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.
Wellness Center USA disclosed 26 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Wellness Center USA reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q3, 2021
Risk Distribution
31% Finance & Corporate
23% Ability to Sell
19% Legal & Regulatory
15% Tech & Innovation
8% Production
4% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Wellness Center USA 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, 2021
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 8 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 8 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
26
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
26
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2021
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2021
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Wellness Center USA 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 26
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 8/26 (31%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights4 | 15.4%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
We will incur ongoing costs and expenses for sec reporting and compliance, and without revenue we may not be able to remain in compliance, making it difficult for investors to sell their shares, if at all.
We have a very limited number of market makers and are quoted on the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board. To be eligible for quotation, issuers must remain current in their filings with the SEC. In order for us to remain in compliance we will require future revenues to cover the cost of these filings, which could comprise a substantial portion of our available cash resources. If we are unable to generate sufficient revenues to remain in compliance it may be difficult for you to resell any shares you may purchase, if at all.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
If our shares of common stock are actively traded on a public market, they will in all likelihood be penny stocks.
Broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in "penny stocks" are regulated by certain penny stock rules adopted by the SEC. Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price per share of less than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer must also provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. In addition, the penny stock rules generally require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock the broker-dealer make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for a stock that becomes subject to the penny stock rules.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
No market currently exists for our securities and we cannot assure you that such a market will ever develop, or if developed, will be sustained.
Our common stock is not currently eligible for trading on any stock exchange and there can be no assurance that our common stock will be listed on any stock exchange in the future. We presently are listed on the NASD OTCQB Bulletin Board trading system pursuant to Rule 15c2-11 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but there can be no assurance we will maintain such a listing. The bulletin board tends to be highly illiquid, in part because there is no national quotation system by which potential investors can track the market price of shares except through information received or generated by a limited number of broker-dealers that make a market in particular stocks. There is a greater chance of market volatility for securities that trade on the bulletin board as opposed to a national exchange or quotation system. This volatility may be caused by a variety of factors, including: the lack of readily available price quotations; the absence of consistent administrative supervision of "bid" and "ask" quotations; lower trading volume; and general market conditions. If no market for our shares materializes, you may not be able to sell your shares or may have to sell your shares at a significantly reduced price.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
The market price for our common shares is particularly volatile given our status as a relatively unknown company with a small and thinly traded public float, limited operating history and lack of profits which could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price. You may be unable to sell your common shares at or above your purchase price, which may result in substantial losses to you.
The market for our common shares is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. The volatility in our share price is attributable to a number of factors. First, as noted above, our common shares are sporadically and thinly traded. As a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our shareholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of our common shares are sold on the market without commensurate demand, as compared to a seasoned issuer which could better absorb those sales without adverse impact on its share price. Secondly, we are a speculative or "risky" investment due to our limited operating history and lack of profits to date, and uncertainty of future market acceptance for our potential products and services. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a seasoned issuer. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our common shares, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our common shares will be at any time, including as to whether our common shares will sustain their current market prices, or as to what effect that the sale of shares or the availability of common shares for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price.
Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 7.7%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with section 404 of the sarbanes-oxley act of 2002 could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("the Sarbanes-Oxley Act") requires that we establish and maintain an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting and include a report of management on our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 10-K. That report must contain an assessment by management of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and must include disclosure of any material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting that we have identified. During the period covered by this Report, the Company had three or fewer directors, with only one that was independent; accordingly, during such period, we could not establish board committees with independent members to oversee certain functions such as compensation or audit issues for internal control and reporting purposes. Until a majority of our board is comprised of independent members, if ever, there will be limited oversight of our management's decisions and activities and little ability of shareholders to challenge or reverse those activities and decisions, even if they are not in the best interests of our shareholders.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
We do not pay dividends on our common stock.
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. We plan to retain earnings, if any, to finance the development and expansion of our business.
Debt & Financing1 | 3.8%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
It is most likely that we will need to seek additional financing through subsequent future private offering of our securities.
Because the Company does not currently have any financing arrangements, and may not be able to secure favorable terms for future financing, the Company may need to raise capital through the sale of its common stock. The sale of additional equity securities will result in dilution to our shareholders.
Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 3.8%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Our decisions to acquire psi and sci were based upon assumptions which may prove to be erroneous.
Our decisions to acquire PSI and SCI were based upon assumptions regarding their respective existing and prospective operations, products and services, the potential market for their respective products and services, and our ability to integrate their respective operations in a manner that would enable us to launch the marketing and sale of their respective products and services. Our decisions were based upon information available to management, and assumptions made by management, at the time of each respective acquisition, regarding the potential viability of such products and services and our ability to integrate operations.
Our assumptions may prove to be erroneous. Each company is a small development stage company with a limited operating history. Each is currently operating at a loss, and there is no assurance that its business development plans and strategies will ever be successful, or that their respective products and services will be favorably perceived and accepted by our assumed potential customer populations.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 6/26 (23%)Above Sector Average
Competition2 | 7.7%
Competition - Risk 1
We operate in a highly competitive industry, and our failure to compete effectively could adversely affect our market share, financial condition and growth prospects.
The U.S. healthcare solutions industry is a large and highly fragmented industry. The principle elements of competition in the industry are price, selection and distribution channel offerings. We believe the market is highly sensitive to the introduction of new products and services, which may rapidly capture a significant share of the market. We will compete for sales with heavily advertised national brands offered by large and well-funded companies. In addition, as certain products or services gain market acceptance, we may experience increased competition for those products or services as more participants enter the market. To the extent that we manufacture or engage third party manufacturers to produce any product, our manufacturing capabilities may not be adequate or sufficient to compete with large scale, direct or third-party manufacturers. Certain of our potential competitors are much larger than us and have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition and greater resources for marketing, advertising and promotion of their products and services. They may be able to secure inventory from vendors on more favorable terms, operate with a lower cost structure or adopt more aggressive pricing policies. In addition, our potential competitors may be more effective and efficient in introducing new products or services. We may not be able to compete effectively, and our attempt to do so may require us to increase marketing and/or reduce our prices, which may result in lower margins. Failure to effectively compete could adversely affect our market share, financial condition and growth prospects.
Competition - Risk 2
We face significant competition from companies with greater resources and well-established sales channels, which may make it difficult for us to achieve market penetration.
The markets for our subsidiaries' respective products and services are highly competitive and are significantly affected by new treatment and product introductions. Direct competitors may enjoy competitive advantages, including:
- established service and product lines with proven results; - brand awareness; - name recognition; - established product acceptance by healthcare providers and clients; - established relationships with healthcare providers and clients; - integrated distribution networks; and - greater financial resources for product development, sales and marketing, and patent litigation.
Many competitors may have significantly greater funds to spend on the research, development, promotion and sale of new and existing services and products. These resources can enable them to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in the market.
Sales & Marketing3 | 11.5%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Commercialization of products and services will require us to build and maintain sophisticated sales and marketing teams.
None of our subsidiaries has any prior experience with commercializing their respective products and services. To successfully commercialize their products and services we will need to establish and maintain sophisticated sales and marketing teams. Experienced sales representatives may be difficult to locate and retain, and all new sales representatives will need to undergo extensive training. There is no assurance that we will be able to recruit and retain sufficiently skilled sales representatives, or that any new sales representatives will ultimately become productive. If we are unable to recruit and retain qualified and productive sales personnel, our ability to commercialize our products and services, and to generate revenues, will be impaired, and our business will be harmed.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
Psi and sci have limited experience in marketing their respective products and services.
PSI and SCI each has undertaken initial, limited marketing efforts for their respective products and services. Their sales and marketing personnel will compete against the experienced and well-funded sales organizations of competitors. Their revenues and ability to achieve profitability will depend largely on the effectiveness of their respective sales and marketing personnel. Each will face significant challenges and risks related to marketing its services, including, but not limited to, the following:
- the ability to obtain access to or persuade adequate numbers of healthcare providers or clients to purchase and use their respective products and services; - the ability to recruit, properly motivate, retain, and train adequate numbers of qualified sales and marketing personnel; - the costs associated with hiring, training, maintaining, and expanding an effective sales and marketing team; and - assuring compliance with applicable government regulatory requirements.
In addition, PSI plans to establish a network of distributors in selected foreign markets to market, sell and distribute the Psoria-Light device. If PSI fails to select or use appropriate foreign distributors, or if the sales and marketing strategies of such distributors prove ineffective in generating sales of the device, our revenues would be adversely affected and we might never become profitable.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 3
Healthcare providers may be unable to obtain coverage or reimbursement from third-party payors for psoria-light treatments, which could limit our ability to market psi products and services.
We expect that healthcare providers will bill various third-party payers, such as Medicare, Medicaid, other governmental programs, and private insurers, for Psoria-Light treatments. We believe that the cost of Psoria-Light treatments is generally already reimbursable under governmental programs and most private plans. Accordingly, we believe that healthcare providers will generally not require new billing authorizations or codes in order to be compensated for performing medically necessary procedures using Psoria-Light treatments. There can be no assurance, however, that coverage, coding and reimbursement policies of third-party payers will not change in the future. PSI's success in selected foreign markets will also depend upon the eligibility of the Psoria-Light device for coverage and reimbursement by government-sponsored healthcare payment systems and third-party payers. In both the United States and foreign markets, healthcare cost-containment efforts are prevalent and are expected to continue. Prospective clients' failure to obtain sufficient reimbursement could limit our ability to market PSI products and services and decrease our ability to generate revenue.
Brand / Reputation1 | 3.8%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
Unfavorable publicity or client rejection of our products or services generally could reduce our sales.
We will be highly dependent upon client acceptance of the safety, efficacy and quality of our products and services, as well as similar products or services offered by other companies. Client acceptance of products or services can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, national media attention and other publicity about product use or services. A product or service may be received favorably, resulting in high sales associated with that product or service that may not be sustainable as client preferences change. Future scientific research or publicity could be unfavorable to our industry or any of our particular products and services and may not be consistent with earlier favorable research or publicity. A future research report or publicity that is perceived by our consumers as less than favorable or that question earlier favorable research or publicity could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue. Adverse publicity in the form of published scientific research, statements by regulatory authorities or otherwise, whether or not accurate, that associates consumption or use of our products or services, or any other similar products and services, with illness or other adverse effects, or that questions the benefits of our or similar products or services, or claims that they are ineffective, could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition or results of operations.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 5/26 (19%)Below Sector Average
Regulation3 | 11.5%
Regulation - Risk 1
The psoria-light will be subject to various international regulatory processes and approval requirements. If we do not obtain and maintain the necessary international regulatory approvals, we will not be able to market and sell our products in foreign countries.
To be able to market and sell PSI's Psoria-Light device in other countries, we must obtain regulatory approvals and comply with the regulations of those countries. These regulations, including the requirements for approvals and the time required for regulatory review, vary from country to country. Obtaining and maintaining foreign regulatory approvals are expensive, and we cannot be certain that we will receive regulatory approvals in any foreign country in which we plan to market our product. If we fail to obtain or maintain regulatory approval in any foreign country in which we plan to market our product, our ability to generate revenue will be harmed.
The European Union requires that manufacturers of medical products obtain the right to affix the CE mark to their products before selling them in member countries of the European Union. The CE mark is an international symbol of adherence to quality assurance standards and compliance with applicable European medical device directives. In order to obtain the right to affix the CE mark to products, a manufacturer must obtain certification that its processes meet certain European quality standards.
PSI began regulatory testing of the Psoria-Light in December 2010 for EMC and electrical safety (required for FDA and CE mark sales), and completed that testing in the second quarter of 2011. PSI was granted permission to affix the CE mark to the Psoria-Light in the fourth quarter of 2011. If and as we modify the Psoria-Light product or develop other new products in the future, we would expect to apply for permission to affix the CE mark to such products. In addition, we would be subject to annual regulatory audits in order to maintain any CE mark permissions we may obtain. We do not know whether PSI will be able to obtain permission to affix the CE mark to its initial, future or modified products or that it will continue to meet the quality and safety standards required to maintain any permission it may receive. If we are unable to obtain permission to affix the CE mark to any of our products, we will not be permitted to sell our products in member countries of the European Union, which will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if after receiving permission to affix the CE mark to any products, we are unable to maintain such permission, we will no longer be able to sell such products in member countries of the European Union.
Regulation - Risk 2
The psoria-light and any future medical device products are subject to a lengthy and uncertain domestic regulatory process.
PSI's Psoria-Light device and future medical device products, if any, are subject to extensive regulation in the United States by the FDA. The FDA regulates the research, testing, manufacturing, safety, labeling, storage, record keeping, promotion, distribution and production of medical devices in the United States to ensure that medical products distributed domestically are safe and effective for their intended uses. In order for us to market the Psoria-Light for use in the United States, we were required to first obtain clearance from the FDA pursuant to Section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the "FFDCA").
Clearance under Section 510(k) requires demonstration that a new device is substantially equivalent to another device with 510(k) clearance or grandfather status. If the FDA agrees that a device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device, it will grant clearance to commercially market the device. The FDA has a statutory 90-day period to respond to a 510(k) submission. As a practical matter, clearance often takes longer. The FDA may require further information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence. If the FDA determines that a device, or its intended use, is not "substantially equivalent," the FDA will place the device, or the particular use of the device, into Class III, and the device sponsor must then fulfill much more rigorous pre-marketing requirements.
If the FDA does not act favorably or quickly in its review of a 501(k) submission, the submitting party may encounter significant difficulties and costs in its efforts to obtain FDA clearance or approval, all of which could delay or preclude the sale of a device. The FDA may request additional data or require the submitting party to conduct further testing or compile more data, including clinical data and clinical studies, in support of a 510(k) submission. Instead of accepting a 510(k) submission, the FDA may require the submitting party to submit a pre-market approval application ("PMA"), which is typically a much more complex and burdensome application than a 510(k). To support a PMA, the FDA may require that the submitting party conduct one or more clinical studies to demonstrate that the device is safe and effective. In addition, the FDA may place significant limitations upon the intended use of a device as a condition to a 510(k) clearance or PMA approval. Product applications can also be denied or withdrawn due to failure to comply with regulatory requirements or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following clearance or approval. Any delays or failure to obtain FDA clearance or approvals of any future medical device products we develop, any limitations imposed by the FDA on product use, or the costs of obtaining FDA clearance or approvals could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
PSI submitted its 510(k) for the Psoria-Light to the FDA and on December 3, 2010 was assigned application number K103540. The 510(k) application for Psoria-Light was a traditional application and asserted that the Psoria-Light is "substantially equivalent" in intended use and technology to two predicate devices, the X-Trac Excimer Laser and the Dualight, which are competing targeted UV phototherapy devices. PSI began regulatory testing of the Psoria-Light in December 2010 for EMC and electrical safety (required for FDA and CE mark sales), and completed that testing in the second quarter of 2011. PSI received FDA clearance of the Psoria-Light on February11, 2011 (no. K103540). If and as the Psoria-Light is significantly modified subsequent to its FDA clearance, the FDA may require submission of a separate 510(k) or PMA for the modified product before it may be marketed in the United States.
If we develop any future medical device products we will be required to seek and obtain FDA approval prior to any marketing or sales in the United States and in accordance with the 510(k) or PMA process.
Regulation - Risk 3
Complying with new and existing government regulation, both in the U.S. And abroad, could significantly increase our costs and limit our ability to market our products and services.
The production, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution, licensing and/or sale of our products and services may be subject to regulation by several U.S. federal agencies, including the FDA, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as various state, local and international laws and agencies of the localities in which our products and services are offered or are sold. Government regulations may prevent or delay the introduction or require design modifications of our products. Regulatory authorities may not accept the evidence of safety we present for existing or new products or services that we wish to market, or they may determine that a particular product or service presents an unacceptable health risk. If that occurs, we could be required to cease distribution of and/or recall products or terminate marketing of services that present such risks. Authorities may also determine that certain advertising and promotional claims, statements or activities are not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and may determine that a particular statement is unacceptable as a "health claim." Failure to comply with any regulatory requirements could prevent us from marketing particular existing or new products or services, or subject us to administrative, civil or criminal penalties.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 7.7%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We may become involved in future litigation or claims that may negatively affect our results of operations.
Healthcare providers and clients that use our subsidiaries' products or services may bring product liability or other claims against us. To limit such exposure, each subsidiary plans to develop a comprehensive training and education program for persons using their respective products and services. There can be no assurance that such training and education programs will help avoid complications resulting from any provision of products or services. In addition, although they may provide such training and education, they may not be able to ensure proper provision of products or services in each instance and may be unsuccessful at avoiding significant liability exposure as a result. While we may currently maintain and plan to continue to maintain liability insurance in amounts we consider sufficient, such insurance may prove insufficient to provide coverage against any or all asserted claims. In addition, experience ratings and general market conditions may change at any time so as to render us unable to obtain or maintain insurance on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, product liability and other claims may result in:
- the diversion of management's time and attention from our business and operations; - the expenditure of large amounts of cash on legal fees, expenses and payment of settlements or damages; - decreased demand for our products and services; and - negative publicity and injury to our reputation.
Each and every one of the foregoing consequences of claims and litigation could have a material adverse effect on us, our subsidiaries, and our business operations and financial condition.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
We have received a going concern opinion from our auditors and we are currently operating at a loss, which raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company had a shareholders' deficit at September 30, 2021, and a net loss and net cash used in operating activities for the fiscal year then ended. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. In addition, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, in their report on the Company's September 30, 2021, audited financial statements, raised substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
The Company is attempting to generate sufficient revenue; however, the Company's cash position may not be sufficient enough to support the Company's daily operations. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to generate sufficient revenue and in its ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company's ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient revenues.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 4/26 (15%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 3.8%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
Psi provides an alternative approach to skin treatment that is novel.
Psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo, are common skin conditions that can be challenging to treat, and often cause clients significant psychosocial stress. Clients may elect a variety of treatments to address these skin conditions, including routine consumption of systemic and biologic drug therapies which are highly toxic, reduce systemic immune system function, and come with a host of chemotherapy like side effects. Ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy has been clinically validated as an alternate treatment modality for these disorders.
"Non-targeted" UV phototherapy may be administered by lamps that emit either UVA or UVB light to both diseased and healthy skin, with sun blocks and other UV barriers used to protect healthy skin. Non-targeted UV must be low dosage to avoid excessive exposure of healthy tissue. "Targeted" UV phototherapy may be administered at much higher dosages of light only to affected tissue, resulting in "clearance" in the case of psoriasis and eczema, and "repigmentation" in the case of vitiligo, at much faster rates than non-targeted, low dosage UV treatments.
Targeted UV treatments are typically administered to smaller total body surface areas, and are therefore used to treat the most intense parts of a client's disease. Non-targeted UV treatment is typically used as a follow-up and for maintenance, capable of treating large surfaces of the body. Excimer laser devices (UVB at 308nm) are expensive and consume dangerous chemicals (Xenon and Chlorine). Mercury lamp devices (UVB and/or UVA) require expensive lamp replacements regularly and require special disposal (due to mercury content). Additionally, mercury lamp devices typically deliver wavelengths of light below 300nm. While within the UVB spectrum, it has been shown that wavelengths below 300nm produce significantly more "sunburn" type side effects than do wavelengths between 300 and 320nm without improvement in therapeutic benefit.
Psoria-Light treatment provides a targeted UV phototherapy that produces UVB light between 300 and 320 nm and UVA light between 350 and 395nm. It does not require consumption of dangerous chemicals or special environmental disposal, and is cost effective for clinicians. We believe these factors will increase client access to this type of treatment. We also believe that Psoria-Light treatment offers several unique and advanced features that will distinguish it from the non-targeted and targeted UV phototherapy devices that are currently being used by dermatologists and other healthcare providers. These features include the following: the utilization of deep narrow-band UVB ("NB-UVB") LEDs as light sources; the ability to produce both UVA or NB-UVB therapeutic wavelengths; an integrated high resolution digital camera and patient record integration capabilities; the ability to export to an external USB memory device a PDF file of patient treatment information including a patent pending graph that includes digital images plotted against user tracked metrics which can be submitted to improve medical reimbursements; an accessory port and ability to update software; ease of placement and portability; advanced treatment site detection safety sensor; international language support; a warranty which includes the UV lamp(s); and a non-changeable treatment log (that does not include HIPPA information).
PSI's success depends upon the acceptance by healthcare providers and clients of Psoria-Light treatment as a preferred method of treatment for psoriasis and other UV-treatable skin conditions. While Psoria-Light treatment appears to have been beneficial to clients, without demonstrable harmful side effects or safety issues, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve and maintain such market acceptance by healthcare providers or clients.
Trade Secrets3 | 11.5%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Our ability to market products in foreign countries may be impaired by the activities and intellectual property rights of third parties.
We may elect to market and sell products in select international markets. Except for certain pending Stealth Mark European Applications, neither the Company nor any of our officers or directors has filed (nor does the Company or any of our officers or directors currently have an intention to file) for any international patent protection for any of our products or any of the technology associated with our products. However, to successfully enter into these international markets and achieve desired revenues internationally, we may need to enforce our patent and trademark rights (if any) against third parties that we believe may be infringing on our rights. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property, including patents, to as great an extent as do the laws of the United States. Policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult, and there is a risk that despite the expenditure of significant financial resources and the diversion of management attention, any measures that we take to protect our intellectual property may prove inadequate in these countries. Our competitors in these countries may independently develop similar technology or duplicate our products, thus likely reducing our potential sales in these countries. Furthermore, our future patent rights (if any) may be limited in enforceability to the United States or certain other select countries, which may limit our intellectual property rights abroad.
Trade Secrets - Risk 2
We expect to rely on trademarks, trade secret protections, know-how and contractual safeguards to protect our non-patented intellectual property and proprietary technology.
We expect to rely on trademarks, trade secret protections, know-how and contractual safeguards to protect our non-patented intellectual property and proprietary technology. Current employees, consultants and advisors have entered into, and future employees, consultants and advisors will be required to enter into, confidentiality agreements that prohibit the disclosure or use of confidential information. We also intend to enter into confidentiality agreements to protect our confidential information delivered to third parties for research and other purposes. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively enforce these agreements or that the subject confidential information will not be disclosed, that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent confidential information and techniques or otherwise gain access to our confidential information or that we can meaningfully protect our confidential information.
Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope and protect ability of confidential information, and failure to maintain the confidentiality of confidential information could adversely affect our business by causing us to lose any competitive advantage maintained through such confidential information.
The protection of proprietary technology through claims of trade secret status has been the subject of increasing claims and litigation by various companies, both to protect proprietary rights and for competitive reasons, even where proprietary claims are unsubstantiated. The prosecution of proprietary claims or the defense of such claims is costly and uncertain given the uncertainty and rapid development of the principles of law pertaining to this area.
Disputes may arise in the future with respect to the ownership of rights to any technology developed with consultants, advisors or collaborators. These and other possible disagreements could lead to delays in the collaborative research, development or commercialization of our products, or could require or result in costly and time-consuming litigation that may not be decided in our favor. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations by delaying or preventing our commercialization of innovations or by diverting our resources away from revenue-generating projects.
Trade Secrets - Risk 3
Our ability to achieve commercial success will depend in part on obtaining and maintaining patent protection (if any) and trade secret protection relating to our products, the technology associated with our products, and any other products and technology we may develop, as well as successfully defending our patent(s) (if any) and licensed patents (if issued) against third party challenges. If we are unable to obtain and maintain protection for our intellectual property and proprietary technology, the value of our products will be adversely affected, and we will not be able to protect such technology from unauthorized use by third parties.
Our commercial success will depend largely on our ability to obtain and maintain patent protection and intellectual property protection covering certain aspects of the technology that we intend to utilize in the development and commercialization of PSI's initial medical device product, the Psoria-Light, and existing and future SCI products, to obtain and maintain patent and intellectual property protection for any other products that we may develop and seek to market. In order to protect our competitive position for the Psoria-Light, SCI products, and any other products that we may develop and seek to market, we, or our executive officers, as the case may be, will have to:
- prevent others from successfully challenging the validity or enforceability of our issued, pending, or licensed patents (if any); - prevent others from infringing upon, our issued, pending, or licensed patents (if any) and our other proprietary rights; - operate our business, including the production, sale and use of the Psoria-Light, SCI encryption products, and any other products, without infringing upon the proprietary rights of others; - successfully enforce our rights to issued, pending, or licensed patents (if any) against third parties when necessary and appropriate; and - obtain and protect commercially valuable patents or the rights to patents both domestically and abroad.
PSI was issued one patent on its Psoria-Light technology on July 9th 2013, US 8,481,982, covering a unique patient safety feature. No other patents have been issued for PSI products or methods, or any of the other technology associated with such products, and we cannot guarantee that any other patents will be issued for such products or any of the technology associated with such products.
Stealth Mark devoted substantial effort and resources to develop and advance micro-particle security technologies in support of its business activities. Protection of the acquired Stealth Mark intellectual property is maintained through, among other things, six patents issued between November 18, 2003 and July 17, 2012 as US 6,647,649; 7,720,254; 7,831,042; 7,885,428; 8,033,450 and 8,223,964, and two pending European Applications.
Protection of intellectual property in the markets in which we compete is highly uncertain and involves complex legal and scientific questions. It may be difficult to obtain patents relating to our products or technology. Furthermore, any changes in, or unexpected interpretations of, the patent laws may adversely affect our ability to enforce our patent position.
Production
Total Risks: 2/26 (8%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel1 | 3.8%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
We rely upon psi and sci personnel to operate their respective businesses and the loss of key personnel could have a materially adverse affect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We rely upon the current executive management of PSI and SCI to operate their respective business operations. Employment agreements with any key management personnel will not guarantee that any such personnel will remain affiliated with us.
If any of our key personnel were to cease their affiliation with us, our operating results could suffer. Further, we do not maintain key person life insurance on any executive officer. If we lose or are unable to obtain the services of key personnel, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Supply Chain1 | 3.8%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We plan to rely on third party distributors for psi sales, marketing and distribution activities in foreign countries.
Although we plan to market and sell our products and services directly through sales representatives in the domestic market, we plan to rely on third party distributors to sell, market, and distribute the Psoria-Light device in selected international markets. Because we intend to rely on third party distributors for sales, marketing and distribution activities in international markets, we will be subject to a number of risks associated with our dependence on these third party distributors, including:
- lack of day-to-day control over the activities of third-party distributors; - third-party distributors may not fulfill their obligations to us or otherwise meet our expectations; - third-party distributors may terminate their arrangements with us on limited or no notice or may change the terms of these arrangements in a manner unfavorable to us for reasons outside of our control; and - disagreements with our distributors could require or result in costly and time-consuming litigation or arbitration.
If we fail to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with third-party distributors, we may be unable to sell, market and distribute the Psoria-Light device in international markets, our revenues and market share may not grow as anticipated, and we could be subject to unexpected costs which would harm our results of operations and financial condition.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 1/26 (4%)Below Sector Average
Capital Markets1 | 3.8%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
To the extent we engage in marketing and sales activities outside the united states, we will be exposed to risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations, trade restrictions and political, economic and social instability.
If we follow through with our plans to sell the Psoria-Light device in foreign markets, we will be subject to various risks associated with conducting business abroad. A foreign government may require us to obtain export licenses or may impose trade barriers or tariffs that could limit our ability to build our international presence. Our operations in some markets also may be adversely affected by political, economic and social instability in foreign countries. We may also face difficulties in managing foreign operations, longer payment cycles, problems with collecting accounts receivable, and limits on our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights. In addition, for financial reporting purposes, our foreign sales will be translated from local currency into U.S. dollars based on exchange rates and, if we do not hedge our foreign currency transactions, we will be subject to the risk of changes in exchange rates. If we are unable to adequately address the risks of doing business abroad, our business may be harmed.
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.