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.
Freight Technologies disclosed 42 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Freight Technologies reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q4, 2023
Risk Distribution
55% Finance & Corporate
17% Legal & Regulatory
10% Production
7% Tech & Innovation
7% Ability to Sell
5% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
2022
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Freight Technologies Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2023
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 23 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 23 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
42
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
42
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
11Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
0Risks added
0Risks removed
11Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
Number of Risk Changed
11
-14
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 2
11
-14
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 2
See the risk highlights of Freight Technologies 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 42
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 23/42 (55%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights11 | 26.2%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Changed
Future sales or registrations or perceived potential sales or registrations of our ordinary shares, ordinary shares or other equity or equity-linked securities in the public market could cause the price of our ordinary shares to decline.
Sales of our ordinary shares or other equity or equity-linked securities in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to decline significantly. As of December 31, 2023, we had 21,919,240 ordinary shares outstanding as public float (2,191,924 ordinary shares following the 10:1 reverse split on February 5, 2024), and preferred shares and warrants convertible into up to 32,447,406 additional ordinary shares (3,244,741 ordinary shares following the 10:1 reverse split on February 5, 2024). However, sale of ordinary shares or their perceived potential sale by any other substantial shareholder in the public market could cause the price of our ordinary shares to decline significantly.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Changed
In the past, we have received written notifications from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC informing us that we no longer meet certain continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Market/Nasdaq Capital Market. There is no assurance that an active trading market for our ordinary shares will be sustained.
On January 28, 2020, we received written notification from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") that it no longer meets Listing Rule 5450(v)(1)(A) which requires it to maintain a minimum $10,000,000 in stockholders' equity for continued listing. The Company reported in its Form 6-K for the period ended June 30, 2019 that its stockholders' equity was $9,490,313 and we regained compliance at the time.
On March 12, 2020, we received a letter from the Nasdaq indicating that, the closing bid price of the Company's ordinary shares for the last 30 consecutive business days did not meet the minimum bid price of $1.00 per share required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). The letter also indicated that the Company will be provided with a compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until August 31,2020, in which to regain compliance pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A). The letter further provided that if, at any time during the 180-day period, the closing bid price of the Company's ordinary shares is at least $1.00 for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, Nasdaq provided the Company with written confirmation that it achieved compliance with the minimum bid price requirement.
On April 16, 2020 we received a letter from the Nasdaq indicating the Company's Market Value of Publicly Held Shares (MVPHS) did not meet the minimum value of $5,000,000 for the last 30 consecutive business days in contravention of the Nasdaq's Listing Rules ("Rules"). However, the Rules also provide the Company a compliance period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance. We were informed that if at any time during this compliance period the Company's MVPHS closes at $5,000,000 or more for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, the Nasdaq would provide the Company written confirmation of compliance and this matter would be closed. In the event the Company does not regain compliance with the Rules prior to the expiration of the compliance period, it will receive written notification that its securities are subject to delisting. Alternatively, the Company may consider applying to transfer the Company's securities to The Nasdaq Capital Market (the "Capital Market"). In order to transfer, the Company must submit an on-line Transfer Application, pay the $5,000 application fee, and meet the Capital Market's continued listing requirements.
Although we transitioned to the Nasdaq Capital Market and have regained compliance with the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq, we recently received another written notification from the Nasdaq on May 13, 2021 informing us that we no longer meet Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), which requires us to maintain a minimum $2,500,000 in stockholders' equity for continued listing. We had reported in our last annual report on Form 20-F for the period ended December 31, 2020 that our stockholders' equity was $631,145. Under the Nasdaq Rules, we had 45 calendar days (no later than June 28, 2021) to submit a plan to regain compliance. If our plan were accepted, we should be granted an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of written notification letter to evidence compliance. We submitted our plan and the Nasdaq granted us until November 9, 2021 to regain compliance. On September 28, 2021, we announced in a Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that we had consummated a sale of an aggregate of 63,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.05 and a pre-funded warrant to purchase 65,000 ordinary shares to ATW Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. for an aggregate purchase price of $270,000 pursuant to a securities purchase agreement dated September 16, 2021 (the "Securities Purchase"). Because of the Securities Purchase, we regained compliance with the stockholders' equity requirement. The Nasdaq shall continue to monitor our ongoing compliance with the stockholders' equity requirement and, if at the time of its next periodic report we do not evidence compliance, we may be subject to delisting.
As part of the issuance of shares in the Merger, we announced in a Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that we had pro forma projections showing capital for the Company in excess of $5,000,000 following the Merger.
On October 26, 2022, we received a notice from the Nasdaq informing us that our share price had traded below $1 and that we had 180 days to remedy the situation. We effected a 10:1 reverse stock split on February 5, 2024 and were informed on April 11, 2023 that we had regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), and the matter was closed.
On August 21, 2023, we received a notice from the Nasdaq informing us that our share price had traded below $1, and that we had 180 days to remedy the situation. We effected a 10:1 reverse stock split on February 5, 2024 and were informed on February 20, 2024 that we had regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), and the matter was closed.
We intend to take all reasonable actions to ensure compliance with the Nasdaq. However, there can be no assurance that we will maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Rules or will otherwise be in compliance with other Nasdaq listing criteria on a go-forward basis. If we are not able to maintain compliance, our ordinary shares might be delisted and you will likely experience a devaluation in the market price of your shares as well as face challenges in trading them forthwith.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Changed
The number of ordinary shares we have outstanding and reported on a number of financial web-sites does not incorporate the effect from conversion of preferred shares, warrants, options or convertible debt and can lead to confusion on the Company's valuation and hindering its stock value.
Fr8Tech's capital structure has included and may include a number of securities, including preferred shares, warrant, options and convertible debt that are exchangeable or convertible into ordinary shares. The number of shares that is reported on a number of financial web-sites does not include the potential effect from the possible conversion or exchange of these securities for ordinary shares. Consequently, the valuation of the Company on financial web-sites is typically shown as lower than its correctly calculated value, which can lower the interest in the Company from larger investors. Therefore, the Company's share value and appreciation might be hindered from what it might be otherwise and may have a negative impact on us, our ability to raise capital, and our shareholders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Raising additional capital may cause dilution to Fr8Tech's existing shareholders, restrict its operations or cause it to relinquish valuable rights.
While Fr8Tech has been successful in raising capital in the past, there is no assurance that Fr8Tech can access additional capital in the future when needed, on favorable terms, or at all. To the extent that Fr8Tech raises additional capital through the sale of equity, convertible debt securities or other equity-based derivative securities, existing ownership interests may be diluted and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect existing shareholder rights. Any indebtedness Fr8Tech incurs would result in increased fixed payment obligations and could involve restrictive covenants, such as limitations on its ability to incur additional debt or equity, limitations on its ability to acquire or license intellectual property rights, limitations on the payment of dividends, and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact its ability to conduct its business. Furthermore, the issuance of additional securities, whether equity or debt by Fr8Tech, or the possibility of such issuance, may cause the market price of its common stock to decline and existing shareholders may not agree with its financing plans or the terms of such financings. If Fr8Tech raises additional funds through strategic partnerships and alliances, licensing arrangements or monetization transactions with third parties, it may have to relinquish valuable rights to its technologies, or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms unfavorable to Fr8Tech. Adequate additional financing may not be available to Fr8Tech on acceptable terms, or at all. If Fr8Tech is unable to raise additional funds when needed, it may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate its product development or future commercialization efforts, or the Company may need to grant rights to develop and market product candidates that it would otherwise prefer to develop and market itself. Furthermore, the Company may not be able to continue operating as it has on a historical basis.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our ordinary shares and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our ordinary shares may depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If research analysts do not establish and maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our ordinary shares or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our ordinary shares could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for our ordinary shares to decline significantly.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to, and we will, rely on exemptions from certain NASDAQ corporate governance standards applicable to domestic U.S. issuers. This may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares and the ordinary shares.
We are exempted from certain corporate governance requirements of the NASDAQ by virtue of being a foreign private issuer. We are required to provide a brief description of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the corporate governance practices required to be followed by domestic U.S. companies listed on the NASDAQ. The standards applicable to us are considerably different than the standards applied to domestic U.S. issuers. For instance, we are not required to:
- have a majority of the board be independent (although all of the members of the audit committee must be independent under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, ("Exchange Act") and the majority of our board is independent); - have a compensation committee or a nominating or corporate governance committee consisting entirely of independent directors (although our compensation committee is made up entirely of independent directors; or - have regularly scheduled executive sessions for non-management directors.
We have relied on and intend to continue to rely on some of these exemptions. As a result, our shareholders may not be provided with the benefits of certain corporate governance requirements of the NASDAQ.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain disclosure requirements under the Exchange Act, which may afford less protection to our shareholders than they would enjoy if we were a domestic U.S. company.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements under the Exchange Act and the rules relating to selective disclosure of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD. In addition, our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit and recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We are also not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as domestic U.S. companies with securities registered under the Exchange Act. As a result, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they would under the Exchange Act rules applicable to domestic U.S. companies.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Our shareholders may face difficulties in protecting their interests, and their ability to protect their rights through the U.S. federal courts may be limited because we are incorporated under British Virgin Islands law, we conduct most of our operations in Mexico and some of our directors and our executive officers reside outside the United States.
We are incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and conduct the majority of our operations in Mexico. One of our directors and some of our executive officers reside outside the United States and a substantial portion of their assets may be located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for our shareholders to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the British Virgin Islands or in Mexico in the event that they believe that their rights have been infringed under the securities laws of the United States or otherwise. Even if shareholders are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the British Virgin Islands and Mexico may render them unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. There is no statutory recognition in the British Virgin Islands of judgments obtained in the United States or Mexico, although the courts of the British Virgin Islands will generally recognize and enforce a non-penal judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits.
Our corporate affairs will be governed by our Memorandum and Articles of Association, the BVI Act and the common law of the British Virgin Islands. The rights of shareholders to take legal action against our directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under British Virgin Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the British Virgin Islands and by the BVI Act. The common law of the British Virgin Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the British Virgin Islands as well as from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the British Virgin Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under British Virgin Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the British Virgin Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and some states (such as Delaware) have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law. As a result of the foregoing, holders of our ordinary shares may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against our management, directors or major shareholders than they would as shareholders of a U.S. company and whose management, directors and/or major shareholders were also incorporated, resident, or otherwise established in a United States jurisdiction.
As a result of the foregoing, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against us, our management, our directors or our major shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
The trading price of our ordinary shares is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to our shareholders.
The trading price of our ordinary shares is likely to continue to be volatile and could fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ordinary shares may be highly volatile for specific business reasons, including but not limited to:
- variations in our results of operations; - the high number of preferred shares and warrants convertible into ordinary shares outstanding in comparison to total ordinary shares; - announcements about our earnings that are not in line with analyst expectations;- publication of operating or industry metrics by third parties, including government statistical agencies, that differ from expectations of industry or financial analysts; - changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts; - announcements made by us or our competitors of new products and service offerings, acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments; - press reports, whether true or not true, about our business; - regulatory allegations or actions or negative reports or publicity against us, regardless of their veracity or materiality to our company; - changes in pricing made by us or our competitors; - conditions in global financial markets; - additions to or departures of our management; - fluctuations of exchange rates of the Mexican Peso and the U.S. dollar and to a lesser extent, the Canadian dollar; - release or expiry of transfer restrictions on our outstanding ordinary shares; - sales or perceived potential sales or other disposition of existing or additional ordinary shares or other equity or equity-linked securities, including by our principal shareholders, directors, officers and other affiliates; - actual or perceived general economic and business conditions and trends globally and in the freight industry in particular; - the potential or actual effect of program trading on our stock price; and - changes or developments in the global regulatory environment.
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and trading price of our ordinary shares. In addition, the stock market has at times experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies and industries. These fluctuations may include a so-called "bubble market" in which investors temporarily raise the price of the stocks of companies in certain industries, such as the e-commerce industry, to unsustainable levels. These market fluctuations may significantly affect the trading price of our ordinary shares. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, shareholders have instituted securities class-action lawsuits against the company and named the company, management and/or the board of directors as defendants. The litigation process may utilize a material portion of our cash resources and divert management's attention from the day-to-day operations of our Company, all of which could harm our business. If adversely determined, the class action suits may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
British Virgin Islands companies may not be able to initiate shareholder derivative actions, thereby depriving shareholders of one avenue to protect their interests.
British Virgin Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States. The circumstances in which any such an action may be brought, and the procedures and defenses that may be available in respect of any such action, may result in the rights of shareholders of a British Virgin Islands company being more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the United States. Accordingly, shareholders may have fewer alternatives available to them if they believe that corporate wrongdoing has occurred. The British Virgin Islands courts are also unlikely to recognize or enforce judgments of courts in the United States based on certain liability provisions of United States securities law or to impose liabilities, in original actions brought in the British Virgin Islands, based on certain liability provisions of the United States securities laws that are penal in nature. There is no statutory recognition in the British Virgin Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the British Virgin Islands will generally recognize and enforce the non-penal judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits. This means that even if shareholders were to sue us successfully, they may not be able to recover anything to make up for the losses suffered.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
NASDAQ may apply additional and more stringent criteria for our continued listing.
NASDAQ Listing Rule 5101 provides NASDAQ with broad discretionary authority over the initial and continued listing of securities in NASDAQ, and NASDAQ may use such discretion to deny initial listing, apply additional or more stringent criteria for the initial or continued listing of particular securities, or suspend or delist particular securities based on any event, condition, or circumstance that exists or occurs that makes initial or continued listing of the securities on NASDAQ inadvisable or unwarranted in the opinion of NASDAQ, even though the securities meet all enumerated criteria for initial or continued listing on NASDAQ. In addition, NASDAQ has used its discretion to deny initial or continued listing, or to apply additional and more stringent criteria in the instances, including, but not limited to: (i) where the company engaged an auditor that has not been subject to an inspection by PCAOB, an auditor that PCAOB cannot inspect, or an auditor that has not demonstrated sufficient resources, geographic reach, or experience to adequately perform the company's audit; (ii) where a company planned a small public offering, which would result in insiders holding a large portion of the company's listed securities, or where NASDAQ was concerned that an offering size was insufficient to establish the company's initial valuation, and there would not be sufficient liquidity to support a public market for the company; and (iii) where the company did not demonstrate sufficient nexus to the U.S. capital market, including having no U.S. shareholders, operations, or members of the board of directors or management. For the any aforementioned concerns, we may be subject to the additional and more stringent criteria of NASDAQ for our continued listing.
Accounting & Financial Operations6 | 14.3%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting may cause us to fail to timely and accurately report our financial results or result in a material misstatement of our consolidated financial statements.
We are in the process of implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of additional policies and procedures to address identified control deficiencies in the design and operation of our internal control over financial reporting, as further described in Item 15 of this Annual Report ("Controls and Procedures"). A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As we have yet to complete this work, management is unable to conclude on the effectiveness or lack of effectiveness of its internal controls as of December 31, 2023. Discovery of a material weakness and its possible effects on our results could have material and adverse effect on our stock price.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We pay no dividends.
We have never paid cash dividends in the past, and currently do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain earnings, if any, to finance the development and expansion of our business. Our future dividend policy will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will be contingent upon future earnings, if any, our financial condition, capital requirements, general business conditions, and other factors. Therefore, we can give no assurance that any dividends of any kind will ever be paid to holders of our ordinary shares.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
Fr8Tech's limited operating history may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of its business to date and to assess its future viability.
Fr8Tech's wholly owned subsidiary Fr8App was founded in 2015 with a purpose to develop and offer solutions to the US-Mexico cross-border commercial freight market, and by extension, the US-Canada border. The first commercial version of Fr8App's platform was launched in 2017. Through ongoing product development efforts, in 2019 we enhanced our initial solution by adding business intelligence and analytics as well as active freight brokerage support services. In 2020, management renewed focus on promoting freight services to Shippers and Carriers (each as defined below) to increase traffic on its freight matching platform. In December 2021, Fr8Tech launched its fixed fleet product under the Fr8Fleet brand name, and introduced a LTL product, under the Fr8Now brand name in 2023. Accordingly, consideration should be taken toward Fr8Tech's prospects in light of the costs, uncertainties, delays and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stages of development. Any predictions made about its future success or viability may not be as accurate if Fr8Tech had a longer operating history or a longer history of successfully developing and marketing its product offerings. Fr8Tech's relatively limited operating history may make it difficult for to evaluate the success of its business and assess its future viability.
Fr8Tech may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known or unknown factors in achieving its business objectives. Fr8Tech's transition from a company with a development focus to a company successfully marketing and monetizing its product offerings may take longer than anticipated, or may not be successful at all.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
Changed
Fr8Tech has a history of significant operating losses and expects to incur losses in the future, and Fr8Tech may never achieve or maintain profitability.
Fr8Tech has a history of significant operating losses, and Fr8Tech has not been profitable since inception in 2015. Fr8Tech plans to continue to invest in improving Fr8Tech's platform and services. Recurring losses from Fr8Tech's operations could raise substantial doubt regarding its ability to continue as a going concern. If Fr8Tech fails to transition from a company with a development focus and in early growth strategies to fully commercializing its product offerings, it may not be able to fund its operations without raising additional capital, if at all. While Fr8Tech has been successful in raising capital in the past, there is no assurance that it can access additional capital in the future when needed, on favorable terms, or at all. If Fr8Tech fails to execute its business plan and strategies, it may incur losses for the foreseeable future, and be unable to fund its operations at some time in the future.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
Changed
The audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 include an explanatory paragraph in our independent registered public accounting firm's audit report stating that there are conditions that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $39.3 million, shareholder's equity of $2.6 million and a working capital of $2.0 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had $2.8 million of short-term debt and $1.6 million of unrestricted cash on hand. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized a net loss of $9.3 million and negative cash flows from operations of $5.8 million. Since inception, we have met our cash needs through proceeds from issuing convertible notes, debt, and issuance of preferred and ordinary shares, and we expect that we will need to meet future cash needs by raising debt and issuing ordinary and preferred shares and/or warrants. The Company has a revolving line of credit facility of up to $5 million. We currently project that we will need to draw on additional funds on our existing facilities and need additional capital to fund our current operations and capital investment requirements until the Company scales to a revenue level that permits cash self-sufficiency. As a result, we may need to raise additional capital or secure debt funding to support on-going operations until such time. Our independent registered public accounting firm, UHY LLP, has included an explanatory paragraph in its audit report that accompanies our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, stating that there are conditions that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Management continues to evaluate funding alternatives and currently seeks to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities, from our existing or new investors or through obtaining credit from financial institutions. As we seek additional sources of financing, there can be no assurance that such financing would be available to us on favorable terms or at all. On January 3, 2023, the Company placed a facility with an existing investor for approximately $6.6 million and extended the facility in April, 2023 to $9.9 million, out of which $9.6 million was funded as of December 31, 2023. The Company also has a revolving line of credit with a current maturity date of January 31, 2025 in the amount of $5.0 million. The Company withdrew $2.8 million from this credit line as of December 31, 2023.
If we are unable to raise additional capital moving forward, our ability to operate in the normal course and continue to invest in our business may be materially and adversely impacted and we may be forced to scale back or discontinue some operations or divest some or all of our assets.
As a result of the above, in connection with our assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-15, "Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern," management has determined that our liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern through twelve months from the date these consolidated financial statements are available to be issued. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6
Changed
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control systems and may need to hire additional personnel and develop and maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting, or the accuracy and timeliness of its financial reporting could be adversely affected.
Fr8Tech is required, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or Section 404, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. In particular, Fr8Tech is required to perform system and process evaluation and testing of its internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. In 2023, management began the process of implementing a number of measures to address the material weakness that were identified. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The measures management took in 2023 to address the identified control weaknesses included adding personnel and hiring external consultants to document current processes and policies, outline and document improvements, and ultimately implement new and more effective processes and policies. We intend to complete the implementation of our remediation plan during 2024. We may not be able to fully remediate these weaknesses until these steps have been completed and have been operating effectively for a sufficient period of time.
The Company's independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting for so long as the Company remains a "smaller reporting company" as defined in applicable SEC regulations. Management will be required to disclose changes made in its internal controls and procedures on an annual basis. The Company's audit committee also needs to be advised and regularly updated on management's review of internal controls. In 2023, we began the process of compiling the system and processing documentation necessary to perform the evaluation of our internal controls over financial reporting necessary to comply with Section 404, however, we may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we identify or our independent registered public accounting firm identifies deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of the Company's ordinary shares could decline and/or the Company could be subject to sanctions or investigations by Nasdaq, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.
Debt & Financing1 | 2.4%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Changed
Historically, Fr8Tech's existing credit losses have been minimal, less than 0.8% of sales on average over the past four years. Strain on Fr8Tech's financial position could result from adverse credit events including non-payment from some of Fr8Tech's larger shipper clients.
Fr8Tech undertakes a review of all Shipper clients and their financial condition, among other factors, prior to extending credit terms. Historically, some customers have paid Fr8Tech for services provided after their extended payment terms. While losses from lack of payment by any Shipper have been low throughout the Company's history, it could suffer from either delays in payment or refusals to pay for services rendered from any of its Shipper clients. Not being paid on time by its Shippers can adversely affect the Company's financial position and the results of its operations. Additionally, many Carriers expect Fr8Tech to make prompt and timely payment for their services provide to Fr8Tech and our customers. If Fr8Tech's Shipper clients do not pay Fr8Tech on time, this may negatively affect Fr8Tech's ability to make timely payments to its Carriers providers. Such a pattern of events could result in a loss of business or impact Fr8Tech's ability to secure Carrier services in the future, which could be difficult to recover.
Corporate Activity and Growth5 | 11.9%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Changed
Fr8Tech's growth plans may not succeed as quickly as anticipated, if at all.
Fr8Tech's commercial freight marketplace and mobile application platform, which match the needs of Carriers offering transportation services and Shippers requiring commercial freight services, are relatively new. The success of Fr8Tech's digital commercial freight matching brokerage services will depend on the adoption rate of the relatively new mobile application platform by Fr8Tech's customers. Since many Carriers are small companies slow to adapt to new technologies, Fr8Tech may not be able to establish a consistently effective method for marketing its mobile application platform to such industry participants. Fr8Tech's plan to commercialize and grow the usage of its platform and service offerings may not succeed as quickly as anticipated, if at all. Fr8Tech has also launched a fixed fleet product under Fr8Fleet. The success of the Fr8Fleet product offering and brand are uncertain if even achievable. Fr8Tech also launched an LTL (less-than-truckload) product in Mexico under the brand name Fr8Now, with minimal prior experience in this segment. The ultimate success of the Fr8Now product offering and brand are uncertain if even achievable.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Fr8Tech's early-stage operations could expose it to a high concentration of revenues in individual clients and increase the volatility of its revenues.
Fr8Tech works with a number of large corporate entities, primarily Shippers, in helping to fulfill their logistics needs. Many of these clients use Fr8Tech for a small portion of their overall logistics requirements. Shippers tend to be repeat customers, whose demand for Fr8Tech services can grow in an accelerated manner relative to the overall size Fr8Tech's book of business. Fr8Tech's largest single client in 2023, 2022 and 2021, was different each year and represented approximately 33%, 17% and 37% of total 2023, 2022 and 2021 annual revenues, respectively. Changes in Fr8Tech's customer base or in the demands from some of the larger customers may add volatility to results while the Company remains in its early growth stages.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Changed
Investors in Fr8Tech must rely on the judgment of management regarding the use of Company resources, the different market segments the Company may develop, and the Company's ability to develop certain relationships.
Our management has considerable discretion in the market segments it chooses to pursue. Investors may not have the opportunity, as part of their investment decision, to accurately assess the Company's business development efforts, which ultimately may not improve our financial results or increase our ordinary shares price in the short-term. The Company may focus its resources on developing market segments that ultimately do not produce meaningful income in the short-term, that result in negative margins or that ultimately lose value for the Company.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
Fr8Tech expects to expand its organization, and as a result, it may encounter difficulties in managing its growth, which could disrupt its operations.
Fr8Tech expects to increase its business development efforts and grow its sales and carrier personnel, specifically targeting its key accounts and leveraging known customer preferences to increase adoption of Fr8Tech's platform for both its Shippers and Carriers with live 24/7 tracking of shipments. Fr8Tech is establishing creative marketing campaigns in Mexico's FTL domestic, cross-border and now LTL markets. As it expands its cross-cultural workforce both in the U.S. and Mexico, Fr8Tech may encounter difficulties in managing its growth. Fr8Tech also plans to invest in its technology team so it can continue to build out internal tools on its platform and to help support the various brands under Fr8Tech's umbrella. Failure to manage its growth could disrupt its operations and materially and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and distract our management.
We are required to comply with various regulatory and reporting requirements, including those required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Complying with these reporting and other regulatory requirements will be time-consuming and will result in increased costs to us, either or both of which could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual and current reports with respect to our business and financial performance. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. To improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financing reporting, we will need to commit significant resources, hire additional staff and provide additional management oversight. We will be implementing additional procedures and processes for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. These activities may divert management's attention from other business concerns and we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not have as a private company prior to going public, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 7/42 (17%)Below Sector Average
Regulation3 | 7.1%
Regulation - Risk 1
Changed
Trade tensions or adverse regulatory or political changes in any country in which Fr8Tech operates could materially and adversely affect the demand for its services, its operations and financial conditions.
Fr8Tech has business operations in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. These three countries currently have a free trade agreement which directly impacts the amount of international trade across the US-Mexico and the US-Canada borders. The first such trade agreement, the North America Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA"), went into effect in 1994 and was followed by tremendous increase in trade amongst all three countries. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ("USMCA"), substituted NAFTA and entered into force on July 1, 2020. Unanticipated changes in trade agreements or sudden political changes in any of these three countries in which Fr8Tech operates could have a material adverse effect on customers' demand for its services. Fr8Tech's business can be greatly impacted by the laws, regulations and policies that affect trade among these three countries, including tariff and trade policies, export requirements and other restrictions and general political instability or unrest. Factors that result in general economic changes are also beyond Fr8Tech's control, and it may be difficult for Fr8Tech to adjust its business model to mitigate the impact of any of these factors, if at all. In particular, Fr8Tech's business could be affected by levels of political unrest, especially if it affects border traffic, industrial production, consumer spending and retail activity. Fr8Tech could be materially and adversely affected by adverse developments in these and other aspects of the economies in which Fr8Tech operates. If Fr8Tech is unable to implement its business strategies successfully or properly react to changes in market conditions as a result of trade wars or political changes in these countries, its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
Regulation - Risk 2
The trucking industry is highly fragmented and regulated.
The trucking industry in which Fr8Tech operates is a fragmented and disparate, comprised of truck fleet owners, independent truck drivers and owner-operators. Some truck fleet owners and owner-operators are small companies and may not be familiar with the industry trends or have exposure to new technologies or new methods of doing business or may not be willing to work with or pay for new technology. As a result, Fr8Tech may limited in establishing a consistently effective method for marketing its digital marketplace and mobile application platform to such industry participants.
The trucking industry is also highly regulated. The jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation ("DOT"), the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), Department of Commerce ("DOC"), and Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") and similar state agencies, extends to Fr8Tech's customers in the trucking industry. DOT and EPA regulations are subject to varying interpretations which may evolve over time. If compliance with the current regulations is not actively enforced by these agencies, or enforcement continues to vary from region to region, that may affect some of Fr8Tech's carriers' businesses and in turn, its business could be materially and adversely affected. Fr8Tech cannot assure you that government agencies will not adopt new policies or regulations that could adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.
Regulation - Risk 3
The laws of the British Virgin Islands provide limited protection for minority shareholders, so minority shareholders may have limited or no recourse if they are dissatisfied with the conduct of our affairs.
Under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, there is limited statutory law for the protection of minority shareholders other than the provisions of the BVI Act dealing with shareholder remedies (as summarized under "Item 10. Additional Information – B. Memorandum and articles of association - Material Differences in BVI Law and our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association and Delaware Law"). The principal protection under statutory law is that shareholders may bring an action to enforce the constituent documents of the company and are entitled to have the affairs of the company conducted in accordance with the BVI Act and the memorandum and articles of association of the company. As such, if those who control the company have disregarded the requirements of the BVI Act or the provisions of the company's memorandum and articles of association, or oppose to do so, then the courts will likely grant relief. Generally, the areas in which the courts will intervene are the following: (i) an act complained of which is outside the scope of the authorized business or is illegal or not capable of ratification by the majority; (ii) acts that constitute fraud on the minority where the wrongdoers control the company; (iii) acts that infringe on the personal rights of the shareholders, such as the right to vote or breach of a duty owed to the shareholder by the Company; and (iv) acts where the company has not complied with provisions requiring approval of a special or extraordinary majority of shareholders, which are more limited than the rights afforded minority shareholders under the laws of many states in the United States.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 2.4%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Fr8Tech could be affected by organized crime activities affecting shipment integrity at any border crossing that is relied upon by its customer base.
The cross-border trucking industry relies on carriers and freight intermediaries to provide safe passage where the integrity of shipments between destination points is essentially assured. Organized crime has a history of either outright theft of shipments or of using carrier capacity for transportation of goods that are not legitimate or that are illegal. Having any shipments in which Fr8Tech is involved be the target of organized crime activity could adversely affect Fr8Tech's customers and Fr8Tech's operating results and financial condition.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.4%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
There could be adverse United States federal income tax consequences to United States investors if we were or were to become a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC").
While we do not believe we are or will become a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, there can be no assurance that we were not a PFIC in the past and will not become a PFIC in the future. The determination of whether or not we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis and will depend on the composition of our income and assets from time to time. Specifically, we will be classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes if either: (1) 75% or more of our gross income in a taxable year is passive income, or (2) the average percentage of our assets by value in a taxable year which produce or are held for the production of passive income (which includes cash) is at least 50%. The calculation of the value of our assets will be based, in part, on the quarterly market value of our ordinary shares, which is subject to change. See "Item 10. Additional Information- E. Taxation - Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations - Passive Foreign Investment Company."
Although we do not believe we were or will become a PFIC, it is not entirely clear how the contractual arrangements between us and our variable interest entities will be treated for purposes of the PFIC rules. If it were determined that we do not own the stock of our variable interest entities for United States federal income tax purposes (for instance, because the relevant PRC authorities do not respect these arrangements), we may be treated as a PFIC. See "Item 10. Additional Information- E. Taxation - Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations - Passive Foreign Investment Company."
If we were or were to become a PFIC, such characterization could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to our shareholders that are United States investors. For example, if we are a PFIC, our United States investors will become subject to increased tax liabilities under United States federal income tax laws and regulations and will become subject to burdensome reporting requirements. We cannot assure you that we were not or will not become a PFIC for any taxable year. Further, if we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. investor holds our ordinary shares, we generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to that investor for all succeeding years during which they are a shareholder. You are urged to consult your own tax advisors concerning United States federal income tax consequence on the application of the PFIC rules. See "Item 10. Additional Information- E. Taxation - Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations - Passive Foreign Investment Company."
Environmental / Social2 | 4.8%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Increased security requirements impose substantial costs on Fr8Tech and it could be the target of an attack or have a security breach, which could materially adversely affect Fr8Tech.
Fr8Tech operates in a particularly complex legal and regulatory environment. The legal environment of a cloud-based software business is evolving in the U.S. and other jurisdictions and Fr8Tech is subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the United States and abroad that involve matters central to its business.
Fr8Tech's business is subject to a variety of U.S. and Mexican laws, rules and regulations, including those affecting "Motor Carriers, Owner-Operators and Transportation Brokers" issued by the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ("FMCSA") of the DOT. Fr8Tech is subject to many U.S., Canadian and Mexican federal, state and local laws and regulations including those related to internet activities, privacy, rights of publicity, data protection, intellectual property, health and safety, competition, consumer protection, payments, transportation services, insurance coverage and taxation. These laws and regulations are constantly evolving and may be interpreted, applied, created or amended in a manner that could harm Fr8Tech's business.
Many of these laws and regulations are still evolving and being tested in courts and could be interpreted in ways that could harm Fr8Tech's business. These may involve privacy, data protection and personal information, content, intellectual property, data security, retention and deletion. In particular, Fr8Tech is subject to federal, state and foreign laws regarding privacy and protection of people's data. Foreign data protection, privacy, content and other laws and regulations can impose different obligations or be more restrictive than those in the U.S. U.S. federal, state and foreign laws and regulations, which in some cases can be enforced by private parties in addition to government entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. As a result, the application, interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the new and evolving industry in which Fr8Tech operates and may be interpreted and applied inconsistently from country to country and inconsistently with its current policies and practices. Fr8Tech's customers upload and store their data in Fr8Tech's cloud-based platform. This presents legal challenges to Fr8Tech's business and operations, such as consumer privacy rights or intellectual property rights. Both in the U.S. and abroad, Fr8Tech must monitor and comply with a wide variety of laws and regulations regarding the data stored and processed on its cloud-based platform as well as in the operation of its business. Fr8Tech cannot determine the effect that any new requirements will have on its cost structure or its operating results, and new rules or other future security requirements may increase its costs of operations and reduce operating efficiencies. Regardless of its compliance with security requirements or the steps Fr8Tech takes to secure the data on its platform, it could also be the target of an attack or security breaches could occur, which could materially adversely affect Fr8Tech's business.
Environmental / Social - Risk 2
The impact of environmental laws and regulations and their enforcement could materially and adversely affect Fr8Tech's business.
Motor carrier deregulation in the U.S. began in 1970 - 1971 with initiatives in the Nixon Administration and continued into the 1980s through the Carter administration. They were part of a sweeping reduction in price controls, entry controls, and collective vendor price setting in U.S. transportation. While these deregulations by and large had a positive impact on the transportation volumes over the years, changes of regulations in the trucking industry could adversely affect Fr8Tech's business. Routes and pricing for commercial freight could be regulated. Controlled margins or prices for certain goods could be put into effect. Fr8Tech cannot predict the impact of any new regulations on the 3PL and transportation industries. The effect these potential regulations could have on the commercial freight business, and in turn, its business and operating results may be long-lasting.
Production
Total Risks: 4/42 (10%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 4.8%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Fr8Tech could be affected by strikes or labor unrest at any border crossing that is relied upon by its customer base.
The cross-border and domestic trucking industries rely on many government-provided services. The cross-border sector relies on agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that may be unionized and is subject to strikes or labor unrest that could be disruptive to cross-border freight on a short-term basis. Lower or inefficient cross-border crossings due to labor unrest or strikes could adversely affect Fr8Tech's customers and Fr8Tech's operating results and financial condition. Labor unrest in any of the USMCA countries could adversely affect Fr8Tech's customers and Fr8Tech's operating results and financial condition.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
Fr8Tech's management team is relatively new and its future success will depend on its ability to retain key employees, consultants and advisors and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.
Fr8Tech's Chief Executive Officer joined the Company in September 2020 and our Chief Financial Officer joined the Company in January 2024. Our Chief Operating Officer joined the Company in August 2021. These three executives had not worked together prior to joining Fr8Tech. Fr8Tech's ability to execute its business strategies and manage its growth will largely depend on its executive team and key employees, the loss of whose services may adversely impact the achievement of its objectives. While Fr8Tech has entered into employment agreements with certain of its executive officers and key employees, any of them could leave Fr8Tech's employment at any time. Fr8Tech does not maintain "key person" insurance policies on the lives of these individuals or the lives of any of its other employees. The loss of the services of one or more of its current employees might impede its objectives. Furthermore, replacing executive officers or other key employees may be difficult and may take an extended period of time because of the limited number of individuals in Fr8Tech's industry with the breadth of skills and experience required to develop, gain marketing approval of and commercialize products successfully.
Recruiting and retaining other qualified employees, consultants and advisors for Fr8Tech's business, including scientific, technical and experienced industry personnel, will also be critical to its success. There is currently a shortage of skilled executives in Fr8Tech's industry, which is likely to continue. As a result, competition for skilled personnel is intense and the turnover rate can be high. Fr8Tech may have to incur additional recruiting and training expenses to adequately staff its company. Fr8Tech may not be able to attract and retain personnel on favorable terms.
Supply Chain1 | 2.4%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
Truck driver or other supply shortages within the transportation value chain could have material adverse effect on Fr8Tech's business and operating results.
Fr8Tech's freight brokerage support and customer services rely on Fr8Tech being able to assist with securing carrier services for Shippers at commercially feasible rates. Truck driver or other supply shortages within the transportation value chain could adversely affect Fr8Tech's ability to secure carrier services at commercially favorable rates, which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on Fr8Tech's business and operating results
Costs1 | 2.4%
Costs - Risk 1
Fr8Tech is exposed to the effects of changing fuel and energy prices, including gasoline, jet fuel and diesel, and what interruptions in supplies of these commodities can bring to the demand for the shipping and commercial freight industry.
Changing fuel and energy costs have a significant impact on the expenses incurred by the shipping and commercial freight industry. On April 20, 2020, the price for oil traded at negative prices for the first time in modern history. In the event that this short-term distortion in fuel prices were to last, air freight costs would continue to drop, making it an attractive alternative to trucking. If air freight or some other form of freight became increasingly attractive to shippers in general, there could be a switch from truck freight to air freight, or some other, more economic means of freight. During July 2022, diesel prices in the United States were reaching historic highs with significant day to day volatility. Higher fuel charges may affect Carriers results and performance when they are unable to pass on their higher costs to Shippers. Changes in fuel prices, disruption in energy supplies as a result of war, actions by oil producers or other factors beyond Fr8Tech's control, could in turn have a material adverse effect on Fr8Tech's business.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 3/42 (7%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets2 | 4.8%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Fr8Tech may be subject to claims by third parties asserting that its employees or Fr8Tech has misappropriated their intellectual property, or claiming ownership of what Fr8Tech regards as its own intellectual property.
Several current Fr8Tech employees have worked in the high technology, transportation and logistics industries for many years. Some of these employees may be subject to proprietary rights, non-disclosure and non-competition agreements, or similar agreements, in connection with such previous employment. Although Fr8Tech tries to ensure that its employees do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for Fr8Tech, Fr8Tech may be subject to claims that it or these employees have used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of any such third party. Litigation may be necessary to defend against such claims. If Fr8Tech fails to fully defend itself against any such potential claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, it may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel or sustain damages. Such intellectual property rights could be awarded to a third party, and Fr8Tech could be required to obtain a license from such third parties to commercialize its technology or products. Such a license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if Fr8Tech is successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.
Trade Secrets - Risk 2
Fr8Tech currently does not hold any patents or own any registered trademarks.
Fr8Tech currently does not hold any patents or own any registered trademarks. Although Fr8Tech believes that the success of its business depends on the quality of its proprietary software solutions, technology, processes, and domain expertise, and has taken appropriate steps to protect its intellectual property, the measures taken may not be inadequate.
On September 6, 2018, Hub Group, Inc. ("Hub Group") filed a Notice of Opposition with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ("TTAB") against Fr8Tech's U.S. Trademark Application Serial No. 87102800 (the "Trademark Application") for its "Fr8HUB" unitary design mark (the "Mark"). On August 27, 2021 Fr8Tech and Hub Group entered into a binding Settlement Agreement and Release (the "Settlement") fully resolving the TTAB proceeding. Under the terms of the Settlement, Fr8Tech agreed to irrevocably abandon the Trademark Application and permanently cease further commercial use of the terms "FreightHub," "Fr8Hub" and "Hub," as well as any confusingly similar marks (together the "Source Identifiers"), including abandoning any and all commercial and intellectual property rights to the Source Identifiers, refraining from filing additional trademark applications involving the Source Identifiers, and refraining from otherwise seeking to secure or enforce its rights to the Source Identifiers. There are no damages, penalties or payments arising under the Settlement. However, consumer or market confusion could result from Fr8Tech's adoption of the identifiers "Freight App" and "Fr8Tech" and its abandonment of the terms "FreightHub" and "Fr8Hub" going forward. The duration or impact of such confusion, if any, is difficult to estimate. Hub Group has fully released any further legal claims concerning Fr8Tech's use of the Source Identifiers through the date of the Settlement.
Cyber Security1 | 2.4%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
Changed
A significant data breach or information technology system disruption could materially adversely affect Fr8Tech, including requiring Fr8Tech to increase spending on data and system security.
Fr8Tech relies heavily on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet and a number of internally-developed systems and applications, to manage or support a wide variety of important business processes and activities throughout its operations. For example, Fr8Tech relies on information technology to analyze its customer loads and input their information into its databases, identify different routes and their costs, track ongoing shipments, confirm receipts, transfer documents, and a number of other functions that are integral to the ongoing operation of Fr8Tech's business.
In addition, the provision of service to Fr8Tech's customers and the operation of its networks and systems involve the collection, storage and transmission of significant amounts of information and potentially sensitive or confidential data. Fr8Tech is subject to a variety of continuously evolving and developing laws and regulations in the United States and abroad regarding privacy, data protection and data security. The scope of the laws that may be applicable to us is often uncertain and may be conflicting, particularly with respect to foreign laws.
Fr8Tech's information technology systems are susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to programming errors, defects or other vulnerabilities, power outages, hardware failures, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, ransomware attacks, malware attacks, theft, misconduct by employees or other insiders, telecommunications failures, misuse, human errors or other catastrophic events. Hackers acting individually or in coordinated groups, may launch distributed denial of service attacks or other coordinated attacks that may cause service outages, gain inappropriate or block legitimate access to systems or information, or result in other interruptions in Fr8Tech's business. In addition, the foregoing breaches in security could expose Fr8Tech and its customers to a risk of loss, disclosure or misuse of proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data.
Fr8Tech protects its software, web portal and platform solutions from third-party attacks and implements what it believes to be state-of-the art prophylactic controls around and throughout its software environment. However, there is no assurance that Fr8Tech's web portal and platform solution will not sometimes malfunction or be subject to malicious attacks. Any unexpected malfunction of Fr8Tech's system could cause major interruptions to its daily operations, including its ability to deliver its 3PL services to customers, to collect payments from its customers or pay its key suppliers. To date Fr8Tech is unaware of any data breach or system disruption that has had a material adverse effect on the Company. However, Fr8Tech cannot provide any assurances that such events and impacts will not be material in the future, and its efforts to deter, identify, mitigate and/or eliminate future breaches may require significant additional effort and expense and ultimately may not be successful.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 3/42 (7%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.4%
Competition - Risk 1
Fr8Tech's industry is rapidly evolving. It expects to continue to face significant competition, which could adversely affect Fr8Tech.
The 3PL and logistics industries are rapidly evolving, including demand for greater efficiency, increasing usage of artificial intelligence ("AI") and increased visibility into logistics processes. Fr8Tech expects continued significant competition on a national and international level. Fr8Tech's competitors include, among others, the postal services of the U.S. and other nations, various large and small motor carriers, express companies, freight forwarders, air couriers, large transportation and e-commerce companies that are making significant investments in their capabilities, and start-ups and other companies that combine technologies with crowdsourcing to focus on local market needs, some of whom may currently be its customers.
Competition may also come from other sources in the future as new technologies are developed and new methods of transportation are made widely available. Innovations in transportation technology, including driverless trucks, AI and logistics could adversely affect the demand for Fr8Tech's 3PL and services. If Fr8Tech is unable to adapt to these changes, its business could be adversely affected.
Demand1 | 2.4%
Demand - Risk 1
Fr8Tech is directly affected by the cyclicality of the trucking industry and general economic conditions.
The trucking industry has historically been highly cyclical and especially susceptible to trends in economic activity, and has historically fluctuated in response to factors that are beyond Fr8Tech's control, such as general economic conditions, interest rates, federal and state regulations, consumer spending and fuel costs. The industry is particularly sensitive to the consumer, industrial and manufacturing sectors of the economy, which generate a significant portion of the freight tonnage hauled by heavy-duty trucks. More recently, the USMCA region has been affected by the recent near-shoring phenomenon affecting international commerce. Since truck fleet owners and professional truck drivers are some of the key carriers Fr8Tech serves, Fr8Tech's business activities are directly tied to the production and purchase of goods and other key macro-economic measurements. When individuals and companies purchase and produce fewer goods, Fr8Tech's customers transport fewer goods. Downturns in consumer business cycles, such as the home construction, automobile, and manufactured goods sectors, can create excess capacity in the trucking industry and may have a material adverse effect on Fr8Tech's business and operating results.
Sales & Marketing1 | 2.4%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
We are vulnerable to predatory short selling practices.
We are vulnerable to predatory short sellers who publish false or negative reports on us alleging, among other things, market manipulation, false or misleading statements and misleading or deceptive conduct. While we will expend every reasonable effort to refute such negative reports, there is no guarantee that our efforts will be successful and in the event that our efforts are unsuccessful, this could result in a suspension on the trading of our shares, a decline in the trading price of our shares, investigations or inquiries by governmental and regulatory agencies, increased costs and expenses in responding to such investigations or inquiries and/or even a delisting of our shares from the national exchange. Any and all of the foregoing would have a negative impact on us and to our shareholders.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 2/42 (5%)Below Sector Average
International Operations1 | 2.4%
International Operations - Risk 1
A number of Fr8Tech's personnel are based outside of the United States and regularly conduct business outside of the United States. Fr8Tech is subject to economic, political, regulatory and other risks associated with international operations.
As a number of personnel that support Fr8Tech's operations are based outside of the United States, Fr8Tech's business is subject to risks associated with conducting business outside of the United States. Accordingly, Fr8Tech's future results could be harmed by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
- economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability, particularly on the U.S./Mexico and U.S./Canada international borders; - differing and changing regulatory requirements for product or service approvals; - differing jurisdictions could present different issues for securing, maintaining or obtaining freedom to operate in such jurisdictions; - potentially reduced protection for intellectual property rights; - difficulties in compliance with different, complex and changing laws, regulations and court systems of multiple jurisdictions and compliance with a wide variety of foreign laws, tax requirements, treaties and regulations; - changes in U.S. and non-U.S. regulations and customs, tariffs and trade barriers; - changes in non-U.S. currency exchange rates of the Mexican Peso or the Canadian dollar and the potential imposition of currency controls; - trade protection measures, import or export licensing requirements or other restrictive actions by governments; - differing reimbursement regimes and price controls in certain non-U.S. markets; - difficulties with compliance with transfer pricing regulations; - changing restrictions or conditions for the repatriation of profits; - negative consequences from changes in tax laws; - compliance with tax, employment, immigration and labor laws for employees living or traveling abroad, including, for example, the variable tax treatment in different jurisdictions of options granted under its share option schemes or equity incentive plans; - workforce uncertainty or labor unrest; - litigation or administrative actions resulting from claims against us by current or former employees or consultants, individually or as part of class actions, including claims of wrongful terminations, discrimination, misclassification or other violations of labor law or other alleged conduct; - difficulties associated with staffing and managing international operations, including differing labor relations; and - business interruptions resulting from geo-political actions, including war, terrorism, or trade restrictions or natural disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, etc.
Capital Markets1 | 2.4%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
Exchange rate fluctuations may materially affect Fr8Tech's results of operations and financial condition.
Though a majority of Fr8Tech's revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, Fr8Tech does effect contracts in Mexico in which Fr8Tech bills for its services in Mexican pesos. Fr8Tech's growing Fr8Fleet brand is targeted towards Mexican-based Shippers and, if successful, may cause the percentage of revenues denominated in Mexican pesos to increase over the next several years. Fr8Tech may execute contracts in Canadian dollars or other currencies at some point in the future. Fr8Tech also has a number of its personnel operating in Mexico and it pays ongoing payroll and key suppliers in Mexico, most of it in Mexican pesos. Unexpected exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso could adversely affect Fr8Tech's results from operations.
Fr8Tech monitors and manages its exposures to changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. It may use derivative instruments to mitigate the impact of changes in these rates on Fr8Tech's financial position and results of operations; however, changes in exchange rates and interest rates cannot always be predicted or hedged and may have a material adverse effect on Fr8Tech.
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.