendors and may expose our business to harm upon the termination or disruption of our third-party vendor relationships.
Our strategy to increase profitability, in part, by reducing our costs of operations includes the implementation of certain business process outsourcing initiatives, including offshore outsourcing of certain aspects of our customer service, administrative and other service operations, some of which are located near regions that have previously been affected by Acts of God, such as earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes and typhoons, and outsourcing of certain technology development initiatives. Any disruption, termination or substandard performance of these outsourced services, including possible breaches by third-party vendors of their agreements with us, could delay or limit our ability to successfully implement our business strategies and adversely affect our brands, reputation, customer relationships, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Also, to the extent a third-party vendor relationship is terminated, there is a risk of disputes or litigation and that we may not be able to enter into a similar agreement with an alternate provider in a timely manner or on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. Even if we find an alternate provider, or choose to insource such services, there are significant risks associated with any transitioning activities. In addition, to the extent we decide to terminate outsourcing services and insource such services, there is a risk that we may not have the capabilities to perform these services internally, resulting in a disruption to our business, which could adversely impact our reputation, businesses, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We could also incur costs, including personnel and equipment costs, to insource previously outsourced services like these, and these costs could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, offshore outsourcing of certain aspects of our customer service operations may induce negative public reaction. Offshore outsourcing has traditionally been a politically sensitive topic in the United States. For example, there are concerns in the United States about a perceived association between outsourcing providers and the loss of jobs in the United States. In response to such concerns, federal legislative measures have been proposed in the past, such as limiting income tax credits for companies that offshore American jobs. In addition, there is ongoing publicity about some negative experiences that companies have had with outsourcing, such as theft and misappropriation of sensitive client data. Such negative perceptions, or amplification of such negative perceptions, that may be associated with using an offshore provider could adversely impact our reputation, businesses, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Supply Chain - Risk 2
We depend on a limited number of third-party components suppliers. Our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be harmed if these parties do not perform their obligations, if they suffer interruptions to their own operations, if alternative component sources are unavailable, or if there is an increase in the costs of these components.
We are dependent on a limited number of suppliers for various key components used in the services and products we offer to customers, and the cost, quality and availability of these components are essential to our services. In particular, we have seven national suppliers of parts, appliances and home systems that each account for more than five percent of our supplier spend. We are subject to the risk of shortages, increased costs and long lead times in the supply of these components and other materials, and the risk that our suppliers discontinue or modify, or increase the price of, the components used. If the supply of these components were to be delayed or constrained, or if one or more of our main suppliers were to go out of business, alternative sources or suppliers may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. Further, if there were a shortage of supply, the cost of these components may increase and harm our ability to provide our services on a cost-effective basis. In connection with any supply shortages in the future, reliable and cost-effective replacement sources may not be available on short notice or at all, and this may force us to increase prices and face a corresponding decrease in demand for our services. In the event that any of our suppliers was to discontinue production of our key product components, developing alternate sources of supply for these components would be time consuming, difficult and costly. This would harm our ability to market our services in order to meet market demand and could materially and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have limited control over these parties on which our business depends. If any of these parties fails to perform its obligations on schedule, or breaches or ends its relationship with us, we may be unable to satisfy demand for our services. Delays, product shortages and other problems could impair our distribution and brand image and make it difficult for us to attract new customers. If we experience significantly increased demand, or if we need to replace an existing supplier, we may be unable to supplement or replace such supply capacity on terms that are acceptable to us or at all, which may undermine our ability to deliver our services to customers in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Accordingly, a loss or interruption in the service of any key party could adversely impact our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Supply Chain - Risk 3
Our future success depends on our ability to attract, retain and maintain our network of third-party contractors and vendors and their performance.
Our ability to conduct our operations is in part impacted by reliance on a network of third-party contractors. Our future success and financial performance depend substantially on our ability to attract and retain qualified third-party contractors, and their availability, and ensure third-party contractor compliance with our policies, standards and performance expectations. However, these third-party contractors are independent parties that we do not control, and who own, operate and oversee the daily operations of their individual businesses. If third-party contractors do not successfully operate their businesses in a manner consistent with required laws, standards and regulations, we could be subject to claims from regulators or legal claims for the actions or omissions of such third-party contractors. In addition, our relationship with our third-party contractors could become strained (including resulting in litigation) as we impose new standards or assert more rigorous enforcement practices of our existing standards and performance expectations. When a contractor relationship is terminated, there is a risk that we may not be able to enter into a similar agreement with an alternate contractor in a timely manner or on favorable terms. We could incur costs to transition to other contractors, and these costs could materially adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. We could also fail to provide service to our customers if we lose contractors that we cannot replace in a timely manner, which could lead to customer complaints and possible claims and litigation. In addition, our third-party contractors interact directly with our customers, and if our third-party contractors do not provide satisfactory services, our retention rate, reputation and business may be adversely affected. In addition, these potential impacts may be exacerbated upon termination of a relationship with a preferred contractor, as approximately 85 percent of our home warranty service requests were completed by our preferred contractor network in 2024. We are also dependent on vendors for parts, appliances and home systems and the ability to rely on the pricing for such goods in the contracts we negotiate with these vendors. In recent years, global supply chain challenges, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to industry-wide price increases for parts and equipment as well as availability challenges across our trades as demand has outpaced production. If we cannot obtain the parts, appliances or home systems from vendors within our existing stable of vendors to satisfy consumer claims in a timely manner, we may be forced to obtain parts, appliances and home systems from other vendors or through our third-party contractors at higher costs, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, if we cannot obtain appliance parts to satisfy consumer claims in a timely manner, we may be forced to obtain replacement appliances or systems at a higher cost compared to the cost of appliance parts.
Costs1 | 2.6%
Costs - Risk 1
Increases in parts, appliance and home system prices and other operating costs could adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our financial performance may be adversely affected by increases in the level of our operating expenses, such as refrigerants, appliances, equipment, parts, raw materials, wages and salaries, employee benefits, healthcare, contractor costs, costs of repair, self-insurance costs and other insurance premiums, as well as various regulatory compliance costs, all of which may be subject to inflationary and other pressures. For example, in recent years, we have experienced a rapid increase in the cost of parts, appliance and home system costs due to inflation and global supply chain challenges, which, in turn, increased our contract claims costs. Such increase in operating expenses, including contract claims costs, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Prices for raw materials, such as steel and fuel, are subject to market volatility. We cannot predict the extent to which we may experience future increases in costs of refrigerants, appliances, equipment, parts, raw materials, wages and salaries, employee benefits, healthcare, contractor costs, self-insurance costs and other insurance premiums, or of various regulatory compliance costs and other operating costs. In recent years, we have adjusted our pricing strategies in response to these rising costs. To the extent our pricing strategies are ineffective, demand for our services may suffer. Moreover, to the extent such costs continue to increase, we may be prevented, in whole or in part, from passing these cost increases through to our existing and prospective customers, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 4/39 (10%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets2 | 5.1%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Third-party use of our trademarks as keywords in Internet search engine advertising programs may direct potential customers to competitors' websites, which could harm our reputation and cause us to lose sales.
Competitors and other third parties purchase our trademarks and confusingly similar terms as keywords in Internet search engine advertising programs in order to divert potential customers to their websites. Preventing such unauthorized use is inherently difficult. If we are unable to protect our trademarks from such unauthorized use and curtail the use of confusingly similar terms, competitors and other third parties may drive potential online customers away from our websites to competing and unauthorized websites, which could harm our reputation and cause us to lose sales.
Trade Secrets - Risk 2
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights that are material to our business.
Our ability to compete effectively depends in part on our rights to proprietary information, service marks, trademarks, trade names, and other intellectual property rights we own or license, particularly our brand names, Frontdoor, American Home Shield and 2-10 HBW. We have not sought to register or protect every one of our marks in the United States. If we are unable to protect our proprietary information and intellectual property rights, including brand names, it could cause a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary information, or to defend against claims by third parties that our products, services or activities infringe their intellectual property rights.
Cyber Security1 | 2.6%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
If we fail to protect the security of personal information about our customers, associates or third parties, we could be subject to interruption of our business operations, private litigation, reputational damage and costly penalties.
We rely on, among other things, commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of confidential information of customers, associates and third parties, such as payment cards and personal information. The systems currently used for transmission and approval of payment card transactions, and the technology utilized in payment cards themselves, all of which can put payment card data at risk, are central to meeting standards set by the payment card industry ("PCI"). We continue to evaluate and modify these systems and protocols for PCI compliance purposes, and such PCI standards may change from time to time. At our customers' request, we also use our proprietary technology to capture key information about our customers' appliances, HVAC and other home systems and may, through video chat sessions, capture additional information related to our customer or their home. Activities by third parties, or our utilization of advances in computer and software capabilities and other technology, new tools and discoveries, as well as other events or developments may facilitate or result in a compromise or breach of these systems. Any compromises, breaches or errors in applications related to these systems or failures to comply with standards set by the PCI could cause damage to our reputation and interruptions in our operations, including customers' ability to pay for services and products by credit card or their willingness to purchase our services and products and could result in a violation of applicable laws, regulations, orders, industry standards or agreements and subject us to costs, penalties and liabilities. We are subject to risks caused by data breaches and operational disruptions, particularly through third-party criminal activity including "ransomware" or other malware, cyber-attack or cyber-intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists. These risks include potential damage and disruption from traditional cyber criminals, malicious code (such as viruses and worms), employee theft, misuse, social engineering, denial-of-service attacks, as well as sophisticated nation-state and nation-state-supported actors, including advanced persistent threat intrusions. Any cyber or similar attack or unauthorized access to our software or systems that we experience could damage our technology systems and infrastructures, lead to the loss, compromise or corruption of data, prevent us from providing our services, erode our reputation and those of our various brands, lead to the termination of advantageous contracts, result in inaccurate reporting of financial information, result in the disclosure of confidential consumer and professional contractor information, result in erroneous payments to malicious actors, expose us to significant liabilities for the violation of data privacy laws, result in the disclosure of confidential and sensitive business information or intellectual property, result in claims or litigation against us and/or otherwise be costly to mitigate or remedy. The frequency of data breaches of companies and governments has increased in recent years as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, although we have insurance to mitigate some of these risks, such policies may not cover the particular cyber or similar attack experienced and, even if the risk is covered, such insurance coverage may not be adequate to compensate for related losses. The impact of cybersecurity events experienced by third parties with whom we do business (or upon whom we otherwise rely in connection with our day-to-day operations) could have similar effects on us. Moreover, even cyber or similar attacks that do not directly affect us or third parties with whom we do business may result in a loss of consumer confidence in online and/or technology-reliant businesses generally, which could make consumers and professional contractors less likely to use or continue to use our services. The occurrence of any of these events could adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Data protection legislation is also becoming increasingly common in the United States at both the federal and state level. For example, the State of California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the "CCPA"), which became effective on January 1, 2020. The CCPA requires companies that process information of California residents to make disclosures to consumers about their data collection, use and sharing practices, allows consumers to opt out of certain data sharing with third parties and provides a new cause of action for data breaches. Additionally, the California Privacy Rights Act (the "CPRA"), which became effective January 1, 2023, revised and significantly expanded the scope of the CCPA. The CPRA also created a new California data protection agency authorized to implement and enforce the CCPA and the CPRA, which could result in increased privacy and information security enforcement. Additional U.S. states have passed their own comprehensive consumer privacy laws, some of which went into effect in 2023 and 2024 or will go into effect in 2025, and other states are considering doing so. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission and many state attorneys general are interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws to impose standards for the online collection, use, dissemination and security of data. The burdens imposed by the CCPA, CPRA and other similar laws that may be enacted at the federal and state level may require us to further modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial expenditures in order to comply.
Technology1 | 2.6%
Technology - Risk 1
Disruptions or failures in our technology systems could create liability for us or limit our ability to effectively monitor, operate and control our operations and adversely impact our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our technology systems facilitate our ability to monitor, operate and control our operations and offer our products and services to customers. Modifications to our technology systems could cause disruption to our operations or cause challenges with respect to compliance with laws, regulations or other applicable standards. As the development and implementation of our technology systems (including our operating systems) continues to evolve, we may elect to modify, replace or abandon certain technology initiatives, which could result in write-downs. Any disruption in our technology systems, including capacity limitations, instabilities, or failure to operate as expected, could, depending on the magnitude of the problem, adversely impact our business, brands, reputation, customer relationships, financial position, results of operations and cash flows, including by limiting our capacity to monitor, operate and control our operations effectively. Failures of our technology systems could also lead to violations of privacy laws, regulations, trade guidelines or practices related to our customers and associates. If our disaster recovery plans do not work as anticipated, or if the third-party vendors to which we have outsourced certain technology, customer service or other services fail to fulfill their obligations, our operations may be adversely affected, and any of these circumstances could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 4/39 (10%)Below Sector Average
Regulation3 | 7.7%
Regulation - Risk 1
Laws and government regulations applicable to our business and lawsuits, enforcement actions and other claims by third parties or governmental authorities could increase our legal and regulatory expenses and impact our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our business is subject to significant federal, state and local laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include but are not limited to laws relating to consumer protection, unfair and/or deceptive trading practices, service contracts, home warranties, home service plans, real estate settlement, wage and hour requirements, state contractor laws, the employment of immigrants, labor relations, licensing, building code requirements, workers' safety, environmental, privacy and data protection, securities, insurance coverages, sales tax collection and remittance, healthcare reforms, employee benefits, marketing (including, without limitation, telemarketing) and advertising. In addition, we are regulated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and in certain states by the applicable state insurance regulatory authority or other state regulatory bodies, such as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, with respect to our home warranty business, and by the Department of Insurance for the District of Columbia and other state insurance bodies, with respect to our new home structural warranty business nationwide. Some of these laws and regulations require that we obtain regulatory approval prior to implementing changes in our pricing, contract terms and claims handling processes, which may limit or slow our ability to adjust our business strategies to address evolving challenges or opportunities. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, a portion of our business operates as an insurance company, and the IRS or state agencies could deem us to be taxed across our company as such, which could adversely impact the timing of our tax payments. We are also subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations designed to protect consumers, including laws governing deceptive trade practices, consumer privacy and fraud, the collection and use of consumer data, telemarketing and other forms of solicitation. From time to time, we have received and we expect that we may continue to receive inquiries or investigative demands from regulatory bodies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and state attorneys general and other state agencies. The telemarketing rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule issued by the Federal Trade Commission govern our telephone sales practices. In addition, some states and local governing bodies have adopted laws and regulations targeted at direct telephone sales, i.e., "do-not-call" regulations. The implementation of these marketing regulations requires us to rely more extensively on other marketing methods and channels and may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Various federal, state and local governing bodies may propose additional legislation and regulation that may be detrimental to our business or may substantially increase our operating costs, including: increases in the minimum wage; environmental regulations, equipment efficiency standards, certain refrigerant production and use and other environmental matters; healthcare coverage; "do-not-call" or other marketing regulations; or regulations implemented in response to business practices in our industry. It is difficult to predict the future impact of the broad and expanding legislative and regulatory requirements affecting our business, and changes to such requirements may adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, if we were to fail to comply with any applicable law or regulation, we could be subject to substantial fines or damages, be involved in lawsuits, enforcement actions and other claims by third parties or governmental authorities, suffer harm to our reputation, suffer the loss of licenses or incur penalties that may affect how our business is operated, any of which, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Regulation - Risk 2
Changes to U.S. tariff and import/export regulations may increase the costs of parts, appliances and home systems and, in turn, adversely impact our business.
Tariff policies are under continuous review and subject to change. The current U.S. administration has voiced strong concerns about imports from countries that it perceives as engaging in unfair trade practices and could impose import duties or restrictions on components and raw materials that are applicable to our business from countries it perceives as engaging in unfair trade practices. Such duties or restrictions, or the perception that they could occur, may materially and adversely affect our business by increasing our costs or reducing global trade. For example, rising costs due to blanket tariffs on imported steel and aluminum could increase the costs of parts associated with our repair and replacement of home systems and appliances, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Moreover, new tariffs and changes to U.S. trade policy could prompt retaliation from affected countries, potentially triggering the imposition of tariffs on U.S. goods. Such a "trade war" could lead to general economic downturn or could materially and adversely affect the demand for our services, thus negatively impacting our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Regulation - Risk 3
Changed
Our business is subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations and expectations that could expose us to numerous risks.
We are subject to changing rules and regulations promulgated by a number of governmental and self-regulatory organizations, including the SEC, NASDAQ and FASB. These rules and regulations continue to evolve in scope and complexity and many new requirements have been created in response to laws enacted by Congress, making compliance more difficult and uncertain. In addition, regulators, customers, investors, employees and other stakeholders may focus on corporate governance, environmental and other related matters and disclosures, including expanding mandatory and voluntary requests for additional reporting, diligence and disclosure on such matters. If we are unable to adequately address such matters or we or our contractors, vendors or suppliers fail to comply with all related laws, regulations and policies, it could negatively impact our reputation, operations and our business results. Evolving governance rules, regulations and stakeholder expectations have resulted in, and may continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and increased management time and attention spent complying with or meeting such regulations and expectations. Developing and acting on initiatives within the scope of corporate governance, and collecting, measuring and reporting related information and metrics can be costly, difficult and time consuming and is subject to evolving reporting standards, including, the new California climate disclosure rules, and similar proposals by other federal and state regulatory bodies. If our corporate governance, environmental or other related data, processes or reporting are incomplete, inaccurate or criticized, our reputation, business, financial performance and growth could be adversely affected.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 2.6%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Added
Notwithstanding the due diligence investigation that we performed in connection with our entry into the Purchase Agreement, 2-10 HBW may have liabilities, losses, or other exposures for which we do not have adequate insurance coverage, indemnification, or other protection.
While we performed due diligence on 2-10 HBW prior to our entry into the Purchase Agreement, we were dependent on the accuracy and completeness of statements and disclosures made or actions taken by 2-10 HBW and its representatives during due diligence and during our evaluation of the results of such due diligence. We did not control 2-10 HBW and may be unaware of certain activities of 2-10 HBW before the completion of the acquisition, including those related to other litigation claims or disputes, information security vulnerabilities, violations of laws, policies, rules and regulations, commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities. Following the completion of the 2-10 HBW Acquisition, the liabilities of 2-10 HBW, including contingent liabilities, are now consolidated with the Company's. If 2-10 HBW has obligations of which we are not aware, our business could be materially and adversely affected. We do not have indemnification rights from the prior owners of 2-10 HBW and instead rely on a limited amount of representation and warranty insurance. Such insurance is subject to exclusions, policy limits and certain other customary terms and conditions. 2-10 HBW may also have other unknown liabilities. If we are responsible for liabilities not covered by insurance, we could suffer severe consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 4/39 (10%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.6%
Competition - Risk 1
Our industry is highly competitive. Competition could reduce demand for our services and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We operate in a highly competitive industry. Changes in the sources and intensity of competition in the industry in which we operate may impact the demand for our services and may also result in additional pricing pressure. Heightened industry competition could adversely affect our business operations by impacting our contractor selection and purchasing power for parts, appliances and home systems. Regional and local competitors operating in a limited geographic area may have lower labor, employee benefits and overhead costs than us. The principal measures of competition in our business include customer service, brand awareness and reputation, fairness of contract terms, including contract price and coverage scope, contractor network and quality, technical expertise and speed of service. We may be unable to compete successfully against current or future competitors, and the competitive pressures that we face may result in reduced demand for our services, reduced pricing and other adverse impacts to our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Sales & Marketing2 | 5.1%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
We depend on our renewal channel for a substantial percentage of our sales.
Our third and largest home warranty sales channel is our renewal channel. Sales in this channel are dependent upon the flow of sales from our first-year real estate and DTC channels, as well as our customers' perceptions of the value of our home warranties, and accordingly, their willingness to renew their plans. Any decrease in sales from period to period in our real estate and DTC channels may have a negative impact on future growth opportunities in our renewal channel. Whether existing customers choose to renew their home warranties is driven by both external factors such as macroeconomic conditions our reputation and actions of our competitors, as well as internal factors such as their experience with our home warranties, including whether they have used their home warranties and their satisfaction with any services we provided, and how they perceive the value of our home warranties in light of the cost of a renewal.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
Changed
Marketing efforts to increase sales through our real estate and DTC channels may not be successful or cost-effective.
Attracting consumers, professional contractor firms and real estate brokers to our brands and businesses involves considerable expenditures for marketing. We have made, and expect to continue to make, significant expenditures on branding, app and website design, marketing partnerships, search engine marketing, content marketing, social media, direct mail, broadcast, television, radio, print advertisements and telemarketing. These efforts may not be successful or cost-effective. Historically, we have had to increase marketing expenditures over time to attract and retain customers and professional contractors and sustain growth. With respect to our marketing efforts, we may also include certain discounts or other promotional rates in order to attract and retain customers. These efforts may require increasing amounts or be offered at increasing frequency over time. Certain factors including the nature and type of our services offered, potential and existing customers' perception of the value of our services, and other macroeconomic factors like general economic conditions and consumer sentiment may impact our efforts. These efforts may not be successful or cost-effective or remain effective over time. With respect to our online marketing efforts, rapid and frequent changes in the pricing and operating dynamics of search engines, as well as changing policies and guidelines applicable to keyword advertising (which may unilaterally be updated by search engines without advance notice), could adversely affect our paid search engine marketing efforts and free search engine traffic. Such changes could adversely affect paid listings (both their placement and pricing), as well as the ranking of our brands and businesses within paid and organic search results, any or all of which could increase our marketing expenditures (particularly if free traffic is replaced with paid traffic). In addition, evolving consumer behavior can affect the availability of profitable marketing opportunities. For example, as traditional television viewership declines and media is increasingly consumed through various digital means, the reach of traditional advertising channels is contracting, and the number of digital advertising channels is expanding. To continue to reach and engage with customers and professional contractors and grow in this environment, we will need to identify and devote more of our overall marketing expenditures to newer digital advertising channels (such as social media, online video and other digital platforms), as well as target customers, professional contractors and real estate brokers via these channels. Generally, the opportunities in (and the sophistication of) newer advertising channels are undeveloped and unproven relative to traditional channels, which could make it difficult for us to assess returns on our marketing investment in newer channels. Additionally, as we increasingly depend on newer digital channels for traffic, these efforts will involve challenges and risks similar to those we face in connection with our search engine marketing efforts. We also enter into various third-party affiliate agreements in an effort to drive traffic to our various brands and businesses. These arrangements are generally more cost-effective than traditional marketing efforts. If we are unable to renew existing and enter into new arrangements of this nature, our sales and marketing as a percentage of revenue could increase. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to continue to appropriately manage our marketing efforts in response to any or all of the events and trends discussed above, and the failure to do so could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial position, results of operations and cash flow.
Brand / Reputation1 | 2.6%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
The use of social media by us and other parties could result in damage to our reputation or otherwise adversely affect us.
We increasingly utilize social media to communicate with current and potential customers, contractors, real estate brokers and employees, as well as other individuals interested in us. Information delivered by us, or by third parties about us, via social media can be easily accessed and rapidly disseminated, and any such information that is not deemed appropriate by the public could result in reputational harm, decreased customer loyalty or other issues that could diminish the value of our brand or result in significant liability.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 3/39 (8%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment1 | 2.6%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Changed
Changing macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, tariffs, global supply chain challenges and changing interest rates, especially as they may affect existing or new home sales, consumer confidence, labor availability or our costs, may adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our results of operations are dependent upon consumer spending. Changes in general economic conditions and consumer confidence, particularly in our largest regions-California, Florida and Texas-could adversely affect the demand for our services. Consumer spending and confidence tend to decline during times of declining economic conditions. Unfavorable changes in economic conditions, which are typically beyond our control, including without limitation, as a result of weak existing or new home sales, higher home foreclosures, inflation, tariff policies, restriction on imports of components and raw materials applicable to our business, slowing growth, rising interest rates, recession, changes in the political climate, international conflict, supply chain or labor market disruptions, banking or financial market disruptions, declining consumer confidence, rising unemployment rates, pandemics or other global health crises or other adverse changes, could adversely affect consumer spending levels, our costs, reduce demand for our services and adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. While the Federal Reserve decreased interest rates in September, November and December of 2024, it held interest rates unchanged in January 2025. The sustained level of higher interest rates has caused buyer apprehension and affordability concerns, resulting in a decrease in home sales in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and has negatively impacted our business. Although the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates in 2024, it has paused this approach to-date in 2025, and the trajectory of current rates remains uncertain. Changing interest rates could continue to affect mortgage rates and negatively impact our business.
International Operations1 | 2.6%
International Operations - Risk 1
Our operations outside the United States are subject to special risks that could adversely affect us.
We derive substantially all of our revenue from customers in the United States; however, certain aspects of our customer service operations and other services are conducted outside the United States by business process outsource providers in Colombia, Ghana, Guyana, Mexico, the Philippines and Trinidad and Tobago, and we have a technology collaboration center in India. Accordingly, developments in those parts of the world generally have a more significant effect on our operations than developments in other places. Our operations outside the United States are also subject to special risks, including: fluctuations in currency values and foreign-currency exchange rates, which may affect our net income and the carrying amount of our assets outside the United States; exchange control regulations; changes in local political or economic conditions; other potentially detrimental domestic and foreign governmental practice or policies affecting U.S. companies operating abroad; difficulties in staffing and managing international political instability, operations; and operational and compliance challenges resulting from distance, language and cultural differences. Acts of God, war, terror acts and pandemics or other public health crises, such as COVID-19, may impair our ability to operate or the ability of our business process outsource providers to operate, in particular countries or regions.
Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 2.6%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Changed
Weather, including the frequency and intensity of weather conditions, natural disasters and seasonality, as well as related regulations, can affect the demand for our services, our ability to operate and our results of operations and cash flows.
The demand for our services, and our results of operations, are affected by the frequency and intensity of weather conditions and seasonality. Seasonality causes our results of operations to vary considerably from quarter to quarter. Accordingly, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year. Extreme temperatures, typically in the winter and summer months, can lead to an increase in home warranty service requests related to home systems, particularly HVAC systems, resulting in higher costs and lower profitability, while mild temperatures in the winter or summer months can lead to lower home systems claim frequency, resulting in lower costs and higher profitability. For example, favorable weather trends in 2024 as compared to 2023 resulted in a lower number of home warranty service requests per customer, which favorably impacted contract claims costs. Major weather events and other similar Acts of God, or natural disasters such as typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or earthquakes, may affect the demand for our services and our results of operations. Such weather events could affect our facilities, or those of our major suppliers or business process outsource providers, which could affect our costs, our ability to meet supply requirements, our ability to provide services and our ability to access our data and other records. Extreme or unpredictable weather conditions could materially adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Nevertheless, while weather variations as described above may affect our business, costs and repairs, major weather events and other similar Acts of God, or natural disasters are typically addressed by homeowners' and other forms of insurance as opposed to the home warranties that we offer and therefore do not increase our obligations to provide service. New environmental regulations or interpretations of existing laws may result in enhanced disclosure obligations, which could negatively affect us and materially increase our regulatory burden. Increased regulations generally increase our costs, and we could continue to experience higher costs if new laws require us to spend more time, hire additional personnel or buy new technology to comply effectively. New environmental regulations or guidance, as well as the perspectives of shareholders, employees and other stakeholders regarding these standards, may affect our business activities and operations, or increase disclosure and compliance requirements, which may increase our costs.
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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