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.

Aura Systems disclosed 22 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Aura Systems reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2024

Risk Distribution

32% Finance & Corporate

23% Production

18% Legal & Regulatory

14% Ability to Sell

9% Macro & Political

5% 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

2020

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Aura Systems 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 Q3, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 7 Risks

Finance & Corporate

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

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Aug 2024

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Aug 2024

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of Aura Systems 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 22

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 7/22 (32%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights1 | 4.5%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Trading on the OTC Markets is volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market price of our common stock and make it difficult for our stockholders to resell their shares.

Our common stock is quoted on the Pink Sheets of the OTC Markets. Trading in stock quoted on the OTC Markets is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors, some of which may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTC Markets is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities on the OTC Markets is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a quotation system like NASDAQ or a stock exchange like the New York Stock Exchange. These factors may result in investors having difficulty reselling any shares of our common stock.

Accounting & Financial Operations1 | 4.5%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could adversely affect our business and the market price of our Common Stock.

Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to assess the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and provide a management report on our internal controls over financial reporting in all annual reports. This report contains, among other matters, a statement as to whether our internal controls over financial reporting are effective and the disclosure of any material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting identified by management. Section 404 also requires our independent registered public accounting firm to audit the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As described in ITEM 9A, Controls and Procedures contained herein in this Annual Report, management has concluded that as of February 29, 2024, its internal controls over financial reporting were effective. While the Company believes it has addressed and remediated material weaknesses identified in 2022, there can be no guarantee that other weaknesses in its financial reporting controls will not be identified in the future. Presently, the Company does not have the financial resources to fully comply with all the requirements of Section 404. If, in the future, we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting during this continuous evaluation process, our management may not be able to assert that such internal controls are effective. Therefore, if we are unable to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective in the future, or if our auditors are unable to attest that our internal controls are effective or they are unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which would have an adverse effect on our business and the market price of our Common Stock.

Debt & Financing3 | 13.6%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

We have substantial indebtedness and obligations to pay interest.

We currently have, and will likely continue to have, a substantial amount of indebtedness and obligations to pay interest from various financing and settlement arrangements. Our indebtedness and interest obligations could, among other things, make it more difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations, require us to use a large portion of our cash flow from operations to repay and service our debt or otherwise create liquidity problems, limit our flexibility to adjust to market conditions, and place us at a competitive disadvantage. As of February 29, 2024, we had total notes payable debt outstanding plus accrued interest of approximately $19.3 million, of which $11.9 million was short term. As of February 29, 2024, notes payable with an aggregate balance of $5.3 million and accrued interest of $1.4 million are past due, In March 2022, the Company reached a settlement that resolved the various claims asserted against us by former director, Robert Kopple, and his affiliated entities. In July 2017, Mr. Kopple and his affiliates brought suit against the Company relating to more than $13 million and the current equivalent of more than approximately 23 million warrants, exercisable for seven years at a price of $0.10 per share, which Mr. Kopple and his affiliated entities (collectively the "Kopple Parties") claimed to be owed to them pursuant to various agreements with the Company entered into between 2013-2016. Under the terms of the settlement, the Company agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $10 million over a period of seven years, including $3 million initial payment in June 2022. $150,000 was paid in June 2022, and the balance of the initial payment of $2.85 million was extended to May 29, 2023. In exchange for the extension, the Company paid extension and forbearance fees of $165,000 in cash and accrued deferred forbearance fees of $430,000. Beginning January 2023, interest accrues on the unpaid balance at a rate of 6%, compounded annually. All amounts, including all accrued interest and deferred fees, are to be paid no later than eight years from the date of the initial payment. The Kopple Parties have also received seven-year warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately 3.3 million shares of our common stock at a price of $0.85 per share. The settlement also provides for standard mutual general release provisions and includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including certain increases in the amount payable to the Kopple Parties and the right of such parties to enter judgment against the Company if the Company remains in uncured default in its payment obligations under the settlement. See Item 3. "Legal Proceedings", "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", and Footnote 9 "Notes Payable-Related Parties" in the Notes to Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the transactions. During the year ended February 29, 2024, the note was amended multiple times to extend the payment dates of the balance of the initial payment of $2,850, originally due in June 2022, and the first installment payment of $1,000, originally due in June 2023 (collectively, the "past due principal"). As a result of these amendments, the Company incurred additional extension and forbearance fees totaling $450 and adjustment to principal balance of $23 that was recorded as part of interest expense. As of February 29, 2024, outstanding principal balance amounted to $10,938, including the $3,850 past due principal (see below). In March 2024, the Company and Kopple again amended the note payable. The amendment (i) replaced the requirement to pay the $3,850 past due principal balance with the requirement to pay $2,000 due December 15, 2024, effectively extending the payment of $1,850 to future periods; (ii) increased the stated interest rate to 10%; (iii) added a fee of $15 monthly until the Company makes a principal payment of $2 million by December 2024; (iv) effective August 30, 2024, the Company will grant Kopple a conversion right that gives Kopple the option to be able to convert the note payable into equity of the Company at a conversion price of the lower of $1.00 per share or 50% of the 10 day volume weighted average price of the Company's common stock; (v) during Fiscal 2025, will require the Company to pay 20% of all collected revenues within 10 days of the end of each fiscal quarter; (vi) will require the Company to pay Kopple 20% of any amount raised in new capital in the form of equity, debt or convertible debt above $3.5 million; (vii) reduces the exercise price of the warrants granted to Kopple in March 2022 from $0.85 per share to $0.50 per share; and (vii) extends the warrant expiration date from March 8, 2029, to March 31, 2031. The Company will account for this amendment in the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, for fiscal year 2025. We expect to obtain the money to pay our expenses and pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness from cash flow from our operations and from securities offerings. Accordingly, our ability to meet our obligations depends on our future performance and capital-raising activities, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. If our cash flow and capital resources prove inadequate to allow us to pay the principal and interest on our debt and meet our other obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations, restructure or refinance our debt, which we may be unable to do on acceptable terms and forego attractive business opportunities. In addition, the terms of our existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from pursuing any of these alternatives.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

If we do not receive additional financing when and as needed, we may not be able to continue the research, development and commercialization of our technology and products. In that case, our business and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

Our capital requirements have been and will continue to be significant. We will require substantial additional funds in excess of our current financial resources for research, development and commercialization of products, to obtain and maintain patents and other intellectual property rights in these technologies and products, and for working capital and other purposes, the timing and amount of which are difficult to ascertain. When and as we need additional funds, such funds may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot obtain additional funding when and as needed, our business and results of operation would be materially and adversely affected.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

We will need additional capital in the future to meet our obligations and financing may not be available. During Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, the Company increased its engineering and manufacturing activities, but it still struggled with meeting its financial requirements. If we cannot obtain additional capital, we will not be able to continue our operations.

As a result of our operating losses, we have largely financed our operations through sales of our equity securities. Beginning with Fiscal 2017, the Company significantly reduced its engineering, manufacturing, sales, and marketing activities to focus on renegotiating numerous financial obligations and conserving cash. For Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, we had approximately $3 million negative and $3.1 million negative cash flows from operations, respectively, due primarily to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company's engineering and manufacturing activities remained limited due to our inability to increase sales and raise significant amounts of new financing. Our ability to continue as a going concern is directly dependent upon our ability to obtain additional operating capital and generating sufficient operating cash flow. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased interest rates and inflation have caused significant uncertainty and volatility in the credit markets and there can be no assurance that lenders or investors will make additional commitments to provide financing to us under current circumstances. As a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may be required to raise additional capital and our access to and cost of financing will depend on, among other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, and our prospects. If we are unable to obtain additional funding as and when we need it, we will not be able to recommence operations or undertake our planned expansion.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 9.1%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

If we are successful in executing our business plan to grow our business, our failure to efficiently manage our growth could have an adverse effect on our business.

If we are successful in executing our business plan, we may experience growth in our business that could place a significant strain on our management and other resources. Our ability to manage this growth will require us to successfully assimilate new employees, improve existing management information systems and reorganize our operations. If we fail to manage growth efficiently, our business could be adversely affected.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

We may not be able to establish an effective distribution network or strategic OEM relationships; in which case our sales will not increase as expected and our financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

We are in the very beginning stages of developing our distribution network and establishing strategic relationships with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. We may not be able to identify appropriate distributors or OEM customers on a timely basis. The distributors with which we partner may not focus adequate resources on selling our products or may otherwise be unsuccessful in selling them. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to establish OEM relationships on favorable terms or at all. The lack of success of distributors or OEM customers in marketing our products would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Production

Total Risks: 5/22 (23%)Above Sector Average

Manufacturing1 | 4.5%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

We need to invest in tooling to have a more extensive line of products. If we cannot expand our tooling, it may not be possible for us to expand our operations.

We are currently limited in the products that we are able to manufacture because of the limitations of our tooling capabilities. In order to have a broader line of products that address industrial and commercial needs, we must make a significant investment in additional tooling or pursue new alternatives to replace traditional tooling. We do not currently have the funds required to acquire new tooling or to obtain replacements and no assurances can be given that we will have the required funds in the future. If we do not acquire the required funds for tooling or replacement tooling, we may not be able to expand our product line to meet industrial and commercial needs.

Employment / Personnel1 | 4.5%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

We rely on highly skilled personnel and, if we are unable to retain or motivate key personnel or hire qualified personnel, we may not be able to grow effectively.

Our performance is largely dependent on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. We are currently in default under several agreements with various key consultants which may make those parties unwilling to continue to work with the Company. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate our existing employees and consultants. The incentives to attract, retain and motivate employees and consultants provided by our ability to pay competitive salaries and rates as well as offering additional incentives such as stock option grants or by future arrangements may not be as effective as in the past. If we do not succeed in attracting excellent personnel or retaining or motivating existing personnel, we may be unable to grow effectively.

Supply Chain3 | 13.6%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

We will need to renew sources of component supplies to meet increases in demand for the AuraGen. There is no assurance that our suppliers can or will supply the components to us on favorable terms or at all.

As we recommence our operations and in order to meet future demand for AuraGen systems, we will need to renew contracts or form new contracts with our prior manufacturers and suppliers or locate other suitable manufacturers and suppliers for subassemblies and other components. Recently, we entered into discussions with several of our prior suppliers and we are in the process of negotiating settlements of old payables and arranging new supply contracts. Although we believe that there are a number of potential manufacturers and suppliers of the components, we cannot guarantee that contracts for components can be obtained on favorable terms or at all. Any material adverse change in terms of the purchase of these components could increase our cost of goods.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

Although we generally aim to use standard parts and components for our products, some of our components are currently available only from limited sources.

We may experience delays in production of the AuraGen if we fail to identify alternate vendors, or if any parts supply is interrupted or reduced or if there is a significant increase in production costs, each of which could materially adversely and affect our business and operations.

Supply Chain - Risk 3

We may experience delays in product shipments and increased product costs because we depend on third party manufacturers for certain product components. Delays in product shipment or an inability to replace certain suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We currently do not have the capability to manufacture most of the AuraGen components on a commercial scale. Therefore, we rely extensively on contracts with third party manufacturers for such components. The use of third-party manufacturers increases the risk of delay of shipments to our customers and increases the risk of higher costs if our manufacturers are not available when required. Our suppliers and manufacturers may not supply us with a sufficient number of components or components of adequate quality, which would delay production of our product. We do not currently have written agreements with any suppliers. Furthermore, those suppliers who make certain components may not be easily replaced. Any of these disruptions in the supply of components could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. Furthermore, we are monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operations of the Company, particularly with respect to possible delays and other disruptions to the supply chain.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 4/22 (18%)Below Sector Average

Regulation1 | 4.5%

Regulation - Risk 1

We are subject to government regulation that may restrict our ability to use certain suppliers outside the U.S. or to sell our products into certain countries. If we cannot obtain the required approval from government agencies, then our business may be adversely affected.

We depend on third party suppliers for our parts and components, some of which are located outside of the United States. In the event that some of these suppliers are barred from selling their products in the United States, or cannot meet other U.S. government regulations, we would need to locate other suppliers, which could delay or prevent us from shipping product to our customers. We use copper, steel and aluminum in our product and in the event of government regulations or restrictions of these materials we may experience a shortage of these materials to manufacture our product. Furthermore, U.S. law restricts us from selling products in some potential foreign markets without U.S. government approval. If we cannot obtain the required approvals from government agencies to obtain materials or contract with suppliers or if we are restricted by government regulation from selling our products into certain countries, our business may be adversely affected.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities3 | 13.6%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

We have been named as a party in various legal proceedings, and we may be named in additional litigation, all of which will require significant management time and attention, result in significant legal expenses and may result in an unfavorable outcome, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

We have been and may in the future become subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in or outside the ordinary course of business. Certain current lawsuits and pending proceedings are described under Part I, Item 3. "Legal Proceedings." The results of these lawsuits and future legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Also, our insurance coverage may be insufficient or not provide any coverage at all for certain claims, our assets may be insufficient to cover any amounts that exceed our insurance coverage, and we may have to pay damage awards or otherwise may enter into settlement arrangements in connection with such claims. Any such payments or settlement arrangements in current or future litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. Even if the plaintiffs' claims are not successful, current future litigation could result in substantial costs and significantly and adversely impact our reputation and divert management's attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. In addition, such lawsuits may make it more difficult to finance our operations.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2

We occasionally become subject to commercial disputes that could harm our business by distracting our management from the operation of our business, by increasing our expenses and, if we do not prevail, by subjecting us to potential monetary damages and other remedies.

From time to time, we are engaged in disputes regarding our commercial transactions. These disputes could result in monetary damages or other remedies that could adversely impact our financial position or operations. Even if we prevail in these disputes, they may distract our management from operating our business and the cost of defending these disputes would reduce our operating results.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3

We have been a party to litigation, a consent solicitation and a proxy contest with shareholders controlling a majority of the Company's stock, which is costly and time-consuming and has had a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and could adversely affect our stock price.

In March 2019, stockholders of the Company representing a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock delivered signed written consents to the Company removing Ronald Buschur, William Anderson and Si Ryong Yu as members of the Company's Board and electing Ms. Cipora Lavut, Mr. David Mann and Dr. Robert Lempert as directors of the Company. Because of Aura's refusal to recognize the legal effectiveness of the consents, on April 8, 2019, the stockholders filed suit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware pursuant to Section 225 of the Delaware General Corporations Law, seeking an order confirming the validity of the consents. On July 8, 2019 the Court of Chancery entered final judgment in favor of the stockholder plaintiffs, confirming that (a) Ronald Buschur, Si Ryong Yu and William Anderson had been validly removed by the holders of a majority of the Company's outstanding stock acting by written consent (b) Ms. Lavut, Mr. Mann and Dr. Lempert had been validly elected by the holders of a majority of the Company's outstanding stock acting by written consent, and (c) the Company's Board of Directors validly consists of Cipora Lavut, David Mann, Robert Lempert, Gary Douglas and Salvador Diaz-Versón, Jr. Aura's refusal to recognize the legal effectiveness of the consents and the decision by the Company's former leadership team to utilize corporate resources to vigorously contest the shareholder action has consumed significant financial resources, temporarily stagnated operations, and resulted in substantial costs, all of which had a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 3/22 (14%)Above Sector Average

Competition1 | 4.5%

Competition - Risk 1

Most of our competitors are larger and better financed than we are and have a greater presence in the marketplace. Our business may be adversely affected by industry competition.

Both in the U.S. and internationally, the industries in which we operate are extremely competitive. We face substantial competition from companies that have a long history of offering traditional auxiliary power units (portable generators), traditional automotive alternators, and inverters (a device that inverts battery direct current electricity to alternating current). Most of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources, spend considerably larger sums than we spend on research, new product development and marketing, and have long-standing customer relationships. Furthermore, we must compete with many larger and better-established companies in the hiring and retention of qualified personnel. Although we believe we have significant technological advantages over our competitors, realizing and maintaining such advantages will require us to develop customer relationships and will also depend on market acceptance of our products. We may not have the financial resources, technical expertise, or marketing and support capabilities to compete successfully, which would materially and adversely affect our business.

Demand1 | 4.5%

Demand - Risk 1

Our business is not diversified. If we cannot increase market acceptance of our products, modify our products and services, or compete with new technologies, we may never be profitable.

We currently focus all of our resources on the successful commercialization of our axial flux induction motors and AuraGen mobile power family of products. Because we have elected to focus our business on a single technology line rather than diversifying into other areas, our success will be dependent upon the commercial success of these products. If we are unable to increase market acceptance of our products, if we are unable to modify our products and services on a timely basis so that we lose customers, or if new technologies make our technology obsolete, we may never be profitable.

Brand / Reputation1 | 4.5%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

Going Concern

The Company's financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, during the year ended February 29, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $4.2 million, used cash in operations of $3 million, and at February 29, 2024, had a stockholders' deficit of $21.5 million. In addition, at February 29, 2024, notes payable and related accrued interest with an aggregate balance of $6.7 million have reached maturity and are past due. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the financial statements are issued. In addition, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, in their report on the Company's February 29, 2024, audited financial statements, raised substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to increase revenues, obtain additional financing, drive further operating efficiencies, reduce expenditures, and ultimately, create profitable operations. In the event that the Company does not generate sufficient cash flows from operations and is unable to obtain funding, the Company will be forced to delay, reduce, or eliminate some or all of its discretionary spending, which could adversely affect the Company's business prospects, ability to meet long-term liquidity needs or ability to continue operations. The Company does not have any sufficient committed sources of capital and does not know whether additional financing will be available when needed on terms that are acceptable, if at all. This going concern statement from our independent public accounting firm may discourage some investors from purchasing our stock or providing alternative capital financing. The failure to satisfy our capital requirements will adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 2/22 (9%)Below Sector Average

Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 9.1%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

The effects of a pandemic or widespread outbreak of an illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has had and could continue to have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business has largely abated, uncertainties continue from the ongoing effects of the pandemic and an economic slowdown. The effects of government agency actions and the Company's policies and those of third parties to combat future pandemics may negatively impact productivity and the Company's ability to market and sell its products, cause disruptions to its supply chain anon d impair its ability to execute its business development strategy. These and other disruptions in the Company's operations and the global economy could negatively impact the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. Additional discussion related to the various risks and uncertainties described above is included elsewhere within this "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2

Our business is subject to the risks of earthquakes and other natural catastrophic events, and to interruptions by man-made problems such as computer viruses, terrorism, or pandemics.

Our corporate headquarters and our research and development operations are located in the State of California in regions known for seismic activity. A significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, in this region could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 1/22 (5%)Below Sector Average

Trade Secrets1 | 4.5%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability or failure to protect them could reduce the value of our products, services and brand, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our patents, trademarks, and all of our other intellectual property rights are important assets for us. There are events that are outside of our control that pose a threat to our intellectual property rights. For example, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our products and services are distributed or made available. Also, the efforts we have taken to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient or effective. Due to our lack of financial resources, we may not be able to adequately protect our technology portfolio or apply for new patents to extend our intellectual property portfolio. The expiration of patents in our patent portfolio may also have an adverse effect on our business. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights could harm our business and or our ability to compete. Protecting our intellectual property rights is costly and time consuming and we may need to resort to litigation to enforce our patent rights or to determine the scope and validity of third-party intellectual property rights and we may not have the financial resources to pay for such litigation. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially greater resources. We seek to obtain patent protection for our innovations. It is possible, however, that some of these innovations may not be protectable. In addition, given the costs of obtaining patent protection, we may choose not to protect certain innovations that later turn out to be important. Furthermore, there is always the possibility, despite our efforts, that the scope of the protection gained will be insufficient or that an issued patent may be deemed invalid or unenforceable. Our inability or failure to protect our intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on our business by reducing the value of our products, services and brand.

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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