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.

Loop Industries disclosed 28 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Loop Industries reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2021

Risk Distribution

39% Finance & Corporate

18% Tech & Innovation

14% Legal & Regulatory

14% Production

11% Macro & Political

4% Ability to Sell

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

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Loop Industries 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, 2021

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 11 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 11 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Nov 2021

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Nov 2021

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of Loop Industries 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 28

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 11/28 (39%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights4 | 14.3%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR SECURITIES Raising additional funds may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies.

If we raise additional funds through equity offerings or offerings of equity-linked securities, including warrants or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders may experience significant dilution, and the terms of such securities may include liquidation or other preferences that may adversely affect the rights of our stockholders. Debt financings, if available, may subject us to restrictive covenants that could limit our flexibility in conducting future business activities, including covenants limiting or restricting our ability to incur additional debt, dispose of assets or incur capital expenditures. We may also incur ongoing interest expense and be required to grant a security interest in our assets in connection with any debt issuance. If we raise additional funds through strategic partnerships or licensing agreements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Trading volume in our stock can fluctuate and an active trading market for our common stock may not be available on a consistent basis to provide stockholders with adequate liquidity. Our stock price may be volatile, and our stockholders could incur significant investment losses.

The trading price for our common stock will be affected by a number of factors, including: - any change in the status of our Nasdaq listing;- the need for near-term financing to continue operations;- our ability to develop and commercialize our technology, relative to investor expectations;- general market conditions and other factors unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors;- volatility in the financial and credit markets, including the recent volatility due, in part, to the current COVID-19 outbreak;- future issuances and/or sales of our securities;- announcements or the absence of announcements by us, or our competitors, regarding collaborations, new products, significant contracts, commercial relationships or capital commitments;- commencement of, or involvement in, litigation or investigations;- any major change in our board of directors or management;- changes in governmental regulations or in the status of our regulatory approvals;- announcements related to patents issued to us or our competitors and to litigation involving our intellectual property;- a lack of, or limited, or negative industry or security analyst coverage;- uncertainty regarding our ability to secure additional cash resources with which to operate our business;- short-selling or similar activities by third parties;- limited trading liquidity in our shares and any short positions held; and - other factors described elsewhere in these Risk Factors. As a result of these factors, our stockholders may not be able to resell their shares at, or above, their purchase price. In addition, the stock prices of many technology companies have experienced wide fluctuations that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. Any negative change in the public's perception of the prospects of companies in our industry could depress our stock price regardless of our results of operations. These factors may have a material adverse effect on the market price and liquidity of our common stock and affect our ability to obtain required financing.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

Our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Daniel Solomita, beneficially owns a majority of the total voting power of our capital stock, and accordingly, has control over stockholder matters, our business and management.

As at May 27, 2021, Mr. Daniel Solomita, our President and Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and controlling shareholder, beneficially owns 19,010,000 shares of common stock, or 44.8% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock and also holds one share of Series A Preferred Stock. The one share of Series A Preferred Stock issued to Mr. Solomita holds a majority of the total voting power so long as Mr. Solomita holds not less than 7.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, assuring Mr. Solomita of control of the Company in the event that his ownership of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock is diluted to a level below a majority. Currently, Mr. Solomita's beneficial ownership of 19,010,000 shares of common stock and 1 share of Series A Preferred Stock provides him with 77.0% of the voting control of the Company. Additionally, the one share of Series A Preferred Stock issued to Mr. Solomita contains protective provisions, which precludes us from taking certain actions without Mr. Solomita's (or that of any person to whom the one share of Series A Preferred Stock is transferred) approval. More specifically, so long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, we are not permitted to take certain actions without first obtaining the approval (by vote or written consent, as provided by law) of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, including for example and without limitation, amending our articles of incorporation, changing or modifying the rights of the Series A Preferred Stock, including increasing or decreasing the number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock, increasing or decreasing the size of the board of directors or remove the director appointed by the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock and declaring or paying any dividend or other distribution. Moreover, because of the significant ownership position held by our insiders, new investors may not be able to effect a change in our business or management, and therefore, stockholders would have no recourse as a result of decisions made by management. In addition, sales of significant amounts of shares held by Mr. Solomita, or the prospect of these sales, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Management's stock ownership may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

Anti-takeover effects of certain provisions of Nevada state law hinder a potential takeover of our company.

Though not now, we may in the future become subject to Nevada's control share law. A corporation is subject to Nevada's control share law if it has more than 200 stockholders, at least 100 of whom are stockholders of record and residents of Nevada, and it does business in Nevada or through an affiliated corporation. The law focuses on the acquisition of a "controlling interest" which means the ownership of outstanding voting shares sufficient, but for the control share law, to enable the acquiring person to exercise the following proportions of the voting power of the company in the election of directors: (i) one-fifth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more. The ability to exercise such voting power may be direct or indirect, as well as individual or in association with others. The effect of the control share law is that the acquiring person, and those acting in association with it, obtains only such voting rights in the control shares as are conferred by a resolution of our stockholders, approved at a special or annual meeting of stockholders. The control share law contemplates that voting rights will be considered only once by the other stockholders. Thus, there is no authority to strip voting rights from the control shares of an acquiring person once those rights have been approved. If the stockholders do not grant voting rights to the control shares acquired by an acquiring person, those shares do not become permanent non-voting shares. The acquiring person is free to sell its shares to others. If the buyers of those shares themselves do not acquire a controlling interest, their shares do not become governed by the control share law. If control shares are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring person has acquired control shares with a majority or more of the voting power, any stockholder of record, other than an acquiring person, who has not voted in favor of approval of voting rights, is entitled to demand fair value for such stockholder's shares. In addition to the control share law, Nevada has a business combination law which prohibits certain business combinations between Nevada corporations and "interested stockholders" for three years after the "interested stockholder" first becomes an "interested stockholder," unless the company's board of directors approves the combination in advance. For purposes of Nevada law, an "interested stockholder" is any person who is (i) the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the company, or (ii) an affiliate or associate of the company and at any time within the two previous years was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the company. The definition of the term "combination" is sufficiently broad to cover virtually any kind of transaction that would allow a potential acquirer to use the company's assets to finance the acquisition or otherwise to benefit its own interests rather than the interests of the company and its other stockholders. The effect of Nevada's business combination law is to potentially discourage parties interested in taking control of us from doing so if it cannot obtain the approval of our board of directors.

Accounting & Financial Operations5 | 17.9%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Because we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.

We intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Unless we pay dividends, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them. Stockholders may not be able to sell shares when desired. Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware that there are various risks. You should consider carefully these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this annual report before you decide to purchase our securities. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develop into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Changes in tax legislation in the countries the Company has operations could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") that significantly reforms the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The TCJA, among other things, includes changes to U.S. federal tax rates, imposes significant additional limitations on the deductibility of interest and net operating loss carryforwards, allows for the expensing of capital expenditures, and puts into effect the migration from a "worldwide" system of taxation to a territorial system. The impact of enactment of U.S. tax reform was recorded on a provisional basis as the legislation provides for additional guidance to be issued by the U.S. Treasury Department on several provisions including the computation of the transition tax. We continue to examine the impact this tax reform legislation may have on our business and we urge our stockholders to consult with their legal and tax advisors with respect to such legislation and the potential tax consequences of investing in our common stock.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and the price of our common stock.

We are required to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("Section 404"). Section 404 requires us to include an internal control report with our Annual Report on Form 10-K. This report must include management's assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as at the end of the fiscal year. This report must also include disclosure of any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting that we have identified. The process of designing and implementing internal control over financial reporting required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is time consuming, costly and complicated. If during the evaluation and testing process, we identify one or more other material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or determine that existing material weaknesses have not been remediated, our management will be unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective. Even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may conclude that there are material weaknesses with respect to our internal controls or the level at which our internal controls are documented, designed, implemented or reviewed. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or when required in the future, if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected and we could become subject to litigation or investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has not had a significant impact on the design and effectiveness of the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

Risk factors summary

This risk factor summary contains a high-level summary of risks associated with our business, but does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized below, and other risks that we face, may be found immediately following this summary. - We have incurred net losses and have never generated revenue since inception and expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or maintain profitability. - Our limited operating history may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability. - We may not be able to execute our business plan or stay in business without additional funding. - The global COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our business, results of operations and financial condition. - We are subject to certain risks related to litigation filed by or against us and investigations we are subject to, and adverse results may harm our business. - We have been named as a defendant in a putative shareholder class action lawsuits and are subject to an SEC Investigation which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and reputation. - The macro-economic environment in the United States and abroad has adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our ability to raise capital, which may potentially impact our ability to continue our operations. - Our technology may not be successful in developing commercial products and if we are unable to successfully scale our manufacturing processes, we may not meet customer demand. - We face business risks due to our relationships with strategic partners. - Decreases in our ability to develop or apply new technology and know-how or protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology or obtain or maintain trade secret protection may affect our competitiveness. - Disruption at, damage to or destruction of our demonstration and training plant or facilities could impede our ability to continue innovating and refining our technological process, which would harm our business, financial condition and operating results. - The plastics manufacturing industry is extremely price-competitive because of the commodity-like nature of virgin PET resin and its correlation to the price of crude oil. If our cost to manufacture recycled PET is not competitive with virgin PET or if the price of oil reduces significantly, it may adversely impact our ability to penetrate the market or be profitable. - We are vulnerable to fluctuations in the supply and price of raw materials. - The loss of the services of Mr. Daniel Solomita, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, or our failure to timely identify and retain competent personnel could negatively impact our ability to develop our business. - Our demonstration and training facility and other facilities must operate under policies, procedures, and controls for the operation of a chemical manufacturing facility as required under various federal, provincial and local regulations and codes. Failure to comply with such regulations and codes may lead to disruption of operations at the pilot plant and the development of our technology, and financial sanctions. - If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and the price of our common stock. - We are subject to various federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations and failure to secure and maintain permits could result in costs that have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. - Raising additional funds may cause dilution to our existing stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies. - Trading volume in our stock can fluctuate and an active trading market for our common stock may not be available on a consistent basis to provide stockholders with adequate liquidity. Our stock price may be volatile, and our stockholders could incur significant investment losses. - Our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Daniel Solomita, beneficially owns a majority of the total voting power of our capital stock, and accordingly, has control over stockholder matters, our business and management. - Anti-takeover effects of certain provisions of Nevada state law hinder a potential takeover of our company. - Because we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4

We have incurred net losses since inception. We expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future and may never achieve or maintain profitability. We have never generated material revenue and may never be profitable.

Since our inception in 2010, we have incurred net losses. Our net loss for the year ended February 28, 2021 was $36.34 million and we have earned no revenues to date. We have financed our operations primarily through sales of common stock and incurrence of debt and have devoted substantial efforts to research and development, as well as building our team. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. The net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. Although we believe that our business plan has significant profit potential, we may not attain profitable operations and management may not succeed in realizing our business objectives. Our ability to generate revenue depends on our ability to successfully complete the development of our technology and products, obtain the regulatory approvals necessary to commercialize our products, attract additional customers, finance, build and operate commercial facilities. We expect to incur operating losses in future periods. These losses will occur as we do not have any revenues to offset the expenses associated with our business operations. We may not generate revenues from product sales for the next several years, if ever. If we are not able to develop our business as anticipated, we may not be able to generate revenues or achieve profitability. We cannot guarantee that we will ever be successful in generating revenues in the future. If we are unable to generate revenues, we will not be able to earn profits or continue operations.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5

Our limited operating history may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.

Our business was started in October 2014 with the incorporation of Loop Holdings, Inc. and 8198381 Canada Inc., and the acquisition of our GEN I technology in October 2014. Our operations to date have been primarily limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital and developing our technology and our demonstration and training plant. We have not yet demonstrated the ability to manufacture a commercial-scale product or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful commercialization. Consequently, any predictions you make about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history. In addition, as a new business, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known and unknown factors. We will need to transition from a company with a research focus to a company that is also capable of supporting commercial activities. We may not be successful in such a transition. There is no history upon which to base any assumption as to the likelihood that we will prove successful, and we can provide investors with no assurance that we will generate any operating revenues or ever achieve profitable operations. If we are unsuccessful in addressing these risks, our business will almost certainly fail.

Debt & Financing1 | 3.6%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

We may not be able to execute our business plan or stay in business without additional funding.

Our ability to generate future operating revenues depends in part on whether we can obtain the financing necessary to implement our business plan. We will likely require additional financing through a combination of the issuance of debt, equity, and/or joint ventures and/or government incentive programs in order to establish profitable operations, and such financing may not be forthcoming. If we are unable to attract investors to invest in our business, we may not be able to acquire additional financing through debt or equity markets. Even if additional financing is available, it may not be available on terms favorable to us. Our failure to secure additional financing on favorable terms when it becomes required would have an adverse effect on our ability to remain in business.

Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 3.6%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

We face business risks due to our relationships with strategic partners.

We rely on our strategic partner relationships for the scaling, manufacturing and commercialization of our technology. We have various arrangements with Indorama and Suez to commercially scale our technology in Spartanburg and Europe respectively and with Chemtex and our external engineering firm Worley. We also have various supply agreements with Danone, Pepsi, L'Oreal and L'OCCITANE en Provence for our planned Spartanburg facility. Termination of any of these agreements could have an adverse effect on our business. In particular, certain of our agreements with our strategic partners have termination rights related to the satisfaction of milestones, some of which we have not achieved. Other than as noted below and though we have not received any indication from our strategic partners as to their indication to terminate, we cannot provide assurance that these strategic partners with whom we have entered into such agreements will not exercise their applicable termination rights, which are not within our control. For example, we previously announced that Coca-Cola Cross Enterprise Procurement Group ("CEPG") advised us that it was terminating our Master Terms and Conditions Supply Agreement for Loop PET plastic, dated November 14, 2018 (the "MTC") because we did not satisfy our first production milestone from the joint venture facility by July 2020 as required by the MTC. CEPG indicated in its notice that it is open and interested in exploring a new framework agreement with us for North America and/or Europe. We cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to enter into a new agreement with CEPG on terms that are favorable to us or at all. Any failure of our strategic partners or us to meet our required commitments, whether financial or otherwise, could result in a termination of such agreements as described above, operational issues, increased expenditures or damage to our reputation or loss of clients or customers, any of which could adversely affect our business and operations, financial performance or prospects.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 5/28 (18%)Above Sector Average

Innovation / R&D2 | 7.1%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

Our technology may not be successful in developing commercial products.

We and our potential future collaborators may spend many years and dedicate significant financial and other resources developing our technology that may never be successfully commercialized. Our technology may never become successfully commercialized for any of the following reasons: - We may not be able to secure sufficient funding to progress our technology through development and commercial validation;- We or our future collaborators may be unable to obtain the requisite regulatory approvals for our technology;- Competitors may launch competing or more effective technology;- Our technology may not be commercially successful;- Current and future collaborators may be unable to fully develop and commercialize products containing our technology or may decide, for whatever reason, not to commercialize such products; and - We may be unable to secure adequate patent protection in the necessary jurisdictions. If any of these things were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.

Innovation / R&D - Risk 2

Decreases in our ability to develop or apply new technology and know-how may affect our competitiveness.

Our success depends partially on our ability to improve production processes and services. We must also introduce new products and services to meet changing customer needs. If we are unable to implement better production processes or to develop new products through research and development or licensing of new technology, we may not be able to remain competitive with other manufacturers. As a result, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

Trade Secrets3 | 10.7%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

Our failure to protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology may significantly impair our competitive advantage.

Our success and ability to compete depend in large part upon protecting our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of patent, trademark and trade secret protection, confidentiality, nondisclosure and nonuse agreements to protect our proprietary rights. The steps we have taken may not be sufficient to prevent the misappropriation of our intellectual property, particularly in foreign countries where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States. The patent and trademark law and trade secret protection may not be adequate to deter third party infringement or misappropriation of our patents, trademarks and similar proprietary rights.

Trade Secrets - Risk 2

We may face costly intellectual property infringement claims, the result of which would decrease the amount of cash available to operate and complete our business plan.

We anticipate that, from time to time, we will receive communications from third parties asserting that we are infringing certain patents and other intellectual property rights of others or seeking indemnification against alleged infringement. If anticipated claims arise, we will evaluate their merits. Any claims of infringement brought forth by third parties could result in protracted and costly litigation, damages for infringement, and the necessity of obtaining a license relating to one or more of our products or current or future technologies, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Litigation, which could result in substantial costs to us and diversion of our resources, may be necessary to enforce our patents or other intellectual property rights or to defend us against claimed infringement of the rights of others. Any intellectual property litigation and the failure to obtain necessary licenses or other rights could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Trade Secrets - Risk 3

We rely in part on trade secrets to protect our technology, and our failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could harm our business.

We rely on trade secrets to protect some of our technology and proprietary information, especially where we believe patent protection is not appropriate or obtainable. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. Litigating a claim that a third party had illegally obtained and used our trade secrets would be expensive and time consuming, and the outcome would be unpredictable. Moreover, if our competitors independently develop similar knowledge, methods and know-how, it will be difficult for us to enforce our rights and our business could be harmed.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 4/28 (14%)Below Sector Average

Regulation2 | 7.1%

Regulation - Risk 1

Our demonstration and training facility or other facilities must operate under policies, procedures, and controls for the operation of a chemical manufacturing facility as required under various federal, provincial and local regulations and codes. Failure to comply with such regulations and codes may lead to disruption of operations at the demonstration and training facility or other facilities and the development of our technology, and financial sanctions.

We are subject to health and safety as well as environmental, zoning and any other regulatory requirements to operate our demonstration and training facility and our other facilities, and as our business evolves, we, directly or indirectly through our partners or other related parties, may be subject to additional government regulations. Any failure to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, as well as discovery of previously unknown problems, may result in, among other things, costly regulatory inspections, fines or remediation plans. If regulatory issues arise, the value of our business and our operating results may be adversely affected. Additionally, applicable regulations may change, and additional government regulations may be enacted that could impact our business. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in Canada, the United States or abroad. If we are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, are slow or unable to adopt new requirements or policies, or effect changes to existing requirements, our business may be adversely affected.

Regulation - Risk 2

We are subject to various federal, provincial, state and local laws and regulations and failure to secure and maintain permits could result in costs that have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Many federal, provincial, state and local regulations govern plants and facilities and licenses to be held by individuals. We are in the process of obtaining all necessary permits and approvals for the operation of our business; however, any of these permits or approvals may be subject to denial, revocation or modification under various circumstances. The requirements for such permits vary depending on the location where our regulated activities are operated. As these are governmental permitting processes, there is a degree of uncertainty as to whether a permit will be granted, the time it will take for a permit to be issued, the duration of the permit and the conditions that may be imposed in connection with the granting of the permit. We believe that we have all licenses required to conduct our operations and are in material compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with applicable regulations could result in substantial fines or revocation of our permits and licenses or an inability to perform work, which could adversely affect our business.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 7.1%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

We are subject to certain risks related to litigation filed by or against us and investigations we are subject to, and adverse results may harm our business.

We cannot predict with certainty the cost of defense, of prosecution or of the ultimate outcome of litigation, investigations and other proceedings filed by or against us, including penalties or other civil or criminal sanctions, or remedies or damage awards, and adverse results in any litigation and other proceedings may materially harm our business, including the subpoena we received from the SEC in October 2020 requesting certain information regarding testing, testing results and details of results from our GEN I and GEN II technologies and certain of our partnerships and agreements. Litigation and other proceedings may include, but are not limited to, actions relating to intellectual property, international trade, commercial arrangements, product liability, environmental, health and safety, joint venture agreements, labor and employment or other harms resulting from the actions of individuals or entities outside of our control. In the case of intellectual property litigation and proceedings, adverse outcomes could include the cancellation, invalidation or other loss of material intellectual property rights used in our business and injunctions prohibiting our use of business processes or technology that are subject to third-party patents or other third-party intellectual property rights. We expect to continue to incur legal fees in relation to litigation, investigations and other proceedings.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2

We have been named as a defendant in a putative shareholder class action lawsuits and are subject to an SEC Investigation which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and reputation.

We are defending against a putative shareholder class action lawsuits described in "Item 3. Legal Proceedings-Litigation," including any appeals of such lawsuit. We are currently unable to estimate the possible loss or possible range of loss, if any, associated with the resolution of these lawsuits. In the event that our initial defense of these lawsuits is unsuccessful, there can be no assurance that we will prevail in any appeal. Any adverse outcome, including any plaintiff's appeal of the judgment in this case, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and reputation. In addition, there can be no assurance that our insurance carriers will cover all or part of the defense costs, or any liabilities that may arise from these matters. The litigation process may utilize a significant portion of our cash resources and divert management's attention from the day-to-day operations of our company, all of which could harm our business. We also may be subject to claims for indemnification related to these matters, and we cannot predict the impact that indemnification claims may have on our business or financial results. In addition, as described in "Item 3. Legal Proceedings-SEC Investigation," of this annual report, the SEC in October 2020 requesting certain information regarding testing, testing results and details of results from our GEN I and GEN II technologies and certain of our partnerships and agreements. We cannot predict or provide any assurance as to the timing, outcome or consequences of the SEC investigation. If the SEC were to conclude that enforcement action is appropriate, we could be required to pay civil penalties and fines, and the SEC could impose other sanctions against us or against our current and former officers and directors. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, significant expenses related to legal and other professional services in connection with matters relating to or arising from the SEC investigation. In addition, our board of directors, management and employees may expend a substantial amount of time on the SEC investigation, diverting resources and attention that would otherwise be directed toward our operations and implementation of our business strategy, all of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, while the SEC has informed us that the investigation should not be construed as an indication by the SEC or its staff that any violation of law has occurred, nor as a reflection upon any person, entity or security, publicity surrounding the foregoing, or any SEC enforcement action or settlement as a result of the SEC's investigation, even if ultimately resolved favorably for us, could have an adverse impact on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations or cash position.

Production

Total Risks: 4/28 (14%)Below Sector Average

Manufacturing2 | 7.1%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Disruption at, damage to or destruction of our pilot plant or facilities could impede our ability to continue innovating and refining our technological process, which would harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

Our research and development activities are performed from a single location in Terrebonne, Québec. Our continued innovation activities rely on an uninterrupted and fully functioning pilot plant. Interruptions in operations at this location could result in our inability to provide the most efficient and effective technological solution to our customers. A number of factors could cause interruptions, including, but not limited to, equipment malfunctions or failures, technology malfunctions, work stoppages or slow-downs, damage to or destruction of the facility or regional power shortages. As our equipment ages, it will need to be replaced. Any disruption that impedes our ability to optimize our process in a timely manner could reduce our revenues and materially harm our business.

Manufacturing - Risk 2

If we are unable to successfully scale our manufacturing processes, we may not meet customer demand.

To be successful, we will have to scale our manufacturing processes while maintaining high product quality and reliability. If we cannot maintain high product quality at a large scale, our business will be adversely affected. We may encounter difficulties in scaling up production, including problems with the supply of key components. Even if we are successful in developing our manufacturing capability, we do not know whether we will do so in time to satisfy the requirements of our customers. The current manufacturing facility is a demonstration plant with limited production capacity used principally for research and development, training and customer marketing purposes. In order to fully implement our business plan, we will need to scale the operations to a larger industrial commercial facility, develop strategic partnerships or find other means to produce greater volumes of finished product. We, however, have not yet tested our technology at the scale that will be required for large commercial use nor at a scale sufficient to conclude the success of our technology.

Employment / Personnel1 | 3.6%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

The loss of the services of Mr. Daniel Solomita, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, or our failure to timely identify and retain competent personnel could negatively impact our ability to develop our business.

The development of our business and the marketing of our prospective products will continue to place a significant strain on our limited personnel, management, and other resources. Our future success depends upon the continued services of our executive officers who are developing our business, and on our ability to identify and retain competent consultants and employees with the skills required to execute our business objectives. The loss of the services of Mr. Daniel Solomita or our failure to timely identify and retain competent personnel could negatively impact our ability to develop our business which could adversely affect our financial results and impair our growth.

Costs1 | 3.6%

Costs - Risk 1

We are vulnerable to fluctuations in the supply and price of raw materials.

We purchase raw materials and packaging supplies from several sources. While all such materials are available from independent suppliers, raw materials are subject to fluctuations in price and availability attributable to a number of factors, including general economic conditions, commodity price fluctuations, the demand by other industries for the same raw materials and the availability of complementary and substitute materials. The profitability of our business also depends on the availability and proximity of these raw materials to our factories. The choice of raw materials to be used at our facility is determined primarily by the price and availability, the yield loss of lower quality raw materials, and the capabilities of the producer's production facility. Additionally, the cost of transportation could favor suppliers located in close proximity to our factories. If the quality of these raw materials is lower, the quality of our product may suffer. Economic and financial factors could impact our suppliers, thereby causing supply shortages. Increases in raw material costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our feedstock supply strategy, including any hedging procedures, may be insufficient, and our results could be materially impacted if costs of materials increase. In light of the uncertain and evolving situation relating to the global COVID-19 pandemic, our access to raw materials, the quality and proximity of such materials may be disrupted. We currently cannot predict the impact that the global COVID-19 pandemic will have on our access to raw materials.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 3/28 (11%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 3.6%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

The macroeconomic environment in the United States and abroad has adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our ability to raise capital, which may potentially impact our ability to continue our operations.

We have and, prior to commercialization, will continue to rely on raising funds from investors and/or other sources to support our research and development activities and our operations. Macro-economic conditions in the United States and abroad may result in a tightening of the credit markets and/or less capital available for small public companies, which may make it more difficult to raise capital. Specifically, the outbreak of COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions to the global financial markets, which could increase the cost of capital or volatility and adversely impact our ability to raise additional capital, which could negatively affect our liquidity in the future. If we are unable to raise funds as and when we need them, we may be forced to curtail our operations or even cease operating altogether. Therefore, unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, including as a result of COVID-19 and any resulting recession or slowed economic growth, could have a negative impact on us. It is not possible at this time to estimate the impact that COVID-19 could have on our business, as the impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain.

Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 3.6%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

The global COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted business operations for us and our customers, suppliers, vendors and other parties with whom we do business, and such disruptions are expected to continue for an indefinite period of time. In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, governments and municipalities around the world have instituted restrictive measures, including orders to shelter-in-place, travel restrictions, mandated business closures and social distancing. The pandemic and resulting governmental restrictions and regulations have adversely affected businesses, economies, and financial markets globally, leading to an economic downturn, a sharp increase in unemployment and increased market volatility of uncertain severity and duration. Additionally, as a result the disruption to the global economy, we may experience a decline in the consumption of our products as a result of change of consumer preference, perception or confidence and spending habits. Any continued disruption or prolonged change in consumer spending habits could adversely affect our business. The uncertain duration of these measures has had and may continue to have increasingly negative effects on critical development and commercialization efforts. In particular, although we were able to take advantage of exemptions in the order from Québec provincial government closing all non-essential business and commercial activity in the province during the shutdown periods from March 25, 2020 to May 11, 2020 and December 25, 2020 to February 7, 2021 to continue reduced operations at our pilot plant, the situation globally and the continued border closures and quarantine requirements between Canada and the United States have caused disruptions in our timetable of our joint venture with Indorama in the development of our Spartanburg facility and commercialization of our technology. We cannot ensure whether there will be further delays in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and further delays on the development and commercialization of our technology could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, as a result of COVID-19 and the measures designed to contain the spread of the virus, we may experience further restrictions on the movement of employees, disruption of supply chains, shipping of raw materials, restrictions on manufacturing and decline in value of assets held by us, including property and equipment. In particular, the COVID-19 outbreak has caused disruption to our business, including our furloughing a number of employees, which have now returned to work in full, either in person or in a work-from-home capacity. Additionally, our management team has, and will likely continue, to spend time, attention and resources monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and seeking to manage its effects on our business and workforce. Further, we are in the process of obtaining all necessary permits and approvals for the operation of our business, which processes may be delayed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we continue to monitor the situation and may adjust our current policies as more information and public health guidance become available, the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and its dynamic nature, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak and actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to contain the outbreak or to treat its impact, makes it difficult to accurately forecast any effects on our results of operations for 2021 and beyond. Additionally, our efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our business, employees and the community in which we operate efforts may not be successful and may require additional costs and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. As a result of COVID-19 and the measures designed to contain the spread of the virus, we may not have the materials or capacity to continue our development efforts according to our schedule. Further, there may be logistics issues, operations impacts, and transportation disruptions that may cause further delays or increase costs.

Capital Markets1 | 3.6%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

We are subject to risks associated with currency fluctuations, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates could impact our results of operations.

We operate mainly through two entities, Loop Industries, Inc., which is a Nevada corporation and has a U.S. dollar functional currency, and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Loop Canada Inc. ("Loop Canada"), which is based in Terrebonne, Québec, Canada and has a Canadian dollar functional currency. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. We mainly finance our operations through the sale and issuance of shares of common stock of Loop Industries, Inc. in U.S. dollars while our operations are concentrated in our wholly-owned subsidiary, Loop Canada. Accordingly, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk as we maintain bank accounts in U.S. dollars and a significant portion of our operational costs (including payroll, site costs, costs of locally sourced supplies and income taxes) are denominated in Canadian dollars. Significant fluctuations in U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rates could materially affect our result of operations, cash position and funding requirements. To the extent that fluctuations in currency exchange rates cause our results of operations to differ materially from our expectations or the expectations of our investors, the trading price of our common stock could be adversely affected. From time to time, we may engage in exchange rate hedging activities in an effort to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. As part of our risk management program, we may enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to lock in the exchange rates for future foreign currency transactions, which is intended to reduce the variability of our operating costs and future cash flows denominated in currencies that differ from our functional currencies. We do not enter into these contracts for trading purposes or speculation, and our management believes all such contracts are entered into as hedges of underlying transactions. Nonetheless, these instruments involve costs and have risks of their own in the form of transaction costs, credit requirements and counterparty risk. If our hedging program is not successful, or if we change our hedging activities in the future, we may experience significant unexpected expenses from fluctuations in exchange rates. Any hedging technique we implement may fail to be effective. If our hedging activities are not effective, changes in currency exchange rates may have a more significant impact on the trading price of our common stock.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 1/28 (4%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 3.6%

Competition - Risk 1

The plastics manufacturing industry is extremely price-competitive because of the commodity-like nature of virgin PET resin and its correlation to the price of crude oil. If our cost to manufacture recycled PET is not competitive with virgin PET or if the price of oil reduces significantly, it may adversely impact our ability to penetrate the market or be profitable.

The demand for recycled PET has historically fluctuated with the price of crude oil. If crude oil prices decline, the cost to manufacture recycled PET may become comparatively higher than the cost to manufacture virgin PET. Our ability to penetrate the market will depend in part on the cost of manufacturing virgin PET and if we do not successfully distinguish our product from those of virgin PET manufacturers our entry into the market and our ability to secure customer contracts can be adversely affected.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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