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.

S&W Seed Company disclosed 48 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. S&W Seed Company reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q2, 2024

Risk Distribution

33% Finance & Corporate

23% Production

15% Ability to Sell

13% Legal & Regulatory

8% Tech & Innovation

8% Macro & Political

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

S&W Seed Company Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

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

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

Risk Highlights Q2, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 16 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 16 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

-2

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

-2

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

5Risks added

7Risks removed

3Risks changed

Since Jun 2024

5Risks added

7Risks removed

3Risks changed

Since Jun 2024

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of S&W Seed Company in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 48

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 16/48 (33%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights5 | 10.4%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Added

If we fail to comply or regain compliance with the continued listing standards of the Nasdaq Capital Market, we may be delisted and the price of our common stock, our ability to access the capital markets and our financial condition could be negatively impacted.

Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "SANW." To maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market, we are required to meet certain listing requirements, including, among others, maintaining a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share. On November 14, 2023, we received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq, notifying us that, for the previous 30 consecutive business day periods prior to the date of the letter, the closing bid price for our common stock was below $1.00. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until May 13, 2024, to regain compliance with Nasdaq's bid price requirement. On May 14, 2024, we received a notice from the Listing Qualifications Department of Nasdaq informing us that Nasdaq granted us an additional 180 calendar days, or until November 11, 2024, to regain compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), or the Rule. Our stockholders approved, at a special meeting of stockholders held on September 26, 2024, pursuant to Nevada revised statutes 78.2055, a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio in the range of 1-for-5 to 1-for-20, and on October 4, 2024 our Board unanimously approved a reverse stock split of all issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, at a ratio of 1-for-19, or the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split was implemented at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 17, 2024 and our common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis commencing upon market opening on The Nasdaq Capital Market on October 18, 2024. If we do not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement by November 11, 2024, Nasdaq will provide notice that our common stock will be subject to delisting. We would then be entitled to appeal that determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. There is no assurance, however, that we will regain compliance with the Rule or that our common stock will not be delisted from Nasdaq. In addition, on October 17, 2024, we received a notice from Nasdaq advising that our failure to timely file this Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC was in contravention of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1), or the Filing Requirement, and could serve as an additional deficiency and basis for the delisting of our securities from Nasdaq. We have 60 days from the date of the notice to submit a plan to regain compliance with the Filing Requirement for consideration by Nasdaq. We intend to timely submit a plan, including, but not limited to, a reference to the filing of this Form 10-K. There is no assurance, however, that we will regain compliance with the Listing Requirement or that our common stock will not be delisted from Nasdaq.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

We completed a private placement of our Series B Redeemable Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock on February 18, 2022, and if we are required to redeem such shares of preferred stock, our cash position will be negatively impacted. In addition, we may not have sufficient funds to redeem such shares of preferred stock.

We issued 1,695 shares of Series B Redeemable Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock, or Series B Preferred Stock, in connection with our February 2022 private placement. Unless prohibited by Nevada law governing distributions to stockholders, the Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable, at any time after August 18, 2025, upon written request from the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, at a price equal to its stated value, plus any cash dividends accrued but unpaid thereon. As of June 30, 2024, the aggregate stated value of our Series B Preferred Stock was $5.8 million. If a holder of the Series B Preferred Stock requests redemption we will be required to redeem such shares of preferred stock. However, we may be unable to redeem such preferred stock if restrictions under applicable law or contractual obligations prohibit such redemption. If such redemptions are permitted, our available cash will be negatively impacted as a result of such redemptions. In addition, such reduction in our available cash could decrease the trading price of our common stock.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

If we issue additional securities with rights superior to our common stock, the holdings of those owning our common stock could be further diluted or subordinated to the rights of the holders of preferred stock.

We may offer additional debt or equity securities in private and/or public offerings in order to raise working capital or to refinance our debt. Our Board is authorized by our articles of incorporation to establish classes or series of preferred stock and fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each such class or series without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Any shares of preferred stock so issued could have priority over our common stock with respect to dividend or liquidation rights. Our Board has authorized the issuance of 3,323 shares of Series B Redeemable Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Stock, of which 1,695 shares are outstanding as of June 30, 2024. Any future sales of securities could adversely affect the interests or voting rights of the holders of our common stock, result in substantial dilution to existing stockholders, or adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

The value of our common stock can be volatile.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The overall market and the price of our common stock can fluctuate greatly. The trading price of our common stock may be significantly affected by various factors, including but not limited to: - economic status and trends in the dairy industry, which underlies demand for our alfalfa seed;- market conditions for sorghum and alfalfa seed;- quarterly fluctuations in our operating results;- our ability to meet the earnings estimates and other performance expectations of investors or financial analysts;- fluctuations in the stock prices of our peer companies or in stock markets in general; and - general economic or political conditions.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

Anti-takeover provisions and our right to issue preferred stock could make a third-party acquisition of us difficult.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that would make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, including a provision that our Board may issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. In addition, certain anti-takeover provisions of Nevada law, if and when applicable, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.

Accounting & Financial Operations6 | 12.5%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Our quarter-to-quarter performance may vary substantially, and this variance, as well as general market conditions, may cause the price of our securities to fluctuate greatly and potentially expose us to litigation.

Our seed business is highly seasonal because it is tied to the growing and harvesting seasons. If sales in particular quarters are lower than expected, our operating results for these quarters could cause our share price to decline. Our future expense estimates are based, in large part, on estimates of future revenue, which is difficult to predict. We expect to continue to make expenditures in order to expand production, sales, marketing and processes. We may be unable to, or may elect not to, adjust spending quickly enough to offset any unexpected revenue shortfall. If our increased expenses are not accompanied by increased revenue in the same quarter, our quarterly operating results would be harmed. In one or more future quarters, our results of operations may fall below the expectations of investors or analysts, and the trading price of our securities may decline as a consequence. We believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results will not be a good indication of our future performance and should not be relied upon to predict the future performance of our stock price. In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have often been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management's attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Our actual operating results may differ significantly from our guidance.

We routinely release annual guidance in our quarterly earnings releases, our quarterly earnings conference calls and in other forums we consider appropriate. Such guidance regarding our future performance represents our management's estimates as of the date of release or other communication. This guidance, which includes forward-looking statements, is based on projections prepared by our management. These projections are not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and neither our independent registered public accountants nor any other independent expert or outside party compiles or examines the projections, and accordingly, no such person expresses any opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. Projections are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while presented with numerical specificity, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control and are based upon specific assumptions with respect to future business decisions, some of which will change. If we issue guidance, we will generally state possible outcomes as high and low ranges or approximations that are intended to provide a sensitivity analysis as variables are changed but are not intended to represent that actual results could not fall outside of the suggested ranges or approximations. The principal reason that we would release guidance would be to provide a basis for our management to discuss our business outlook with analysts and investors. We do not accept any responsibility for any projections or reports published by any such persons. Guidance is necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions of the guidance furnished by us will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Accordingly, our guidance, when given, is only an estimate of what management believes is realizable as of the date of release or other communication. Actual results will vary from our guidance, and the variations may be material. In light of the foregoing, investors are urged not to rely upon, or otherwise consider, our guidance in making an investment decision about our securities.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends on our common stock.

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the near future. Our current policy is to retain all funds and any earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. If we do not pay cash dividends, our common stock may be less valuable to investors because a return on their investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4

Added

We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, and if we are unable to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis could be impaired and our public reporting may be unreliable.

Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to detect and prevent material misstatements in a timely manner in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the presentation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit to the SEC is accumulated and communicated to management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A material weakness, as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on our evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2024, we determined that we had a material weakness as of June 30, 2024 because of a lack of adequate controls to appropriately analyze all relevant information required for complete and accurate presentation and disclosure under U.S. GAAP. This principally resulted from (1) our failure to effectively evaluate the business information presented to and reviewed by the CODM in making decisions on assessing performance and allocating resources and (2) our failure to disaggregate revenue into appropriate subcategories for footnote disclosure purposes. Accordingly, our disclosure controls and procedures at the end of each of the quarterly reporting periods in fiscal 2024, and as of June 30, 2024, were not effective and our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2024 was also not effective due to the material weakness discussed above. We are implementing certain changes in our internal control as of the filing of this report to address the material weakness. We are implementing, among others, quarterly monitoring of any changes within the Company and the impact on our financial reporting, and updating internal policies and internal control procedures to address this material weakness. The remediation actions are being monitored by the Audit Committee of our Board. However, we cannot assure you that these efforts will remediate this material weakness in a timely manner, or at all, or that we will be able to maintain effective controls and procedures even if we remediate this material weakness. If we are unable to successfully remediate this material weakness, design or operate effective controls and procedures, or identify any future material weaknesses, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected, we may be unable to maintain compliance with securities law requirements regarding timely filing of periodic reports and we may experience a loss of public confidence, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and the market price of our common stock. We are required to disclose changes made in our internal control procedures on a quarterly basis and our management is required to assess the effectiveness of these controls annually. However, for as long as we are a "non-accelerated filer," our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404. An independent assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls could detect problems that our management's assessment might not. Any additional undetected material weaknesses in our internal controls could lead to further financial statement restatements and require us to incur additional expenses of remediation. In addition, if we are unable to remediate this material weakness, or if we are otherwise unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our securities could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by The Nasdaq Capital Market, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Failure to remedy any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, or to implement or maintain other effective control systems required of public companies, could also restrict our future access to the capital markets.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5

Our earnings are vulnerable to cost increases.

Future increase in costs, such as the costs of growing seed and shipping seed, could cause our profit margins and earnings to decline unless we are able to pass along the increased price of production to our customers. We may not be able to increase the price of our seed sufficiently to maintain our profit margins and earnings in the future.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6

If we are unable to estimate our customers' future needs accurately and to match our production to the demand of our customers, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

We sell our seed primarily to dealers and distributors who, in turn, sell primarily to farmers who grow crops from the seed. Due to the nature of the seed industry, we normally produce seed according to our production plan before we sell and deliver seed to distributors and dealers. Our dealers and distributors generally make purchasing decisions for our products based on market prices, economic and weather conditions and other factors that we and our dealers and distributors may not be able to anticipate accurately in advance. If we fail to accurately estimate the volume and types of products sought by the end users and otherwise adequately manage production amounts, we may produce more seed than our dealers and distributors want, resulting in excess inventory levels. It may be difficult for us to dispose of all of our inventory on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Also, retention of excess inventory over extended periods of time increases the risk that certain inventory lots may deteriorate in quality and germination rates. If we determine that the value of our inventories exceeds the market value of product that we reasonably believe we can sell, we may need to record an impairment charge for a portion of our inventory in one or more fiscal periods. For example, our cost of revenue for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 included inventory write-downs of $2.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively, related to certain inventory lots that deteriorated or were expected to deteriorate in quality and germination rates. Any such impairment charge or any failure to sell inventory on commercially reasonable terms could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and operating cash flows. On the other hand, if we underestimate demand, we may not be able to satisfy our dealers and distributors' demand for seed, and thus damage our customer relations and end-user loyalty. Our failure to estimate end users' future needs and to match our production to the demand of our customers may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Debt & Financing3 | 6.3%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Changed

The terms of our loan and security agreement with CIBC and MFP, S&W Australia's debt facilities with NAB, and our AgAmerica note place restrictions on our operating and financial flexibility, and failure to comply with covenants or to satisfy certain conditions may result in acceleration of our repayment obligations and foreclosure on our pledged assets, which could significantly harm our liquidity, financial condition, operating results, business and prospects and cause the price of our securities to decline.

Our revolving credit facility with CIBC is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in substantially all of our assets, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, we may become obligated to repay deemed term loan advances pursuant to a Subordinate Loan and Security Agreement with MFP Partners, L.P., or MFP. Our loan agreement with CIBC requires us to comply with certain financial covenants. The loan agreements with CIBC and MFP also require us to comply with a number of other covenants (affirmative and negative), including restrictive covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness; merge or consolidate with or into any other organization or otherwise suffer a change in control; acquire, own or make investments; repurchase or redeem any class of stock or other equity interest; declare or pay any cash dividend or make a cash distribution on any class of stock or other equity interest; and transfer a material portion of our assets, in each case subject to exceptions. In addition to other specified events of default, and subject to limited exceptions, CIBC could declare an event of default upon our non-compliance with certain covenants or the occurrence of certain events that it may determine, in its sole discretion, to have a material adverse effect, including: a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on our business, property, assets or operations, taken as a whole; a material impairment of our ability to perform any of our obligations under the loan agreement; a material adverse effect upon the collateral for the loan or its value; or a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of the liens upon the collateral for the loan or the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of the loan agreement or related agreements. If we default under the credit facility and are unable to obtain a waiver from CIBC, CIBC may accelerate all of our repayment obligations, which may require us to seek additional or alternate financing and/or modify our operational plans. Debt covenants are stated in the March 22, 2023 amendment with CIBC, with waivers noted in the September 25, 2023 and May 13, 2024 amendments. Current covenants are in the July 3, 2024 amendment. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to comply with all of the covenants contained in the CIBC loan agreement in the future, or secure additional waivers if or when required. If we are unable to comply with or obtain a waiver of any noncompliance under the loan agreement, CIBC could declare an event of default or require us to further renegotiate the loan agreement on terms that may be significantly less favorable to us, or we may be required to seek additional or alternative financing. Although we have secured a lending commitment from MFP to address certain of these risks, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with the terms of the loan agreement with MFP, and we would still need to seek refinancing of the MFP loan agreement if any amounts became payable under the MFP loan agreement. If we were to seek additional or alternative financing, any such financing may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Our term loan agreement with AgAmerica Lending LLC, or AgAmerica, is evidenced by a promissory note and is secured by a mortgage on approximately 31 acres of land located in Lubbock and Moore Counties, Texas, and certain personal property thereon. The term loan agreement and the promissory note, or collectively, the AgAmerica note, requires us to comply with a number of covenants (affirmative and negative) that include limitations with respect to liens, fundamental changes, asset sales and formation and acquisition of subsidiaries, in each case subject to exceptions. If we default under the AgAmerica note, AgAmerica may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable, which may require us to seek additional or alternate financing and/or modify our operational plans. S&W Australia's debt facilities with NAB also contain various covenants. If S&W Australia default under the NAB debt facilities, NAB may declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable, which may require S&W Australia to seek additional or alternate financing and/or modify our operational plans. S&W Australia's entry into voluntary administration constituted an event of default and automatic acceleration of S&W Australia's obligations under the NAB debt facility. However, such acceleration is stayed while S&W Australia is under voluntary administration. S&W Australia's obligations under the NAB debt facility are guaranteed by us up to a maximum of AUD $15.0 million (USD $10.0 million as of June 30, 2024) per the Parent Guarantee. Our obligations under the Parent Guarantee are not subject to a stay in connection with S&W Australia's voluntary administration. As our amended CIBC Loan Agreement matures within the next 12 months, we cannot assure you that we will succeed in securing future refinancing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and whether such terms may be more restrictive than the provisions governing the lending agreements. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will not experience an event of default or be required to further renegotiate with, or seek additional waivers from our lenders, including on terms that may be significantly less favorable to us, before we are able to refinance the loan agreement, if ever. Any declaration by our lenders of an event of default could significantly harm our liquidity, financial condition, operating results, business, and prospects and cause the price of our securities to decline. If we are unable to access funds to meet those obligations or to renegotiate our agreements, our lenders could foreclose on our pledged assets and we would have to immediately cease operations. In addition, during the continuance of an event of default, the then-applicable interest rate on the then-outstanding principal balance is subject to increase. Upon an event of default, our lenders could also require us to repay the loan immediately, together with a prepayment penalty, and other fees. If we were to renegotiate our lending agreements under such circumstances, the terms may be significantly less favorable to us. If we were liquidated, our lenders' rights to repayment would be senior to the rights of our stockholders to receive any proceeds from the liquidation. Any declaration by our lenders of an event of default could significantly harm our liquidity, financial condition, operating results, business, and prospects and cause the price of our securities to decline. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future. The debt instruments governing such indebtedness may contain provisions that are as, or more, restrictive than the provisions governing our existing indebtedness. If we are unable to repay, refinance or restructure our indebtedness when payment is due, our lenders could proceed against the collateral or force us into bankruptcy or liquidation.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

We need to raise additional capital in the future. If we are unsuccessful in attracting new capital, we may not be able to continue operations or may be forced to sell assets to do so. Alternatively, capital may not be available to us on favorable terms, or if at all. If available, financing terms may lead to significant dilution of our stockholders' equity.

Excluding a one-time gain recognized in fiscal 2023, we are not profitable and have had negative cash flow from operations for the last several years. To help fund our operations, we have in part relied on equity and debt financings. We will need to obtain additional funds to finance our operations in the future, and we could spend our available financial resources much faster than we currently expect. Our loan and security agreement with CIBC Bank USA, or CIBC, which matures on November 8, 2024 (or November 30, 2024 if we deliver to CIBC by November 8, 2024 an amended letter of credit issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. for the account of MFP Partners L.P., extending the letter of credit to December 31, 2024), S&W Australia's debt facilities with National Australia Bank Ltd., or NAB, and our AgAmerica note all contain various operating and financial covenants and the impact of adverse geopolitical and macroeconomic events and other factors affecting our results of operations have increased the risk of our inability to comply with these covenants, which could result in acceleration of our repayment obligations and foreclosure on our pledged assets. In addition, these loan agreements contain cross-default provisions, such that certain defaults or breaches under any of our loan agreements may entitle CIBC or NAB to invoke default remedies. We were not in compliance with certain of these covenants in the past and were required to obtain waivers and/or amendments from CIBC and NAB. For example, S&W Australia's entry into voluntary administration constituted an event of default and automatic acceleration of S&W Australia's obligations under the NAB debt facility. However, such acceleration is stayed while S&W Australia is under voluntary administration. S&W Australia's obligations under the NAB debt facility are guaranteed by us up to a maximum of AUD $15.0 million (USD $10.0 million as of June 30, 2024), or the Parent Guarantee. Our obligations under the Parent Guarantee are not subject to a stay in connection with S&W Australia's voluntary administration. S&W Australia's entry into voluntary administration also constituted an event of default under our CIBC debt facility as a result of cross-default provisions. On August 5, 2024, we received a waiver from CIBC for the event of default. While we obtained waivers from CIBC and NAB for certain defaults and covenants in the past, there can be no assurance we will be successful in meeting our covenants, avoiding future defaults, or securing future waivers and/or amendments from our lenders. If we are unsuccessful in doing so, we may need to reduce the scope of our operations, repay amounts owing to our lenders, finance our cash needs through a combination of equity and debt financings, enter into collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements, delay payments to our growers, sell certain assets or divest certain operations. These factors, including any potential financial obligations resulting from the outcome of the voluntary administration and our obligations under the Parent Guarantee, raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. If we are required or desire to raise additional capital in the future, whether as a condition to loan refinancing or separately, such additional financing may not be available on favorable terms, or available at all. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest would be diluted and the terms of these securities could include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends and may be secured by all or a portion of our assets, and may be on terms less favorable than our existing loans. If we fail to obtain additional capital as and when required, such failure could have a material impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we are required or desire to raise additional capital in the future, such additional financing may not be available on favorable terms, or available at all. In addition, as a result of geopolitical and macroeconomic events, such as global inflation, bank failures, uncertain market conditions, the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related sanctions, the conflict in the Middle East, and other factors beyond our control, the global credit and financial markets have at times experienced extreme volatility, including diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, and uncertainty about economic stability. It is possible that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will occur. If equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may affect our ability to raise equity capital, borrow on our existing facilities or make any additional necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain, more costly and/or more dilutive. In addition, our ability to comply with the terms of our loan agreements has been compromised and could result in an event of default. If an event of default were to occur, our lenders could accelerate our repayment obligations or enforce their other rights under our agreements with them. Any such default may also require us to seek additional or alternative financing, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

Capital and credit market issues could negatively affect our liquidity, increase our costs of borrowing and disrupt the operations of our growers and customers.

The capital and credit markets have experienced increased volatility and disruption over the past several years, making it more difficult for companies to access those markets. Continued or increased volatility and disruption in the capital and credit markets may impair our liquidity or increase our costs of borrowing, if we need to access the credit market. Our business could also be negatively impacted if our growers or customers experience disruptions resulting from tighter capital and credit markets or a slowdown in the general economy.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 4.2%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Changed

We have entered into a partnership for the development, marketing and production of camelina. Our future revenues may be substantially dependent on the success of this relationship and we do not have any control over the operations or decision-making of the partnership. This partnership may not be successful, and we may be unable to realize any significant recurring commercial benefit from them.

As part of our overall business strategy, we have entered into a partnership with Equilon Enterprises LLC (dba Shell Oil Products US, or Shell), for the development and production of sustainable biofuel feedstocks through Vision Bioenergy Oilseeds LLC, an entity in which we retained a 34% interest. We believe our future revenues may be substantially dependent on the success of this partnership. Our partnership partner has primary responsibility for, and control over, the operations of this partnership, including the development, marketing and production of the products on which they are focused. We have limited or no control over our partner's decisions, including the amount and timing of resources that they dedicate to such activities. If the partnership partner fails to successfully manage the partnership, the development, marketing and/or production of the applicable product may be delayed or may not occur at all. As a result, this collaborative effort may not be as successful as we expect, or at all, and we may be unable to realize any significant recurring commercial benefit from it. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, which in turn could result in a significant decline in the market price of our common stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

We may not be able to manage expansion of our operations effectively.

We expect our operations related to our sorghum seed business to continue to grow in the future as we expand both domestically and internationally through internal growth and increase our growers' production. These efforts will require the addition of employees, expansion of facilities and greater oversight, perhaps in diverse locations. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, execute on our business strategies or respond to competitive pressures, and we may have difficulties maintaining and updating the internal procedures and the controls necessary to meet the planned expansion of our overall business. Our management will also be required to maintain and expand our relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties as well as attract new customers and suppliers. We expect that our sales and marketing costs will increase as we grow our product lines and as we increase our sales efforts in new and existing markets. Our current and planned operations, personnel, systems and internal procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our future growth.

Production

Total Risks: 11/48 (23%)Above Sector Average

Manufacturing4 | 8.3%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Our current reliance on the seed development and production business does not permit us to spread our business risks among different business segments, and thus a disruption in our seed production or the industry would harm us more immediately and directly than if we were more diversified.

We currently operate primarily in the agricultural seed business, and we do not expect this to change materially in the foreseeable future. Without business line diversity, we will not be able to spread the risk of our operations. Therefore, our business opportunities, revenue and income could be more immediately and directly affected by disruptions from such things as drought and disease or widespread problems affecting the seed markets, payment disruptions and customer rejection of our seed. If there is a disruption as described above, our revenue and earnings could be reduced, and our business operations might have to be scaled back.

Manufacturing - Risk 2

Our ability to contract for sufficient acreage presents challenges.

In order to increase revenue and earnings, we continue to need more production acreage. As we continue to increase the number of acres under contract and/or to move production into new geographical locations, we face challenges that can impede our ability to produce as much seed inventory as we have budgeted. For example, when we move production into new geographical locations, we may find it difficult to identify growers with the expertise to grow our seed crops, and we may not have sufficient company personnel available in such new locations to provide production advice on a timely basis. We also face increased competition for conventional seed acreage as the need for technology acres grows, which is further complicated by the field isolation issue relating to GMO crops that can reduce the amount of acreage available for conventional alfalfa seed crops. If we are unable to secure the acreage we need to meet our planned production for the crop year and are unable to purchase seed in the market, our results of operations could suffer, as would our reputation.

Manufacturing - Risk 3

A lack of availability of water in any of our production areas could impact our business.

Adequate quantities and correct timing of the application of water are vital for most agriculture to thrive. Whether particular farms are experiencing water shortages depends, in large part, on their location. However, continuing drought conditions can threaten all farmland other than those properties with their own water sources. Foreign or domestic regulations regarding water usage and rights may also limit the availability of water. Although our current seed products are not water-intensive crops, the availability or the cost of water is a factor in the planting of the crops grown from our seed. Moreover, if the farmers and others who purchase our seed to grow crops cannot get an adequate supply of water, or if the cost of water makes it uneconomical for the farmers to grow the crops, we may not be able to sell our seed, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Manufacturing - Risk 4

Changed

The presence of GMO alfalfa in California could impact our sales.

GMO crops currently are prohibited in most of the international markets in which our proprietary seed is currently sold. There are regions in the United States, including the Pacific Northwest, where even small quantities of GMO material inadvertently interspersed with conventional (non-GMO) alfalfa seed make the seed undesirable, which causes customers to look elsewhere for their alfalfa seed requirements. The greater the use of GMO seed in California and other alfalfa seed growing regions, the greater the risk that the adventitious presence of GMO material in our seed production will occur due to pollination from hay fields or other seed fields. We regularly test for the adventitious presence of GMO in our conventional alfalfa seed, and we have seen a slight increase in the percentage of GMO presence in conventional alfalfa seed over the past several years. Our seed containing GMO material can only be sold domestically or in other jurisdictions that permit the importation of GMO alfalfa. If we are unable to isolate our conventional alfalfa seed from inadvertently being contaminated by GMO seed, we may find it more difficult to sell that seed in our key markets and we may have insufficient quantities of seed to sell internationally, either of which could materially adversely impact our revenue over time.

Employment / Personnel3 | 6.3%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Added

S&W Australia's voluntary administration is expected to result in S&W Australia's business no longer being conducted through us, which would significantly reduce the scope of our overall worldwide operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

As a result of the voluntary administration process, we currently do not control S&W Australia, and on October 11, 2024, creditors of S&W Australia approved a proposed Deed of Company Arrangement, pursuant to which, among other things, the outstanding shares of S&W Australia would be transferred to a third party. We expect that S&W Australia will no longer be our subsidiary, or owned or controlled by us in any manner, and therefore all of the related business conducted out of S&W Australia will cease to be included within the scope of our business. As a result, if, as expected, we do not regain control of S&W Australia at the conclusion of the voluntary administration process, we will no longer include S&W Australia in our consolidated financials. This would significantly reduce the scope of our overall worldwide operations, and could have a material adverse effect on business, financial position and results of operation. S&W Australia had $43.8 million in total assets, $46.4 million in total liabilities and ($2.6) million in stockholders' equity as of June 30, 2024. S&W Australia's revenue and net loss for the year ended June 30, 2024 were $26.4 million and ($10.0) million, respectively, which was included in our consolidated financials as of and for the year ended June 30, 2024.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

Added

S&W Australia's voluntary administration may have a negative adverse effect upon our financial condition.

S&W Australia's entry into voluntary administration constituted an event of default and automatic acceleration of S&W Australia's obligations under its debt facilities with NAB. However, such acceleration is stayed while S&W Australia is under voluntary administration. Also, S&W Australia's obligations under the NAB debt facility are guaranteed by us up to a maximum of AUD $15.0 million (USD $10.0 million as of June 30, 2024) per our Parent Guarantee. Our obligations under the Parent Guarantee are not subject to a stay in connection with S&W Australia's voluntary administration. As a result, S&W Australia's financial dependency on us could have a negative adverse effect upon our financial condition.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 3

The loss of key employees or the failure to attract qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our ability to run our business.

The loss of any of our current executives, key employees or key advisors, or the failure to attract, integrate, motivate and retain additional key employees, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Although we have employment agreements with our executive officers, as well as certain other employees, all of our employees are employed "at-will" and could leave our employ at any time. We do not carry "key person" insurance on the lives of any of our management team. As we develop additional capabilities, we may require more skilled personnel who must be highly skilled and have a sound understanding of our industry, business or processing requirements. Recruiting skilled personnel is highly competitive. Although to date we have been successful in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, there can be no assurance that we will continue to attract and retain the personnel needed for our business. The failure to attract or retain qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Supply Chain2 | 4.2%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

Because we do not grow the seed that we sell, we are completely dependent on our network of contract growers, and our sales, cash flows from operations and results of operations may be negatively affected if we are unable to maintain an adequate network of contract growers to supply our seed requirements.

We do not directly grow any of the seed that we sell, and therefore, we are entirely dependent upon our network of growers. While we have some supply contracts with our growers of up to seven years in duration, many of our grower contracts cover only one year, which makes us particularly vulnerable to factors beyond our control. Events such as a shift in pricing caused by an increase in the value of commodity crops other than seed crops, increase in land prices, unexpected competition or reduced water availability could disrupt our supply chain. For example, if a particular crop is paying a materially higher price than has been paid in the past, growers may decide to not grow our seed crops in favor of receiving a higher return from an alternative crop planted on the same acreage. Any of these disruptions could limit the supply of seed that we obtain in any given year, adversely affecting supply and thereby lowering revenue. Such disruption could also damage our customer relationships and loyalty to us if we cannot supply the quantity of seed expected by them. In addition, if we are unable to maintain sufficient liquidity to pay our growers as payments come due, this could also damage our relationships with our growers and industry reputation, which could reduce the number of growers willing to contract with us, which could further harm our ability to supply the quantity of seed necessary to meet customer demand.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

Our third-party distributors may not effectively distribute our products.

We depend in part on third-party distributors and strategic relationships for the marketing and selling of our products. We depend on these distributors' efforts to market our products, yet we are unable to control their efforts completely. In addition, we are unable to ensure that our distributors comply with all applicable laws regarding the sale of our products, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended. If our distributors fail to effectively market and sell our products, and in full compliance with applicable laws, our operating results and business may suffer.

Costs2 | 4.2%

Costs - Risk 1

Our earnings may also be sensitive to fluctuations in market prices for seed.

Market prices for our seed can be impacted by factors such as the quality of the seed and the available supply, including whether lower-priced and higher-quality seed is available. Growing conditions, particularly weather conditions such as windstorms, floods, droughts and freezes, as well as diseases and pests and the adventitious presence of GMO, are primary factors influencing the quality and quantity of the seed and, therefore, the market price at which we can sell our seed to our customers. A decrease in the prices received for our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Costs - Risk 2

Insurance covering defective seed claims may become unavailable or be inadequate.

Defective seed could result in insurance claims and negative publicity. Although we carry general liability insurance to cover defective seed claims, such coverage may become unavailable or be inadequate. Even if coverage is offered, it may be at a price and on terms not acceptable to us. If claims exceed coverage limits, or if insurance is not available to us, the occurrence of significant claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 7/48 (15%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 2.1%

Competition - Risk 1

We face intense competition, and our inability to compete effectively for any reason could adversely affect our business.

Competition in the seed industry both domestically and internationally is intense, and we believe it is intensifying with industry consolidation. We face direct competition from other seed companies, including multinational agriculture companies, regional seed companies and small family-owned businesses, as well as subsidiaries or other affiliates of chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, many of which have substantially greater resources than we do. These resources give our competitors greater operating flexibility that, in certain cases, may permit them to respond better or more quickly to changes in the industry or to introduce new products more quickly and with greater marketing support. Increased competition could result in lower profit margins, substantial pricing pressure, reduced market share and lower operating cash flows. Additionally, data analytic tools and web-based new direct purchase models offer increased transparency and comparability, which increases price pressures. Price competition, together with other forms of competition, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and operating cash flows.

Demand4 | 8.3%

Demand - Risk 1

Because our seed business is highly seasonal, our revenue, cash flows from operations and operating results may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis.

Our seed business is seasonal. The seasonal nature of our operations results in significant fluctuations in our working capital during the growing and selling cycles. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, significant variability in net sales, operating cash flows and net (loss) income on a quarterly basis.

Demand - Risk 2

We have had a material concentration of revenue from a small group of customers that fluctuates, and the loss of any of these customers in any quarter could have a material adverse effect on our revenue.

On a historical basis, we have experienced a material concentration of revenue from a small group of customers. This concentration fluctuates from quarter to quarter, depending on our customer's specific requirements, which are themselves cyclical. However, in any particular quarter, we generally have a small group of customers that accounts for a substantial portion of that quarter's revenue. Most of these customers are not contractually obligated to purchase seed from us. The loss of one or more of these customers on a quarterly basis, when taken year over year, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and operating cash flows. We have in the past, and may in the future, suffer material adverse effects from losses arising from a major customer's disputes regarding shipments, product quality or related matters, or from our inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer. There are no assurances that we will be able to maintain our current customer relationships or that they will continue to purchase our seed in the current projected quantities. Any failure to do so may materially adversely impact our business.

Demand - Risk 3

Because we depend on a core group of significant customers, our sales, cash flows from operations and results of operations may be negatively affected if our key customers reduce the amount of products they purchase from us.

Although our customer concentration should decline as our product mix becomes more diverse, there is no assurance that we will be able to maintain the relationships with our major customers or that they will continue to purchase our seed in the quantities that we expect and rely upon. If we cannot do so, our results of operations could suffer.

Demand - Risk 4

Our earnings can be negatively impacted by declining demand brought on by varying factors, many of which are out of our control.

Demand for our seed depends upon a variety of factors, including end demand for the crops grown from the seed. For example, Saudi Arabia announced a discontinuation of import permits for alfalfa seed in fiscal 2024, and as a result, significantly decreased the demand for alfalfa seed in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, we recognized $3.7 million and $9.8 million in revenue for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In addition, demand for our products could decline because of other supply and quality issues or for any other reason, including products of competitors that might be considered superior by end users. A decline in demand for our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Sales & Marketing1 | 2.1%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

We extend credit to our international customers, which exposes us to the difficulties of collecting our receivables in foreign jurisdictions if those customers fail to pay us.

Although our payment terms for export seed sales often are prepaid, documentary collections or secured by a letter of credit, we do extend credit of up to 180 days to some of our international customers. Sales of our seed to international customers represented a material portion of our revenue in historical periods and we expect that we will continue to extend credit in connection with future sales. Because these customers are located in foreign countries, collection efforts, were they to become necessary, could be much more difficult and expensive than pursuing similar claims in the United States. Moreover, future political and/or economic factors, as well as future unanticipated trade regulations, could negatively impact our ability to timely collect outstanding receivables from these important customers. The extension of credit to our international customers exposes us to the risk that our seed will be delivered but that we may not receive all or a portion of the payment therefor. If these customers are unable or unwilling to fully pay for the seed they purchase on credit, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially negatively impacted. Moreover, our internal forecasts on which we make business decisions throughout the year could be severely compromised, which could, in turn, mean that we spend capital for operations, investment or otherwise that we would not have spent had we been aware that the customer would not honor its credit extension obligation.

Brand / Reputation1 | 2.1%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

A negative public perception of biotechnology may adversely impact our business.

Concerns and claims regarding the safe use of seeds with biotechnology traits and their potential impact on health and the environment, and the perceived impacts of biotechnology on health and the environment, reflect a growing trend in societal demands for increasing levels of product safety and environmental protection. These and other concerns could manifest themselves in stockholder proposals, preferred purchasing, delays or failures in obtaining or retaining regulatory approvals, delayed product launches, lack of market acceptance, product discontinuation, continued pressure for and adoption of more stringent regulatory intervention and litigation, termination of raw material supply agreements, and legal claims. These and other concerns could also influence public perceptions, the viability or continued sales of certain of our products, our reputation, and the cost to comply with regulations. As a result, such concerns could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 6/48 (13%)Below Sector Average

Regulation3 | 6.3%

Regulation - Risk 1

If we are unable to obtain government approvals for certain of our products, we may be unable to commercialize those products in certain markets.

Our ability to launch and commercialize certain new products is subject to regulatory approval, which can be lengthy, costly, complex and in some markets unpredictable. The regulatory environment may be impacted by the activities of non-governmental organizations and special interest groups and stakeholder reaction to actual or perceived impacts of new and existing technology, products, or processes on safety, health, and the environment. Seed products incorporating biotechnology derived traits and crop protection products must be extensively tested for safety, efficacy, and environmental impact before they can be registered for production, use, sale or commercialization in a given market. Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals requires submitting a significant amount of information and data, which may require participation from technology providers. If we are unable to receive the necessary approvals, we will be unable to produce and sell certain of our current and future products, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Regulation - Risk 2

Changes in government policies and laws could adversely affect international sales and therefore our financial results.

Historically, sales to our distributors who sell our proprietary seed varieties outside the United States have constituted a meaningful portion of our annual revenue. We anticipate that sales into international markets will represent a material amount of our total sales and that continued growth and profitability will require further international expansion. Our financial results could be affected by various conditions, including changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations, or other activities of U.S. and non-U.S. governments, agencies and similar organizations. For example, in fiscal 2024, the Department of Ministry in Saudi Arabia discontinued their approval of import permits for all forage seed, which includes alfalfa and all grasses, as a means of water conservation, which adversely affected our international sales. These conditions may also include but are not limited to changes in a country's or region's economic or political conditions, trade regulations affecting production, pricing and marketing of products, local labor conditions and regulations, reduced protection of intellectual property rights in some countries, changes in the regulatory or legal environment, burdensome taxes and tariffs and other trade barriers. International risks and uncertainties, including changing social and economic conditions as well as terrorism, political hostilities and war, could lead to reduced distribution of our products into international markets and reduced profitability associated with such sales.

Regulation - Risk 3

Added

Logistical challenges could negatively impact our business.

We may experience logistical challenges due to limited availability of trucks for product deliveries, congestion at the ports and overall volatility of shipping and transportation costs, which may reduce our ability to recognize revenue timely and as such, harm our results of operations.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 4.2%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

Failure to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or similar laws could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.

We are subject to the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits United States companies, including their suppliers, distributors and other commercial partners, from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices occur from time-to-time in the countries in which we distribute products. We have adopted formal policies and procedures designed to facilitate compliance with these laws. If our employees or other agents, including our distributors or suppliers, are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties and other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2

We may be exposed to product quality claims, which may cause us to incur substantial legal expenses and, if determined adversely against us, may cause us to pay significant damage awards.

We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time relating to our seed quality. The defense of these proceedings and claims can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert efforts and resources of our management personnel. An adverse determination in any such proceeding could subject us to significant liability and damage our market reputation and prevent us from achieving increased sales and market share. Protracted litigation could also result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase of our products.

Environmental / Social1 | 2.1%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Environmental regulation affecting our seed products could negatively impact our business.

Our agricultural operations are subject to a broad range of evolving environmental laws and regulations applicable to the markets in which we operate. These environmental laws and regulations are intended to address concerns related to, among other things, air quality, storm water discharge and management and disposal of agricultural chemicals relating to seed treatment. In the U.S., we are subject to evolving environmental laws and regulations by federal and state governments. Federal laws and regulations include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Federal Seed Act, and potentially regulations of the FDA and/or other State regulatory agencies. Our failure to comply with these laws and related regulations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, it is possible that future developments, such as increasingly strict environmental laws and enforcement policies thereunder, and further restrictions on the use of agricultural chemicals, could result in increased compliance costs which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 4/48 (8%)Below Sector Average

Innovation / R&D1 | 2.1%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

If we fail to introduce and commercialize new seed products, we may not be able to maintain market share, and our future sales may be harmed.

The performance of our new seed products may not meet our customers' expectations, or we may not be able to introduce and commercialize specific seed varieties and hybrids. Reorder rates are uncertain due to several factors, many of which are beyond our control. These include changing customer preferences, which could be further complicated by competitive price pressures, our failure to develop new products to meet the evolving demands of the end users, the development of higher-demand products by our competitors and general economic conditions. The process for new products to gain market recognition and acceptance is long and has uncertainties. New products may be abandoned for many reasons, including greater than anticipated development costs, competition, decrease in demand and the need to divert focus, from time to time, to other initiatives with perceived opportunities for better returns. If we fail to introduce and commercialize new seed products that meet the demands of the end user, if our competitors develop products that are favored by the end users, or if we are unable to produce our existing products in sufficient quantities, our growth prospects may be materially and adversely affected, and our revenue may decline. In addition, sales of our new products could replace sales of some of our current similar products, offsetting the benefit of a successful product introduction.

Trade Secrets1 | 2.1%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our business and prospects may be harmed.

Our ability to compete effectively is dependent upon the proprietary nature of the seeds, seedlings, processes, technologies and materials owned by or used by us or our growers. If any competitors independently develop new traits, seeds, seedlings, processes or technologies that customers or end users determine are better than our existing products, such developments could adversely affect our competitive position. In some cases, we obtain patent protection or plant breeder rights registrations for certain of our seed products. However, our principal method of guarding our proprietary varieties and hybrids is exercising a high degree of control over the supply chain. We also rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to protect proprietary know-how that is not patentable, processes for which patents are difficult to enforce and any other elements of our discovery and development processes that involve proprietary know-how, information or technology that is not covered by patents. Although we require our employees, consultants, advisors and any third parties who have access to our proprietary know-how, information, or technology to enter into confidentiality agreements, we cannot be certain that our trade secrets and other confidential proprietary information will not be disclosed or that competitors will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques. Even with these measures in place, it would be possible for persons with access to our seed or plants grown from our seed to reproduce and market products substantially similar to our proprietary seed varieties, which could significantly harm our business and our reputation. Third parties may challenge the validity, enforceability and scope of our intellectual property rights. Furthermore, we sell our products in several countries and the laws of some countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. As a result, we may encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our intellectual property both in the United States and abroad. Litigation may be necessary to protect our proprietary property and determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of competitors. Intellectual property litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management and other resources. If we are unable to successfully protect our intellectual property rights, our competitors could market products that compete with our proprietary products without obtaining a license from us.

Cyber Security1 | 2.1%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

Unauthorized access to our information technology systems, infrastructure and data could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are dependent upon our own and third-party information technology systems, infrastructure and data, including mobile technologies, to operate our business. The multitude and complexity of our computer systems may make them vulnerable to service interruption or destruction, disruption of data integrity, malicious intrusion, or random attacks. Likewise, data privacy or security incidents or breaches by employees or others may pose a risk that sensitive data, including our intellectual property, trade secrets or personal information of our employees, customers or other business partners may be exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public. Our business partners face similar risks, and any security breach of their systems could adversely affect our security posture. In addition, cyberattacks are increasing in their frequency, sophistication and intensity. Cyber-attacks could include the deployment of harmful malware, denial-of-service, social engineering and other means to affect service reliability and threaten data confidentiality, integrity and availability. Moreover, the prevalent use of mobile devices that access confidential information increases the risk of data security breaches, which could lead to the loss of confidential information, trade secrets or other intellectual property. A security breach, including, for example, a misappropriation of customer, distributor or employee confidential information, trade secrets or intellectual property, could disrupt our business and result in increased costs or loss of revenue, which may include potential costs of investigations, legal, forensic and consulting fees and expenses, costs and diversion of management's attention required for investigation, remediation and litigation, substantial repair or replacement costs. In addition, any disruption in our information technology systems, loss of data or other disruptions could impair our ability to manage inventories, process transactions and communicate with our customers, which could prevent us from being able to fulfill orders, result in cancellations and loss of customers, cause us reputational harm and generally disrupt our ability to conduct our business, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. While we have implemented measures for the protection of our data and information technology infrastructure, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent service interruptions, or identify breaches in our systems, that could adversely affect our business and operations and/or result in the loss of critical or sensitive information, which could result in financial, legal, business or reputational harm to us. In addition, our liability insurance may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us against claims related to security breaches, cyberattacks and other related breaches.

Technology1 | 2.1%

Technology - Risk 1

Disruptions to our operations may adversely impact our business.

Despite all precautions, operations at our sites may be disrupted by fires, power outages, process changeovers – including those due to restrictions on the use of certain chemical substances – or plant breakdowns, for example. In addition, some of our production facilities are located in areas that may be affected by natural disasters such as flooding or earthquakes. These risks can lead to production disruptions or stoppages, result in personal injury and damage to our reputation, lead to declines in sales and/or profit margins, and necessitate the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. Furthermore, potential criminal activities targeting our employees, property or business activities represent a risk for our company. These include intellectual property theft, vandalism, physical attacks and sabotage. In addition, counterfeit or adulterated versions of our products could be put into circulation. There is also the risk of crises such as a pandemic or a prolonged power outage that could lead to a breakdown of our critical infrastructure and our production.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 4/48 (8%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 2.1%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

The effects of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may have an adverse impact on our business.

The global economy has been negatively impacted by the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in early 2022, the U.S. and global financial markets experienced volatility, which has led to disruptions to trade, commerce, pricing stability, credit availability, supply chain continuity and reduced access to liquidity globally. In response to the invasion, the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, along with others, imposed significant new sanctions and export controls against Russia, Russian banks and certain Russian individuals and may implement additional sanctions or take further punitive actions in the future. The full economic and social impact of the sanctions imposed on Russia and possible future punitive measures that may be implemented, as well as the counter measures imposed by Russia, in addition to the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia and related sanctions, which could conceivably expand into the surrounding region, remains uncertain; however, both the conflict and related sanctions have resulted and could continue to result in disruptions to trade, commerce, pricing stability, credit availability, supply chain continuity and reduced access to liquidity on acceptable terms, in both Europe and globally, and has introduced significant uncertainty into global markets. Shifts in these underlying conditions may negatively impact our profit margins. Furthermore, our market environment and, consequently, our business performance may be adversely impacted. Further escalation of the military conflict or related geopolitical tensions, including increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, cyberattacks, supply disruptions, and changes to foreign exchange rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our business and supply chains.

International Operations1 | 2.1%

International Operations - Risk 1

We are subject to risks associated with doing business globally.

Our operations, both inside and outside the U.S., are subject to risks inherent in conducting business globally and under the laws, regulations and customs of various jurisdictions and geographies. Developments in these jurisdictions and geographies may have a significant effect on our operations. For example, Saudi Arabia announced a discontinuation of import permits for alfalfa seed in fiscal 2024, and as a result, significantly decreased the demand for alfalfa seed in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, we recognized $3.7 million and $9.8 million in revenue for the years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our operations outside the U.S. are subject to special risks and restrictions, including, without limitation: - fluctuations in currency values and foreign-currency exchange rates;- exchange control regulations;- changes in local political or economic conditions;- governmental pricing directives; import and trade restrictions;- import or export licensing requirements and trade policy;- restrictions on the ability to repatriate funds; and - other potentially detrimental domestic and foreign governmental practices or policies affecting U.S. companies doing business abroad, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the trade sanctions laws and regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Furthermore, our ability to export our products and our sales outside the United States may be adversely affected by significant changes in trade, tax, or other policies, including the risk that other countries may retaliate through the imposition of their own trade restrictions and/or increased tariffs in response to substantial changes to U.S. trade and tax policies. Acts of terror or war may impair our ability to operate in particular countries or regions and may impede the flow of goods and services between countries. Customers in weakened economies may be unable to purchase our products, or it could become more expensive for them to purchase imported products in their local currency, or sell their commodity at prevailing international prices, and we may be unable to collect receivables from such customers. Further, changes in exchange rates may affect our net earnings, the book value of our assets outside the United States and our stockholders' equity. Failure to comply with the laws and regulations that affect our global operations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, in many markets there are various pressures to reduce government subsidies to farmers, which may inhibit the growth in these markets of products used in agriculture. In addition, government programs that create incentives for farmers may be modified or discontinued. However, it is difficult to predict accurately whether, and if so when, such changes will occur. We expect that the policies of governments and international organizations will continue to affect the planting choices made by growers as well as the income available to growers to purchase products used in agriculture and, accordingly, the operating results of the agriculture industry.

Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 4.2%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, crop disease, pests and other natural conditions can impose significant costs and losses on our business.

Our seed crops are vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, including windstorms, floods, drought and temperature extremes, which are common but difficult to predict. In addition, seed crops are vulnerable to crop disease and to pests, which may vary in severity and effect, depending on the stage of production at the time of infection or infestation, the type of treatment applied and climatic conditions. The weather also can affect the quality, volume and cost of seed produced for sale as well as demand and product mix. Seed yields can be higher or lower than planned, which could lead to higher inventory and related write-offs. In addition, climate change may increase the frequency or intensity of extreme weather such as storms, floods, heat waves, droughts and other events that could affect the quality, volume and cost of seed produced for sale as well as demand and product mix. Climate change may also affect the availability and suitability of arable land and contribute to unpredictable shifts in the average growing season and types of crops produced. Unfavorable growing conditions can reduce both crop size and quality. Although we do not grow any of our seed directly, these factors can still impact us by potentially decreasing the quality and yields of our seed and reducing our available inventory. These factors can increase costs, decrease revenue and lead to additional charges to earnings, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2

Actual or threatened public health pandemics or outbreaks may adversely impact on our business, operations and the markets and communities in which we, our partners and customers operate.

Actual or threatened public health pandemics or outbreaks may adversely impact our business, operations and the markets and communities in which we, our partners and customers operate. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken to slow its spread had an adverse impact on our operations, including disruptions of shipments of our seed products, increased foreign exchange rate volatility, reduced in-person sales interactions, and other disruptions which affected our results and financial condition. We cannot predict if or when other similar disease outbreaks will emerge that cause similar disruptions. The extent to which future pandemics may impact our operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the timing and duration of future pandemics, the transmissibility and severity of illness caused by future pandemics, the efforts by governments and businesses to contain the spread of future pandemics, business closures or business disruptions and the impact on the economy and capital markets. Similar disruptions or disease outbreaks could delay or reduce our ability to recognize revenues within a particular fiscal period and harm our 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.

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