(1) We are exposed to risks from our diverse and expanding range of products and services, acquisitions of companies and assets, entry into joint ventures and alliances and similar activities with uncertain outcomes
We are engaged in a broad range of businesses in Japan and overseas and continue to expand such range, including through acquisitions of companies and businesses. The breadth of our business and continued expansion may expose us to new and complex risks that we may be unable to fully control or foresee, and, as a result, we may incur unexpected and potentially substantial costs or losses. Such unexpected costs and losses, which may result from regulatory, technological or other factors, may be particularly acute when we expand our business through acquisitions. In addition, we may not achieve targeted results if our business or business opportunities do not develop as expected or if competitive pressures undermine profitability. Furthermore, when we acquire companies or businesses to expand our business, we could be required to make large write-downs of goodwill or other assets if the results of operations of an acquired company or business are lower than what we expected at the time we made such acquisition.
We have a wide range of investments in business operations, including operations that are very different from our financial services business. If we fail to manage our investee companies effectively, we may experience financial losses as well as losses of future business opportunities. In addition, we may not be able to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at the times or prices we initially expected or at all. We may also need to provide financial support, including credit support or equity investments, to some investee companies if their financial condition deteriorates.
From time to time we also enter into joint ventures and other alliances, and the success of these alliances is often dependent upon the operational capabilities, the financial stability and the legal environment of our counterparties. If an alliance suffers a decline in its financial condition or is subject to operational instability because of a change in applicable laws or regulations, we may be required to pay in additional capital, reduce our investment at a loss, or terminate the alliance.
If any such events occur, our business activities, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
(2) We are exposed to risks related to asset value volatility
In the management of our businesses, we hold various classes of assets and investments, including real estate, aircraft, ships and other assets in Japan and overseas, which we may hold for our own use or lease to our customers. The market values of these assets and investments may be volatile and may decline substantially in the future.
Asset valuation losses are recorded based on the fair market values at the time when revaluation is conducted in accordance with applicable accounting principles. However, losses from the sale of these assets, including as a result of a sudden need for liquidity or to mitigate an adverse credit event at one of our customers, may exceed the amount of recorded valuation losses.
We estimate the residual value for certain operating leases at the time of contract. Our estimates of the residual value of equipment are based on current market values of used equipment and assumptions about when and to what extent the equipment will become obsolete; however, we may need to recognize additional valuation losses if our estimates differ from actual trends in equipment valuation and the secondhand market, and we may incur losses if we are unable to collect such estimated residual amounts.
In addition, due to our operation of asset management businesses, if there are changes in the market value of asset such as shares and other securities, it could affect the results of our asset management services, which could lead to reductions in our assets under management and related fees and negatively impact our revenue.
If any event described above occurs, our business activities, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
(3) Risks related to our other businesses
We operate a wide range of businesses in Japan and overseas, including financial services businesses.
Entry into new businesses, and the results of operations following such entry, are accompanied by various uncertainties, and if any unanticipated risk does occur, it may adversely affect our business activities, financial condition and results of operations.