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.

Dynasil Of America disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Dynasil Of America reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2019

Risk Distribution

40% Finance & Corporate

20% Production

13% Legal & Regulatory

13% Ability to Sell

10% Macro & Political

3% Tech & Innovation

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

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

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Dynasil Of America 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, 2019

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 12 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 12 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

-1

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

-1

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

3Risks added

3Risks removed

1Risks changed

Since Sep 2019

3Risks added

3Risks removed

1Risks changed

Since Sep 2019

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 Dynasil Of America 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 30

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 12/30 (40%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights2 | 6.7%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Added

We are a non-reporting company.

In August 2019, we filed a Form 25 and Forms 15 with the SEC to deregister and delist our stock. As a result, our stock is no longer listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and trading in our stock will only occur in privately negotiated sales and potentially on the OTC Pink Sheets, if one or more brokers continues to choose to make a market for our common stock there and complies with applicable regulatory requirements; however, there can be no assurances regarding any such trading. Because of the limited liquidity for our common stock, the termination of our obligation to publicly disclose financial and other information, and the deregistration of our common stock under the Exchange Act, our stockholders may potentially experience a significant decrease in the value of their common stock. Following the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we will cease to file annual, quarterly, current, and other reports and documents with the SEC, and stockholders will cease to receive annual reports and proxy statements. We do intend to continue to prepare audited annual financial statements and periodic unaudited financial statements and plan to make audited annual financial statements available to our stockholders. Nonetheless, our stockholders will have significantly less information about the Company and our business, operations, and financial performance than they have previously. We do intend to continue to hold stockholder meetings as required under Delaware law, including annual meetings, or to take actions by written consent of our stockholders in lieu of meetings. As a result of our deregistration and delisting, we are no longer subject to the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the liability provisions of the Exchange Act or the oversight of the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders are no longer required to file reports relating to their transactions in our common stock with the SEC. In addition, our executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders are no longer subject to the recovery of profits provision of the Exchange Act, and persons acquiring 5% of our common stock are no longer required to report their beneficial ownership under the Exchange Act. Additionally, we do not have the ability to access the public capital markets or to use public securities in attracting and retaining executives and other employees, and we have a decreased ability to use stock to acquire other companies. Additionally, our public reporting obligations could be reinstated if on the first day of any fiscal year we have more than 300 stockholders of record, in which instance we would be required to resume reporting pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Added

While our common stock is traded on the OTC Pink Sheets, its price is characterized by significant price volatility.

While our common stock is traded on the OTC Pink Sheets, its trading price is characterized by significant volatility when compared to the shares of larger, more established companies that have large public floats, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than the shares of such larger, more established companies traded on the major markets for the indefinite future. The volatility in our share price is attributable to a number of factors. First, as noted above, our common stock is, compared to the shares of such larger, more established companies, sporadically and thinly traded. As a consequence of this limited liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our stockholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of our common stock is sold on the market without commensurate demand. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a larger, more established company that has a large public float. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our common stock will be at any time, including as to whether our common stock will sustain its current market price, or as to what effect that the sale of shares or the availability of common stock for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price, or if our common stock will continue to be traded on the OTC Pink Sheets.

Accounting & Financial Operations5 | 16.7%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Added

We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends to our common shareholders.

We presently do not anticipate that we will pay dividends on any of our common stock in the foreseeable future. If payment of dividends does occur at some point in the future, it would be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements, and general financial condition. The payment of any common stock dividends will be within the discretion of our Board of Directors. We presently intend to retain any earnings to implement our business plan; accordingly, we do not anticipate the declaration of any dividends for common stock in the foreseeable future.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Goodwill and other intangible assets represent approximately 21% of our total assets and any impairment of these assets could negatively impact our results of operations.

Non-amortizing intangible assets, including goodwill, are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Examples of events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of such intangible assets may not be recoverable could include a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel, or a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of. Any future impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets would have a negative impact on our profitability and financial results.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

Our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of September 30, 2018.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018 and concluded that, as of that date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as a result of material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. We believe that these issues are now corrected and the necessary changes have been made. We will continue to monitor their effectiveness to properly ensure our ability to report financial results or other information required to be disclosed on a timely and accurate basis.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4

Our financial results may vary significantly from period-to-period.

Our financial results may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. For these reasons, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance. Our financial results may be negatively affected by any of the risk factors listed in this "Risk Factors" section and other matters described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other documents we file with the SEC.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5

If our internal control over financial reporting is found not to be effective or if we make disclosure of existing or potential significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in those controls, investors could lose confidence in our financial reports, and our stock price may be adversely affected.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has required us to include an internal control report with our Annual Report on Form 10-K. That report has included management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal year. We have evaluated our internal control over financial reporting based on the integrated framework issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. During the course of our evaluation of the internal controls, we have identified areas requiring improvement, and would have had to design enhanced processes and controls to address issues identified through this review. Additionally, in the past, due to the implementation of new accounting standards, our existing controls have had to be adapted and new deficiencies have arisen. Remedying significant deficiencies or material weaknesses that we identified have required us to incur significant costs and expend significant time and management resources. The disclosure of existing significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in those internal controls over financial reporting have had the potential to cause investors to lose confidence in our financial reports, and our stock price could have been adversely affected. As a result of our deregistration and delisting transaction, we are no longer subject to the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Debt & Financing3 | 10.0%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Our loan agreements impose restrictions on our ability to take certain corporate actions and raise additional capital, and include a material adverse change ("MAC") clause.

Our loan agreements contain numerous customary restrictions that limit our ability to undertake certain activities without the express prior written approval of our lenders. These include, but are not limited to, restricting our ability to: - incur additional indebtedness;- pay or declare dividends;- enter into a business substantially different from existing operations;- issue or authorize any additional or new equity that will result in a change of control; and - take any corporate action outside the ordinary course of the business, including without limitation, the sale of material assets or other strategic divestitures, without the prior written approval of our lender. These restrictions could significantly hamper our ability to raise additional capital. Our ability to receive the necessary approvals is largely dependent upon our relationship with our lenders and our financial performance, and no assurances can be given that we will be able to obtain the necessary approvals in the future. Our inability to raise additional capital could lead to working capital deficits that could have a material adverse effect on our operations in future periods. One of our loan agreements also includes a MAC clause which permits the bank to call the loan if any event, fact, circumstance, change in, or effect on the Company could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the business.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

We may not be able to generate sufficient positive cash flow in the future to fund our operations.

In addition to our bank financing, we are dependent upon cash flow from our businesses to fund our operations. It is our expectation that we can continue to increase our cash flows; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so. If we are unable to fund our operations from future cash flows together with our available bank financing, we will need to seek additional debt and/or equity financing, which may not be available on attractive terms, if at all, in which case there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

Our Xcede joint venture requires further funding to support the development of its technology.

In July, 2018, Xcede received a notice of termination from CBI, its collaboration partner with respect to the Xcede Patch, which claimed that the results of a recent animal study showed that, in CBI's assessment, continuing to the next development phase of the Xcede Patch it is not commercially reasonable. Upon a valid termination, CBI has no obligation to conduct further developmental activities with respect to the Xcede Patch, including any further in-kind funding under the Loan Agreement dated November 16, 2016 between Xcede and CBI. In addition, CBI has asserted that these study results trigger an immediate repayment of the $500,000 promissory note owed by Xcede to CBI under the Loan Agreement, which otherwise has a stated maturity of December 31, 2025. The Xcede promissory note is collateralized by a security interest which CBI has in all of Xcede's intellectual property. While Xcede vigorously contests this assertion, at this time it is unclear how this matter will be resolved between Xcede and CBI. As a result of this action by CBI, Xcede halted clinical trial preparations and has curtailed its operations to a minimal level while the Board of Directors of Xcede evaluates alternatives, including the viability of modifying the Xcede Patch to address the shortcomings cited by CBI and/or the possible sale or license of Xcede IP assets, subject to amending the security interest described above. Xcede will require outside funding in order to continue development of the Xcede Patch, any additional pre-clinical development activities, and any human clinical trials they may initiate. In the event Xcede raises any additional equity financing from outside sources, our equity interest in Xcede will decrease. There can be no assurance, however, that Xcede will be able to obtain future financing as needed or on terms which are attractive, in which case it might be required to close its operations and liquidate its assets in which case our investment would likely not be recovered.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 6.7%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Xcede, our joint venture, is a pre-clinical stage business with no approved products, which makes it difficult to assess the business's future viability.

In October 2013, Dynasil Biomedical formed Xcede, a joint venture with Mayo Clinic, to focus on and separately fund the development of its tissue sealant technology. Xcede has not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully overcome many of the risks and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in new and rapidly evolving fields, particularly in the biomedical area. For example, to execute its business plan, Xcede will need to successfully: - develop a commercially viable version of the Xcede Patch;- raise the funds necessary to execute its product development plan;- manage its spending as costs and expenses increase during the clinical trial and regulatory approval processes;- obtain required regulatory approvals for the development and commercialization of the tissue sealant product applications;- maintain and expand the tissue sealant intellectual property portfolio;- build and maintain robust sales, distribution and marketing capabilities, either on its own or in collaboration with strategic partners; and - gain market acceptance for its products. If Xcede is unsuccessful in accomplishing these objectives, it may not be able to develop its tissue sealant product, raise capital, expand its business or continue its operations, which may have a material adverse effect on our stock price.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

From time to time we may make acquisitions. The failure to successfully integrate future acquisitions could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

One component of our growth strategy is to selectively pursue strategic acquisitions. These transactions require significant investment of time and resources and may disrupt our business and distract our management from other responsibilities. Even if successful, these transactions could reduce earnings for a number of reasons, including the amortization of intangible assets, impairment charges, acquired operations that are not yet profitable or the payment of additional consideration under earn-out arrangements if an acquisition performs better than expected. Acquisitions, investments and joint ventures pose many other risks that could adversely affect our reputation, operations or financial results, including: - we may not be able to identify, compete effectively for or complete suitable acquisitions and investments at prices we consider attractive;- we may not be able to accurately estimate the financial effect of acquisitions and investments on our business and we may not realize anticipated synergies or acquisitions may not result in improved operating performance;- we may encounter performance problems with acquired technologies, capabilities and products, particularly with respect to those that are still in development when acquired;- we may have trouble retaining key employees and customers of an acquired business or otherwise integrating such businesses, such as incompatible accounting, information management, or other control systems, which could result in unforeseen difficulties;- we may assume material liabilities that were not identified as part of our due diligence or for which we are unable to receive a purchase price adjustment or reimbursement through indemnification;- we may assume legal or regulatory risks, particularly with respect to smaller businesses that have immature business processes and compliance programs;- acquired entities or joint ventures may not operate profitably, which could adversely affect our operating income or operating margins and we may be unable to recover investments in any such acquisitions;- acquisitions, investments and joint ventures may require us to spend a significant amount of cash or to issue capital stock, resulting in dilution of ownership; and - we may not be able to effectively influence the operations of our joint ventures or we may be exposed to certain liabilities if our joint venture partners do not fulfill their obligations. If our acquisitions fail, perform poorly or their value is otherwise impaired for any reason, including contractions in credit markets and global economic conditions, our business and financial results could be adversely affected. In addition, we periodically divest businesses, including businesses that are no longer a part of our ongoing strategic plan. These divestitures similarly require significant investment of time and resources, may disrupt our business, distract management from other responsibilities and may result in losses on disposal or continued financial involvement in the divested business, including through indemnification, guarantee or other financial arrangements, for a period of time following the transaction, which would adversely affect our financial results.

Production

Total Risks: 6/30 (20%)Above Sector Average

Manufacturing1 | 3.3%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Quality problems with our processes, goods, and services could harm our reputation for producing high-quality products and erode our competitive advantage, sales and market share.

Quality is extremely important to us and our customers due to the serious and costly consequences of product failure. Our quality certifications are critical to the marketing success of our goods and services. If we fail to meet these standards, our reputation could be damaged, we could lose customers, and our revenue and results of operations could decline. Aside from specific customer standards, our success depends generally on our ability to manufacture to exact tolerances precision-engineered components, subassemblies, and finished devices from multiple materials. If our components fail to meet these standards or fail to adapt to evolving standards, our reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality components will be harmed, our competitive advantage could be damaged, and we could lose customers and market share.

Employment / Personnel2 | 6.7%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Our failure to attract, train and retain skilled employees, including our management team, would adversely affect our ability to execute our strategy.

Portions of our business involve the development of tailored solutions for our customers, a process that relies heavily upon the expertise and services of our employees. Our continued success depends on our ability to recruit and retain highly trained and skilled engineering, technical and professional personnel. Competition for skilled personnel is intense and competitors aggressively recruit key employees. Particularly in highly specialized areas, it may become more difficult to retain employees and meet all of our needs for employees in a timely manner, which may affect our growth in the current fiscal year and in future years. Although we intend to continue to devote significant resources to recruit, train and retain qualified employees, we may not be able to attract and retain these employees. Any failure to do so could impair our ability to perform our contractual obligations efficiently and timely meet our customers' needs and win new business, which could adversely affect our future results. In addition to attracting and retaining qualified engineering, technical and professional personnel, we believe that our success will also depend on the continued employment of a highly qualified and experienced senior management team and its ability to retain existing business and generate new business. Our senior management team is important to our business because personal reputations and individual business relationships are a critical element of retaining and obtaining customer contracts in our industry, particularly with agencies performing classified operations. Our inability to hire and retain appropriately qualified and experienced senior executives could cause us to lose customers or new business opportunities.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

Misconduct of employees, subcontractors, agents and business partners could cause us to lose existing contracts or customers and adversely affect our ability to obtain new contracts and customers and could have a significant adverse impact on our business and reputation.

Misconduct, should it occur, could include fraud or other improper activities such as falsifying time or other records and violations of laws, including the Anti-Kickback Act. Other examples could include the failure to comply with our policies and procedures or with federal, state or local government procurement regulations, regulations regarding the use and safeguarding of classified or other protected information, legislation regarding the pricing of labor and other costs in government contracts, laws and regulations relating to environmental, health or safety matters, bribery of foreign government officials, import-export control, lobbying or similar activities, and any other applicable laws or regulations. Intentional or unintentional violation of the Export Control Act or International Traffic in Arms Regulations could result in severe fines which could adversely affect our profitability. Any data loss or information security lapses resulting in the compromise of personal information or the improper use or disclosure of sensitive or classified information could result in claims, remediation costs, regulatory sanctions against us, loss of current and future contracts and serious harm to our reputation. Although we have implemented policies, procedures and controls to prevent and detect these activities, these precautions may not prevent all misconduct, and as a result, we could face unknown risks or losses. Our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations or misconduct by any of our employees, subcontractors, agents or business partners could damage our reputation and subject us to fines and penalties, restitution or other damages, loss of security clearance, loss of current and future customer contracts and suspension or debarment from contracting with federal, state or local government agencies, any of which would adversely affect our business and our future results.

Costs3 | 10.0%

Costs - Risk 1

Our earnings and profitability may be adversely affected by our failure to accurately estimate and manage costs, time and resources.

We generate revenue under various types of contracts, which include cost reimbursement, Time & Materials (T&M), Fixed Price-Level of Effort and Firm Fixed Price contracts (FFP). Our earnings and profitability may vary materially depending on changes in the proportionate amount of revenue derived from each type of contract, the nature of services or products provided, as well as the achievement of performance objectives and the stage of performance at which the right to receive fees, particularly under incentive and award fee contracts, is finally determined. Cost reimbursement and T&M contracts generally have lower profitability than FFP contracts. Our operating results in any period may also be affected, positively or negatively, by variable purchasing patterns by our customers of our more profitable proprietary products. Our failure to accurately estimate costs or the resources and technology needed to perform our contracts or to effectively manage and control our costs during the performance of our work could result, and in some instances has resulted, in reduced profits or in losses. More generally, any increased or unexpected costs or unanticipated delays in connection with the performance of our contracts, including costs and delays caused by contractual disputes or other factors outside of our control, such as performance failures of our subcontractors, natural disasters or other force majeure events, could make our contracts less profitable than expected or unprofitable.

Costs - Risk 2

Our insurance may be insufficient to protect us from product and other liability claims or losses.

We maintain insurance coverage with third-party insurers as part of our overall risk management strategy and because some of our contracts require us to maintain specific insurance coverage limits. However, not every risk or liability is or can be protected by insurance, and, for those risks we insure, the limits of coverage we purchase or that are reasonably obtainable in the market may not be sufficient to cover all actual losses or liabilities incurred. If any of our third-party insurers fail, cancel our coverage or otherwise are unable to provide us with adequate insurance coverage, then our overall risk exposure and our operational expenses would increase and the management of our business operations would be disrupted. Our insurance may be insufficient to protect us from significant product and other liability claims or losses. Moreover, there is a risk that commercially available liability insurance will not continue to be available to us at a reasonable cost, if at all. If liability claims or losses exceed our current or available insurance coverage, our business and prospects may be harmed. Regardless of the adequacy of our liability insurance coverage, any significant claim may have an adverse effect on our industry and market reputation, leading to a substantial decrease in demand for our products and services and reduced revenue.

Costs - Risk 3

Increases in prices and declines in the availability of raw materials could negatively impact our financial results.

Our financial results are significantly affected by the cost of raw materials and energy. Most of the raw materials and energy used in production are purchased from outside sources, and the Company has made, and plans to continue to make, supply arrangements to meet the planned operating requirements for the future. Supply of critical raw materials and energy is managed by establishing contracts, multiple sources, and identifying alternative materials or technology whenever possible. An inability to obtain critical raw materials would adversely impact our ability to produce products. Increases in the cost of raw materials and energy may have an adverse effect on our earnings or cash flow in the event we are unable to mitigate these higher costs in a timely manner.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 4/30 (13%)Below Sector Average

Regulation2 | 6.7%

Regulation - Risk 1

Our business and operations expose us to numerous legal and regulatory requirements and any violation of these requirements could harm our business.

We are subject to numerous federal, state and foreign legal requirements on matters as diverse as data privacy and protection, employment and labor relations, immigration, taxation, anticorruption, import/export controls, trade restrictions, internal and disclosure control obligations, securities regulation, environmental and anti-competition. We are also focused on expanding our business in certain identified growth areas, such as homeland security and biomedical technologies, which are highly regulated and may expose us to increased compliance risk. Compliance with diverse and changing legal requirements is costly, time-consuming and requires significant resources. Violations of one or more of these requirements in the conduct of our business could result in significant fines and other damages, criminal sanctions against us or our officers, prohibitions on doing business and damage to our reputation. Violations of these regulations or contractual obligations related to regulatory compliance in connection with the performance of customer contracts could also result in liability for significant monetary damages, fines and/or criminal prosecution, unfavorable publicity and other reputational damage, restrictions on our ability to compete for certain work and allegations by our customers that we have not performed our contractual obligations. Moreover, we use controlled hazardous and radioactive materials in our business and generate wastes that are regulated as hazardous wastes under United States federal and certain state, environmental and atomic energy regulatory laws and similar laws in each jurisdiction in which our facilities are located. Our use of these substances and materials is subject to stringent, and periodically changing, regulation that can impose costly compliance obligations on us and have the potential to adversely affect our manufacturing activities. The risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials cannot be completely eliminated. If an accident with these substances occurs, we could be held liable for any damages that result, in addition to incurring clean-up costs and liabilities, which can be substantial. Additionally, an accident could damage our research and manufacturing facilities resulting in delays and increased costs.

Regulation - Risk 2

Our failure to comply with a variety of complex procurement rules and regulations could result in our being liable for penalties, including termination of our U.S. Government contracts, disqualification from bidding on future U.S. Government contracts and suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting.

We must comply with laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of U.S. Government contracts, which affect how we do business with our customers and may impose added costs on our business. Some significant statutes and regulations that affect us include: - the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and supplements, which regulate the formation, administration and performance of U.S. Government contracts;- the Truth in Negotiations Act, which requires certification and disclosure of cost and pricing data in connection with certain contract negotiations;- the Procurement Integrity Act, which regulates access to competitor bid and proposal information and government source selection information, and our ability to provide compensation to certain former government officials;- the Civil False Claims Act, which provides for substantial civil penalties for violations, including for submission of a false or fraudulent claim to the U.S. Government for payment or approval; and - the U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards, which impose accounting requirements that govern our right to reimbursement under certain cost-based U.S. Government contracts. Our failure to comply with any of these rules or regulations could result in loss of business or penalties that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Taxation & Government Incentives2 | 6.7%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

Changes in tax laws or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes, in both the U.S. and United Kingdom (U.K.). We are subject to tax audits in various jurisdictions. Tax authorities may disagree with certain positions we have taken and assess additional taxes. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of these audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision. However, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits, and the actual outcomes of these audits could have a material impact on our consolidated earnings and financial condition. Additionally, changes in tax laws or tax rulings could materially impact our effective tax rate.

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2

Our business is subject to reviews, audits and cost adjustments by the U.S. Government, which, if resolved unfavorably to us, could adversely affect our profitability, cash position or growth prospects.

U.S. Government agencies, including the DCAA (Defense Contract Audit Agency), DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) and others, routinely audit and review a contractor's performance on government contracts, indirect rates and pricing practices, and compliance with applicable contracting and procurement laws, regulations and standards. They also review the adequacy of the contractor's compliance with government standards for its accounting and management internal control systems, including: control environment and overall accounting system, estimating system, purchasing system, property system and earned value management system. Both contractors and the U.S. Government agencies conducting these audits and reviews have come under increased scrutiny. A finding of significant control deficiencies in our system audits or other reviews could result in decremented billing rates to our U.S. Government customers until the control deficiencies are corrected and our corrections are accepted by the auditing agency. Government audits and reviews may conclude that our practices are not consistent with applicable laws and regulations and result in adjustments to contract costs and mandatory customer refunds. Such adjustments can be applied retroactively, which could result in significant customer refunds. Our receipt of adverse audit findings or the failure to obtain an "approved" determination of our various accounting and management internal control systems, including our changes to indirect cost and direct labor estimating systems, from the responsible U.S. Government agency could significantly and adversely affect our business, including our ability to bid on new contracts and our competitive position in the bidding process. A determination of non-compliance with applicable contracting and procurement laws, regulations and standards could also result in the U.S. Government imposing penalties and sanctions against us, including withholding of payments, suspension of payments and increased government scrutiny that could delay or adversely affect our ability to invoice and receive timely payment on contracts, perform contracts or compete for contracts with the U.S. Government. We may suffer harm to our reputation if allegations of impropriety are made against us, which would impair our ability to win new contract awards or receive contract renewals. Our indirect cost audits by the DCAA have been completed for fiscal year 2018 while fiscal year 2019 remains open pending DCAA audit. Although we have recorded contract revenue subsequent to fiscal 2018 based upon our estimate of costs that we believe will be approved upon final audit or review, we do not know the outcome of any ongoing or future audits or reviews and adjustments and, if future adjustments exceed our estimates, our profitability would be adversely affected.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 4/30 (13%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 3.3%

Competition - Risk 1

Our Innovation and Development business faces aggressive competition that can impact our ability to obtain contracts and therefore affect our future revenue and growth prospects.

RMD's competitors include other small high technology companies performing SBIR R&D, large firms such as Raytheon which performs related R&D, universities and national laboratories. The markets in which we operate are characterized by rapid technology development and the needs of our customers change and evolve regularly. Accordingly, our success depends on our ability to develop services and products that address these changing needs and to provide people and technology needed to deliver these services and products. To remain competitive, we must consistently provide superior service, technology and performance on a cost-effective basis to our customers. Our competitors may be able to provide our customers with different or greater capabilities or technologies or better contract terms than we can provide, including technical qualifications, past contract experience, geographic presence, price and the availability of qualified professional personnel. In addition, our competitors may consolidate or establish teaming or other relationships among themselves or with third parties to increase their ability to address customers' needs. Accordingly, larger or new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge which may adversely affect our ability to compete.

Demand3 | 10.0%

Demand - Risk 1

The Company relies on its Innovation and Development segment for approximately half of its revenue. A decline in or temporary suspension of U.S. Government spending, changes in federal budgetary priorities, the timing of contract awards or a restructuring of the SBIR/STTR programs may adversely affect our future revenue and limit our growth prospects.

Our Innovation and Development (formerly Contract Research) business unit, RMD, is among the largest small business participants in U.S. government-funded research, performing research and development activities for government agencies including Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, National Institutes of Health, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Historically RMD has conducted its government research contracts through the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research Program) and the STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer Program). Though RMD has augmented its SBIR contracts with larger competitively bid government contracts in recent years, a reduction in or elimination of the SBIR or the STTR programs could result in our inability to win contracts, as we may not have the resources to compete effectively against much larger, better-funded companies. Further, a significant decline in overall U.S. Government spending, including in the areas of national security, intelligence and homeland security, a significant shift in its spending priorities, the substantial reduction or elimination of particular defense-related programs or significant delays in contract or task order awards for large programs could adversely affect our future revenue and limit our growth prospects. While the October 2013 and December 2018 government shutdowns did not have a significant impact on the Company, a future government shutdown could result in the suspension of work on contracts in progress or in payment delays which would adversely affect our future revenue and cash flow.

Demand - Risk 2

The Company relies on a small number of key customers for a substantial portion of its revenue.

Ten customers accounted for approximately 50% of the Company's revenue in 2019. Six of those ten customers were agencies of the U.S. Government and accounted for 37% of revenue. Although we have had business relationships with these customers for many years, there can be no guarantee that we will be able to win contracts with these agencies in the future. Accordingly our performance could be adversely affected by the loss of one or more of these key customers.

Demand - Risk 3

The U.S. Government may terminate, cancel, modify or curtail our contracts at any time prior to their completion and, if we do not replace them, we may be unable to achieve our expected future revenue and may suffer a decline in revenue.

As of September 30, 2019, our total contract research backlog was approximately $36.6 million. Backlog consists of the portion of existing contracts yet to be performed and awards of projects by agencies in favor of RMD for which contracts have not yet been executed. Many of the U.S. Government programs in which we participate as a contractor or subcontractor may extend for several years and include one or more base years and one or more option years. These programs are normally funded on an annual basis. Under our contracts, the U.S. Government generally has the right not to exercise options to extend or expand our contracts and may otherwise terminate, cancel, modify or curtail our contracts at its convenience. Any decisions by the U.S. Government not to exercise contract options or to terminate, cancel, modify or curtail our major programs or contracts would adversely affect our revenue, revenue growth and profitability. The U.S. Government also has the right to terminate a contract for default, in which case, we may be exposed to liability, including for excess costs incurred by the customer in procuring undelivered services and products from another source. Depending on the nature and value of the contract, a performance issue or termination for default could cause our actual results to differ from those anticipated and could harm our reputation.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 3/30 (10%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 3.3%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Changed

The United Kingdom's decision to exit the European Union may bring short-term and long-term adverse impacts on our financial results.

The outcome of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union ("Brexit") could adversely affect our business and our results of operations as our Hilger Crystals Ltd. business unit is located in the U.K. In the short-term, volatility in the British Pound could continue, which would negatively impact our financial results. In the longer term, any impact from Brexit on our United Kingdom operations will depend on the outcome of yet-to-be negotiated tariff, trade, regulatory and other matters.

International Operations1 | 3.3%

International Operations - Risk 1

We face risks associated with our international business.

In 2019 and 2018, we generated approximately 21% and 25% of our sales outside the U.S., respectively. Our international business operations may be subject to additional and different risks than our U.S. business. Our ability to achieve and maintain profitable growth in international markets is subject to risks related to the differing legal, political, social and regulatory requirements and economic conditions of many countries. As a result of our expansion outside the U.S., we are subject to certain inherent risks, including political and economic uncertainty, inflation rates, exchange rates, trade protection measures, local labor conditions and laws, restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of earnings, and weak intellectual property protection. If we are unable to manage these risks it would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Capital Markets1 | 3.3%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

Uncertainty over global tariffs, or the financial impact of tariffs, may negatively affect our results.

Recent changes in U.S. domestic and global tariff frameworks have increased our costs of producing goods and resulted in additional risks to our supply chain. Additional tariff changes are possible. We are engaged in efforts to mitigate tariff increases, but there is no assurance we will be successful. Further, uncertainties about future tariff changes could result in mitigation actions that prove to be detrimental to our business.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 1/30 (3%)Below Sector Average

Cyber Security1 | 3.3%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

Our business and financial results could be negatively affected by cyber or other security threats.

As a U.S. Government contractor operating in multiple regulated industries and geographies, we handle sensitive information. Therefore, we are continuously exposed to cyber and other security threats, including computer viruses, attacks by hackers or physical break-ins. Any electronic or physical break-in or other security breach or compromise may jeopardize security of information stored or transmitted through our information technology systems and networks. This could lead to disruptions in mission critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. Although we have implemented policies, procedures and controls to protect against, detect and mitigate these threats, attempts by others to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems are becoming more sophisticated. These attempts include covertly introducing malware to our computers and networks and impersonating authorized users, among others, and may be perpetrated by well-funded organized crime or state sponsored efforts. We seek to detect and investigate all security incidents and to prevent their occurrence or recurrence. We continue to improve our threat protection, detection and mitigation policies, procedures and controls. In addition, we work with other companies in the industry and government participants on increased awareness and enhanced protections against cyber security threats. However, because of the evolving nature of these security threats, there can be no assurance that our policies, procedures and controls have or will detect or prevent any of these threats and we cannot predict the full impact of any such incident. We may experience similar security threats to the information technology systems that we develop, install or maintain under customer contracts. Although we work cooperatively with our customers and other business partners to seek to minimize the impacts of cyber and other security threats, we must rely on the safeguards put in place by those entities. Any remedial costs or other liabilities related to cyber or other security threats may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. Occurrence of any of these security threats could adversely affect our reputation, ability to work on sensitive U.S. Government contracts, business operations and financial results.

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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