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.

FitLife Brands disclosed 25 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. FitLife Brands reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2023

Risk Distribution

36% Finance & Corporate

24% Ability to Sell

20% Production

12% Legal & Regulatory

4% Tech & Innovation

4% 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

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

FitLife Brands 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, 2023

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 9 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 9 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Sep 2023

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Sep 2023

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of FitLife Brands 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 25

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 9/25 (36%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights5 | 20.0%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Our Chair of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and significant shareholder may have certain personal interests that may affect the Company.

Due to the securities held by Sudbury Capital Fund, LP ("Sudbury") and Dayton Judd, the Company's Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Judd may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of a majority of the Company's outstanding voting securities. Consequently, Mr. Judd individually, and together with Sudbury as stockholders acting together, can significantly influence all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as mergers or other business transactions requiring shareholder approval. This concentration of ownership may have effects such as delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company that may be favored by other shareholders or preventing transactions in which shareholders might otherwise recover a premium for their shares over current market prices. In addition, as a result of Mr. Judd's position as Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, he and/or Sudbury may have the ability to exert influence over both the actions of the Board of Directors, as well as the execution of management's plans.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

You should not rely on an investment in our Common Stock for the payment of cash dividends.

We have never paid cash dividends on our Common Stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. You should not make an investment in our Common Stock if you require dividend income. Any return on investment in our Common Stock would only come from an increase in the market price of our stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

We may issue Preferred Stock with rights senior to the Common Stock.

Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 10.0 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Preferred Stock") in the aggregate. Currently, we have the following classes of Preferred Stock authorized, and therefore could be issued without shareholder approval: (i) 1,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, are authorized (the "Series A Preferred"); and (ii) 2,000 shares of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01. However, the rights and preferences of any class or series of preferred stock, were we to designate or issue additional shares of Preferred Stock, would be established by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and may have dividend, voting, liquidation and other rights and preferences that are senior to the rights of our Common Stock.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

The price of our securities could be subject to wide fluctuations and your investment could decline in value.

The market price of the securities of a company such as ours with little name recognition in the financial community and without significant revenue can be subject to wide price swings. For example, the closing price of our Common Stock has ranged from a high of $17.00 to a low of $9.50 during the year ending December 31, 2022. The market price of our securities may be subject to wide changes in response to quarterly variations in operating results, announcements of new products by us or our competitors, reports by securities analysts, volume trading, or other events or factors. In addition, the financial markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations for a number of reasons, including the failure of certain companies to meet market expectations. These broad market price swings, or any industry-specific market fluctuations, may adversely affect the market price of our securities. Companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been the subject of securities class action litigation. If we were to become the subject of securities class action litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a significant diversion of our management's attention and resources.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

A limited trading market currently exists for our Common Stock, and we cannot assure you that an active market will ever develop, or if developed, will be sustained.

There is currently a limited trading market for our Common Stock on the OTC Pink marketplace, and an active trading market may not develop. Consequently, we cannot assure you when and if an active trading market in our Common Stock will be established, or whether any such market will be sustained or sufficiently liquid to enable holders of shares of our Common Stock to liquidate their investment in the Company.

Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 8.0%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Our U.S. Net Operating Loss ("NOL") carryforwards may expire or could be substantially limited if we experience an ownership change as defined in the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") or if changes are made to the IRC.

Under federal tax laws, we can carry forward and use our NOLs to reduce our future U.S. taxable income and tax liabilities until such NOL carryforwards expire in accordance with the IRC of 1986, as amended. Our NOL carryforwards provide a benefit to us, if fully utilized, of significant future tax savings. However, our ability to use these tax benefits in future years will depend upon the amount of our federal and state taxable income. If we do not have sufficient federal and state taxable income in future years to use the benefits before they expire, we will permanently lose the benefit of the NOL carryforwards. Additionally, Section 382 and Section 383 of the IRC provide an annual limitation on our ability to utilize our NOL carryforwards, as well as certain built-in losses, against the future U.S. taxable income in the event of a change in ownership, as defined under the IRC. There is no assurance that we will not experience a change in ownership in the future as a result of changes in our stock ownership, and any such subsequent changes in ownership for purposes of the IRC could further limit our ability to use our NOL carryforwards. If other changes are made to the IRC, they could impact our ability to utilize our NOLs. Accordingly, any such occurrences could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

The Company was profitable during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. However, we may not be able to achieve sustained profitability. Our failure to sustain profitability or effectively manage growth could result in net losses, and therefore negatively affect our financial condition.

In the event of any decrease in sales, if we are not able to maintain growth, or if we are unable to effectively manage our growth, we may not be able to sustain profitability, and may incur net losses in the future, and those net losses could be material. In the event we incur net losses, our financial condition could be negatively affected, and such effect could be material.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 8.0%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

The Acquisition will present challenges associated with integrating operations, personnel, and other aspects of the companies and assumption of liabilities that may exist at MRC and which may be known or unknown by the Company.

The results of the combined company following the Acquisition will depend in part upon the Company's ability to integrate MRC's business with the Company's business in an efficient and effective manner. The Company's attempt to integrate two companies that have previously operated independently may result in significant challenges, and the Company may be unable to accomplish the integration smoothly or successfully. In particular, the necessity of coordinating geographically dispersed organizations and addressing possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies may increase the difficulties of integration. The integration may require the dedication of significant management resources, which may temporarily distract management's attention from the day-to-day operations of the businesses of the combined company. In addition, the combined company may adjust the way in which MRC or the Company has conducted its operations and utilized its assets, which may require retraining and development of new procedures and methodologies. The process of integrating operations and making such adjustments after the Acquisition could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of the combined company's businesses and the loss of key personnel. Employee uncertainty, lack of focus, or turnover during the integration process may also disrupt the businesses of the combined company. Any inability of management to integrate the operations of the Company and MRC successfully could have a material adverse effect on the business and financial condition of the combined company. In addition, the Acquisition will subject the Company to contractual or other obligations and liabilities of MRC, some of which may be material and unknown. Although the Company and its legal and financial advisors have conducted due diligence on MRC and its business, there can be no assurance that the Company is aware of all obligations and liabilities of MRC. These liabilities, and any additional risks and uncertainties related to MRC's business and to the Acquisition not currently known to the Company or that the Company may currently be aware of, but that prove to be more significant than assessed or estimated by the Company, could negatively impact the business, financial condition, and results of operations of the combined company following consummation of the Acquisition. SHOULD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOREGOING RISKS OR UNCERTAINTIES MATERIALIZE, OR SHOULD THE UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS PROVE INCORRECT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED, BELIEVED, ESTIMATED, EXPECTED, INTENDED OR PLANNED.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

We may experience difficulties in integrating the operations of MRC into our business and in realizing the expected benefits of the Acquisition.

The success of the Acquisition will depend in part on our ability to realize the anticipated business opportunities from combining the operations of MRC with our business in an efficient and effective manner. The integration process could take longer than anticipated and could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of each company's ongoing businesses, tax costs or inefficiencies, or inconsistencies in standards, controls, information technology systems, procedures and policies, any of which could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, employees or other third parties, or our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition, and could harm our financial performance. If we are unable to successfully or timely integrate the operations of MRC with our business, we may incur unanticipated liabilities and be unable to realize the revenue growth, synergies and other anticipated benefits resulting from the Acquisition, and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant costs in connection with the Acquisition. The substantial majority of these costs are non-recurring expenses related to the Acquisition. We may incur additional costs in the integration of MRC's business, and may not achieve cost synergies and other benefits sufficient to offset the incremental costs of the Acquisition.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 6/25 (24%)Above Sector Average

Competition1 | 4.0%

Competition - Risk 1

We face significant competition from existing suppliers of products similar to ours. If we are not able to compete with these companies effectively, we may not be able to maintain profitability.

We face intense competition from numerous resellers, manufacturers and wholesalers of nutritional supplements similar to ours, including retail, online and mail-order providers. Many of our competitors have longer operating histories, more-established brands in the marketplace, revenue significantly greater than ours and better access to capital than we have. We anticipate that these competitors may use their resources to engage in various business activities that could result in reduced sales of our products. Companies with greater capital and research capabilities could re-formulate existing products or formulate new products that could gain wide marketplace acceptance, which could have a negative effect on our future sales. In addition, aggressive advertising and promotion by our competitors may require us to compete by lowering prices or by increasing our marketing expenditures, and the economic viability of our operations likely would be diminished.

Demand1 | 4.0%

Demand - Risk 1

A slower growth rate in the nutritional supplement industry could lessen our sales and make it more difficult for us to sustain consistent growth.

The nutritional supplement industry has been growing at a strong pace over the past ten years. However, any reported medical concerns with respect to ingredients commonly used in nutritional supplements could negatively impact the demand for our products. Additionally, low-carb products, liquid meal replacements and similar competing products addressing changing consumer tastes and preferences could affect the market for certain categories of supplements. All these factors could have a negative impact on our sales growth.

Sales & Marketing3 | 12.0%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

If the products we sell do not have the healthful effects intended, our business may suffer.

In general, our products sold consist of nutritional supplements that are classified in the United States as "dietary supplements", which do not currently require approval from the FDA or other regulatory agencies prior to sale. Although many of the ingredients in such products are vitamins, minerals, herbs and other substances for which there is a long history of human consumption, our products often contain innovative ingredients or combinations of ingredients. Although we believe such products and the combinations of ingredients in them are safe when taken as directed by us, there is little long-term experience with human or other animal consumption of certain of these ingredients or combinations thereof in concentrated form. The products could have certain side effects if not taken as directed or if taken by a consumer that has certain medical conditions. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that any of the products, even when used as directed, will have the effects intended or will not have harmful side effects.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 2

Our ability to materially increase sales is largely dependent on the ability to increase sales of product to our wholesale partners as well as directly to the end consumer. We may invest significant amounts in these expansions with little success, and if we are unable to maintain good relationships with our existing customers and e-commerce platforms, our business could suffer.

We currently are focusing our marketing efforts on increasing the sale of products to GNC, both domestically and internationally, as well as increasing the number of retailers selling iSatori Products. In addition, we are focused on increasing our direct-to-consumer revenue through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. We may not be able to successfully increase sales through these channels. Moreover, unilateral decisions could be taken by our distributors, customers, or third-party e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, to discontinue all or any of our products that they are carrying or selling at any time, which would cause our business to suffer. The inability to sell our products through e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, would materially impact our sales and operating results. In addition, although we continued efforts to expand international distribution for our products in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we cannot assure that any further efforts to sell our products outside the United States will result in material increased revenue. We may need to overcome significant regulatory and legal barriers in order to continue to sell our products internationally, and we cannot give assurances as to whether we will be able to comply with such regulatory or legal requirements.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 3

We are currently dependent on sales to GNC for a substantial portion of our total sales.

Sales to GNC's centralized distribution platform, including indirect distribution of product to domestic and international franchisees, accounted for approximately 67% and 71% of our total sales for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. GNC's franchisees are not required to carry our products. In the event GNC ceases purchasing products from us, or otherwise reduces its purchases, our total revenue will be negatively impacted, and such impact could be material. Moreover, the transition to GNC's centralized distribution system has had the effect of concentrating the majority of our accounts receivable with a single payor. Prior to the transition, we collected receivables from numerous franchisees. We anticipate that GNC will continue to represent a substantial portion of all accounts receivable for the foreseeable future. In the event that our sales to GNC decrease, our results from operations will be negatively affected, and such effect may be material.

Brand / Reputation1 | 4.0%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

Adverse publicity associated with our products, ingredients, or those of similar companies, could adversely affect our sales and revenue.

Our customers' perception of the safety and quality of our products or even similar products distributed by others can be significantly influenced by national media attention, publicized scientific research or findings, product liability claims, and other publicity concerning our products or similar products distributed by others. Adverse publicity, whether or not accurate, that associates consumption of our products or any similar products with illness or other adverse effects will likely diminish the public's perception of our products. Claims that any products are ineffective, inappropriately labeled or have inaccurate instructions as to their use, could have a material adverse effect on the market demand for our products, including reducing our sales and revenue.

Production

Total Risks: 5/25 (20%)Below Sector Average

Manufacturing1 | 4.0%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Our products may not meet health and safety standards or could become contaminated.

We do not have control over the third parties involved in the manufacturing of our products and their compliance with government health and safety standards. Even if our products meet these standards, they could otherwise become contaminated. A failure to meet these standards or contamination could occur in our operations or those of our distributors or suppliers. This could result in expensive production interruptions, recalls and liability claims. Moreover, negative publicity could be generated from false, unfounded or nominal liability claims or limited recalls. Any of these failures or occurrences could negatively affect our business and financial performance.

Employment / Personnel1 | 4.0%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Loss of key personnel could impair our ability to operate.

Our success depends on hiring, retaining and integrating senior management and skilled employees. We are currently dependent on certain current key employees, who are vital to our ability to grow our business and maintain profitability. As with all personal service providers, our officers can terminate their relationship with us at will. Our inability to retain these individuals may result in a reduced ability to operate our business.

Supply Chain3 | 12.0%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

We are dependent on our third-party manufacturers to supply our products in the compositions we require, and we do not independently analyze each production lot of our products. Any errors in our product manufacturing could result in product recalls, significant legal exposure, and reduced revenue.

Although we require that our manufacturers verify the accuracy of the contents of our products, we do not have the expertise or personnel to monitor the production of products by these third parties. We rely primarily, with limited independent verification, on certificates of analysis regarding product content provided by our third-party suppliers and limited safety testing by them. We cannot be assured that these outside manufacturers will continue to reliably supply products to us in the compositions we require. Errors in the manufacture of our products could result in product recalls, significant legal exposure, adverse publicity, and decreased revenue.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

COVID-19 has impacted global supply chains and such impacts have impacted us and our third-party suppliers and could have a material adverse impact on us in the future.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a material impact on global supply chains, including for certain raw materials imported from China, among other countries, that have had an impact on our third-party suppliers and our wholesale partners. As a result, we have had to increase purchases in certain raw materials and build finished goods inventory, especially in our best-selling products, to avoid, in addition to other consequences, stockouts. The extent to which the ongoing supply chain challenges continue to impact our operations, those of our third-party suppliers or our wholesale partners will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. If the public continues to avoid public spaces, including retail stores, or if we, or any of our third-party suppliers continue to encounter challenges in the supply chain for certain raw materials, or incur disruptions to our or their respective operations, facilities or stores, or if our wholesale partners' retail stores were to partially or fully close due to the coronavirus, which has previously occurred in the case of certain GNC locations, then the manufacture, supply, distribution and sale of our products and our financial results could be adversely affected.

Supply Chain - Risk 3

We are currently dependent on a limited number of independent suppliers and manufacturers of our products, which may affect our ability to deliver our products in a timely manner. If we are not able to ensure timely product deliveries, potential distributors and customers may not order our products, and our revenue may decrease.

We rely on a limited number of third parties to supply and manufacture our products. Our products are manufactured on a purchase order basis only, and manufacturers can terminate their relationships with us at will. These third-party manufacturers may be unable to satisfy our supply requirements, manufacture our products on a timely basis, fill and ship our orders promptly, provide services at competitive costs, or offer reliable products and services. The failure to meet any of these critical needs would delay or reduce product shipment and adversely affect our revenue, as well as jeopardize our relationships with our distributors and customers. In the event any of our third-party manufacturers were to become unable or unwilling to continue to provide us with products in required volumes and at suitable quality levels, we would be required to identify and obtain acceptable replacement manufacturing sources. There is no assurance that we would be able to obtain alternative manufacturing sources on a timely basis. Additionally, our third-party manufacturers source the majority of the raw materials for our products and, if we were to use alternative manufacturers, we may not be able to duplicate the exact taste and consistency profile of the product from the original manufacturer. An extended interruption in the supply of our products would likely result in decreased product sales and a corresponding decline in revenue. We believe that we can meet our current supply and manufacturing requirements with our current suppliers and manufacturers or with available substitute suppliers and manufacturers.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 3/25 (12%)Below Sector Average

Regulation2 | 8.0%

Regulation - Risk 1

Compliance with changing corporate governance regulations and public disclosures may result in additional risks and exposures.

Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and new regulations from the SEC, have created uncertainty for public companies such as ours. These laws, regulations, and standards are subject to varying interpretations in many cases and as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. As a result, our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations, and standards have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased expense and significant management time and attention.

Regulation - Risk 2

We are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints, which can make compliance costly and subject us to enforcement actions by governmental agencies.

The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, holding, storage, distribution, advertising and sale of our products are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations and policies, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints at the federal, state and local levels, both within the United States and in any country where we conduct business. There can be no assurance that we or our wholesale partners will be in compliance with all of these regulations. A failure by us or our wholesale partners to comply with these laws and regulations could lead to governmental investigations, civil and criminal prosecutions, administrative hearings and court proceedings, civil and criminal penalties, injunctions against product sales or advertising, civil and criminal liability for the Company and/or its principals, bad publicity, and tort claims arising out of governmental or judicial findings of fact or conclusions of law adverse to the Company or its principals. In addition, the adoption of new regulations and policies or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations and policies may result in significant new compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales, and may adversely affect the marketing of our products, resulting in decreases in revenue.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 4.0%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

The sale of our products involves product liability and related risks that could expose us to significant insurance and loss expense.

We face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims if the use of our products results in, or is believed to have resulted in, illness or injury. Most of our products contain combinations of ingredients, and there is little long-term experience with the effect of these combinations. In addition, interactions of these products with other products, prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs have not been fully explored or understood and may have unintended consequences. Although our third-party manufacturers perform tests in connection with the formulations of our products, these tests are not designed to evaluate the inherent safety of our products. Although we maintain product liability insurance, it may not be sufficient to cover all product liability claims, and any claims that may arise could have a material adverse effect on our business. The successful assertion or settlement of an uninsured claim, a significant number of insured claims or a claim exceeding the limits of our insurance coverage would harm us by adding further costs to our business and by diverting the attention of our senior management from the operation of our business. Even if we successfully defend a liability claim, the uninsured litigation costs and adverse publicity may be harmful to our business. Any product liability claim may increase our costs and adversely affect our revenue and operating income. Moreover, liability claims arising from a serious adverse event may increase our costs through higher insurance premiums and deductibles and may make it more difficult to secure adequate insurance coverage in the future. In addition, our product liability insurance may fail to cover future product liability claims, which, if adversely determined, could subject us to substantial monetary damages.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 1/25 (4%)Below Sector Average

Innovation / R&D1 | 4.0%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

The efficiency of nutritional supplement products is supported by limited conclusive clinical studies, which could result in less market acceptance of these products and lower revenue or lower growth rates in revenue.

Our nutritional supplement products are made from various ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, fruits, berries, and other substances for which there is a long history of human consumption. However, there is little long-term experience with human consumption of certain product ingredients or combinations of ingredients in concentrated form. Although we believe that all of our products fall within the generally known safe limits for daily doses of each ingredient contained within them, nutrition science is imperfect. Moreover, some people have peculiar sensitivities or reactions to nutrients commonly found in certain foods and may have similar sensitivities or reactions to nutrients contained in our products. Furthermore, nutrition science is subject to change based on new research. New scientific evidence may disprove the efficacy of our products or prove our products to have effects not previously known. We could be adversely affected by studies that may assert that our products are ineffective or harmful to consumers, or if adverse effects are associated with a competitor's similar products.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 1/25 (4%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 4.0%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Uncertain or unfavorable economic conditions, including during periods of high inflation, recessions or other economic disruption, or as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could limit consumer and customer demand for our products, increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect us.

The willingness of consumers to purchase our products depends in part on general or local economic conditions and consumers' discretionary spending habits. For instance in 2022, the U.S. experienced significantly heightened inflationary pressures which have continued into 2023. In periods of adverse or uncertain economic conditions, including during periods of high inflation or recession concerns, or as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers may purchase less of our products, purchase more value or private label products or may forgo certain purchases altogether. In addition, our customers may seek to reduce their inventories in response to those economic conditions. In those circumstances, we could experience a reduction in sales. Further, during economic downturns, it may be more difficult to convince consumers to switch to, or continue to use, our brands or convince new users to choose our brands without expensive sampling programs and price promotions. Also, as a result of economic conditions, we may be unable to raise our prices sufficiently to protect profit margins. We experienced inflationary headwinds across our business during 2022, and we expect inflationary pressures to continue into 2023. This trend could have a materially adverse impact in the future if inflation rates were to significantly exceed our ability to achieve price increases or cost savings. Further, uncertain or unfavorable economic conditions, has and could continue to negatively impact the financial stability of our customers or suppliers, which could lead to increased uncollectible receivables or non-performance. Current global geopolitical tensions, including related to Ukraine, may exacerbate any economic downturn and inflation. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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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