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.
NetBrands disclosed 19 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. NetBrands reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q4, 2023
Risk Distribution
63% Finance & Corporate
11% Tech & Innovation
11% Legal & Regulatory
11% Production
5% Ability to Sell
0% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
NetBrands 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 12 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 12 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
19
S&P 500 Average: 31
19
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
1Risks added
2Risks removed
2Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
1Risks added
2Risks removed
2Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
Number of Risk Changed
2
S&P 500 Average: 3
2
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of NetBrands 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 19
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 12/19 (63%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights8 | 42.1%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
We are an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act of 2012 and a "smaller reporting company" and, as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies, our Common Stock may be less attractive to investors.
We are an "emerging growth company", as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies" including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an "emerging growth company" can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an "emerging growth company" can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We are choosing to take advantage of the extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards.
We will remain an "emerging growth company" until the earlier of (i) the last day of the year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the completion of our initial public offering, (ii) the last day of the year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, (iii) the last day of the year in which we are deemed to be a "large accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700.0 million as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of such year, or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period..
Even after we no longer qualify as an "emerging growth company," we may still qualify as a "smaller reporting company," which would allow us to continue to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including, among other things, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, presenting only the two most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this Report and our periodic reports and proxy statements.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
In addition to the "penny stock" rules described below, FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer's financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. The FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our Common Stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.
Because our Common Stock is deemed a low-priced "penny stock," it will be cumbersome for brokers and dealers to trade in our Common Stock, making the market for our Common Stock less liquid and negatively affect the price of our stock.
We will be subject to certain provisions of the Exchange Act, commonly referred to as the "penny stock" rules as defined in Rule 3a51-1. A penny stock is generally defined to be any equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Since our stock is deemed to be a penny stock, trading is subject to additional sales practice requirements of broker-dealers. These require a broker-dealer to:
- Deliver to the customer, and obtain a written receipt for, a disclosure document; - Disclose certain price information about the stock; - Disclose the amount of compensation received by the broker-dealer or any associated person of the broker-dealer; - Send monthly statements to customers with market and price information about the penny stock; and - In some circumstances, approve the purchaser's account under certain standards and deliver written statements to the customer with information specified in the rules.
Consequently, penny stock rules and FINRA rules may restrict the ability or willingness of broker-dealers to trade and/or maintain a market in our Common Stock. Also, prospective investors may not want to get involved with the additional administrative requirements, which may have a material adverse effect on the trading of our shares.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
"Penny Stock" rules may make buying or selling our Common Stock difficult. Limitations upon Broker-Dealers Effecting Transactions in "Penny Stocks"
Trading in our Common Stock is subject to material limitations as a consequence of regulations which limit the activities of broker-dealers effecting transactions in "penny stocks." Pursuant to Rule 3a51-1 under the Exchange Act, our Common Stock is a "penny stock" because it (i) is not listed on any national securities exchange (ii) has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, and (iii) its issuer (the Company) has net tangible assets less than $2,000,000 (if the issuer has been in business for at least three (3) years) or $5,000,000 (if the issuer has been in business for less than three (3) years).
Rule 15g-9 promulgated under the Exchange Act imposes limitations upon trading activities on "penny stocks", which makes selling our Common Stock more difficult compared to selling securities which are not "penny stocks." Rule 15a-9 restricts the solicitation of sales of "penny stocks" by broker-dealers unless the broker first (i) obtains from the purchaser information concerning his financial situation, investment experience and investment objectives, (ii) reasonably determines that the purchaser has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters that the person is capable of evaluating the risks of investing in "penny stocks", and (iii) delivers and receives back from the purchaser a manually signed written statement acknowledging the purchaser's investment experience and financial sophistication.
Rules 15g-2 through 15g-6 promulgated under the Exchange Act require broker-dealers who engage in transactions in "penny stocks" first to provide their customers with a series of disclosures and documents, including (i) a standardized risk disclosure document identifying the risks inherent in investing in "penny stocks", (ii) all compensation received by the broker-dealer in connection with the transaction, (iii) current quotation prices and other relevant market data, and (iv) monthly account statements reflecting the fair market value of the securities.
There can be no assurance that any broker-dealer which initiates quotations for the Common Stock will continue to do so, and the loss of any such broker-dealer likely would have a material adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
The Company has authorized the issuance of preferred stock with certain preferences.
The Company is authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of $0.0001 par value preferred stock. The board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has the power to establish the dividend rates, liquidation preferences, and voting rights of any series of preferred stock, and these rights may be superior to the rights of holders of the Shares. The Board may also establish redemption and conversion terms and privileges with respect to any shares of preferred stock. Any such preferences may operate to the detriment of the rights of the holders of the Shares, and further, could be used by the Board as a device to prevent a change in control of the Company. To the Company has designated 1,000,000 shares of Series A Super Voting Preferred Stock, each of which votes with the Common Stock and has 100,000 votes. Mr. Adler, our sole officer and a member of the Board, owns all the issued 1,000 shares of this class of preferred stock which gives him an additional 100,000,000 voting rights in any shareholder meeting.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
The Company's sole officer beneficially owns and will continue to own a majority of the Company's common stock and, as a result, can exercise control over shareholder and corporate actions.
Paul Adler, the founder and President of the Company, is currently the beneficial owner of approximately 66.6% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock, In addition, Mr. Adler owns 1,000 shares of Series A Super Voting Preferred Stock as such, he will have approximately 95.1% of the voting power in the Company and thus be able to control all matters requiring approval by shareholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Limitations on director and officer liability and indemnification of our officers and directors by us may discourage stockholders from bringing suit against a director.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide, with certain exceptions as permitted by governing state law, that a director or officer shall not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for acts or omissions.
We rely on information technology systems and could face cybersecurity risks.
We rely on information technologies and infrastructure to manage our business, including developing new business opportunities for our digital business. Malicious technology-related events, such as cyberattacks, computer hacking, computer viruses, ransomware, worms, and other destructive or disruptive software and other attempts to access confidential or personal data, denial of service attacks, and other malicious activities, are becoming increasingly diverse and sophisticated. These events are rising worldwide, highlighting the need for continual and effective cybersecurity awareness and education. We and our clients may become attractive targets of hackers, denial of service attacks, malicious code, phishing attacks, ransomware attacks, and other threat actors, which may result in security incidents, including unauthorized access, misuse, loss, corruption, inaccessibility of the data we use, or destruction of this data unavailability of services, or other adverse events. In the past, we have not faced cyber-attacks of this nature, but we may face such attacks in the future. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to prevent such attacks in the future. Efforts to develop, implement, and maintain security measures are costly, may not successfully prevent these events from occurring, and may require ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies and cyberattack techniques change frequently or are not recognized until they are successful.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Since we are traded on the OTC Pink Market, an active, liquid trading market for our Common Stock may not develop or be sustained. If and when an active market develops the price of our common stock may be volatile.
Presently, our Common Stock is traded on the OTC Pink Market. There is a very limited trading in our stock and there is no assurance that an active market will develop. In the absence of an active trading market, investors may have difficulty buying and selling or obtaining market quotations, market visibility for shares of our Common Stock may be limited, and a lack of visibility for shares of our Common Stock may have a depressive effect on the market price for shares of our Common Stock. The lack of an active market impairs your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them or at a price that you consider reasonable. The lack of an active market may also reduce the fair market value of your shares. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital to continue to fund operations by selling shares.
Trading in stocks quoted on the OTC Pink Market is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. The securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of shares of our Common stock. Moreover, the OTC Pink Market is not a stock exchange and is not an established market, and trading of Securities is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a national stock exchange like the NYSE. Accordingly, you may have difficulty reselling any shares of Common Stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Added
Our obligations to a noteholder are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets and a pledge of shares by our Paul Adler, the Company's President, and a director of the Company, so if we default on those obligations, the noteholders could foreclose on, liquidate and/or take possession of our assets and/or Mr. Adler's pledged shares.
On March 22, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Cove Purchase Agreement") with Cove Funding LP, a Delaware limited partnership ("Cove Funding"), pursuant to which Cove Funding agreed to loan the Company up to $300,000, in two tranches (the "Cove Loan"), and the Company issued Cove Funding a 12% Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the "Cove Note") to evidence the Cove Loan, which matures on July 21, 2024. Simultaneously, to secure repayment of amounts due under the Cove Note, (a) the Company entered into a Security Agreement with Cove Funding (the "Cove Security Agreement"), pursuant to which Cove Funding was granted a first priority security interest in the Company's assets, and (b) Paul Adler, the Company's President, and a director of the Company, entered into a Pledge Agreement with Cove Funding (the "Cove Pledge Agreement"), pursuant to which Mr. Adler pledged 1,000 shares of the Company's Class A Super Voting Preferred Stock and 11,568,843 shares of the Company's common stock that he owns (collectively, the "Adler Shares"). As a result, if the Company defaults on its obligations under the Cove Note, Cove Funding could foreclose on their security interests and liquidate or take possession of some or all of the assets of the Company and/or the Adler Shares, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and could require us to curtail, or even to cease our operations.
Accounting & Financial Operations1 | 5.3%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
The Company's election not to opt out of JOBS Act extended accounting transition period may not make its financial statements easily comparable to other companies.
Pursuant to the JOBS Act, as an emerging growth company, the Company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period for any new or revised accounting standards that may be issued by the PCAOB or the SEC. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the standard for the private company. This may make comparison of the Company's financial statements with any other public company which is not either an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible as possible different or revised standards may be used.
Debt & Financing2 | 10.5%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Future capital raises may dilute our existing shareholders' ownership, the value of their equity securities and/or have other adverse effects on our operations.
If we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities in connection with equity financings, our existing shareholder' percentage ownership may decrease, and these shareholders may experience substantial dilution. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt instruments, these debt instruments could impose significant restrictions on our operations, including liens on our assets. If we raise additional funds through collaborations and licensing arrangements, we may be required to relinquish some rights to our technologies or products, or to grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us or could diminish the rights of our shareholders. Furthermore, if we offer to sell our shares of Common Stock in subsequent offerings for the purchase price that is less than the purchase price of shares of Common Stock offered pursuant to this Report, this may impact the value of equity securities of the shareholders that are purchasing our shares of Common Stock in the offering pursuant to this Report. In addition, the issuance of such additional shares may impact the ability of any investor to sell their shares once such shares are eligible for sale.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Our status as an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act may make it more difficult to raise capital as and when we need it.
Because of the exemptions from various reporting requirements provided to us as an "emerging growth company" and because we will have an extended transition period for complying with new or revised financial accounting standards, we may be less attractive to investors and it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital as and when we need it. Investors may be unable to compare our business with other companies in our industry if they believe that our financial accounting is not as transparent as other companies in our industry. If we are unable to raise additional capital as and when we need it, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 5.3%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Failure to manage our growth effectively could cause our business to suffer and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Failure to manage our growth effectively could cause our business to suffer and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. To manage our growth effectively, we must continually evaluate and evolve our business and manage our employees, operations, finances, technology and development, and capital investments efficiently. Our efficiency, productivity and the quality of our business may be adversely impacted if we fail to appropriately coordinate across our business operations. Additionally, rapid growth may place a strain on our resources, infrastructure, and ability to maintain the quality of our production. If and when our structure becomes more complex as we add additional staff, we will need to improve our operational, financial and management controls as well as our reporting systems and procedures. Our failure to manage our growth could disrupt our operations and ultimately prevent us from generating revenues.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 2/19 (11%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets2 | 10.5%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
We may be subject to claims alleging the intellectual property subject to our licensing agreements is violating the intellectual property rights of others.
We may face significant expense and liability as a result of litigation or other proceedings relating to intellectual property rights of others. We could be required to participate in interference proceedings involving issued patents and pending applications of another entity. The cost to us of any such proceeding could be substantial. An adverse outcome in an interference proceeding could require us to cease using the technology, substantially modify it or to license rights from prevailing third parties. There is no guarantee that any prevailing owner of intellectual property would offer us a license so that we could continue to engage in our activities, or that such a license is made available to us, could be acquired on commercially acceptable terms. In addition, third parties may, in the future, assert other intellectual property infringement claims against us with respect to our services, technologies or other matters.
We may be subject to significant liability should the consumption of any of our products cause or be claimed to cause illness or physical harm.
We sell products for human consumption, which involves risks such as product contamination or spoilage, product tampering, other adulteration, mislabeling and misbranding. Under certain circumstances, we may be required to, or may voluntarily, recall or withdraw products. Such withdrawal may negatively and significantly impact our sales and profitability for a period of time and could result in significant losses depending on the costs of the recall, the destruction of product inventory, product availability, competitive reaction and customer and consumer reaction. We may also be subject to claims or lawsuits resulting in liability for actual or claimed injuries, illness or death. Any of these events may result in a material adverse effect on our business. Even if a product liability claim or lawsuit is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness or physical harm could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and consumers and our corporate and brand image. Moreover, certain claims or liabilities of this sort might not be covered by our insurance or by any rights of indemnity or contribution that we may have against others. We maintain product liability insurance in an amount that is required by our customers/retailers. However, we cannot be sure that we will not incur claims or liabilities for which we are not insured or that exceed the amount of our insurance coverage. A product liability judgment against us or a product recall could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Trade Secrets - Risk 2
Our intellectual property rights are critical to our success, and the loss of such rights could materially adversely affect our business.
We regard our trademarks and other intellectual property rights as critical to our success and attempt to protect such intellectual property with registered and common law trademarks, restrictions on disclosure and other actions to prevent infringement. However, there can be no assurance that other third parties will not infringe or misappropriate our trademarks and similar proprietary rights. If we lose some or all of our intellectual property rights, our business may be materially adversely affected.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 2/19 (11%)Below Sector Average
Regulation1 | 5.3%
Regulation - Risk 1
As a food production company, all of our products must be compliant with regulations by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. Any non-compliance with the FDA could harm our business.
We must comply with various FDA rules and regulations, including those regarding product manufacturing, food safety, required testing and appropriate labeling of our products. While our products are in compliance with current regulations by the FDA, it is possible that regulations by the FDA and its interpretation thereof may change over time. As such, there is a risk that our products could become non-compliant with the FDA's regulations and any such non-compliance could harm our business.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 5.3%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Changed
Our independent auditors have expressed their concern as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
On a consolidated basis, the Company has incurred significant operating losses since inception and has a working capital deficit and accrued liabilities. The consolidated financials have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The Company's existing operational cash flow may not be sufficient to fund presently anticipated operations, and the Company will need to raise additional funds through alternative sources of financing. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional funding when it is needed, or that such funding, if available, will be obtainable on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot obtain needed funds, we may be forced to reduce or cease our activities with a consequent loss to investors. In addition, should we incur significant presently unforeseen expenses or delays, we may not be able to accomplish our goals. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient funding, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected, and we may be unable to continue as a going concern.
Production
Total Risks: 2/19 (11%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel1 | 5.3%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Changed
The Company depends on its President and Chief Financial Officer, to manage its business effectively and loss of the President and Chief Financial Officer could significantly impair the Company's results.
The Company, through its subsidiary, has a developed track record of bringing successful new products to retail chain buyers for the placement and sale of the Company's products. This track record has been developed by the President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Paul Adler, and his ability to locate and produce unique and quality snack and gourmet foods attractive to the buyer's market. The loss of Mr. Adler as the Company's President and Chief Financial Officer, or in active management of the Company, could have a significant negative impact of the operations of the Company. Such a loss could impact the production of the current product, the relationship with the retail chain stores and development of future products.
Supply Chain1 | 5.3%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
The gourmet and snack food markets are dominated by several large strong food producers.
A challenge facing potential new or expanding entrants in the market is the dominance of leading snack food producers, particularly industry leader PepsiCo. Large producers experience a high degree of brand and consumer loyalty and possess sufficient capital to invest in extensive advertising and promotions to obtain a greater market share. Furthermore, companies such as PepsiCo benefit from higher profit margins when compared with small- to medium-sized operators, enabling them to lower their product prices to engage in price-based competition with competitors. Multinational producers also experience lower per-unit costs due to economies of scale and scope. Although these factors do not prevent a prospect from entering the industry, they may hamper the success of new entrants.
In addition, many industry players have established relationships with downstream retailers, which may be difficult for new entrants to secure. Typically, supermarkets give companies with established brands the most optimal shelf space. Moreover, larger producers have established relationships with upstream suppliers, an advantage that new entrants may find difficult to replicate.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 1/19 (5%)Below Sector Average
Demand1 | 5.3%
Demand - Risk 1
During the last two fiscal years the Company has had four to five major customers that accounted for between 92.6 - 99% of its sales.
Historically, the Company has relied on a small number of customers to generate a large portion of its revenue. In 2023, five customers accounted for approximately 99% of the Company's revenue. In 2022, five customers accounted for approximately 92.6% of the Company's revenues. The loss of any one of these customers would have a material adverse impact on our profitability and liquidity. Although we believe that we could locate replacement customers, the initial loss of such revenues could hamper on going production and distribution of the Company.
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.