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.
Sustainable Projects Group disclosed 36 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Sustainable Projects Group reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q3, 2024
Risk Distribution
39% Finance & Corporate
19% Legal & Regulatory
11% Tech & Innovation
11% Production
11% Macro & Political
8% 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
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
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Sustainable Projects Group Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
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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 Q3, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 14 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 14 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
36
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
36
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
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Since Sep 2024
0Risks added
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Since Sep 2024
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
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No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Sustainable Projects Group 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 36
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 14/36 (39%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights8 | 22.2%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
We may have certain conflicts of interest.
Our directors and officers may become directors or officers of other mineral resource companies or reporting issuers or may acquire or have significant shareholdings in other mineral resource companies. To the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which we may participate or wish to participate, our directors and officers may have a conflict of interest with respect to such opportunities or in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Our directors, executive officers and controlling persons as a group have significant voting power and may take actions that may not be in the best interest of stockholders.
Our directors, executive officers and controlling persons as a group beneficially own approximately 89.9% of our common stock. They will have the ability to exert substantial influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, they could dictate the management of our business and affairs. This concentration of ownership could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, or impeding a merger or consolidation, takeover or other business combination that could be favorable to you. This significant concentration of share ownership may also adversely affect the trading price for our common stock because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning stock in a company with controlling affiliated stockholders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Shares eligible for future sale may adversely affect the market.
From time to time, certain of our stockholders may be eligible to sell all or some of their shares of our common stock by means of ordinary brokerage transactions in the open market pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, subject to certain limitations. Rule 144 permits, under certain circumstances, the sale of securities, without any limitation, by our stockholders that are non-affiliates that have satisfied a six-month holding period. Any substantial sale of our common stock pursuant to Rule 144 or pursuant to any resale prospectus may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Our common stock is not currently traded at high volumes, and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices if you need to sell or liquidate a substantial number of shares at one time.
Our common stock is currently traded, but with very low, if any, volume, based on quotations on the OTC Pink marketplace, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common stock at or near bid prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company which is still relatively unknown to investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as we became more seasoned and viable. In addition, many institutional investors, which account for significant trading activity, are restricted from investing in stocks that trade below specified prices, have less than specified market capitalizations or have less than specified trading volume. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. We cannot give you any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained, or that trading levels will be sustained.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Future sales of our common stock in the public market or the issuance of our common stock or securities convertible into common stock could depress the price of our common stock.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board to issue shares of our common stock in excess of our current outstanding common stock. Any additional issuances of any of our authorized but unissued shares will not require the approval of stockholders and may have the effect of further diluting the equity interest of stockholders.
We may issue our common stock in the future for a number of reasons, including to attract and retain key personnel, to lenders, investment banks or investors in order to achieve more favorable terms from these parties and align their interests with our stockholders, to management and/or employees to reward performance, to finance our operations and growth strategy, to adjust our ratio of debt to equity, to satisfy outstanding obligations or for other reasons. If we issue securities, our existing stockholders may experience dilution. Future sales of our common stock, the perception that such sales could occur or the availability for future sale of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for our common stock could adversely affect the market prices of our common stock prevailing from time to time. The sale of shares issued upon the exercise of any derivative securities could also further dilute the holdings of our then existing stockholders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
We are subject to the penny stock rules adopted by the SEC that require brokers to provide extensive disclosure to their customers prior to executing trades in penny stocks. These disclosure requirements may cause a reduction in the trading activity of our common stock, which would likely make it difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares.
Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a "penny stock," for purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a minimum bid price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to a limited number of exceptions which are not available to us. This classification would severely and adversely affect any market liquidity for our common stock.
For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the penny stock rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks and the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. In order to approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must obtain financial information and investment experience and objectives of the person and make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and that such person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prepared by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form, sets forth:
- the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination, and - the fact that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction.
Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Because of these regulations, broker-dealers may not wish to engage in the above-referenced necessary paperwork and disclosures and/or may encounter difficulties in their attempt to sell shares of our common stock, which may affect the ability of stockholders to sell their shares in any secondary market and have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in any secondary market. These additional sales practice and disclosure requirements could impede the sale of our common stock. In addition, the liquidity for our common stock may decrease, with a corresponding decrease in the price of our common stock. Our common stock, in all probability, will be subject to such penny stock rules for the foreseeable future and our stockholders will, in all likelihood, find it difficult to sell their common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell the shares of common stock when you want or at prices you find attractive.
The price of our common stock as traded on the OTC Pink marketplace changes frequently. We expect that the market price of our common stock will continue to fluctuate. Our stock price may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:
- actual or anticipated announcements of technological innovations; - actual or anticipated changes in laws and governmental regulations; - disputes relating to patents or proprietary rights; - changes in business practices; - developments relating to our efforts to obtain additional financing to fund or expand our operations; - announcements by us regarding potential acquisitions and strategic alliances; - changes in industry trends or conditions; - our issuance of additional debt or equity securities; and - sales of a significant number of our shares of common stock or other securities in the market.
In addition, in recent years, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many small-cap companies for reasons often unrelated to their operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect our stock price, regardless of our operating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Management has concluded that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and the report of our independent registered public accounting firm contains an explanatory paragraph as to our ability to continue as a going concern, which could prevent us from obtaining new financing on reasonable terms or at all.
Because we have limited operations and have sustained operating losses resulting in a deficit, substantial doubt exists regarding our ability to remain as a going concern. Accordingly, the report of Centurion ZD CPA & Co., our new independent registered public accounting firm, with respect to our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, includes an explanatory paragraph as to our potential inability to continue as a going concern. The doubts regarding our potential ability to continue as a going concern may adversely affect our ability to obtain new financing on reasonable terms or at all.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 8.3%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We do not plan to pay dividends to holders of our common stock.
We do not anticipate paying cash dividends to the holders of our common stock at any time. Accordingly, investors in our securities must rely upon subsequent sales after price appreciation as the sole method to realize a gain on investment. There are no assurances that the price of our common stock will ever appreciate in value. Investors seeking cash dividends should not buy our securities.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Due to material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting related to impairment of intangible assets associated with YER Brands Inc. and treatment of the reverse acquisition of Lithium Harvest on February 14, 2023 within the reporting of subsequent events, we had to restate our previously issued consolidated financial statements for several prior periods, which has resulted in unanticipated costs and may adversely affect investor confidence, our stock price, our ability to raise capital in the future and our reputation, and may result in stockholder litigation and regulatory actions.
We have incurred unanticipated costs for accounting and legal fees in connection with the restatements, and the restatements may have the effect of eroding investor confidence in our Company and our financial reporting and accounting practices and processes and may raise reputational issues for our business. The restatements may negatively impact the trading price of our securities and make it more difficult for us to raise capital on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, the restatements and related material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting may also result in stockholder litigation against us, or adverse regulatory consequences, including investigations, penalties or suspensions by the SEC. Any such regulatory consequences, litigation, claim or dispute, whether successful or not, could subject us to additional costs, divert the attention of our management, or impair our reputation. Each of these consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
If we are unable to develop and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are required to provide a quarterly management certification and an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As of December 31, 2023, we disclosed the following material weaknesses that have not yet been remediated: (1) we currently lack a functioning audit committee and lack a majority of outside directors on the Company's board of directors, resulting in ineffective oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures; (2) we currently have inadequate segregation of duties consistent with control objectives; (3) we have insufficient written policies and procedures for accounting and financial reporting with respect to the requirements and application of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("US GAAP") and SEC disclosure requirements; (4) we have ineffective controls over period end financial disclosure and reporting processes; (5) we have ineffective controls over timely impairments of intangible assets; and (6) we lack internal control over financial reporting in the controls over the accounting treatment of subsequent events.
In addition, due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, we have also determined that our disclosure controls and procedures are ineffective.
We cannot assure that the measures we have taken to date, and may take in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to our material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting or that they will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses to be identified in the future. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting is subject to various inherent limitations, including cost limitations, judgments used in decision making, assumptions about the likelihood of future events, the possibility of human error and the risk of fraud. Any failure to design, implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and effective disclosure controls and procedures, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, may result in additional material misstatements of our financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC or violations of applicable market or exchange listing rules.
There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in our Company and the reliability of our financial statements, particularly in light of the restatement of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Confidence in the reliability of our financial statements could also suffer if we are unable to remediate our existing material weaknesses or report additional material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. This could materially adversely affect us and lead to a decline in the price of our common stock.
Debt & Financing2 | 5.6%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Our required capital expenditures can be complex, may experience delays or other difficulties, and the costs may exceed our estimates.
Our capital expenditures generally consist of and will consist of expenditures to maintain and improve existing equipment, facilities and properties, and substantial investments in new or expanded equipment, facilities and properties. Execution of these capital expenditures can be complex, and commencement of production will require start-up, commission and certification of product quality by our customers, which may impact the expected output and timing of sales of product from such facilities. Construction of large chemical operations is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, among others, the ability to complete a project on a timely basis and in accordance with the estimated budget for such project and our ability to estimate future demand for our products. In addition, our returns on these capital expenditures may not meet our expectations.
Future capital expenditures may be significantly higher, depending on the investment requirements of any of our business lines, and may also vary substantially if we are required to undertake actions to compete with new technologies in our industry. We may not have the capital necessary to undertake these capital investments. If we are unable to do so, we may not be able to effectively compete in some of our markets.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We will need to raise additional capital to fund ongoing operations, and such capital raising may be costly or difficult to obtain and could dilute our stockholders' ownership interests.
In order for us to fund ongoing operations, we will need to raise additional capital, which additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms or at all. Moreover, we will need to raise additional funds to accomplish the following:
- construction of our first two lithium carbonate manufacturing facilities; - pursuing growth opportunities, including sale of lithium carbonate; - making capital improvements to improve our infrastructure; - hiring and retaining qualified management and key employees; - responding to competitive pressures; - complying with regulatory requirements such as licensing and registration; and - maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations and auditing and filing requirements.
Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or equity-backed securities may dilute our stockholders' ownership percentages and also could result in a decrease in the market value of our equity securities.
The terms of any securities issued by us in future capital transactions may be more favorable to new investors, and may include preferences, superior voting rights and the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have a further dilutive effect on the holders of any of our securities then outstanding.
In addition, we may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, securities law compliance fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which may adversely impact our financial condition.
Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 2.8%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Our business is subject to a number of operational risks.
We are subject to a number of operational risks and may not be adequately insured for certain risks, including, among others, environmental contamination, liabilities arising from historic operations, accidents or spills, industrial and transportation accidents, which may involve hazardous materials, labor disputes, catastrophic accidents, fires, blockades or other acts of social activism, changes in the regulatory environment, the impact of non-compliance with laws and regulations, natural phenomena such as inclement weather conditions, floods, earthquakes, ground movements, cave-ins, and encountering unusual or unexpected geological conditions and technological failure of exploration methods.
There is no assurance that the foregoing risks and hazards will not result in damage to, or destruction of, our property, personal injury or death, environmental damage, increased costs, monetary losses and potential legal liability and adverse governmental action. These factors could all have an adverse impact on our future cash flows, earnings, results of operations and financial condition.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 7/36 (19%)Below Sector Average
Regulation2 | 5.6%
Regulation - Risk 1
Electronic vehicle regulations and economic incentives may impact our business.
Demand for lithium-based end products, such as lithium-ion batteries for use in EVs, may be impacted by changes to government regulation and economic incentives. Government and economic incentives that support the development and adoption of EVs in the U.S. and abroad, including certain tax exemptions, tax credits and rebates, may be reduced, eliminated or exhausted from time to time. For example, previously available incentives favoring EVs in areas including Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, and California have expired or were cancelled or made temporarily unavailable, and in some cases were not replaced or reinstituted. Any similar developments could have a negative impact on overall prospects for growth of the lithium market and pricing, which in turn could have a negative effect on us and our projects.
Regulation - Risk 2
We are subject to extensive foreign government regulation that can negatively impact our business.
We are subject to government regulation in non-U.S. jurisdictions in which we conduct our business, including Denmark, among others. These jurisdictions may have different tax codes, environmental regulations, labor codes and legal frameworks, which add complexity to our compliance with these regulations. The requirements for compliance with these laws and regulations may be unclear or indeterminate and may involve significant costs, including additional capital expenditures or increased operating expenses, or require changes in business practice, in each case that could result in reduced profitability for our business. Our having to comply with these foreign laws or regulations may provide a competitive advantage to competitors who are not subject to comparable restrictions or prevent us from taking advantage of growth opportunities. Determination of noncompliance can result in penalties or sanctions that could also adversely impact our operating results and financial condition.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 5.6%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Our business and financial results may be adversely affected by various legal and regulatory proceedings.
We may be involved in legal and regulatory proceedings, which may be material in the future. The outcome of proceedings, lawsuits and claims may differ from our expectations, leading us to change estimates of liabilities and related insurance receivables.
Legal and regulatory proceedings, whether with or without merit, and associated internal investigations, may be time-consuming and expensive to prosecute, defend or conduct, may divert management's attention and other resources, inhibit our ability to sell our products, result in adverse judgments for damages, injunctive relief, penalties and fines, and otherwise negatively affect our business.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
We may become party to litigation or other proceedings.
In the ordinary course of our business, we may become party to new litigation or other proceedings in local or international jurisdictions in respect of any aspect of our business, whether under criminal law, contract or otherwise. The causes of potential litigation cannot be known and may arise from, among other things, business activities, employment matters, including compensation issues, environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, tax matters, failure to comply with disclosure obligations or labor disruptions at our project sites. Regulatory and government agencies may initiate investigations relating to the enforcement of applicable laws or regulations, and we may incur expenses in defending them and be subject to fines or penalties in case of any violation and could face damage to our reputation. We may attempt to resolve disputes involving foreign contractors/suppliers through arbitration in another country, and such arbitration proceedings may be costly and protracted, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition. Litigation may be costly and time-consuming and can divert the attention of management and key personnel from our operations and, if adjudged adversely to us, may have a material and adverse effect on our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.8%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Changes in, or the interpretation of, tax legislation or rates throughout the world could materially impact our results.
Our effective tax rate and related tax balance sheet attributes could be impacted by changes in tax legislation throughout the world.
Our future effective tax rates could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, expirations of tax holidays or rulings, changes in the assessment regarding the realization of the valuation of deferred tax assets, or changes in tax laws and regulations or their interpretation. Recent developments, including the European Commission's investigations on illegal state aid, as well as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development project on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, may result in changes to long-standing tax principles, which could adversely affect our effective tax rates or result in higher cash tax liabilities.
We are and will be subject to the regular examination of our income tax returns by various tax authorities. Examinations in material jurisdictions or changes in laws, rules, regulations or interpretations by local taxing authorities could result in impacts to tax years open under statute or to foreign operating structures currently in place. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations or changes in laws, rules, regulations or interpretations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. It is possible the outcomes from these examinations will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Environmental / Social2 | 5.6%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
We may be exposed to certain regulatory and financial risks related to climate change.
Growing concerns about climate change may result in the imposition of additional regulations or restrictions to which we may become subject. Climate changes include changes in rainfall and in storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, significantly changing sea levels and increasing atmospheric and water temperatures, among others. A number of governments or governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to climate change, including regulating greenhouse gas emissions and the SEC's recently announced rule to require public companies to make additional climate change related disclosures. Potentially, additional U.S. federal regulation will be forthcoming with respect to greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide) and/or legislation that could impact our operations. In addition, we may in the future have operations in the EU, which has agreed to implement measures to achieve objectives under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The outcome of new legislation or regulation in the U.S. and other jurisdictions in which we operate may result in new or additional requirements, additional charges to fund energy efficiency activities, and fees or restrictions on certain activities. While certain climate change initiatives may result in new business opportunities for us by increasing the demand for EVs and lithium-ion batteries, compliance with these initiatives may also result in additional costs to us, including, among other things, increased production costs, additional taxes, reduced emission allowances or additional restrictions on production or operations. Adopted future climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Even without such regulation, increased public awareness and adverse publicity about potential impacts on climate change emanating from us or our industry could harm us. We may not be able to recover the cost of compliance with new or more stringent laws and regulations, which could adversely affect our business and negatively impact our growth. Furthermore, the potential impact of climate change and related regulation on our customers is highly uncertain and there can be no assurance that it will not have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental / Social - Risk 2
Our business could be adversely affected by environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
The nature of our business exposes us to risks of liability under environmental laws and regulations due to the production, storage, use, transportation and sale of materials that can cause contamination or personal injury if released into the environment. In the jurisdictions in which we operate, or plan to operate, we are or will be subject to numerous U.S. and non-U.S. national, federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes and the cleanup of contaminated properties. Liabilities associated with the investigation and cleanup of hazardous substances, as well as personal injury, property damages or natural resource damages arising from the release of, or exposure to, such hazardous substances may be imposed in many situations without regard to violations of laws or regulations or other fault, and may also be imposed jointly and severally (so that a responsible party may be held liable for more than its share of the losses involved, or even the entire loss). Such liabilities may also be imposed on many different entities, including, for example, current and prior property owners or operators, as well as entities that arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances. Such liabilities may be material and can be difficult to identify or quantify.
Further, some of the raw materials we handle are subject to government regulation. These regulations affect the manufacturing processes, handling, uses and applications of our products. In addition, our production facilities require numerous operating permits. Due to the nature of these requirements and changes in our operations, our operations may exceed limits under permits or we may not have the proper permits to conduct our operations. Ongoing compliance with such laws, regulations and permits is an important consideration for us, and we expect to incur substantial capital and operating costs in our compliance efforts. Compliance with environmental laws generally increases the costs of manufacturing, registration/approval requirements, transportation and storage of raw materials and finished products, and storage and disposal of wastes, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We may incur substantial costs, including fines, damages, criminal or civil sanctions and remediation costs, or experience interruptions in our operations, for violations arising under these laws or permit requirements. Furthermore, environmental laws are subject to change and have become increasingly stringent in recent years. We expect this trend to continue and to require materially increased capital expenditures and operating and compliance costs.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 4/36 (11%)Above Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 2.8%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
The development of non-lithium battery technologies could adversely affect us.
The development and adoption of new battery technologies that rely on inputs other than lithium compounds could significantly impact our prospects and future revenues. While current and next generation high energy density batteries for use in EVs rely on lithium compounds as a critical input, alternative materials and technologies are being researched with the goal of making batteries lighter, more efficient, faster charging and less expensive, and some of these technologies could be less reliant on lithium compounds. We cannot predict which new technologies may ultimately prove to be commercially viable and on what time horizon, but commercialized battery technologies that use no, or significantly less, lithium could materially and adversely impact our prospects and future revenues.
Trade Secrets1 | 2.8%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Our inability to protect our intellectual property rights, or being accused of infringing on intellectual property rights of third parties, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on the ability to protect our intellectual property rights and depend on patent, trademark and trade secret legislation to protect our proprietary know-how. There can be no assurance that we have adequately protected or will be able to adequately protect our valuable intellectual property rights, or will at all times have access to all intellectual property rights that are required to conduct our business or pursue our strategies, or that we will be able to adequately protect ourselves against any intellectual property infringement claims. There is also a risk that our competitors could independently develop similar technology, processes or know-how; that our trade secrets could be revealed to third parties; that any current or future patents, pending or granted, will not be broad enough to protect our intellectual property rights; or that foreign intellectual property laws will adequately protect such rights. The inability to protect our intellectual property could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We could face patent infringement claims from our competitors or others alleging that our processes or products infringe on their proprietary technologies. If we are found to be infringing on the proprietary technology of others, we may be liable for damages and we may be required to change our processes, redesign our products partially or completely, pay to use the technology of others, stop using certain technologies or stop producing the infringing product entirely. Even if we ultimately prevail in an infringement suit, the existence of the suit could prompt customers to switch to products that are not the subject of infringement suits. We may not prevail in intellectual property litigation and such litigation may result in significant legal costs or otherwise impede our ability to produce and distribute key products.
In addition to patents, we also rely upon unpatented proprietary manufacturing expertise, continuing technological innovation and other trade secrets to develop and maintain our competitive position. While we generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and third parties to protect our intellectual property, we cannot assure you that our confidentiality agreements will not be breached, that they will provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets and proprietary manufacturing expertise or that adequate remedies will be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of our trade secrets or manufacturing expertise. In addition, our trade secrets and know-how may be improperly obtained by other means, such as a breach of our information technologies security systems or direct theft.
Cyber Security1 | 2.8%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
Our business and operations could suffer in the event of cybersecurity breaches, information technology system failures, or network disruptions.
Attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems become more sophisticated over time. These attempts, which might be related to industrial or other espionage, include covertly introducing malware to our computers and networks and impersonating authorized users, among others. In some cases, we might be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects. The theft, unauthorized use or publication of our intellectual property and/or confidential business information could harm our competitive position, reduce the value of our investment in research and development and other strategic initiatives or otherwise adversely affect our business. To the extent that any cybersecurity breach results in inappropriate disclosure of our customers' or licensees' confidential information, we may incur liability as a result. The devotion of additional resources to the security of our information technology systems in the future could significantly increase the cost of doing business or otherwise adversely impact our financial results.
In addition, risks associated with information technology systems failures or network disruptions, including risks associated with upgrading our systems or in successfully integrating information technology and other systems in connection with the integration of any businesses we acquire, could disrupt our operations by impeding our processing of transactions, financial reporting and our ability to protect our customer or company information, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Technology1 | 2.8%
Technology - Risk 1
Our business depends on adequate infrastructure.
Resource extraction activities depend on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges, and power sources are important determinants which affect capital and operating costs. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, or community, government or other interference in the maintenance or provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and results of operations.
Production
Total Risks: 4/36 (11%)Below Sector Average
Manufacturing1 | 2.8%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
Our business is subject to hazards common to chemical and natural resource extraction businesses, any of which could injure our employees or other persons, damage our facilities or other properties, interrupt our production and adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
Our business is subject to hazards common to chemical manufacturing, storage, handling and transportation, as well as natural resource extraction, including explosions, fires, severe weather, natural disasters, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, transportation interruptions, remediation, chemical spills, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases and other risks. These hazards can cause personal injury and loss of life to our employees and other persons, severe damage to, or destruction of, property and equipment and environmental contamination. In addition, the occurrence of disruptions, shutdowns or other material operating problems at our facilities due to any of these hazards may diminish our ability to meet our output goals. Accordingly, these hazards and their consequences could adversely affect our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our operations as a whole, including our results of operations and cash flows, both during and after the period of operational difficulties.
Employment / Personnel1 | 2.8%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
If we are unable to retain key personnel or attract new skilled personnel, it could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain key personnel, including our management team. In light of the specialized and technical nature of our business, our performance is dependent on the continued service of, and on our ability to attract and retain, qualified management, scientific, technical, marketing and support personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we may be unable to continue to attract or retain such personnel. In addition, because of our reliance on our senior management team, the unanticipated departure of any key member of our management team could have an adverse effect on our business. Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to identify and develop or recruit talent to succeed our senior management and other key positions throughout the organization. If we fail to identify and develop or recruit successors, we are at risk of being harmed by the departures of these key employees. Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving key employees could hinder our strategic planning and execution.
Costs2 | 5.6%
Costs - Risk 1
Fluctuating construction costs can impact our business.
As a result of the substantial expenditures involved in resource extraction development projects, developments are prone to material cost overruns versus budget. The capital expenditures and time required to develop new projects are considerable and changes in cost or construction schedules can significantly increase both the time and capital required to build the project.
Construction costs and timelines can be impacted by a wide variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These include, but are not limited to, weather conditions, ground conditions, availability of material required for construction, availability and performance of contractors and suppliers, inflation, delivery and installation of equipment, design changes, accuracy of estimates and availability of accommodations for the workforce.
Project development schedules are also dependent on obtaining the governmental approvals necessary for the operation of a project. The timeline to obtain these government approvals is often beyond our control.
Costs - Risk 2
Our insurance may not fully cover all potential exposures.
Our insurance may not cover all risks associated with the hazards of our business and is subject to limitations, including deductibles and coverage limits. We may incur losses beyond the limits, or outside the coverage, of our insurance policies, including liabilities for environmental remediation. In addition, from time to time, various types of insurance for companies in the specialty chemical industry have not been available on commercially acceptable terms or, in some cases, have not been available at all. We are potentially at additional risk if one or more of our insurance carriers fail. Additionally, severe disruptions in the domestic and global financial markets could adversely impact the ratings and survival of some insurers. Future downgrades in the ratings of enough insurers could adversely impact both the availability of appropriate insurance coverage and its cost. In the future, we may not be able to obtain coverage at current levels, if at all, and our premiums may increase significantly on coverage that we maintain.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 4/36 (11%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment1 | 2.8%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Adverse conditions in the global economy, and volatility and disruption of financial markets, can negatively impact our business and results of operations.
Global financial conditions have been subject to continued volatility. Government debt, the risk of sovereign defaults, bank failures, political instability and wider economic concerns in many countries have been causing significant uncertainties in the markets. Disruptions in the credit and capital markets can have a negative impact on the availability and terms of credit and capital. Uncertainties in these markets could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, ability to raise capital and cost of capital. High levels of volatility and market turmoil could also adversely impact commodity prices, exchange rates and interest rates and have a detrimental effect on our business.
Global economic and geopolitical events, such as the war in Ukraine and sanctions imposed on Russia, the war in Gaza and higher energy costs coupled with supply concerns, have been disruptive to the world economy, with increased volatility in commodity markets, international trade and financial markets and oil and gasoline prices, all of which have a trickle-down effect on supply chains, equipment and construction. There is substantial uncertainty about the extent to which each of these events will continue to impact economic and financial affairs, as the numerous issues arising from each event are in flux and there is the potential for escalation of conflict within Europe, the Middle East and globally. There is a risk of substantial market and financial turmoil arising from further conflict, which could have a material adverse effect on the economics of our projects and our ability to operate our business and advance project development. There is also a risk of recession in the United States and elsewhere, which may cause decreases in asset values and may result in impairment losses, which could adversely impact our operations.
Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 2.8%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Natural disasters or other unanticipated catastrophes could impact our results of operations.
The occurrence of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods or earthquakes, pandemics, or other unanticipated catastrophes at any of the locations in which we or our key partners, suppliers and customers do business, could cause interruptions in our operations. A global or regional pandemic or similar outbreak in a region of ours, our customers or our suppliers could disrupt business. If similar or other weather events, natural disasters or other catastrophic events occur in the future, they could negatively affect the results of operations at our sites in the affected regions as well as have adverse impacts on the global economy.
Capital Markets2 | 5.6%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our operating results.
We conduct our business and incur costs in the local currency of most of the countries in which we operate. Changes in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. Dollar will affect the recorded levels of our assets, liabilities, net sales, cost of goods sold and operating margins and could result in exchange losses. The primary currencies to which we have exposure are the Danish Krone and Euro. Exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. Dollar in recent years have fluctuated significantly and may do so in the future. In addition to currency translation risks, we incur currency transaction risks whenever one of our operating subsidiaries enters into either a purchase or a sales transaction using a different currency from its functional currency. Our operating results may be affected by any volatility in currency exchange rates and our ability to manage effectively our currency transaction and translation risks.
Capital Markets - Risk 2
There is risk to the growth of lithium markets.
Our lithium business is significantly dependent on the continued growth in demand for lithium batteries for EVs and energy storage. To the extent that such development, adoption and growth do not occur in the volume and/or manner that we contemplate, including for reasons described under the heading "The development of non-lithium battery technologies could adversely affect us" above, the long-term growth in the markets for lithium products may be adversely affected, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 3/36 (8%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.8%
Competition - Risk 1
Competition within our industry may adversely affect our businesses and results of operations.
We face strong competition from companies in connection with the production of lithium. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than us, and as a result, our competitors may be able to produce and sell lithium at a lower cost than us. Consequently, our prospects, revenues, operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Demand2 | 5.6%
Demand - Risk 1
Demand and market prices for lithium will greatly affect the value of our investment in our lithium projects and our ability to develop them successfully.
The prices of commodities vary on a daily basis. Price volatility could have dramatic effects on the results of operations and our ability to execute our business plan. The year 2023 saw a significant decrease in lithium prices from recent highs of around $80,000 per ton to levels of around $13,500 per ton as of the date of this report. There are no guarantees that the price of lithium materials will rebound from current price levels. The price of lithium materials may also be reduced by the discovery of new lithium deposits and production methods, which could not only increase the overall supply of lithium (causing downward pressure on its price), but could draw new firms into the lithium industry that could compete with us. Even if commercial quantities of lithium are produced by us, there is no guarantee that a profitable market will exist for the sale of the lithium. The development of our projects will be significantly affected by changes in the market price of lithium-based end products, such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. Factors beyond our control may affect the marketability of any lithium produced. The prices of various metals have experienced significant movement over short periods of time and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including international economic and political trends, expectations of inflation, currency exchange fluctuations, interest rates and global or regional consumption patterns, speculative activities and increased production due to improved mining and production methods. The supply of and demand for lithium is affected by various factors, including, among others, political events, economic conditions and production costs in major producing regions. Furthermore, the price of lithium products is significantly affected by their purity and performance, and by the specifications of end-user battery manufacturers. If the products produced from our projects do not meet battery-grade quality and/or do not meet customer specifications, pricing will be reduced from that expected for battery-grade product. In turn, the availability of customers may also decrease. We may not be able to effectively mitigate against pricing risks for our products. Depressed pricing for our products will affect the level of revenues expected to be generated by us, which in turn could affect our value, share price and the potential value of our properties. There can be no assurance that the price of lithium will be such that it can be produced at a profit.
Demand - Risk 2
The resource extraction business is cyclical in nature.
The resource extraction business and the marketability of the products it produces are affected by worldwide economic cycles. At the present time, the significant demand for lithium and other commodities in many countries is driving increased prices, but it is difficult to assess how long such demand may continue. Fluctuations in supply and demand of resources in various regions throughout the world are common.
As our business is in the development stage and as we do not carry on commercial-scale production activities, our ability to fund ongoing development is affected by the availability of financing which is, in turn, affected by the strength of the economy and other general economic factors.
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.