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Joint Corp (JYNT)
NASDAQ:JYNT
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Risk Overview Q3, 2024
Risk Distribution
34% Finance & Corporate
22% Ability to Sell
20% Legal & Regulatory
10% Tech & Innovation
10% Production
5% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Joint 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 Q3, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 14 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 14 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
41
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
41
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2024
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2024
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Joint 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 41
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 14/41 (34%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights4 | 9.8%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Our franchisees are independent operators over whom we have limited control.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Future sales of our common stock may depress our stock price and our share price may decline due to the large number of shares eligible for future sale or exchange.The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of common stock in the market or the perception that such sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, might also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. As of December 31, 2023, we had 14,751,633 outstanding shares of common stock and are authorized to sell up to 20,000,000 shares of common stock. The trading volume of shares of our common stock averaged approximately 136,520 shares per day during the year ended December 31, 2023. Accordingly, sales of even small amounts of shares of our common stock by existing stockholders may drive down the trading price of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Short-selling strategies and negative opinions posted on the internet may drive down the market price of our common stock and could result in class action lawsuits.Short selling occurs when an investor borrows a security and sells it on the open market, with the intention of buying identical securities at a later date to return to the lender. A short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares. Because it is in the short seller's best interests for the price of the stock to decline, some short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, opinions or characterizations regarding an issuer, its business prospects, and similar matters which may create a negative depiction of the company. This information is often widely distributed, including through platforms that mainly serve as hosts seeking advertising revenue. Issuers who have limited trading volumes and are thus susceptible to higher volatility levels than large-cap stocks can be particularly vulnerable to such short seller attacks.
We may be subject to short selling strategies that may drive down the market price of our common stock. In 2021, we were the target of negative allegations posted on an internet platform designed to advise short sellers, which precipitated a decline in the price of our stock. Shortly thereafter, several plaintiffs' law firms announced investigations into potential securities laws violations based on these allegations. While we believe these allegations are without merit, and no litigation has been commenced to date regarding such allegations, we still face the potential (albeit a diminishing one, given the passage of time) for litigation to be initiated against us. While we would vigorously defend against any such litigation, regardless of outcome, litigation can be costly and time-consuming, divert the attention of our management team, adversely impact our reputation and brand, and if a plaintiff claim were successful, could result in significant liability, all of which could harm our business and financial condition.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
The delayed filing of our quarterly report has made us currently ineligible to use a registration statement on Form S-3 to register the offer and sale of securities, which could adversely affect our ability to raise future capital or complete acquisitions.As a result of the delayed filing of our quarterly report with the SEC, we will not be eligible to register the offer and sale of our securities using a registration statement on Form S-3 until one year from the date we regain and maintain status as a current filer. Should we wish to register the offer and sale of our securities to the public prior to the time we are eligible to use Form S-3, both our transaction costs and the amount of time required to complete the transaction could increase, making it more difficult to execute any such transaction successfully and potentially harming our financial condition.
Accounting & Financial Operations6 | 14.6%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We have experienced net losses and may not achieve or sustain profitability in the future.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Our increased reliance on sources of revenue other than from company-owned or managed clinics exposes us to risks including the loss of revenue and reduction of working capital.As our portfolio of company-owned or managed clinics has matured, we have placed more reliance on revenues from company-owned or managed clinics. As we execute on our re-franchising strategy, we will place a greater reliance on revenue from franchise fees and royalties. As company-owned or managed clinics are sold to franchisees, the total amount of revenue will decrease. In addition, the length of time to complete the re-franchising efforts could be in excess of our current expectations, and result in increased levels of general and administrative expenses for longer than anticipated. We may experience insufficient working capital to fully implement our growth plans, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
Our balance sheet includes a significant number of long-lived assets in our corporate clinics, including operating lease right-of-use assets and property, plant and equipment. A decline in the current and projected cash flows in our corporate clinics could result in impairment charges, which could be material.Long-lived assets, such as operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and property, plant and equipment in our corporate clinics, are tested for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of a long-lived asset were to exceed its fair value, the asset would be written down to its fair value and an impairment charge recognized as a noncash expense in our operating results. Adverse changes in future market conditions or weaker operating results compared to our expectations may impact our projected cash flows and estimates of weighted average cost of capital, which could result in a potentially material impairment charge if we are unable to recover the carrying value of our long-lived assets.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
Our balance sheet includes intangible assets and goodwill. A decline in the estimated fair value of an intangible asset or a reporting unit could result in an impairment charge recorded in our operating results, which could be material.Goodwill is tested for impairment annually and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Also, we review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of our goodwill or another intangible asset were to exceed its fair value, the asset would be written down to its fair value, with the impairment charge recognized as a noncash expense in our operating results. Adverse changes in future market conditions or weaker operating results compared to our expectations may impact our projected cash flows and estimates of weighted average cost of capital, which could result in a potentially material impairment charge if we are unable to recover the carrying value of our goodwill and other intangible assets.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
We previously identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, prevent fraud, or maintain investor confidence.We are subject to the internal control requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which require management to assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Furthermore, our independent registered public accounting firm is now required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, since as of December 31, 2023, we became an accelerated filer.
Internal controls related to the operation of financial reporting and accounting systems are critical to maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As discussed in Part II, Item 9A of this Form 10-K, our management previously concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of December 31, 2022 due to material weaknesses in internal controls related to (i) the accounting treatment in significant complex areas, and (ii) the identification of uncertain tax positions. We did not design and maintain effective controls over the accounting of complex areas, including accounting for revenue recognition and we did not design and maintain effective controls over the identification of uncertain tax positions.
During 2023, management implemented our previously disclosed remediation plan that included modifying internal controls to address completeness of documentation on uncertain tax positions, revenue and acquisition related transactions over adoptions of the appropriate respective accounting standards, specifically through the utilization of subject matter experts to review conclusions over complex accounting policies.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we completed our testing of the operating effectiveness of the implemented controls and found them to be effective. As a result, we have concluded the material weaknesses have been remediated as of December 31, 2023.
We previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2021 material weaknesses in internal control that have since been remediated, except those internal controls related to complex accounting areas. Specifically, these material weaknesses related to: (i) risk assessment and scoping - we did not effectively design and maintain controls in response to the risks of material misstatement. Specifically, the design of existing controls or the implementation of new controls has not been sufficient to respond to the risks of material misstatement related to the incremental borrowing rate for our leases, deferred costs and related expenses, other revenues, breakage revenue, intangible asset amortization, determination of reporting units, reassessment of our VIEs, stock option exercises, and the accuracy and completeness of certain financial statements; (ii) segregation of duties - we did not design and maintain effective controls such that all accounting duties are sufficiently segregated within our business processes and certain financial applications. Specifically, we failed to have the appropriate personnel monitor users with administrative access to certain financial applications and data, and we did not design and maintain effective controls such that all accounting duties are sufficiently segregated; (iii) accounting related to significant complex accounting areas - we did not design and maintain effective controls over the accounting of complex accounting areas, including taxes and business combination and asset acquisition transactions Specifically, we failed to properly design controls to appropriately determine the proper accounting treatment for certain revenue streams and leases. During 2022, we completed the remediation measures related to the material weakness described in this paragraph. Completion of remediation does not provide assurance that our remediation or other controls will continue to operate properly.
If we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, our ability to record, process and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within required time periods could be adversely affected, which could subject us to litigation or investigations requiring management resources and payment of legal and other expenses, negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements and adversely impact our stock price.
Internal controls related to the operation of financial reporting and accounting systems are critical to maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We cannot provide any assurance that additional material weaknesses will not occur in the future.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6
We have restated our prior consolidated financial statements, which may lead to additional risks and uncertainties, including loss of investor confidence and negative impacts on our stock price.On September 26, 2023, we restated our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the quarterly periods within the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (the "Restated Periods"). The determination to restate the financial statements for the Restated Periods was made by our Audit Committee and our Board of Directors upon management's recommendation following the identification of errors related to our method of accounting for the reacquisition of regional developer rights and transfer pricing adjustments for our VIEs. Our management, after consultation with our independent registered accountants, concluded that our previously issued financial statements for the Restated Periods should no longer be relied upon. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 has been amended by Form 10-K/A filed on September 26, 2023 to, among other things, reflect the restatement of our financial statements for the Restated Periods.
The restatement of our previously issued financial statements has been time-consuming and expensive and could expose us to additional risks that could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, including unanticipated costs for accounting and legal fees in connection with or related to the restatement and the risk of potential stockholder litigation. If lawsuits are filed, we may incur additional substantial defense costs regardless of the outcome of such litigation. Likewise, such events might cause a diversion of our management's time and attention. If we do not prevail in any such litigation, we could be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs. In addition, the restatement may lead to a loss of investor confidence and have negative impacts on the trading price of our common stock.
Debt & Financing1 | 2.4%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Our level of debt could impair our financial condition and ability to operate.Corporate Activity and Growth3 | 7.3%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Our regional developers are independent operators over whom we have limited control.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Our expansion into new markets may be more costly and difficult than we currently anticipate which would result in slower growth than we expect.Clinics we open in new markets may take longer to reach expected sales and profit levels on a consistent basis and may have higher construction, occupancy, marketing or operating costs than clinics we open in existing markets, thereby affecting our overall profitability. New markets may have competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns that are more difficult to predict or satisfy than our existing markets. We may need to make greater investments than we originally planned in advertising and promotional activity in new markets to build brand awareness. We may find it more difficult in new markets to hire, motivate and keep qualified employees who share our vision and culture. We may also incur higher costs from entering new markets, particularly with company-owned or managed clinics if, for example, we hire and assign regional managers to manage comparatively fewer clinics than in more developed markets. For these reasons, some of our new clinics were less successful than our existing clinics or have achieved target rates of patient visits at a slower rate. If we do not successfully execute our plans to enter new markets, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Our failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business and operating results.Our growth plan includes a significant number of new franchised clinics. Our existing clinic management systems, administrative staff, financial and management controls and information systems may be inadequate to support our continued expansion. Those demands on our infrastructure and resources may also adversely affect our ability to manage our existing clinics. Managing our growth effectively will require us to continue to enhance these systems, procedures and controls and to hire, train and retain managers and team members. We may not respond quickly enough to the changing demands that our expansion will impose on our management, clinic teams and existing infrastructure which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. We replaced and upgraded our IT platform in 2021, but we cannot provide assurances that our on-going improvements and enhancements efforts will be executed without delays, difficulties or service interruptions.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 9/41 (22%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.4%
Competition - Risk 1
Our clinics and chiropractors compete for patients in a highly competitive environment that may make it more difficult to increase patient volumes and revenues.Demand1 | 2.4%
Demand - Risk 1
New clinics, once opened, may not be profitable, and the increases in average clinic sales and comparable clinic sales that we have experienced in the past may not be indicative of future results.Sales & Marketing6 | 14.6%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Our franchisees may not meet timetables for opening their clinics, which could reduce the royalties we receive.Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
We are subject to the risk that our franchise agreements may be terminated or not renewed.Each franchise agreement is subject to termination by us as the franchisor in the event of a default, generally after expiration of applicable cure periods, although under certain circumstances a franchise agreement may be terminated by us upon notice without an opportunity to cure. The default provisions under the franchise agreements are drafted broadly and include, among other things, any failure to meet operating standards and actions that may threaten our intellectual property. In addition, each franchise agreement has an expiration date. Upon the expiration of the franchise agreement, we or the franchisee may, or may not, elect to renew the franchise agreement. If the franchise agreement is renewed, the franchisee will receive a new franchise agreement for an additional term. Such option, however, is contingent on the franchisee's execution of the then- current form of franchise agreement (which may include increased royalty payments, advertising fees and other costs) and the payment of a renewal fee. If a franchisee is unable or unwilling to satisfy any of the foregoing conditions, we may elect not to renew the expiring franchise agreement, in which event the franchise agreement will terminate upon expiration of its term. The termination or non-renewal of a franchise agreement could result in the reduction of royalty payments we receive.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 3
Our dependence on the success of our franchisees exposes us to risks including the loss of royalty revenue and harm to our brand.A substantial portion of our revenues comes from royalties generated by our franchised clinics, which royalties are based on the revenues generated by those clinics. We anticipate that franchise royalties will represent a substantial part of our revenues in the future. As of December 31, 2023, we had franchisees operating or managing 800 clinics. We rely on the performance of our franchisees in successfully opening and operating their clinics and paying royalties and other fees to us on a timely basis. Our franchise system subjects us to a number of risks as described here and in the next four risk factors. These risks include a significant further decline in our franchisees' revenue, which occurred in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, in 2020, we took additional actions to support our franchisees that experienced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, further reducing our royalty revenues and other fees from franchisees. In 2020, for a period of time, we waived minimum royalty requirements, monthly software fees for clinics forced to close temporarily due to the pandemic, and minimum required marketing expenditures. We may need to re-implement, expand or extend these accommodations to franchisees, further reducing our revenues from franchised clinics and reducing the visibility of "The Joint" brand in the marketplace. Any new or re-implemented accommodations and the occurrence of any of the other events described here and in the next four risk factors could impact our ability to collect royalty payments from our franchisees, harm the goodwill associated with our brand, and materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 4
Our marketing programs may not be successful.We incur costs and expend other resources in our marketing efforts to attract and retain patients. Our marketing activities are principally focused on increasing brand awareness and driving patient volumes. As we open new clinics, we undertake aggressive marketing campaigns to increase community awareness about our growing presence. We plan to continue to utilize targeted marketing efforts within local neighborhoods through channels such as radio, digital media, community sponsorships and events, and a robust online/social media presence. These initiatives may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenue. Our ability to market our services may be restricted or limited by federal or state law.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 5
Opening new clinics in existing markets may negatively affect revenue at our existing clinics.The target area of our clinics varies by location and depends on a number of factors, including population density, other available retail services, area demographics and geography. As a result, the opening of a new clinic in or near markets in which we already have clinics could adversely affect the revenues of those existing clinics. Existing clinics could also make it more difficult to build our patient base for a new clinic in the same market. Our business strategy does not entail opening new clinics that we believe will materially affect revenue at our existing clinics, but we may selectively open new clinics in and around areas of existing clinics that are operating at or near capacity to effectively serve our patients. Revenue "cannibalization" between our clinics may become significant in the future as we continue to expand our operations and could affect our revenue growth, which could, in turn, adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 6
We are subject to a number of risks related to credit card and debit card payments we accept.We accept payments through credit and debit card transactions. For credit and debit card payments, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time. An increase in those fees would require us to either increase the prices we charge for our services, which could cause us to lose patients and revenue, or absorb an increase in our operating expenses, either of which could harm our operating results.
If we or any of our processing vendors have problems with our billing software, or the billing software malfunctions, it could have an adverse effect on patient satisfaction and could cause one or more of the major credit card companies to disallow our continued use of their payment products. In addition, if our billing software fails to work properly, and as a result, we do not automatically process monthly membership fees to our patients' credit cards on a timely basis or at all, or there are issues with financial insolvency of our third-party vendors or other unanticipated problems or events, we could lose revenue, which would harm our operating results.
We are also subject to payment card association operating rules, certification requirements and rules governing electronic funds transfers, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it more difficult for us to comply. Based on the self-assessment completed as of January 22, 2024, we are currently in compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, the payment card industry's security standard for companies that collect, store or transmit certain data regarding credit and debit cards, credit and debit card holders and credit and debit card transactions. There is no guarantee that we will maintain PCI DSS compliance. Our failure to comply fully with PCI DSS in the future could violate payment card association operating rules, federal and state laws and regulations and the terms of our contracts with payment processors and merchant banks. Such failure to comply fully also could subject us to fines, penalties, damages and civil liability and could result in the suspension or loss of our ability to accept credit and debit card payments. Although we do not store credit card information and we do not have access to our patients' credit card information, there is no guarantee that PCI DSS compliance will prevent illegal or improper use of our payment systems or the theft, loss, or misuse of data pertaining to credit and debit cards, credit and debit card holders and credit and debit card transactions.
If we fail to adequately control fraudulent credit card transactions, we may face civil liability, diminished public perception of our security measures and significantly higher credit card-related costs, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to maintain our chargeback or refund rates at acceptable levels, credit and debit card companies may increase our transaction fees, impose monthly fines until resolved or terminate their relationships with us. Any increases in our credit and debit card fees could adversely affect our results of operations, particularly if we elect not to raise our rates for our service to offset the increase. The termination of our ability to process payments on any major credit or debit card would significantly impair our ability to operate our business.
Brand / Reputation1 | 2.4%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
Damage to our reputation or our brand in existing or new markets could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 8/41 (20%)Above Sector Average
Regulation4 | 9.8%
Regulation - Risk 1
We conduct business in a heavily regulated industry, and if we fail to comply with these laws and government regulations, we could incur penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations.Regulation - Risk 2
An increased regulatory focus on the establishment of fair franchise practices could increase our risk of liability in disputes with franchisees and the risk of enforcement actions and penalties.Recently, there has been an increased focus on unfair franchise practices. A new policy from the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. ("NASAA") rejects the use of required representations or waivers of claims by franchisees in franchise agreements for the purpose of insulating a franchisor from liability in disputes related to alleged fraud or misrepresentations during the offer and sale of a franchise. It is expected that state regulators will follow NASAA's guidance and limit their use, as California has already done. We risk exposure to unfair trade practice claims by state regulators if we try to use a franchisee's representations in a manner that offends NASAA's policy. The use of such offending representations also could increase the likelihood of successful lawsuits against us by our franchisees over claims of fraud or misrepresentation. Bills also have been introduced in Congress from time to time providing for protections of franchisee rights, including certain currently pending bills seeking to establish what are described as fair franchise practices. Compliance with new, complex and changing laws may cause our expenses to increase, and non-compliance with such laws could result in penalties or enforcement actions against us. Please see "Part I, Item 1 - Business - Regulatory Environment – Regulation relating to franchising" for a description of other federal and state regulation related to franchising.
Regulation - Risk 3
Proposed and expected new federal regulations under the Biden administration expanding the meaning of "joint employer" and evolving state laws increase our potential liability for employment law violations by our franchisees and the likelihood that we may be required to participate in collective bargaining with our franchisees' employees.Please see "Part I, Item 1 - Business - Regulatory Environment – Joint Employer Rules" for a detailed description of the background and current status of federal and state "joint employer" laws and regulations.
As discussed in the above-cited section, the proposed rules issued under the NLRA and the withdrawal of the Trump-era rules issued under the FLSA include or reinstate expansive definitions of "joint employer," which could be used to deem a franchisor to be a joint employer of a franchisee's employees. In the event of a finding of joint employer status under the NLRA, a franchisor would be required to collectively bargain or otherwise deal with a union that does not represent the franchisor's own employees, lose the protections against union picketing of neutral employers in the event of a labor disagreement between a franchisee and a franchisee's employees, and share in liability for labor and employment violations committed by a franchisee. Under the reversion to a more expansive definition of "joint employer" under the FLSA, a franchisor could be held jointly liable with its franchisee for minimum wages and overtime pay violations by the franchisee, depending on the extent of control and supervision the franchisor is able to exercise over the franchisee's employees. Furthermore, there is an expectation that new rules will be issued by the EEOC, similarly expanding "joint liability" with respect to the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
Such expansions of joint employer liability have implications for our business model. We could have responsibility for damages, reinstatement, back pay and penalties in connection with labor law and employment discrimination violations by our franchisees over whom we have limited control. Furthermore, it may be easier for our franchisees' employees to organize into unions, require us to participate in collective bargaining with those employees, provide those employees and their union representatives with bargaining power to request that we have our franchisees raise wages, and make it more expensive and less profitable to operate a franchised clinic.
Similarly, state laws, such as California's AB-5 and similar laws adopted or being considered for adoption in other states, raise concerns with respect to the expansion of joint liability to the franchise industry. While AB-5 is not a franchise-specific law and does not address joint employer liability, a significant concern exists in the franchise industry that an expansive interpretation of AB-5 or similar law could be used to hold franchisors jointly liable for the labor law violations of its franchisees. Courts addressing this issue have come to differing conclusions, and it remains uncertain as to how the joint employer issue will finally be resolved in California, although potential new federal laws or regulations may ultimately be controlling on this issue. Furthermore, there have been private lawsuits in which parties have alleged that a franchisor and its franchisee "jointly employ" the franchisee's staff, that the franchisor is responsible for the franchisees' staff (under theories of apparent agency, ostensible agency, or actual agency), or otherwise.
Evolving labor and employment laws, rules and regulations, and theories of liability could result in expensive litigation and potential claims against us as a franchisor for labor and employment-related and other liabilities that have historically been borne by franchisees. This could negatively impact the franchise business model, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 4
Our management services agreements, under which we provide non-clinical services to affiliated PCs, could be challenged by a state or chiropractor under laws regulating the practice of chiropractic. Some state chiropractic boards have made inquiries concerning our business model or have proposed or adopted changes to their rules that could be interpreted to pose a threat to our business model.The laws of every state in which we operate contain restrictions on the practice of chiropractic and control over the provision of chiropractic services. The laws of many states where we operate permit a chiropractor to conduct a chiropractic practice only as an individual, a member of a partnership or an employee of a PC, limited liability company or limited liability partnership. These laws typically prohibit chiropractors from splitting fees with non-chiropractors and prohibit non-chiropractic entities, such as chiropractic management services organizations, from owning or operating chiropractic clinics or engaging in the practice of chiropractic and from employing chiropractors. The specific restrictions against the corporate practice of chiropractic, as well as the interpretation of those restrictions by state regulatory authorities, vary from state to state. However, the restrictions are generally designed to prohibit a non-chiropractic entity from controlling or directing clinical care decision-making, engaging chiropractors to practice chiropractic or sharing professional fees. The form of management agreement that we utilize, and that we recommend to our franchisees that are management service organizations, explicitly prohibits the management service organization from controlling or directing clinical care decisions. However, there can be no assurance that all of our franchisees that are management service organizations will strictly follow the provisions in our recommended form of management agreement. The laws of many states also prohibit chiropractic practitioners from paying any portion of fees received for chiropractic services in consideration for the referral of a patient. Any challenge to our contractual relationships with our affiliated PCs by chiropractors or regulatory authorities could result in a finding that could have a material adverse effect on our operations, such as voiding one or more management services agreements. Moreover, the laws and regulatory environment may change to restrict or limit the enforceability of our management services agreements. We could be prevented from affiliating with chiropractor-owned PCs or providing comprehensive business services to them in one or more states. Please see "Part I, Item 1 - Business - Regulatory Environment - State regulations on corporate practice of chiropractic" for a description of certain of these actions by states, including state legislatures, state chiropractic regulatory bodies and a state attorney general, to regulate and restrict the corporate practice of chiropractic.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 4.9%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We, along with our affiliated PCs and their chiropractors, are subject to malpractice and other similar claims and may be unable to obtain or maintain adequate insurance against these claims.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
Claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. In addition, we have entered and expect to continue to enter into agreements to indemnify our directors, executive officers and other employees as determined by our Board of Directors. Under the terms of such indemnification agreements, we are required to indemnify each of our directors and officers, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the state of Delaware, if the basis of the indemnitee's involvement was by reason of the fact that the indemnitee is or was a director or officer of our company or any of its subsidiaries or was serving at our request in an official capacity for another entity. Any claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims and may reduce the amount of money available to us.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.4%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Any audit by the IRS with respect to our receipt of an employee retention credit ("ERC") under The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act could result in additional taxes or costs to our company.Environmental / Social1 | 2.4%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Our failure to comply with applicable federal and state data privacy and security laws could result in civil or criminal sanctions or damage awards, and the proliferation of such laws increases our costs of compliance.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 4/41 (10%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets1 | 2.4%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Events or rumors relating to our brand names or our ability to defend successfully against intellectual property infringement claims by third parties could significantly impact our business.Cyber Security1 | 2.4%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
If our security systems are breached, we may face civil liability and public perception of our security measures could be diminished, either of which would negatively affect our ability to attract and retain patients.Technology2 | 4.9%
Technology - Risk 1
If we fail to properly maintain the integrity of our data or to strategically implement, upgrade or consolidate existing information systems, our reputation and business could be materially adversely affected.Technology - Risk 2
Our business model depends on proprietary and third-party management information systems that we use to, among other things, track financial and operating performance of our clinics, and any failure to successfully design and maintain these systems or implement new systems could materially harm our operations.We depend on integrated management information systems, some of which are provided by third parties, and standardized procedures for operational and financial information, patient records and billing operations. In 2021, we replaced, upgraded and rolled out our new IT platform, and any problems with system performance could cause disruptions in our business operations, given the pervasive impact of the new system on our processes. In general, we may experience unanticipated delays, complications, data breaches or expenses in replacing, upgrading, implementing, integrating, and operating our systems. Our management information systems regularly require modifications, improvements or replacements that may require both substantial expenditures as well as interruptions in operations. Our ability to implement these systems is subject to the availability of skilled information technology specialists to assist us in creating, implementing and supporting these systems. Our failure to successfully design, implement and maintain all of our systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Production
Total Risks: 4/41 (10%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel3 | 7.3%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Our chiropractors are subject to ethical guidelines and operating standards which, if not complied with, could adversely affect our business.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
Our success is dependent on the chiropractors who control the PCs, or PC owners, with whom we enter into management services agreements, and we may have difficulty locating qualified chiropractors to replace PC owners.In states that regulate the corporate practice of chiropractic, our chiropractic services are provided by legal entities organized under state laws as PCs and their equivalents. Each PC employs or contracts with chiropractors in one or more offices. Each of the PCs is wholly owned by one or more licensed chiropractors, or medical professionals as state law may require, and we do not own any capital stock of any PC. We and our franchisees that are not owned by chiropractors enter into management services agreements with PCs, to provide to the PCs on an exclusive basis, all non-clinical services of the chiropractic practice. The PC owner is critical to the success of a clinic because he or she has control of all clinical aspects of the practice of chiropractic and the provision of chiropractic services. Upon the departure of a PC owner, we may not be able to locate one or more suitably qualified licensed chiropractors to hold the ownership interest in the PC and maintain the success of the departing PC owner.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
The nationwide labor shortage has negatively impacted our ability to recruit chiropractors and other qualified personnel, and the measures we have taken in response have reduced our net revenues.The current nationwide labor shortage and, in particular the shortage of qualified chiropractors, has negatively impacted our ability and the ability of our franchisees to recruit and retain qualified chiropractors, wellness coordinators and other qualified personnel. This shortage has limited our ability to open new clinics and has required us to enhance wages and benefits and shorten clinic operating hours. All of these measures have reduced our net revenues and increased our operating expenses and may continue to do so if labor shortages continue.
Costs1 | 2.4%
Costs - Risk 1
We will be subject to risks associated with leasing space subject to long-term non-cancelable leases for clinics that we intend to operate.Macro & Political
Total Risks: 2/41 (5%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment2 | 4.9%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Changes in economic conditions and adverse weather and other unforeseen conditions could materially affect our ability to maintain or increase sales at our clinics or open new clinics.Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Inflation has led to increased labor costs and interest rates and may lead to reduced discretionary spending, all of which may negatively impact our business.The primary inflationary factor affecting our operations is labor costs. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021 and through 2023, company-owned or managed clinics were negatively impacted by wage increases, which increased our general and administrative expenses and decreased profitability. A significant number of our clinic service personnel are paid at rates related to the applicable minimum wage, and increases in the minimum wage could increase our labor costs. As of January 1, 2023, the minimum wage increased in a number of states, the District of Columbia and local municipalities, with many of these wage increases triggered automatically by increases in the cost of living due to high inflation. Such wage increases likely will further increase our general and administrative expenses in the affected jurisdictions. A continued increase in labor costs is likely to continue to have an adverse impact on profitability and may result in additional price increases to offset their impact. Further, should we fail to continue to increase our wages competitively in response to any continued increase in wage rates, the quality of our workforce could decline, causing our patient services to suffer.
In addition to relief and recovery, our services emphasize preventive and maintenance care, which is generally not a medical necessity, and may be viewed as a discretionary medical expenditure. Discretionary spending is negatively impacted by, among other things, those factors disclosed in this Form 10-K under the caption "Recent Events" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- unfavorable global economic or political conditions, such as the Ukraine War, the Israel-Gaza conflict, labor shortages, inflation and other cost increases, and increases in interest rates. As further disclosed under the aforementioned caption, we anticipate that fiscal 2024 will continue to be a volatile macroeconomic environment and expect elevated levels of cost inflation to persist for 2024. Reductions in discretionary spending may adversely impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Rising interest rates also will make it more expensive for potential franchisees to finance new clinic acquisitions and thus may reduce the pool of available franchisees, which also could adversely impact our business.
In the event that a continued deterioration of economic conditions causes a significant decrease in demand for our services, this could negatively impact our ability to meet the financial covenants in our credit facility, although we were in compliance as of December 31, 2023. Furthermore, a deterioration of equity and credit markets may make other debt or equity financing difficult to obtain in a timely manner and on favorable terms, if at all, and if obtained, may be more costly or more dilutive. If we are unable to access our credit facility as a result of noncompliance with its covenants or are unable to obtain other debt or equity financing, this could limit our opportunity to acquire more clinics and regional developer rights and to pursue other corporate initiatives.
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.