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.

SOBR Safe disclosed 33 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. SOBR Safe reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2018

Risk Distribution

64% Finance & Corporate

15% Production

9% Tech & Innovation

9% Ability to Sell

3% Macro & Political

0% Legal & Regulatory

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

SOBR Safe Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

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

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

Risk Highlights Q4, 2018

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 21 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 21 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

+18

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

+18

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

18Risks added

0Risks removed

2Risks changed

Since Dec 2018

18Risks added

0Risks removed

2Risks changed

Since Dec 2018

Number of Risk Changed

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of SOBR Safe 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 33

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 21/33 (64%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights3 | 9.1%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Because we are subject to the "penny stock" rules, the level of trading activity in our stock may be reduced.

Our common stock is traded on the OTC Markets. Broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in "penny stocks" are regulated by certain penny stock rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Penny stocks, like shares of our common stock, generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on NASDAQ. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer's presumed control over the market, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. In addition, broker-dealers who sell these securities to persons other than established customers and "accredited investors" must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. Consequently, these requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security subject to the penny stock rules, and investors in our common stock may find it difficult to sell their shares.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Our common stock has been thinly traded and we cannot predict the extent to which a trading market will develop.

Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets. Our common stock is thinly-traded compared to larger more widely known companies. Thinly traded common stock can be more volatile than common stock trading in an active public market. We cannot predict the extent to which an active public market for our common stock will develop or be sustained.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

Added

We may make actions that will not require our stockholders' approval.

The terms and conditions of any acquisition could require us to take actions that would not require stockholder approval. In order to acquire certain companies or assets, we may issue additional shares of common or preferred stock, borrow money or issue debt instruments including debt convertible into capital stock. Not all of these actions would require our stockholders' approval even if these actions dilute our shareholders' economic or voting interest.

Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 6.1%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

We have a limited operating history and historical financial information upon which you may evaluate our performance.

You should consider, among other factors, our prospects for success in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by companies that, like us, are in their early stages of development. We may not successfully address these risks and uncertainties or successfully implement our existing and new products. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business and impair the value of our common stock. Even if we accomplish these objectives, we may not generate the positive cash flows or profits we anticipate in the future. We were incorporated in Delaware on August 10, 2007. Our business to date business focused on developing and improving our product, filing patents, and hiring management and staff personnel. Unanticipated problems, expenses and delays are frequently encountered in establishing a new business and developing new products. These include, but are not limited to, inadequate funding, lack of consumer acceptance, competition, product development, and inadequate sales and marketing. The failure by us to meet any of these conditions would have a materially adverse effect upon us and may force us to reduce or curtail operations. No assurance can be given that we can or will ever operate profitably.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Changed

The internal controls we utilize to produce reliable financial reports have material weaknesses. If we continue to have material weaknesses in our internal controls, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or timely or to detect fraud, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

An effective internal control environment is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and is an important part of our effort to prevent financial fraud. We are required to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of our internal controls over financial reporting. Based on these evaluations, we have concluded in this report, as well as our prior reports, that we have material weaknesses in our internal controls and enhancements, modifications, and changes to our internal controls are necessary in order to eliminate these weaknesses. There are inherent limitations on the effectiveness of internal controls, including collusion, management override, and failure of human judgment. In addition, control procedures are designed to reduce rather than eliminate business risks. If we continue to fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls we may be unable to produce reliable, timely financial reports or prevent fraud, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, including subjecting us to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any such actions could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could cause the market price of our common stock to decline or limit our access to capital.

Debt & Financing4 | 12.1%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Added

If we are deemed to be an investment company, we may be required to institute burdensome compliance requirements and our activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for us to complete a business combination.

We believe we will not be subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act insofar as we will not be engaged in the business of investing or trading in securities. However, in the event that we engage in business combinations which result in us holding passive investment interests in a number of entities, we may become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act. In such event, we may be required to register as an investment company and may incur significant registration and compliance costs. We have obtained no formal determination from the government as to our status under the Investment Company Act, and consequently, any violation of such Act might subject us to material adverse consequences.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

If we cannot obtain additional funding, our product development and commercialization efforts may be reduced or discontinued and we may not be able to continue operations.

We have historically experienced negative cash flows from operations since our inception and we expect the negative cash flows from operations to continue for the foreseeable future. Unless and until we are able to generate revenues, we expect such losses to continue for the foreseeable future. As discussed in our financial statements, there exists substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Product development efforts are highly dependent on the amount of cash and cash equivalents on hand combined with our ability to raise additional capital to support our future operations through one or more methods, including but not limited to, issuing additional equity or debt. In addition, we may also raise additional capital through additional equity offerings, and licensing our future products in development. While we will continue to explore these potential opportunities, there can be no assurances that we will be successful in raising sufficient capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, or that we will be successful in licensing our future products. Based on our current projections, we believe we have insufficient cash on hand to meet our obligations as they become due based on current assumptions. The uncertainties surrounding our future cash inflows have raised substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

We may not be able to meet our future capital needs.

To date, we have not generated any revenue and we have limited cash liquidity and capital resources. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our ability to develop our products, cash flow from operations, and competing market developments. We will need additional capital in the near future. Any equity financings will result in dilution to our then-existing stockholders. Sources of debt financing may result in high interest expense. Any financing, if available, may be on unfavorable terms. If adequate funds are not obtained, we will be required to reduce or curtail operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 4

Added

We may have insufficient resources to cover our operating expenses and the expenses of raising money and consummating acquisitions.

We have limited cash to cover our operating expenses and to cover the expenses incurred in connection with money raising and a business combination. It is possible that we could incur substantial costs in connection with money raising or a business combination. If we do not have sufficient proceeds available to cover our expenses, we may be forced to obtain additional financing, either from our management or third parties. We may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all, and neither our management nor any third party is obligated to provide any financing. This could have a negative impact on our company and our stock price.

Corporate Activity and Growth12 | 36.4%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Added

The nature of our proposed future operations is speculative and will depend to a great extent on the businesses which we acquire.

While management typically intends to seek a merger or acquisition of privately held entities with established operating histories, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in locating an acquisition candidate meeting such criteria. In the event we complete a merger or acquisition transaction, of which there can be no assurance, our success if any will be dependent upon the operations, financial condition and management of the acquired company, and upon numerous other factors beyond our control. If the operations, financial condition or management of the acquired company were to be disrupted or otherwise negatively impacted following an acquisition, our company and our stock price would be negatively impacted.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

Added

We will have only a limited ability to evaluate the directors and management of potential acquisitions.

We may make a determination that our current directors and officers should not remain, or should reduce their roles, following money raising or a business combination, based on an assessment of the experience and skill sets of new directors and officers and the management of target businesses. We cannot assure you that our assessment of these individuals will prove to be correct. This could have a negative impact on our company and our stock price.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3

Added

Our investigation of potential acquisitions will be limited.

Our analysis of new business opportunities will be undertaken by or under the supervision of our executive officers and directors. Inasmuch as we will have limited funds available to search for business opportunities and ventures, we will not be able to expend significant funds on a complete and exhaustive investigation of such business or opportunity. We will, however, investigate, to the extent believed reasonable by our management, such potential business opportunities or ventures by conducting a so-called "due diligence investigation". In a so-called "due diligence investigation", we intend to obtain and review materials regarding the business opportunity. Typically such materials will include information regarding a target business' products, services, contracts, management, ownership, and financial information. In addition, we intend to cause our officers or agents to meet personally with management and key personnel of target businesses, ask questions regarding the company's prospects, tour facilities, and conduct other reasonable investigation of the target business to the extent of our limited financial resources and management and technical expertise. Any failure of our typical "due diligence investigation" to uncover issues and problems relating to potential acquisition candidates could materially adversely affect our company and the trading price of our stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4

Added

Future acquisitions may fail to perform as expected.

Future acquisitions may fail to perform as expected. We may overestimate cash flow, underestimate costs, or fail to understand risks. This could materially adversely affect our company and the trading price of our Stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5

Added

Our acquisitions of businesses may be extremely risky and we could lose all of our investments.

We may invest in other technology businesses or other risky industries. An investment in these companies may be extremely risky because, among other things, the companies we are likely to focus on: (1) typically have limited operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns; (2) tend to be privately-owned and generally have little publicly available information and, as a result, we may not learn all of the material information we need to know regarding these businesses; (3) are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of people; and, as a result, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these people could have an adverse impact on the operations of any business that we may acquire; (4) may have less predictable operating results; (5) may from time to time be parties to litigation; (6) may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; and (7) may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. Our failure to make acquisitions efficiently and profitably could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and the trading price of our stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 6

Added

We may not be able to successfully integrate new acquisitions.

Even if we are able to acquire additional companies or assets, we may not be able to successfully integrate those companies or assets. For example, we may need to integrate widely dispersed operations with different corporate cultures, operating margins, competitive environments, computer systems, compensation schemes, business plans and growth potential requiring significant management time and attention. In addition, the successful integration of any companies we acquire will depend in large part on the retention of personnel critical to our combined business operations due to, for example, unique technical skills or management expertise. We may be unable to retain existing management, finance, engineering, sales, customer support, and operations personnel that are critical to the success of the integrated company, resulting in disruption of operations, loss of key information, expertise or know-how, unanticipated additional recruitment and training costs, and otherwise diminishing anticipated benefits of these acquisitions, including loss of revenue and profitability. Failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses could have a material adverse effect on our company and the trading price of our stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 7

Added

We may not be able to properly manage multiple businesses.

We may not be able to properly manage multiple businesses. Managing multiple businesses would be more complicated than managing a single line of business, and would require that we hire and manage executives with experience and expertise in different fields. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to do so successfully. A failure to properly manage multiple businesses could materially adversely affect our company and the trading price of our stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 8

Added

We may acquire businesses without any apparent synergies with our current operations of alcohol detection devices.

In an effort to diversify our sources of revenue and profits, we may decide to acquire businesses without any apparent synergies with our current alcohol detection device operations. For example, we believe that the acquisition of technologies unrelated to alcohol detection devices may be an important way for us to enhance our stockholder value. Notwithstanding the critical importance of diversification, some members of the investment community and research analysts would prefer that micro-cap or small-cap companies restrict the scope of their activity to a single line of business, and may not be willing to make an investment in, or recommend an investment in, a micro-cap or small-cap company that undertakes multiple lines of business. This situation could materially adversely impact our company and the trading price of our stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 9

Added

We may not be able to identify, negotiate, finance or close future acquisitions.

One component of our growth strategy focuses on acquiring additional companies or assets. We may not, however, be able to identify, audit, or acquire companies or assets on acceptable terms, if at all. Additionally, we may need to finance all or a portion of the purchase price for an acquisition by incurring indebtedness. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain financing on terms that are favorable, if at all, which will limit our ability to acquire additional companies or assets in the future. Failure to acquire additional companies or assets on acceptable terms, if at all, would have a material adverse effect on our ability to increase assets, revenues and net income and on the trading price of our common Stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 10

Added

The management of companies we acquire may lose their enthusiasm or entrepreneurship after the sale of their businesses.

We can give no assurance that the management of future companies we acquire will have the same level of enthusiasm for the operation of their businesses following their acquisition by us, or if they cease performing services for the acquired businesses that we will be able to install replacement management with the same skill sets and determination. There also is always a risk that management will attempt to reenter the market and possibly seek to recruit some of the former employees of the business, who may continue to be key employees of ours. This could materially adversely affect our business and the trading price of our Stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 11

Added

We may fail to manage our growth effectively.

Future growth through acquisitions and organic expansion would place a significant strain on our managerial, operational, technical, training, systems and financial resources. We can give you no assurance that we will be able to manage our expanding operations properly or cost effectively. A failure to properly and cost-effectively manage our expansion could materially adversely affect our company and the trading price of our stock.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 12

Added

Integrating acquired businesses may divert our management's attention away from our day-to-day operations and harm our business.

Acquisitions generally involve significant risks, including the risk of overvaluation of potential acquisitions and risks in regard to the assimilation of personnel, operations, products, services, technologies, and corporate culture of acquired companies. Dealing with these risks may place a significant burden on our management and other internal resources. This could materially adversely affect our business and the trading price of our stock.

Production

Total Risks: 5/33 (15%)Above Sector Average

Manufacturing1 | 3.0%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Our products could contain defects or they may be installed or operated incorrectly, which could reduce sales of those products or result in claims against us.

Although we have quality assurance practices to ensure good product quality, defects still may be found in the future in our future products. End-users could lose their confidence in our products and Company when they unexpectedly use defective products or use our products improperly. This could result in loss of revenue, loss of profit margin, or loss of market share. Moreover, because our products may be employed in the automotive industry, if one of our products is a cause, or perceived to be the cause, of injury or death in a car accident, we would likely be subject to a claim. If we were found responsible, it could cause us to incur liability, which could interrupt or even cause us to terminate some or all of our operations.

Employment / Personnel1 | 3.0%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

If we are unable to recruit and retain qualified personnel, our business could be harmed.

Our growth and success highly depend on qualified personnel. Competition in the industry could cause us difficulty in recruiting or retaining a sufficient number of qualified technical personnel, which could harm our ability to develop new products. If we are unable to attract and retain necessary key talents, it would harm our ability to develop competitive product and retain good customers and could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Supply Chain3 | 9.1%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

If our contract manufacturers fail to meet our requirements for quality, quantity and timeliness, our business growth could be harmed.

We eventually plan to outsource the manufacturing of SOBR to contract manufacturers. These manufacturers will procure most of the raw materials for us and provide all necessary facilities and labor to manufacture our products. If these companies were to terminate their agreements with us without adequate notice, or fail to provide the required capacity and quality on a timely basis, we would be delayed in our ability or unable to process and deliver our products to our customers.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

If critical components become unavailable or contract manufacturers delay their production, our business will be negatively impacted.

Currently, we manufacture the limited number of SOBR™ prototype devices we have developed by applying our proprietary know-how to "off the shelf" parts and components. However, if we are successful in our growth plan, eventually we will have to contract out our manufacturing of the devices. At that time, the stability of component supply will be crucial to determining our manufacturing process. Due to the fact we currently manufacture the device from "off the shelf" parts and components, all of our critical devices and components are supplied by certain third-party manufacturers, and we may be unable to acquire necessary amounts of key components at competitive prices. If we are successful in our growth, outsourcing the production of certain parts and components would be one way to reduce manufacturing costs. We plan to select these particular manufacturers based on their ability to consistently produce these products according to our requirements in an effort to obtain the best quality product at the most cost effective price. However, the loss of all or one of these suppliers or delays in obtaining shipments would have an adverse effect on our operations until an alternative supplier could be found, if one may be located at all. If we get to that stage of growth, such loss of manufacturers could cause us to breach any contracts we have in place at that time and would likely cause us to lose sales.

Supply Chain - Risk 3

Added

We may be dependent on outside advisors to assist us.

In order to supplement the business experience of management, we may employ accountants, technical experts, appraisers, attorneys or other consultants or advisors. The selection of any such advisors will be made by management and without any control from shareholders. Additionally, it is anticipated that such persons may be engaged by us on an independent basis without a continuing fiduciary or other obligation to us.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 3/33 (9%)Below Sector Average

Trade Secrets3 | 9.1%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

Added

We may be unable to protect or enforce the intellectual property rights of any target business that we acquire or the target business may become subject to claims of intellectual property infringement.

After completing a business combination, the procurement and protection of trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, and trade secrets may be critical to our success. We will likely rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, trade secret laws and contractual restrictions to protect any proprietary technology and rights that we may acquire. Despite our efforts to protect those proprietary technology and rights, we may not be able to prevent misappropriation of those proprietary rights or deter independent development of technologies that compete with the business we acquire. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. It is also possible that third parties may claim we have infringed their patent, trademark, copyright or other proprietary rights. Claims or litigation, with or without merit, could result in substantial costs and diversions of resources, either of which could have an adverse effect on our competitive position and business. Further, depending on the target business or businesses that we acquire, it is likely that we will have to protect trademarks, patents, and domain names in an increasing number of jurisdictions, a process that is expensive and may not be successful in every location. These factors could negatively impact our company and the trading price of our stock.

Trade Secrets - Risk 2

We may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents that would be expensive and time consuming.

In order to protect or enforce our patent rights, we may initiate patent litigation against third parties. In addition, we may become subject to interference or opposition proceedings conducted in patent and trademark offices to determine the priority and patentability of inventions. The defense of intellectual property rights, including patent rights through lawsuits, interference or opposition proceedings, and other legal and administrative proceedings, would be costly and divert our technical and management personnel from their normal responsibilities. An adverse determination of any litigation or defense proceedings could put our pending patent applications at risk of not being issued. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation. For example, during the course of this kind of litigation, confidential information may be inadvertently disclosed in the form of documents or testimony in connection with discovery requests, depositions or trial testimony. This disclosure could have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial results.

Trade Secrets - Risk 3

We may be unable to adequately protect our proprietary rights.

We currently have three "use" patents covering the SOBR device and one other pending with the USPTO. These are not patents over the components of the device, but instead covering the use of those components in the SOBR device. Our ability to compete partly depends on the superiority, uniqueness and value of our intellectual property. To protect our proprietary rights, we will rely on a combination of patent, copyright and trade secret laws, confidentiality agreements with our employees and third parties, and protective contractual provisions. Despite these efforts, any of the following occurrences may reduce the value of our intellectual property: - Our applications for patents relating to our business may not be granted and, if granted, may be challenged or invalidated; - Issued patents may not provide us with any competitive advantages; - Our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not be effective in preventing misappropriation of our technology; - Our efforts may not prevent the development and design by others of products or technologies similar to or competitive with, or superior to those we develop; or - Another party may obtain a blocking patent and we would need to either obtain a license or design around the patent in order to continue to offer the contested feature or service in our products.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 3/33 (9%)Below Sector Average

Competition2 | 6.1%

Competition - Risk 1

Added

Competition may result in overpaying for acquisitions.

Other investors with significant capital may compete with us for attractive investment opportunities. These competitors may include publicly-traded companies, private equity firms, privately held buyers, individual investors, and other types of investors. Such competition may increase the price of acquisitions, or otherwise adversely affect the terms and conditions of acquisitions. This could materially adversely affect our company and the trading price of our stock.

Competition - Risk 2

Because we face intense competition, we may not be able to operate profitably in our markets.

The market for our product is highly competitive and is becoming more so, which could hinder our ability to successfully market our products. We may not have the resources, expertise or other competitive factors to compete successfully in the future. We expect to face additional competition from existing competitors and new market entrants in the future. Many of our competitors have greater name recognition and more established relationships in the industry than we do. As a result, these competitors may be able to: - develop and expand their product offerings more rapidly; - adapt to new or emerging changes in customer requirements more quickly; - take advantage of acquisition and other opportunities more readily; and - devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products and adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can.

Demand1 | 3.0%

Demand - Risk 1

If our products do not gain expected market acceptance, prospects for our sales revenue may be affected.

We intend to use the SOBR device in the commercial market, as opposed to the judicially-mandated market. Currently, most alcohol sensing devices are breath analyzers used in the judicially-mandated market where the use is usually required by law as a punishment for committing a crime. We will be asking commercial industries, auto manufacturers, companies that have commercial vehicles as their primary business (limousine companies, taxi cab companies, truck drivers, etc.), and companies and institutions that have an interest in monitoring their employees' or contractors' alcohol level due to their job responsibilities (such as surgeons, pilots, and the military), to adopt a new requirement that their employees or contractors must abide in order to remain employed. While we believe this will be attractive to many companies and industries, we must achieve some level of market acceptance to be successful. If we are unable to achieve market acceptance, our investors could lose their entire investment.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 1/33 (3%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 3.0%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Changed

Any disruption or instability in economic conditions and in the capital markets could adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets, and thus adversely affect our business and liquidity

Adverse economic conditions may have a negative impact on our ability to access the capital markets, and thus have a negative impact on our business and liquidity. Any shortage of liquidity and credit combined with substantial losses in worldwide equity markets could lead to a worldwide recession. We may face significant challenges if conditions in the capital markets decline. Our ability to access the capital markets may be severely restricted at a time we need to access such markets, which could have a negative impact on our business plans. Even if we are able to raise capital, it may not be at a price or on terms that are favorable to us. We cannot predict the occurrence of future disruptions.

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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