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.

Telefonica disclosed 16 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Telefonica reported the most risks in the “Legal & Regulatory” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2023

Risk Distribution

31% Legal & Regulatory

19% Tech & Innovation

19% Macro & Political

13% Finance & Corporate

13% Production

6% Ability to Sell

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

2020

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Telefonica 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

Legal & Regulatory

With 5 Risks

Legal & Regulatory

With 5 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

1Risks added

0Risks removed

1Risks changed

Since Dec 2023

1Risks added

0Risks removed

1Risks changed

Since Dec 2023

Number of Risk Changed

-3

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

-3

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of Telefonica 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 16

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 5/16 (31%)Above Sector Average

Regulation2 | 12.5%

Regulation - Risk 1

The Group requires government concessions and licenses for the provision of a large part of its services and the use of spectrum, which is a scarce and costly resource.

Many of the Group's activities (such as the provision of telephone services, Pay TV, the installation and operation of telecommunications networks, use of spectrum, etc.) require licenses, concessions or authorizations from governmental authorities, which typically require that the Group satisfies certain obligations, including minimum specified quality levels, and service and coverage conditions. If the Telefónica Group breaches any of such obligations, it may suffer consequences such as fines or other measures that would affect the continuity of its business. In addition, in certain jurisdictions, the terms of granted licenses may be modified before the expiration date of such licenses or, at the time of the renewal of a license, new enforceable obligations could be imposed or the renewal of a license could be refused. In addition, the Telefónica Group requires sufficient appropriate spectrum to offer its services. The intention of the Group is to maintain current spectrum capacity and, if possible, to expand it, through the participation of the Group in spectrum auctions which are expected to take place in the next few years, which will likely require cash outflows to obtain additional spectrum or to comply with the coverage requirements associated with some of the related licenses. While Telefónica considers its current spectrum capacity to be sufficient in all the regions in which Telefónica operates, the Group's failure to retain or obtain sufficient or appropriate spectrum capacity in these jurisdictions in the future, or its inability to assume the related costs, could have an adverse impact on its ability to maintain the quality of existing services and on its ability to launch and provide new services, which may materially adversely affect Telefónica's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Any of the foregoing, as well as the additional matters addressed below, could have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows of the Group. Access to new concessions/ licenses of spectrum. In Spain, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation approved in June 2023 a modification to the National Frequency Allocation Table ("CNFA"), allowing for the possibility of making available 450 MHz of the 26 GHz spectrum band, to companies, industries and organizations operating in a specific sector, that deploy private networks to support their connectivity needs (verticals). This could mean more competition in the private corporate network segment. In the UK, the Office of Communications ("Ofcom") continues to make consultations on the opening of access to the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands for mobile use. Ofcom has confirmed that it does not intend to auction this spectrum until a decision is made on the proposed merger between Vodafone UK and Three UK. The current consultation is focused on award design. In Latin America, the following 5G auction processes are expected in 2024: (i) in Chile, in October 2023, Subtel announced a second 5G auction process to assign 50MHz of spectrum in the 3400 – 3600 MHz band. The assignment of spectrum is expected for the first half of 2024; and (ii) in Peru, with regards to 5G and the auction for additional 3.5 GHz band spectrum, the government has announced that it will commission the Peruvian Private Investment Promotion Agency to conduct the auction and, in parallel, the refarming of this spectrum band will be carried out. Nevertheless, on September 20, 2023, after an employee presented a false document regarding his academic degree, Telefónica del Perú was disqualified following a decision of the government procurement supervisor (OSCE), from contracting with the Peruvian state for a period of 36 months, meaning it cannot request concessions for spectrum or participate as a contractor or subcontractor in any government tender process. However, Telefónica del Perú has concessions for the provision of public telecommunications services and 4G and 5G spectrum (including in the same 3.5 GHz band, but obtained in a previous auction) with validity that exceeds the disqualification period. In addition, this disqualification does not affect the renewals of Telefónica del Perú licenses. Telefónica del Perú has initiated legal actions against the sanction resolution, and the aforementioned employee was fired and criminally prosecuted, before any participation in the execution of the public contract. Existing licenses: renewal processes and modification of conditions for operating services. In Spain, and in accordance with Law 11/2022, of June 28, on General Telecommunications, Telefónica requested the Administration to extend the duration of its spectrum licenses up to a maximum of 40 years, which means an extension of up to ten additional years. If this extension does not take place, the first set of licenses will expire in 2030. In this context, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation has launched a public consultation on the modification of current spectrum licenses of Telefónica and other operators. The final decision could be adopted in the second quarter of 2024. In Germany, in the allocation procedure for the frequencies at 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz, which will partially expire at the end of 2025, the Bundesnetzagentur ("BNetzA") published the consultation paper "Demand update and framework conditions for a transitional decision" (framework conditions). The framework conditions are based on the BNetzA's position paper from September 2022 and the comments received thereon. The framework conditions provide for the existing frequency usage rights in the above-mentioned frequency ranges, which expire at the end of 2025, to be extended for a transitional period of five years in an initial action plan. The BNetzA intends to make a decision about frequency provision in 2024. As part of a second set of actions, a larger procedural framework is to be established for utilization from 2031 onwards, including with respect to rights of use and new frequency ranges that expire in 2033 or become newly available for mobile communications in the coming years. A decision on this set of actions is planned for 2028. In the UK, mobile spectrum licenses are generally indefinite in term, subject to an annual fee set after a fixed period (usually 20 years) from the initial auction. In 2033, after this mentioned fixed period, Ofcom will set spectrum fees for 800 MHz and 2.6 Ghz bands. VMO2 currently holds spectrum in both of these bands. With respect to Latin America: In Brazil, the Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicações ("ANATEL") approved on February 8, 2021, Resolution 741/2021 which sets the Regulation for the Adaptation of Fixed Commuted Telephony Service ("STFC") concessions. ANATEL has presented an estimated value for calculating the migration balancing from the concession to the authorization regime, which on March 22, 2023 was validated by the Federal Court of Accounts (the "TCU"). However, the TCU requires ANATEL to consider the market value for the valuation of reversible assets. On July 24, 2023, ANATEL presented a balance of the estimated economic value based on the determinations of TCU. The value of the balance must be evaluated by Telefonica Brazil within 120 days. However, with the possibility of an agreement between ANATEL and Telefónica Brazil on the controversies present in arbitration and migration, ANATEL agreed with the request to suspend the aforementioned period of 120 days and sent to the TCU the Request for a Consensual Solution for the resolution of existing conflicts between ANATEL and Telefónica Brazil. The TCU's deliberation on the admissibility of the Request for a Consensual Solution is still ongoing. If the Request is accepted by the TCU, the TCU will establish a Commission that will have a maximum of 120 days to reach a consensus. After that, final approval by the TCU may take up to 90 days. There is a risk of not achieving success in the Consensual Solution and agreement between the parties regarding the migration calculation resulting in the right of Telefónica Brazil to hold the STFC concession until December 31, 2025. In addition, Resolution 744/2021 of April 8, 2021 (the "Continuity Regulation") establishes that, at the end of the life of the concession contracts, the transfer of the right of use of shared-use assets will be guaranteed under fair and reasonable economic conditions, in the event that the granting authority or the company that succeeds the provider wishes to make use of these assets to maintain the continuity of the provision of STFC under the public regime. In relation to the process that is being carried out before the TCU, the technical area of the Court proposed the revision of the Continuity Regulation's terms so that it provides for the reversion, to the concessionaires, of the assets used in the provision of STFC. This proposal is still subject to deliberation by the Plenary of the TCU. Nevertheless, the TCU minister ordered the suspension of the process. ANATEL agreed to extend the currently existing 850MHz band authorizations until November 2028, and the 900/1800 MHz in Minas Gerais (except sector 3) until December 2032, provided the relevant legal and regulatory requirements were met. Additionally, pursuant to Resolution n° 757/2022, ANATEL intends to carry out, respectively, a refarming action consisting of the promotion of changes in the channel arrangements of the 850 MHz (2028) and 900/1800 MHz (2032) subbands. Certain specific requirements imposed for these renewals, including those related to the valuation criteria and obligations, are still under review by the TCU. In Peru, an arbitration process was started by Telefónica del Perú, to challenge the decision adopted by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications ("MTC"), denying the renewal of concessions for the provision of fixed-line services, valid until 2027, which ended with a favorable award for Telefónica del Perú. The award recognizes that the methodology applied to assess compliance with the concession obligations in the concession renewal process was not in accordance with the provisions of the concession contract. The MTC, following this award, has initiated a new evaluation of our request of renewal of these concessions for the period 2027-2032. In any case, Telefónica del Perú S.A.A. holds other concessions for the provision of fixed-line services that allow it to provide these services beyond 2027. The renewal of the 1900 MHz band in all of Peru, except for Lima and Callao, which expired in 2018, and of other licenses to offer telecommunications services were requested by the Group and a decision by the MTC is still pending. Nevertheless, these concessions are valid while the procedures are in progress. In Colombia, on June 1, 2023, Telefonica Colombia submitted a renewal request for 30 MHz of spectrum in the AWS band that expired in December 2023. Additionally, in September 2023, the company has initiated the licenses renewal process of 25 MHz in the 850 MHz band and 15 MHz licenses in the 1900 MHz band that will expire in March 2024. Regulation in Colombia allows for the usage of spectrum without any restrictions until the final conditions for renewal are agreed. In Argentina, in connection with the Decree of Necessity and Urgency 690/2020 ("DNU 690/2020"), Telefónica de Argentina, S.A. and Telefónica Móviles Argentina, S.A. (collectively, "Telefónica Argentina") filed a lawsuit against the Argentine State, in relation to a series of contracts for licenses to provide services and spectrum use authorizations entered into between Telefónica Argentina and the Argentine State, including the licenses resulting from the 2014 spectrum auction. These contracts and their regulatory framework stated that the services provided by Telefónica Argentina were private and prices would be freely set by Telefónica Argentina. However, DNU 690/2020, by providing that the services will be "public services" and that prices will be regulated by the Argentine State, substantially modified the legal status of those contracts, affecting the compliance with their obligations and substantially depriving Telefónica Argentina of essential rights derived from those contracts. The lawsuit was rejected in September 2021 and Telefónica Argentina appealed this decision. On December 17, 2021, the first instance ruling was revoked and the application of articles 1º, 2º, 3º, 5º and 6º of DNU 690/2020 and Resolutions 1666/2020, 204/2021 and 1467/2020 (relating to the control of tariffs and the universal basic service) was suspended for six months or until the final decision was adopted. On June 10, 2022, the Federal Contentious Administrative Court extended the precautionary suspension of the effects of DNU 690/2020 for an additional six months in Telefónica's favor. On December 27, 2022, the Federal Contentious Administrative Court extended the precautionary suspension of the effects of DNU 690/2020 for another six months in Telefónica's favor. In August 2023, the precautionary measure was further extended for six months. During any such suspension, Telefónica Argentina will not be subject to the provisions contained in the DNU 690/2020 in relation to price and public service regulations. In Ecuador, a concession contract that authorizes the provision of telecommunication services by Telefónica and includes the spectrum licenses (25 MHz in the 850 MHz band and 60 MHz in the 1900 MHz band), which was valid until November 2023, was extended for an additional 10 months under the same conditions as the original contract through an addendum. The renewal negotiation is ongoing to extend the licenses for a longer period, but at the end of 2023, the renewal negotiation process was again suspended by the Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ARCOTEL) for up to 120 days. In relation to 5G, in Europe (Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom) Telefónica (and VMO2 in the case of United Kingdom) is deploying 5G in the frequency bands identified as "pioneering" by the European Commission (3.5 GHz and 700 MHz) acquired in recent years. Additionally, technological migration to 5G is being carried out in the traditional 2G/3G/4G bands using Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technology to make the use of the spectrum more efficient, based on user demand. In Chile and Brazil, Telefónica is offering 5G services using spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band. In Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia there were 5G spectrum auctions in 2023. In Uruguay, an auction was held in May 2023 and Telefónica Uruguay acquired 100 MHz of spectrum, with Telefónica having initiated the provision of 5G services. In Colombia the auction of 5G spectrum took place on December 20, 2023 and Telefonica acquired, through a Temporary Union with Tigo (Colombia Móvil S.A. E.S.P.), a block of 80 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band. In Argentina, in October 2023 there was an auction of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band and Telefónica Argentina acquired 50MHz of spectrum. During 2023, the Group's consolidated investment in spectrum acquisitions and renewals amounted to 183 million euros, mainly due to the acquisition of spectrum in Argentina (173 million euros in 2022, mainly due to the acquisition of spectrum in Colombia). In the event that the licenses mentioned above are renewed or new spectrum is acquired, it would involve additional investments by Telefónica. Further information on certain key regulatory matters affecting the Telefónica Group and the concessions and licenses of the Telefónica Group can be found in Appendix VI of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Regulation - Risk 2

The Telefónica Group is exposed to risks in relation to compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulations and economic sanctions programs.

The Telefónica Group is required to comply with the anti-corruption laws and regulations of the jurisdictions where it conducts operations around the world, including in certain circumstances with laws and regulations having extraterritorial effect such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and the United Kingdom Bribery Act of 2010. The anti-corruption laws generally prohibit, among other conduct, providing anything of value to government officials for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage or failing to keep accurate books and records and properly account for transactions. In this sense, due to the nature of its activities, the Telefónica Group is increasingly exposed to this risk, which increases the likelihood of occurrence. In particular, it is worth noting the continuous interaction with officials and public administrations in several areas, including the institutional and regulatory fronts (as the Telefónica Group carries out a regulated activity in different jurisdictions), the operational front (in the deployment of its network, the Telefónica Group is subject to obtaining multiple activity permits) and the commercial front (the Telefónica Group provides services directly and indirectly to public administrations). Moreover, Telefónica is a multinational group subject to the authority of different regulators and compliance with various regulations, which may be domestic or extraterritorial in scope, civil or criminal, and which may lead to overlapping authority in certain cases. Therefore, it is very difficult to quantify the possible impact of any breach, bearing in mind that such quantification must consider not only the economic amount of sanctions, but also the potential negative impact on the business, reputation and/or brand, or the ability to contract with public administrations. Additionally, the Telefónica Group's operations may be subject to, or otherwise affected by, economic sanctions programs and other forms of trade restrictions ("sanctions") including those administered by the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, including by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control and the United Kingdom. The sanctions regulations restrict the Group's business dealings with certain sanctioned countries, territories, individuals and entities and may impose certain trade restrictions, among others, export and/or import trade restrictions to certain good and services. In this context, the provision of services by a multinational telecommunications group, such as the Telefónica Group, directly and indirectly, and in multiple countries, requires the application of a high degree of diligence to prevent the contravention of sanctions (which take various forms, including economic sanctions programs applicable to countries, territories, lists of entities and persons sanctioned or certain trade restrictions). Given the nature of its activity, the Telefónica Group's exposure to these sanctions is particularly noteworthy. Although the Group has internal policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the above mentioned applicable anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations, there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be sufficient or that the Group's employees, directors, officers, partners, agents and service providers will not take actions in violation of the Group's policies and procedures (or, otherwise in violation of the relevant anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations) for which the Group, its subsidiaries or they may be ultimately held responsible. In this regard, the Group is currently cooperating with governmental authorities (and, where appropriate, conducting the relevant internal investigations) regarding requests for information potentially related, directly or indirectly to possible violations of applicable anti-corruption laws. Telefónica believes that, considering the size of the Group, any potential penalty as a result of matters relating to those specific information requests would not materially affect the Group's financial condition. Notwithstanding the above, violations of anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations could lead not only to financial penalties, but also to exclusion from government contracts, and the revocation of licenses and authorizations, and could have a material adverse effect on the Group's reputation, or otherwise adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 6.3%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

Telefónica and Telefónica Group companies are party to lawsuits, antitrust, tax claims and other legal proceedings.

Telefónica and Telefónica Group companies operate in highly regulated sectors and are and may in the future be party to lawsuits, tax claims, antitrust and other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of their businesses, the outcome of which is unpredictable. The Telefónica Group is subject to regular reviews, tests and audits by tax authorities regarding taxes in the jurisdictions in which it operates and is a party and may be a party to certain judicial tax proceedings. In particular, the Telefónica Group is currently party to certain tax and regulatory proceedings in Brazil, primarily relating to the ICMS (a Brazilian tax on telecommunication services) and the corporate tax. Telefónica Brazil maintained provisions for tax contingencies amounting to 515 million euros and provisions for regulatory contingencies amounting to 329 million euros as of December 31, 2023. In addition, Telefónica Brazil faces possible tax and regulatory contingencies for which no provisions are made. As of December 31, 2023, the Telefónica Group maintained contingent liabilities related to income tax, other taxes and regulatory proceedings in Brazil amounting to 5,678 million euros, 6,909 million euros and 1,264 million euros, respectively (see "Item 8. Financial Information-Consolidated Financial Statement-Tax Proceedings-Telefónica Brazil"). The Group makes estimates for its tax liabilities that the Group considers reasonable, but if a tax authority disagrees, the Group could face additional tax liability, including interest and penalties. There can be no guarantee that any payments related to such contingencies or in excess of our estimates will not have a significant adverse effect on the Group's business, results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. In addition to the most significant litigation indicated above, further details on these matters are provided in Notes 25 and 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The details of the provisions for litigation, tax sanctions and claims can be found in Note 24 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Telefónica Group is also party to certain litigation in Peru concerning certain previous years' income taxes in respect of which Telefónica has been notified that the judicial resolutions which resolve the contentious administrative processes are unfavorable to the Group and will require it to pay taxes related to prior years. At the end of the relevant proceedings, the Tax Administration, through an administrative act, will determine the amount of the payment obligation. The estimated impact of the aforementioned judicial resolutions is already provisioned in Telefónica's financial statements, with the total provision as of December 31, 2023 amounting to 3,117 million Peruvian soles (approximately 761 million euros at the exchange rate at such date). An adverse outcome or settlement in these or other proceedings, present or future, could result in significant costs and may have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Environmental / Social2 | 12.5%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Changed

Increased scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders, evolving reporting and other legal obligations and compliance with the Telefónica Group's own goals regarding ESG matters, may expose the Telefónica Group to various risks.

The Telefónica Group may be unable to adapt to or comply with increasingly demanding expectations from analysts, investors, customers and other stakeholders and new regulatory reporting or other legal requirements related to ESG issues. Further, expectations and requirements may differ from region to region, may be based on diverging calculation or other criteria and may experience material changes as they still are at their emerging phase. Further, the Telefónica Group's disclosure of information on its ESG objectives and initiatives in its public reports and other communications (including its CO2 emission reduction targets) subjects it to the risk that it will fail to achieve these objectives and initiatives. Although the Telefónica Group is working to comply with new ESG reporting requirements, to achieve its objectives, and to meet the expectations of its stakeholders in these matters, if the Company is unable to meet these expectations, fails to adequately address ESG matters or fails to achieve the reported objectives (including its CO2 emission reduction targets), the Telefónica Group's reputation, its business, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Environmental / Social - Risk 2

The Telefónica Group's strategy, which is focused on driving new digital businesses and providing data-based services, involves exposure to risks and uncertainties arising from data privacy regulation.

The Telefónica Group's commercial portfolio includes products and/or services whose provision involves the processing of large amounts of information and data. This entails an enormous responsibility, while at the same time increasing the challenges related to compliance with strong and growing privacy and data protection regulations throughout the Telefónica Group's footprint, which may stifle the technological innovation that characterizes it and to which the Group is committed. Similarly, the Group's efforts to promote innovation may result in increased compliance risks and, where applicable, costs. Telefónica is subject to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of April 2016, on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data ("GDPR"), which is considered by the Group as a common standard of compliance in all its operations, even beyond the European Union. Additionally, the European Union has initiated a data legislative strategy that seeks to make the EU a leading space for the data-driven society, allowing data to flow freely throughout the territory and between different sectors. As a result, it is expected that new regulatory obligations will be imposed on operators. In addition, progress continues to be made on the proposal for a future European regulation concerning the respect for privacy and protection of personal data in electronic communications ("e-Privacy Regulation"), which would repeal Directive 2002/58/EC. If approved, this proposal could establish additional and more restrictive rules than those established in the GDPR, with the consequent increase in the risks and costs that this could entail for Telefónica. Moreover, considering that the Telefónica Group operates its business on a global scale, it frequently carries out international data transfers concerning its customers, users, suppliers, employees and other data subjects to countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) that have not been declared to have an adequate level of data protection by the European Commission, either directly or through third parties. In this context, it is particularly relevant to have the necessary legal and technical controls and mechanisms in place to ensure that such international data transfers are carried out in accordance with the GDPR, in an environment marked by uncertainty on this issue as to the most adequate and effective measures to mitigate such risks. One of the relevant contractual measures to ensure the lawfulness of international data transfers to any country outside the EEA not found by the European Commission to have an adequate level of data protection, is the signing, between the data importer and the data exporter, of the new standard contractual clauses ("SCC") approved by the European Commission according to Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/914 of June 4, 2021. With regard to the international transfer of data to the United States, on July 10, 2023, the European Commission adopted its adequacy decision for the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. The adequacy decision concludes that the United States ensures an adequate level of protection for personal data transferred from the EU to U.S. companies participating in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. This adequacy decision nevertheless remains subject to challenge, and is expected to be challenged, by privacy activists. In Latin America, Law No. 13,709 in Brazil imposes standards and obligations similar to those required by the GDPR, including a sanctioning regime which is in force from August 2021, which may increase compliance risks and costs. In addition, in 2022 the Brazilian data protection authority, Autoridade Nacional de Proteção de Dados (ANPD), became an independent agency not linked to the presidency of the Republic, thus providing it with additional autonomy to develop its control and supervision functions. In Ecuador, the Organic Law on Data Protection, which is aligned with the principles of the European GDPR, has entered into force (including, since 2023, the sanctioning regime). In addition, Argentina has ratified Convention 108+, which is an international treaty of the Council of Europe which is open to accession by any State outside Europe, and which regulates the protection of the rights of individuals with regard to the automated processing of their data, in a very similar way to the protection granted by virtue of the GDPR. In addition, there are projects to reform Law 19.628 on the Protection of Personal Data in Chile, and the Regulations of Law 29.733 in Peru. There are regulatory projects aimed at updating regulations in line with standards similar to the GDPR, which may increase compliance risks and costs. To limit the risks derived from international transfers of personal data among Telefónica Group companies, Group companies will adopt Telefónica Group's Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs), which are currently in the process of being approved by the European data protection authorities. However there can be no assurance that such rules will be sufficient to ensure compliance with requirements in every jurisdiction in which the Telefónica Group operates. Data privacy protection requires careful design of products and services, as well as robust internal procedures and rules that can be adapted to regulatory changes where necessary, all of which entails compliance risk. Failure to maintain adequate data security and to comply with any relevant legal requirements could result in the imposition of significant penalties, damage to the Group's reputation and the loss of trust of customers and users. Telefónica's reputation depends to a large extent on the digital trust it is able to generate among its customers and other stakeholders. In this regard, in addition to any reputational consequences, in the European Union, very serious breaches of the GDPR may entail the imposition of administrative fines of up to the larger of 20 million euros or 4% of the infringing company's overall total annual revenue for the previous financial year. Furthermore, once it is approved, the e-Privacy Regulation may set forth sanctions for breaches of it similar to those provided for in the GDPR. Any of the foregoing could have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows of the Group.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 3/16 (19%)Above Sector Average

Innovation / R&D1 | 6.3%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

Telefónica operates in a sector characterized by rapid technological changes and it may not be able to anticipate or adapt to such changes or select the right investments to make.

The pace of innovation and Telefónica's ability to keep up with its competitors is a critical issue in a sector so affected by technology such as telecommunications. In this sense, significant additional investments will be needed in new high-capacity network infrastructures to enable Telefónica to offer the features that new services will demand, through the development of technologies such as 5G or fiber. New products and technologies are constantly emerging that can render products and services offered by the Telefónica Group, as well as its technology, obsolete. In addition, the explosion of the digital market and the entrance of new players in the communications market, such as mobile network virtual operators ("MNVOs"), internet companies, technology companies or device manufacturers, could result in a loss of value for certain of the Group's assets, affect the generation of revenues, or otherwise cause Telefónica to have to update its business model. In this respect, revenues from traditional voice businesses have been shrinking in recent years, while revenues from connectivity services (e.g., fixed and mobile internet) are increasing. To diversify revenue sources, Telefónica offers new digital services such as Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, big data, Artificial Intelligence and cloud services among others. Although these services still have a lower weight in Telefónica's total revenues, the related revenues grew in double digits in 2023. Additionally, the world of telecommunications is evolving towards a model of programmable networks and services. This type of network can be used by programmers in a completely new and different way than it had been in the past. As a first big step, the GSMA is leading the Open Gateway initiative for the standardized exposure of APIs to developers. This is a totally new market in which telecommunications companies must be able to develop not only attractive services but new skills in order to be successful. One of the technologies currently being developed by telecommunications operators, including Telefónica (in Spain and Latin America), is the new FTTx type networks which allow the offering of broadband accesses over fiber optics with high performance. However, the deployment of such networks, in which the copper of the access loop is totally or partially replaced by fiber, requires high levels of investment. In Spain, Telefónica plans to switch off all copper access loops by April 2024. As of December 31, 2023, in Spain, fiber coverage reached 29.3 million premises. There is a growing demand for the services that these new networks can offer to the end customer. However, the high levels of investment required by these networks result in the need to continuously consider the expected return on investment. Telefónica is constantly looking for co-investments through Telefónica Infra. In addition, the ability of the Telefónica Group's IT systems (operational and backup) to adequately support and evolve to respond to Telefónica's operating requirements is a key factor to consider in the commercial development, customer satisfaction and business efficiency of the Telefónica Group. While automation and other digital processes may lead to significant cost savings and efficiency gains, there are also significant risks associated with such transformation processes. Any failure by the Telefónica Group to develop or implement IT systems that adequately support and respond to the Group's evolving operating requirements could have an adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. The changes outlined above force Telefónica to continuously invest in the development of new products, technology and services to continue to compete effectively with current or future competitors. Any such investment may reduce the Group's profit and margins and may not lead to the development or commercialization of successful new products or services. To contextualize the Group's total research and development effort, the total expenditure in 2023 was 741 million euros (656 million euros in 2022), representing 1.8% of the Group's revenues (1.6% in 2022). These figures have been calculated using the guidelines established in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") manual. Telefónica's investment in CapEx in 2023 was 5,579 million euros (5,819 million euros in 2022). If Telefónica is not able to anticipate and adapt to the technological changes and trends in the sector, or to properly select the investments to be made, this could negatively affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Technology2 | 12.5%

Technology - Risk 1

Telefónica may not anticipate or adapt in a timely manner to changing customer demands and/or new ethical or social standards, which could adversely affect Telefónica's business and reputation.

To maintain and improve its position in the market vis-à-vis its competitors, it is vital that Telefónica: (i) anticipates and adapts to the evolving needs and demands of its customers, and (ii) avoids commercial or other actions or policies that may generate a negative perception of the Group or the products and services it offers, or that may have or be perceived to have a negative social impact. In addition to harming Telefónica's reputation, such actions could also result in fines and sanctions. In order to respond to changing customer demands, Telefónica needs to adapt both (i) its communication networks and (ii) its offering of digital services. The networks, which had historically focused on voice transmission, have evolved into increasingly flexible, dynamic and secure data networks, replacing, for example, old copper telecommunications networks with new technologies such as fiber optics, which facilitate the absorption of the exponential growth in the volume of data demanded by the Group's customers. In relation to digital services, customers require an increasingly digital and personalized experience, as well as a continuous evolution of the Group's product and service offering. In this sense, new services such as "Living Apps", "Connected Car", "Smart Cities", "Smart Agriculture", "Smart Metering" and "Solar 360" which facilitate certain aspects of the Group's customers' digital lives, are being developed. Furthermore, new solutions for greater automation in commercial services and in the provision of the Group's services are being developed, through new apps and online platforms that facilitate access to services and content, such as new video platforms that offer both traditional Pay TV, video on demand or multi-device access. In addition, Telefónica has launched new customer care applications (My Movistar in Spain, Me Vivo in Brazil, My O2 in the United Kingdom) and developed a virtual assistant, Aura, with the aim of increasing the accessibility of the products and services we offer. However, there can be no assurance that these and other efforts will be successful. In the development of all these initiatives it is also necessary to take into account several factors: firstly, there is a growing social and regulatory demand for companies to behave in a socially responsible manner, and, in addition, the Group's customers are increasingly interacting through online communication channels, such as social networks, in which they express this demand. Telefónica's ability to attract and retain clients depends on their perceptions regarding the Group's reputation and behavior. The risks associated with potential damage to a brand's reputation have become more relevant, especially due to the impact that the publication of news through social networks can have. If Telefónica is not able to anticipate or adapt to the evolving needs and demands of its customers or avoid inappropriate actions, its reputation could be adversely affected, or it could otherwise have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows of the Group.

Technology - Risk 2

Information technology is key to the Group's business and is subject to cybersecurity risks.

The risks derived from cybersecurity are among the Group's most relevant risks due to the importance of information technology to its ability to successfully conduct operations. Despite advances in the modernization of the network and the replacement of legacy systems in need of technological renewal, the Group operates in an environment increasingly prone to cyber-threats and all of its products and services are intrinsically dependent on information technology systems and platforms that are susceptible to cyberattacks. Successful cyberattacks could prevent the effective provision, operation and commercialization of products and services in addition to affecting their use by customers. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to identify and remedy any technical vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the Group's operating processes, as well as to strengthen its capabilities to detect, react and recover from incidents. This includes the need to strengthen security controls in the supply chain, often with a high number of participants spread across different countries, by focusing on the security measures adopted by the Group's providers and other third parties, and, in particular, by ensuring the security of cloud services provided by third parties. Telecommunications companies worldwide face continuously increasing cybersecurity threats as businesses become increasingly digital and dependent on telecommunications, computer networks and cloud computing technologies. As a result of the circumstances brought by the COVID pandemic, remote access and teleworking of employees and collaborators has spread and is now a common practice, increasing the use of cloud services provided by third parties. Thus, the risks associated with their use has increased, forcing companies to review the security controls beyond the perimeter of the corporate network. Likewise, the proliferation of IoT environments makes security management more complicated, given their volume and heterogeneous nature. All of the above, together with the professionalization of cybercriminals and their financing (which facilitates their adoption of emerging technologies and techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence), is leading to an increase in the sophistication of cybercrime and the use of automated attack tactics that reduce the time frame that cyber-defense teams have to protect a company's digital assets. In addition, the Telefónica Group is aware of the possible cybersecurity risks arising from the various international conflicts, and is monitoring cyberattacks that may affect our infrastructure, and maintaining contact with national and international organizations to obtain cyberintelligence information, without having so far detected a significant increase in attacks in our perimeter compared to other previous periods, though this may change in the future. Cybersecurity threats may include gaining unauthorized access to the Group's systems or propagating computer viruses or malicious software, to misappropriate sensitive information like customer data or disrupt the Group's operations. In addition, traditional security threats, such as theft of laptop computers, data devices and mobile phones may also affect the Group along with the possibility that the Group's employees or other persons may have access to the Group's systems and leak data and/or take actions that affect the Group's networks or otherwise adversely affect the Group or its ability to adequately process internal information or even result in regulatory penalties. In particular, in the past three years, the Group has suffered various types of cybersecurity incidents that have included (i) intrusion attempts (direct or phishing), exploitation of vulnerabilities and corporate credentials being compromised; (ii) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, using massive volumes of Internet traffic that saturate the service; and (iii) exploitation of vulnerabilities to carry out fraud in respect of services provided by Telefónica. To date, none of these cybersecurity incidents have had material consequences for the Telefónica Group, but this may change in the future. Although Telefónica seeks to manage these risks by adopting technical and organizational measures as defined in its digital security strategy, such as the use of early vulnerabilities detection, access control, log review of critical systems and network segregation, as well as the deployment of firewalls, intrusion-prevention systems, virus scanners and backup systems, it can provide no assurance that such measures are sufficient to avoid or fully mitigate such incidents. Therefore, the Telefónica Group has insurance policies in place, which could cover, subject to the policies terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sublimits of indemnity, and applicable deductibles, certain losses arising out of these types of incidents. To date, the insurance policies in place have covered some incidents of this nature, however due to the potential severity and uncertainty about the evolution of the aforementioned events, these policies may not be sufficient to cover all possible losses arising out of these risks.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 3/16 (19%)Above Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 6.3%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Worsening of the economic and political environment could negatively affect Telefónica's business.

Telefónica's international presence enables the diversification of its activities across countries and regions, but it exposes Telefónica to diverse legislation, as well as to the political and economic environments of the countries in which it operates. Any adverse developments in these countries, such as economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, rapid normalization of monetary policy, exchange rate or sovereign-risk fluctuations, as well as growing geopolitical tensions, may adversely affect Telefónica's business, financial position, debt management, cash flows and results of operations and/or the performance of some or all of the Group's financial indicators. In recent years, successive shocks have ushered in a period characterized by extraordinary uncertainty and the simultaneous occurrence of multiple negative disruptions. Inflationary pressures arising from bottlenecks associated with the rapid post-pandemic recovery, coupled with increases in commodity prices, led to a robust response from central banks (raising interest rates and withdrawing liquidity from the system) and a significant loss of purchasing power for consumers. Additionally, the recent higher wage demands observed internationally, reflecting both the strength of labor markets, especially those in major developed economies, and the prevalence (though to a lesser extent than in the past) of wage indexation mechanisms, have also contributed to these inflationary pressures. There are also doubts about the timing of the conclusion of the inflationary period, as geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas armed conflicts, among others, negatively impact energy prices or maritime transport. Moreover, there is a risk that the decrease in global liquidity and elevated interest rates could generate increased financial volatility, giving rise to new stress episodes, as observed in the United Kingdom, especially if inflation proves to be more persistent than expected. Additionally, premature monetary easing by central banks could lead to resurgent inflation, potentially triggering a new stagflationary period akin to the 1970s. Looking forward, elements that could worsen the effects of the current situation include the escalation of armed conflicts and potential disruptions to energy and goods supply, as well as possible additional increases in commodity prices. This could result in a potential de-anchoring of inflation expectations and higher-than-expected wage hikes, prolonging and amplifying the inflation-recession scenario. As a consequence of the above, economic growth is expected to remain weak in the short term, with the risk of recession still present in many parts of the world. So far, the main European countries where the Group operates have been affected by the ongoing geopolitical conflicts mainly through the price channel (higher commodity prices, intermediate inputs and salary costs, among others), as their direct trade and financial exposure is limited. However, there continues to be a concern in Europe about energy dependence in the face of potential episodes of gas shortages. Latin America could be affected by lower external demand associated with slower global growth, deteriorating terms of trade and tighter financial conditions. As of December 31, 2023, the contribution of each segment to the Telefónica Group's total assets was as follows: Telefónica Spain 26.0% (25.5% as of December 31, 2022), VMO2 7.5% (9.8% as of December 31, 2022), Telefónica Germany 17.8% (17.5% as of December 31, 2022), Telefónica Brazil 25.0% (22.7% as of December 31, 2022) and Telefónica Hispam 14.4% (14.5% as of December 31, 2022). Part of the Group's assets are located in countries that do not have an investment grade credit rating (in order of importance, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Venezuela). Likewise, Venezuela and Argentina are considered countries with hyperinflationary economies in 2023 and 2022. During 2023, the contribution of each segment to the Telefónica Group's revenues was as follows (does not include VMO2 that is recorded by the equity method and therefore does not contribute to the consolidated revenues): Telefónica Spain 31.1% (31.2% in 2022), Telefónica Germany 21.2% (20.6% in 2022), Telefónica Brazil 23.7% (22.2% in 2022) and Telefónica Hispam 20.6% (22.9% in 2022). The main risks by geography are detailed below: In Europe, there are several economic and political risks. Firstly, the evolution of armed conflicts poses a threat to growth and inflation prospects. Any worsening in the supply of gas, oil, food, or other goods due to disruptions in the transportation chain would negatively impact their prices, with a consequent effect on the disposable income of both households and businesses. In the medium term, this could result in wage increases, a persistent rise in inflation, and tighter monetary policy. Any of the above could have a negative impact on the cost of financing for the private sector, including Telefónica, and could trigger episodes of financial stress. In addition, there is also a risk of financial fragmentation in the transmission of monetary policy in the eurozone, meaning that interest rates may react differently in different countries within the eurozone, leading to differences in yields on bonds issued by peripheral countries (such as Spain) and those issued by core countries, making it challenging for the former to access credit. Lastly, Europe faces two significant long-term risks. First, a risk that Europe may fall behind in the global technological race in particular because of its dependence on several critical raw materials, indispensable for key sectors, that must be imported from other regions. Second, demographic factors such as declining birth rates and population aging may have a negative impact on the region's labor force and long-term growth prospects. Regarding political risk, the 2024 European Parliament election may deepen political fragmentation and result in a reduced representation of moderate positions in favor of extreme options, potentially weakening governance and hindering the implementation of the ongoing agenda with respect to fiscal and economic matters, climate and energy policy and other critical aspects of state governance. - Spain: there are several local sources of risks. One of them stems from the risk that high commodity prices and/or the emergence of wage pressures could prolong the inflationary episode with a deeper impact on household income. Secondly, and although the disbursement of Next Generation European Funds (NGEU) appears to be gaining traction, further delays or even designing flaws could limit their final impact on GDP growth and employment. In addition, as one of the most open countries in the world from a commercial point of view, being among the top ten countries in respect of capital outflows and inflows globally, Spain could be negatively impacted by the rise of protectionism and trade restrictions. Lastly, the impact of rising interest rates could be a source of financial stress due to high public indebtedness and lead to a possible correction in the real estate market. In the long term, the challenge is to increase potential growth through productivity and ensure the sustainability of public debt. - Germany: the risk of energy shortages has diminished in recent months due to Europe's response in terms of diversification of energy sources and the rapid construction of regasification plants in the country. However, it is possible that problems with energy supply may arise again. Gas flows (from Russia via Ukraine) could be lower than expected, consumption could be higher due, for example, to an unusually cold winter, or competition for gas from other countries could increase. On the other hand, there is concern that higher-than-expected wage growth and/or higher input costs could lead to a stronger and longer inflationary cycle. As for the medium to long term, there is a risk that a potential escalation of geopolitical tensions could reduce international trade, with a consequent impact on the country's potential growth, which is dependent on exports. In addition, long-term challenges remain, such as the ageing of the population. - United Kingdom: a slower disinflationary process than previously expected could weigh on consumption and further depress economic growth. In particular, there is a concern that currently dynamic wage growth could lead to a further increase in the prices of goods and services, preventing inflation rates from normalizing as quickly as anticipated. On the other hand, although the UK economy has few direct trade links with Russia and Ukraine, it is vulnerable to developments in the global energy market as it is the second European economy with the largest share of gas in the energy mix. Finally, the formal exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union on December 31, 2020 (Brexit) has created new barriers to trade in goods and services, mobility and cross-border exchanges, which will continue to entail an economic adjustment in the medium term. In Latin America, the exchange rate risk is currently considered moderate by the Telefónica Group, except in Argentina and Venezuela, but may increase in the future. The end of electoral events and rapid central bank actions to contain inflation may, at least partially, limit the impact of external risks (global trade tensions, abrupt movements in commodity prices, concerns about global growth, tightening U.S. monetary policy and financial imbalances in China) and internal risks (managing the monetary normalization and the possible fiscal deterioration) but there is no assurance that this will be the case. - Brazil: fiscal sustainability and increased economic intervention remain the main domestic risk, but it has recently decreased. The new administration has demonstrated its commitment to fiscal sustainability by announcing a new fiscal framework to replace the previous spending cap rule. Additionally, the Congress has also voted favorably on the tax reform aimed at simplifying the indirect tax system and promoting stronger and sustainable economic growth. So far, the economic measures announced by the new administration have helped alleviate uncertainty around economic policies, resulting in an upward revision of Brazil's credit rating outlook by S&P. Risks related to inflation and monetary policy have also decreased with the approval and maintenance of the inflation target at low levels. - Argentina: macroeconomic and exchange rate risks remain high. The main internal challenges include achieving the political and social consensus necessary to reduce the public deficit and rebuild international reserves in a context of high inflation, which jeopardizes the achievement of the new administration's objectives. On the external front, a global slowdown leading to reduced demand for exported products and lower prices would result in decreased foreign currency inflows, increasing vulnerability to volatility in international financial markets. Finally, the application of price control measures and the still-existing exchange restrictions could adversely affect Telefónica's profitability. - Chile, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador: these countries are exposed not only to changes in the global economy, given their vulnerability and exposure to changes in commodity prices, but also to tightening of global financial conditions. On the domestic side, existing political instability and the possibility of further social unrest and the resurgence of populism could have a negative impact in both the short and medium term. In this regard, measures that result in excessive growth in public spending that jeopardize fiscal balance could have a negative impact on sovereign credit ratings, further deteriorating local financing conditions. Inflation is becoming more persistent than expected, which could limit central banks' ability to respond to an abrupt drop in activity levels and could also increase the risk of financial instability. Political uncertainty has decreased in Chile, following the rejection of the new proposed Constitution in December 2023, but the maintenance of the former status quo could give rise to new social demands. In Colombia, the structural reforms promoted by Colombia's government are currently expected to be more market friendly due to the weakening of the government coalition. In Peru, the government succeeded in reducing the social protests against the installation of the new administration, although it remains politically weak. In Ecuador, the new government is dealing with a turbulent political situation and internal violence, marked by an increase in criminality. As discussed above, the countries where the Group operates are generally facing significant economic uncertainties and, in some cases, political uncertainties. The worsening of the economic and political environment in any of the countries where Telefónica operates may materially adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 6.3%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Climate change, natural disasters and other factors beyond the Group's control may result in physical damage to our technical infrastructure that may cause unanticipated network or service interruptions or quality loss or otherwise affect the Group's business.

Climate change, natural disasters and other factors beyond the Group's control, such as system failures, lack of electric supply, network failures, hardware or software failures or the theft of network elements, can damage Telefónica's infrastructure and affect the quality of, or cause interruption to, the provision of the services of the Telefónica Group. Further, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns associated with climate change may increase the energy consumption of telecommunications networks or cause service disruption due to extreme temperature waves, floods or extreme weather events. These changes may cause increases in the price of electricity due to, for example, reduction in hydraulic generation as a result of recurrent droughts. Further, as a result of global commitments to tackle climate change, new carbon dioxide taxes may be imposed and could affect, directly or indirectly, Telefónica Group, and may have a negative impact on the Group's operations and results. Telefónica analyses these risks in accordance with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD"). Network or service interruptions or quality loss or climate-related risks could cause customer dissatisfaction, a reduction in revenues and traffic, the realization of expensive repairs, the imposition of sanctions or other measures by regulatory bodies, and damage to the image and reputation of the Telefónica Group, or could otherwise have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows of the Group.

Capital Markets1 | 6.3%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

The Group's financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected if it does not effectively manage its exposure to interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates.

Interest rate risk arises primarily in connection with changes in interest rates affecting: (i) financial expenses on floating-rate debt (or short-term debt likely to be renewed); (ii) the value of long-term liabilities at fixed interest rates; and (iii) financial expenses and principal payments of inflation-linked financial instruments, considering interest rate risk as the impact of changes in inflation rates. In nominal terms, as of December 31, 2023, 89% of the Group's net financial debt had its interest rate set at fixed interest rates for periods of more than one year. The effective cost of debt related interest payments for the last 12 months excluding leases was 3.80% as of December 31, 2023 compared to 3.96% as of December 31, 2022. To illustrate the sensitivity of financial expenses to variations in short-term interest rates as of December 31, 2023: (i) a 100 basis points increase in interest rates in all currencies in which Telefónica had a financial position at that date would have led to an increase in financial expenses of 25 million euros, whereas (ii) a 100 basis points decrease in interest rates in all currencies (even if negative rates are reached), would have led to a reduction in financial expenses of 25 million euros. For the preparation of these calculations, a constant position equivalent to the position at that date is assumed of net financial debt. Exchange rate risk arises primarily from: (i) Telefónica's international presence, through its investments and businesses in countries that use currencies other than the euro (primarily in Latin America and the United Kingdom); (ii) debt denominated in currencies other than that of the country where the business is conducted or the home country of the company incurring such debt; and (iii) trade receivables or payables in a foreign currency to the currency of the company with which the transaction was registered. According to the Group's calculations, the impact on results, and specifically on net exchange differences, due to a 10% depreciation of Latin American currencies against the U.S. dollar and a 10% depreciation of the rest of the currencies to which the Group is most exposed, against the euro would result in exchange gains of 17 million euros as of December 31, 2023 and a 10% appreciation of Latin American currencies against the U.S. dollar and a 10% appreciation of the rest of the currencies to which the Group is most exposed, would result in exchange losses of 17 million euros as of December 31, 2023. These calculations have been made assuming a constant currency position with an impact on profit or loss as of December 31, 2023 taking into account derivative instruments in place. In 2023, the evolution of exchange rates (without considering the effects of hyperinflationary countries) had a small positive impact on the Group's results, increasing the year-on-year growth of the Group's consolidated revenues by an estimated 0.2 percentage points, and not impacting OIBDA (positive impact of 4.5 percentage points and 3.0 percentage points, respectively, in 2022, mainly due to the evolution of the Brazilian real). Furthermore, translation differences in 2023 had a positive impact on the Group's equity of 37 million euros (1,169 million euros in 2022). If the impacts of hyperinflationary countries were considered, the adverse impact of variations in currencies on our consolidated results, statement of financial position and statement of cash flows would have been higher. The Telefónica Group uses a variety of strategies to manage this risk including, among others, the use of financial derivatives, which are also exposed to risk, including counterparty risk. The Group's risk management strategies may be ineffective, which could adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. If the Group does not effectively manage its exposure to foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates, it may adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 2/16 (13%)Below Sector Average

Accounting & Financial Operations1 | 6.3%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

The Group has and in the future could experience impairment of goodwill, investments accounted for by the equity method, deferred tax assets or other assets.

In accordance with current accounting standards, the Telefónica Group reviews on an annual basis, or more frequently when the circumstances require it, the need to introduce changes to the book value of its goodwill (which as of December 31, 2023, represented 17.9% of the Group's total assets), deferred tax assets (which as of December 31, 2023, represented 6.0% of the Group's total assets) or other assets, such as intangible assets (which represented 10.9% of the Group's total assets as of December 31, 2023), and property, plant and equipment (which represented 22.0% of the Group's total assets as of December 31, 2023). In the case of goodwill, the potential loss of value is determined by the analysis of the recoverable value of the cash-generating unit (or group of cash-generating units) to which the goodwill is allocated at the time it is originated, and such calculation requires significant assumptions and judgment. In 2023 impairment losses in the goodwill of Telefónica Ecuador were recognized for a total of 58 million euros (impairment losses in other assets of Telefónica Argentina were recognized for a total of 77 million euros in 2022 and impairment losses in the goodwill of Telefónica del Perú were recognized for a total of 393 million euros in 2021). In addition, VMO2, our 50:50 joint venture with Liberty Global in the United Kingdom, recorded in 2023 an impairment of goodwill amounting to 3,572 million euros, with a negative impact of 1,786 million euros on the share of (loss) income of investments accounted for by the equity method in the consolidated income statement of the Group. In addition, Telefónica may not be able to realize deferred tax assets on its statement of financial position to offset future taxable income. The recoverability of deferred tax assets depends on the Group's ability to generate taxable income over the period for which the deferred tax assets remain deductible. If Telefónica believes it is unable to utilize its deferred tax assets during the applicable period, it may be required to record an impairment against them resulting in a non-cash charge on the income statement. By way of example, in 2021 deferred tax assets corresponding to the tax Group in Spain amounting to 294 million euros were derecognized. Further impairments of goodwill, deferred tax assets or other assets may occur in the future which may materially adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Debt & Financing1 | 6.3%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

The Group faces risks relating to its levels of financial indebtedness, the Group's ability to finance itself, and its ability to carry out its business plan.

The operation, expansion and improvement of the Telefónica Group's networks, the development and distribution of the Telefónica Group's services and products, the implementation of Telefónica's strategic plan and the development of new technologies, the renewal of licenses and the expansion of the Telefónica Group's business in countries where it operates, may require a substantial amount of financing. The Telefónica Group is a relevant and frequent issuer of debt in the capital markets. As of December 31, 2023, the Group's gross financial debt amounted to 37,061 million euros (39,079 million euros as of December 31, 2022), and the Group's net financial debt amounted to 27,349 million euros (26,687 million euros as of December 31, 2022). As of December 31, 2023, the average maturity of the debt was 11.6 years (13.1 years as of December 31, 2022), including undrawn committed credit facilities. A decrease in the liquidity of Telefónica, or a difficulty in refinancing maturing debt or raising new funds as debt or equity could force Telefónica to use resources allocated to investments or other commitments to pay its financial debt, which could have a negative effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Funding could be more difficult and costly to obtain in the event of a deterioration of conditions in the international or local financial markets due, for example, to monetary policies set by central banks, including increases in interest rates and/or decreases in the supply of credit, increasing global political and commercial uncertainty and oil price instability, or if there is an eventual deterioration in the solvency or operating performance of Telefónica. As of December 31, 2023, the Group's gross financial debt scheduled to mature in 2024 amounted to 3,701 million euros, and gross financial debt scheduled to mature in 2025 amounted to 3,900 million euros. In accordance with its liquidity policy, Telefónica has covered its gross debt maturities for the next 12 months with cash and credit lines available as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Telefónica Group had undrawn committed credit facilities arranged with banks for an amount of 11,315 million euros (11,148 million euros of which were due to expire in more than 12 months). Liquidity could be affected if market conditions make it difficult to renew undrawn credit lines. As of December 31, 2023, 1.5% of the aggregate undrawn amount under credit lines was scheduled to expire prior to December 31, 2024. In addition, given the interrelation between economic growth and financial stability, the materialization of any of the economic, political and exchange rate risks referred to above could adversely impact the availability and cost of Telefónica's financing and its liquidity strategy. This in turn could have a negative effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Finally, any downgrade in the Group's credit ratings may lead to an increase in the Group's borrowing costs and could also limit its ability to access credit markets.

Production

Total Risks: 2/16 (13%)Below Sector Average

Employment / Personnel1 | 6.3%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Added

Telefónica could be affected by the global technology talent shortage and the need for new skills in the workforce due to rapid technological changes, which may limit the Group's competitiveness.

The changing need for new skills in the workforce due to ongoing technological disruptions and the shortage of technology talent in the marketplace pose significant risks that may affect the Group's competitiveness. The successful execution of Telefónica's strategic plan and our ability to compete effectively now and in the future depend to a large extent on the company's key talent, as well as on a highly skilled workforce. Experienced profiles in the technology sector are in high demand and competition for talent is fierce worldwide. A lack of talent and the necessary skills in the Group can slow down innovation and adaptation to rapid changes in the sector, impacting business opportunities and the quality of services provided. While we take various steps to manage these risks, including by fostering a culture of continuous learning, though ambitious employee training and reskilling programs, motivating and seeking to retain the Group's key talent and by redefining our corporate culture to ensure the company's long-term growth and sustainability, there can be no assurance that such steps will be sufficient. If the Group fails to attract and retain technology talent, this could negatively affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Supply Chain1 | 6.3%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

Telefónica could be affected by disruptions in the supply chain or international trade restrictions, or by the dependency on its suppliers.

The existence of critical suppliers in the supply chain, especially in areas such as network infrastructure, information systems or handsets with a high concentration in a small number of suppliers, poses risks that may affect Telefónica's operations. In the event that a participant in the supply chain engages in practices that do not meet acceptable standards or does not meet Telefónica's performance expectations (including delays in the completion of projects or deliveries, poor-quality execution, cost deviations, reduced output due to the suppliers own stock shortfalls, or inappropriate practices), this may harm Telefónica's reputation, or otherwise adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Further, in certain countries, Telefónica may be exposed to labor contingencies in connection with the employees of such suppliers. As of December 31, 2023, the Group depended on three handset suppliers (none of them located in China) and seven network infrastructure suppliers (two of them located in China), which, together, accounted for 86% and 80%, respectively, of the aggregate value of contracts awarded in 2023 to handset suppliers and network infrastructure suppliers, respectively. One of the handset suppliers (not located in China) represented 48% of the aggregate value of contracts awarded in 2023 to handset suppliers. As of December 31, 2023, the Telefónica Group had 120 information system ("IT") providers that accounted for 80% of the total amount of IT purchase awards made in 2023, five of them representing 25% of purchases in that area. If suppliers cannot supply their products to the Telefónica Group within the agreed deadlines or such products and services do not meet the Group's requirements, this could hinder the deployment and expansion plans of the network. This could in certain cases affect Telefónica's compliance with the terms and conditions of the licenses under which it operates, or otherwise adversely affect the business and operating results of the Telefónica Group. In addition, the possible adoption of new protectionist measures in certain parts of the world, including as a result of trade tensions between the United States and China, the adoption of lockdown or other restrictive measures as a result any crisis or pandemic, as well as those derived from geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas armed conflicts, among others, could disrupt global supply chains or may have an adverse impact on certain of Telefónica's suppliers and other players in the industry. The semiconductor industry in particular is facing various challenges, as a result mainly of supply problems at a global level, which in turn is affecting multiple sectors (including technology) through delivery delays and price increases, which could affect the Telefónica Group or others who are relevant to its business, including its customers, suppliers and partners. During 2021, 2022 and 2023 a specific monitoring has been carried out and action plans have been developed by the Group with respect to the supply chain challenges resulting from the armed conflict in Ukraine as well as the potential discontinuation of use of some suppliers as a result of tensions between the United States and China. While Telefónica's supply chain has been generally resilient in recent years, despite various stresses affecting the semiconductor industry and raw materials, this may change in the future. The imposition of trade restrictions and any disruptions in the supply chain, such as those related to international transport, could result in higher costs and lower margins or affect the ability of the Telefónica Group to offer its products and services and could adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Further, in its sale of digital services, the Telefónica Group regularly integrates the digital services it offers with third-party technologies. Similar to more traditional supplier relationships, these integrations subject the Telefónica Group to the risks of performance failures by these third parties and the cost of continuously monitoring these strategic partners to ensure they maintain appropriate levels of accreditation and that the technologies they provide remain secure and up to date. Any such performance failure by the third parties or the technologies they provide could negatively impact the digital services offered by the Telefónica Group, and the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be adversely affected as a result.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 1/16 (6%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 6.3%

Competition - Risk 1

Telefónica's competitive position in some markets could be affected by the evolution of competition and market consolidation.

The Telefónica Group operates in highly competitive markets and it is possible that the Group may not be able to market its products and services effectively or respond successfully to the different commercial actions carried out by its competitors, causing it to not meet its growth and customer retention plans, thereby jeopardizing its future revenues and profitability. Additionally, the Telefónica Group could be affected by the regulatory actions of antitrust authorities. These authorities could prohibit certain actions, such as new acquisitions or specific practices, create obligations or impose heavy fines. Any such measures implemented by the antitrust authorities could result in economic and/or reputational loss for the Group, in addition to a loss of market share and/or harm to the future growth of some of its businesses. The reinforcement of competitors, the entry of new competitors (such as telecommunication companies or providers of OTT Services), or the merger of operators in certain markets (for example, market consolidation following potential mergers of mobile operators Vodafone UK and Three UK in the United Kingdom and Orange and Más Móvil in Spain), may affect Telefónica's competitive position, negatively affecting the evolution of its revenues and market share or increasing its costs. In addition, changes in competitive dynamics in the markets in which the Telefónica Group operates, such as in Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Argentina, where there is one or more of new operators entering the market, aggressive customer acquisition offers and competition in network and 5G deployment, can affect the competitive position and the efficiency of Telefónica's operations. Regarding digital services, the speed of technological evolution and changes in demand favoring the appearance of new competitors in the market specializing in certain segments, and that have agile business models, can pose a threat for the business model of the Telefónica Group. If Telefónica is not able to successfully face these challenges, by ensuring a supply of cutting-edge technology products and services and maintaining its competitiveness against current or future competitors, the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be adversely affected.

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

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

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

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

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

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

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

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

1. Financial & Corporate

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

2. Legal & Regulatory

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

3. Production

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

4. Technology & Innovation

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

5. Ability to Sell

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

6. Macro & Political

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

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