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.
JX Luxventure disclosed 65 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. JX Luxventure reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q4, 2023
Risk Distribution
31% Finance & Corporate
25% Legal & Regulatory
14% Tech & Innovation
12% Production
11% Ability to Sell
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
2020
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
JX Luxventure 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 20 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 20 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
65
+3
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
65
+3
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
5Risks added
2Risks removed
3Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
5Risks added
2Risks removed
3Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
Number of Risk Changed
3
-6
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
3
-6
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of JX Luxventure 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 65
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 20/65 (31%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights10 | 15.4%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Holders of our securities may face difficulties in protecting their interests because we are incorporated under the Republic of the Marshall Islands law.
We are a company incorporated under the laws of the Marshall Islands. Holders of shares of our common stock do not own equity securities of our subsidiaries that have substantive business operations in China, but instead are holders of equity securities of a Marshall Islands holding company. Such structure involves unique risks to investors holding shares of our common stock. Although we own and control our PRC operating subsidiaries, investors holding shares of our common stock may never hold equity interests directly in our operating entities. Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow this holding company structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and/or a material change in the value of our securities, including that it could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless. In addition, almost all of our assets are located outside the United States, and majority of our directors and officers, and their assets, are located outside of the United States. As a result, investors may have difficulty serving legal process within the United States upon us or any of these persons. Investors may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside the United States, judgments you may obtain in U.S. courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state securities laws. They may also have difficulty bringing an original action in the appropriate court of the Marshall Islands to enforce liabilities against us or any person based upon the U.S. federal securities laws.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
You may have difficulty enforcing judgments against us.
Most of our assets are located outside of the United States and most of our current operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition, most of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. A substantial portion of the assets of these persons is located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S. courts judgments on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors, most of whom are not residents in the United States and the substantial majority of whose assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts. Courts in China may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other arrangements that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments with the United States. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security, or the public interest. So, it is uncertain whether a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
The disclosures in our reports and other filings with the SEC and our other public pronouncements will not be subject to the scrutiny of any regulatory bodies in the PRC. Accordingly, our public disclosure should be reviewed in light of the fact that no governmental agency that is located in China where all of our operations and business are located have conducted any due diligence on our operations or reviewed or cleared any of our disclosure.
Unlike public reporting companies whose operations are located primarily in the United States, however, all of our operations will be located in China. Since substantially all of our operations and business takes place in China, it may be more difficult for the Staff of the SEC to overcome the geographic and cultural obstacles that are present when reviewing our disclosure. These same obstacles are not present for similar companies whose operations or business take place entirely or primarily in the United States. Furthermore, our SEC reports and other disclosure and public pronouncements are not subject to the review or scrutiny of any PRC regulatory authority. For example, the disclosure in our SEC reports and other filings are not subject to the review of the CSRC, a PRC regulator that is tasked with oversight of the capital markets in China. Accordingly, you should review our SEC reports, filings and our other public pronouncements with the understanding that no local regulator has done any due diligence on our company and with the understanding that none of our SEC reports, other filings or any of our other public pronouncements has been reviewed or otherwise been scrutinized by any local regulator.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
The Nasdaq Capital Market imposes listing standards on our Common Stock that may be difficult to fulfill, thereby leading to a possible delisting of our Common Stock. We are currently facing such risk.
Our Common Stock is traded and listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "JXJT." We are required to comply with all continued listing requirements, including among other things, a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share of Common Stock (the "Minimum Bid Requirement"), minimum shareholder' equity. certain major corporate transactions, the composition of our Board of Directors and committees thereof. The failure to meet these Nasdaq Capital Market continued listing requirements may result in the delisting of our Common Stock from the Nasdaq Capital Market, which could adversely affect the liquidity and market price thereof. In the past, the Company's common stock felt below the Minimum Bid Requirement. On October 24, 2022, the Company received its first letter (the "Notice") from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") notifying the Company that, based upon the closing bid price of its common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days preceding the Notice, the Company was not in compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement. The Notice provided the Company a period of 180 calendar days from the date of the Notice, or until April 24, 2023. The Company effected a Reverse Stock Split on April 26, 2023, but did not regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement by April 24, 2023. On April 25, 2023, the Company received the determination letter from Nasdaq (the "Determination Letter") that it failed to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement. On April 26, 2023, the Company submitted a request for a hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel to present its plan to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement. On May 23, 2023, Nasdaq notified the Company in its compliance letter (the "Compliance Letter") that it regained compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement and that the hearing previously scheduled for May 25, 2023 (the hearing was related to regaining compliance with the Minimum Bid Requirement) has been canceled. The Compliance Letter also stated that the Company is in compliance with all applicable listing standards and that its stock will continue to be listed and traded on Nasdaq.
We also cannot ensure you that we will continue to comply with all requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market in the future. If we fail to maintain these Nasdaq listing requirements, our Common Stock will be delisted. If our Common Stock is no longer listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, our shares would likely trade on the over-the-counter market. If our shares were to trade on the over-the-counter market, selling our shares could be more difficult because smaller quantities of shares would likely be bought and sold, transactions could be delayed, and security analysts' coverage of us may be reduced. In addition, in the event our shares are delisted, broker-dealers have certain regulatory burdens imposed upon them, which may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our shares, further limiting the liquidity of our shares. These factors could result in lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for our shares. Such delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market and continued or further declines in our share price could also greatly impair our ability to raise additional necessary capital through equity or debt financing, and could significantly increase the ownership dilution to shareholders caused by our issuing equity in financing or other transactions.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
If we were delisted from Nasdaq, we may become subject to the trading complications experienced by "Penny Stocks" in the over-the-counter market.
Delisting from Nasdaq may cause our shares of Common Stock to become the SEC's "penny stock" rules. The SEC generally defines a penny stock as an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to specific exemptions. One such exemption is to be listed on Nasdaq. The market price of our Common Stock is currently higher than $1.00 per share. However, because the daily trading volume in our Common Stock is very low, significant price movement can be caused by the trading in a relatively small number of shares. Therefore, were we to be delisted from Nasdaq Capital Market, our Common Stock may become subject to the SEC's "penny stock" rules. These rules require, among other things, that any broker engaging in a purchase or sale of our securities provide its customers with: (i) a risk disclosure document, (ii) disclosure of market quotations, if any, (iii) disclosure of the compensation of the broker and its salespersons in the transaction and (iv) monthly account statements showing the market values of our securities held in the customer's accounts. A broker would be required to provide the bid and offer quotations and compensation information before effecting the transaction. This information must be contained on the customer's confirmation. Generally, brokers are less willing to effect transactions in penny stocks due to these additional delivery requirements. These requirements may make it more difficult for shareholders to purchase or sell our shares. Because the broker, not us, prepares this information, we would not be able to assure that such information is accurate, complete or current.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
The market price of our Common Stock may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance based on numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control.
There are numerous additional factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause the market price of our Common Stock to fluctuate significantly. These factors include:
- our earnings releases, actual or anticipated changes in our earnings, fluctuations in our operating results or our failure to meet the expectations of financial market analysts and investors;- the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in these projections or our failure to meet these projections;- actions of securities analysts who initiate or maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by any securities analysts who follow our Company, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;- price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market, including as a result of trends in the economy as a whole; speculation about our business in the press or the investment community;- significant developments relating to our relationships with our customers or suppliers;- customer demand for our products;- investor perceptions of our industry in general and our company in particular;- the operating and stock performance of comparable companies;- general economic conditions and trends;- major catastrophic events;- announcements by us or our competitors of new products, significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or divestitures;- changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretation or principles;- loss of external funding sources;- sales of our shares, including sales by our directors, officers or significant shareholders; and - additions or departures of key personnel.
Securities class action litigation is often instituted against companies following periods of volatility in their share price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs to us and divert our management's attention and resources. Moreover, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations for reasons unrelated to operating performance of particular companies. For example, in July 2008, the securities markets in the United States, China and other jurisdictions experienced the largest decline in share prices since September 2001. These market fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our shares and other interests in our company at a time when you want to sell your interest in us.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they publish a negative report regarding our Common Stock, the price of our Common Stock and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Common Stock may depend in part on the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade us, the price of our Common Stock would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the price of our Common Stock and the trading volume to decline.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
We are a "foreign private issuer" and have disclosure obligations that are different than those of U.S. domestic reporting companies. Therefore, you should not expect to receive the same information about us as a U.S. domestic reporting company may provide. Furthermore, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards; these practices may afford less protection to stockholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.
We are a foreign private issuer. As a result, we are not subject to certain of the requirements imposed upon U.S. domestic issuers by the SEC. For example, we are not required by the SEC or the federal securities laws to issue quarterly reports or file proxy statements with the SEC. We are also required to file our annual report on Form 20-F with the SEC within four months of our fiscal year end. We are also not required to disclose certain detailed information regarding executive compensation that is required from U.S. domestic issuers. Further, our directors and executive officers are not required to report equity holdings under Section 16 of the Securities Act. As a foreign private issuer, we are also exempt from the requirements of Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) which, generally, are meant to ensure that select groups of investors are not privy to specific information about an issuer before other investors. We are, however, still subject to the anti-fraud and anti-manipulation rules of the SEC, such as Rule 10b-5. Since many of the disclosure obligations required of us as a foreign private issuer are different than those required by U.S. domestic reporting companies, our shareholders should not expect to receive all of the same types of information about us and at the same time as information is received from, or provided by, U.S. domestic reporting companies. We are liable for violations of the rules and regulations of the SEC, which do apply to us as a foreign private issuer. Violations of these rules could affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
As a foreign private issuer, we are also permitted to rely on exemptions from certain NASDAQ corporate governance standards applicable to domestic U.S. issuers. This may afford less protection to holders of our securities.
We are exempted from certain corporate governance requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market by virtue of being a foreign private issuer. As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to follow the governance practices of our home country, the Republic of the Marshall Islands in lieu of certain corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq. As result, the standards applicable to us are considerably different than the standards applied to domestic U.S. issuers. For instance, we are not required to:
- have a compensation committee and a nominating committee to be comprised solely of "independent directors; and - hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of the Company's fiscal year-end.
As a result, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
Future sales or perceived sales of our shares of Common Stock could depress our stock price.
As of the date of this Annual Report, we have 6,063,192 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Many of these shares were either recently registered in the registration statements on Form S-8 pursuant to our equity incentive plans or will become eligible for sale in the public market, subject to limitations imposed by Rule 144 under the Securities Act. If the holders of these shares were to attempt to sell a substantial amount of their holdings at once, the market price of our Common Stock could decline. Moreover, the perceived risk of this potential dilution could cause shareholders to attempt to sell their shares and investors to short the Common Stock, a practice in which an investor sells shares that he or she does not own at prevailing market prices, hoping to purchase shares later at a lower price to cover the sale. As each of these events would cause the number of shares of our Common Stock being offered for sale to increase, the market price of our Common Stock would likely further decline. All of these events could combine to make it very difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
Provisions of our articles of incorporation may impede a takeover or make it more difficult for shareholders to change the direction or management of the Company, which could reduce shareholders' opportunity to influence management of the Company.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the "Restated Articles") permit our Board to issue up to five million shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.0001 (the "Preferred Stock") from time to time, with such rights and preferences as they consider appropriate. These terms may include voting rights including the right to vote as a series on particular matters, preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion rights and redemption rights provisions. The issuance of any preferred stock could reduce the value of our Common Stock. In addition, specific rights granted to future holders of preferred stock, including voting rights and conversion rights, could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell assets to, a third party. As of the date of this Annual Report, the Company has created and designated the following series of the Preferred Stock: (i) Series A Convertible Preferred Stock: (ii) Series B Participating Preferred Stock; (iii) Series C Convertible Preferred Stock; and (iv) Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. Sun Lei, our Chief Executive Officer, Interim Financial Officer, co-chairwoman and director, holds 150,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock that are convertible into 75,000 shares of our Common Stock, 1,240,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, convertible into 124,000 shares of Common Stock, and 80,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, convertible into 104,000 shares of Common Stock. The ability of the Board to issue preferred stock could make it more difficult, delay, discourage, prevent or make it more costly to acquire or effect a change-in-control, which in turn could prevent shareholders from recognizing a gain in the event that a favorable offer is extended and could materially and negatively affect the market price of shares of our Common Stock.
Accounting & Financial Operations5 | 7.7%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our shares. Accordingly, investors must be prepared to rely on sales of their shares after price appreciation to earn an investment return, which may never occur. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our shares. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board, and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable laws, and other factors the Board deems relevant.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Our holding company structure may limit the payment of dividends.
We have no direct business operations other than the ownership of our subsidiaries. While we have no current intention of paying dividends, should we decide in the future to do so, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends and meet other obligations depend upon the receipts of dividends or other payments from our operating subsidiaries, other holdings, and investments. In addition, our operating subsidiaries, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to us, including as a result of restrictive covenants in loan agreements, restrictions on the conversion of local currency into U.S. dollars or other hard currency, and other regulatory restrictions as discussed below. If future dividends are paid in RMB, fluctuations in the exchange rate for conversion of RMB into U.S. dollars may reduce the amount received by the U.S. stockholders upon conversion of dividend payments into U.S. dollars.
Chinese regulations currently permit the payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Our subsidiaries in China are also required to set aside a portion of their after tax profits to fund certain reserve funds according to the Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Currently, our subsidiaries in China are the only sources of revenues or investment holdings for the payment of dividends. If they do not accumulate sufficient profits under Chinese accounting standards and regulations to satisfy certain reserve funds as required by the Chinese accounting standards, we will be unable to pay any dividends.
After-tax profits/losses with respect to the payment of dividends from accumulated profits and the annual appropriation of after-tax profits as calculated pursuant to the Chinese accounting standards and regulations do not result in significant differences as compared to after-tax earnings as presented in our financial statements. However, there are certain differences between PRC accounting standards and regulations and IFRS, arising from different treatment of items such as amortization of intangible assets and change in fair value of contingent consideration rising from business combinations.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
The custodians or authorized users of our controlling non-tangible assets, including chops and seals, may fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or misuse these assets.
Under PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions, including agreements and contracts, are executed using the chop or seal of the signing entity or with the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with relevant PRC administration for market regulation. A company chop or seal may serve as the legal representation of the company towards third parties even when unaccompanied by a signature.
In order to secure the use of our chops and seals, we have established internal control procedures and rules for using these chops and seals. In any event that the chops and seals are intended to be used, the responsible personnel will submit the application, which will then be verified and approved by authorized employees in accordance with our internal control procedures and rules. In addition, in order to maintain the physical security of our chops, we generally have them stored in secured locations accessible only to authorized employees. Although we monitor such authorized employees, the procedures may not be sufficient to prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. There is a risk that our employees could abuse their authority, for example, by entering into a contract not approved by us or seeking to gain control of one of our subsidiaries. If any employee obtains, misuses or misappropriates our chops and seals or other controlling non-tangible assets for whatever reason, we could experience disruption to our normal business operations. We may have to take corporate or legal action, which could involve significant time and resources to resolve and divert management from our operations.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
The estimates of market opportunity and forecasts of market growth in this Annual Report may prove to be inaccurate. Even if the market in which we compete achieves the forecasted growth, our business could fail to grow at similar rates, if at all.
Market opportunity estimates and growth forecasts, including those we have generated ourselves, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates that may not prove to be accurate. The variables that go into the calculation of our addressable market size are subject to change over time, and there is no assurance that any target business customers covered by our market opportunity estimates will purchase our products at all or generate any particular level of revenue for us. Any expansion in our market depends on a number of factors, including the cost, performance, competition and perceived value associated with our products and services. Even if the market in which we compete meets the size estimates and growth forecasted, our business could fail to grow at similar rates, if at all, due to various factors, including failure to execute our growth plan, ineffective management over operations and adverse impact from negative publicity. Accordingly, the forecasts of market growth should not be taken as indicators of our future growth.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
We may be unable to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, and, as a result, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
We are subject to reporting obligations under the U.S. securities law. The SEC as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX 404"), adopted rules requiring every public company to include a management report on such company's internal control over financial reporting in its annual report, which must also contain management's assessment of the effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting. In addition, the independent registered public accounting firm auditing the financial statements of a company that is not a non-accelerated filer, emerging growth company or smaller reporting company under Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act must also attest to the operating effectiveness of the company's internal controls.
Failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could result in our inability to accurately report our financial results, prevent or detect fraud or provide timely and reliable financial and other information pursuant to the reporting obligations we have as a public company, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, it could cause our investors to lose confidence in the information we report, which could adversely affect our stock price.
Debt & Financing1 | 1.5%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Changed
We may rely on dividends and other distributions of equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. To the extent funds or assets in the business are in the PRC or are held by a PRC entity, the funds or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of the PRC due to interventions in or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on the ability of our company or the operating entities by the PRC government to transfer cash or assets outside the PRC"
We rely principally on dividends and other distributions of equity from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including for services of any debt we may incur. The PRC rules and regulations impose restrictions and limitations on transfer of cash on foreign exchange, our ability to transfer cash between entities, across borders and to U.S. investors, and our ability to distribute earnings from our subsidiaries to JX Luxventure Limited and holders of the common stock of the Company.
Our PRC subsidiaries' ability to distribute dividends is based upon their distributable earnings. Current PRC regulations permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to their respective shareholders only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our PRC subsidiaries, as a Foreign Invested Enterprise, or FIE, are required to draw 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a common reserve, which may stop drawing its after-tax profits if the aggregate balance of the common reserve has already accounted for over 50 percent of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us.
Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to distribute dividends or other payments to their respective shareholders could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business. To the extent cash or assets in the business is in the PRC/Hong Kong or a PRC/Hong Kong entity, the funds or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other use outside of the PRC/Hong Kong due to interventions in or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on the ability of you and your subsidiaries by the PRC government to transfer cash or assets.
In addition, the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of up to 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises are incorporated. Pursuant to the tax agreement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise may be reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10%. However, if the relevant tax authorities determine that our transactions or arrangements are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the reduced 5% withholding rate will apply to dividends received by our Hong Kong subsidiary from our PRC subsidiaries. This withholding tax will reduce the amount of dividends we may receive from our PRC subsidiaries.
Corporate Activity and Growth4 | 6.2%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business, financial condition and operating results could be harmed.
As we continue to expand our cross-border merchandise and tourism business, our continued growth could strain our existing resources, and we could experience ongoing challenges, including:
- managing our operational, administrative and financial capabilities and other resources; - managing our brand portfolio, including further expanding our products and services;- expanding marketing channels and deepening end customer outreaches;- staying abreast of the evolving industry demands and market developments and catering to end users' changing tastes of our business customers;- developing and applying technologies necessary to support our expanded operations;- effectively managing our supply chain;- responding to changes in the regulatory environment;- exploring new market opportunities; and - addressing other challenges resulting from our expansion.
All efforts to address the potential challenges on our way to expansion require significant managerial, financial and human resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to effectively or timely address operating difficulties and challenges to keep up with our growth. If we are unable to successfully address these difficulties, risks and uncertainties, our business, financial conditions and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Order cancelation as well as merchandise return and exchange policies may adversely affect our business and the results of operations.
We allow our business customers to cancel orders within a fixed amount of time after the payment and to return products, subject to our return policy. Our order cancelation rate and product return rate may fluctuate or even increase in the future due to various factors, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, as we diversify our marketing efforts and expand to more sales channels, our order cancelation rate and product return rate may further increase. Moreover, our products might be damaged during transit from time to time, especially during international transportation, which increases the return rate and harms our brands as well. If the rate of order cancelation or product returns increases significantly, our inventory turnovers and cash flow could be adversely affected, and thus harm our financial condition and operating results.
Moreover, we may be required by law to adopt new or amend existing return and exchange policies from time to time. In addition to regulatory requirements, we may also modify our return policies from time to time, which may result in customers' dissatisfaction or an increase in order cancelation or product returns rates.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
We may expand our business through acquisitions, investments or strategic alliances in the future, but we might not be able to successfully pursue synergy from acquisitions or to achieve the benefits we expect from recent and future investments, strategic alliances and acquisitions.
We may form strategic alliances or make strategic investments and acquisitions from time to time to complement and enhance our existing business. We may experience difficulties in integrating our operations with the newly invested or acquired businesses, implementing our strategies or achieving expected levels of revenues, profitability, productivity or other benefits. Moreover, if the businesses we acquire or invest in or our strategic alliances or partnerships do not subsequently generate the anticipated financial performance or if any goodwill impairment test triggering event occurs, we may need to revalue or write down the value of goodwill and other intangible assets in connection with such transactions, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we may not be able to identify appropriate strategic investment or alliance targets when it is necessary or desirable to make such acquisition or investment to remain competitive or to expand our business. Even if we identify an appropriate target, we may not be able to negotiate the terms of the transaction successfully. In the event that we do not have control over the companies in which we only have minority stake, we cannot ensure that these companies will at all times comply with applicable laws and regulations in their business operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
The expansion of our business may place significant strain on our personnel, management, financial systems and operational infrastructure and may impede our ability to meet any increased demand for our products. Any failure by us or our business partners to comply with product safety, labor, tax or other laws, or to provide safe conditions for our or their workers may damage our reputation and brand and harm our business.
Our products are subject to regulation by various governmental authorities in China. Such products could be in the future subject to potential recalls and other remedial actions. Product safety, labeling and licensing concerns, including consumer disclosure and warning regarding chemical exposure, may result in recall or suspended offering of products, which in turn could result in a material adverse effect on our operating results.
To accommodate the Company's growth, we will need to implement a variety of new and upgraded operational and financial systems, procedures, and controls, including improvements to our accounting and other internal management systems, by dedicating additional resources to our reporting and accounting function and improvements to our record keeping and contract tracking system. We will also need to recruit more personnel and train and manage our growing employee base. Furthermore, we will need to maintain and expand relationships with our current and future customers, suppliers, distributors and other third parties, and there is no guarantee that we will succeed.
We procure products from a variety of third-party suppliers, manufacturers and other business partners. If they fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may also face or get involved in litigations, which could increase our legal costs. In addition, other misconduct of our business partners such as failure to provide safe and humane working conditions could harm our reputation and business as well.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 16/65 (25%)Above Sector Average
Regulation13 | 20.0%
Regulation - Risk 1
If we fail to obtain requisite approvals or licenses or fail to comply with other regulatory requirements applicable to our operations, we may be subject to administrative penalties and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
Our business is subject to general business regulations governing cross-borders and tourism industries. We are also subject to supervision and regulation by the State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC and other relevant PRC government authorities and/or their relevant local counterparts. While we currently hold all licenses and permits required for our operations, we may be required to renew these licenses and permits upon their expiration or obtain new licenses or permits in the future as a result of our business expansion, changes of our operations, changes in laws and regulations applicable to us, or changes of interpretation from relevant authorities on such laws and regulations.
After consulting our PRC legal counsel, Beijing Dacheng Law Offices LLP (Haikou), we believe we and our PRC subsidiaries have obtained all necessary licenses and approvals required for our operations in China, including business licenses and VAT licenses for internet data center services, internet access services, domestic internet protocol virtual private network services, content delivery network services and information services.
However, any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with any of these requirements could result in damage to our reputation, a loss in business, and proceedings or actions against us which could be costly and disrupt our overall operations. We may also be contractually liable to indemnify and hold harmless third parties from the costs or consequences of noncompliance with any such laws or regulations. Any of these events may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 2
Changed
The Chinese government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which the operating entities conduct their business activities, may intervene or influence such operations at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could result in a material change in such operations and the value of shares of our Common Stock, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and any actual or alleged failure to comply with related laws and regulations regarding cybersecurity, information security, data privacy, and protection could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We face challenges from the evolving regulatory environment regarding cybersecurity, information security, privacy and data protection, and user attitude toward data privacy and protection. Recently, the Chinese government initiated a series of regulatory actions and made a number of public statements on the regulation of business operations in China. This included, among other actions, the adoption of new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and the expansion of efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. Because these statements and regulatory actions are new, it is highly uncertain (a) how soon legislative or administrative regulation-making bodies in China will respond to them, (b) what existing or new laws or regulations will be modified or promulgated, if any, or (c) what impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on the Company's daily business operations or our ability to accept foreign investments and continue listing our Common Stock on an U.S. securities exchange.
In particular, we face challenges from the evolving regulatory environment regarding cybersecurity, information security, privacy and data protection, and users' attitude toward data privacy and protection. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation. Any actual or alleged failure to comply with related laws and regulations regarding cybersecurity, information security, data privacy and protection could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations, and could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China promulgated the Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The Data Security Law sets forth data security and privacy related compliance obligations of entities and individuals carrying out data related activities. The Data Security Law also introduces a data classification and layered protection system based on the importance of data and the degree of impact on national security, public interests or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations if such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked or illegally acquired or used. In addition, the Data Security Law provides a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security, and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information.
On December 28, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China (the "CAC"), together with several other governmental authorities, jointly released the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which took effect on February 15, 2022. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, the purchase of network products and services by an operator of critical information infrastructure or the data processing activities of a network platform operator that affect or may affect national security will be subject to a cybersecurity review. In addition, network platform operators with personal information of over one million users shall be subject to cybersecurity review before listing in foreign countries. The competent governmental authorities may also initiate a cybersecurity review against the operators if the authorities believe that the network product or service or data processing activities of such operators affect or may affect national security. The cybersecurity review will evaluate, among others, the risk of critical information infrastructure, core data, important data, or the risk of a large amount of personal information being influenced, controlled or maliciously used by foreign governments after going public, and cyber information security risk. Given the Cybersecurity Review Measures came into effect recently, their interpretation, application and enforcement are subject to substantial uncertainties. On November 14, 2021, the CAC published the Regulations for the Administration of Network Data Security (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Administration Regulations on Cyber Data Security, which provide the circumstances under which data processors shall apply for cybersecurity review, including, among others, when the data processors who process personal information of at least one million users apply for a "foreign" listing. However, it provided no further explanation or interpretation as to how to determine what constitutes "affecting national security". As of the date of this Annual Report, the Draft Administration Regulations on Cyber Data Security have not been formally adopted. It is uncertain whether and when the final regulation will be issued and take effect, how it will be enacted, interpreted and implemented, and whether or to what extent it will affect us.
On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China promulgated the Personal Information Protection Law of the People's Republic of China, effective from November 1, 2021. The Personal Information Protection Law requires, among others, that (i) the processing of personal information should have a clear and reasonable purpose which should be directly related to the processing purpose, in a method that has the least impact on personal rights and interests, and (ii) the collection of personal information should be limited to the minimum scope necessary to achieve the processing purpose to avoid the excessive collection of personal information. Different types of personal information and personal information processing will be subject to various rules on consent, transfer, and security. Entities handling personal information shall bear responsibility for their personal information handling activities, and adopt necessary measures to safeguard the security of the personal information they handle. Otherwise, the entities handling personal information could be ordered to correct, or suspend or terminate the provision of services, and face confiscation of illegal income, fines or other penalties.
In the meantime, the PRC regulatory authorities have also enhanced the supervision and regulation on cross-border data transfer. On July 7, 2022, the CAC promulgated the Security Assessment Measures for Cross-border Data Transfers with effect from September 1, 2022. These measures require the data processor providing data overseas and falling under any of the following circumstances apply for the security assessment of cross-border data transfer by the national cybersecurity authority through its local counterpart: (i) where the data processor intends to provide important data overseas; (ii) where the critical information infrastructure operator and any data processor who has processed personal information of more than 1,000,000 people intend to provide personal information overseas; (iii) where any data processor who has provided personal information of 100,000 people or sensitive personal information of 10,000 people to overseas recipients accumulatively since January 1 of the last year intends to provide personal information overseas; and (iv) other circumstances where the security assessment of data cross-border transfer is required as prescribed by the CAC.
Given that the above mentioned newly promulgated laws, regulations and policies were recently promulgated or issued, or have not yet been formally promulgated or taken effect (as applicable), their enactment, interpretation, application and enforcement are subject to substantial uncertainties. As the definitions for terms such as network platform operator and national security are broad, and the government will likely retain significant discretion as to the interpretation and enforcement of the Cybersecurity Review Measures and any implementation rules, we may be subject to related rules. We cannot preclude the possibility that the Cybersecurity Review Measures will subject us to the cybersecurity review by the CAC in relation to our operations or require us to adjust our business practices, in which case our business, financial condition and prospects may be materially and negatively affected. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant expenses in an effort to comply with cybersecurity, privacy, data protection and information security related laws, regulations, standards and protocols, especially as a result of such newly promulgated laws and regulations. As of the date of this Annual Report, we have not been involved in any investigations, nor have we received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanction by the CAC or related PRC governmental authorities as a result of violation of any currently effective PRC laws or regulations with respect to personal information or data requirements issued by the CAC up to date. However, as uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations, despite our efforts to comply with applicable laws, regulations and policies relating to cybersecurity, privacy, data protection and information security, we cannot assure you that our practices, offerings, services will meet all of the requirements imposed on us by such laws, regulations or policies. Any failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations or policies may result in inquiries or other proceedings being instituted against, or other lawsuits, decisions or sanctions being imposed on us by governmental authorities, users, consumers or other parties, including but not limited to warnings, fines, directions for rectifications, suspension of the related business and termination of our applications, as well as in negative publicity on us and damage to our reputation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. The above mentioned newly promulgated laws, regulations, policies or relevant drafts may result in the publication of new laws, regulations and policies to which we may be subject, though the timing, scope and applicability of such laws or regulations are currently unclear. Any such laws, regulations or policies could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition, which creates the risk that any such actions could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Regulation - Risk 3
Added
We previously carried out our business operations through the VIE contractual arrangements. If the PRC government determines that these contractual arrangements did not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.
Prior to December 13, 2021, we carried our business operations through contractual relationships using a variable interest structure ("VIE"). As of December 13, 2021, we reorganized our corporate subsidiary structure in the PRC under Flower Crown Holding ("FLH"). As a result of the FLH's China subsidiaries restructuring, we terminated the original VIE contractual agreements and we are no longer operate those entities through a VIE structure. As part of the restructuring, due to the restriction of foreign ownership by the relevant laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China, namely Provisions on Administration of Foreign Invested Telecommunications Enterprise (????????????), we divested FCEC under a Shares Transfer Agreement with a third party. FCEC represented less than 5% of our total revenues.
However, even though we terminated the original VIE contractual agreements, there are still substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules in respect of our previous use of the variable interest entity structure; accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may impose severe penalties retroactively. If we were subject to severe penalties retroactively, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations and failures, including:
- discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on our operations;- imposing fines, confiscating the income from our PRC subsidiaries, or imposing other requirements with which we or our PRC entities may not be able to comply;- restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds from a U.S. public offering to finance our business and operations in China.
Any of these actions could cause significant disruption to our business operations and severely damage our reputation, which would in turn materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 4
Added
Our current corporate structure and business operations may be affected by the Foreign Investment Law.
On March 15, 2019, the National People's Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020. Along with the Foreign Investment Law, the Implementing Rules of Foreign Investment Law promulgated by the State Council and the Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on Several Issues Concerning the Application of the Foreign Investment Law promulgated by the Supreme People's Court became effective on January 1, 2020. Since the Foreign Investment Law and its current implementation and interpretation rules are relatively new, uncertainties still exist in relation to their further application and improvement.
The Foreign Investment Law grants national treatment to foreign-invested entities, except for those foreign-invested entities that operate in industries specified as either "restricted" or "prohibited" from foreign investment in a "negative list". It is unclear whether the "negative list" to be published pursuant to the Foreign Investment Law will differ from the current Special Administrative Measures for Market Access of Foreign Investment (Negative List) (2021 Version). The Foreign Investment Law provides that foreign-invested entities operating in "restricted" industries will require market entry clearance and other approvals from relevant PRC government authorities. As of the date hereto, the current business activities of our PRC subsidiaries are not within the "negative list", and foreign investors are allowed to hold 100% equity interests of our PRC subsidiaries under the Foreign Investment Law. We have no plans at the present to substantially change our PRC subsidiaries' business activities in the future. However, it's uncertain whether we will engage in business activities that are in the "negative list", as the "negative list" may be amended from time to time.
Regulation - Risk 5
Added
Recent statements by the Chinese government have indicated its intent to exert more oversight sand control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investments in China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Recent statements by the Chinese government have indicated its intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investments in China based issuers. PRC has recently promulgated new rules that require companies collecting or holding large amounts of data to undergo a cybersecurity review prior to listing in foreign countries, a move that will significantly tighten oversight over China-based internet giants. The Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021 version) was promulgated on December 28, 2021 and became effective on February 15, 2022. These measures specify that any "online platform operators" controlling the personal information of more than one million users which seek to list on a foreign stock exchange are subject to prior cybersecurity review.
Our business belongs to the cross-border merchandise and tourism industry in China, which does not involve the collection of user data, implicate cybersecurity, or involve any other type of restricted industry. We relied on the opinion of our PRC counsel, Beijing Dacheng Law Offices LLP (Haikou) in concluding that we are not subject to the review or prior approval of the CAC or the CSRC. Uncertainties still exist, however, due to the possibility that laws, regulations, or policies in the PRC could change rapidly in the future. Any future action by the PRC government expanding the categories of industries and companies whose foreign securities offerings are subject to review by the CSRC or the CAC could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Regulation - Risk 6
Added
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system, including that the rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little advance notice, and the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations, could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
Our operating subsidiaries are incorporated under and governed by the laws of the PRC. The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system, prior court decisions under the civil law system may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters generally. The overall effect of legislation over the past three decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in the PRC. However, the PRC has not developed a fully integrated legal system, and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspects of economic activities in the PRC. In particular, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy. These uncertainties may affect our judgment on the relevance of legal requirements and our ability to enforce our contractual rights or tort claims. In addition, these regulatory uncertainties may be exploited through unmerited or frivolous legal actions or threats in attempts to extract payments or benefits from us. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all and may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in the PRC may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. In addition, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us and other foreign investors, including you. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and management attention.
Regulation - Risk 7
Changes in laws and regulations related to the internet or changes in the internet infrastructure itself may diminish the demand for our products and solutions, and could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The future success of our business depends upon the continued use of the internet as a primary medium for commerce, communications and business applications. Chinese or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted, and may in the future adopt, laws or regulations affecting the use of the internet as a commercial medium. Changes in these laws or regulations could require us to modify our products and platform in order to comply with these changes. In addition, government agencies or private organizations have imposed and may impose additional taxes, fees or other charges for accessing the internet or commerce conducted via the internet. These laws or charges could limit the growth of internet-related commerce or communications generally, or result in reductions in the demand for internet-based products and services such as our products and platform. In addition, the use of the internet as a business tool could be adversely affected due to delays in the development or adoption of new standards and protocols to handle increased demands of internet activity, security, reliability, cost, ease-of-use, accessibility and quality of service. The performance of the internet and its acceptance as a business tool has been adversely affected by "viruses," "worms," and similar malicious programs. If the use of the internet is reduced as a result of these or other issues, then demand for our products could decline, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Moreover, our business depends on the performance, reliability and security of the telecommunications and internet infrastructure in China and other countries in which we operate or locate our assets. Substantially all access to the internet in China is maintained through certain telecommunication operators under the administrative control and regulatory supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT. In addition, the national networks in China are connected to the internet through qualified international gateways, which are the only channels through which a domestic user can connect to the internet outside of China. We may face similar or other limitations in other countries in which we operate or locate our assets. We may not have access to alternative networks in the event of disruptions, failures or other problems with the internet infrastructure in China or elsewhere. In addition, the internet infrastructure in the countries in which we operate may not support the demands associated with continued growth in Internet usage. We also have no control over the costs of the services provided by the telecommunications operators. If the prices that we pay for telecommunications and internet services rise significantly, our margins could be adversely affected.
Other Risks Related to Our Business
Regulation - Risk 8
We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption laws, and any determination that we violated these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act, or FCPA, and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute, for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We have operations, agreements with third parties, and make most of our sales in China. The PRC also strictly prohibits bribery of government officials. Our activities in China create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by the employees, consultants, sales agents, or distributors of our Company, even though they may not always be subject to our control. It is our policy to implement safeguards to discourage these practices by our employees. However, our existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and the employees, consultants, sales agents, or distributors of our Company may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or Chinese anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the U.S. government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.
Regulation - Risk 9
Because we conduct substantially all of our business operations in China, our business is subject to the complex and rapidly evolving laws and regulations there. Chinese government may exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business and may intervene in or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our common stock, could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
As a company that conducts substantially of its business operations in China, we are subject to the laws and regulations of the PRC, which can be complex and evolve rapidly, and to risks associated with complying with these laws and regulations. The PRC government has the power to exercise significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business, and the regulations to which we are subject may change rapidly and with little notice to us or our shareholders. As a result, the application, interpretation, and enforcement of new and existing laws and regulations in the PRC are often uncertain. In addition, these laws and regulations may be interpreted and applied inconsistently by different agencies or authorities, and inconsistently with our current policies and practices. New laws, regulations, and other government directives in the PRC may also be costly to comply with, and such compliance or any associated inquiries or investigations or any other government actions may:
- Delay or impede our development,- Result in negative publicity or increase our operating costs,- Require significant management time and attention, and - Subject us to remedies, administrative penalties and even criminal liabilities that may harm our business, including fines assessed for our current or historical operations, or demands or orders that we modify or even cease our business practices.
The promulgation of new laws or regulations, or the new interpretation of existing laws and regulations, in each case that restrict or otherwise unfavorably impact the ability or manner in which we conduct our business and could require us to change certain aspects of our business to ensure compliance, which could decrease demand for our products, reduce revenues, increase costs, require us to obtain more licenses, permits, approvals or certificates, or subject us to additional liabilities. To the extent any new or more stringent measures are required to be implemented, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected, and any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Regulation - Risk 10
PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiary to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiary, limit our PRC subsidiary' ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.
In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents' Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities) to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we make in the future.
Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, will be required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV is required to update its filed registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE. If any PRC shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the previously filed registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions into its subsidiary in China. On February 13, 2015, the SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE.
Some of our shareholders that we are aware of are subject to SAFE regulations, but we may not be aware of the identities of all of our beneficial owners who are PRC residents. We do not have control over our beneficial owners and there can be no assurance that all of our PRC-resident beneficial owners will comply with SAFE Circular 37 and subsequent implementation rules, and there is no assurance that the registration under SAFE Circular 37 and any amendment will be completed in a timely manner, or will be completed at all. Any failure or inability by such shareholders to comply with SAFE regulations may subject us to fines or legal sanctions, such as restrictions on our cross-border investment activities or our PRC subsidiary's ability to distribute dividends to, or obtain foreign exchange-denominated loans from, our company or prevent us from making distributions or paying dividends. As a result, our business operations and our ability to make distributions to you could be materially and adversely affected.
Regulation - Risk 11
U.S. regulatory bodies may be limited in their ability to conduct investigations or inspections of our operations in China.
Any disclosure of documents or information located in China by foreign agencies may be subject to jurisdiction constraints and must comply with China's state secrecy laws, which broadly define the scope of "state secrets" to include matters involving economic interests and technologies. There is no guarantee that requests from U.S. federal or state regulators or agencies to investigate or inspect our operations will be honored by us, by entities who provide services to us or with whom we associate, without violating PRC legal requirements, especially as those entities are located in China. Furthermore, under the current PRC laws, an on-site inspection of our facilities by any of these regulators may be limited or prohibited.
Regulation - Risk 12
PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay us from using the proceeds of future securities offerings to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
Any transfer of cash to our PRC subsidiaries, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to approval by or registration with relevant governmental authorities in China. According to the relevant PRC regulations on foreign-invested enterprises, or FIEs, in China, capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries are subject to the approval of or filing with the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM or its local branches and registration with a local bank authorized by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE. In addition, (i) a foreign loan of less one year duration procured by our PRC subsidiaries is required to be registered with SAFE or its local branches and (ii) a foreign loan of one year duration or more procured by our PRC subsidiaries is required to be applied to the NDRC in advance for undergoing recordation registration formalities. Any medium or long-term loan to be provided by us to our PRC operating subsidiaries, must be registered with the NDRC and the SAFE or its local branches. We may not be able to complete such registrations on a timely basis, with respect to future capital contributions or foreign loans by us to our PRC Subsidiary. If we fail to complete such registrations, our ability to use the proceeds of any future securities offerings and to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
On March 30, 2015, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, which took effect as of June 1, 2015. SAFE Circular 19 launched a nationwide reform of the administration of the settlement of the foreign exchange capitals of FIEs and allows FIEs to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion, but continues to prohibit FIEs from using the Renminbi fund converted from their foreign exchange capital for expenditure beyond their business scopes, providing entrusted loans or repaying loans between nonfinancial enterprises. The SAFE issued the Circular on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital Accounts, or SAFE Circular 16, effective in June 2016. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 16, enterprises registered in China may also convert their foreign debts from foreign currency to Renminbi on a self-discretionary basis. SAFE Circular 16 provides an integrated standard for conversion of foreign exchange under capital account items (including but not limited to foreign currency capital and foreign debts) on a self-discretionary basis which applies to all enterprises registered in China. SAFE Circular 16 reiterates the principle that Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital of a company may not be directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope or prohibited by PRC laws or regulations, while such converted Renminbi shall not be provided as loans to its non-affiliated entities. As this circular is relatively new, there remains uncertainty as to its interpretation and application and any other future foreign exchange related rules. Violations of these Circulars could result in severe monetary or other penalties. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may significantly limit our ability to use Renminbi converted from the net proceeds of future securities offerings to fund our PRC operating subsidiary, to invest in or acquire any other PRC companies through our PRC subsidiaries, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. On October 23, 2019, SAFE promulgated the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross-border Trade and Investment, or SAFE Circular 28, which permits non-investment FIEs to use their capital funds to make equity investments in China, with genuine investment projects and in compliance with effective foreign investment restrictions and other applicable laws. However, uncertainties still exist in relation to its interpretation and implementation.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions and the foreign exchange policy adopted by the PRC government. It is difficult to predict how long such appreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar may last and when and how the relationship between the RMB and the U.S. dollar may change again. All of our revenues and substantially all of our costs are denominated in Renminbi. We rely on dividends paid by our operating subsidiaries in China for our cash needs. Any significant revaluation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial position reported in Renminbi when translated into U.S. dollars, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, the common stock in U.S. dollars. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we would receive. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our Common Stock or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount.
Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to utilize our revenues effectively and affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, we primarily rely on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval of SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. Specifically, under the existing exchange restrictions, without prior approval of SAFE, cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries in China may be used to pay dividends to our company. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required, in principle, where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, we need to obtain SAFE approval to use cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiaries to pay off their respective debt in a currency other than Renminbi owed to entities outside China, or to make other capital expenditure payments outside China in a currency other than Renminbi. The PRC government may at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of the Common stock.
Certain PRC regulations may make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions.
Among other things, the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors ("M&A Rules") and Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC which became effective in 2008 ("Anti-Monopoly Law"), established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. Such regulation requires, among other things, that State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor acquires control of a PRC domestic enterprise or a foreign company with substantial PRC operations, if certain thresholds under the Provisions of the State Council on the Standard for Declaration of Concentration of Business Operators, issued by the State Council in 2008, are triggered. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law requires that transactions which involve the national security, the examination on the national security shall also be conducted according to the relevant provisions of the State. In addition, PRC Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment which became effective in January 2021 require acquisitions by foreign investors of PRC companies engaged in military-related or certain other industries that are crucial to national security be subject to security review before consummation of any such acquisition. We may pursue potential strategic acquisitions that are complementary to our business and operations.
Complying with the requirements of these regulations to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval or clearance from the MOFCOM, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiaries to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC ability of subsidiaries to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.
In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents' Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, to replace the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents' Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75, which ceased to be effective upon the promulgation of SAFE Circular 37. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities) to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we make in the future.
Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, will be required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV is required to update its filed registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE. If any PRC shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the previously filed registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions into its subsidiary in China. On February 13, 2015, the SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE.
Some of our shareholders that we are aware of are subject to SAFE regulations, and we expect all of these shareholders will have completed all necessary registrations with the local SAFE branch or qualified banks as required by SAFE Circular 37. We cannot assure you, however, that all of these shareholders may continue to make required filings or updates in a timely manner, or at all. We can provide no assurance that we are or will in the future continue to be informed of identities of all PRC residents holding direct or indirect interest in our company. Any failure or inability by such shareholders to comply with SAFE regulations may subject us to fines or legal sanctions, such as restrictions on our cross-border investment activities or our PRC subsidiaries' ability to distribute dividends to, or obtain foreign exchange-denominated loans from, our company or prevent us from making distributions or paying dividends. As a result, our business operations and our ability to make distributions to you could be materially and adversely affected.
Furthermore, as these foreign exchange regulations are still relatively new and their interpretation and implementation have been constantly evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.
As of the date of this disclosure, The PRC residents have applied for foreign exchange registration under the SAFE Circular 37 and other related rules. Although they are in the process of making foreign exchange registration, they may still face with the above said possible fines in accordance with the PRC Laws.
Failure to make adequate contributions to various employee benefit plans and withhold individual income tax on employees' salaries as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.
Companies operating in China are required to participate in various government-mandated employee benefit contribution plans, including certain social insurance, housing funds and other welfare-oriented payment obligations, and contribute to the plans in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances, of our employees up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time at locations where we operate our businesses. The requirement of employee benefit contribution plans has not been implemented consistently by the local governments in China given the different levels of economic development in different locations. Companies operating in China are also required to withhold individual income tax on employees' salaries based on the actual salary of each employee upon payment. We may be subject to late fees and fines in relation to the underpaid employee benefits and under-withheld individual income tax, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Any failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
Pursuant to the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly-Listed Company, promulgated by SAFE in 2012, or SAFE Notices No. 7, PRC citizens and non-PRC citizens who reside in China for a continuous period of no less than one year who participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company offered to the director, supervisor, senior management and other employees of, and any individual who has labor relationship with its domestic affiliated entities are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. In addition, an overseas entrusted institution must be retained to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options and the purchase or sale of shares and interests. We and our directors, executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or who reside in the PRC for a continuous period of no less than one year and who have been granted stock options became subject to these regulations when our company became an overseas listed company upon the completion of our recent initial public offering. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations for our employee incentive plans after our listing may subject them to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries and limit our PRC subsidiaries' ability to distribute dividends to us. We also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors, executive officers and employees under PRC law.
In addition, the State Administration of Taxation, or SAT, has issued certain circulars concerning employee stock options and restricted shares. Under these circulars, our employees working in China who exercise stock options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries have obligations to file documents related to employee stock options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share options or are granted with restricted shares. If our employees fail to pay or we fail to withhold their income taxes according to relevant laws and regulations, we may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC governmental authorities.
U.S. regulatory bodies may be limited in their ability to conduct investigations or inspections of our operations in China.
Any disclosure of documents or information located in China by foreign agencies may be subject to jurisdiction constraints and must comply with China's state secrecy laws, which broadly define the scope of "state secrets" to include matters involving economic interests and technologies. There is no guarantee that requests from U.S. federal or state regulators or agencies to investigate or inspect our operations will be honored by us, by entities who provide services to us or with whom we associate, without violating PRC legal requirements, especially as those entities are located in China. Furthermore, under the current PRC laws, an on-site inspection of our facilities by any of these regulators may be limited or prohibited.
If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with its "de facto management body" within the PRC is considered a "resident enterprise" and will be subject to the enterprise income tax on its global income at the rate of 25%. The implementation rules define the term "de facto management body" as the body that exercises full and substantial control and overall management over the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or SAT, issued a circular, known as SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the "de facto management body" of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Although this circular applies only to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the SAT's general position on how the "de facto management body" text should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its "de facto management body" in China, and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary location of the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise's financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise's primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder resolutions are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC.
The tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term "de facto management body." If the PRC tax authorities determine that our company is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we would be subject to PRC enterprise income on our worldwide income at the rate of 25%. Furthermore, we would be required to withhold a 10% tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders (including the common stockholders) may be subject to PRC tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of the common stock, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends paid to our non-PRC individual shareholders (including the common stockholders) and any gain realized on the transfer of the common stock by such shareholders may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 20% (which, in the case of dividends, may be withheld at source by us). These rates may be reduced by an applicable tax treaty, but it is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in our common stock.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued the Public Notice Regarding Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or SAT Bulletin 7. SAT Bulletin 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to transactions involving the transfer of taxable assets through offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, SAT Bulletin 7 has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. SAT Bulletin 7 also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets, as such persons need to determine whether their transactions are subject to these rules and whether any withholding obligation applies.
On October 17, 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Bulletin 37, which came into effect on December 1, 2017. The SAT Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of non-resident enterprise income tax.
Where a non-resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an "Indirect Transfer", the non-resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a "substance over form" principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who pays for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes.
We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions where PRC taxable assets are involved, such as offshore restructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries and investments. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if our company is transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is transferee in such transactions, under SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37. For transfer of shares in our company by investors who are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 13
Potential Chinese governmental and regulatory interference could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the "Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law," or the Opinions. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by Chinese companies. Effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems will be taken to deal with the risks and incidents of China-concept overseas listed companies, and cybersecurity and data privacy protection requirements and similar matters.
On December 24, 2021, the CSRC released the Administrative Provisions of the State Council Regarding the Overseas Issuance and Listing of Securities by Domestic Enterprises (Draft for Comments), or the Administration Provisions, and the Measures for the Overseas Issuance of Securities and Listing Record-Filings by Domestic Enterprises (Draft for Comments), or collectively the Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listing, which were published for public comments only with the comment period expired on January 23, 2022. The Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listing lay out the filing regulation arrangement for both direct and indirect overseas listing, and clarify the determination criteria for indirect overseas listing in overseas market.
The Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listing stipulate that the Chinese-based companies, or the issuer, shall fulfill the filing procedures within three working days after the issuer makes an application for initial public offering and listing in an overseas market. The required filing materials for an initial public offering and listing should include at least the following: record-filing report and related undertakings; regulatory opinions, record-filing, approval and other documents issued by competent regulatory authorities of relevant industries (if applicable); and security assessment opinion issued by relevant regulatory authorities (if applicable); PRC legal opinion; and prospectus.
In addition, an overseas offering and listing is prohibited under any of the following circumstances: (1) if the intended securities offering and listing is specifically prohibited by national laws and regulations and relevant provisions; (2) if the intended securities offering and listing may constitute a threat to or endangers national security as reviewed and determined by competent authorities under the State Council in accordance with law; (3) if there are material ownership disputes over the equity, major assets, and core technology, etc. of the issuer; (4) if, in the past three years, the domestic enterprise or its controlling shareholders or actual controllers have committed corruption, bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of property, or other criminal offenses disruptive to the order of the socialist market economy, or are currently under judicial investigation for suspicion of criminal offenses, or are under investigation for suspicion of major violations; (5) if, in past three years, directors, supervisors, or senior executives have been subject to administrative punishments for severe violations, or are currently under judicial investigation for suspicion of criminal offenses, or are under investigation for suspicion of major violations; (6) other circumstances as prescribed by the State Council. The Administration Provisions defines the legal liabilities of breaches such as failure in fulfilling filing obligations or fraudulent filing conducts, imposing a fine between RMB 1 million and RMB 10 million, and in cases of severe violations, a parallel order to suspend relevant business or halt operation for rectification, revoke relevant business permits or operational license.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and five supporting guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. The Trial Measures and its supporting guidelines, reiterate the basic principles of the Draft Rules Regarding Overseas Listing and impose substantially the same requirements for the overseas securities offering and listing by domestic enterprises. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, shall complete the filing procedures with the CSRC pursuant to the requirements of the Trial Measures within three working days following its submission of initial public offerings or listing application. If a domestic company fails to complete the required filing procedures or conceals any material fact or falsifies any major content in its filing documents, such domestic company may be subject to administrative penalties, such as orders to rectify, warnings, fines, and its controlling shareholders, actual controllers, the person directly in charge and other directly liable persons may also be subject to administrative penalties, such as warnings and fines.
According to the Notice on the Administrative Arrangements for the Filing of the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies from the CSRC, or the CSRC Notice, which was promulgated on February 17, 2023 and became effective on the same day, the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas before the effective date of the Trial Measures (i.e. March 31, 2023) shall be deemed as existing issuers (the "Existing Issuers"). Existing Issuers are not required to complete the filing procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC for any subsequent offerings. Further, according to the CSRC Notice, domestic companies obtained approval from overseas regulatory authorities or securities exchanges (for example, the effectiveness of a registration statement for offering and listing in the U.S. has been approved) for their indirect overseas offering and listing prior to March 31, 2023 but have not yet completed their indirect overseas issuance and listing, are granted a six-month transition period from March 31, 2023 to September 30, 2023. Those issuers that complete their indirect overseas offering and listing within such six-month period are deemed as Existing Issuers and are not required to file with the CSRC for their indirect overseas offerings and listings. Within such six-month transition period, however, if such domestic companies fail to complete their indirect overseas issuance and listing, they shall complete the filing procedures with the CSRC.
However, since the Trial Measures were newly promulgated, their interpretation, application and enforcement remain unclear. If the filing procedure with the CSRC under the Trial Measures is required for any subsequent offerings, listing or any other capital raising activities, which may subject us to additional compliance requirements in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be able to get the clearance of filing procedures under the Trial Measures on a timely basis, or at all. If we do not complete any required record-filing or if we incorrectly conclude that record-filing is not required or if the CSRC or other regulatory agencies promulgate new rules, explanations or interpretations requiring that we obtain their prior approvals or record-filing for any follow-on offering, we may be unable to obtain such approvals and record-filing which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to our investors.
Furthermore, the PRC government authorities may strengthen oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers like us. Such actions taken by the PRC government authorities may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which are beyond our control. Therefore, any such action may adversely affect our operations and significantly limit or hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities and reduce the value of such securities.
As of the date of this report, we and our PRC subsidiaries have not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by the Cyber Administration of China or related governmental regulatory authorities, and have not received any requirements to obtain permissions from any PRC authorities to issue shares of our common stock to foreign investors or were denied such permissions by any PRC authorities. However, given the current PRC regulatory environment, it is uncertain when and whether we or our PRC subsidiaries, will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded.
We have been closely monitoring regulatory developments in China regarding any necessary approvals from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities required for overseas listings. As of the date of this report, except for the potential uncertainties disclosed above, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanctions or regulatory objection from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities. However, there remains significant uncertainty as to the enactment, interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to overseas securities offerings and other capital markets activities.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 3.1%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in China against us or our management named in the report based on foreign laws.
We conduct substantially all of our operations in China, and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, our current officers reside within China and are PRC nationals. As a result, it may be difficult for our shareholders to effect service of process upon us or those persons inside the PRC. In addition, the PRC does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts with the Marshall Islands and many other countries and regions. Therefore, recognition and enforcement in the PRC of judgments of a court in any of these non-PRC jurisdictions in relation to any matter not subject to a binding arbitration provision may be difficult or impossible.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
We may be subject to claims, disputes, litigation, allegations, complaints and investigations and other legal and administrative proceedings from time to time arising out of our operations, some of which may be caused by activities of our customers or the content of their websites and other internet properties, and our reputation and operations may be adversely affected.
We have not been subject to any material allegations or complaints in the past, but we may be involved in legal and other disputes in the ordinary courses of our business. We and our management may be subject to claims, disputes, lawsuits, investigations and other legal and administrative proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business from time to time. We have not been subject to and are currently not party to any legal or arbitration proceedings, including those relating to bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceedings and those involving any third party, which may have, or have had in the recent past, material adverse effects on our financial position or profitability. Any claims against us or our management, with or without merit, could be time-consuming and costly to defend or litigate, divert our management's attention and resources or harm our brand equity.
Through our network, we provide a wide variety of products that enable our customers to exchange information, conduct business, and engage in various online activities both domestically and internationally. Our customers may use our platform and products in violation of applicable law or in violation of our terms of service or the customer's own policies. The existing laws relating to the liability of providers of online products and services for activities of their users are highly unsettled and in flux both within China and internationally. We may be subject to lawsuits and/or liability arising from the conduct of our customers from time to time. Additionally, the conduct of our customers may subject us to regulatory enforcement actions and/or liability. We may be a defendant in a number of lawsuits both in China and abroad, alleging copyright infringement based on content that is made available through our customers' websites. There can be no assurance that we will not face litigation or regulatory enforcement actions in the future or that we will prevail in any litigation we may face. An adverse decision in one or more of these lawsuits or enforcement action could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Claims arising out of actual or alleged violations of law, breach of contract or torts could be asserted against us by customers, business partners, suppliers, competitors, employees or governmental entities in investigations and legal proceedings. These claims could be asserted under a variety of laws, including but not limited to the intellectual property laws, labor and employment laws, securities laws, tort laws, contract laws, property laws, and employee benefit laws. If a lawsuit or governmental proceeding against us is successful, we may be required to pay substantial damages or fines. We might also be involved in governmental investigations of our business operation in the future. Any claims against us, with or without merit, could be time-consuming and costly to defend or litigate, divert our management's attention and resources or harm our brand equity. If a lawsuit or governmental proceeding against us is successful, we may be required to pay substantial damages or fines. We may also lose, or be limited in, the rights to offer some of our content, products and services or be required to make changes to our content offerings or business model. As a result, the scope of our content, product and service offerings could be reduced, which could adversely affect our ability to attract new business customers, harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental / Social1 | 1.5%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Regulation and censorship of information disseminated over the internet in China may adversely affect our business and reputation and subject us to liability for information displayed on our website.
The PRC government has adopted regulations governing internet access and the distribution of news and other information over the internet. Under these regulations, internet content providers and internet publishers are prohibited from posting or displaying over the internet content that, among other things, violates PRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China, or is reactionary, obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of licenses to provide internet content and other licenses, and the closure of the concerned websites. The website operator may also be held liable for such censored information displayed on or linked to the websites. If our self-owned online store or content is found to be in violation of any such requirements, we may be penalized by relevant authorities, and our operations or reputation could be adversely affected.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 9/65 (14%)Above Sector Average
Innovation / R&D2 | 3.1%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
If we fail to adapt and respond effectively to rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, changing regulations, and changing customer needs, requirements or preferences, our products and solutions may become less competitive.
We believe that our technology solution provides solutions for cross-border operations management and is innovative and reliable tool for businesses engaged in international commerce. However, we face uncertainties over the size and rate at which this market will grow, as well as whether our solutions and products will be widely adopted. Moreover, the technology solution industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, changing regulations, as well as changing customer needs, requirements and preferences. The success of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to adapt and respond effectively to these changes on a timely basis. If we are unable to develop new solutions and products that satisfy our existing customers and provide enhancements and new features for our existing products that keep pace with rapid technological and industry change, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. If new technologies emerge that are able to deliver competitive products and services at lower prices, more efficiently, more conveniently or more securely, such technologies could adversely impact our ability to compete effectively.
Innovation / R&D - Risk 2
If we fail to develop, upgrade and apply our technologies to support and expand our business, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on our technology infrastructure and operating systems to carry out the key aspects of our business, including identifying market trends in brands, selecting and partnering with quality brand partners, forecasting business customers' demands, supporting our product supply chain, enabling effective marketing and distribution, and refining business customer services. Although we did not experience any material failure or breakdown of our operating systems in the past, we cannot guarantee that such risks are always under control. In addition, computer viruses, security breaches and information theft may lead to delays or errors in transaction processing, inability to fulfill purchase orders or loss of data. Any interruptions of our operating platform, whether caused by computer viruses, hacking or other security breaches, and errors encountered during platform upgrades or other issues resulting in the unavailability, or slowdown of our information technologies may, individually or collectively, materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Trade Secrets3 | 4.6%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
If we cannot successfully protect our intellectual property and exclusive rights, our brand and business would suffer.
We rely on a combination of trademark, patent, copyright, domain name and trade secret protection laws in China and other jurisdictions, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions, to protect our intellectual property rights and other exclusive rights. We also enter into agreements containing confidentiality obligations with our employees and any third parties who may access our proprietary technology and information, and we rigorously control access to our proprietary technology and information.
Nevertheless, we cannot guarantee that we can successfully protect our intellectual property and exclusive rights from unauthorized usage by third parties or breach of confidentiality obligations by our counterparties. Furthermore, a third party may take advantage of the "first-to-file" trademark registration system in China to register our brands in bad faith, which will cause us to incur additional costs for legal actions. Moreover, confidentiality obligations may be breached by counterparties, and there may not be adequate remedies available to us for any such breach. Accordingly, we may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights and exclusive rights or to enforce our contractual rights in China or elsewhere.
In addition, policing any unauthorized use of our intellectual property and exclusive rights is difficult, time-consuming and costly. The precautionary steps we have taken for protecting our rights may be inadequate. In the event that we resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights and exclusive rights, such litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our managerial and financial resources. We can provide no assurance that we will prevail in such litigation or that we would be able to halt any unauthorized use of our intellectual property and exclusive rights. In addition, our trade secrets may be leaked to, or be independently discovered by, our competitors. Any failure in protecting or enforcing our intellectual property rights could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Trade Secrets - Risk 2
We may be accused of infringing intellectual property or proprietary rights of third parties.
We cannot assure you that our content, product design, our offerings or our technologies do not or will not infringe upon copyrights or other intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to, trademarks, patents and know-how) held by third parties. Nor can we assure you that our use of software or any other intellectual properties in business and operation will not be alleged by any third party as infringement resulting from lack of licenses. If any third-party infringement claims are brought against us, we may be forced to divert management's time and other resources from our business and operations to defend against these claims. We may also be prohibited from using such intellectual property or relevant content. As a result, we may incur licensing or usage fees, develop alternatives of our own, or even need to pay damages, legal fees and other costs. Even if such assertions against us are unsuccessful, they may cause us to lose existing and future business and incur reputational harm and substantial legal fees. As a result, our reputation may be harmed and our business and financial performance may be materially and adversely affected.
We have adopted policies and procedures to prohibit our members, employees and business partners from infringing upon third-party copyright or other intellectual property rights. However, we cannot assure you that they will not, against our policies, use third-party copyrighted materials or intellectual property without proper authorization, and therefore result in disputes. In addition, we may incur liability for unauthorized duplication or distribution of materials used in our online store and during our services. Although we have set up rules and procedures to enable copyright owners to provide us with notice of alleged infringement, given the volume of content we offer, we may not be able to identify and remove all potentially infringing content that may exist, and thus we may encounter intellectual property claims against us.
Trade Secrets - Risk 3
Leakage or misappropriation of know-how, confidential information and trade secrets from unauthorized copying, use or disclosure could have an adverse impact on our reputation and operations.
During the course of providing our services, we may have access to and be entrusted with information that is confidential in nature, such as information that relates to our customers' systems, operations, raw data or affairs. While we have adopted measures to protect the confidentiality of our customers' information, including our internal control manual and the nondisclosure arrangements with our employees, there is no assurance that the steps taken by us will successfully prevent any leakage or misappropriation of confidential information of our customers. Any leakage or misappropriation of confidential information of our customers could expose us to complaints or claims, which may materially and adversely affect our reputation and business operations. In addition, we seek to protect our know-how, confidential information and trade secrets, in part, by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements or other means to such effect, with parties who have access to them, such as our employees. Despite these efforts, any of these parties may breach such agreements, intentionally or unintentionally and disclose our proprietary information and we may not be aware of or able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. The unauthorized disclosure and/or misappropriation of trade secrets is difficult to detect and/or to prove. As such, it is difficult, expensive and time-consuming to establish trade secret misappropriation claims, with no guarantee of success or adequate remedies. Such disclosures could also lead to a loss of trade secret protection, which could materially and adversely affect our business, competitive position, financial conditions and results of operations.
Cyber Security1 | 1.5%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
Data loss, security incidents and other attacks on our platform, products or solutions, or our global network infrastructure could lead to significant costs and disruptions that could harm our business, financial results, and reputation.
Our technology solution model is dependent on providing our customers with secure, reliable and high-quality services. Maintaining the security and availability of our infrastructure, systems, platform, network, and the security of information and data we hold is a critical issue for us and our customers. Attacks on our customers and our own network may be frequent and may happen in a variety of forms, including infrastructure attacks, botnets, malicious file attacks, cross-site scripting, credential abuse, ransomware, viruses, worms, and malicious software programs. Malicious actors can attempt to fraudulently induce employees or suppliers to disclose sensitive information through spamming, phishing, or other tactics. In addition, unauthorized parties may attempt to gain physical access to our facilities in order to infiltrate our information systems. Since our customers share our multi-tenant architecture, material attacks on any one of our customers could have a negative effect on other customers. These attacks may also significantly increase the bandwidth used on our platform and strain our network. If attacks like these were to occur in the future and if we do not have the systems and processes in place to respond to them, our business could be harmed.
In recent years, cyber-attacks have increased in size, sophistication, and complexity, increasing exposure for our customers and us. We may become an attractive target for attacks on our infrastructure intended to destabilize, overwhelm, or shut down our platform. The costs incurred by us to avoid or alleviate cyber or other security problems and vulnerabilities will be significant. However, our efforts to address these problems and vulnerabilities may not be successful. Any significant breach of our security measures could:
- lead to the dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive, personal, or confidential data about us, our employees, or our customers-including personally identifiable information of individuals involved with our customers and their end-users;- lead to interruptions or degradation of performance in our platform, products and solutions;- threaten our ability to provide our customers with access to our platform, products and solutions, and negatively affect our abilities to retain existing customers;- generate negative publicity about us;- result in litigation and increased legal liability or fines; or - lead to governmental inquiry or oversight.
The occurrence of any of these events could harm our business or damage our brand and reputation, lead to customer credits, loss of customers, higher expenses, and possibly impede our present and future success in retaining and attracting new customers. Security incidents or attacks on our infrastructure would be damaging to our reputation and could harm our business.
Technology3 | 4.6%
Technology - Risk 1
Our use of licensed third-party or open-source software could negatively affect our ability to provide consistent online experiences.
We use software licensed from third parties. Any interruptions that result from the unavailability of the software licensed from third parties may affect the quality of our services. We may also encounter problems when software licensed from third parties is upgraded, and undetected programming errors could adversely affect the performance of the software we use to provide our services. Although we have implemented policies to regulate the use and incorporation of open-source software into our products and platform, we cannot be certain that we have not incorporated open source software in our products or platform in a manner that is inconsistent with such policies. If we or our employees fail to comply with open source licenses, we may be subject to certain requirements, including requirements that we offer our products that incorporate the open source software for no cost, that we make available source code for modifications or derivative works we create based upon, incorporating or using the open source software and that we license such modifications or derivative works under the terms of applicable open source licenses. If an author or other third party that distributes such open source software were to allege that we had not complied with the conditions of one or more of these licenses, we could be required to incur significant legal expenses defending against such allegations and could be subject to significant damages, enjoined from generating revenues from customers using products that contained the open source software and required to comply with onerous conditions or restrictions on these products. In addition, we use open-source software in the applications we have developed to operate our business and will use open source software in the future. We could be required to seek licenses from third parties in order to continue using the open source software we are permitted to use currently, in which case licenses may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. Our inability to use third-party software could result in disruptions to our business, or delays in the development of future offerings or difficulties in enhancing our operating platforms, which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Moreover, we use third-party technology and systems in a variety of technical and operational aspects of our business, including encryption and authentication technology, employee email, content delivery to customers, back-office support, among others. Similar security risks exist with respect to such third-parties. As a result, we are subject to the risk that cyber-attacks on our business partners and third-party suppliers may adversely affect our business even if an attack or breach does not directly impact our systems. It is also possible that security breaches sustained by our competitors could result in negative publicity for our entire industry that indirectly harms our reputation and diminishes demand for our platform.
Technology - Risk 2
Cross-border merchandise and tourism business are subject to rapid technological changes and innovations. Our technologies may become obsolete or insufficient.
The nature of our business is subject to rapid technological changes, and we may have difficulties in following and adapting to technological changes in the industry in a timely and cost-effective manner, which could impact every key aspect of our business. New technologies developed and introduced by our competitors could render our products and services less attractive or obsolete, thus materially affecting our business and prospects. In addition, our substantial investments in technology may not produce expected results. If we fail to continue to develop, innovate and utilize our technologies or if our competitors develop or apply more advanced technologies, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Technology - Risk 3
We conduct our business through online third party platforms operated by our business customers. The material disruption of those platforms or any adverse changes on our cooperation with them could harm our business and operation.
We use third party platforms operated by our business customers to promote and sell our products. Our growth is subject to aforesaid third party platforms' traffic growth, account using terms and conditions and regulations, among other factors. If these platforms' traffic fails to grow in the future, our growth may slow down as well. If we breach the using terms of such platforms, the platform operators may decide at any time to curtail or inhibit our ability to use such platforms. Meanwhile, these platforms may increase their fees or make changes to their respective business models, using terms, policies or systems, and those changes could impair or restrict our ability sell products. In addition, these platforms may be interrupted by regulatory restrictions, cease operations unexpectedly due to a number of events, or even shut down due to their operating problems.
Any of the above could affect our ability to maintain profitability or have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Production
Total Risks: 8/65 (12%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel3 | 4.6%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Non-compliance with labor-related laws and regulations of the PRC may have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operation.
We have been subject to stricter regulatory requirements in terms of entering into labor contracts with our employees and paying various statutory employee benefits, including pensions, housing fund, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and childbearing insurance to designated government agencies for the benefit of our employees. Pursuant to the PRC Labor Contract Law, or the Labor Contract Law, that became effective in January 2008 and its implementing rules that became effective in September 2008 and was amended in July 2013, employers are subject to stricter requirements in terms of signing labor contracts, minimum wages, paying remuneration, determining the term of employees' probation and unilaterally terminating labor contracts. In the event that we decide to terminate some of our employees or otherwise change our employment or labor practices, the Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules may limit our ability to effect those changes in a desirable or cost-effective manner, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We believe our current practice complies with the Labor Contract Law and its amendments. However, the relevant governmental authorities may take a different view and impose fines on us.
As the interpretation and implementation of labor-related laws and regulations are still evolving, we cannot assure you that our employment practice does not and will not violate labor-related laws and regulations in China, which may subject us to labor disputes or government investigations. If we are deemed to have violated relevant labor laws and regulations, we could be required to provide additional compensation to our employees and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We have granted, and may continue to grant, stock-based awards to Key Employees and Consultants, which will increase our share-based compensation and may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
In order to compete for talents, we may need to offer higher compensation to our key and consultants, including granting awards under our current equity incentive plan, which may include the grant of shares of restricted common stocks. We have adopted various equity incentive plans, including the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2022 Plan, and the most recent, the New 2022 EIP. In addition, we granted a performance-based stock awards to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, co-chairwoman and director. We believe the granting of stock-based awards is important to our ability to attract and retain key personnel and employees, and we will continue to grant share-based awards in the future. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation will increase, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
During the fiscal year ended December 2022, we provided a stock-based compensation to our key employees and by granting awards under our 2022 Plan and, upon its termination, under the New 2022 EIP pursuant to registration statements on Form S-8. The issuance of such shares resulted in a deduction in our profit although there is no cash paid out. However, such deduction in profit makes our financial performance looks less attractive to the investor and cause difficulties to raise sufficient capital to support our business.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
The success of our business depends on the continuing efforts of our senior management and other key personnel. If we fail to retain, attract and train such personnel, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
The success of our business depends significantly on our senior management. In particular, we rely on the expertise, experience and vision of Ms. Sun Lei, our Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, co-Chairwoman and director. If she becomes unable or unwilling to continue to contribute her services to us, we may not be able to replace them easily, or at all. As a result, our business may be severely disrupted, and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Additionally, our future success also depends on our ability to attract, recruit and train a large number of qualified employees and retain existing key employees. Competition for discovering and signing talents in cross-border merchandise and tourism industries in China is intense, and the availability of suitable and qualified candidates in China is limited. In order to compete for talents, we may need to offer higher compensation, better trainings, more attractive career opportunities and other benefits to our employees, which may be costly and burdensome. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain a qualified workforce necessary to support our future growth. Furthermore, our ability to train and integrate new employees into our operations may not meet the demands of our growing business. Any of the above issues related to our workforce may materially and adversely affect our operations and future growth.
Supply Chain3 | 4.6%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
Our product suppliers, manufacturers, independent contractors or commercial partners may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including unfair competition and noncompliance with laws and regulations, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We are exposed to the risk that our product suppliers, manufacturers, independent contractors or commercial partners may engage in misconduct. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless or negligent conduct or improper sales, marketing and business arrangements, in particular, arrangements that may constitute unfair competition. It is not always possible for us to identify and deter misconduct by our product suppliers, independent contractors or commercial partners, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown, unmanaged risks and losses, or in protecting us from negative publicity, governmental investigations, actions or lawsuits stemming from such misconducts. No matter whether we can succeed in dealing with negative publicity or defending against investigations or actions, we could incur substantial costs and divert the attention of management, which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our results of operations.
Supply Chain - Risk 2
Changed
Our product supply chain is essential to our business and is subject to risks associated with demand forecasting, timely supplying and warehousing, as well as maintaining relationship with our suppliers.
We largely depend on our supply chain management capabilities to minimize our inventory risks, maintain our short turnaround time and improve our operational efficiency. However, our demand forecast may not be accurate, which could result in inventory write-offs or inventory shortages. Even if we can make accurate demand forecasts, our product supply chain may not be able to meet our demand on a timely basis due to unexpected reasons. In addition, warehouses that we operate may not have sufficient capacity to process orders efficiently.
Our product supply chain is also largely dependent on our relationship with our product suppliers. We cannot assure you that our current product suppliers will continue to sell products or provide services to us on commercially acceptable terms, or at all, after the current term of the agreement expires. If our suppliers cease to transact with us on favorable payment terms or deliver production in a timely manner as agreed under the contract terms, our operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Although we believe our supply chain has the capacity to support our current operation, we cannot guarantee our supply chain will be adequate to support our expanded business in the future. Thus, if we fail to manage our supply chain in line with our business expansion, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may suffer.
Supply Chain - Risk 3
We rely on third-party product suppliers, manufacturers, logistics service providers and other vendors to serve our business customers. If they fail to provide products or services that are consistent with our standards or applicable regulatory requirements, we may have to find alternative vendors, and our reputation and operation could suffer.
We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities. Instead, we rely on third-party manufacturers and third-party product suppliers to supply all of the products offered on third party platform operated by our business customers. We enter into framework procurement contracts with different third-party product suppliers and manufacturers. The capacities of our third-party product suppliers and manufacturers are subject to orders placed by their other clients, which may include our competitors. If our demands increase significantly, or our existing suppliers run out of their capacity, we may not be able to find additional or alternative suppliers in a timely manner. We also cannot guarantee that we will have superior bargaining power over third-party product suppliers and manufacturers for our newly launched products. In addition, quality control issues, such as the use of unqualified materials, may exist in certain third-party product suppliers and could cause consumer dissatisfaction and as a result, harm our business.
We rely on third-party logistics service providers to deliver products to our customers. Any delay, damages, loss and inappropriate actions taken by logistics service providers might cause customer complaints. Although we may claim compensation from third-party logistics service providers in some cases, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer as well.
Costs2 | 3.1%
Costs - Risk 1
We procure inventory based on our forecast on business customer demands, and if we are unable to manage our inventory effectively, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Our scale and business model requires us to manage a large volume of inventory effectively. Our forecast on demands may significantly differ from actual demands. Demands may be affected by seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, product defects, promotions, changes in business consumer spending patterns, changes in business consumer tastes with respect to our products and other factors, and our business consumers may not purchase products in the quantities that we expect. We may not be able to return unsold products to our suppliers unless the products are defective or otherwise agreed with our suppliers.
On the other hand, if we underestimate demand and thus run short of inventory, our growth may be adversely affected due to lower sales volume and unsatisfied shopping experiences.
Furthermore, if we fail to negotiate favorable credit terms with third-party suppliers and manufacturers, we may be subject to a heightened risk of inventory obsolescence, a decline in inventory values, and significant inventory write- downs or write-offs. In case that we are required to lower sale prices in order to reduce inventory level or to pay higher prices to our suppliers, our profit margins might be negatively affected. Any of the above may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
Costs - Risk 2
We may incur liabilities that are not covered by insurance.
While we seek to maintain appropriate levels of insurance, not all claims are insurable and we may experience major incidents of a nature that are not covered by insurance. We provide social security insurance including pension, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, on-the-job injury insurance and housing fund plans through a PRC government-mandated benefit contribution plan for our employees. We do not carry any key-man life insurance, product liability, Directors and Officers Insurance and professional liability insurance. Even if we purchase these kinds of insurance, the insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending against product liability or professional liability claims. We have not purchased any property insurance or business interruption insurance. We have determined that the costs of insuring for related risks and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical. We consider our insurance coverage to be sufficient for our business operations in China. We maintain an amount of insurance protection that we believe is adequate, but there can be no assurance that such insurance will continue to be available on acceptable terms or that our insurance coverage will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all liabilities to which we may be subject. If we were to incur substantial losses or liabilities due to fire, explosions, floods, other natural disasters or accidents or business interruption, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. We could, for example, be subject to substantial claims for damages upon the occurrence of several events within one calendar year. In addition, our insurance costs may increase over time in response to any negative development in our claims history or due to material price increases in the insurance market in general.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 7/65 (11%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 1.5%
Competition - Risk 1
Our industry is highly competitive and we may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. If we are unable to compete effectively, we may lose customers and our financial results may be negatively affected.
We face intense competition in the cross-bordered merchandise and tourism industries in China. We expect greater competition in the future from existing players and new market entrants. Some of our current and future competitors may have greater brand recognition and financial and other resources than we do, which may make it more difficult for us to maintain or gain market share.
If we are not able to effectively compete against current or future competitors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer. Increased competition may result in higher pricing pressure, reducing our ability to charge competitive prices for our products and services and decreased market share, any of which could materially and negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
Demand3 | 4.6%
Demand - Risk 1
Added
We had a concentration of major customers during the years ended December 31, 2023 and if our existing major customers cease to engage our services, we may be unable to find new customers with similar attributable revenue within a reasonable time or at all.
The percentage of our revenue attributable to our largest customer, Hefei Liantuo Tianji E-commence Corporation Ltd., an online airline tickets agency company, amounted to $23,621,588, or 74%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $74,340,429 or 93% for the year ended December 31, 2022. We depend on this customer and several other major customers. Because of the competitive nature of our business operations, the contractual arrangements with this and other major customers are based on short-term projects; however, and may be terminated at will by each party. if our existing major customers cease to engage our services, we may be unable to find new customers with similar attributable revenue within a reasonable time or at all.
Demand - Risk 2
Our results of operations may fluctuate due to the seasonality of our business and other events, which could cause our stock price to decline.
We have experienced, and expect to continuously experience, seasonal fluctuations in our results of operations, due to seasonal changes in sales volume, as well as seasonality in our advertising services. In addition, the business hours of our logistics and fulfillment service will be impacted by the holidays. Moreover, our results of operations may fluctuate due to changes in production cycle and launch of new styles or events.
Demand - Risk 3
If we fail to anticipate and respond to changing business customer preferences and shifts in market trends in a timely manner, our business and operating results could be harmed.
Our success largely depends on our ability to consistently gauge business customers' tastes and market trends, provide a balanced assortment of merchandise and source brands that satisfies business customer demands in a timely manner. Our failure to anticipate, identify or react appropriately and timely to changes in business customer preferences, tastes and market trends or economic conditions could lead to, among other things, missed opportunities, excess inventory or inventory shortages, markdowns and write-offs, all of which could negatively impact our profitability. In addition, failure to respond to changing business customer preferences and trends in brand could negatively impact our brand image with our business customers and result in diminished brand loyalty, and thus harm the prospects of our business.
Brand / Reputation3 | 4.6%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
Our business depends on the continued success of our growing brand portfolio and if we fail to maintain and expand our brand portfolio or maintain and enhance our brand recognition, our business, results of operations and prospects may be harmed.
We mainly depend on our brand portfolio to scale our business, attract and retain our business customers. Our Luxventure portfolio, which covers cross border merchandise and tourism products, seamlessly connected various brands from our suppliers. Although we have devoted significant resources to and incurred large amount of expenses on sourcing, maintaining, promoting and expanding our brands, we cannot assure you that these efforts will be successful. In addition, maintaining and enhancing the recognition of our brands are also key to our success, which could be affected by various factors, including the effectiveness of our brand marketing strategy, publicity about our business, quality of products offered under the brands as well as preference of consumers, certain of which are beyond our control. Any failure to maintain and expand our brand portfolio or maintain and enhance our brand recognition could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and prospects.
Brand / Reputation - Risk 2
Negative publicity about our brands, our business model or our products may materially and adversely affect our reputation, our business and the trading price of our shares, regardless of its accuracy. We may also be adversely affected by negative publicity concerning us and our business, shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, other business partners and the industry in which we operate, regardless of its accuracy.
Regardless of its accuracy, negative publicity about our business model or our products may arise and appear on the internet and other media from time to time, and negative publicity of more serious natures may arise in the future.
In addition, our business model may be alleged to be involved in misconducts, improper activities, rumors, scandals or illegal activities from time to time related to a variety of matters, such as misleading advertising practice. These allegations, even if factually incorrect or based on isolated events, would result in negative publicity of our business, and may further have an adverse effect on our brand and reputation.
Our brands and brands of our suppliers may also be subject to negative publicity for various reasons, such as complaints about the quality of the products, customer services or other public relation incidents of us, which may adversely affect our reputation, brand loyalty and consequently affect the operation of our business. Any such negative publicity, regardless of its veracity, could result in the expenditure of funds and management time and may have a material and adverse effect on our reputation, our business and the trading price of our shares.
Moreover, negative publicity concerning us and our business, shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, other business partners and the industry in which we operate can harm our brand and reputation, regardless of its accuracy. Negative publicity concerning these parties could be related to a wide variety of matters, including, but are not limited to:
- alleged misconducts or other improper activities committed by our directors, officers, employees, agents and other business partners;- false or malicious allegations or rumors about us or our directors, shareholders, affiliates, officers, employees and other business partners;- complaints from our business customers about our products and services;- employment-related claims relating to employment discrimination, working hours violation, tax, wage or pension matters;- governmental and regulatory investigations, penalties or claims resulting from misconduct of our business partners,- or our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations;- negative publicity and claims asserted against our brand partners, especially any product quality issues of our - brand partners' products; and - negative publicity of the industry in which we operate, including, but not limited to, bankruptcy and cessation of business operations of any of our major competitors.
Brand / Reputation - Risk 3
If we become directly subject to the recent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations, stock price and reputation, and could result in a loss of your investment in our stock, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably.
In the past few years, U.S. publicly traded companies that have substantially all of their operations in China, particularly companies like us have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators, and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity has centered around financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity, the publicly traded stocks of many U.S. listed Chinese companies have sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, have become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions, and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear the effect of this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism, and negative publicity will have on our Company, our business, and our stock price. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations defending our Company. This situation will be costly, time consuming, and distract our management from growing our company.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 5/65 (8%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment3 | 4.6%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
China's economic, political and social conditions, as well as changes in any government policies, laws and regulations, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Substantially all of our operations are located in China and substantially of our net revenues are derived from customers where the contracting entity is located in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and certain transactions we may undertake may be subject, to a significant extent, to economic, political and legal developments in China. China's economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although China's economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy since the late 1970s, the PRC government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The PRC government also exercises significant control over China's economic growth through allocating resources, controlling the incurrence and payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Changes in any of these policies, laws and regulations could adversely affect the economy in China and could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage foreign investment and sustainable economic growth and to guide the allocation of financial and other resources. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not repeal or alter these measures or introduce new measures that will have a negative effect on us. China's social and political conditions may change and become unstable. Any sudden changes to China's political system or the occurrence of widespread social unrest could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Changes in China's economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
Substantially all of our assets and operations are located in the PRC. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in the PRC generally. The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in the PRC is still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over the PRC's economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. The PRC government also has implemented various measures to encourage foreign investment and sustainable economic growth and to guide the allocation of financial and other resources. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not repeal or alter these measures or introduce new measures that will have a negative effect on us.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in the PRC, in the policies of the Chinese government or in the laws and regulations in the PRC could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of the PRC. Such developments could adversely affect our business and operating results, lead to a reduction in demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate adjustment, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in the PRC, which may adversely affect our business and operating results.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
A severe or prolonged downturn in the Chinese or global economy could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The global macroeconomic environment is facing challenges. Although the Chinese economy has grown steadily in the past decade, the growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing down in recent years and may materially decline in the future. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the People's Bank of China and financial authorities of some of the world's leading economies, including the United States and China. The uncertain nature, magnitude and duration of political instability and military hostilities, including the recent conflict in Israel with Hamas, the ongoing war between uncertain nature, magnitude and duration of the Russia-Ukraine war could lead to significant disruptions in the global economy. The full economic effect of these events cannot be estimated with certainty, but this may impact businesses across the globe both in the short term and the long term with rising commodity prices and demand, rising interest costs to counter inflationary conditions and loss in value of currencies. There have also been concerns on the relationship among China and other Asian countries, which may result in or intensify potential conflicts in relation to territorial disputes. Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions, as well as changes in domestic economic and political policies and the expected or perceived overall economic growth rate in China. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We engage in cross border merchandise and tourism business and conduct substantially all of our operations in China; therefore, any deterioration of the PRC economy, decrease in disposable income and fear of a recession may lead to reductions of customers' demand and their spending on fashion products with us. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global or PRC economy may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 1.5%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Pandemics and epidemics, natural disasters, terrorist activities, political unrest, and other outbreaks could disrupt our delivery and operations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Global pandemics, epidemics in China or elsewhere in the world, other widespread health epidemics or fear of spread of contagious diseases, such as Ebola virus disease (EVD), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1 flu, H7N9 flu, and avian flu, as well as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, or other natural disasters could disrupt our business operations, reduce or restrict our supply of products and services, incur significant costs to protect our employees and facilities, or result in regional or global economic distress, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Actual or threatened war, terrorist activities, political unrest, civil strife, and other geopolitical uncertainty could have a similar adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any one or more of these events may impede our production and delivery efforts and adversely affect our sales results, or even for a prolonged period of time, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected many businesses in China, including the Company's business, supply chain and workforce availability across the world, leading to substantial declines in business activities that have negatively impacted and may continue to negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. The global spread of COVID-19 also affected our sales. This growth in revenue, especially revenues from our tourism business, has been adversely impacted by COVID-19 pandemic at various times during 2021 because of government-enforced lockdowns.
Since January 2023, the Chinese government has gradually lifted restrictions and quarantines that were imposed in response to the pandemic and has now completed lifted such restrictions and quarantines. We believe this has substantively reduced the risk of delay and other uncertainty to our business operations, except that it may be more difficult for us to recruit foreign talent at least in the near future, because such foreign talent may have left China and returned to their home country during the pandemic. It is also possible that if future outbreak occurs, the government will take similar actions which would adversely impact our business. In addition, the broader macro-economic implications the pandemic, including reduced levels of economic growth and possibly a global recession, likely still exist and will likely impact our future results of operations.
Our business is also vulnerable to natural disasters, such as snowstorms, earthquakes, fires or floods, and other calamities, such as wars, acts of terrorism, environmental accidents, power shortages or communication interruptions. The occurrence of such a disaster or a prolonged outbreak of an epidemic illness or other adverse public health developments in China or elsewhere in the world could materially disrupt our business and operations. We cannot assure you that we are adequately protected from the effects of fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins, war, riots, terrorist attacks, or similar events. Any of the foregoing events may give rise to interruptions, damage to our property, delays in production, breakdowns, system failures, or internet failures, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Our operations could be disrupted if any of our employees or employees of our business partners were suspected of having any contagious disease, since this could require us or our business partners to quarantine some or all of such employees or disinfect the facilities used for our operations. Our operations could also be severely disrupted if our buyers, sellers or other participants were affected by such natural disasters, health epidemics or other outbreaks. In addition, our revenues and profitability could be materially reduced to the extent that a natural disaster, health epidemic or other outbreak harms the global or PRC economy in general and our industry as a whole.
Capital Markets1 | 1.5%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
Imposition of trade barriers and taxes may reduce our ability to do business internationally, and the resulting loss of revenue could harm our profitability.
We may experience barriers to conducting business in the form of delayed customs clearances, customs duties and tariffs. In addition, we may be subject to repatriation taxes levied upon the exchange of income from local currency into foreign currency, substantial taxes on profits, revenues, assets and payroll, as well as value-added tax. The markets in which we plan to operate may impose onerous and unpredictable duties, tariffs and taxes on our business and products, and there can be no assurance that this will not reduce the level of sales that we achieve in such markets, which would reduce our revenues and profits.
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.