Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.
Old Market Capital disclosed 29 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Old Market Capital reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q4, 2024
Risk Distribution
34% Finance & Corporate
21% Legal & Regulatory
21% Macro & Political
14% Ability to Sell
10% Production
0% Tech & Innovation
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
2022
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Old Market Capital Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 10 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 10 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
29
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
29
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
2Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
2Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Dec 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 Old Market Capital 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 29
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 10/29 (34%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights5 | 17.2%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Our common shares may be delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which could adversely affect the price of such common shares and your ability to sell or purchase shares.
Our failure to meet NASDAQ's continued listing requirements could result in a delisting of our common shares from the NASDAQ Global Select Market. If we fail to satisfy NASDAQ's continued listing requirements NASDAQ may take steps to delist our common shares. A delisting would likely have a negative effect on the price of our common shares and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our securities when you wish to do so. In the event of a delisting, we can provide no assurance that any action taken by us to restore compliance with listing requirements would allow our securities to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our securities or prevent future non-compliance with NASDAQ's listing requirements. At the present time, the Company meets NASDAQ's continued listing requirements.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
We are a "smaller reporting company" as defined in SEC regulations, and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are a "smaller reporting company" as defined under SEC regulations and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies including, among other things, reduced financial disclosure requirements, including being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation. As a result, our shareholders may not have access to certain information that they may deem important. We could remain a smaller reporting company indefinitely. As a smaller reporting company, investors may deem our stock less attractive and, as a result, there may be less active trading of our common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Some provisions of our Articles may deter third parties from acquiring us and diminish the value of our common stock.
Our Articles provide for, among other things:
- division of our board of directors into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms;- our ability to issue additional shares of common stock and to issue preferred stock with terms that our board of directors may determine, in each case without shareholder approval (unless required by law); and - the absence of cumulative voting in the election of directors.
These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of our Company that is in the best interest of our shareholders. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if they are viewed as discouraging future takeover attempts. These provisions could also make it more difficult for shareholders to nominate directors for election to our board of directors and take other corporate actions.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
We currently do not have any analysts covering our stock which could negatively impact both the stock price and trading volume of our stock.
The trading market for our common stock will likely be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. We do not currently have, and may never obtain, research coverage by financial analysts. If no or few analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price of our stock may not increase. Even if we do obtain analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts covering our business downgrade their evaluation of our stock, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover our stock, we could lose visibility in the market for our stock, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline. Furthermore, if our operating results fail to meet analysts' expectations our stock price would likely decline.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Our stock is thinly traded, which may limit your ability to resell your shares.
The average daily trading volume of our common shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 was approximately 7,573 shares, which makes ours a thinly traded stock. Thinly traded stocks pose several risks for investors because they have wider spreads and less displayed size than other stocks that trade in higher volumes or an active trading market. Other risks posed by thinly traded stocks include difficulty selling the stock, challenges attracting market makers to make markets in the stock, and difficulty with financings. Our financial results, the introduction of new products and services by us or our competitors, and various factors affecting the industries in which we operate generally may also have a significant impact on the market price of our common shares. In recent years, the stock market has experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and market prices for the stocks of many companies, including ours, have experienced wide price fluctuations that have not necessarily been related to their operating performance. These risks could affect a shareholder's ability to sell their shares at the volumes, prices, or times that they desire.
Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 6.9%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We have in the past had material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures could lead to a loss of investor confidence in our financial statements and have an adverse effect on our stock price.
We may in the future discover areas of our internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that need improvement. Our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, regardless of how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.
If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, or if we are unable to maintain proper and effective internal controls, we may not be able to produce timely and accurate financial statements. If that were to happen, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could lead to a decline in the market price of our common stock and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
Additionally, the existence of any material weakness could require management to devote significant time and incur significant expense to remediate any such material weakness and management may not be able to remediate any such material weakness in a timely manner. The existence of any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting could also result in errors in our financial statements that could require us to restate our financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and cause the holders of our common stock to lose confidence in our reported financial information, all of which could materially adversely affect our business and share price.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We may not be able to use our net operating loss carryforwards as a result of the Loan Portfolio Sale or otherwise, which could adversely affect our restructuring plan.
Our ability to preserve and use our net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards and certain other tax attributes as part of our restructuring plan, or otherwise, may be limited or may not be available for use at all. As of March 31, 2024, we maintained a deferred income tax valuation allowance of $14.0 million, the remaining state gross NOL was $59.4 million, and the remaining U.S. gross NOL amounted to $38.8 million. The U.S. NOL generated beginning in 2022 and later will carry forward indefinitely, while some state NOLs begin to expire March 31, 2039. Realization of these NOL carryforwards depends on future income and if we do not generate future income our existing carryforwards would be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, if a corporation undergoes an "ownership change," generally defined as a greater than 50% change (by value) in its equity ownership over a rolling three-year period, the corporation's ability to use its pre-change NOL carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income may be limited. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. We do not believe that we will experience an ownership change as a result of the domestication or the Loan Portfolio Sale. However, we may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of future transactions in, or issuances of, our stock, some of which may be outside our control. If a "change in ownership" occurs and if we earn net taxable income, our ability to use our pre-change NOL carryforwards, or other pre-change tax attributes, to offset U.S. and state taxable income may be subject to significant limitations or may not be available at all. Limitations on the use of our pre-change NOL carryforwards or other pre-change tax attributes or our inability to use them could adversely affect our restructuring plan by delaying or preventing its implementation.
Debt & Financing3 | 10.3%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
The net proceeds of the closing of the Loan Portfolio Sale may not be used successfully to fully implement our proposed restructuring plan.
We intend to use net proceeds from the Loan Portfolio Sale to either acquire or invest in businesses outside of the Company's traditional business, such as Amplex. The board of directors intends to explore acquisitions of businesses in industries with respect to which they have familiarity based on their other business and investment activities; however, the board does not intend to limit its acquisition and investment activities to those businesses and industries. The overall timeframe for potential acquisitions and investments beyond the Amplex Acquisition remains uncertain. Even though the Loan Portfolio Sale has closed, the restructuring plan may not be implemented at all or, if implemented, may not be successful in achieving its intended goals. We may not be successful in identifying other businesses beyond Amplex to acquire or invest in and, if we do, we may not be able to make such acquisitions or investments on terms favorable to us, if at all. There can be no assurance that if such acquisitions or investments are made that the value to shareholders over time will exceed the amount, if any, they would receive in a liquidation. There can be no assurance that the restructuring plan will result in greater shareholder value than the liquidation and dissolution of the Company.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health, ability to obtain financing in the future, ability to react to changes in our business and ability to fulfill our obligations under such indebtedness.
As of March 31, 2024, we had no outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Facility compared to $29.1 million under our predecessor facility as of March 31, 2023. Any material increase in our level of indebtedness could:
- Make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our outstanding notes and other indebtedness, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of such indebtedness;- Require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of such cash flows to fund working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;- Limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and other general corporate purposes;- Limit our ability to refinance indebtedness or cause the associated costs of such refinancing to increase;- Increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including interest rate fluctuations (because our borrowings would be at variable rates of interest); and - Place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with proportionately less debt or comparable debt at more favorable interest rates which, as a result, may be better positioned to withstand economic downturns.
Any of the foregoing impacts of our level of indebtedness then in effect could have a material adverse effect on us.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
We may be deemed to be a shell company as a result of the Loan Portfolio Sale or otherwise, which could adversely affect your ability to sell your shares of Company stock.
If we become a shell company as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act and Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, your ability to resell your common shares could be limited. A shell company is a company that has: (a) no or nominal operations and (b) either no or nominal assets, assets consisting solely of cash and cash equivalents or assets consisting of any amount of cash and cash equivalents and nominal other assets. Your common shares may only be sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from registration, if available, such as Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or another exemption. Currently, there is no effective registration statement for you to resell your common shares. Rule 144 provides a potential registration exemption for resales of your common shares if all of the requirements of the rule are met. The registration exemption provided by Rule 144 is not available for resales of securities issued by a company that has been at any time a shell company, with an exception. Under this exemption, Rule 144 may be available for a company that is at any time a shell company if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company; (ii) the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; (iii) the issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding twelve months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Current Reports on Form 8-K; and (iv) at least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed current Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company. At the present time, the Company is not classified as a "shell company" under Rule 405 of the Securities Act or Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. To the extent the Company is designated a shell company you would be unable to resell your common shares under Rule 144, unless the conditions of the exemption in Rule 144 are satisfied.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 6/29 (21%)Above Sector Average
Regulation3 | 10.3%
Regulation - Risk 1
Added
Amplex is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Amplex is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations. In particular, the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act") and Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") regulations and policies affect significant aspects of Amplex. Federal agencies are considering adopting new regulations for communications services, including broadband. States and localities are also increasingly proposing new regulations impacting communications services, including broader regulation of broadband networks. Any of these regulations could significantly affect the business, legal and compliance costs of Amplex. In addition, United States regulators and courts could adopt new interpretations of existing competition or antitrust laws or enact new competition or antitrust laws or regulatory tools that could negatively impact Amplex. Any future legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative actions may adversely impact the Amplex business by increasing Amplex costs, increasing competition, or imposing additional restrictions on Amplex, some of which may be significant and/or limiting the ability of Amplex to offer services in a manner that would maximize its revenue potential.
Legislative and regulatory changes have in the past, and could in the future, include, for example, the reclassification of Internet services as regulated telecommunications services or other utility-style regulation of Internet services; restrictions on how Amplex manages its Internet access services and networks; the adoption of new customer service or service quality requirements for Amplex Internet access services; the adoption of new privacy restrictions on the collection, use and disclosure of certain customer information by Amplex; new data security and cybersecurity mandates that could result in additional network and information security and cyber incident reporting requirements for Amplex; new restraints on the discretion of Amplex over programming decisions; new restrictions on the rates Amplex charges to consumers for one or more of the services or equipment options offered by Amplex; and increases in government-administered broadband subsidies to rural areas that could result in subsidized overbuilding of Amplex facilities.
The broadband services of Amplex are subject to a number of regulations and commitments. The FCC frequently considers imposing new broadband-related regulations. States and localities also periodically consider new broadband-related regulations, including those regarding broadband affordability. New broadband regulations, if adopted, may have adverse effects on Amplex. Amplex may also become subject to additional broadband-related commitments as a condition of receiving federal or state broadband funding. The Company is unable to predict the outcome or effects of any of these potential actions or any other legislative or regulatory proposals on Amplex.
Regulation - Risk 2
We are subject to many other laws and governmental regulations, and any material violations of or changes in these laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and business operations.
As a provider of consumer financial services, the Company has operated in a highly regulated environment. The Company is subject to state licensing requirements and state and federal laws and regulations. In addition, the Company may be subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, and investigations from time to time at the state and federal levels. Compliance with applicable law is costly and can affect the Company's results of operations. Compliance requires forms, processes, procedures, controls and the infrastructure to support these requirements. Compliance may create operational constraints and place limits on pricing, as the laws and regulations in the financial services industry are designed primarily for the protection of consumers. Changes in laws and regulations could restrict the Company's ability to operate its business as currently operated, could impose substantial additional costs or require it to implement new processes, which could adversely affect the Company's business, prospects, financial performance or financial condition. The failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could result in significant statutory civil and criminal fines, penalties, monetary damages, attorney or legal fees and costs, restrictions on the Company's ability to operate its business, possible revocation of licenses and damage to the Company's reputation, brand and valued customer relationships. Any such costs, restrictions, revocations or damage could adversely affect the Company's business, prospects, results of operations or financial condition. See "Item 1. Business – Regulation" for additional information.
The CFPB and the FTC may investigate the products, services and operations of credit providers, including banks and other finance companies engaged in auto finance activities. As a result of such investigations, the CFPB and the FTC have announced various enforcement actions against lenders in the past few years involving significant penalties, consent orders, cease and desist orders and similar remedies that, if applicable to the Company or the products, services and operations the Company has offered, may require the Company to cease or alter certain business practices, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Supervision and investigations by these agencies may result in monetary penalties, increase the Company's compliance costs, require changes in its business practices, affect its competitiveness, impair its profitability, harm its reputation or otherwise adversely affect its business.
Our financing operations are subject to regulation, supervision, and licensing under various other federal, state and local statutes and ordinances. In addition, the Company and its service providers must comply with certain federal and state requirements in connection with the servicing and collection on Direct Loans and Contracts, and the repossession of vehicles securing Direct Loans and Contracts in the states in which the Company has done business. The various federal, state and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances applicable to our business govern, among other things:
- licensing requirements;- requirements for maintenance of proper records;- payment of required fees to certain states;- maximum interest rates that may be charged on loans to finance used and new vehicles;- debt collection practices;- proper disclosure to customers regarding financing terms;- privacy regarding certain customer data;- interest rates on loans to customers;- late fees and insufficient fees charged;- telephone solicitation of Direct Loan customers; and - collection of debts from loan customers who have filed bankruptcy.
We believe that we have maintained all material licenses and permits required to conduct our consumer financial services and are in substantial compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations. Our failure, or the failure by dealers who originate the Contracts we have purchased, or the failure by our service providers, to maintain all requisite licenses and permits, and to comply with other regulatory requirements, could result in consumers having rights of rescission and other remedies that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Furthermore, any changes in applicable laws, rules and regulations, such as the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act and the creation of the CFPB, may make our compliance therewith more difficult or expensive or otherwise materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Some litigation against us could take the form of class action complaints by consumers. As the assignee of contracts originated by dealers, we may also be named as a co-defendant in lawsuits filed by consumers principally against dealers. The damages and penalties claimed by consumers in these types of actions can be substantial. The relief requested by the plaintiffs varies but may include requests for compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages. We also are periodically subject to other kinds of litigation typically experienced by businesses such as ours, including employment disputes and breach of contract claims. No assurances can be given that we will not experience material financial losses in the future as a result of litigation or other legal proceedings.
Regulation - Risk 3
Our use of vendors and our other ongoing third-party business relationships are subject to increasing regulatory requirements and attention
We have regularly used vendors and subcontractors as part of our business. We also depended on our substantial ongoing business relationships with our dealers, merchants, and other third parties. These types of third-party relationships, particularly with our dealer partners and our third-party servicing and collection vendors, are subject to increasingly demanding regulatory requirements and oversight by regulators. Regulators may expect certain non-bank entities to maintain an effective process for managing risks associated with vendor relationships, including compliance-related risks. In connection with this vendor risk management process, we may be expected to perform due diligence reviews of potential vendors, review their policies and procedures and internal training materials to confirm compliance-related focus, include enforceable consequences in contracts with vendors regarding failure to comply with consumer protection requirements, and take prompt action, including terminating the relationship, in the event that any vendor fails to meet our expectations.
Regulators may hold us responsible for deficiencies in our oversight and control of third-party relationships and in the performance of the parties with which we have these relationships. As a result, if our regulators conclude that we have not exercised adequate oversight and control over vendors and subcontractors or other ongoing third-party business relationships or that such third parties have not performed appropriately, we could be subject to enforcement actions, including civil money penalties or other administrative or judicial penalties or fines, as well as requirements for consumer remediation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 6.9%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
The CFPB has broad authority to pursue administrative proceedings and litigation for violations of federal consumer financing laws.
The CFPB has the authority to obtain cease and desist orders (which can include orders for restitution or rescission of contracts, as well as other kinds of affirmative relief) and monetary penalties ranging from over $6,300 per day for minor violations of Consumer Financial Laws (including the CFPB's own rules) to more than $31,600 per day for reckless violations and more than $1,264,600 per day for knowing violations. If we are subject to such administrative proceedings, litigation, orders or monetary penalties in the future, this could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial performance. Also, where a company has violated Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act or CFPB regulations under Title X, the Dodd-Frank Act empowers state attorneys general and state regulators to bring civil actions for the kind of cease-and-desist orders available to the CFPB (but not for civil penalties). If the CFPB or one or more state officials believe we have violated the foregoing laws, they could exercise their enforcement powers in ways that would have a material adverse effect on us. See "Item 1. Business – Regulation" for additional information.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
We are subject to risks associated with litigation.
As a consumer finance company, we are subject to various consumer claims and litigation seeking damages and statutory penalties, based upon, among other things:
- usury laws;- disclosure inaccuracies;- wrongful repossession;- violations of bankruptcy stay provisions;- certificate of title disputes;- fraud;- breach of contract; and - discriminatory treatment of credit applicants.
Some litigation against us could take the form of class action complaints by consumers. As the assignee of Contracts originated by dealers, we may also be named as a co-defendant in lawsuits filed by consumers principally against dealers. The damages and penalties claimed by consumers in these types of actions can be substantial. The relief requested by the plaintiffs varies but may include requests for compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages. We also are periodically subject to other kinds of litigation typically experienced by businesses such as ours, including employment disputes and breach of contract claims. No assurances can be given that we will not experience material financial losses in the future as a result of litigation or other legal proceedings.
Environmental / Social1 | 3.4%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Failure to properly safeguard confidential customer information could subject us to liability, decrease our profitability, and damage our reputation.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our customers, on our computer networks, and share such data with third parties, including our service providers. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy.
Any failure, interruption, or breach in our cybersecurity, including through employee misconduct or any failure of our back-up systems or failure to maintain adequate security surrounding customer information, could result in reputational harm, disruption in the management of our customer relationships, or the inability to originate, process and service our products. Further, any of these cybersecurity and operational risks could result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to lawsuits by customers for identity theft or other damages resulting from the misuse of their personal information and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. In addition, regulators may impose penalties or require remedial action if they identify weaknesses in our security systems, and we may be required to incur significant costs to increase our cybersecurity to address any vulnerabilities that may be discovered or to remediate the harm caused by any security breaches. As part of our business, we may share confidential customer information and proprietary information with clients, vendors, service providers, and business partners. The information systems of these third parties may be vulnerable to security breaches and we may not be able to ensure that these third parties have appropriate security controls in place to protect the information we share with them. If our confidential information is intercepted, stolen, misused, or mishandled while in possession of a third party, it could result in reputational harm to us, loss of customer business, and additional regulatory scrutiny, and it could expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. If any vendor fails to provide the services we require, fails to meet contractual requirements (including compliance with applicable laws and regulations), fails to maintain adequate data privacy controls and electronic security systems, or suffers a cyber-attack or other security breach, we could be subject to CFPB, FTC and other regulatory enforcement actions, claims from third parties, including our consumers, and suffer economic and reputational harm that could have an adverse effect on our business. Further, we may incur significant costs to resolve any such disruptions in service, which could adversely affect our business.
Providers of consumer financial services are subject to specific requirements to protect consumer data. In 2021, the FTC updated its Safeguards Rule implementing Section 501(b) of GLBA, to set forth specific criteria relating to the safeguards that certain nonbank financial institutions must implement as a part of their information security programs. These safeguards, among other things, limit who can access customer information, require the use of encryption to secure such information, and require the designation of a single qualified individual to oversee an institution's information security program and report at least annually to the institution's board of directors or equivalent governing body. The CFPB recently issued Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2022-04, which warned that data security shortcomings could subject financial services companies to unfairness claims under the Consumer Financial Protection Act-even if those firms comply with the GLBA Safeguards Rule, the primary data security regulation for non-bank financial institutions.
We rely on encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties to provide the security and authentication necessary to secure online transmission of confidential customer information. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments may result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms that we use to protect sensitive customer data. A party who is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in our operations. We may be required to expend capital and other resources to protect against, or alleviate problems caused by, security breaches or other cybersecurity incidents. Although we have not experienced any material cybersecurity incidents to dates, there can be no assurance that a cyber-attack, security breach or other cybersecurity incident will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future. Our security measures are designed to protect against security breaches, but our failure to prevent security breaches could subject us to liability, decrease our profitability and damage our reputation.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 6/29 (21%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment3 | 10.3%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
The auction proceeds received from the sale of repossessed vehicles and other recoveries are subject to fluctuation due to economic and other factors beyond our control.
If a vehicle securing a Contract, is repossessed, it will typically be transported to an automobile auction for sale. Auction proceeds from the sale of repossessed vehicles and other recoveries are usually not sufficient to cover the outstanding balance of the Contract, and the resulting deficiency is charged off. In addition, there is, on average, approximately a 30-day lapse between the time of repossession of a vehicle and the time it is sold. The proceeds received from such sales under our servicing agreement depend upon various factors, including the supply of, and demand for, used vehicles at the time of sale. Such supply and demand are dependent on many factors. For example, during periods of economic uncertainty, the demand for used cars may soften, resulting in decreased auction proceeds from the sale of repossessed automobiles. Furthermore, depressed wholesale prices for used automobiles may result from significant liquidations of rental or fleet inventories, and from increased volume of trade-ins due to promotional financing programs offered by new vehicle manufacturers. Newer, more expensive vehicles securing larger dollar loans are more susceptible to wholesale pricing fluctuations than are older vehicles and also experience depreciation at a much greater rate. Ultimately, softer auction activity and reduced vehicle values could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Our business is highly dependent upon general economic conditions.
We have been subject to changes in general economic conditions that are beyond our control. During periods of economic uncertainty, such as has existed for much of the past years, delinquencies, defaults, repossessions, and losses generally increase, absent offsetting factors. These periods also may be accompanied by decreased consumer demand for automobiles and declining values of automobiles securing outstanding loans, which weakens collateral coverage on our loans and increases the amount of a loss we would experience in the event of default. Because we focused on non-prime borrowers, the actual rates of delinquencies, defaults, repossessions, and losses on these loans were higher than those experienced in the general automobile finance industry and could be more dramatically affected by a general economic downturn. In addition, during an economic slowdown or recession, our servicing costs may have increased without a corresponding increase in our servicing income. No assurances can be given that our underwriting criteria and collection methods to manage the higher risk inherent in loans made to non-prime borrowers have afforded adequate protection against these risks. Any sustained period of increased delinquencies, defaults, repossessions, or losses, or increased servicing costs could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
Added
Weak economic conditions may have a negative impact on Amplex.
Weak economic conditions may have a negative impact on Amplex. A substantial portion of the Amplex revenue comes from customers whose spending patterns may be affected by prevailing economic conditions. Weak economic conditions in the United States affect demand for Amplex products and services and have a negative impact on results of operations. For example, weak economic conditions will likely impact Amplex customers' discretionary spending and as a result, they may reduce the level of services to which they subscribe or may discontinue subscribing to one or more of the Amplex services altogether. This risk may be increased by the expanded availability of free or lower cost competitive services, such as certain streaming services, or substitute services for broadband and voice services, such as wireless and public Wi-Fi networks.
Natural and Human Disruptions3 | 10.3%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
General Risk Factors Epidemics, pandemics, and other outbreaks (including the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic) can disrupt the Company's operations and adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Epidemics, pandemics, and other outbreaks of an illness, disease, or virus, including novel coronavirus disease ("COVID-19"), have adversely affected, and could adversely affect in the future, workforces, customers, economies, and financial markets globally, potentially leading to economic downturns. The significance of the impact on the Company's operations of an epidemic, pandemic, or other outbreak depends on numerous factors that the Company may not be able to accurately predict or effectively respond to, including without limitation: the duration and scope of the outbreak (including the extent of surges, mutations, or strains of the outbreak and the efficacy of vaccination and other efforts to contain the outbreak or treat its effects); actions taken by governments, businesses, and individuals in response to the outbreak; the effect on economic activity and actions taken in response; the effect on customers and their demand for the Company's products and services; the effect on the health, wellness, and productivity of the Company's employees; and the Company's ability to sell, and service its products, including without limitation as a result of supply chain challenges, facility closures, social distancing, restrictions on travel, fear or anxiety by the populace, and shelter in place orders. These and other factors relating to or arising from an epidemic, pandemic or other outbreak could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the trading price of the Company's securities. Additionally, many of the other risk factors described herein may be exacerbated by the effects of an epidemic, pandemic, or other outbreak and related economic conditions, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, access to financing and liquidity.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
Natural disasters, acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats, or the escalation of military activity in response to these attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Natural disasters (such as hurricanes), acts of war, terrorist attacks and the escalation of military activity in response to these attacks or otherwise may have negative and significant effects, such as disruptions in our operations, imposition of increased security measures, changes in applicable laws, market disruptions and job losses. Our headquarters are located in Clearwater, Florida and much of our revenue is generated in Florida. Florida is particularly susceptible to hurricanes. These events may have an adverse effect on the economy in general. Moreover, the potential for future terrorist attacks and the national and international responses to these threats could affect the business in ways that cannot be predicted. The effect of any of these events or threats could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 3
The extent to which COVID-19 and measures taken in response thereto impact our business, results of operations and financial condition will continue to depend on factors outside of our control. COVID-19 has had and is likely to continue to have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition and heightens many of our known risks.
The outbreak of the global pandemic of COVID-19 and resultant economic effects of preventative measures taken across the United States and worldwide have been weighing on the macroeconomic environment, negatively impacting consumer confidence, employment rates and other economic indicators that contribute to consumer spending behavior and demand for credit. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business, results of operations and financial condition will continue to depend on factors outside of our control, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of the outbreak in light of different levels of vaccination across the globe and new variants of the virus or additional waves of cases, its severity, actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, and whether the recently observable resumption of pre-pandemic economic and operating conditions in the United States can continue in light of inflationary pressure and higher insurance costs. For more information, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
In addition, the spread of COVID-19 has caused us to modify our business practices (including restricting employee travel, developing social distancing plans for our employees and cancelling physical participation in meetings,events and conferences), and we may take further actions as may be required by government authorities or as we determine is in the best interests of our employees, partners and customers. The outbreak has adversely impacted and may further adversely impact our workforce and operations and the operations of our partners, customers, suppliers and third-party vendors, throughout the time period during which the spread of COVID-19 continues and related restrictions remain in place, and even after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided.
Even after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided and despite the formal declaration of the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency by the World Health Organization in May 2023, our business may continue to experience materially adverse impacts as a result of the virus's economic impact, including the availability and cost of funding and any recession that has occurred or may occur in the future. There are no comparable recent events that provide guidance as to the effect COVID-19 as a global pandemic may have, and, as a result, the ultimate impact of the outbreak is highly uncertain and subject to change.
Additionally, many of the other risk factors described below are heightened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic conditions, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to financing and liquidity.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 4/29 (14%)Above Sector Average
Competition2 | 6.9%
Competition - Risk 1
We have operated in an increasingly competitive market.
The non-prime consumer-finance industry has been highly competitive, and the competitiveness of the market has continued to increase as new competitors continue to enter the market and certain existing competitors continue to expand their operations and become more aggressive in offering competitive terms. There are numerous financial service companies that provide consumer credit in the markets we have served, including banks, credit unions, other consumer finance companies and captive finance companies owned by automobile manufacturers and retailers. Many of these competitors have substantially greater financial resources than us. In addition, some of these competitors often provided financing on terms more favorable to automobile purchasers or dealers than we were able to offer. Many of these competitors also have long-standing relationships with automobile dealerships and may have offered dealerships, or their customers, other forms of financing including dealer floor-plan financing and leasing, which we were not able to provide. Providers of non-prime consumer financing have traditionally competed primarily on the basis of:
- interest rates charged;- the quality of credit accepted;- dealer discount;- amount paid to dealers relative to the wholesale book value;- the flexibility of Contract and Direct Loan terms offered; and - the quality of service provided.
Competition - Risk 2
We face intense competition, including competition from companies with significantly greater resources than us, and if we are unable to compete effectively with these companies, our market share may decline and our business could be harmed.
The broadband services to be offered through Amplex will compete with other technologies, including traditional cable services as well as satellite services. These markets are highly competitive, and many traditional providers of cable and wireless services have greater financial, marketing, and human resources than we do and may be able to offer additional products and services to our customers. In addition, new technologies may be developed which would provide an alternative to our fiber-to-the-home services we currently provide. As we seek to expand our broadband services, we may face incumbent service providers which would be able to retain a significant customer base in the communities in which we may seek to enter, making it difficult to achieve a share of the market needed to provide our services profitably. Our inability to compete effectively or expand our customer base could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.
Sales & Marketing2 | 6.9%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Our success has been dependent on our ability to forecast the performance of our remaining Contracts and remaining Direct Loans.
We have in the past experienced and may in the future experience high delinquency and loss rates in our portfolios. This has in the past reduced and may continue to reduce our profitability. In addition, our inability to accurately forecast and estimate the amount and timing of future collections could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.
Our consolidated net loss for the year ended March 31, 2024 was $20.8 million as compared to net loss of $34.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2023. Although our significant net loss during fiscal 2023 was largely attributable to our previously announced change in operating strategy and restructuring plan, our profitability usually depends, to a material extent, on the performance of Contracts that we purchase. Historically, we have experienced higher delinquency rates than traditional financial institutions because substantially all of our Contracts and remaining Direct Loans are to non-prime borrowers, who are unable to obtain financing from traditional sources due primarily to their credit history. Contracts and Direct Loans made to these individuals generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default, repossession, and higher losses than loans made to consumers with better credit.
Our underwriting standards and collection procedures may not offer adequate protection against the risk of default, especially in periods of economic uncertainty. In the event of a default, the collateral value of the financed vehicle usually would not cover the outstanding Contract or Direct Loan balance and costs of recovery.
Our ability to accurately forecast performance and determine an appropriate provision and allowance for credit losses was critical to our business and financial results. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses based on management's evaluation of the risk inherent in the portfolio, the composition of the portfolio, specific impaired Contracts and Direct Loans, and current economic conditions. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Estimates" in Item 7 of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.
There can be no assurance that our performance forecasts will be accurate. In periods with changing economic conditions, such as is the case currently, accurately forecasting the performance of Contract and Direct Loans is more difficult. Our allowance for credit losses is an estimate, and if actual Contract and Direct Loan losses are materially greater than our allowance for credit losses, or more generally, if our forecasts are not accurate, our financial position, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
Our success has dependent on our ability to forecast the performance of our Contracts and remaining Direct Loans.
We have in the past experienced and may in the future experience high delinquency and loss rates in our portfolios. This has in the past reduced and may continue to reduce our profitability. In addition, our inability to accurately forecast and estimate the amount and timing of future collections could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.
Our consolidated net loss for the year ended March 31, 2024 was $20.8 million as compared to net income of $34.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2023. Although our significant net loss during fiscal 2023 was largely attributable to our previously announced change in operating strategy and restructuring plan, our profitability usually depends, to a material extent, on the performance of Contracts that we purchase. Historically, we have experienced higher delinquency rates than traditional financial institutions because substantially all of our Contracts and remaining Direct Loans are to non-prime borrowers, who are unable to obtain financing from traditional sources due primarily to their credit history. Contracts and Direct Loans made to these individuals generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default, repossession, and higher losses than loans made to consumers with better credit.
Our underwriting standards and collection procedures may not offer adequate protection against the risk of default, especially in periods of economic uncertainty. In the event of a default, the collateral value of the financed vehicle usually does not cover the outstanding Contract or Direct Loan balance and costs of recovery.
Our ability to accurately forecast performance and determine an appropriate provision and allowance for credit losses is critical to our business and financial results. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses based on management's evaluation of the risk inherent in the portfolio, the composition of the portfolio, specific impaired Contracts and Direct Loans, and current economic conditions. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Estimates" in Item 7 of this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.
There can be no assurance that our performance forecasts will be accurate. In periods with changing economic conditions, such as is the case currently, accurately forecasting the performance of Contract and Direct Loans is more difficult. Our allowance for credit losses is an estimate, and if actual Contract and Direct Loan losses are materially greater than our allowance for credit losses, or more generally, if our forecasts are not accurate, our financial position, liquidity and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. For example, uncertainty surrounding the continuing economic impact of COVID-19 and the indirect effects of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, whether through increases in the price of gasoline and other consumer goods or otherwise, on our customers has made historical information on credit losses slightly less reliable in the current environment, and there can be no assurances that we have accurately estimated loan losses.
Other than limited representations and warranties made by dealers in favor of the Company, Contracts are purchased from the dealers without recourse, and we are therefore only able to look to the borrowers for repayment.
Production
Total Risks: 3/29 (10%)Above Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 6.9%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
The success of our business depends upon our ability to retain and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees.
Although we believe that we can attract and retain qualified and experienced personnel needed to conduct our business operations, no assurance can be given that we will be successful in doing so. Competition to hire personnel possessing the skills and experience required by us could contribute to an increase in our employee turnover rate. High turnover or an inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could have an adverse effect on our, financial condition and results of operations.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We are heavily reliant upon our executive management team.
We depend heavily on the efforts and services of our executive officers and other members of our management team to manage our operations. The unexpected loss or unavailability of key members of management may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects. Although our executive officers devote most of their business time to us and are highly active in our management, they may expend part of their time on other business ventures. If any key executive officers are unable to dedicate adequate time to our businesses and operations, we could experience an adverse effect on our operations due to the demands placed on our management team by other professional obligations.
Supply Chain1 | 3.4%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We partially rely on third parties to deliver services, and failure by those parties to provide these services or meet contractual requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have depended on third-party service providers for many aspects of our business operations, including loan origination, loan servicing, title processing, and online payments, which increased our operational complexity and decreased our control. We relied on these service providers to provide a high level of service and support, which subjected us to risks associated with inadequate or untimely service. If a service provider failed to provide the services that we required or expected, or failed to meet contractual requirements, such as service levels or compliance with applicable laws, a failure could negatively impact our business by adversely affecting our ability to process customers' transactions in a timely and accurate manner, otherwise hampering our ability to service our customers, or subjecting us to litigation or regulatory risk for poor vendor oversight. We may be unable to replace or be delayed in replacing these sources and there is a risk that we would be unable to enter into a similar agreement with an alternate provider on terms that we consider favorable or in a timely manner. Such a failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
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.