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.

Wolverine World Wide disclosed 34 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Wolverine World Wide reported the most risks in the “Legal & Regulatory” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2024

Risk Distribution

21% Legal & Regulatory

21% Production

21% Macro & Political

18% Finance & Corporate

12% Ability to Sell

9% Tech & Innovation

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

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

Risk Change Over Time

2022

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Wolverine World Wide Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

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

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

Risk Highlights Q4, 2024

Main Risk Category

Legal & Regulatory

With 7 Risks

Legal & Regulatory

With 7 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

1Risks added

1Risks removed

5Risks changed

Since Dec 2024

1Risks added

1Risks removed

5Risks changed

Since Dec 2024

Number of Risk Changed

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

See the risk highlights of Wolverine World Wide 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 34

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 7/34 (21%)Above Sector Average

Regulation1 | 2.9%

Regulation - Risk 1

Increases or changes in duties, quotas, tariffs and other trade restrictions could adversely impact the Company's sales and profitability.

The Company's products manufactured overseas and imported into other countries are subject to customs duties. Review of the customs information submitted by the Company may result in the assessment of additional duties or penalties. Additional U.S. or foreign customs duties, quotas, tariffs, anti-dumping duties, safeguard measures, cargo restrictions, the loss of most favored nation trading status or other trade restrictions, including those due to changes in trade relations between the U.S. and other countries, may be imposed on the importation of the Company's products in the future. The imposition of such costs or restrictions in countries where the Company operates, as well as in countries where its third-party distributors and licensees operate, could result in increases in the cost of the Company's products and adversely affect its sales and profitability.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 2.9%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

The disruption, expense and potential liability associated with existing and future litigation against the Company could adversely affect its reputation, financial position or results of operations.

The Company may be named as a defendant lawsuits and regulatory actions. For example, regulatory actions, punitive class actions lawsuits and individual lawsuits have been filed against the Company alleging claims relating to property damage, remediation and human health effects, among other claims, arising from the Company's operations, including its handling, storage, treatment, transportation and/or disposal of waste. These claims are discussed in more detail in Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and regulatory proceedings, the Company cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings. An unfavorable outcome could have an adverse impact on the Company's business, results of operations and financial position. In addition, the Company may have to devote substantial resources and executive time to the defense of such proceedings.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.9%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

An increase in the Company's effective tax rate or negative determinations by domestic or foreign tax authorities could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

A significant amount of the Company's earnings are generated by its Canadian, European and Asia Pacific subsidiaries and, to a lesser extent, in jurisdictions that are not subject to income tax. As a result, the Company's income tax expense has historically differed from the tax computed at the U.S. statutory income tax rate due to discrete items and because the Company did not provide for U.S. taxes on non-cash undistributed earnings that it intends to permanently reinvest in foreign operations. The Company's future effective tax rates could be unfavorably affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the tax rates in jurisdictions in which the Company generates income; changes in, or in the interpretation of, tax rules and regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company does business; or decreases in the amount of earnings in countries with low statutory tax rates. An increase in the Company's effective tax rate could have an adverse effect on its results of operations and financial position. The Company's income tax returns are subject to examination by domestic and foreign tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes and establishes reserves for potential adjustments that may result from these examinations. The final determination of any of these examinations could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

Environmental / Social4 | 11.8%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders with respect to the Company's environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices may impose additional costs on the Company or expose it to new or additional risks.

Companies are facing increasing and frequently evolving scrutiny globally from customers, regulators, investors, employees, other stakeholders and the media, including social media, related to their ESG practices and disclosure as expectations for, and support or criticism/skepticism of, such matters continues to evolve. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, board and workforce diversity, labor conditions, human rights, and cybersecurity and data privacy. Third parties have developed proprietary ratings or analyses of companies based on certain ESG metrics. Increased ESG-related compliance costs could increase the Company's overall operational costs. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact the Company's reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, and stock price. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory reporting, diligence, and disclosure, and the Company cannot determine waht final regulations will be enacted, modified, or reversed or the ultimate impact on its business. The Company's ESG initiatives and goals may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve and assumptions that are subject to change. The Company may be subject to heightened reputational and operational risk and compliance costs related to the ESG initiatives and goals it discloses and may also face negative impacts from consumers who do not support its ESG initiatives and goals. Complying with new regulations could increase the Company's costs and adversely impact results of operations. The Company's pursuit or its failure or perceived failure to meet stakeholders' expectations, as well as adverse incidents, could negatively impact the Company's stock price, results of operations, or reputation and increase its cost of capital, and investors, consumers and other stakeholders could lose confidence in or disparage the Company and its brands, damaging the Company's reputation and negatively impacting operations.

Environmental / Social - Risk 2

The Company's operations are subject to environmental and workplace safety laws and regulations, and costs or claims related to these requirements could adversely affect the Company's business.

The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the discharge of pollutants, the management and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes, employee exposure to workplace hazards, and the investigation and remediation of contamination resulting from releases of hazardous materials. Failure to comply with legal requirements could result in, among other things, revocation of required licenses, enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. Various third parties have brought, and in the future could bring actions against the Company alleging health-related or other harm arising from non-compliance. The Company may incur investigation, remediation or other costs related to releases of hazardous materials or other environmental conditions at its currently or formerly owned or operated properties, regardless of whether such environmental conditions were created by the Company or a third-party. The Company has incurred, and continues to incur, costs to address soil and groundwater contamination at some locations. If such issues become more expensive to address, or if new issues arise, they could increase the Company's expenses, generate negative publicity, or otherwise adversely affect the Company.

Environmental / Social - Risk 3

Changed

The Company's failure to comply an evolving set of laws and industry standards relating to consumer information, could negatively impact the Company's business and results of operations.

The Company collects, maintains and uses data it receives through online activities and other consumer interactions in its business, including its marketing programs. The Company's ability to do so is subject to certain restrictions in third party contracts and a broad array of evolving international, federal and state laws and industry standards relating to privacy, cybersecurity, data protection and consumer protection. These requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, may conflict with other rules or may conflict with the Company's practices. If the Company is not able to comply with any applicable requirements, the Company's reputation could be negatively impacted and the Company may be subject to proceedings or actions against it by governmental entities or others that could adversely affect its business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. As data privacy, cybersecurity and marketing laws change, the Company may incur additional costs to remain in compliance. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), which applies in all European Union member states, introduced new data protection requirements in the European Union and substantial fines for breaches of the data protection rules. GDPR increased the Company's responsibility and potential liability in relation to personal data that it collects, processes and transfers, and required the Company to implement additional controls designed to ensure compliance with the new rules. If applicable laws become more restrictive, the Company's ability to effectively engage customers via personalized marketing may decrease, which could potentially impact growth. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") limits how the Company may collect and use personal data and other states have adopted, or are considering enacting, similar laws that may affect the Company's data processing practices and policies. Because the Company processes and transmits payment card information, the Company is subject to card brand operating rules ("Card Rules") requiring it to comply with the Payment Card Industry ("PCI") Data Security Standard (the "Standard"). The Standard is a comprehensive set of requirements relating to payment account data security. The Company's failure to comply with Card Rules or the Standard may result in fines or restrictions on, or loss of, its ability to accept payment cards. Under certain circumstances specified in the Card Rules, the Company may be required to submit to periodic audits, self-assessments or other assessments of its compliance with the Standard. The results of any audit, self-assessment or other test may require the Company to undertake remediation efforts, which may be costly or result in periods of time during which the Company cannot accept payment cards. Further, changes in technology and processing procedures may result in changes in the Card Rules that require the Company to make significant investments in its operating systems and technology that may adversely impact its business and results of operations.

Environmental / Social - Risk 4

Added

Climate change, and related legislative and regulatory responses to climate change, may adversely impact the Company's business.

There is growing concern that climate changes could cause significant changes in weather patterns around the globe and increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters. This could have a long-term adverse impact on the Company's business and results of operations by increasing the effects described in the risk factor "Unseasonable or extreme weather conditions could adversely affect the Company's results of operations" and decreasing agricultural productivity in certain regions, which may limit availability and/or increase the cost of certain raw materials, such as cotton and leather. Concern over climate change may result in new or additional legal, legislative, regulatory, and compliance requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment, which could result in future tax, transportation, and utility increases, which could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations. Domestic and international regulatory efforts are evolving, including the potential international alignment of such efforts, and the Company cannot determine what final regulations will be enacted, modified, or reversed or the ultimate impact on its business.

Production

Total Risks: 7/34 (21%)Below Sector Average

Employment / Personnel3 | 8.8%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Labor disruptions could adversely affect the Company's business.

The Company's business depends on its ability to source and distribute products in a timely and cost-effective manner. Labor disputes at or that affect factories that produce the Company's goods, shipping ports, tanneries, transportation carriers, retail stores or distribution centers create significant risks for the Company's business as they may in work slowdowns, stoppages, lockouts, strikes or other disruptions. Any such disruption may cause inventory shortages, delayed or canceled orders and unanticipated inventory accumulation, each of which may negatively impact the Company's results of operations and financial position.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

If the Company is unable to hire qualified persons for, or retain and continue to develop, its workforce, its results of operations could be adversely affected.

The Company's success depends on its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including in its product, eCommerce, and leadership teams. Competition for such personnel in the Company's industry is intense. The Company's ability to hire and retain qualified personnel may be affected by a number of factors, including: its ability to attract and motivate employees; competition from other companies for qualified personnel; and the Company's ability to offer employees remote work opportunities. If the Company is unable to hire and retain employees who perform at a high level, its business, including cash flows, results of operations, employee satisfaction, and reputation, could be adversely affected.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 3

Changes in employment laws and regulations and other related changes may lead to higher employment and pension costs for the Company.

Changes in employment laws and regulations and other factors could increase the Company's employment costs. The Company's employment costs include costs of health care and retirement benefits, including U.S.-based defined benefit pension plans. The annual cost of benefits can vary significantly depending on various factors, including changes in the assumed or actual rate of return on pension plan assets, a change in the discount rate or mortality assumptions used to determine the annual service cost related to defined benefit plans, a change in the method or timing of meeting pension funding obligations and the rate of health care cost inflation. Increases in the Company's overall employment and pension costs could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial position.

Supply Chain2 | 5.9%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

The Company's reputation and competitive position depend on its third-party manufacturers, distributors, licensees and others complying with applicable laws and ethical standards.

The Company cannot ensure that its independent contract manufacturers, third-party distributors, third-party licensees and others with which it does business comply with all applicable laws and ethical standards. If a party with which the Company does business is found to have violated applicable laws or ethical standards, the Company could be subject to negative publicity that damages its reputation, negatively affects the value of its brands and subjects the Company to legal risks. The Company's attempts to protect its brands through approval rights over design, production processes, quality, packaging, merchandising, distribution, advertising and promotion of its licensed products may not be successful as the Company cannot completely control its licensees' use of its licensed brands. The misuse of a Company brand by a licensee could adversely affect the value of such brand.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

Significant capacity constraints, production disruptions, inventory management, quality issues, price increases and other risks associated with foreign sourcing could increase the Company's operating costs and adversely impact the Company's business and reputation.

The Company sources a substantial majority of its products from third-party manufacturers in foreign countries, predominantly in the Asia Pacific region. The Company may experience difficulties with its manufacturers, including reductions in production capacity, failures to meet production deadlines, inventory management issues, failure to meet quality standards, or increases in labor and other manufacturing costs. The Company does not have long-term contracts with its third-party manufacturers and its future results depend partly on its ability to maintain its relationships with third-party manufacturers. Foreign manufacturing is subject to a number of risks, including work stoppages, transportation delays and interruptions, political instability, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changing economic conditions, expropriation, nationalization, the imposition of tariffs, including recent U.S. tariffs imposed or threatened to be imposed on other countries and any retaliatory actions taken by such countries, import and export controls and other non-tariff barriers and changes in governmental policies. Various factors could significantly impair the Company's ability to meet customer demands and produce its products in a cost-effective manner, including adverse developments in trade or political relations with China or other countries where it sources its products, or a shift in these countries' manufacturing capacities away from footwear and apparel to other industries or adverse developments, such as pandemics or other health crises that cause significant production and shipping delays. Any of these events could adversely effect the Company's business, results of operations and financial position. The Company's ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may also be affected by issues that affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as fluctuations in freight costs, port and shipping capacity, labor disputes or severe weather. These issues have in the past and may in the future delay importation of products or require the Company to locate alternative ports or warehousing providers. Alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher costs, which could have an adverse impact on the Company's business and financial condition.

Costs2 | 5.9%

Costs - Risk 1

Increases in the cost of raw materials, labor and services could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.

The Company's ability to competitively price its products depends on the prices of commodities, such as cotton, leather, rubber, petroleum, cattle, pigskin hides, and other raw materials, used to make and transport its products, as well as the prices of equipment, labor, transportation and shipping, insurance and health care. The cost of commodities, equipment, services and materials is subject to change based on availability and general economic and market conditions that are difficult to predict. Various conditions, such as diseases affecting the availability of leather, affect the cost of the Company's products. Increases in costs for commodities, equipment, services and materials could have a negative impact on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

Costs - Risk 2

The Company's operating results depend on effectively managing inventory levels.

The Company's ability to effectively manage its inventories and accurately forecast demand are important factors in its operations. Inventory shortages can impede the Company's ability to meet demand and, consequently, adversely affect business relationships with retail customers, diminish brand loyalty and decrease sales. Conversely, excess inventory can result in lower gross margins if the Company lowers prices in order to liquidate inventory. In addition, inventory may become obsolete as a result of changes in consumer preferences. The Company's business, results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected if it is unable to effectively manage its inventory.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 7/34 (21%)Above Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment3 | 8.8%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Changes in general economic conditions and/or the credit markets affecting the Company's distributors, suppliers and retailers could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial position.

Negative trends in global economic conditions may adversely impact the Company's third-party distributors', suppliers' and retailers' ability to meet their obligations to provide the Company with the materials and services it needs at the prices, terms or levels as such third-parties have historically, which could adversely impact the Company's ability to meet consumers' demands and, in turn, the Company's results of operations and financial position. In addition, if the Company's third-party distributors, suppliers and retailers are not able to obtain financing on favorable terms, or at all, they may delay or cancel orders for the Company's products or fail to meet their obligations to the Company in a timely manner, either of which could adversely impact the Company's sales, cash flow and operating results.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2

Global political and economic uncertainty could adversely impact the Company's business.

Concerns regarding acts of terrorism or regional and international conflicts and concerns regarding public health threats, such as COVID-19, have created and may in the future create significant global economic and political uncertainties that may adversely affect consumer demand, acceptance of U.S. brands in international markets, foreign sourcing of products, shipping and transportation, product imports and exports and the sale of products in foreign markets, any of which could adversely affect the Company's ability to source, manufacture, distribute and sell its products. In addition, an economic downturn, whether actual or perceived, a decrease in economic growth rates or an otherwise uncertain economic outlook in markets in which the Company operates could adversely effect the Company.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3

Changes in general economic conditions and other factors affecting consumer spending could adversely affect the Company's sales, costs, operating results or financial position.

The Company's results of operations depend on factors affecting consumer disposable income and spending patterns such as general economic conditions, inflation, employment rates, credit availability, business conditions, interest rates, consumer confidence and tax policy in the markets and regions in which the Company or its third-party distributors and licensees operates. Customers may defer or cancel purchases of the Company's products due to uncertainty about global, regional or local economic conditions, and how such conditions may impact them. Prior declines in disposable income and consumer spending have adversely affected demand for the Company's products, and could further adversely affect demand and the Company's results of operations. If the Company reduces the prices of its products, offers additional promotions or increases marketing efforts due to decreases in consumer spending, the Company's profitability could decline. The Company is subject to inflationary pressures, including increased costs of raw materials, transportation, labor and other aspects of its business, which the Company may not be able to offset with cost savings or price increases on its products. If inflationary pressures continue, and the Company is unable to pass along price increases or further reduce costs, the Company's results of operations will be negatively impacted.

International Operations1 | 2.9%

International Operations - Risk 1

The Company's international operations may be affected by legal, regulatory, political and economic risks.

The Company's ability to conduct business in new and existing international markets, and to continue to source a substantial majority of its products from foreign countries, is subject to legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. These include: - the burdens of complying with foreign laws and regulations, including trade and labor restrictions;- compliance with U.S. and other countries' laws relating to foreign operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), which prohibits U.S. companies from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business; and - new tariffs or other barriers in international markets, including China. The Company is also subject to general social, political and economic risks in connection with its international operations, including: - social and political instability, war and terrorist attacks;- differences in business culture and laws governing relationships with employees and business partners;- changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, including with China, Canada, Mexico and other U.S. trading partners; and - changes in general economic conditions in specific countries or markets. Changes in regulatory, geopolitical, social or economic policies and other factors may have an adverse effect on the Company's business or require the Company to exit a particular market or significantly modify its current business practices. The Company is also subject to risks related to doing business in developing countries and economically volatile areas, such as nationalization by local governmental authorities of the Company's, its distributors', or its licensees' assets; slower payment of invoices; and restrictions on the Company's ability to repatriate foreign currency or receive payment of amounts owed by third-party distributors and licensees. Commercial laws in these areas may not be well developed or consistently administered, and new unfavorable laws may be retroactively applied. Any of these risks could have an adverse impact on the Company's prospects and results of operations in these areas.

Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 5.9%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Pandemics, including COVID-19 and other infectious disease outbreaks have had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on the company's business.

The Company's business could be adversely affected by infectious disease outbreaks, which may negatively affect the regional and global economy, including by disrupting consumer spending and global supply chains, and increasing the volatility of financial markets. These conditions following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in discretionary spending by consumers that had a negative effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations in 2020. Outbreaks of disease and actions taken in response, have in the past materially negatively impacted, and could in the future materially negatively impact, the Company's workforce, business, operations, and financial results in many ways. Potential future impacts to the Company's business related to a health crisis, include, among others: - The inability of employees, suppliers and other business providers to carry out tasks at ordinary levels of performance due to measures taken to limit the spread of infectious diseases. - Decreased retail traffic due to store closures, social distancing measures, reduced operating hours, and/or changes in consumer behavior. - Wholesale and distributor customer order cancellation and decreased consumer demand for the Company's products as a result of decreased consumer spending due to general macroeconomic conditions, decreased disposable income and increased unemployment. - Decline in the performance or financial condition of the Company's major wholesale customers as a result of retail store closures, bankruptcy or liquidation. - Disruption to the operations of the Company's distribution centers and its third-party manufacturers because of facility closures, reductions in operating hours, labor or material shortages, travel limitations or mass transit disruptions. - Additional expenses related to mitigating the impact of a health crisis on regular operations. - Supply chain disruption affecting the Company's ability to receive and distribute goods and increasing supply chain costs. - Increased cyber security risk due to the increase in the number of employees working remotely. - Volatility in the availability and prices for commodities for raw materials used in the Company's products and related inflationary pressures. The occurrence of a health crisis may also affect the Company's operating and financial results in a manner that is not presently known to the Company or that the Company does not currently believe presents significant risks to its operations.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2

Unseasonable or extreme weather conditions could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.

The Company's results of operations depend on weather conditions and its ability to react to changes in weather conditions. The Company markets and sells footwear and apparel suited for specific seasons, such as sandals for the summer season and boots for the winter season. Significant variations in weather conditions from those typical for a season, such as an unusually cold and rainy summer or an unusually warm and dry winter, may adversely affect consumer demand for seasonally appropriate products. Lower demand for seasonally appropriate products may result in excess inventory, forcing the Company to sell these products at significantly discounted prices, which would adversely affect the Company's results of operations. Conversely, if weather conditions increase demand for seasonal products early in the season, this may reduce inventory levels needed to meet customers' needs later in that same season. Extreme weather conditions can also adversely impact the Company's business, results of operations and financial position. If extreme weather events disrupt or close operations at distribution centers, the Company could incur higher costs and experience longer lead times to distribute its products to its retail stores, wholesale customers or eCommerce consumers. Extreme weather conditions can also decrease shopping traffic or cause the Company or its wholesale customers to close retail stores, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

Capital Markets1 | 2.9%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely impact the Company's business.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates may impact the Company's financial results positively or negatively in any given period, which may make it difficult to compare the Company's operating results from different periods. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may also adversely impact third parties that manufacture the Company's products by increasing their costs of production and raw materials and making such costs more difficult to finance, thereby raising prices for the Company, its distributors and its licensees. The Company's hedging strategy may not successfully mitigate the Company's foreign currency exchange rate risk. For a more detailed discussion of the risks related to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, see Item 7A: "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." The Company's foreign subsidiaries and foreign distributors purchase Company products in U.S. dollars and the cost of those products varies depending on the applicable foreign currency exchange rate. This impacts the price charged to foreign customers and in turn, the amount of royalties paid to the Company by foreign distributors in U.S. dollars. When the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to foreign currencies, the Company's revenues and profits denominated in foreign currencies are reduced when converted into U.S. dollars and the Company's margins may be negatively impacted by the increase in product costs. The Company may seek to mitigate the negative impacts of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations through price increases and further actions to reduce costs, but the Company may not be able to fully offset the impact, if at all. The Company's success depends, in part, on its ability to manage these various foreign currency impacts.

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 6/34 (18%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights1 | 2.9%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Provisions of Delaware law and the Company's certificate of incorporation and bylaws could prevent or delay a change in control or change in management that could be beneficial to the Company's stockholders.

Provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and the Company's certificate of incorporation and bylaws could discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of the Company that might benefit the Company's stockholders. These provisions are intended to provide the Company's Board of Directors with continuity and to encourage negotiations between the Company's Board and any potential acquirer. Such provisions include a classified Board of Directors under which one-third of the directors stand for election each year. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to replace the majority of the Company's directors and take other corporate actions that may be beneficial to the Company's stockholders.

Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 5.9%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Changed

The Company's quarterly sales and earnings may fluctuate, and the Company or securities analysts may not accurately estimate the Company's financial results, which may result in volatility, or a decline, in the Company's stock price. Decreases in the returns provided to the Company's stockholders may ultimately adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Company's quarterly sales and earnings can vary due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond its control, including: - Orders from major wholesale customers, which may change delivery schedules, change the mix of products they order or cancel orders without penalty. - Changes to the Company's estimated annual tax rate, which is based on projections of its domestic and international operating results for the year, which the Company reviews and revises as necessary each quarter. - Certain manufacturing and transportation costs, changes in product sales mix, geographic sales trends, weather conditions, customer demand, consumer sentiment and currency exchange rate fluctuations. As a result of these and other factors, the Company's operating results will vary from quarter to quarter and the results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the full year. In addition, various securities analysts follow the Company's financial results and issue reports that include the analysts' estimates of future Company performance, which are often different from the Company's estimates. Any shortfall in sales or earnings from the levels expected by investors or securities analysts could cause a decrease in the trading price of the Company's common stock. Decreases in the trading price of the Company's stock may adversely affect its stockholders' returns. Such adverse effects, as well as other factors, may cause stockholders to take actions to involve themselves in the strategic direction and governance, including through private engagement, public campaigns, stockholder proposals and proxy contests. Responding to these actions can be costly and time-consuming and could divert the attention of the board and senior management from managing the Company's operations.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

An impairment of goodwill or other intangibles could have an adverse impact to the Company's results of operations.

The carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of acquired businesses in excess of identifiable assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. The carrying value of other intangibles represents the fair value of trade names and other acquired intangibles as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and other acquired intangibles expected to contribute indefinitely to the Company's cash flows are not amortized but must be evaluated by the Company at least annually for impairment. If the carrying amounts of one or more of these assets are not recoverable based upon discounted cash flow and market-approach analyses, the carrying amounts of such assets are impaired by the estimated difference between the carrying value and estimated fair value. An impairment charge could adversely affect the Company's results of operations, such as the impairments recorded associated with the Sweaty Betty trade name and goodwill in fiscal 2022.

Debt & Financing1 | 2.9%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

The Company's current level of indebtedness could adversely affect the Company by decreasing business flexibility and increasing borrowing costs.

The Company has debt outstanding under a senior secured credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") and senior notes. The Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the senior notes impose customary operating and financial restrictions on the Company, including restrictions that may limit the Company's ability to engage in acts that may be in its best interests. These covenants restrict the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to, among other things: incur or guarantee indebtedness; incur liens; pay dividends or repurchase stock; enter into transactions with affiliates; consummate asset sales, acquisitions or mergers; prepay certain other indebtedness; or make investments. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial condition tests. These restrictive covenants may limit the Company's ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities. The Company's ability to comply with any financial covenants could be materially affected by events beyond its control and the Company may be unable to satisfy any such requirements. If the Company fails to comply with these covenants, it may need to seek waivers or amendments of such covenants, seek alternative or additional sources of financing or reduce its expenditures. The Company may be unable to obtain such waivers, amendments or alternative or additional financing on favorable terms or at all.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 5.9%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

The Company's direct-to-consumer operations continue to require substantial investment and commitment of resources and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties.

The Company's direct-to-consumer operations, including brick and mortar locations and its eCommerce and mobile channels, require substantial fixed investment in equipment and leasehold improvements, information systems, cyber-security infrastructure, inventory and personnel. The Company also has substantial operating lease commitments for retail space. Due to the high fixed-cost structure of the Company's brick and mortar direct-to-consumer operations, the closure or poor performance of any stores could result in significant lease termination costs, write-offs of equipment and leasehold improvements and employee-related costs. The Company has made and will continue to make significant investments in building technologies and digital capabilities. The success of its direct-to-consumer operations also depends on the Company's ability to identify and adapt to changes in consumer spending patterns and retail shopping preferences, including the shift from brick and mortar to eCommerce and mobile channels and the continuing evolution of omni-channel retailing. The Company's failure to respond to these factors successfully could adversely affect the Company's direct-to-consumer business, limit the Company's ability to develop and expand the omni-channel experience for customers or damage its reputation and brands, any of which may have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

The Company faces risks associated with its growth strategies including acquiring and disposing of businesses.

The Company has expanded in part through strategic acquisitions, and it may continue to do so if it can identify and successfully acquire suitable acquisition candidates. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including risks inherent in entering markets in which the Company may not have prior experience; potential loss of an acquired business's significant customers or key personnel; managing geographically-remote operations; and potential diversion of management's attention from other aspects of the Company's business. Acquisitions may cause the Company to incur debt or result in dilutive issuances of its equity securities, write-offs of goodwill and substantial amortization expenses associated with other intangible assets. If financing for future acquisitions is not available on favorable terms, such acquisitions would be more expensive. Any such financing may have terms that restrict the Company's operations. The Company may not be able to successfully integrate the operations of any acquired businesses and achieve the expected benefits of any acquisitions. In addition, the Company may not consummate a potential acquisition for a variety of reasons, but still incur material costs in connection with an acquisition that it cannot recover. The failure to achieve the expected benefits of strategic acquisitions in the future, or consummate a potential acquisition after incurring material costs, could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial position. From time to time, the Company may seek to sell one or more businesses, or sell or license one or more brands. For example, as part of the Company's strategy to invest in brands that offer the greatest opportunities for growth, the Company sold the global Sperry business in 2024. These transactions may involve challenges and risks. There can be no assurance that future divestitures will occur, or as to the potential value created by a completed transaction. The process of exploring strategic alternatives or selling a business could cause uncertainty and negatively impact our ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees. In addition, the Company expends costs and management resources to complete divestitures and manage post-closing arrangements. Any failures or delays in completing divestitures could have an adverse effect on the Company's financial results and ability to execute its strategy.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 4/34 (12%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 2.9%

Competition - Risk 1

The Company operates in competitive industries and markets.

The Company competes with a large number of wholesalers, and retailers of footwear and apparel, and direct-to-consumer footwear and apparel companies. Many have larger customer and consumer bases, and/or greater financial, technical or marketing resources than the Company, particularly its competitors in the apparel and direct-to-consumer businesses. The Company's competitors may have brands with greater name recognition; implement more effective marketing campaigns; adopt more aggressive pricing policies; make more attractive offers to potential employees, distribution partners and manufacturers; or respond more quickly to changes in consumer preferences. The Company's continued ability to sell its products at competitive prices and to meet shifts in consumer preferences quickly will affect its sales. If the Company is unable to respond effectively to competitive pressures, its results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected.

Sales & Marketing2 | 5.9%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

Changed

A significant reduction in wholesale customer purchases of the Company's products, wholesale customers negotiating more favorable terms, or wholesale customers' failure to pay for the Company's products in a timely manner could adversely affect the Company's business.

The Company's financial success depends on its wholesale customers continuing to purchase its products. Sales to the Company's wholesale customers are generally on an order-to-order basis and are subject to wholesale customers' rights of cancellation and rescheduling. In fiscal 2022, the Company experienced a higher rate than usual of wholesale customer cancellations as retail customers sought to manage higher inventory levels and supply chain disruption. If any of the Company's major wholesale customers experiences a significant downturn in its business, or fails to remain committed to the Company's products, these customers may reduce or discontinue purchases from the Company, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position. The Company extends credit to its wholesale customers based on an evaluation of each wholesale customer's financial condition. A wholesale customer's financial difficulties could cause the Company to reduce or stop doing business with that customer. The Company's inability to collect from its wholesale customers or a cessation or reduction of sales to certain wholesale customers because of credit concerns could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial position. Retail consolidation could lead to fewer wholesale customers, wholesale customers seeking more favorable price, payment or other terms from the Company and a decrease in the number of stores that carry the Company's products. In addition, changes in distribution channels, such as the continued growth of eCommerce and related competitive pressures, and the sale of private label products by major retailers, could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 2

Changed

Problems affecting the Company's logistics and distribution systems could adversely affect its ability to deliver its products to the market.

The Company relies on owned and independently operated distribution facilities to transport, warehouse and ship products to its customers. The Company's logistics and distribution systems include computer-controlled and automated equipment, which are subject to a number of risks related to, data accuracy, security breaches or computer viruses, software or hardware malfunction, power interruptions or other system failures. Substantially all of the Company's products are distributed from a relatively small number of locations. Distribution center operations could be interrupted by earthquakes, floods, fires or other natural disasters or other events over which the Company has no control, such as pandemics. In addition, the Company's distribution capacity depends upon the timely performance of services by third parties, including the transportation of products to and from the Company's distribution facilities. The Company's business interruption insurance may not adequately protect the Company from the adverse effects of significant disruptions of distribution activities, such as the loss of customers or an erosion of brand image. Problems affecting the performance of the Company's distribution system could adversely affect its results of operations and its ability to meet customer expectations, manage inventory, complete sales and achieve operating efficiencies.

Brand / Reputation1 | 2.9%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

The Company's operating results could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain its brands' positive images with consumers or anticipate, understand and respond to changing footwear and apparel trends and consumer preferences.

The popularity of particular designs and categories of footwear and apparel, with consumers generally changes over time. The Company's success depends in part on its ability to anticipate, understand and respond to changing footwear and apparel trends and consumer preferences in a timely manner. If the Company is unable to maintain and improve its competitive position, maintain or enhance the images of its brands, timely and appropriately respond to new competition, changing consumer preferences and evolving footwear and apparel trends, consumers may consider the Company's brands' images to be outdated and associate its brands with styles that are no longer popular, which would decrease demand for its products. Such failures could result in loss of market share, reduced sales, excess inventory, trade name impairments, lower gross margin and other adverse impacts on the Company's operating results.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 3/34 (9%)Below Sector Average

Trade Secrets1 | 2.9%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

If the Company is unsuccessful in establishing and protecting its intellectual property, the value of its brands could be adversely affected.

The Company's ability to remain competitive depends upon its continued ability to secure and protect trademarks, patents and other intellectual property rights in the U.S. and internationally. The Company relies on a combination of trade secret, patent, trademark, copyright and other laws, license agreements and other contractual provisions and technical measures to protect its intellectual property rights; however, some countries' laws do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as U.S. laws. The Company's business could be significantly harmed if it is not able to protect its intellectual property or if it was found to infringe on other persons' intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property lawsuits or threatened lawsuits in which the Company is a plaintiff or a defendant could cost the Company a significant amount of time and money and distract management's attention from operating the Company's business. If the Company does not prevail on any intellectual property claims, it may have to change its manufacturing processes, products or trade names, any of which could reduce its profitability. In addition, some of the Company's branded footwear operations are operated pursuant to licensing agreements with third-party trademark owners. As these agreements end, whether expired by their terms or terminated early for breach, the Company may be forced to stop selling the related products. Expiration or termination of any of these license agreements could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial position.

Cyber Security1 | 2.9%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

Changed

The Company's and its vendors' databases containing personal information and payment card data of the Company's customers, employees and other third parties could be breached, which could subject the Company to adverse publicity, litigation, fines and expenses.

The protection of the Company's customer, associate and Company data is critically important. The Company relies on its networks, databases, systems and processes, as well as those of third parties such as vendors, to protect its proprietary information and information about its customers, employees and vendors. The Company's operations have become increasingly centralized and dependent upon automated information technology processes, and a portion of the Company's business operations is conducted electronically, increasing the risk of attack that could cause loss or misuse of data, system failures or disruption of operations. If unauthorized parties gain access to the Company's networks or databases, they may be able to steal, publish, delete or modify the Company's private and sensitive third-party or employee information. Improper activities may result in compromise or breach of the Company's networks, payment card terminals or other payment systems. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to sensitive data change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target; accordingly, the Company may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. Any failure to maintain the security of the Company's customers' sensitive information, or data belonging to it or its suppliers, could put it at a competitive disadvantage, result in deterioration of its customers' confidence in it, and subject it to potential litigation, liability, fines and penalties, resulting in a possible adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operations. The Company's insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses and would not remedy damage to the Company's reputation. In addition, employees may intentionally or inadvertently cause security breaches that result in unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. In such circumstances, the Company could be held liable to its customers, other parties or employees, be subject to regulatory or other actions for breaching privacy laws or failing to adequately protect such information or respond to a breach. This could result in costly investigations and litigation, civil or criminal penalties, operational changes and negative publicity that could adversely affect the Company's reputation and its results of operations and financial position.

Technology1 | 2.9%

Technology - Risk 1

Disruption of the Company's eCommerce platform or other information technology systems could adversely affect the Company's business.

The Company's information technology systems, including its eCommerce platform, are critical to the operations of its business. Any material interruption, unauthorized access, impairment or loss of data integrity or malfunction of these systems could severely impact the Company's business. For example, system failures and disruptions could prevent access to the Company's online services, preclude store transactions, and impede product manufacturing and shipping and financial reporting. The Company's information technology systems may be disrupted by natural disasters, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, denial-of-service attacks, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar events. System redundancy may be ineffective or inadequate, and the Company's disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. Costs, problems and interruptions due to the implementation of new or upgraded systems, or maintenance of existing systems, could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of the Company's operations. Additionally, the Company may be adversely affected if it is unable to improve, upgrade, maintain, and expand its technology systems.

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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