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.

HUMBL disclosed 29 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. HUMBL reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2023

Risk Distribution

59% Finance & Corporate

14% Tech & Innovation

14% Ability to Sell

7% Production

3% Legal & Regulatory

3% 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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HUMBL Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q4, 2023

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 17 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 17 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

-10

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

-10

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

10Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Dec 2023

0Risks added

10Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Dec 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 HUMBL 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 29

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 17/29 (59%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights7 | 24.1%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Some provisions of our charter documents and Delaware law may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage an acquisition of us by others, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or increase the cost of acquiring us, even if doing so would benefit our stockholders, or remove our current management. These include provisions that: - permit our Board of Directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with any rights, preferences and privileges as it may designate, of which we have designated 7,000,000 Series A preferred stock with 1,000 votes per share, all of which are held by Brian Foote, our CEO; issue 570,000 Series B preferred stock with 10,000 votes per share 371,913 of which are issued and outstanding; issue 20,000 Series C preferred stock 12,230 of which are issued and outstanding. - provide that all vacancies on our Board of Directors, including as a result of newly created directorships, may, except as otherwise required by law, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum;- not provide for cumulative voting rights, thereby allowing the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors to elect all of the directors standing for election;- provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called by a majority of the Board of Directors; and - provide that our Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the bylaws. These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our Board of Directors, who are responsible for appointing the members of our management. Any provision of our articles of incorporation or bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

If we do not meet the listing standards of a national securities exchange our investors' ability to make transactions in our securities will be limited, and we will be subject to additional trading restrictions.

Our securities currently are traded over-the-counter on OTC Pink and are not qualified to be listed on a national securities exchange, such as NASDAQ. Accordingly, we face significant material adverse consequences, including: - a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;- reduced liquidity with respect to our securities;- our shares of common stock are currently classified as "penny stock" which requires brokers trading in our shares of common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our shares of common stock;- a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and - a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as "covered securities." Since our Common Stock is traded on OTC Pink, our common stock is a covered security. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal statute allows the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. Further, if we were no longer traded over-the-counter, our common stock would not be a covered security and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

We are an "emerging growth company," and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are an "emerging growth company" as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended, or the JOBS Act, and we intend to take advantage of some of the exemptions from reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including: - being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" disclosure;- not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting;- not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor's report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements;- reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; and - not being required to hold a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or obtain stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Further, the JOBS Act permits an "emerging growth company" such as us to take advantage of an extended transition time to comply with new or revised accounting standards as applicable to public companies. We are choosing to elect the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have elected the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act until the earlier of the date we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non- affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30 and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

Our bylaws include a forum selection clause, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us, remove current management or to be acquired by a third party.

Our bylaws require that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, either (i) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is to be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or our bylaws or (d) any action or proceeding asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine or (ii) the federal district court in the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for a cause of action arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. In addition, our bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or to remove current management through provisions that preclude cumulative voting in the election of directors and that allow our bylaws to be adopted, amended or repealed by our board of directors. This exclusive forum provision will apply to other state and federal law claims including actions arising under the Securities Act (although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder). Section 22 of the Securities Act, however, 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. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a forum selection provision as written in connection with claims arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock is deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions. This forum selection provision in our bylaws may limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us. It is also possible that, notwithstanding the forum selection clause included in our bylaws, a court could rule that such a provision is inapplicable or unenforceable.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

The price of our common stock may become volatile, which could lead to losses by investors and costly securities litigation.

The trading price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate in response to factors such as: - actual or anticipated variations in our operating results; - announcements of developments by us or our competitors; - regulatory actions regarding our products; - announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; - adoption of new accounting standards affecting our industry;- additions or departures of key personnel; - introduction of new products by us or our competitors; - sales of our common stock or other securities in the open market; and - other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control. The stock market is subject to significant price and volume fluctuations. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against such a company. Litigation initiated against us, whether or not successful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of its management's attention and resources, which could harm our business and financial condition.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6

Because we became public by means of a merger, we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms.

Additional risks may exist since we became public through a merger with a publicly traded company. Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of us since there is little incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common stock. No assurance can be given that brokerage firms will want to conduct any secondary offerings on behalf in the future.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7

Our securities are "Penny Stock" and subject to specific rules governing their sale to investors.

Under SEC Rule 15g-9 we are a "penny stock," which is defined as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks; and the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. To approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person; and make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks. The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the "penny stock" rules. This may make it more difficult for Company's shareholders to sell shares of our common stock. Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.

Accounting & Financial Operations4 | 13.8%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Our financial results fluctuate and may be difficult to forecast, and this may cause a decline in the trading price of our stock.

Our revenues, expenses and operating results are difficult to predict given our limited history of current operations. We expect that our operating results will continue to fluctuate in the future due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to: - our ability to increase our brand awareness; - our ability to attract new customers; - our ability to increase our customer base; - the amount and timing of costs relating to the expansion of our operations, including sales and marketing expenditures; - our ability to introduce new mobile payment offerings or customer services in a competitive environment; - technical difficulties consumers might encounter in using our mobile apps; and - our ability to manage third-party outsourced operations; Due to all of these factors, our operating results may fall below the expectations of investors, which could cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or detect fraud. Consequently, investors could lose confidence in our financial reporting and this may decrease the trading price of our stock.

We must maintain effective internal controls to provide reliable financial reports and detect fraud. We have been assessing our internal controls to identify areas that need improvement. Failure to identify and thereafter implement required changes to our internal controls or any others that we identify as necessary to maintain an effective system of internal controls, if any, could harm our operating results and cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. Any such loss of confidence would have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

Because we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future, capital appreciation, if any, will be your sole source of gain.

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. In addition, the terms of any future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our securities will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4

Our operating losses and working capital deficiency raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we do not continue as a going concern, investors could lose their entire investment.

Our operating losses and working capital deficiency raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We have an accumulated deficit of $(103,241,196) as of December 31, 2023 as well as a net loss of $4,022,449 and $48,567,938 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We may never achieve profitability. If we do not generate sufficient revenues, do not achieve profitability and do not have other sources of financing for our business, we may have to curtail or cease our development plans and operations, which could cause investors to lose the entire amount of their investment.

Debt & Financing2 | 6.9%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

We may not be able to raise capital when needed, if at all, which would force us to delay, reduce or eliminate our level of marketing efforts to expand the number of customers and merchants using our products and acquisition of suitable target companies and could cause our business plan to fail.

We will need substantial additional funding to increase our customer base and pursue our acquisition of companies and business units that meet our desired standards. There are no assurances that future funding will be available on favorable terms or at all. The failure to fund our operating and capital requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we could be forced to reduce our efforts to enlist more customers and merchants to use our technology and to delay, reduce or eliminate our acquisition strategy. Any of these events could significantly harm our business, financial condition and prospects.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

If we do not begin to generate significant revenues, we will still need to raise additional capital to meet our long-term business requirements. Any such capital raising may be costly or difficult to obtain and would likely dilute current stockholders' ownership interests. If we are unable to secure additional financing in the future, we will not be able to continue as a going concern.

If we do not begin to generate significant revenues from our operations we will need additional capital, which may not be available on reasonable terms or at all. The raising of additional capital will dilute current stockholders' ownership interests. We may need to raise additional funds through public or private debt or equity financings to meet various objectives including, but not limited to: - maintaining enough working capital to run our business; - pursuing growth opportunities, including more rapid expansion; - acquiring complementary businesses and technologies; - making capital improvements to improve our infrastructure; - responding to competitive pressures; - complying with regulatory requirements for advertising or taxation; and - maintaining compliance with applicable laws. Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-linked securities may dilute current stockholders' ownership percentages and could also result in a decrease in the fair market value of our equity securities because our assets would be owned by a larger pool of outstanding equity. The terms of those securities issued by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors, and may include preferences, superior voting rights and the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have a further dilutive effect that is different from or in addition to that reflected in the capitalization described in this report. Further, any additional debt or equity financing that we may need may not be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If we are unable to obtain required additional capital, we may have to curtail our growth plans or cut back on existing business and we may not be able to continue operating if we do not generate sufficient revenues from operations needed to stay in business. We may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, securities law compliance fees and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which may adversely impact our financial condition.

Corporate Activity and Growth4 | 13.8%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

We have an evolving business model with still untested growth initiatives.

We have an evolving business model and intend to implement new strategies to grow our business in the future. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in developing new product categories or in entering new specialty markets or in implementing any other growth strategies. Similarly, there can be no assurance that we already have or will be able to obtain or retain any employees, consultants or other resources with any specialized skills or relationships to successfully implement our strategies in the future.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

Our potential for rapid growth and our entry into new markets make it difficult for us to evaluate our current and future business prospects, and we may be unable to effectively manage any growth associated with these new markets, which may increase the risk of your investment and could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

Our entry into new markets as we seek to expand globally the adoption of our products and services may place a significant strain on our resources and increase demands on our executive management, personnel and systems, and our operational, administrative and financial resources may be inadequate. We may also not be able to effectively manage any expanded operations or achieve planned growth on a timely or profitable basis, particularly if the number of customers using our technology significantly increases or their demands and needs change as our business expands. If we are unable to manage expanded operations effectively, we may experience operating inefficiencies, the quality of our products and services could deteriorate, and our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3

We are growing the size of our organization, and we may experience difficulties in managing any growth we may achieve.

As of the date of this annual report, we have 8 full-time employees. As our growth plans proceed and development and commercialization plans and strategies develop, we expect to need additional development, managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial, accounting, legal, and other resources. Future growth would impose significant added responsibilities on members of management. Our management may not be able to accommodate those added responsibilities, and our failure to do so could prevent us from effectively managing future growth, if any, and successfully growing our Company.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4

We may acquire other assets or businesses, or form collaborations or make investments in other companies or technologies that could harm our operating results, dilute our stockholders' ownership, increase our debt or cause us to incur significant expense.

As part of our business strategy, we may pursue acquisitions of businesses and assets or enter into strategic alliances and collaborations, to initiate and then expand our operations. We may not identify or complete these transactions in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis, or at all, and we may not realize the anticipated benefits of any such transaction, any of which could have a detrimental effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We have limited experience with acquiring other companies and assets and limited experience with forming strategic alliances and collaborations. We may not be able to find suitable acquisition candidates, and if we make any acquisitions, we may not be able to integrate these acquisitions successfully into our existing business and we may incur additional debt or assume unknown or contingent liabilities in connection therewith. Integration of an acquired company or assets may also disrupt ongoing operations, require the hiring of additional personnel and the implementation of additional internal systems and infrastructure, especially the acquisition of commercial assets, and require management resources that would otherwise focus on developing our existing business. We may not be able to find suitable strategic alliance or collaboration partners or identify other investment opportunities, and we may experience losses related to any such investments. To finance any acquisitions or collaborations, we may choose to issue debt or equity securities as consideration. Any such issuance of securities would dilute the ownership of our stockholders. If the price of our common stock is low or volatile, we may not be able to acquire other assets or companies or fund a transaction using our stock as consideration. Alternatively, it may be necessary for us to raise additional funds for acquisitions through public or private financings. Additional funds may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, or at all.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 4/29 (14%)Below Sector Average

Innovation / R&D1 | 3.4%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

Our expansion into new products, services, technologies, and geographic regions subjects us to additional risks.

We may have limited or no experience in our newer markets, and our customers may not adopt our product or service offerings. These offerings, which can present new and difficult technology challenges, may subject us to claims if customers of these offerings experience service disruptions or failures or other quality issues. In addition, profitability, if any, in our newer activities may not meet our expectations, and we may not be successful enough in these newer activities to recoup our investments in them. Failure to realize the benefits of amounts we invest in new technologies, products, or services could result in the value of those investments being written down or written off.

Trade Secrets1 | 3.4%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

Any failure to protect our future intellectual property rights could impair our ability to protect our technology and our brand.

Our success depends in part on our ability to enforce our intellectual property and other proprietary rights of the companies we expect to acquire. We expect to rely upon a combination of trademark and trade secret laws, as well as license and other contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights. These laws, procedures and restrictions provide only limited protection and any of our intellectual property rights may be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, infringed or misappropriated. To the extent that our intellectual property and other proprietary rights are not adequately protected, third parties may gain access to our proprietary information, develop and market solutions similar to ours or use trademarks similar to ours, each of which could materially harm our business. The failure to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Cyber Security1 | 3.4%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

We are subject to cybersecurity risks and risks of data loss or other security breaches.

Our business involves the storage and transmission of users' proprietary information, and security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, and to resulting claims, fines, and litigation. We have been subjected to a variety of cyber-attacks, which have increased in number and variety over time. We believe our systems are probed by potential hackers virtually 24/7, and we expect the problem will continue to grow worse over time. Cyber-attacks may target us, our customers, our suppliers, banks, credit card processors, delivery services, e-commerce in general or the communication infrastructure on which we depend. Any compromise of our security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, and a loss of confidence in our security measures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and business. Moreover, any insurance coverage we may carry may be inadequate to cover the expenses and other potential financial exposure we could face as a result of a cyber-attack or data breach.

Technology1 | 3.4%

Technology - Risk 1

If we do not respond to rapid technological changes, our services could become obsolete and we could lose customers.

To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve the functionality and features of our e-commerce businesses. We may face material delays in introducing new services, products and enhancements. If this happens, our customers may forego the use of our websites and use those of our competitors. If competitors introduce new products and services using new technologies or if new industry standards and practices emerge, our existing technology and systems may become obsolete. Our failure to respond to technological change or to adequately maintain, upgrade and develop our computer network and the systems used to process customers' orders and payments could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 4/29 (14%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 3.4%

Competition - Risk 1

We may not be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors including larger, well-established and well-financed mobile app companies.

Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition and significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. In addition, some of our competitors may be able to devote greater resources to marketing and promotional campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing and devote substantially more resources to systems development than we do. Increased competition may result in reduced operating margins, loss of market share and a diminished brand franchise. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors.

Sales & Marketing1 | 3.4%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

Our business depends on effective marketing, including marketing via email and social networking messaging, and we intend to increase our spending on marketing and branding, which may adversely affect our financial results.

We depend on effective marketing to attract customers and merchants. We depend on email and social networking messaging to promote our site and offerings and to generate a substantial portion of our revenues. If we are unable to develop, implement and maintain effective and efficient cost-effective advertising and marketing programs, it would have a material adverse effect on our financial results and business. Further, as part of our growth strategies, we intend to increase our spending on marketing and branding initiatives significantly, which may adversely affect our financial results. There is no assurance that any increase in our marketing or branding expenditures will result in increased market shares or will ultimately have a positive effect on our financial results.

Brand / Reputation2 | 6.9%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

Use of social media may adversely impact our reputation.

There has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms and similar devices, including blogs, social media websites and other forms of internet-based communications that allow individuals access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. Consumers value readily available information concerning retailers, manufacturers, and their goods and services and often act on such information without further investigation, authentication and without regard to its accuracy. The availability of information on social media platforms and devices is virtually immediate as is its impact. Social media platforms and devices immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. The opportunity for dissemination of information, including inaccurate information, is seemingly limitless and readily available. Information concerning our company may be posted on such platforms and devices at any time. Information posted may be adverse to our interests, may be inaccurate, and may harm our performance, prospects or business. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. Such platforms also could be used for the dissemination of trade secret information or otherwise compromise valuable company assets, all of which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Brand / Reputation - Risk 2

If we are unable to develop and maintain our brand and reputation for our service and product offerings, our business and prospects could be materially harmed.

Our business and prospects depend, in part, on developing and then maintaining and strengthening our brand and reputation in the markets we will serve and for the companies we acquire. If problems arise with our future products or services, our brand and reputation could be diminished. If we fail to develop, promote and maintain our brand and reputation successfully, our business and prospects could be materially harmed.

Production

Total Risks: 2/29 (7%)Below Sector Average

Employment / Personnel1 | 3.4%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Our plans for expansion cannot be implemented if we lose our key personnel or cannot recruit additional personnel.

We depend substantially on the continued services, specialized knowledge and performance of our senior management, particularly Brian Foote, our President and CEO, and Jeffrey Hinshaw, our COO and CFO. While we have employment agreements with all these executives, those employment agreements do not prevent such employees from terminating their employment with us at any time. As a result, these executives may elect to pursue other opportunities at any time. If one or more of these individuals choose to leave our company, we may lose a significant number of supplier relationships and operating expertise which they have developed over many years and which would be difficult to replace. The loss of the services of any executive officer or other key employee could hurt our business. In addition, as our business expands, we will need to add new information technology and engineering personnel to maintain and expand our website and systems and customer support personnel to serve our growing customer base. If we are unable to hire and successfully train employees or contractors in these areas, users of our website may have negative experiences and we may lose customers, which would diminish the value of our brand and harm our business. The market for recruiting qualified information technology and other personnel is extremely competitive, and we may experience difficulties in attracting and retaining employees. Should we fail to retain or attract qualified personnel, we may not be able to compete successfully or implement our plans for expansion.

Supply Chain1 | 3.4%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

We rely on third-party systems to conduct our business and relationships with payment processors, advertisers, third party sellers of our mobile apps, and our revenues and market share may decrease if these third-party relationship and systems are unavailable in the future or if they no longer offer quality performance.

We rely on third-party computer systems and third-party service providers, including payment services such as Stripe, for credit card verifications and confirmations, to host our website and to advertise and deliver the products sold on our website to customers. We also rely on third-party licenses for components of the software underlying our technology platform. Any interruption in our ability to obtain the products or services of these or other third parties or deterioration in their performance could impair the timing and quality of our own service. If our service providers fail to deliver high-quality services in a timely manner to our customers, our services will not meet the expectations of our customers and our reputation and brand will be damaged. Furthermore, if our arrangements with any of these third parties are terminated, we may not find an alternate source of systems support on a timely basis or on terms as advantageous to us. In addition, our contracts or arrangements with suppliers do not provide for the continuation of particular pricing practices, for the availability of any specific services and generally may be terminated by either party. If we are unable to develop and maintain relationships with these third-party suppliers that will allow us to obtain sufficient levels of service on acceptable commercial terms, such inability could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 1/29 (3%)Below Sector Average

Regulation1 | 3.4%

Regulation - Risk 1

Applicable regulatory requirements, including those contained in and issued under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, may make it difficult for us to retain or attract qualified officers and directors, which could adversely affect the management of our business and our ability to obtain or retain listing of our common stock.

As a fully reporting company under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, we may be unable to attract and retain those qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required to provide for effective management because of the rules and regulations that govern publicly held companies, including, but not limited to, certifications by principal executive officers. The enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act has resulted in the issuance of a series of related rules and regulations and the strengthening of existing rules and regulations by the SEC, as well as the adoption of new and more stringent rules by the stock exchanges. The perceived increased personal risk associated with these changes may deter qualified individuals from accepting roles as directors and executive officers. Further, some of these changes heighten the requirements for board or committee membership, particularly with respect to an individual's independence from the corporation and level of experience in finance and accounting matters. We may have difficulty attracting and retaining directors with the requisite qualifications. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified officers and directors, the management of our business and its ability to obtain or retain listing of our shares of common stock on any stock exchange (assuming we elect to seek and are successful in obtaining such listing) could be adversely affected.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 1/29 (3%)Below Sector Average

Capital Markets1 | 3.4%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

Current global financial conditions have been characterized by increased volatility which could negatively impact our business, prospects, liquidity and financial condition.

Current global financial conditions and recent market events have been characterized by increased volatility and the resulting tightening of the credit and capital markets has reduced the amount of available liquidity and overall economic activity. We cannot guarantee that debt or equity financing, the ability to borrow funds or cash generated by operations will be available or sufficient to meet or satisfy our initiatives, objectives or requirements. Our inability to access sufficient amounts of capital on terms acceptable to us for our operations will negatively impact our business, prospects, liquidity and financial condition.

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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