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Risk Overview Q1, 2026
Risk Distribution
24% Finance & Corporate
19% Legal & Regulatory
19% Ability to Sell
14% Tech & Innovation
14% Production
10% 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
WD-40 Company 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.
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 Q1, 2026
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 5 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 5 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
21
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
21
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Feb 2026
0Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Feb 2026
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 1
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 1
See the risk highlights of WD-40 Company 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 21
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 5/21 (24%)Below Sector Average
Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 9.5%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Goodwill and intangible assets are subject to impairment risk.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Our operating results and financial performance may not meet expectations, which could adversely affect our stock price.Our operating results and financial performance, which include sales, net income, earnings per common share, gross margin and cash flows, may not meet expectations. If our assumptions and estimates are incorrect or if we do not achieve all our key goals outlined in our strategic framework, then our actual performance could materially vary from our internal expectations and those of the market. Failure to meet or exceed these expectations could cause the market price of our stock to decline. In addition, the trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research and reports that securities analysts, industry analysts and other third parties publish about us or our business. We have no control over these reports or analysts. If securities or industry analysts adversely change their recommendations regarding our common stock or if any of these analysts cease coverage of us in their reports, our stock price and trading volume could decline. Our operating results and financial performance may be negatively influenced by several factors, many of which are discussed in this Item 1A "Risk Factors".
In addition, sales volume growth, whether due to acquisitions or organic growth, can place burdens on management resources and financial controls that, in turn, can have a negative impact on our operating results and financial condition. To some extent, we plan our expense levels in anticipation of future revenues. If actual revenues fall short of these expectations, operating results may be adversely affected, such as reduced operating margins or operating profits because actual expense levels that are higher relative to projected revenues.
Debt & Financing1 | 4.8%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
We may not have sufficient cash to service our indebtedness or to pay cash dividends.Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 9.5%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
If we are unable to successfully identify, complete or realize the benefits from strategic business developments, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures or investments, our financial results could be materially adversely affected.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Sales unit volume growth may be difficult to achieve.Our ability to achieve sales volume growth will depend on our ability to (i) execute the initiatives associated with our strategic framework, (ii) drive growth in new geographic markets by making targeted end users aware of our products and expanding distribution and market channels, including digital commerce, (iii) drive growth within our existing markets through innovation, renovation and enhanced merchandising and marketing of our established brands, and (iv) capture market share from our competitors. It is more difficult for us to achieve sales volume growth in developed markets where our products are widely used as compared to developing or emerging markets where our products are newly introduced or are not as well known by consumers or as widely distributed. To protect our existing market share or capture additional market share from our competitors, we may need to increase our expenditure related to promotions and advertising or introduce and establish new products or product lines. In addition, we periodically implement sales price increases within certain markets or for certain product lines in response to increased costs associated with components, raw materials, manufacturing and distribution. For example, we implemented significant sales price increases during fiscal years 2022 and 2023 in response to significant increases in our cost of products sold caused by the inflationary environment during that time. Sales price increases to offset rising costs or the impact of tariffs may slow sales volume growth or cause declines in volume in the short term as customers and end users adjust to sales price increases or purchase alternative products at lower prices. We may lose a portion of our end-user base with steep price actions. In addition, the continued popularity and growth of the online retail sales channel presents both us and our customers that sell our products online with the challenge of balancing online and physical store retailing methods. Alternative retail channels could become more prevalent than the traditional retailers upon whom we rely for the majority of our business and operating profit. As a result of changes in end-user preference, sales are increasingly shifting to these online retail sales channels, and this shift may present a challenge in our markets where we have a less developed e-commerce business. Although we are engaged in e-commerce with respect to our products, if we are not successful in expanding sales in such alternative retail channels or we experience challenges with operating in such channels, our financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted. In addition, a change in the strategies of our existing customers, including shelf simplification, the discontinuation of certain product offerings or the shift in shelf space to competitors' products could reduce our sales and potentially offset sales volume increases achieved as a result of other sales growth initiatives. If we are unable to increase market share in our existing product lines by developing product improvements, investing adequately in our existing brands, building usage among existing and new end users, developing, acquiring or successfully launching new products or product line extensions, or successfully penetrating emerging and developing markets and sales channels globally, we may not achieve our sales volume growth objectives.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 4/21 (19%)Below Sector Average
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 4.8%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Product liability claims and other litigation and/or regulatory action could adversely affect our sales and operating results.Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 4.8%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Resolution of income tax matters may impact our financial condition and results of operations.Environmental / Social2 | 9.5%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Government laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations, could result in material costs or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.Environmental / Social - Risk 2
Our ability to achieve our environmental, social and governance and sustainability initiatives are subject to emerging risks and the outcomes may not achieve the anticipated benefits or align with new regulations and stakeholders' expectations.There has been an increasing focus from regulators and other stakeholders related to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters across all industries in recent years. ESG standard setting and stakeholder expectations continue to evolve. Criteria used to evaluate ESG practices and metrics may change rapidly at any time, which could result in increased expectations from stakeholders and may cause us to undertake costly initiatives to satisfy any new requirements. Non-compliance with such regulations or a failure to address stakeholder expectations may result in cost increases, litigation, fines, penalties, production and sales restrictions, brand or reputational damage, loss of customers, failure to retain and attract talent, lower valuation and investor activism. Any failure or perceived failure, whether or not valid, to pursue and fulfill our ESG initiatives and objectives or to satisfy various ESG reporting standards in a timely manner could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
In 2023, the European Commission's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ("CSRD") became effective. The CSRD expands the number of companies required to publicly report ESG-related information and defines the ESG-related information that companies are required to report in accordance with European Sustainability Reporting Standards. While CSRD rules are prescriptive for the types of data to be reported, the standards to quantify and qualify such data are still evolving and uncertain and will impose increased costs on us related to complying with our reporting obligations. In 2023, California enacted Senate Bill ("SB") 253 and SB 261, which require large businesses to report on greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks in accordance with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures framework. The increased attention directed towards publicly traded companies surrounding ESG matters includes the release of rules by the SEC requiring registrants to enhance and standardize disclosures related to climate change, but these rules have since been stayed due to litigation. Although the SEC attempted to end its defense of the rules in 2025, the litigation remains unsettled and additional rules could be proposed in the future by the SEC. We expect to be subject to these regulations in the future, which will result in cost increases. Failure to comply with such regulations could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 4/21 (19%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 4.8%
Competition - Risk 1
We face competition in our markets which could lead to reduced sales and profitability.Demand1 | 4.8%
Demand - Risk 1
Dependence on key customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.Sales & Marketing1 | 4.8%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Changes in marketing distributor relationships that are not managed successfully by us could result in a disruption in the affected markets.Brand / Reputation1 | 4.8%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
If the success and reputation of one or more of our leading brands erodes, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 3/21 (14%)Above Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 4.8%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
We may not successfully develop, introduce and/or establish new products and line extensions.Trade Secrets1 | 4.8%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Failure to maximize or to successfully assert our intellectual property rights or our infringement on the intellectual property rights of others could impact our competitiveness or otherwise adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.Technology1 | 4.8%
Technology - Risk 1
Malfunctions or implementation issues related to the critical information systems that we use for the daily operations of our business, cyberattacks and data breaches could adversely affect our ability to conduct business.Production
Total Risks: 3/21 (14%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel1 | 4.8%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Our business and financial results could suffer if we are unable to attract, retain and motivate talented employees, including senior management, and maintain our corporate culture's relevance to our strategic plan.Supply Chain1 | 4.8%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
Reliance on a limited base of third-party contract manufacturers, logistics providers and suppliers of raw materials and components may result in disruption to our business and this could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.Costs1 | 4.8%
Costs - Risk 1
Cost volatility in finished goods, components, raw materials, transportation and other supplies or services could harm our financial condition and results of operations.Macro & Political
Total Risks: 2/21 (10%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment1 | 4.8%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Global economic conditions may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.International Operations1 | 4.8%
International Operations - Risk 1
Global operations outside the U.S. expose us to uncertain conditions, foreign currency exchange rate risk and other risks in international markets.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.