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Genius Group Limited (GNS)
XASE:GNS
Risk Overview Q4, 2023
Risk Distribution
31% Finance & Corporate
26% Legal & Regulatory
18% Ability to Sell
11% Tech & Innovation
8% Macro & Political
6% Production
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Genius Group Limited Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2023
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 19 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 19 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
62
-17
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
62
-17
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
17Risks removed
16Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
0Risks added
17Risks removed
16Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
Number of Risk Changed
16
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
16
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Genius Group Limited 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 62
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 19/62 (31%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights9 | 14.5%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our ordinary shares adversely, our share price and/or trading volume could decline.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
A significant portion of our total outstanding shares may be sold into the public market in the near future, which could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.The price of our ordinary shares could decline if there are substantial sales of our ordinary shares, particularly sales by our directors, executive officers and significant shareholders, or if there is a large number of shares of our ordinary shares available for sale. All of the ordinary shares sold in our IPO are currently available for sale in the public market. Substantially all of our remaining outstanding ordinary shares are currently restricted from resale as a result of market standoff and "lock-up" agreements.
The market price of our ordinary shares could decline as a result of the sale of a substantial number of ordinary shares in the public market or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell their shares.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Our share price may be volatile, and the market price of our ordinary shares may drop below the price you pay.Market prices for securities of newly public companies have historically been particularly volatile in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. As a result of this volatility, you may not be able to sell your ordinary shares at or above the price you pay for your shares. Some of the factors that may cause the market price for our ordinary shares to fluctuate include:
? Actual or anticipated fluctuations in our key operating metrics, financial condition and operating results; ? Loss of current long-term contracts; ? Actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate; ? Competitors developing more advanced technology attracting our customers; ? Our announcement of actual results for a fiscal period that are lower than projected or expected or our announcement of revenue or earnings guidance that is lower than expected; ? Changes in estimates of our financial results or recommendations by securities analysts; ? Changes in market valuations of similar companies; ? Changes in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of debt; ? Announcements by us or our competitors of significant products or services, contracts, acquisitions or strategic alliances; ? Regulatory developments in Singapore, the United States or other countries; ? Actual or threatened litigation involving us or our industry; ? Additions or departures of key personnel; ? General trends in the education industry as a whole; ? Share price and volume fluctuations attributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of our shares;? Further issuances of ordinary shares by us; ? Sales or ordinary shares by our shareholders; ? Repurchases of ordinary shares; and ? Changes in general economic, industry and market conditions.
In addition, the stock market in general, and the market for education companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company's securities. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in very substantial costs, divert our management's attention and resources, and harm our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, recent fluctuations in the financial and capital markets have resulted in volatility in securities prices.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.We are an "emerging growth company" within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our shareholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our ordinary shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any December 31 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31. We cannot predict whether investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards.
The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Subject to the general authority to allot and issue new ordinary shares provided by our shareholders, the Singapore Companies Act and our constitution, our directors may allot and issue new ordinary shares on terms and conditions and for such purposes as may be determined by our Board in its sole discretion.Under Singapore law, we may only allot and issue new shares with the prior approval of our shareholders in a general meeting. Subject to the general authority to allot and issue new ordinary shares provided by our shareholders, the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act and our constitution, we may allot and issue new ordinary shares on such terms and conditions and for such purposes as may be determined by our Board in its sole discretion. Any additional issuances of new ordinary shares may dilute our shareholders' percentage ownership interests in our ordinary shares and/or adversely impact the market price of our ordinary shares.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
We are incorporated in Singapore and our shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests than they would as shareholders of a corporation incorporated in the United States.Our corporate affairs are governed by our constitution and by the laws governing companies incorporated in Singapore. The rights of our shareholders and the responsibilities of our Board members under Singapore law may be different from those applicable to a corporation incorporated in the United States in material respects. Principal shareholders of Singapore companies do not owe fiduciary duties to minority shareholders, as compared, for example, to controlling shareholders in corporations incorporated in Delaware. Our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in connection with actions taken by our management, our Board members or our principal shareholders than they would as shareholders of a corporation incorporated in the United States.
In addition, only persons who are registered as shareholders in our register of members are recognized under Singapore law as shareholders of our Company. Only registered shareholders have legal standing to institute shareholder actions against us or otherwise seek to enforce their rights as shareholders. Investors in our shares who are not specifically registered as shareholders in our register of members (for example, where such shareholders hold shares indirectly through the Depository Trust Company) are required to become registered as shareholders in our register of members in order to institute or enforce any legal proceedings or claims against us, our directors or our executive officers relating to shareholder rights. Holders of book-entry interests in our shares may become registered shareholders by exchanging their book-entry interests in our shares for certificated shares and being registered in our register of members. Such process could result in administrative delays which may be prejudicial to any legal proceeding or enforcement action.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
We may lose our foreign private issuer status, which would then require us to comply with the Exchange Act's domestic reporting regime and cause us to incur additional legal, accounting and other expenses.In order to maintain our current status as a foreign private issuer, either (1) a majority of our ordinary shares must be either directly or indirectly owned of record by non-residents of the United States or (2) (a) a majority of our executive officers or directors must not be U.S. citizens or residents, (b) more than 50 percent of our assets cannot be located in the United States and (c) our business must be administered principally outside the United States. If we lost this status, we would be required to comply with the Exchange Act reporting and other requirements applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, which are more detailed and extensive than the requirements for foreign private issuers, including, but not limited to preparing our financial statements under GAAP. We may also be required to make changes in our corporate governance practices in accordance with various SEC rules and the NYSE American and Upstream listing standards. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws if we are required to comply with the reporting requirements applicable to a U.S. domestic issuer may be higher than the cost we would incur as a foreign private issuer. As a result, we expect that a loss of foreign private issuer status would increase our legal and financial compliance costs. We also expect that if we were required to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, it would make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. These rules and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified Board members.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain requirements under the NYSE American listing standards. This may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares than U.S. regulations.As a foreign private issuer whose ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE American, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain requirements under the NYSE American listing standards. A foreign private issuer must disclose in its Annual Reports filed with the SEC each requirement under the NYSE American listing standards with which it does not comply, followed by a description of its applicable home country practice. Our home country practices in Singapore may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares. We may rely on exemptions available under the NYSE American listing standards to a foreign private issuer and follow our home country practices in the future, and as a result, you may not be provided with the benefits of certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE American listing standards. As of the time of our listing on the NYSE American, we intend to rely on such an exemption with respect to our quorum requirement for shareholder meetings, such that we will not be in compliance with the NYSE American's standard of a quorum of at least 33 1/3% of shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
If we are not able to comply with the applicable continued listing requirements or standards of the NYSE American , the NYSE American could delist our ordinary shares.Changed
Our ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE American. In order to maintain that listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and other continued listing requirements and standards, including those regarding director independence and independent committee requirements, minimum shareholders' equity, minimum share price, and certain corporate governance requirements. There can be no assurances that we will be able to comply with the applicable listing standards. If the NYSE American were to delist our ordinary shares, it would be more difficult for our shareholders to dispose of our ordinary shares and more difficult to obtain accurate price quotations on our ordinary shares. Our ability to issue additional securities for financing or other purposes, or otherwise to arrange for any financing we may need in the future, may also be materially and adversely affected if our ordinary shares are not listed on a national securities exchange.
Accounting & Financial Operations4 | 6.5%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We are a growing company with a limited operating history, and a history of operational losses. If we fail to achieve further marketplace acceptance for our products and services, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We currently report our financial results under IFRS, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP.Currently we report our financial statements under IFRS. There have been and there may in the future be certain significant differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, including differences related to revenue recognition, share-based compensation expense, income tax and earnings per share. As a result, our financial information and reported earnings for historical or future periods could be significantly different if they were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, we do not intend to provide a reconciliation between IFRS and U.S. GAAP unless it is required under applicable law. As a result, you may not be able to meaningfully compare our financial statements under IFRS with those companies that prepare financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
We may not pay dividends on our ordinary shares in the future and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our ordinary shares.We do not currently expect to pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares. Any future dividend payments are within the absolute discretion of our Board and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, financial condition, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends, business opportunities, anticipated cash needs, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our Board may deem relevant. Consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our ordinary shares.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting in the future, we may not be able to accurately report our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, which may adversely affect investor confidence.The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. We are required, under SOX 404, to perform system and process evaluations and testing of internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report annually on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. This assessment requires disclosure of any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified by management. SOX 404 also generally requires an attestation from our independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. However, as long as we remain an emerging growth company ("EGC"), we intend to take advantage of the exemption permitting it not to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement.
At the time when we are no longer an EGC, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which we control are documented, designed or operating. Remediation efforts may not enable us to avoid a material weakness in the future.
Compliance with SOX 404 requires the incurrence of substantial accounting expense and consumes significant management efforts. We may not be able to complete evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. During the evaluation and testing process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective. We cannot assure you that there will not be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. Any failure to maintain internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit its ability to accurately report financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If we are unable to conclude that internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm determines we have a material weakness or significant deficiency in internal control over financial reporting, it could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our ordinary shares could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the NYSE American, Upstream, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Failure to remedy any material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, or to implement or maintain other effective control systems required of public companies, could also restrict future access to the capital markets.
Debt & Financing1 | 1.6%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
In the future, our ability to raise additional capital to expand our operations and invest in our business may be limited, and our failure to raise additional capital, if required, could impair our business.Corporate Activity and Growth5 | 8.1%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We incur significantly increased costs and devote substantial management time as a result of operating as a public company.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Our growth plans for our Genius Company, E-Square, and our plans to expand into the primary school and high school markets will be a complex and lengthy process where future success is not assured.Changed
We believe that the growth of our Genius Companies has been supported by our strategy of focusing on adult entrepreneur training where government regulation and curriculum requirements are far more relaxed than in the primary school and high school sectors. We believe the main reason that there has not been a well- known and well-branded new global curriculum developed and accepted internationally since the International Baccalaureate system in 1968 is the complex combination of government regulations, accreditations and curriculum standards that must be met across multiple countries, together with the varying expectations of parents, students, employers, colleges and universities as to what these schools must deliver.
We have a staged growth plan which we explain in the "Our Genius Curriculum" section in this Annual Report, in which we plan to begin by providing E-Square's courses as supplementary courses to the existing school system, delivered on the GeniusU platform, and in which we view our aspiration of delivering our Genius Curriculum as a potential replacement option to the existing primary school and high school system in countries we expand to, similar to how E-Square operates in South Africa, as a longer term goal. However, this plan may be more complex and lengthier than we anticipate and based on the obstacles we face in the future as we expand globally the future success of E-Square's growth is not assured.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
If our growth rate decelerates significantly, our prospects and financial results would be adversely affected, preventing us from achieving profitability.We believe that our growth depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to:
? Integrate the Group Companies and future acquisitions into the Group;? Continue to introduce our products and services to new markets; ? Provide high-quality support to students and partnerships using our products and services; ? Expand our business and increase our market share; ? Compete with the products, services, offers, prices and incentives offered by our competitors; ? Develop new products, services, offerings and technologies; ? Identify and acquire or invest in businesses, products, offerings or technologies that we believe may be able to complement or expand our platform; and ? Increase the positive perception of our brands.
We may not be successful in achieving the above objectives. Any slowdown in the demand from students, teachers, mentors, and partnerships for our products and services caused by changes in customer preferences, failure to maintain our brands, inability to expand our portfolio of products or services, changes in the global economy, taxes, competition or other factors may lead to a decrease in revenue or growth and our financial results and future prospects could be negatively affected. We expect that we will continue to incur significant expenses as a result of our efforts to continue growing, and if we cannot increase our revenue at a faster rate than the increase in our expenses, we will not be able to achieve profitability.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
Our growth may have a negative effect on the successful expansion of our business, on our people management, and on the increase in complexity of our software and platforms.We are currently experiencing a period of significant expansion and are facing a number of expansion related issues, such as the acquisition and retention of experienced and talented personnel, cash flow management, corporate culture and internal controls, among others. These issues and the significant amount of time spent on addressing them may result in the diversion of our management's attention from other business issues and opportunities.
We anticipate that these expansion related issues will increase with our Group Companies and future growth. In addition, we believe that our corporate culture and values are critical to our success, and we have invested a significant amount of time and resources building them. If we fail to preserve our corporate culture and values, our ability to recruit, retain and develop personnel and to effectively implement our strategic plans may be harmed.
We must constantly update our software and platforms, enhance and improve our billing and transaction and other business systems, and add and train new software designers and engineers, as well as other personnel to help us with the increased use of our platforms and the new solutions and features we regularly introduce.
This process is time intensive and expensive and may lead to higher costs in the future. Furthermore, we may need to enter into relationships with various strategic partners, such as online service providers and other third parties necessary to our business. The increased complexity of managing multiple commercial relationships could lead to execution problems that can affect current and future revenue, and operating margins.
We cannot assure you that our current and planned platforms, systems, products, procedures and controls, personnel and third-party relationships will be adequate to support our future operations. In addition, our current expansion has placed a significant strain on management and on our operational and financial resources, and this strain is expected to continue. Our failure to manage growth effectively could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
As we have completed the acquisition of our Group Companies, we may continue to pursue other strategic acquisitions or investments. The failure of an acquisition or investment (including but not limited to the Group Companies) to be completed or to produce the anticipated results, or the inability to fully integrate an acquired company, could harm our business.Changed
We may from time to time, as opportunities arise or economic conditions permit, acquire or invest in complementary companies or businesses as part of our strategy to expand our operations, including through acquisitions or investments that may be material in size and/or of strategic relevance. The success of an acquisition or investment will depend on our ability to make accurate assumptions regarding the valuation, operations, growth potential, integration and other factors related to that business. We cannot assure you that our acquisitions or investments will produce the results that we expect at the time we enter into or complete a given transaction.
Any acquisition or investment involves a series of risks and challenges that could adversely affect our business, including the failure of such acquisition to contribute to our commercial strategy or improve our image. We may be unable to generate the expected returns and synergies on our investments. In addition, the amortization of acquired intangible assets could decrease our net profit and potential dividends. We may face challenges in integrating acquired companies, which may result in the diversion of our capital and our management's attention from other business issues and opportunities. We may be unable to create and implement uniform and effective controls, procedures and policies, and we may incur increased costs for integrating systems, people, distribution methods or operating procedures.
We may also be unable to integrate technologies of acquired businesses or retain key customers, executives and staff of the businesses acquired. In particular, we may face challenges in integrating staff working across different geographies and that may be accustomed to different corporate cultures, which would result in strained relations among existing and new personnel. We could also face challenges in negotiating favorable collective bargaining agreements with unions due to differences in the negotiating procedures used in different regions. Finally, we may pursue acquisitions where we acquire a majority stake in such acquisition, but with significant minority investors, or we may become minority investors in certain operations, wherein our ability to effectively control and manage the business may be limited. If we are unable to manage growth through acquisitions, our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
In addition, in connection with any future acquisition, we may face liabilities for contingencies related to, among others, (1) legal and/or administrative proceedings of the acquired company, including civil, regulatory, labor, tax, social security, environmental and intellectual property proceedings, and (2) financial, reputational and technical problems including those related to accounting practices, disclosures in financial statements and internal controls, as well as other regulatory issues. These contingencies may not have been identified prior to the acquisition and may not be sufficiently indemnifiable under the terms of the relevant acquisition agreement, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Even if contingencies are indemnifiable under the relevant acquisition agreement, the agreed levels of indemnity may not be sufficient to cover actual contingencies as they materialize.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 16/62 (26%)Above Sector Average
Regulation8 | 12.9%
Regulation - Risk 1
Public perception and regulatory changes in the primary school and secondary school systems in countries that E-Square may expand to may have a materially adverse impact on the company.Regulation - Risk 2
Regulatory changes that affect the timing of government-sponsored student aid payments or receipt of government-sponsored financial aid could materially adversely affect our liquidity.Education Angels receives funding from the New Zealand. Education Angels receives funding from the New Zealand Government for 50% of educator fees based on approval by the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
Should the New Zealand government, or in the countries of future acquisitions, change regulations that impact the timing or receipt of government-sponsored student aid, this could materially adversely affect our liquidity as well as our business and results of operations, and in turn affect our enrolment numbers.
Regulation - Risk 3
Our Group Companies are subject to uncertain and varying laws and regulations, and any changes to these laws or regulations may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.Changed
Three of our Acquisitions are regulated to varying degrees and in different ways in each of the countries in which we operate an institution: Education Angels, E-Square and UAV have licenses, approvals, authorizations, or accreditations from various governmental authorities and accrediting bodies. These licenses, approvals, authorizations, and accreditations must be renewed periodically, usually after an evaluation of the institution by the relevant governmental authorities or accrediting bodies. These periodic evaluations could result in limitations, restrictions, conditions, or withdrawal of such licenses, approvals, authorizations or accreditations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, once licensed, approved, authorized or accredited, some of our institutions may need approvals for new campuses or to add new degree programs.
All of these regulations and their applicable interpretations are subject to change based on changing rules and regulations over time in each country where we operate. Changes in applicable regulations may cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 4
The course content of our Genius Company, PIN, requires ongoing updating based on the current government regulations and market conditions of the property market.Changed
The core course content delivered has historically been focused on entrepreneur skills, and while the courses are refreshed annually, the majority of the leadership, sales, marketing, team development and financial management skills that are taught remain relevant from one year to the next. Our Acquisition, PIN, has thrived by running courses and events where students can learn the most current strategies that property investors are applying effectively to build their property portfolio. These strategies tend to be more dynamic based on changing market trends, interest rates, financing opportunities and changes in government policies, incentives and restrictions.
While this has historically been an opportunity for PIN, as its locally based city event model led by experienced property investors has enabled it to deliver more relevant, up-to-date training and information than nationally delivered property investing courses, this requirement to continually update and localize course content is a risk to the growth of PIN. If the company fails to innovate or maintain its relevance in its course content, this may negatively affect the company's financial conditions and results of operation.
Regulation - Risk 5
Growing the certified education courses offered by our Group Companies could be difficult for us.Changed
We anticipate significant future growth from online courses we offer to students on GeniusU, integrating with our Group Companies. The expansion of our existing online programs, the creation of new online programs and the development of new fully online or hybrid programs may not be accepted by students or our partners, or by government regulators or accreditation agencies. In addition, our efforts may be materially adversely affected by increased competition in the online education market or because of problems with the performance or reliability of our online program infrastructure. There is also increasing development of certified online programs by traditional schools universities, both in the public and private sectors, which may have more consumer acceptance than programs we develop, because of lower pricing or greater perception of value of their degrees in the marketplace, which may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 6
Singapore take-over laws contain provisions that may vary from those in other jurisdictions.The Singapore Take-over Code applies to, among others, corporations with a primary listing of their equity securities in Singapore. While the Singapore Take-over Code is drafted with, among others, listed public companies in mind, unlisted public companies with more than 50 (fifty) shareholders and net tangible assets of S$5.0 million or more, must also observe the letter and spirit of the general principles and rules of the Singapore Take-over Code, wherever this is possible and appropriate. Public companies with a primary listing overseas may apply to Securities Industry Council ("SIC") to waive the application of the Singapore Take-over Code. As at the date of this Annual Report, no application has been made to SIC to waive the application of the Singapore Take-over Code in relation to us.
In this regard, the Singapore Take-over Code contains certain provisions that may possibly delay, deter or prevent a future take-over or change in control of us. Under the Singapore Take-over Code, except with the consent of the SIC, any person acquiring an interest, whether by a series of transactions over a period of time or not, either on his own or together with parties acting in concert with him, in 30% or more of our voting shares is required to extend a take-over offer for all remaining voting shares in accordance with the procedural and other requirements under the Singapore Take-over Code. Except with the consent of the SIC, such a take-over offer is also required to be made if a person holding between 30% and 50% (both inclusive) of our voting shares, either on his own or together with parties acting in concert with him, acquires additional voting shares representing more than 1% of our voting shares in any six-month period. While the Singapore Take-over Code seeks to ensure an equality of treatment among shareholders in take-over or merger situations, its provisions could substantially impede the ability of our shareholders to benefit from a change of control and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares and the ability to realize any benefits from a potential change of control.
Regulation - Risk 7
We are subject to the laws of Singapore, which differ in certain material respects from the laws of the United States.As a company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Singapore, we are required to comply with the laws of Singapore, certain of which are capable of extra-territorial application, as well as our constitution. In particular, we are required to comply with certain provisions of the SFA, which prohibit certain forms of market conduct and information disclosures, and impose criminal and civil penalties on corporations, directors and officers in respect of any breach of such provisions. In addition, the Singapore Code on Take-overs and Mergers (the "Singapore Take-over Code"), specifies, among other things, certain circumstances in which a general offer is to be made upon a change in control of a Singapore-incorporated public company, and further specifies the manner and price at which voluntary and mandatory general offers are to be made.
The laws of Singapore and of the United States differ in certain significant respects. The rights of our shareholders and the obligations of our directors and officers under Singapore law may be different from those applicable to a company incorporated in the State of Delaware in material respects, and our shareholders may have more difficulty and less clarity in protecting their interests in connection with actions taken by our management, members of our board of directors or our controlling shareholders than would otherwise apply to a company incorporated in the State of Delaware. See "Comparison of Shareholder Rights" for a discussion of certain differences between Singapore and Delaware corporation law.
In addition, the application of Singapore law, in particular, the Companies Act 1967 of Singapore (the "Singapore Companies Act"), may, in certain circumstances, impose more restrictions on us, our shareholders, directors and officers than would otherwise be applicable to a company incorporated in the State of Delaware. For example, the Singapore Companies Act requires a director to act with a reasonable degree of diligence in the discharge of the duties of his office and, in certain circumstances, imposes criminal liability for specified contraventions of particular statutory requirements or prohibitions. In addition, pursuant to the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, shareholders holding 10% or more of the total number of paid-up shares as at the date of the deposit carrying the right of voting at general meetings (disregarding paid-up shares held as treasury shares) may by depositing a requisition, require our directors to convene an extraordinary general meeting. If our directors do not within 21 days after the date of deposit of the requisition proceed to convene a meeting, the requisitioning shareholders, or any of them representing more than 50% of the total voting rights represented of all of them, may proceed to convene such meeting, and we will be liable for the reasonable expenses incurred by such requisitioning shareholders. We are also required by the Singapore Companies Act to deduct corresponding amounts from fees or other remuneration payable by us to such of the directors as are in default.
Regulation - Risk 8
As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less detailed than those of a U.S. issuer.We report under the Exchange Act as a foreign private issuer. Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we will be exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. public companies, including: the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information, or current reports on Form 8-K, upon the occurrence of specified significant events. In addition, we will not be required to provide as detailed disclosure as a U.S. registrant, particularly in the area of executive compensation. It is possible that some investors may not be as interested in investing in our ordinary shares as the securities of a U.S. registrant that is required to provide more frequent and detailed disclosure in certain areas, which could adversely affect our share price.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities4 | 6.5%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We are a Singapore incorporated company and it may be difficult to enforce a judgment of U.S. courts for civil liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws against us, our directors or officers in Singapore.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
We are susceptible to the illegal or improper use of our content, Edtech and platform (whether from students, teachers, mentors, management personnel and other employees, or third parties), or other forms of misconduct, which could expose us to liability and damage our business and brand.Our content, Edtech and platform are susceptible to unauthorized use, software license violations, copyright violations and unauthorized copying and distribution, theft, employee fraud and other similar infractions and violations. Because we do not have full control over how even authorized users will use our online platforms to communicate, such platforms may be misused for improper, malicious, objectionable or illegal purposes. Such occurrences (whether originating from students, teachers, mentors, management personnel and other employees, or third parties) can harm our business and consequently negatively affect our operating results. We could be required to expend significant additional resources to deter, police against and combat improper use of our content, Edtech and platform, and still may be unsuccessful in preventing such occurrences or identifying those responsible for any such misuse. Any failure to adequately protect against any such illegal or improper use of our content, Edtech and platform could expose us to liability or reputational harm and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our brand image, reputation, business and results of operations may also be adversely affected by other forms of illegal or improper activities of our management personnel and other employees, such as intentionally failing to comply with government regulations, engaging in deceptive business and marketing practices, improper use of personal or sensitive information, or violations of anticorruption or similar laws. The precautions we take to prevent and detect such activities may not be effective in preventing or mitigating them. Even where such activities are unrelated to our business or the services provided by our management personnel or other employees to us, they may harm our brands and reputation.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3
We may be subject to legal liability resulting from the actions of third parties, including independent contractors and teachers, which could cause us to incur substantial costs and damage our reputation.We may be subject, directly or indirectly, to legal claims associated with the actions of our independent contractors, teachers, and mentors. In the event of accidents or injuries or other harm to students, we could face claims alleging that we were negligent, provided inadequate supervision or were otherwise liable for their injuries. Additionally, we could face claims alleging that our independent curriculum contractors or teachers infringed the intellectual property rights of third parties. A liability claim against us or any of our independent contractors, teachers, or mentors could adversely affect our reputation, enrollment and revenues. Even if unsuccessful, such a claim could create unfavorable publicity, cause us to incur substantial expenses and divert the time and attention of management.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 4
We cannot assure you that we will not be subject to liability claims for any inaccurate or inappropriate content in our training programs, which could cause us to incur legal costs and damage our reputation.We develop the content for our training programs ourselves or through partnerships with third parties. We cannot assure you that there will be no inaccurate or inappropriate materials included in our training programs or the materials we obtain from our third-party partners. In addition, our mock examination questions designed internally based on our understanding of the relevant examination requirements may be investigated by the regulatory authorities. Therefore, we may face civil, administrative or criminal liability if an individual or corporate, governmental or other entity believes that the content of any of our training programs violate any laws, regulations or governmental policies or infringes upon its legal rights. Even if such claim were not successful, defending it may cause us to incur substantial costs including the time and attention of our management. Moreover, any accusation of inaccurate or inappropriate content could lead to significant negative publicity, which could harm our reputation and future business prospects.
Taxation & Government Incentives4 | 6.5%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Taxing authorities may successfully assert that we have not properly collected or remitted, or in the future should collect or remit, sales and use, gross receipts, value added, or similar taxes, or employment, payroll, or withholding taxes, and may successfully impose additional obligations on us, and any such assessments, obligations, or inaccuracies could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
Tax authorities could challenge the allocation of income and deductions among our subsidiaries, which could increase our overall tax liability.We are organized in Singapore, and we currently have subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa, and Indonesia. As we grow our business, we expect to conduct increased operations through our subsidiaries in various jurisdictions. If two or more affiliated companies are located in different jurisdictions, the tax laws or regulations of each country generally will require transactions between those affiliated companies to be conducted on terms consistent with those between unrelated companies dealing at arm's length, and appropriate documentation generally must be maintained to support the transfer prices. We maintain our transfer pricing policies to be compliant with applicable transfer pricing laws, but our transfer pricing procedures are not binding on applicable tax authorities.
If tax authorities were to successfully challenge our transfer pricing, there could be an increase in our overall tax liability, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate are subject to differing interpretations.
Tax authorities may challenge our tax positions, and if successful, such challenges could increase our overall tax liability. In addition, the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate are subject to change. We cannot predict the timing or content of such potential changes, and such changes could increase our overall tax liability, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
Singapore taxes may differ from the tax laws of other jurisdictions.Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning the overall tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of our shares. Singapore tax law may differ from the tax laws of other jurisdictions, including the United States.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 4
We may be or become a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders.The rules governing passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs") can have adverse effects for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The tests for determining PFIC status for a taxable year depend upon the relative values of certain categories of assets and the relative amounts of certain kinds of income. The determination of whether we are a PFIC, which must be made annually after the close of each taxable year, depends on the particular facts and circumstances (such as the valuation of our assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets) and may also be affected by the application of the PFIC rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. The fair market value of our assets is expected to relate, in part, to (a) the market price of our ordinary shares and (b) the composition of our income and assets, which will be affected by how, and how quickly, we spend any cash that is raised in any financing transaction. Moreover, our ability to earn specific types of income that we currently treat as non-passive for purposes of the PFIC rules is uncertain with respect to future years. Because the value of our assets for purposes of determining PFIC status will depend in part on the market price of our ordinary shares, which may fluctuate significantly. We do not expect to be a PFIC for our current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year.
If we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder (defined below) would be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences, such as ineligibility for any preferred tax rates on capital gains or on actual or deemed dividends, interest charges on certain taxes treated as deferred, and additional reporting requirements under U.S. federal income tax laws and regulations. A U.S. Holder may in certain circumstances mitigate adverse tax consequences of the PFIC rules by filing an election to treat the PFIC as a qualified electing fund ("QEF") or, if shares of the PFIC are "marketable stock" for purposes of the PFIC rules, by making a mark-to- market election with respect to the shares of the PFIC. We do not intend to comply with the reporting requirements necessary to permit U.S. Holders to elect to treat us as a QEF. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark- to-market election with respect to its ordinary shares, the U.S. Holder is in its U.S. federal taxable income an amount reflecting any year end increase in the value of its ordinary shares. For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust (a) if a court within the U.S. can exercise primary supervision over its administration, and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the substantial decisions of that trust, or (b) that was in existence on August 20, 1996, and validly elected under applicable Treasury Regulations to continue to be treated as a domestic trust.
Investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding all aspects of the application of the PFIC rules to the ordinary shares.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 11/62 (18%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 1.6%
Competition - Risk 1
There is significant competition in the market segments that we serve, and we expect such competition to increase; we may not be able to compete effectively.Demand3 | 4.8%
Demand - Risk 1
Our current success and future growth depend on the continued acceptance of the Internet and the corresponding growth in users seeking educational services on the Internet.Demand - Risk 2
Changes in the demand for childcare and workplace solutions, which may be negatively affected by demographic trends and economic conditions, including unemployment rates, may affect our Genius Company, Education Angels.Changed
The target market for our Genius Company, Education Angels, is dual-income families or working single parents who are seeking an early learning solution for their child that includes childcare. Different countries have different funding programs for early learning and childcare, but in most cases the parents are required to pay for some or all childcare services. As a result, Education Angels is and will continue to be dependent on this demographic segment to maintain and grow revenues. Changes in demographic trends, including the number of dual-income or working single parent families in the workforce, inflation, personal disposable income and birth rates may impact the demand for Education Angels' services.
Further, a deterioration of general economic conditions, including rising unemployment, may adversely impact the demand for our services due to the tendency of out-of-work parents to diminish or discontinue utilization of our services. Such changes could materially and adversely affect Education Angels' business and operating results.
Demand - Risk 3
Our curriculum and approach to instruction may not achieve widespread acceptance, which would limit our growth and profitability.Our curriculum and approach to instruction are based on students learning how to "create a job" rather than "get a job." The goal of this approach is to make students entrepreneurs. This approach, however, is not accepted by all students, academics and educators, who may favor more traditional and formalistic methods, along with more traditional course offerings and curriculums. Accordingly, some students, academics and educators are opposed to the principles and methodologies associated with our approach to learning and have the ability to negatively influence the market for our products and services.
Sales & Marketing2 | 3.2%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Failure to attract and retain students to enroll in our courses and programs, and to maintain tuition levels, may have a material adverse impact on our business and prospectsSales & Marketing - Risk 2
Change of users behavior may impact our ability to continue and gain interest around our generated content, which might translate to lower number of users and revenue.Changed
Revealed Films generates multiple content films during the year and sells them to specific audiences. Possible change of those user behaviors, who spend less time in front of digital media, might impact Revealed Film's ability to continue and generate interest around its newly published content which will translate to lower number of users and revenue. The possible decline in revenue may also reduce the planned investment in new content that supports our lifelong learning curriculum.
Brand / Reputation5 | 8.1%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
The reputation of PIN may be negatively influenced by the actions of other property investing training companies and courses.Brand / Reputation - Risk 2
The continued development of our brand identity is important to our business. If we are not able to maintain and enhance our brand, our business and operating results may suffer.Expanding brand awareness is critical to attracting and retaining students, teachers, and mentors, and for serving additional jurisdictions. We believe that the quality of our curriculum and management services has contributed significantly to the success of our brand. As we continue to increase enrollments and extend our geographic reach, maintaining quality and consistency across all of our services and products may become more difficult to achieve, and any significant and well-publicized failure to maintain this quality and consistency will have a detrimental effect on our brand. We cannot provide assurances that our new sales and marketing efforts will be successful in further promoting our brand in a competitive and cost-effective manner. If we are unable to further enhance our brand recognition and increase awareness of our products and services, or if we incur excessive sales and marketing expenses, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Each of our Group Companies has worked hard to establish the value of its individual brand. Brand value may be severely damaged, even by isolated incidents, particularly if the incidents receive considerable negative publicity. There has been a marked increase in use of social media platforms, including weblogs (blogs), social media websites, and other forms of Internet-based communications that allow individuals access to a broad audience of interested persons. We believe students and prospective teachers and mentors value readily available information about our companies and programs and often act on such information without further investigation or authentication, and without regard to its accuracy. Social media platforms and devices immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on the accuracy of the content posted. Information concerning our Company and our programs may be posted on such platforms and devices at any time. Information posted may be materially adverse to our interests, it may be inaccurate, and it may harm our performance and prospects.
The risk of damage or dilution of brand identity potentially increases during acquisitions, and this risk has increased since we have completed the acquisition of our Group Companies and may increase further as we are in the process of integration and expansion.
Brand / Reputation - Risk 3
The continued success of our Group Companies depends initially on the value of the local brands of each of the companies and how we integrate those brands with Genius Group and GeniusU, which may be materially adversely affected by changes in current and prospective students' perceptions post-acquisition.Changed
Each of our Group Companies has worked hard to establish the value of their individual brands. A merger or acquisition is a significant event in any company's history, which may cause concern or trigger potentially negative commentary or criticism whether by staff members, students or local communities. The perception of the changes and improvements we intend to implement with each Acquisition may have unintended consequences which impact on the current brand value and reputation of each Acquisition. This may be materially adverse to our interests, it may be inaccurate, and it may harm our performance, prospects and business.
Brand / Reputation - Risk 4
The changing public perception and changes to government policies with respect to private schools may have a materially adverse impact on our Group Companies and our overall plans to expand in the early learning, primary school, secondary school and university markets.Changed
The views taken by students, parents and the government on private schools vary from country to country and change over time. China imposed restrictions on education companies that operated private tuition centers and Edtech companies providing private tutors in 2021. This included a broad ban on private companies that teach the Chinese school curriculum from making profits, raising capital or going public. While China's actions against private education institutions did not directly impact our Group Companies, as less than 1% of group revenues is generated from Chinese students, it is an indication of the negative impact a country can impose on private education and there is a risk that other countries may follow a similar path. For example, the Indian government has expressed concern about the rapid growth of for- profit, private education in the country. While this has not yet led to any restrictive regulations, it has resulted in India's largest private Edtech startups setting up a self-regulatory industry group to draw up a code of conduct to present to the government.
In the United States, the Biden Administration has indicated that it wants higher scrutiny of for-profit colleges and universities to ensure higher standards are met in order to qualify for government funding. While there has not yet been any concrete actions taken by the government in this regard, should such actions be taken and imposed, this may materially adversely affect the revenues of our Acquisition, UAV, in the event the university is not able to meet any new standards imposed. Any other such restrictions imposed in the future by governments in the countries where we plan to expand to with our Group Companies, or any negative changes in public perception towards for-profit education companies in contrast to non-profit schools may negatively affect our Group Companies' business, financial condition and results of operation.
Brand / Reputation - Risk 5
The poor performance or reputation of other early learning schools or the industry as a whole could tarnish the reputation of our Genius Company, Education Angels, which could have a negative impact on its business.Changed
With reference specifically to our Genius Company, Education Angels, the company operates in a sector which does not have the same level of oversight as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education. For example, in most countries, including the U.S., license requirements to operate a childcare business vary from state to state, while education standards during early learning are relatively relaxed when compared to the accreditation and other standards required of primary schools, high schools and universities.
Similarly, while educators at primary school, high school and university must be qualified as faculty, the standards within early learning are more relaxed, with some childcare workers or assistants in the industry having few qualifications. This may result in poor performance of some early learning operators, or in the early learning industry as a whole suffering from a poor reputation, and this in turn my cause a material adverse effect on Education Angels' business and our ability to expand our early learning operations in certain countries or states.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 7/62 (11%)Above Sector Average
Innovation / R&D2 | 3.2%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
Our business may be materially adversely affected if we are not able to maintain or improve the content of our existing courses or to develop new courses on a timely basis and in a cost-effective manner.Innovation / R&D - Risk 2
Our growth strategy anticipates that we will create new products, services, and distribution channels and expand existing distribution channels. If we are unable to effectively manage these initiatives, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would be adversely affected.As we create new products, services, and distribution channels and expand our existing distribution channels, we expect to face challenges distinct from those we currently encounter, including:
? The challenge of tailoring new products and services to new technologies as they develop, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality; ? Additional local competition as we localize our products and services to different countries, cultures and languages, each with new, local distribution channels; ? Changing student habits as new distribution channels for learning content are developed globally; and ? Unpredictable market behavior as the education market develops new distribution channels for learning outside the traditional school system, including via online courses and virtual learning.
Our failure to manage these new distribution channels, or any new distribution channels we pursue, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Trade Secrets2 | 3.2%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
We must monitor and protect our Internet domain names to preserve their value.Trade Secrets - Risk 2
We may be sued for infringement of the intellectual property rights of others, and such actions would be costly to defend, could require us to pay damages and could limit our ability or increase our costs to use certain technologies in the future.Companies in the Internet, technology, education, curriculum and media industries own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. As we grow, the likelihood that we may be subject to such claims also increases. Regardless of the merits, intellectual property claims are often time- consuming and expensive to litigate or settle. In addition, to the extent claims against us are successful, we may have to pay substantial monetary damages or discontinue any of our products, services or practices that are found to be in violation of another party's rights. We also may have to seek a license and make royalty payments to continue offering our products and services or following such practices, which may significantly increase our operating expenses.
Cyber Security1 | 1.6%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
System disruptions, capacity constraints and vulnerability from cybersecurity and security risks to our online computer networks could impact our ability to generate revenues and damage our reputation, limiting our ability to attract and retain students.Changed
Technology2 | 3.2%
Technology - Risk 1
Our Edtech platform is technologically complex, and potential defects in our platforms or in updates to our platforms can be difficult or even impossible to fix.Technology - Risk 2
We may be unable to manage and adapt to changes in technology.We will need to respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards in a cost-effective and timely manner in order to remain competitive. The need to respond to technological changes may require us to make substantial, unanticipated expenditures. There can be no assurance that we will be able to respond successfully to technological change.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 5/62 (8%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment3 | 4.8%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Our business may be materially adversely affected by a general economic slowdown or recession.Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Our Genius Company, E-Square, may be negatively affected by the economic and political conditions in South Africa.Changed
Our Acquisition, E-Square, operates in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and relies on the ongoing economic health and political stability of that country. In recent years South Africa has been affected by a weak economy and political instability. This deterioration in conditions was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Such deterioration of general economic conditions, including rising inflation and unemployment, may decrease demand for E-Square's courses and services as parents opt for lower cost alternatives. Such changes could materially and adversely affect E-Square's business and operating results.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
Our business and operations may be adversely affected by economic uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets, including as a result of the military conflict in Ukraine and other parts of the world.Changed
Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by various factors that could cause economic uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets, many of which are beyond our control. Our business could be impacted by, among other things, downturns in the financial markets or in economic conditions, increases in oil prices, inflation, increases in interest rates or continued high rates, supply chain disruptions, declines in consumer confidence and spending, and geopolitical instability, such as the military conflict in the Ukraine and in the Middle East. We cannot at this time fully predict the likelihood of one or more of the above events, their duration or magnitude or the extent to which they may negatively impact our business.
International Operations2 | 3.2%
International Operations - Risk 1
We are a global business subject to complex economic, legal, political, tax, foreign currency and other risks associated with international operations, which risks may be difficult to adequately address.International Operations - Risk 2
The wide range of differences between the property markets in different countries may make it challenging for PIN to achieve its global expansion plan.While PIN has an online student base that is in 52 countries, it has historically operated its events and city-based investor communities only in the United Kingdom. This has been partly due to its focus on the United Kingdom market, and partly due to the complexities of providing specific, practical market knowledge of the property markets in different countries. Our plan is to expand PIN's locally based model to countries throughout the world with our GeniusU Edtech platform and global community. This plan is dependent on us replicating PIN's success in attracting locally based property investors and professionals who are willing to share their expertise, experience and opportunities in the countries we expand to. This may be more complex or take more time than we anticipate, which in turn may negatively affect our expansion plans and our results of operation.
Production
Total Risks: 4/62 (6%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 3.2%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Increases in labor costs, labor shortages, and any difficulties in attracting, motivating, and retaining well- qualified employees could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.Changed
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We may be unable to recruit, train and/or retain qualified teachers, mentors, and other skilled management and professionals.Changed
Effective teachers and mentors are critical to maintaining the quality of our learning system and curriculum and assisting students with their lessons. The educational content and materials we provide are a combination of content developed in-house, by our teachers, and our mentors. Teachers and mentors must have strong interpersonal communications skills to be able to effectively instruct students, especially in virtual settings. They must also possess the technical skills to use our technology-based learning systems and be willing to publish their content on our platform.
Our requirement for teachers at all levels has increased with the Group Companies completed. There is a limited pool of qualified individuals with these specialized attributes. We must also provide continuous training to teachers and mentors so that they can stay abreast of changes in student demands, academic standards and other key trends necessary to teach online effectively. We may not be able to recruit, train and retain enough qualified teachers and mentors to keep pace with our growth while maintaining consistent teaching quality and robust platform content.
Shortages of qualified teachers or mentors, or decreases in the quality of our instruction or the amount and quality of educational content we can produce and offer as a result, whether actual or perceived, would have an adverse effect on our business.
Our success also depends in large part on our senior management and key personnel as well as in general upon highly trained finance, technical, recruiting and marketing professionals in order to operate our business, increase revenues from our existing products and services and to launch new product offerings. If any of these employees leave us and we fail to effectively manage a transition to new personnel, or if there is a shortage in the number of people with the requisite skills or we fail to attract and retain qualified and experienced professionals on acceptable terms, our business, financial conditions and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Supply Chain1 | 1.6%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
If our partnerships are unable to maintain educational quality, we may be adversely affected.Costs1 | 1.6%
Costs - Risk 1
We may not have sufficient insurance to protect ourselves against substantial losses.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.