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.

TX Rail Products disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. TX Rail Products reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2019

Risk Distribution

53% Finance & Corporate

13% Legal & Regulatory

10% Production

10% Ability to Sell

10% Macro & Political

3% Tech & Innovation

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

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

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

TX Rail Products 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 Q3, 2019

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 16 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 16 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

-4

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

-4

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

1Risks removed

2Risks changed

Since Sep 2019

0Risks added

1Risks removed

2Risks changed

Since Sep 2019

Number of Risk Changed

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of TX Rail Products 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 30

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 16/30 (53%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights9 | 30.0%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

There may be some doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern and, if we are unable to continue our business, our shares may have little or no value.

Our independent registered public accounting firm's report on our financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, contains an explanatory paragraph wherein they expressed an opinion that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might occur if we are unable to continue in business as a going concern. Accordingly, careful consideration of such opinions should be given in determining whether to continue or become our stockholder.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Certain provisions of our charter and bylaws may discourage mergers and other transactions.

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may make it more difficult for someone to acquire control of us. These provisions may make it more difficult for stockholders to take certain corporate actions and could delay or prevent someone from acquiring our business. These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock. The ability to issue "blank check" preferred stock is a traditional anti-takeover measure. This provision may be beneficial to our management and the board of directors in a hostile tender offer, and may have an adverse impact on stockholders who may want to participate in such tender offer, or who may want to replace some or all of the members of the board of directors.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

Our board of directors may issue additional shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval.

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Accordingly, our board of directors may, without shareholder approval, issue one or more new series of preferred stock with rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of outstanding shares of common stock. In addition, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may have the effect of rendering more difficult or discouraging, an acquisition or change of control of TX Holdings. Although we do not have any current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock, we may do so in the future.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

Investor confidence in the price of our stock may be adversely affected if we are unable to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

As an SEC registrant, we are subject to the rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which require us to include in our annual report on Form 10-K our management's report on, and assessment of the effectiveness of, our internal control over financial reporting ("management's report"). If we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, there is a risk that we will not comply with all of the requirements imposed by Section 404. Moreover, effective internal control over financial reporting, particularly that relating to revenue recognition, is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and is important in helping to prevent financial fraud. Any of these possible outcomes could result in an adverse reaction in the financial marketplace due to a loss in investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which ultimately could harm our business and could negatively impact the market price of our common stock. Investor confidence and the price of our common stock may be adversely affected if we are unable to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

There is a limited market for our shares.

Our shares of common stock are quoted on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.'s Pink marketplace. As a result, relatively small trades in our stock could have disproportionate effect on our stock price. 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. A limited trading volume may limit the ability of our shareholders to resell their shares at times and in such amounts as they may desire. No assurance can be given that an active market will develop for our common stock or, if it develops, that it will continue.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6

Future sales of our common stock by our existing stockholders may cause our stock price to fall.

The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales by our existing stockholders of shares of common stock in the market or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales might also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities at a time and price that we deem appropriate and thus inhibit our ability to raise additional capital when it is needed.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7

Our common stock is subject to the SEC's penny stock regulations.

Our common stock is subject to the SEC's "penny stock" rules. These regulations define a "penny stock" to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, these rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a disclosure schedule prepared by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to the broker-dealer and the sales person, current quotations for the securities, information on the limited market in penny stocks and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer's presumed control over the market. In addition, the broker-dealer must obtain a written statement from the customer that such disclosure information was provided and must retain such acknowledgment for at least three years. Further, monthly statements must be sent disclosing current price information for the penny stock held in the account. The penny stock rules also require that broker-dealers engaging in a transaction in a penny stock make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to the purchase. The foregoing rules may materially and adversely affect the market for, and liquidity of, our common stock, including the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock, the ability of holders of our shares to obtain accurate price quotations and may therefore impede the ability of holders of our common stock to sell such securities in the secondary market.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8

As an issuer of "penny stock," the protection provided by federal securities laws related to forward looking statements does not apply to us.

Although federal securities laws provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by a public company that files reports under the federal securities laws, this safe harbor is not available to issuers of "penny stock." As a result, we may not have the benefit of this safe harbor protection in the event of any legal action based upon a claim that the material provided by us contained a material misstatement of fact or was misleading in any material respect because of our failure to include any statements necessary to make the statements not misleading. Such an action could hurt our financial condition.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9

Our stock price is volatile.

The stock market from time to time experiences significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may cause the market price of our common stock to drop. In addition, the market price of our common stock is highly volatile. Factors that may cause the market price of our common stock to drop include: - fluctuations in our results of operations; - timing and announcements of new customer orders, new products, or those of our competitors; - any acquisitions that we make or joint venture arrangements we enter into with third parties; - changes in stock market analyst recommendations regarding our common stock; - failure of our results of operations to meet the expectations of stock market analysts and investors; - increases in the number of outstanding shares of our common stock resulting from sales of new shares, or the exercise of warrants, stock options or convertible securities; - reluctance of any market maker to make a market in our common stock; - changes in investors' perception of the United States' coal mining industry and related supply businesses; and - general stock market conditions.

Accounting & Financial Operations4 | 13.3%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock.

We have never declared or paid a cash dividend on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, contractual restrictions or covenants in our bank indebtedness, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors that our board of directors considers relevant. Accordingly, investors will only see a return on their investment if the value of our securities appreciates. Our directors and named executive officers own a substantial percentage of our common stock. As of September 30, 2019, our directors and executive officers beneficially owned approximately 28.07% of our shares of common stock. Our directors and executive officers are entitled to cast an aggregate of approximately 13,487,980 votes on matters submitted to our stockholders for a vote or approximately 28.07% of the total number of votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of our stockholders. These stockholders, if they acted together, could exert substantial control over matters requiring approval by our stockholders. These matters would include the election of directors and the approval of mergers or other business combination transactions. This concentration of ownership may discourage or prevent someone from acquiring our business.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

In order to comply with public reporting requirements, we must continue to strengthen our financial systems and controls, and failure to do so could adversely affect our ability to provide timely and accurate financial statements.

Refinement of our internal controls and procedures will be required as we manage future growth successfully and operate effectively as a public company. Such refinement of our internal controls, as well as compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related requirements, will be costly and will place a significant burden on management. We cannot assure you that measures already taken, or any future measures, will enable us to provide accurate and timely financial reports, particularly if we are unable to hire additional personnel in our accounting and financial department, or if we lose personnel in this area. Any failure to improve our internal controls or other problems with our financial systems or internal controls could result in delays or inaccuracies in reporting financial information, or non-compliance with SEC reporting and other regulatory requirements, any of which could adversely affect our business and stock price.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

Changed

We incurred a small profit in 2019 and a net loss in fiscal years 2018 and 2017 and a net income for 2013 and 2014 fiscal years. Prior to fiscal 2013, we had a history of net losses. We can provide no assurance we will be profitable in the future. If we fail to achieve profitability, we may need to reduce or eventually cease our operations.

We had a $42,444 profit in 2019 and a loss of $55,200 in 2018. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, we had accumulated deficits of $15,568,692 and $15,611,136, respectively. Based on current expectations, we may need to obtain additional financing to expand our mining and rail supplies distribution business. Also, we require additional financing to fund ongoing operations if our current sales and revenue growth are insufficient to meet our operating costs. In the past we have been able to raise financing from our chief executive officer through notes and advances and from a bank term loan that our chief executive officer guaranteed. Our inability to obtain necessary capital or financing to fund these needs will adversely affect our ability to fund operations and continue as a going concern. Additional financing may not be available when needed or may not be available on terms acceptable to us. If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate one or more of our strategies, which may affect our overall business results of operations and financial condition. Also, under our new loan agreement with a bank, we may not incur additional indebtedness without the bank's consent.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4

We have a limited operating history in our current business and our success is subject to substantial risks inherent in the establishment of a new business. We can give no assurance we will be profitable in the future.

We are in the business of distributing and selling mining supplies and rail products to U.S. coal mining companies and operators and were a development stage company until March 31, 2012. We have encountered unforeseen costs, expenses, problems, difficulties and delays frequently associated with new ventures, and these costs, expenses, problems, difficulties and delays may continue. There is no assurance we will be successful in the future. We anticipate our operating expenses will increase if and as our business expands or if we pursue additional business opportunities, We will need to generate revenues sufficient to meet all of our expenses to achieve profitability and obtain additional financing to fund such expenses. However, such financing may not be available to us or may be available upon terms that are not acceptable to us.

Debt & Financing1 | 3.3%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

We are dependent on financing provided or guaranteed by our CEO to fund our business and ongoing operations. We have incurred substantial debt which could affect our ability to obtain additional financing and may increase our vulnerability to business downturns. We may be unable to repay advances due to our CEO if he demands repayment of the outstanding advances.

As of September 30, 2019, we have incurred debt due to Mr. Shrewsbury, our CEO, in the form of a note and advances in the aggregate amount of $2,181,487 of which $2,000,000 is covered by a note due in February 24, 2024, and advances, which are due on demand, of $181,487. We have outstanding accounts payable of $320,985 and other accrued liabilities of $888,905, which includes $559,726 accrued interest on the note due to our CEO. Also, as of September 30, 2019, we owed $494,370 on a bank term loan. Under the term loan, we are required to make equal monthly repayments of principal and interest of $6, 967 commencing January 3, 2016 and to make a final payment on December 3, 2020, of the outstanding balance of the interest and principal then due, estimated to be approximately $425,359. The term loan is secured by our inventory and accounts receivable and guaranteed by our CEO. Also, under the term loan, without the consent of the bank, we are not permitted to incur any indebtedness other than trade debt incurred in the ordinary course. We are subject to the risks associated with substantial indebtedness, including insufficient funds to repay the outstanding loans when they become due and advances if our chief executive officer demands their repayment.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 6.7%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Changed

Our growth strategy which, if successful, will place significant demands on us and subject us to numerous risks.

Growing businesses often have difficulty managing their growth. If our growth strategy is successful, significant demands will be placed on our management, accounting, financial, information and other systems and on our business. We will have to expand our management and recruit and employ experienced executives and key employees capable of providing the necessary support. In addition, to manage our anticipated growth we will need to continue to improve our financial, accounting, information and other systems in order to effectively manage our growth and, in doing so, could incur substantial additional expenses that could harm our financial results. We cannot assure you that our management will be able to manage our growth effectively or successfully, or that our financial, accounting, information or other systems will be able to successfully accommodate our external and internal growth. Our failure to meet these challenges could materially impair our business.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

We may undertake acquisitions which pose risks to our business.

As part of our growth strategy, we have and may in the future acquire or enter into joint venture arrangements with, form strategic alliances with, invest in, or acquire complementary businesses. Any such acquisition, investment, strategic alliance or related effort will be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in such transactions. These risks may include: - Difficulty of identifying appropriate acquisition candidates; - Paying more than the acquired company is worth; - Difficulty in assimilating the operations of the new business; - Costs associated with the development and integration of the operations of the new entity; - Existing business may be disrupted; - Entering markets in which we have little or no experience; - Accounting for acquisitions could require us to amortize substantial intangible assets (goodwill), adversely affecting our results of operations; - Inability to retain the management and key personnel of the acquired business; - Inability to maintain uniform standards, controls, policies and procedures; or - Customer attrition with respect to customers acquired through the acquisition. We cannot assure you that we would successfully overcome these risks or any other problems associated with any acquisition, investment, strategic alliances, or related efforts. Also, if we use our common stock in connection with an acquisition, your percentage ownership in us will be reduced and you may experience additional dilution.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 4/30 (13%)Below Sector Average

Regulation2 | 6.7%

Regulation - Risk 1

Demand for our products may be adversely impacted by regulations related to mine safety.

Our principal customers are surface and underground coal mining companies. The coal mining industry has encountered increased scrutiny as it relates to safety regulations, primarily due to recent high profile mining accidents. New legislation or regulations relating to mine safety standards and the increased cost of compliance with such standards may induce customers to discontinue or limit their mining operations and may discourage companies from developing new mines, which in turn could diminish demand for our products.

Regulation - Risk 2

FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a shareholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.

In addition to the penny stock rules promulgated by the SEC, FINRA rules require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer's financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit the ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 3.3%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

Liability claims may occur if our products are defective.

Any failure by our engineered metalwork products and tools could expose us to claims for negligence, breach of contract, personal injury, wrongful death, and products liability. Any such claims could be costly to defend and divert management time and resources. In addition, we cannot make assurances that we will have appropriate insurance available to us in the future at commercially reasonable rates to cover such claims. Currently, we maintain general liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000. Such coverage may not be adequate to cover any claim that may be made against us. Claims brought against us that are not covered by insurance or that result in recoveries in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental / Social1 | 3.3%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Environmental regulations impacting the mining industry may adversely affect demand for our products.

Our customers' operations are subject to or affected by a wide array of regulations in the U.S., including those directly impacting coal mining activities and those indirectly affecting their businesses, such as applicable environmental laws. In addition, new environmental legislation or administrative regulations relating to coal mining or affecting demand for mined supplies, or more stringent interpretations of existing laws and regulations, may require our customers to significantly change or curtail their operations. The high cost of compliance with environmental regulations may discourage our customers from expanding existing coal mines or developing new mines and may also cause customers to limit or even discontinue their mining operations. As a result of these factors, demand for the mining equipment and rail products we distribute could be adversely affected by environmental regulations directly or indirectly impacting the coal mining industry. Any reduction in demand for our products as a result of environmental regulations is likely to have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Production

Total Risks: 3/30 (10%)Below Sector Average

Employment / Personnel2 | 6.7%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

We depend on key personnel and an independent sales agent.

Our success depends on the contributions of our key management personnel, including Mr. William "Buck" Shrewsbury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Jose Fuentes, our Chief Financial Officer. If we lose the services of any of such personnel we could be delayed in or precluded from achieving our business objectives. In addition, the loss of our independent sales agents could temporarily jeopardize our relations with our customers. Our agreement with such sales agents is terminable upon 30 days' notice. Any loss of sales agents would jeopardize the stability of our infrastructure and our ability to provide the service levels our customers expect. The loss of any of our key officers or our sales agents could impair our ability to successfully execute our business strategy.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

We may need to attract and retain additional skilled personnel to develop our business and attract customers.

In the future, we may need to attract, train, motivate and retain additional highly skilled managerial and sales personnel. Competition for such personnel with appropriate qualifications and skills is intense. Locating candidates with the appropriate qualifications, particularly in the desired geographic location, can be costly and difficult. We may not be able to hire the necessary personnel to implement our business strategy, or we may need to provide higher compensation to such personnel than we currently anticipate. If we fail to attract and retain sufficient numbers of qualified employees or sales agents, our ability to provide the necessary products may be limited and, as a result, we may be unable to attract customers and grow our business.

Costs1 | 3.3%

Costs - Risk 1

Our future operating results may be affected by fluctuations in the prices and availability of raw materials.

The raw materials used in the manufacture of our products include ore for our steel products and carbide for our drilling bit products. Our manufacturing vendors are supplied with a significant portion of their raw materials from sources outside the U.S. The raw materials industry as a whole is highly cyclical and at times pricing and supply can be volatile due to a number of factors beyond our control, including natural disasters, general economic and political conditions, labor costs, competition, import duties, tariffs and currency exchange rate fluctuations. This volatility can significantly affect our suppliers' raw material costs. In an environment of increasing raw material prices, competitive conditions can affect how much of the price increases in raw materials that we can recover in the form of higher sales prices for our products. To the extent our manufacturer vendors pass on the cost of such increases and we are unable to pass on any raw material price increases to our customers, our profitability would be adversely affected. Furthermore, restrictions on the supply of tungsten and other raw materials could adversely affect our operating results. If the prices for such raw materials increase or our manufacturing vendors are unable to secure adequate supplies of raw materials on favorable terms, our profitability could be impaired.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 3/30 (10%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 3.3%

Competition - Risk 1

We may face competition from manufacturers and other distributors of mining supplies and rail products.

The market for our mining supplies is highly fragmented and we face competition from other companies offering products they manufacture or distribute that are competitive with our products. We also face potential competition from other companies that manufacture and sell rail products. Business in general is highly competitive, and we compete with both large manufacturers and smaller companies that manufacture and/or distribute drill bits and related products to the coal industry, in some instances in accordance with customer requirements and specifications. Some of our competitors have more capital, longer operating and market histories, greater manufacturing capabilities, and greater resources than we have, and may offer a broader range of products and at lower prices than we offer.

Demand2 | 6.7%

Demand - Risk 1

We are largely dependent on the continued demand for coal, which is subject to economic and climate related risks

Many of our customers supply coal for the generation of electricity and/or steel production. Demand for steel is affected by the global level of economic activity and economic growth. The pursuit of the most cost effective form of electricity generation continues to take place throughout the world and coal-fired electricity generation faces intense price competition from other fuel sources, particularly natural gas. In addition, coal combustion generates significant greenhouse gas emissions and governmental and private sector goals and mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions may increasingly affect the mix of electricity generation sources. Further developments in connection with legislation, regulations, international agreements or other limits on greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts or costs from coal combustion, both in the United States and in other countries, could diminish demand for coal as a fuel for electricity generation. If lower greenhouse gas emitting forms of electricity generation, such as nuclear, solar, natural gas or wind power, become more prevalent or cost effective, or diminished economic activity reduces demand for steel, demand for coal will decline. Reduced demand for coal would result in reduced demand for our products and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Demand - Risk 2

We depend on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenues. The loss of one or more of these customers, or our inability to collect outstanding receivables from such customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Our customers include both large and small mining companies and operators. During the year ended September 30, 2019, one customer accounted for approximately 30% of our revenues (30% in 2018), and accounted for less than 1% of our accounts receivable (45% in 2018) as of the year end, one customer accounted for approximately 24% of our revenues (11% in 2018), one customer accounted for approximately 6% of our revenues (6% in 2018) and, one customer accounted for approximately 5% of our revenues ( 2% in 2018) All remaining customers account for less than 5% of our revenue. The loss of any one or more of our major customers or if our inability to collect on outstanding accounts receivable from one or more of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We continue to seek to increase our customer base and reduce our reliance on a limited number of customers. Although we are seeking to diversify our customer base and reduce our reliance upon sales to a small number of large mine operators, we expect sales to such customers to continue to constitute a significant portion of our revenues in the near term.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 3/30 (10%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 3.3%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Our business is materially impacted by cyclical economic conditions affecting the U.S. and global mining industry.

Changes in economic conditions affecting the domestic and global mining industry can occur abruptly and unpredictably, which may have significant effects on our sales. Cyclicality is driven, primarily, by price volatility of coal, as well as product life cycles, competitive pressures and other economic factors affecting the U.S. mining industry, such as company consolidations and mergers, bankruptcies, increased regulation of the U.S. coal mining or electrical utility industry, and competition affecting demand for coal, and the broader economy, including changes in government monetary or fiscal policies and from market expectations with respect to such policies. Falling prices for coal have in the past, and may in the future, lead to reduced production levels of existing mines, a contraction in the number of existing mines and the closure of less efficient mines, and are likely to lead to a decrease in demand for our mining supplies and rail products. Conversely, rising coal prices typically lead to the expansion of existing mines, opening of new mines or re-opening of less efficient mines. Increased mining activity typically leads to an increase in demand for our mining supplies and rail products. In addition to declining orders for our products and services, adverse economic conditions for our customers may make it more difficult for us to collect accounts receivable in a timely manner, or at all, which may adversely affect our working capital. As a result of this cyclicality in the global mining industry, we have experienced significant fluctuations in our business, results of operations and financial condition, and we expect our business to continue to be subject to these fluctuations in the future.

Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 3.3%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Our business may be impacted by political events, war, terrorism, public health issues, natural disasters and other circumstances that are not within our control.

War, terrorism, geopolitical uncertainties, public health issues, and other business interruptions have caused and could cause damage or disruption to international commerce and the global economy, and thus could have a material adverse effect on us, our suppliers, and manufacturing vendors. Our business operations are subject to interruption by natural disasters, fire, power shortages, nuclear power plant accidents, terrorist attacks, and other hostile acts, labor disputes, public health issues, and other events beyond our control. Such events could decrease demand for our products, make it difficult or impossible for us to make and deliver products to our customers, or to receive products from our manufacturers and suppliers, and create delays and inefficiencies in our supply chain. If major public health issues, including pandemics, arise, we could be adversely affected by more stringent employee travel restrictions, additional limitations in freight services, governmental actions limiting the movement of products between regions, delays in production ramps of new products, and disruptions in the operations of our manufacturing vendors and suppliers. In the event of a natural disaster, we could incur significant losses, require substantial recovery time and experience significant expenditures in order to resume operations.

Capital Markets1 | 3.3%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

Exchange rate fluctuations and import tariffs could cause a decline in our financial condition and results of operations.

We import most of our mining supplies products from overseas. Fluctuations in exchange rates on foreign currencies and import domestic tariffs could adversely affect our results in the event that our imported products sales prices cannot be increased to offset a potential exchange fluctuation or imposed tariffs negative impact. From time to time, as and when we determine it is appropriate and advisable to do so, we will seek to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations through the use of derivative financial instruments. We cannot assure that we will continue this practice or be successful in these efforts.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 1/30 (3%)Below Sector Average

Cyber Security1 | 3.3%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

Increased IT security threats and sophisticated computer crime pose a risk to our systems, networks, products and services.

We rely on information technology ("IT") systems and networks in connection with our business activities, and we collect and store sensitive data. IT security threats and sophisticated computer crime, including advanced persistent threats such as attempts to gain unauthorized access to our systems, are increasing in sophistication and frequency. These threats pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. As we grow, we may experience attempts from hackers and other third parties to gain unauthorized access to our IT systems and networks. Any such attacks could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. While we actively manage IT risks within our control, we can provide no assurance that our actions will be successful in eliminating or mitigating risks to our systems, networks and data. A failure of or breach in IT security could expose us and our customers and suppliers to risks of misuse of information or systems, the compromise of confidential information, manipulation and destruction of data and operations disruptions. Any of these events in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, business and results of operations. In addition, such breaches in security could result in litigation, regulatory action and potential liability, as well as the costs and operational consequences of implementing further data protection measures.

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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