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.

Green Stream Holdings disclosed 52 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Green Stream Holdings reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q1, 2023

Risk Distribution

44% Finance & Corporate

15% Production

13% Legal & Regulatory

12% Ability to Sell

8% Tech & Innovation

8% 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

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

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Risks changed

Green Stream Holdings 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 Q1, 2023

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 23 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 23 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 Apr 2023

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Apr 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 Green Stream Holdings 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 52

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 23/52 (44%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights13 | 25.0%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

As an "Emerging Growth Company" any decision to comply with the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in the JOBS Act, and, for as long as we continue to be an "emerging growth company," we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to "emerging growth companies," including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an "emerging growth company" for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion, (ii) the date that we become a "large accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period. In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an "emerging growth company" can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an "emerging growth company" can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to opt into the extended transition period for complying with the revised accounting standards.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Future issuances of debt securities and equity securities may negatively affect the market price of shares of our common stock and, in the case of equity securities, may be dilutive to existing stockholders.

In the future, we may issue debt or equity securities or incur other financial obligations, including stock dividends and shares that may be issued in exchange for common units and equity plan shares/units. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and other loans and preferred stock will receive a distribution of our available assets before common stockholders. We are not required to offer any such additional debt or equity securities to existing stockholders on a preemptive basis. Therefore, additional common stock issuances, directly or through convertible or exchangeable securities (including common units and convertible preferred units), warrants or options, will dilute the holdings of our existing common stockholders and such issuances or the perception of such issuances may reduce the market price of shares of our common stock. Any convertible preferred units would have, and any series or class of our preferred stock would likely have, a preference on distribution payments, periodically or upon liquidation, which could eliminate or otherwise limit our ability to make distributions to common stockholders.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

Our shares are considered to be a "Penny Stock," which impairs trading liquidity.

Disclosure requirements pertaining to penny stocks may reduce the level of trading activity in the market for our common stock and investors may find it difficult to sell their shares. Trades of our common stock will be subject to Rule 15g-9 of the SEC which rule imposes certain requirements on broker/dealers who sell securities subject to the rule to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For transactions covered by the rule, brokers/dealers must make a special suitability determination for purchasers of the securities and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction prior to sale. The SEC also has rules that regulate broker/dealer practices in connection with transactions in "penny stocks." Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ system, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in that security is provided by the exchange or system). The penny stock rules require a broker/dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker/dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker/dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker/dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer's confirmation.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

There could be volatility in our share price due to shares held by only a few people.

A small number of stockholders own a significant portion of our public float. The Company has no control over the decisions of any of these stockholders to retain ownership of their shares. The trading price of the Company's common stock could be adversely affected or be subject to volatility if one or more of these stockholders should determine to sell their shares. Furthermore, the President of the Company owns 600,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. If all of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is converted at the current conversion rate, an additional 600,000,000,000 shares of common stock could be issued to the holders thereof (i.e. more than the current number of authorized shares).

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

The market price and trading volume of our common stock may be volatile.

Even if an active trading market develops for our common stock, the trading price of our common stock may be volatile. In addition, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. Some of the factors that could negatively affect our share price or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our common stock include: - actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends; - changes in our funds from operations or income estimates; - publication of research reports about us or solar energy industry; - changes in market valuations of similar companies; - adverse market reaction to any additional debt we incur in the future; - additions or departures of key management personnel; - actions by institutional stockholders; - speculation in the press or investment community; - the realization of any of the other risk factors presented in this registration statement; - the extent of investor interest in our securities; - investor confidence in the stock and bond markets, generally; - changes in tax laws; - future equity issuances; - failure to meet income estimates; and - general market and economic conditions. In the past, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the price of their common stock. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management's attention and resources, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the trading price of our common stock.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6

Investors may have difficulty in reselling their shares due to the lack of market.

Our common stock is not currently traded on any exchange but is quoted on OTC Markets Pink marketplace under the trading symbol "GSFI." There is a limited trading market for our common stock. There is no guarantee that any significant market for our securities will ever develop. Further, state securities laws may make it difficult or impossible to resell our shares in certain states. Accordingly, our securities should be considered highly illiquid.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7

There has been only a limited public market for our common stock and an active trading market for our common stock may not develop following this offering.

There has not been any broad public market for our common stock, and an active trading market may not develop or be sustained. The trading volume of our Common Stock may be and has been limited and sporadic. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company that is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they may tend to be risk-averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares of Common Stock until such time as we became more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods when trading activity in our shares is minimal, as compared to a seasoned issuer that has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. We cannot give any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained, or that current trading levels will be sustained.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8

Our board of directors may change our policies without stockholder approval.

Our policies, including any policies with respect to investments, leverage, financing, growth, debt, and capitalization, will be determined by our board of directors or those committees or officers to whom our board of directors delegates such authority. Our board of directors will also establish the amount of any dividends or other distributions that we may pay to our stockholders. Our board of directors or the committees or officers to which such decisions are delegated will have the ability to amend or revise these and our other policies at any time without stockholder vote. Accordingly, our stockholders will not be entitled to approve changes in our policies, and, while not intending to do so, may adopt policies that may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9

The ability of stockholders to control our policies and effect a change of control of our company is limited by certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation, bylaws and by Wyoming Law.

There are provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws that may discourage a third party from making a proposal to acquire us, even if some of our stockholders might consider the proposal to be in their best interests. These provisions include the following: Our Articles of Incorporation authorize our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock with such rights, preferences, and privileges as determined by the board, and therefore to authorize us to issue such shares of stock. We believe these Articles of Incorporation provisions will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings. The additional classes or series will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our board of directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series of stock that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or that our common stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10

Exclusive Selection of Forum in the Bylaws

Our corporate bylaws provide that unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all Internal Corporate Claims, as defined in the Bylaws, may be brought solely and exclusively in the District Court, Sheridan County, Wyoming (or, if such court does not have jurisdiction, the United States Court for the District of Wyoming). "Internal Corporate Claims" are defined as claims, including claims in the right of the Corporation, brought by a stockholder (including a beneficial owner) (i) that are based upon a violation of a duty owed by a current or former Director or officer or stockholder in such capacity or (ii) as to which the WCC confers jurisdiction upon the District Court. Please read our bylaws carefully in connection with this risk factor. This choice of forum provision does not preclude or contract the scope of exclusive federal jurisdiction for any actions brought under the Exchange Act. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction, and the Company does not intend for the exclusive forum provision to apply to Exchange Act claims. It could apply, however, to a suit that falls within one or more of the categories enumerated in the exclusive forum provision and that asserts claims under the Securities Act, inasmuch as Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. There is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such an exclusive forum provision with respect to claims under the Securities Act. In addition, our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived the Company's compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Subject to the foregoing, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision of our Bylaws.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11

Because our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director, controls 99% of the voting power of the outstanding capital stock, he will effectively control the Company, which in turn could decrease the price and marketability of the shares

Mr. DiPrima holds voting control over the 600,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock held by the We Work Revocable Trust. The Series B Preferred Shares have the right to vote in the aggregate, on all shareholder matters votes equal to 99% of the total shareholder vote on any and all shareholder matters. As a result, Mr. DiPrima will have the ability to control the Company as follows: - elect or defeat the election of our Directors; - amend or prevent amendment of our articles of incorporation or bylaws; - effect or prevent a merger, sale of assets or other corporate transaction; and - affect the outcome of any other matter submitted to the stockholders for vote Moreover, because of the significant voting position controlled by our insider, new investors will not be able to effect a change in the Company's business or management, and therefore, shareholders would be subject to decisions made by Mr. DiPrima. Management's stock voting position may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company; this could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12

Conflict of Interest

The Company is subject to various potential and actual conflicts of interest arising out of its relationship with its Chief Executive and Financial Officer and/or affiliates of the Company: transactions with affiliates of the Chief Executive and Financial Officer of the Company and/or such other persons and entities; the payment of substantial sums from the proceeds of this offering to such affiliates; and, competition for the time and services of the Chief Executive and Financial Officer, agents, employees, and affiliates with other projects or businesses that they run.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13

You could suffer dilution should the Series B Convertible Preferred Stockholders convert their shares.

If all of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock is converted at the current conversion rate, an additional 600,000,000,000 shares of common stock could be issued to the holder thereof (i.e. more than the current number of authorized shares). This could cause you to suffer immediate and significant dilution such that the percentage of shares held by current shareholders after full conversion of the 600,000 Series B Convertible Preferred stock would be less than 0.1%.

Accounting & Financial Operations6 | 11.5%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Our limited operating history with our current business lines makes it difficult to evaluate our current and future prospects and may increase the risk associated with your investment.

We have a limited operating history with our current business line and have been involved primarily in organizational matters. We have also generated no revenues in this line to date. Consequently, our operations are subject to all the risks inherent in the establishment of new business lines in industries within which we are not necessarily familiar. We have encountered and will continue to encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by rapidly growing companies in constantly evolving industries, including the risks described in this prospectus. If we do not address these risks successfully, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects will be adversely affected, and the market price of our common stock could decline. As such, any predictions about our future revenue and expenses may not be as accurate as they would be if we had a longer operating history in our current business lines or operated in a more predictable market.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Our annual and quarterly financial results are subject to significant fluctuations depending on various factors, many of which are beyond our control.

Our sales and operating results can vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year depending on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to: - seasonal consumer demand for our products; - discretionary spending habits; - changes in pricing in, or the availability of supply in, the used powerboat market; - variations in the timing and volume of our sales; - the timing of our expenditures in anticipation of future sales; - sales promotions by us and our competitors; - changes in competitive and economic conditions generally; - consumer preferences and competition for consumers' leisure time; and - changes in the cost or availability of our labor. As a result, our results of operations may decline quickly and significantly in response to changes in order patterns or rapid decreases in demand for our products. We anticipate that fluctuations in operating results will continue in the future.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

We have a limited operating history under the current business plan and may never be profitable.

Since the Reorganization, we have been involved primarily in organizational activities and have no reviews to date. Since we have a limited operating history following the implementation of the current business plan, it is difficult for potential investors to evaluate our business. We expect that we will continue to need to raise additional capital in order to fund our operations. There can be no assurance that such additional capital will be available to us on favorable terms or at all. There can be no assurance that we will be profitable.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4

No intention to pay dividends.

A return on investment may be limited to the value of our common stock. We do not currently anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on earnings, financial condition, and other business and economic factors affecting it at such time as the Board may consider relevant. Our current intention is to apply net earnings, if any, in the foreseeable future to increasing our capital base and development and marketing efforts. There can be no assurance that the Company will ever have sufficient earnings to declare and pay dividends to the holders of our common stock, and in any event, a decision to declare and pay dividends is at the sole discretion of the Board. If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment would only occur if the Company's stock price appreciates.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5

We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurance that we can achieve or maintain profitability.

We have a history of operating losses and may not achieve or sustain profitability due to the competitive and evolving nature of the industries in which we operate. Our failure to sustain profitability could adversely affect the Company's business, including our ability to raise additional funds.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6

Our business could be adversely impacted if there are deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting.

The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent all errors, misstatements or misrepresentations. While management will continue to review the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, there can be no guarantee that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing all control objectives all of the time. Furthermore, our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting with respect to entities that we do not control or manage may be substantially more limited than those we maintain with respect to the subsidiaries that we have controlled or managed over the course of time. Deficiencies, including any material weakness, in our internal control over financial reporting which may occur in the future could result in misstatements of our results of operations, restatements of our financial statements, a decline in our stock price, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Debt & Financing3 | 5.8%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Our status as an "Emerging Growth Company" under the JOBS Act of 2012 may make it more difficult to raise capital.

Because of the exemptions from various reporting requirements provided to us as an "emerging growth company" and because we will have an extended transition period for complying with new or revised financial accounting standards, we may be less attractive to investors and it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital as and when we need it. Investors may be unable to compare our business with other companies in our industry if they believe that our financial accounting is not as transparent as other companies in our industry. If we are unable to raise additional capital as and when we need it, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

We will need a significant amount of capital to carry out our proposed business plan and, unless we are able to raise sufficient funds or generate sufficient revenues, we may be forced to discontinue our operations.

Our ability to obtain the necessary financing to execute our business plan is subject to a number of factors, including general market conditions and investor acceptance of our business plan. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of such financing unattractive or unavailable to us. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds or generate them through revenues, we will have to significantly reduce our spending, delay or cancel our planned activities or substantially change our current corporate structure. There is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain any funding or that we will have sufficient resources to continue to conduct our operations as projected, any of which could mean that we will be forced to discontinue our operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

We require additional capital to develop our business.

The development of our services will require the commitment of resources to increase the advertising, marketing and future expansion of our business. In addition, expenditures will be required to enable us in 2020 and 2021 to conduct planned business research, development of new affiliate and associate offices, and marketing of our existing and future products and services. Currently, we have no established bank-financing arrangements. Therefore, it is possible that we would need to seek additional financing through a subsequent future private offering of our equity securities, or through strategic partnerships and other arrangements with corporate partners. We cannot give any assurance that any additional financing will be available to us, or if available, will be on terms favorable to us. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders. Sales of existing shareholders of the common stock and preferred stock in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices and could impair the Company's future ability to raise capital through the sale of the equity securities. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financing covenants that would restrict our compensation. If adequate, additional financing is not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to implement our business development plan or continue our business operations.

Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 1.9%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Dealings with the Company

The Chief Executive and Financial Officer controls the business and affairs of the Company. Consequently, the Chief Executive and Financial Officer will be able to control his own compensation and to approve dealings, if any, by the Company with other entities with which he is also involved. Furthermore, the Chief Executive and Financial Officer controls the majority of the voting power in the Company. Although the Chief Executive and Financial Officer intends to act fairly and in full compliance with his fiduciary obligations, there can be no assurance that the Company will not, as a result of the conflict of interest described above, sometimes enter into arrangements under terms less beneficial to the Company than it could have obtained had it been dealing with unrelated persons.

Production

Total Risks: 8/52 (15%)Below Sector Average

Manufacturing2 | 3.8%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

The installation and ongoing operation of solar energy systems involves significant safety risks.

Solar energy systems generate electricity, which is inherently dangerous. Installation of these systems also involves the risk of fire, personal injuries occurring at the job site and other risks typical of construction projects. Although we take many steps to assure the safe installation and operation of our solar energy systems, and maintain insurance against such liabilities, we may nevertheless be exposed to significant losses arising from personal injuries or property damage arising from our projects.

Manufacturing - Risk 2

The Company's management has no specific experience in the design and installation of solar systems and relies on consultants and other third parties.

The Company has partnered with Anthony Morali of Renewable Energy Development LLC ("RED"), a leading expert in solar infrastructure design as the Company's management does not have specific experience in the installation and design of solar systems. Should the Company not be able to maintain these relationships it would have a significant impact on our ability to continue with our business plan.

Employment / Personnel3 | 5.8%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Limited Full-Time Employees and Staff

Assuming successful completion of this Offering, we intend to hire necessary support staff and will hire, as and when needed, such management, support personnel, independent consultants, as it may deem necessary for the purposes of its business operations and the President. There can be no assurance that the Company and its President will be able to recruit and hire required support personnel under acceptable terms. The Company's business would be adversely affected if it were unable to retain the required personnel.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

Limitation of Liability of the Company's Officers and Directors

To the maximum extent allowed by law, the Company's Officers and Directors will have limited liability for breach of fiduciary duty and for (i) any breach of the duty of loyalty to the Company or its shareholders; (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; or (iii) any transactions from which the President and its Affiliates derived an improper personal benefit.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 3

We depend on key personnel and future members of management, and the loss of services of one or more members of our senior management team, or our inability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, could adversely affect our business, diminish our investment opportunities and weaken our relationships with lenders, business partners and existing and prospective industry participants, which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and trading price of our common stock.

Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain the services of executive officers, senior officers, and community managers. There is substantial competition for qualified personnel in the niche area of solar system design, manufacturing, and sales, and the loss of our key personnel could have an adverse effect on us. Our continued success and our ability to manage anticipated future growth depend, in large part, upon the efforts of key personnel. The loss of services of senior management and solar-panel design team which we may hire, or our inability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, could adversely affect our business, diminish our investment opportunities and weaken our relationships with lenders, business partners, and industry participants, which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

Supply Chain2 | 3.8%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

We rely heavily on a limited number of designers, suppliers, installers and other vendors, and if these companies were unable to deliver critical components and services, it would adversely affect our ability to operate and our financial results.

We rely on a limited number of third-party suppliers to provide the components used in our solar energy systems. We also rely on key vendors to provide internal and external services which are critical to our operations, including installation of solar energy systems, accounting and customer relationship management software, facilities and communications. The failure of our suppliers and vendors to supply us with products and services in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms could result in lost orders, delay our project schedules, limit our ability to operate and harm our financial results. If any of our suppliers or vendors were to fail to supply our needs on a timely basis or to cease providing us key components or services we use, we would be required to secure alternative sources of supply. We may have difficulty securing alternative sources of supply. If this were to occur, our business would be harmed.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

If there is a shortage of components and/or key components rise significantly in price that may constrain our revenue growth.

The market for photovoltaic installations has continued to grow despite worldwide financial and economic issues. The introduction of significant production capacity has continued and has increased supply and reduced the cost of solar panels. If demand increases and supply contracts, the resulting likely price increase could adversely affect sales and profitability. As demand for solar panels may increase with an economic recovery, demand and pricing for solar modules could increase, potentially limiting access to solar modules and reducing our selling margins for panels. Shortages of silicon and inverters or supply chain issues could adversely affect the availability and cost of our solar energy systems. Manufacturers of photovoltaic modules depend upon the availability and pricing of silicon, one of the primary materials used in photovoltaic modules. The worldwide market for silicon from time to time experiences a shortage of supply, which can cause the prices for photovoltaic modules to increase and supplies to become difficult to obtain. While we have been able to obtain sufficient supplies of solar photovoltaic modules to satisfy our needs to date, this may not be the case in the future. Future increases in the price of silicon or other materials and components could result in an increase in costs to us, price increases to our customers or reduced margins. Other international trade conditions such as work slowdowns and labor strikes at port facilities or major weather events can also adversely impact the availability and price of solar photovoltaic modules.

Costs1 | 1.9%

Costs - Risk 1

Our liability insurance may not be adequate in a catastrophic situation.

We do not currently maintain property damage insurance or product liability insurance. Material damage to, or the loss to our facilities or equipment due to fire, severe weather, flood or other catastrophe, even if insured against, could result in a significant loss to the Company.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 7/52 (13%)Below Sector Average

Regulation4 | 7.7%

Regulation - Risk 1

Our business would be impaired if we lose our licenses, if more stringent government regulations are enacted or if we fail to comply with the growing number of regulations pertaining to solar energy and consumer financing industries.

Our business is or may become subject to numerous federal and state laws and regulations. The installation of solar energy systems performed by us is subject to oversight and regulation under local ordinances, building, zoning and fire codes, environmental protection regulation, utility interconnection requirements, and other rules and regulations. The financing transactions the Company are subject to numerous consumer credit and financing regulations. The consumer protection laws, among other things: - require us to obtain and maintain licenses and qualifications; - limit certain interest rates, fees and other charges we are allowed to charge; - limit or prescribe certain terms of the loans to our customers; and - require specific disclosures and the use of special contract forms. The number of laws affecting both aspects of our business continues to grow. We can give no assurances that we will properly and timely comply with all laws and regulations that may affect us. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. In addition, non-compliance with certain consumer disclosure requirements related to home solicitation sales and home improvement contract sales affords residential customers with a right to rescind such contracts in some jurisdictions.

Regulation - Risk 2

Although we are not regulated as a utility company, changes in regulations may subject us to regulation as a utility.

We are presently exempt from regulation as a utility as we have "qualifying facility" status with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for all of our qualifying solar energy projects. Any local, state, federal or foreign regulations which classify us as a utility could place significant restrictions on our ability to operate our business by prohibiting or otherwise restricting our sale of electricity. If we were subject to the same state, federal or foreign regulatory authorities as utility companies in the United States or if new regulatory bodies were established to oversee our business in the United States or in foreign markets such as China, then our operating costs would materially increase, which would impair our ability to generate a profit from our business.

Regulation - Risk 3

Changes in net metering regulations could impair the market for solar products.

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity that they add to the electricity grid. If the owner of a solar system generates more electricity than it consumes, the excess electricity is sold back to the grid. California's first net metering policy set a "cap" for the three investor-owned utility companies in the state: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), and Southern California Edison (SCE). All three have reached their cap where total solar installations in each utility's territory were capped at five percent of total peak electricity demand. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) created the known as "Net Metering 2.0" (NEM 2.0) that extends California net metering. NEM 2.0 is slightly different from the first net metering policy. Under NEM 2.0, customers will still receive the retail credit for electricity produced but will be required to pay more in Non-Bypassable Charges. NEM 2.0 also requires new solar customers to pay a one-time Interconnection Application Fee, the amount of which is dependent upon the utility company. For systems under 1MW, this fee is $132 for San Diego Gas & Electric, $145 for Pacific Gas & Electric, and $75 for Southern California Edison. NEM 2.0 customers are also required to use Time of Use (ToU) rates. These changes alter the return on investment for solar customers, and our pricing needs to reflect this change in order for the purchase of a solar system to be economically attractive to the customer, which may be reflected in lower prices and reduced margins. To the extent that utility companies are not required to purchase excess electricity from owners of solar systems or are permitted to lower the amounts paid, the market for solar systems may be impaired. Because net metering can enable the solar system owner to further reduce the cost of electricity by selling excess electricity to the utility company, any elimination or reduction of this benefit would reduce the cost savings from solar energy. We cannot assure you that net metering will not be eliminated, or the benefits significantly reduced for future solar systems which may dampen the market for solar energy.

Regulation - Risk 4

Existing regulations and policies and changes to these regulations and policies may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power products, which may significantly reduce demand for our products.

The market for electricity generation is heavily influenced by foreign, U.S. federal, state and local government regulations and policies concerning the electric utility industry, as well as policies promulgated by electric utilities. These regulations and policies often relate to electricity pricing and technical interconnection of customer-owned electricity generation. In the U.S. these regulations and policies are being modified and may continue to be modified. Customer purchases of or further investment in the research and development of alternative energy sources, including solar power technology, could be deterred by these regulations and policies, which could result in a significant reduction in the potential demand for our solar power products, for example, without certain major incentive programs and or the regulatory mandated exception for solar power systems, utility customers are often charged interconnection or standby fees for putting distributed power generation on the electric utility network. These fees could increase the cost to our customers of using our solar power products and make them less desirable, thereby harming our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. We anticipate that our solar power products and their installation will be subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with national and local ordinances relating to building codes, safety, and environmental protection, utility interconnection and metering and related matters. It is difficult to track the requirements of individual states and design equipment to comply with the varying standards. Any new government regulations or utility policies pertaining to our solar power products may result in significant additional expenses to us and our resellers and their customers and, as a result, could cause a significant reduction in demand for our solar power products.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 1.9%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

Our auditors have indicated doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

Our auditors have expressed doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. If we are unable to generate significant revenue or secure financing, we may be required to cease or curtail our operations.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 1.9%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

The reduction, elimination or expiration of government subsidies and economic incentives for on-grid solar electricity applications could reduce demand for solar power systems and harm our business.

The market for solar energy applications depends in large part on the availability and size of local, state, and federal government and economic incentives that vary by geographic market. The reduction, elimination or expiration of government subsidies and economic incentives for solar electricity may negatively affect the competitiveness of solar electricity relative to conventional and non-solar renewable sources of electricity and could harm or halt the growth of the solar electricity industry and our business. The cost of solar power currently is less than retail electricity rates in most markets, and we believe solar will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. As a result, federal, state and local government bodies, the United States has provided incentives in the form of feed-in tariffs, or FITs, rebates, tax credits and other incentives to system owners, distributors, system integrators and manufacturers of solar power systems to promote the use of solar electricity in on-grid applications and to reduce dependency on other forms of energy. Many of these government incentives expire, phase out over time, terminate upon the exhaustion of the allocated funding or require renewal by the applicable authority. In addition, electric utility companies or generators of electricity from other non-solar renewable sources of electricity may successfully lobby for changes in the relevant legislation in their markets that are harmful to the solar industry. Reductions in, or eliminations or expirations of, governmental incentives could result in decreased demand for and lower revenue from solar PV systems, which would adversely affect sales of our products.

Environmental / Social1 | 1.9%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Changes in regulations relating to fossil fuel can impact the market for renewable energy, including solar.

The market for renewable energy in general and solar energy, in particular, is affected by regulations relating to the use of fossil fuel and the encouragement of renewable energy. To the extent that changes in regulations have the effect of reducing the cost of gas, oil, and coal or encouraging the use of such fuels, the market for solar systems may be impaired. A material decline in the price of electricity charged by the local utility company to commercial users may impair our ability to attract commercial customers. Often large commercial customers pay less for energy from utility companies than residential customers. To the extent that utility companies offer commercial customers a lower rate for electricity, they may be less willing to switch to solar energy. Under such conditions, we may be unable to offer solar energy systems in commercial markets that produce electricity at rates that are competitive with the price of retail electricity they are able to obtain from the local utility company. In such event, we would be at a competitive disadvantage compared to the local utility company and may be unable to attract new commercial customers, which would impact our revenues. Solar energy and other forms of renewable energy compete with other forms of energy and the attractiveness of solar energy reflects the cost of electricity from the local grid. Solar energy competes with all other forms of energy, including, particularly local utility companies, whose pricing structure effectively determines the market for solar energy. If consumers, whether residential or commercial, believe that they are paying and will continue to pay too much for electricity from a local utility company, they may consider other alternatives, including alternative providers of electricity from local utility companies as well as forms of renewable energy. If they are in a location where, because of the climate and geography, solar energy is a possibility, they may consider solar energy as an alternative, provided they are satisfied that they will receive net savings in their cost of electricity and their system will provide them with a constant source of energy. Further, although some customers may purchase a solar energy system because of environmental considerations, we believe that the cost of electricity is the crucial factor that influences the decision of a user, particularly a commercial user, to elect to use solar energy.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 6/52 (12%)Above Sector Average

Competition2 | 3.8%

Competition - Risk 1

We face intense competition from other system integrators and other energy generation products. If we fail to compete effectively, we may be unable to increase our market share and sales.

The mainstream power generation market and related product sectors are well established, and we are competing with power generation from more traditional processes that can generate power at lower costs than most renewable or environmentally driven processes. Further, within the renewable power generation and technologies markets, we face competition from other methods of producing renewable or environmentally positive power. Then, the solar power market itself is intensely competitive and rapidly evolving. Our competitors have established market positions more prominent than ours, and if we fail to attract and retain customers, we may be unable to achieve sales and market share. There are a number of major multi-national corporations that provide solar installation services such as REC, Solar City, and Sunpower Corporation. Established integrators are growing and consolidating, including GoSolar, Sunwize, Sunenergy, and Real Good Solar and we expect that future competition will include new entrants to the solar power market. Further, many of our competitors may be developing or may be currently providing products based on new solar power technologies that may have costs similar to, or lower than, our projected costs. Some of our competitors are substantially larger than we are, have longer operating histories and have substantially greater financial, technical, manufacturing and other resources than we do. Our competitors' greater sizes in some cases provide them with competitive advantages with respect to manufacturing costs and the ability to allocate costs across a greater volume of production and purchase raw materials at lower prices. They also have far greater name recognition, an established distribution network and an installed base of customers. In addition, many of our competitors have well-established relationships with current and potential resellers, which have extensive knowledge of our target markets. As a result, our competitors will be able to devote greater resources to the research, development, promotion, and sale of their products and may be able to respond more quickly to evolving industry standards and changing customer requirements than we can.

Competition - Risk 2

We operate in a highly competitive industry and potential competitors could duplicate our business model.

We are involved in a highly competitive industry where we compete with numerous other companies who offer products and services similar to those we offer. Although some aspects of our business may be protected by intellectual property laws (patent protection, trade secret protection, copyrights, trademarks, etc.), we own no patents and potential competitors will likely attempt to duplicate our business model. Some of our potential competitors may have significantly greater resources than we have, which may make it difficult for us to compete. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully compete against these other entities. Additionally, our contractors are not subjected to an exclusive contractual relationship with the Company.

Demand1 | 1.9%

Demand - Risk 1

Our sales and installations are subject to seasonality of customer demand and weather conditions which are outside of our control.

Our sales are subject to the seasonality of when customers buy solar energy systems. Historically, we are expected to experience spikes in orders during the spring and summer months which, due to lead time, result in installations and revenue increase during the summer and fall. Tax incentives can generate additional backlog prior to the end of the year, depending upon the incentives available and whether customers are looking to take advantage of such incentives before the end of the year. Our ability to construct systems outdoors may be impacted by inclement weather, which can be most prominent in our geographic installation regions during the first and fourth quarters of the year. As a result of these factors, our first quarter is generally our slowest quarter of the year. If unexpected natural events occur and we are unable to manage our cash flow through these seasonal factors, there could be a negative impact on our financial position, liquidity, results of operations and cash flow.

Sales & Marketing3 | 5.8%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

The services we intend to sell to customers may not gain market acceptance, which would prevent us from achieving sales and market share.

The market for solar power is emerging and rapidly evolving, and its future success is uncertain. If solar power technology proves unsuitable for widespread commercial deployment or if demand for solar power products fails to develop sufficiently, we would be unable to achieve sales and market share. In addition, demand for solar power in the markets and geographic regions we target may not develop or may develop more slowly than we anticipate. Many factors may influence the widespread adoption of solar power technology and demand for solar power, including: - Performance and reliability of solar power products as compared with conventional and non-solar alternative energy products; - Cost-effectiveness of solar power technologies as compared with conventional and competitive alternative energy technologies; - Success of alternative distributed generation technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, wind turbines, bio-diesel generators, and large-scale solar thermal technologies; - Fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the viability of conventional and competitive alternative energy sources; - Increases or decreases in the prices of oil, coal and natural gas; - Capital expenditures by customers, who tend to decrease when domestic or foreign economies slow; and - Continued deregulation of the electric power industry and broader energy industry.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 2

Our ability to market and sell solar systems to customers is unproven.

Our business depends in large part on our ability to market and sell or lease solar systems. Initially, we plan to have Renewable Energy Development, LLC to design, manufacture and install the solar systems to our customers. Our ability market and sell the solar systems, are and will be subject to risks, including with respect to: - our ability to secure necessary funding; - our ability to negotiate and execute definitive agreements with our various suppliers for hardware, or services necessary to design or manufacture the solar systems we intend to market and sell; - compliance with environmental, safety, and similar regulations; - delays by us in delivering final component designs to our suppliers; - quality controls that prove to be ineffective or inefficient; - delays or disruptions in our supply chain including raw material supplies; and - our ability to maintain arrangements on reasonable terms with its manufacturing partners and suppliers, engineering service providers, delivery partners, and after sales service providers. To date, we have limited experience, as a company, marketing and selling or leasing our solar systems and therefore cannot assure you that we will be able to make sales on a level significant enough to be profitable or to meet customer expectations. Any failure to do so within our projected costs and timelines would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 3

Our success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of the services we market and sell.

We do not design and manufacture our own products. We can and do use a variety of products and do not have a commitment to any single manufacturer. We do not warranty our products because this is the responsibility of the manufacturer. However, we do warranty our installation workmanship and could suffer a loss of customer referrals and reputation degradation if our quality workmanship is not maintained.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 4/52 (8%)Below Sector Average

Trade Secrets2 | 3.8%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

If third parties claim we are infringing or misappropriating their intellectual property rights, we could be prohibited from selling our products, be required to obtain licenses from third parties or be forced to develop non-infringing alternatives, and we could be subject to substantial monetary damages and injunctive relief.

The solar power industry is characterized by the existence of a large number of patents and frequent litigation based on allegations of patent infringement. We are aware of numerous issued patents and pending patent applications owned by third parties that may relate to current and future generations of solar energy. The owners of these patents may assert the manufacture, use or sale of any of our products infringes one or more claims of their patents. Moreover, because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be currently pending applications, unknown to us, which may later result in issued patents that materially and adversely affect our business. Third parties could also assert claims against us that we have infringed or misappropriated their intellectual property rights. Whether or not such claims are valid, we cannot be certain we have not infringed the intellectual property rights of such third parties. Any infringement or misappropriation claim could result in significant costs or substantial damages to our business or an inability to manufacture, market or sell any of our PV modules found to infringe or misappropriate. Even if we were to prevail in any such action, the litigation could result in substantial cost and diversion of resources that could materially and adversely affect our business. A large number of patents, the rapid rate of new patent issuances, the complexities of the technology involved, and uncertainty of litigation increase the risk of business assets and management's attention being diverted to patent litigation. Even if obtaining a license were feasible, it could be costly and time-consuming. We might be forced to obtain additional licenses from our existing licensors in the event the scope of the intellectual property we have licensed is too narrow to cover our activities, or in the event, the licensor did not have sufficient rights to grant us the license(s) purportedly granted. Also, some of our licenses may restrict or limit our ability to grant sub-licenses and/or assign rights under the licenses to third parties, which may limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.

Trade Secrets - Risk 2

Our intellectual property rights or our means of enforcing those rights may be inadequate to protect our business, which may result in the unauthorized use of our products or reduced sales or otherwise reduce our ability to compete.

Our business and competitive position depend upon our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary technology, including any new brands that we develop. We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights, primarily in the United States, through a combination of patent, trade secret and other intellectual property laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Because of the differences in foreign patent and other laws concerning intellectual property rights, our intellectual property rights may not receive the same degree of protection in foreign countries as they would in the United States. Our failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights, for any reason, could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Further, any patents issued in connection with our business may not be broad enough to protect all of the potential uses of our technology. We also rely on unpatented proprietary technology. It is possible others will independently develop the same or similar technology or otherwise obtain access to our unpatented technology. To protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information, we will require our employees, consultants and advisors to execute proprietary information and invention assignment agreements when they begin working for us. We cannot assure these agreements will provide meaningful protection of our trade secrets, unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information. Despite our efforts to protect this information, unauthorized parties may attempt to obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary. If we are unable to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies, we could be materially adversely affected. In addition, when others control the prosecution, maintenance and enforcement of certain important intellectual property, such as technology licensed to us, the protection and enforcement of the intellectual property rights may be outside of our control. If the entity that controls intellectual property rights that are licensed to us does not adequately protect those rights, our rights may be impaired, which may impact our ability to develop, market and commercialize our products. Further, if we breach the terms of any license agreement pursuant to which a third party licenses us intellectual property rights, our rights under that license may be affected and we may not be able to continue to use the licensed intellectual property rights, which could adversely affect our ability to develop, market and commercialize our products.

Technology2 | 3.8%

Technology - Risk 1

Our Solar systems are a relatively new service that exposes us to many new risks and uncertainties.

Our business model currently focuses on marketing and selling solar systems. Developing a new service under a new brand with solar technology exposes us to many risks and uncertainties that are new to our business. We have limited experience in the design, manufacture, marketing, distribution and sale of these services and rely on third parties to do so. Our ability to be successful with our services will depend on a number of factors, including whether: - We can achieve and maintain customer acceptance of our new services; - We can rapidly develop and successfully introduce our services in response to changing customer preferences; - We can maintain an adequate level of service quality over numerous solar systems, which must be designed, manufactured and introduced rapidly to keep pace with changing customer preferences and competitive factors; - We can successfully manage our third-party contract designers and manufacturers located outside and/or inside the U.S. on whom we are heavily dependent for the production of our solar systems; and, - We can successfully distribute our services through distributors, wholesalers, internet retailers and traditional retailers (many of whom distribute products from competing manufacturers) on whom we are heavily dependent.

Technology - Risk 2

Our inability to respond to changing technologies and issues presented by new technologies could harm our business.

The solar energy industry is subject to technological change. If we rely on products and technologies that cease to be attractive to customers, or if we are unable to respond appropriately to changing technologies and changes in product function or quality, we may not be successful in capturing or retaining significant market share. In addition, any new technologies utilized in our solar energy systems may not perform as expected or as desired, in which event our adoption of such products or technologies may harm our business.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 4/52 (8%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 1.9%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

The demand for products requiring significant initial capital expenditures such as solar power products and related services are affected by general economic conditions.

The United States and countries worldwide have recently experienced a period of declining economies and turmoil in financial markets. A sustained economic recovery is uncertain. In particular, terrorist acts and similar events, continued unrest in the Middle East or war, in general, could contribute to a slowdown of the market demand for products that require significant initial capital expenditures, including demand for solar power systems. In addition, increases in interest rates may increase financing costs to customers, which in turn may decrease demand for our solar power products. If economic recovery is slowed as a result of the recent economic, political and social events, or if there are further terrorist attacks in the United States or elsewhere, we may experience decreases in the demand for our solar power products, which may harm our operating results.

Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 3.8%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Our ability to start projects and raise funding could be adversely impacted by COVID-19 and the stay at home orders of certain states and localities

While the COVID-19 pandemic is adversely impacting all sectors of the economy, we may be subject to certain specific risks: - We are attempting to raise capital through an offering pursuant to Regulation A of the Securities Act. Due to economic conditions investors may be hesitant to invest in new and emerging companies. - Locations where we intend to build facilities and place equipment are currently under stay at home orders from state and local governments that prevent construction and are delaying permitting of potential projects. - The significant decrease in oil prices lessens the appeal of solar installations as it takes longer to recover the upfront installation costs and makes pricing less competitive against fossil fuels.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2

The recent COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect our business, and ability to file timely and accurate financial information.

The COVID-19 pandemic has materially and adversely impacted the U.S. economy and financial markets, with legislative and regulatory responses including unprecedented monetary and fiscal policy actions across all sectors, and there is significant uncertainty as to timing of stabilization and recovery. Because we are in the development stage, the complete impact on our business from the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus is unknown at this time and difficult to predict, various aspects of our business are being adversely affected by it and may continue to be adversely affected.

Capital Markets1 | 1.9%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

United States trade policy affects our ability to purchase domestic solar panels.

One of the effects of the United States tariffs on imported solar panels, including solar panels from China, is an increased demand for products manufactured in the United States which may affect both our ability to purchase solar panels and the price and other terms at which solar panels are available to us. Because of the increased demand for domestically manufactured solar panels, we cannot assure you that, if we seek to purchase solar panels from Renewable Energy Development, a New York-based company, it will have the capacity to fill our orders at a commercially reasonable price or that we will be able to purchase solar panels from other suppliers at a reasonable cost. Our inability to obtain domestically produced solar panels can impair our ability to generate revenue and maintain reasonable gross margins.

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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