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SMG Industries Inc (SMGI)
OTHER OTC:SMGI
US Market

SMG Industries (SMGI) Risk Analysis

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Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

SMG Industries disclosed 40 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. SMG Industries reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q2, 2023

Risk Distribution
40Risks
53% Finance & Corporate
13% Ability to Sell
13% Macro & Political
10% Legal & Regulatory
10% Production
3% 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

S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
SMG Industries 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, 2023

Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 21 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 21 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
40
+4
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
40
+4
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
4Risks added
0Risks removed
2Risks changed
Since Jun 2023
4Risks added
0Risks removed
2Risks changed
Since Jun 2023
Number of Risk Changed
2
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
2
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of SMG Industries 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 40

Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 21/40 (53%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights9 | 22.5%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Added
The Barnhart Companies may have liabilities that are not known to us.
The Barnhart Companies may have liabilities that we failed, or were unable, to discover in the course of performing our due diligence investigation in connection with the Acquisition. We may learn additional information about the Barnhart Companies that materially and adversely affects us, such as unknown or contingent liabilities and liabilities related to compliance with applicable laws. Moreover, the Barnhart Companies may be subject to audits, reviews, inquiries, investigations, and claims of non-compliance and litigation by federal and state regulatory agencies, which could result in liabilities or other sanctions. Any such liabilities or sanctions, individually or in the aggregate, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
There is a limited trading market for our shares. You may not be able to sell your shares if you need money.
Our common stock is traded on the OTCQB Venture Market (herein "OTC Market"), an inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities. According to OTC Markets, during the thirty days preceding filing of this report, the average daily trading volume of our common stock was approximately 19,000 shares traded per day, on average, and currently is thinly traded. As of March 31, 2023, we had 894 record holders of our common stock (not including an indeterminate number of stockholders whose shares are held by brokers in "street name"). There has been limited trading activity in our stock, and when it has traded, the price has fluctuated widely. We consider our common stock to be "thinly traded" and any last reported sale prices may not be a true market-based valuation of the common stock. Stockholders may experience difficulty selling their shares if they choose to do so because of the illiquid market and limited public float for our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
We are subject to the penny stock rules and these rules may adversely affect trading in our common stock.
Our common stock is a "low-priced" security under rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In accordance with these rules, broker-dealers participating in transactions in low-priced securities must first deliver a risk disclosure document which describes the risks associated with such stocks, the broker-dealer's duties in selling the stock, the customer's rights and remedies and certain market and other information. Furthermore, the broker-dealer must make a suitability determination approving the customer for low-priced stock transactions based on the customer's financial situation, investment experience and objectives. Broker-dealers must also disclose these restrictions in writing to the customer, obtain specific written consent from the customer, and provide monthly account statements to the customer. The effect of these restrictions probably decreases the willingness of broker-dealers to make a market in our common stock, decreases liquidity of our common stock and increases transaction costs for sales and purchases of our common stock as compared to other securities.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Transfers of our securities may be restricted by virtue of state securities "blue sky" laws which prohibit trading absent compliance with individual state laws. These restrictions may make it difficult or impossible to sell shares in those states.
Transfers of our common stock may be restricted under the securities or securities regulations laws promulgated by various states and foreign jurisdictions, commonly referred to as "blue sky" laws. Absent compliance with such individual state laws, our common stock may not be traded in such jurisdictions. Because the securities registered hereunder have not been registered for resale under the blue sky laws of any state, the holders of such shares and persons who desire to purchase them should be aware that there may be significant state blue sky law restrictions upon the ability of investors to sell the securities and of purchasers to purchase the securities. These restrictions may prohibit the secondary trading of our common stock. Investors should consider the secondary market for our securities to be a limited one.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Our Officers, Directors and ten percent or greater shareholders collectively own a substantial portion of our outstanding common stock and fixed exercise price convertible notes, and as long as they do, they may be able to control the outcome of stockholder voting.
Our Officers, Directors and ten percent or greater shareholders are collectively the beneficial owners of approximately 76.6% of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the date of this report, assuming the conversion of all of the convertible securities held by our Officers, Directors and ten percent or greater shareholders. As long as our Officers, Directors and ten percent or greater shareholders collectively own a significant percentage of our common stock, our other shareholders may generally be unable to affect or change the management or the direction of our company without the support of our Officers, Directors and ten percent or greater shareholders. As a result, some investors may be unwilling to purchase our common stock. If the demand for our common stock is reduced because our Officers, Directors and ten percent or greater shareholders have significant influence over our company, the price of our common stock could be materially depressed. Upon the conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes, an additional 79,467,400 shares of our common stock would be issued and outstanding resulting in substantial dilution of our current shareholders voting power and ownership interests. The Officers, Directors and ten percent or greater shareholders will be able to exert significant influence over the outcome of all corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of Directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation and approval of significant corporate transactions.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
We have the ability to issue additional shares of our common stock and shares of preferred stock without asking for stockholder approval, which could cause your investment to be diluted.
Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to issue up to 250,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The power of the Board of Directors to issue shares of common stock, preferred stock or warrants or options to purchase shares of common stock or preferred stock is generally not subject to stockholder approval. Accordingly, any additional issuance of our common stock, or preferred stock that may be convertible into common stock, may have the effect of diluting your investment.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
By issuing preferred stock, we may be able to delay, defer or prevent a change of control.
Our Certificate of Incorporation permits us to issue, without approval from our shareholders, a total of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which are currently outstanding. Our Board of Directors can determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to, or imposed upon, the shares of preferred stock and to fix the number of shares constituting any series and the designation of such series. It is possible that our Board of Directors, in determining the rights, preferences and privileges to be granted when the preferred stock is issued, may include provisions that have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, discouraging bids for our common stock at a premium over the market price, or that adversely affect the market price of and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Our stock price is volatile.
The trading price of our common stock has been and continues to be subject to fluctuations. The stock price may fluctuate in response to a number of events and factors, such as quarterly variations in operating results, the operating and stock performance of other companies that investors may deem as comparable and news reports relating to trends in the marketplace, among other factors. Significant volatility in the market price of our common stock may arise due to factors such as: - our developing business - relatively low price per share - relatively low public float - variations in quarterly operating results - changes in our cash flow from operations or earnings estimates - general market trends and economic conditions in the industries in which we do business - Domestic and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance - the number of holders of our common stock - the interest of securities dealers in maintaining a market for our common stock As long as there is only a limited public market for our common stock, the sale of a significant number of shares of our common stock at any particular time could be difficult to achieve at the market prices prevailing immediately before such shares are offered and could cause a severe decline in the price of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
Increased dealer compensation could adversely affect our stock price.
The dealer's spread (the difference between the bid and ask prices) may be large and may result in substantial losses to the seller of shares of our common stock on the OTC Markets if the stock must be sold immediately. Further, purchasers of shares of our common stock may incur an immediate "paper" loss due to the price spread. Moreover, dealers trading on the OTC Markets may not have a bid price for shares of our common stock on the OTC Markets. Due to the foregoing, demand for shares of our common stock on the OTC Markets may be decreased or eliminated.
Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 5.0%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Changes in accounting pronouncements could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, as reported in our financial statements.
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which is periodically revised and/or expanded. Accordingly, from time to time we are required to adopt new or revised accounting guidance and related interpretations issued by recognized authoritative bodies, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the SEC. Market conditions have prompted these organizations to issue new guidance that further interprets or seeks to revise accounting pronouncements related to various transactions as well as to issue new guidance expanding disclosures. An assessment of proposed standards is not provided, as such proposals are subject to change through the exposure process and, therefore, their effects on our financial statements cannot be meaningfully assessed. It is possible that future accounting guidance we are required to adopt could change the current accounting treatment that we apply to our consolidated financial statements and that such changes could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, as reported in our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Our recurring losses from operations could continue to raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern requires that we obtain sufficient funding to finance our operations.
We have sustained losses from operations during each of the last two years, which as of December 31, 2022, accumulated to $44,642,776, including an operating loss of $3,012,244 and $8,934,649 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Accordingly, our auditor has concluded that substantial doubt exists regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our audited consolidated financial statements appearing at the end of this Annual Report have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties related to our ability to operate on a going concern basis. In its report on our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph stating that our recurring losses from operations and net capital deficiency raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The perception that we may not be able to continue as a going concern may cause others to choose not to deal with us due to concerns about our ability to meet our contractual obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on our operations. Our ability to continue as a going concern requires that we obtain sufficient funding to finance our operations. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we may have to liquidate our assets and may receive less than the value at which those assets are carried on our audited financial statements, and it is likely that investors will lose all or a part of their investment. If we seek additional financing to fund our business activities in the future and there remains substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, investors or other financing sources may be unwilling to provide additional funding to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
Debt & Financing6 | 15.0%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Inadequate liquidity could materially and adversely affect our business operations.
We have significant outstanding indebtedness under our credit facilities. As of December 31, 2022, we had fully drawn the availability under our credit facility. Due to this limited liquidity we may not be able to provide our services, which could lead to continued deterioration in our financial condition. Our ability to pay interest and principal on our indebtedness and to satisfy our other obligations will depend upon our ability to achieve increased utilization of our equipment, which is highly influenced by our customers capital expenditures and activity. We cannot assure that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations, or that future capital will be available to us in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs. We cannot assure you that we will be able to raise capital through debt or equity financings on terms acceptable to us or at all, or that we could consummate dispositions of assets or operations for fair market value, in a timely manner or at all. Furthermore, any proceeds that we could realize from any financings or dispositions may not be adequate to meet our debt service or other obligations then due.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
The loan agreement and line of credit facility pledges all of the 5J Transportation Group's accounts receivable to Amerisource Funding Inc.
In connection with SMG's acquisition of 5J, each of 5J Oilfield Services and 5J Trucking entered into a revolving accounts receivable assignment and term loan financing and security agreement with Amerisource Funding Inc. Additionally, in September 2021, the 5J Transportation Group entered into a loan agreement with Amerisource Funding Inc. Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement and the line of credit agreement, Amerisource has been granted a first lien on all of the accounts receivable and other personal property of the 5J Transportation Group, other than 5J Driveaway which was formed subsequent to the loan and line of credit agreement. In the event that the 5J Transportation Group was unable to comply with the payment terms of the Amerisource loan and/or the accounts receivable agreement, Amerisource could terminate the accounts receivable facility or declare the loan to be in default with the 5J Transportation Group in an effort to seek repayment under the terms of the agreements. If Amerisource were successful, we would be unable to borrow working capital funds and operate our business as it is presently conducted and our ability to generate revenues and fund our ongoing operations would be materially adversely affected. Additionally, we have guaranteed the Amerisource financing facility on behalf of our subsidiaries who are the borrowers.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
We most likely will need additional financing to further our business plans.
We believe we will require additional funds to finance our business development projects. We may not be successful in raising additional financing as and when needed. If we are unable to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms, our operating results and prospects could be adversely affected. Our ability to raise new debt or equity capital or to refinance or restructure our debt at any given time depends, among other things, on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Also, the terms of existing or future debt or equity instruments could further restrict our business operations. The inability to finance future growth could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
Changed
The interest rate on a significant portion of our indebtedness varies with the market rate of interest. An increase in the benchmark interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our interest expense and our results of operations.
The interest under our Credit Agreements is at variable rates. Loans under the ABL Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate, Term SOFR or REVSOFR30 rate, as applicable, plus an applicable rate of between 1.625% to 2.50%, depending on the benchmark rate and the leverage ratio of the Borrowers. Borrowings under the Term Loan Credit Agreement bear interest at a fluctuating rate of interest per year based on Term SOFR Rate plus a margin of 6.50%, which margin may adjust lower (but no lower than 5.50%) based on our leverage ratio commencing on the six-month anniversary of the date of such Credit Agreement. The interest under our Credit Agreements will fluctuate over time, and if the benchmark rates significantly increase, our interest expense will increase. This could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Added
If we fail to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness or to otherwise comply with the covenants in our Credit Agreements, we may be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation by our lenders.
In connection with the Acquisition of the Barnhart Companies, each of the Company, the 5J Transportation Group and the Barnhart Companies entered into the Term Loan Credit Agreement with Great Rock and the ABL Credit Agreement with JP Morgan. Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreements, Great Rock and JP Morgan have been granted liens on substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants in a Credit Agreement, we could be in default under the terms of the Credit Agreement governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under the Credit Agreement could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under a Credit Agreement to avoid being in default. If we or any of our subsidiaries breach the covenants under a Credit Agreement and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under a Credit Agreement, the lenders could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
Added
Despite current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur additional indebtedness, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial financial leverage.
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future because the terms of our Credit Agreements do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. Subject to covenant compliance and certain conditions, our Credit Agreements permit additional borrowing. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries' current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now face could intensify.
Corporate Activity and Growth4 | 10.0%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Added
We may not realize the expected benefits of the Acquisition.
To be successful after the Acquisition, we need to combine and integrate the assets and operations of the Barnhart Companies. Integration will require substantial management attention and resources and could detract attention and resources from our day-to-day business. We could encounter difficulties in the integration process, such as: - complexities associated with managing the combined businesses, including difficulty addressing possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies in a seamless manner that minimizes any adverse impact on customers, clients, employees, lenders, and other constituencies;- the loss of key employees, customers, suppliers, vendors or partners;- insufficient capital and liquidity to achieve our business plan;- the inability of the combined company to meet its cost expectations;- performance shortfalls as a result of the diversion of management's attention caused by completing the Acquisition; and - potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the Acquisition. If we cannot successfully integrate the assets and operations of the Barnhart Companies, we may fail to realize the expected benefits of the Acquisition, including cost savings, new service offerings and other synergies and growth opportunities. Even if the integration of the Barnhart Companies is successful, we may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition during the anticipated time frame, or at all.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
We are currently in a very difficult operating environment.
We faced a very difficult operating environment in 2022 and believe it could continue into 2023, with labor shortages, the reduced but continued economic effects of the global COVID pandemic and working capital business liquidity constraints can from time to time make it a challenge for us to provide services. We cannot give any assurances about possible future pandemics, their effects on the economy or our business. We cannot give any assurances that we will raise future capital to provide more additional working capital and liquidity, and on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Due to liquidity constraints from time to time, we may be forced to curtail operations in some or all of our locations which would materially and adversely affect our revenues and operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
While our growth strategy includes seeking acquisitions of other transportation services and logistics companies, we may not be successful in identifying or making any acquisitions in the future. We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions, joint ventures or divestitures, or these benefits may take longer to realize than expected.
Our business strategy includes growth through the acquisitions of other businesses in the areas of logistics and transportation services. We may not be able to continue to identify attractive acquisition opportunities or successfully acquire those opportunities that are identified. There is always the possibility that even if there is success in integrating our current or future acquisitions into the existing operations, we may not derive the benefits, such as administrative or operational synergy or earnings obtained, that were expected from such acquisitions, which may result in the commitment of capital resources without the expected returns on the capital. The competition for acquisition opportunities may increase which in turn would increase our cost of making further acquisitions or causing us to curb our activities of making additional acquisitions. In pursuing our business strategy, from time to time we evaluate targets and enter into agreements regarding possible acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures. To be successful, we conduct due diligence to identify valuation issues and potential loss contingencies, negotiate transaction terms, complete transactions, and manage post-closing matters such as the integration of acquired businesses. Our due diligence reviews are subject to the completeness and accuracy of disclosures made by third parties. We may incur unanticipated costs or expenses following a completed acquisition, including post-closing asset impairment charges, expenses associated with eliminating duplicate facilities, litigation, and other liabilities. The risks associated with our future acquisitions also include the following: - the business culture of the acquired business may not match well with our culture,- we may fail to retain, motivate, and integrate key management and other employees of the acquired business,- we may experience problems in retaining customers and integrating customer bases, and - we may experience complexities associated with managing the combined businesses and consolidating multiple physical locations. We believe that we have sufficient resources to integrate these acquisitions successfully, such integration involves a number of significant risks, including management's diversion of attention and resources. There can be no assurance as to the extent to which the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions will be realized, if at all, or that significant time and cost beyond that anticipated will not be required with the integration of new acquisitions to the existing business. If we are unable to accomplish the integration and management successfully or achieve a substantial portion of the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions within the time frames anticipated by management and within budget, it could have a material adverse effect on our business. Many of these factors will be outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management's time and attention. They may also delay the realization of the benefits we anticipate when we enter into a transaction. Failure to implement our acquisition strategy, including successfully integrating acquired businesses, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
We are vulnerable to the potential difficulties associated with rapid growth
We believe that our future success depends on our ability to manage the rapid growth that we expect to experience organically and through acquisitions. Our anticipated growth will place additional demands and responsibilities on our management to maintain existing customers and attract new customers, recruit, retain and effectively manage employees, as well as expand operations and integrate customer support and financial control systems. The following could present difficulties: - Lack of sufficient executive level personnel - Increased administrative burden - Availability of suitable acquisitions - Additional equipment to satisfy customer requirements - The ability to provide focused service attention to our customers If we are unable to manage our expected future growth, our business could be materially adversely affected.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 5/40 (13%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.5%
Competition - Risk 1
We operate in a highly competitive environment, which could adversely affect our sales and pricing.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. We provide services primarily in the southwest United States. Our competitors include many large and small transportation, logistics, and other service companies. In addition, the transportation services business in which we compete is highly fragmented. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the markets we serve are reputation for high quality service and technical expertise, good equipment, trained personnel, work force competency, safety record and price. Competing firms may have their own service personnel, in which case we may not get awarded an available service job. While we seek to be competitive in our pricing, we believe many of our customers elect to work with us based on safety and performance and quality of our crews, equipment, and services. We seek to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by delivering the highest quality service, experienced personnel, and equipment possible, coupled with execution and operating efficiency in a safe working environment. We expect competition to intensify in the future. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with other companies. Thus, revenues could be reduced due to aggressive pricing pursued by competitors. Many of our competitors are entities that are more established, larger and have greater financial and personnel resources than we do. If we do not compete successfully, our business and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
Demand3 | 7.5%
Demand - Risk 1
We operate in a highly cyclical industry which could adversely affect our results of operations.
We operate in a highly cyclical industry. A key factor driving demand for our industrial services is the level of economic activity with domestic oil and gas companies, which in turn depends largely on current and anticipated future crude oil and natural gas prices and production depletion rates. Global supply and demand for oil and the domestic supply and demand for natural gas are critical in assessing industry outlook. Demand for oil and natural gas is cyclical and subject to large, rapid fluctuations. Producers tend to increase capital expenditures in response to increases in oil and natural gas prices, which generally results in greater revenues and profits for oilfield service companies such as ours. Increased capital expenditures also ultimately lead to greater production, which historically has resulted in increased supplies and reduced prices, which in turn tend to reduce activity levels for oilfield services. Midstream or pipeline operating companies typically utilize service companies in their construction, build out or maintenance of their infrastructure they operate and manage. Midstream operators also have cyclical capital spending where area activity and hydrocarbon prices may have an effect on new project economics that may result in delays or elimination of project expenditures. Heavy haul logistics and transportation typically includes a material amount of oilfield production equipment as such is cyclical in nature. Additionally, weather conditions affect the demand for, and prices of, oil and natural gas and, as a result, demand for our services. Demand for oil and natural gas is typically higher in the fourth and first quarters due to harsh northern climates, resulting in higher prices. For these reasons, the results of our operations may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year. These fluctuations may distort comparisons of results across periods.
Demand - Risk 2
We depend on several significant customers, and a loss of one or more significant customers could adversely affect our results of operations.
The Company serves several major drilling companies and independent oil & gas companies that are active in our core areas of operations. Additionally, project-based engineering firms can provide large, concentrated revenue opportunities that can provide a large swing in revenues that are managed on intra-year basis. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for 14% of our accounts receivable balance. During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2022, no customers represented 10% or more of our revenues. These customers do not have any ongoing commitment to purchase our services. While additional customers have been sourced since December 31, 2022, customer concentration risk still exists. The loss of or a sustained decrease in demand by these customers could result in a substantial loss of revenues and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, should these large customers default in their obligations to pay, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Demand - Risk 3
Our business depends in part on domestic (United States) spending by the crude oil and natural gas industry which suffered significant price volatility in 2021 and 2022, and such volatility may continue; our business has been, and may in the future be, adversely affected by industry and financial market conditions that are beyond our control.
While our Company generally benefitted from increased oil and gas prices in the United States in fiscal year 2022 compared to the previous year, we are trying to reduce the percentage of revenues and activity received from upstream oil and gas customers over time. If future hydrocarbon prices decline, it could have a negative effect on our business as customers would potentially reduce their operating and capital expenditures which would reduce demand for our services. Industry conditions and specifically the market price for crude oil and natural gas are influenced by numerous domestic and global factors over which the Company has no control, such as the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, domestic and worldwide economic conditions, weather conditions, political instability in oil and natural gas producing countries, and merger and divestiture activity among oil and natural gas producers. The volatility of the oil and natural gas industry and the consequent impact on commodity prices as well as exploration and production activity could adversely impact the level of drilling and activity by some of our customers. There have also been significant political pressures for the United States economy to reduce its dependence on crude oil and natural gas due to the perceived impacts on climate change. These activities may make oil and gas investment and production less attractive. Higher oil and gas prices do not necessarily result in increased drilling activity because our customers' expectation of future prices also drives demand for drilling services. Oil and gas prices, as well as demand for the Company's services, also depend upon other factors that are beyond the Company's control, including the following: - Supply and demand for crude oil and natural gas,- political pressures against crude oil and natural gas exploration and production, OPEC and Russia oil production decisions,- cost of exploring for, producing, and delivering oil and natural gas,- expectations regarding future energy prices,- advancements in exploration and development technology,- adoption or repeal of laws regulating oil and gas production in the U.S.,- imposition or lifting of economic sanctions against foreign companies,- weather conditions,- rate of discovery of new oil and natural gas reserves,- tax policy regarding the oil and gas industry,- development and use of alternative energy sources, and - the ability of oil and gas companies to generate funds or otherwise obtain external capital for projects and production operations. Ongoing volatility and uncertainty in the domestic and global economic and political environments have caused the oilfield services industry to experience volatility in terms of demand. While our management is generally optimistic for the continuing development of the onshore North American oil and gas industry, there are a number of political and economic pressures negatively impacting the economics of continuing production from some existing wells, future drilling operations, and the willingness of banks and investors to provide capital to participants in the oil and gas industry. These cuts in spending will continue to curtail drilling programs as well as discretionary spending on well services and will continue to result in a reduction in the demand for the Company's services, the rates and equipment utilization can be charged. In addition, certain of the Company's customers could become unable to pay their suppliers, including the Company. Any of these conditions or events could adversely affect our operating results.
Sales & Marketing1 | 2.5%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
There is a risk of market fraud on the OTC Marketplace.
OTC Marketplace securities are frequent targets of fraud or market manipulation. Not only because of their generally low price, but also because the OTC Market reporting requirements for these securities are less stringent than for listed or NASDAQ traded securities, and no exchange requirements are imposed. Dealers may dominate the market and set prices that are not based on competitive forces. Individuals or groups may create fraudulent markets and control the sudden, sharp increase of price and trading volume and the equally sudden collapse of the market price for shares of our common stock.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 5/40 (13%)Above Sector Average
Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 5.0%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Unexpected events, including natural disasters, may increase our cost of doing business or disrupt our operations.
The occurrence of one or more unexpected events, including fires, tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, cold freezes, earthquakes, floods and other forms of severe weather in the United States or in other countries in which our suppliers may be located could adversely affect our operations and financial performance. Natural disasters, pandemic illness, equipment failures, power outages or other unexpected events could result in physical damage to and complete or partial closure of one or more of our offices and disrupt our ability to deliver our products and services. Existing insurance arrangements may not provide protection for all of the costs that may arise from such events.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced demand for our services, and has had, and may continue to have, a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The effects of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and related variants, including actions taken by businesses and governments, have resulted in a significant and swift reduction in international and U.S. economic activity. These effects have adversely affected the demand for oil and natural gas, as well as for our services. The collapse in the demand for oil caused by this unprecedented global health and economic crisis, has had, and should the pandemic continue, is reasonably likely to continue to have, a material adverse impact on the demand for our services. The decline in our customers' demand for our services could continue to have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. While the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related variants is not yet known, we are closely monitoring the effects of the pandemic on market demands, our customers, and our operations and employees. These effects have included, and may continue to include, adverse revenue and cash flow effects; disruptions to our operations; customer shutdowns of oil and gas exploration and production; employee impacts from illness, school closures and other community response measures; and temporary closures of our facilities or the facilities of our customers and suppliers. The extent to which our operating and financial results are affected by COVID-19 and related variants will depend on various factors and consequences beyond our control, such as the duration and scope of the pandemic; additional actions by businesses and governments in response to the pandemic; and the speed and effectiveness of responses to combat the virus. COVID-19, and the volatile regional and global economic conditions stemming from the pandemic, could also aggravate the other risk factors set forth below. COVID-19 may also materially adversely affect our operating and financial results in a manner that is not currently known to us or that we do not currently consider significant risks to our operations.
Capital Markets3 | 7.5%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
There is a limitation in connection with the editing and canceling of orders on the OTC Markets.
Orders for OTC Market securities may be canceled or edited like orders for other securities. All requests to change or cancel an order must be submitted to, received, and processed by the OTC Markets. Due to the manual order processing involved in handling OTC Markets trades, order processing and reporting may be delayed, and one may not be able to cancel or edit one's order. Consequently, one may not be able to sell its shares of our common stock at the optimum trading prices.
Capital Markets - Risk 2
There are limitations in connection with the availability of quotes and order information on the OTC Markets.
Trades and quotations on the OTC Markets involve a manual process and the market information for such securities cannot be guaranteed. In addition, quote information, or even firm quotes, may not be available. The manual execution process may delay order processing and intervening price fluctuations may result in the failure of a limit order to execute or the execution of a market order at a significantly different price. Execution of trades, execution reporting and the delivery of legal trade confirmation may be delayed significantly. Consequently, one may not be able to sell shares of our common stock at the optimum trading prices.
Capital Markets - Risk 3
There are delays in order communication on the OTC Markets.
Electronic processing of orders is not available for securities traded on the OTC Marketplace and high order volume and communication risks may prevent or delay the execution of one's OTC Marketplace trading orders. This lack of automated order processing may affect the timeliness of order execution reporting and the availability of firm quotes for shares of our common stock. Heavy market volume may lead to a delay in the processing of OTC Marketplace security orders for shares of our common stock, due to the manual nature of the market. Consequently, one may not able to sell shares of our common stock at the optimum trading prices.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 4/40 (10%)Above Sector Average
Regulation1 | 2.5%
Regulation - Risk 1
We are subject to a wide range of government regulations that could adversely affect our business
The Company's operations are regulated and licensed by various federal, provincial, state, local and foreign government agencies in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the Company and its drivers must comply with the safety and fitness regulations of the DOT and the agencies within the states that regulate transportation, including those regulations relating to drug- and alcohol-testing and hours-of-service. Weight and equipment dimensions also are subject to government regulations. The Company also may become subject to new or more restrictive regulations relating to fuel emissions, environmental protection, drivers' hours-of-service, driver eligibility requirements, on-board reporting of operations, collective bargaining, ergonomics, and other matters affecting safety, insurance, and operating methods. Other agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) also regulate the Company's equipment, operations, drivers, and the environment. The Company conducts operations outside of the United States, and is subject to analogous governmental safety, fitness, weight and equipment regulations and environmental protection and operating standards, as well as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which generally prohibits United States companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining favorable treatment. Any investigation of any actual or alleged violations of such laws could also harm the Company's reputation or have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. The methodology used to determine a carrier's safety rating could be changed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and, as a result, the Company's acceptable safety rating could be impaired. In particular, the FMCSA continues to utilize the three safety fitness rating scale: "satisfactory," "conditional," and "unsatisfactory"-to assess the safety fitness of motor carriers and the Company currently has a "satisfactory" FMCSA rating on 100% of its fleet. While the Company believes the FMCSA will update its records and grant a "satisfactory" rating, there can be no guarantee that this rating will occur. Accordingly, the Company's market opportunities could remain constrained, as many customers require a rating of "satisfactory". However, pursuant to a 2015 federal statutory mandate, the FMCSA commissioned the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct a study and report upon the CSA program and its underlying Safety Measurement System (SMS), which is the FMCSA's process for identifying patterns of non-compliance and issuing safety-fitness determinations for motor carriers. In June 2017, the NAS published a report on the subject providing specific recommendations and concluding, among other things, that the FMCSA should explore a more formal statistical model to replace the current SMS process. In June 2018, the FMCSA posted its response to the NAS study in a report to Congress, concluding, among other things, that it would develop and test a new model, the Item Response Theory (IRT), which would replace the SMS process currently used. The FMCSA was expected to commence small scale testing of the IRT model as early as September 2018, with full scale testing expected to occur in April 2019 and possible program roll-out expected to occur in late 2019 but the testing schedule has been delayed. The FMCSA's June 2018 response is under audit by the DOT Inspector General to assess consistency with the NAS recommendations, and the audit findings will guide the agency's actions and timing with respect to testing of the IRT model as a potential replacement for the SMS, in the event and to the extent that the FMCSA adopts the IRT model in replacement of the SMS or otherwise pursues rulemakings in the future that revise the methodology used to determine a carrier's safety rating in a manner that incorporates more stringent standards, then it is possible that the Company and other motor carriers could be adversely affected, as compared to consideration of the current standards. If the Company were to receive an unsatisfactory CSA score, whether under the current SMS process, the IRT model, should it be finalized, and adopted, or as a result of some other safety-fitness determination, it could adversely affect the Company's business as many of its existing customer contracts have a prohibition against doing business with carriers that have an "unsatisfactory" DOT safety rating, and an unsatisfactory rating could negatively impact or restrict the Company's operations. The FMCSA published a final rule in December 2015 mandating the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for commercial motor vehicle drivers to measure their compliance with hours-of-service requirements by December 18, 2017. The 2015 ELD final rule generally applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are required to keep records of duty status, unless they qualify for an exception to the rule, and the rule also applies to drivers domiciled in Canada and Mexico. Under the 2015 final rule, motor carriers and drivers subject to the rule were required to use either an ELD or an automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) compliant with existing regulations by December 18, 2017. However, the AOBRDs were only permitted to be used until December 16, 2019, provided those devices were put into use before December 18, 2017. Starting December 16, 2019, all carriers and drivers subject to the 2015 final rule must use ELDs. Commencing with the December 18, 2017 effective date, the Company and other motor carriers subject to the 2015 rule are required to use ELDs or AOBRDs in their operations. The Company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations governing, among other matters, the operation of fuel storage tanks, release of emissions from its vehicles (including engine idling) and facilities, and adverse impacts to the environment, including to the soil, groundwater, and surface water. The Company has implemented programs designed to monitor and address identified environmental risks. Historically, the Company's environmental compliance costs have not had a material adverse effect on its results of operations; however, there can be no assurance that such costs will not be material in the future or that such future compliance will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and operating results. The Company also has vehicle maintenance operations at certain of its facilities. The Company's operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage into the environment, discharge of contaminants, environmental and natural resource damage, and unauthorized hazardous material spills, releases, or disposal actions, among others. Some of the Company's operations are at facilities where soil and groundwater contamination have occurred. If the Company is found to be responsible for such contamination or spills,the Company could be subject to costs and liabilities, including costs for remediation, environmental natural resource damages and penalties. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations, or applications, nor can we determine what effect such additional regulation, when and if it occurs, would have on our business in the future. Such additional regulation could require, however, any or all of the actions listed below, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations: - the reformulation of certain products to meet new standards - the recall or discontinuance of certain products and/or services - additional record keeping - expanded documentation of the properties of certain products - revised, expanded or different labeling - additional scientific substantiation
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 2.5%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Indemnification of officers and directors may result in unanticipated expenses.
The Delaware General Corporation Law, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws, and indemnification agreements between the Company and certain individuals provide for the indemnification of our directors, officers, employees, and agents, under certain circumstances, against attorney's fees and other expenses incurred by them in any litigation to which they become a party arising from their association with us or activities on our behalf. We also will bear the expenses of such litigation for any of our directors, officers, employees, or agents, upon such person's promise to repay them if it is ultimately determined that any such person shall not have been entitled to indemnification. This indemnification policy could result in substantial expenditures by us that we may be unable to recoup and could direct funds away from our business and products (if any).
Environmental / Social2 | 5.0%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Environmental compliance costs and liabilities could reduce our earnings and available cash for our operations.
We are subject to increasingly stringent laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and the importation and use of hazardous materials, including laws and regulations governing air emissions, water discharges and waste management. Government authorities have the power to enforce compliance with their regulations, and violations are subject to fines, injunctions or both. We incur and expect to continue to incur capital and operating costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations. The technical requirements of these laws and regulations are becoming increasingly complex and expensive to implement. These laws may provide for "strict liability" for damages to natural resources or threats to public health and safety. Strict liability can render a party liable for damages without regard to negligence or fault on the part of the party. Some environmental laws provide for joint and serval strict liability for remediation of spills and release of hazardous substances. Stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, new laws and regulations or the imposition of new or increased requirements could require us to incur costs and penalties or become the basis of new or increased liabilities that could reduce its revenue and available cash for operations. The Company believes it is currently in compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
Environmental / Social - Risk 2
Compliance with climate change legislation or initiatives could negatively impact our business.
The U.S. Congress has considered legislation to mandate reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and certain states have already implemented, or may be in the process of implementing, similar legislation. Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court has held in its decisions that carbon dioxide can be regulated as an "air pollutant" under the Clean Air Act, which could result in future regulations even if the U.S. Congress does not adopt new legislation regarding emissions. At this time, it is not possible to predict how legislation or new federal or state government mandates regarding the emission of greenhouse gases could impact our business; however, any such future laws or regulations could require us or our customers to devote potentially material amounts of capital or other resources in order to comply with such regulations. These expenditures could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Production
Total Risks: 4/40 (10%)Above Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 5.0%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Changed
The loss of one or more key members of our management team, or our failure to attract, integrate and retain highly qualified personnel, could harm our business.
Our success is largely dependent on the skills, experience, and efforts of our management team. We face intense competition for these individuals worldwide. We may not be able to attract qualified new employees or retain existing employees, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We currently depend on the continued services and performance of the key members of our management team, including Bryan S. Barnhart, our Chief Executive Officer; Timothy W. Barnhart, our Chief Financial Officer; Steven Madden, our Chief Transition Officer; Matthew Flemming, our Chief Business Development Officer; and James Frye, our President of 5J Transportation Group operating division. The loss of any such key personnel could result in a disruption to our operations. The loss of key personnel could disrupt our operations and have an adverse effect on our ability to grow our business if we are unable to replace them. We have experienced significant recent changes in our senior management team in connection with the Acquisition. On July 7, 2023, in connection with the closing of the Acquisition, Bryan S. Barnhart and Timothy W. Barnhart were appointed our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, and also were appointed to our Board of Directors. These changes to our executive management team may be disruptive to, or cause uncertainty in, our business, results of operations and the price of our common stock. Leadership transitions are inherently difficult to manage and may result in the loss of institutional knowledge and changes to business strategy or objectives. In addition, these changes have the potential to negatively impact our operations and relationships with employees and customers due to increased or unanticipated expenses, operational inefficiencies, uncertainty regarding changes in strategy, decreased employee morale and productivity and increased turnover. The following risk factors are hereby added:
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
Failure to obtain and retain skilled technical personnel could impede our operations.
We require skilled personnel to operate and provide technical services and support for our business. Competition for the personnel required for our businesses intensifies as activity increases. In periods of high utilization, it may become more difficult to find and retain qualified individuals. This could increase our costs or have other adverse effects on our operations.
Supply Chain1 | 2.5%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
The Company's contractual agreements with its owner-operators expose it to risks that it does not face with its company drivers.
Approximately 49% of the Company's revenue was carried by owner-operators in 2022. The Company's reliance on independent owner-operators creates numerous risks for the Company's business. For example, the Company from time to time provides financing to certain of its independent owner-operators purchasing tractors from the Company. If owner-operators operating the tractors the Company financed default under or otherwise terminate the financing arrangement and the Company is unable to find a replacement owner-operator, the Company may incur losses on amounts owed to it with respect to the tractor in addition to any losses it may incur as a result of idling the tractor. Further, if the Company is unable to provide such financing in the future, due to liquidity constraints or other restrictions, the Company may experience a shortage of owner-operators. If the Company's independent owner-operators fail to meet the Company's contractual obligations or otherwise fail to perform in a manner consistent with the Company's requirements, the Company may be required to utilize alternative service providers at potentially higher prices or with some degree of disruption of the services that the Company provides to customers. If the Company fails to deliver on time, if its contractual obligations are not otherwise met, or if the costs of its services increase, then the Company's profitability and customer relationships could be harmed. Furthermore, independent owner-operators typically use tractors, trailers and other equipment bearing the Company's trade names and trademarks. If one of the Company's independent owner-operators is subject to negative publicity, it could reflect on the Company and have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and brand. Under certain laws, the Company could also be subject to allegations of liability for the activities of its independent contractor owner-operators. Owner-operators are third-party service providers, as compared to company drivers who are employed by the Company. As independent business owners, the Company's owner-operators may make business or personal decisions that conflict with the Company's best interests. For example, if a load is unprofitable, route distance is too far from home or personal scheduling conflicts arise, an owner-operator may deny loads of freight from time to time. In these circumstances, the Company must be able to timely deliver the freight in order to maintain relationships with customers. In addition, adverse changes in the financial condition of the Company's independent contractor owner-operators or increases in their equipment or operating costs could cause them to seek higher revenues. The prices the Company charges its customers could be impacted by such issues, which may in turn limit pricing flexibility with customers.
Costs1 | 2.5%
Costs - Risk 1
Our operations are subject to inherent risks, some of which are beyond our control. These risks may not be fully covered under our insurance policies.
Our operations are subject to hazards inherent in the transportation services and the oil and natural gas industry, such as, but not limited to, accidents, blowouts, explosions, fires, and oil spills. These conditions can cause: - Personal injury or loss of life,- Damage to or destruction of property, equipment, and the environment, or - Suspension of operations by our customers The Company maintains insurance coverage that we believe to be customary in the industry against these hazards. However, we do not have insurance against all foreseeable risks, either because insurance is not available or because of the high premium costs. The occurrence of an event not fully insured against, or the failure of an insurer to meet its insurance obligations, could result in substantial losses. In addition, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at reasonable rates. Insurance may not be available to cover any or all of the risks to which we are subject, or, even if available, it may be inadequate, or insurance premiums or other costs could rise significantly in the future so as to make such insurance prohibitively expensive. It is likely that, in our insurance renewals, our premiums and deductibles will be higher, and certain insurance coverage either will be unavailable or considerably more expensive than it has been in the recent past. In addition, our insurance is subject to coverage limits. The occurrence of a significant event or adverse claim in excess of the insurance coverage that we maintain or that is not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 1/40 (3%)Above Sector Average
Cyber Security1 | 2.5%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
Our operations are subject to cyber-attacks that could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.
Our operations are increasingly dependent on digital technologies and services. We use these technologies for internal purposes, including data storage, processing and transmissions, as well as in our interactions with customers and suppliers. Digital technologies are subject to the risk of cyber-attacks. If our systems for protecting against cybersecurity risks prove not to be sufficient, we could be adversely affected by, among other things: loss of or damage to intellectual property, proprietary or confidential information, or customer, supplier, or employee data; interruption of our business operations; and increased costs required to prevent, respond to, or mitigate cybersecurity attacks. These risks could harm our reputation and our relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and other third parties, and may result in claims against us. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.
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.