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.

Willamette Valley Vineyards disclosed 21 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Willamette Valley Vineyards reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q2, 2024

Risk Distribution

29% Finance & Corporate

24% Production

24% Ability to Sell

10% Tech & Innovation

10% Macro & Political

5% Legal & Regulatory

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

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

Risk Change Over Time

2020

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Willamette Valley Vineyards 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 Q2, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 6 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 6 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Jun 2024

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Jun 2024

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of Willamette Valley Vineyards 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: 6/21 (29%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights4 | 19.0%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

The provisions in our articles of incorporation, our by-laws and Oregon law could delay or deter tender offers or takeover attempts that may offer a premium for our common stock.

Certain provisions in our articles of incorporation, our by-laws and Oregon law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if that transaction could be beneficial to stockholders. These impediments include, but are not limited to; the classification of our Board of Directors (the "Board") into three classes serving staggered three-year terms, which makes it more difficult to quickly replace Board members; the ability of our Board, subject to certain limitations under the NASDAQ rules, to issue shares of Preferred Stock with rights as it deems appropriate without stockholder approval; a provision that special meetings of our Board may be called only by our chief executive officer or at the request of holders of not less than half of all outstanding shares of our common stock; a provision that any member of the Board, or the entire Board, may be removed from office only for cause; and a provision that our stockholders comply with advance-notice provisions to bring director nominations or other matters before meetings of our stockholders. The Board may implement other changes that further limit the potential for tender offers or takeover attempts.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

The issuance of additional shares of our Preferred Stock or Common Stock in the future could adversely affect holders of Common Stock.

The market price of our Common Stock may be influenced by any preferred stock we may issue. Our board of directors is authorized to issue additional classes or series of preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders. This includes the power to set the terms of any such classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights and preferences over Common Stock with respect to the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the business and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has preference over our Common Stock with respect to liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of our Common Stock, the rights of holders of the Common Stock or the market price of the Common Stock could be adversely affected.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

The Company may face liabilities associated with the offer and sale of its Preferred Stock.

In August 2015, the Company commenced a public offering of our Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC. The Company registered this transaction with the securities authorities of the States of Oregon and Washington and, in November 2015, achieved listing status for the Preferred Stock on NASDAQ under the trading symbol "WVVIP". The terms of our Preferred Stock are unusual for a company of our size, and we believe the structure of these securities and of the offering is not commonplace among issuers. Federal and state securities laws impose significant liabilities on issuers of securities if the related offering documents contain material misstatements of fact, or if the documents omit to state facts necessary, in light of the circumstances as a whole, to prevent the documents from being misleading. These liabilities can include rescission liability to the purchasers of the securities, as well as potential enforcement liability that could give rise to civil money penalties. Securities litigation can be extraordinarily expensive and protracted, and if we are accused of misstatements or omissions in our offering documents, we may face economic harms and management distractions regardless of the ultimate outcome of any such litigation. Further, if we ultimately are adjudged to have actually made a material misstatement or omission, the Company may be liable for the repayment of the purchase price of the related securities, plus interest from the date of purchase. Any one or more of these events or circumstances would have a material adverse impact upon our business, financial condition or results of operations, and may make it more difficult or more expensive to undertake capital-raising efforts in the future.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

The Company's common stock is thinly traded, and therefore not as liquid as other investments.

The trading volume of the Company's common stock (the "Common Stock") on the NASDAQ Capital Market ("NASDAQ") is consistently "thin," in that there is not a great deal of trading activity on a daily basis. Because the average active trading volume is thin, there is less opportunity for shareholders to sell their shares of the Company's common stock on the open market, resulting in the common stock being less liquid than common stock in other publicly traded companies.

Accounting & Financial Operations1 | 4.8%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

The Company may be unable to pay accumulated dividends on its Preferred Stock.

The Company's Preferred Stock bears a cumulative 5.3% dividend based upon the original issue price, or $0.22 per share per annum. However, prior to the declaration and payment of dividends our board of directors must determine, among other things, that funds are available out of the surplus of the Company and that the payment would not render us insolvent or compromise our ability to pay our obligations as they come due in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, our existing credit facility limits, and future debt obligations in the future may limit, both our legal and our practical ability to declare and pay dividends. As a result, although the Preferred Stock will continue to earn a right to receive dividends, the Company's ability to pay dividends will depend, among other things, upon our ability to generate excess cash. However, although shares of our Preferred Stock will earn cumulative dividends, unpaid dividends will not, themselves, accumulate (as might compounding interest on a debt security, for example). As the Company's sales revenues are dependent in part upon the purchases made by and continued goodwill with its holders of Preferred Stock, any failure to pay dividends timely could adversely effect the Company's sales. Additionally, as the Company focuses its issuance of Preferred Stock to wine enthusiasts likely to purchase the Company's wines, any failure by management to successfully target its stock sales could diminish the opportunity to maximize earnings and offset the administrative, regulatory, and legal costs of this form of capital formation through preferred stockholder wine purchases.

Debt & Financing1 | 4.8%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

The Company's ability to operate requires adequate funding

The Company's cash flow from operations historically has not been sufficient to provide all funds necessary for the Company's operations. The Company has entered into a line of credit agreement to provide such funds and entered into term loan arrangements. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to comply with all conditions under its credit facilities in the future or that the amount available under its line of credit facility or capital raises will be adequate for the Company's future needs. Failure to comply with all conditions of the credit facilities, or to have sufficient funds for operations could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and stockholder value. As of December 31, 2023, the Company's outstanding long-term debt was approximately $7.6 million, with $2.7 million drawn under its short-term line of credit. Additionally, the Company had notes payable to private parties of approximately $1.1 million as of December 31, 2023.

Production

Total Risks: 5/21 (24%)Above Sector Average

Manufacturing1 | 4.8%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Contamination of the Company's wines would harm the Company's business

The Company is subject to certain hazards and product liability risks, such as potential contamination, through tampering or otherwise, of ingredients or products. Contamination of any of the Company's wines could cause it to destroy its wine held in inventory and could cause the need for a product recall, which could significantly damage the Company's reputation for product quality. The Company maintains insurance against certain of these kinds of risks, and others, under various insurance policies. However, the insurance may not be adequate or may not continue to be available at a price or on terms that are satisfactory to the Company and this insurance may not be adequate to cover any resulting liability.

Employment / Personnel1 | 4.8%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Loss of key employees could harm the Company's reputation and business

The Company's success depends to some degree upon the continued service of a number of key employees. The loss of the services of one or more of these key employees, including James W. Bernau, our President and Chief Executive Officer and John Ferry, our Chief Financial Officer could harm the Company and its reputation and negatively impact its profitability, particularly if one or more of the Company's key employees resigns to join a competitor or to form a competing company.

Supply Chain1 | 4.8%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

Fluctuations in quantity and quality of grape supply could adversely affect the Company

A shortage in the supply of quality grapes may result from a variety of factors that determine the quality and quantity of the Company's grape supply, including weather conditions, pruning methods, diseases and pests, the ability to buy grapes on long and short term contracts and the number of vines producing grapes. Any shortage in the Company's grape production could cause a reduction in the amount of wine the Company is able to produce, which could reduce sales and adversely impact the Company's results from operations. Factors that reduce the quantity of the Company's grapes may also reduce their quality, which in turn could reduce the quality or amount of wine the Company produces. Deterioration in the quality of the Company's wines could harm its brand name and could reduce sales and adversely impact the Company's results of operations.

Costs2 | 9.5%

Costs - Risk 1

Costs of being a publicly-held company may put the Company at a competitive disadvantage

As a public company, the Company incurs substantial costs that are not incurred by its competitors that are privately-held. These compliance costs may result in the Company's wines being more expensive than those produced by its competitors and/or may reduce profitability compared to such competitors.

Costs - Risk 2

We may not be able to economically insure certain risks

The Company maintains insurance policies to cover certain risks. However not all risks can be insured, or insured economically, and there may be gaps in coverage that could expose the Company to liability should an event occur. Additionally, we cannot be certain that coverage levels are adequate or that all of our insurers will be financially viable if we make a claim.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 5/21 (24%)Above Sector Average

Competition3 | 14.3%

Competition - Risk 1

The Company competes for shelf space in retail stores and for marketing focus by its independent distributors, most of whom carry extensive product portfolios

Nationwide, the Company sells its products primarily through independent distributors and brokers for resale to retail outlets, restaurants, hotels, and private clubs across the United States and in some overseas markets. Sales to distributors are expected to continue to represent a substantial portion of the Company's net revenue in the future. A change in the relationship with any of the Company's significant distributors could harm the Company's business and reduce Company sales. The laws and regulations of several states prohibit changes of distributors, except under certain limited circumstances, making it difficult to terminate a distributor for poor performance without reasonable cause, as defined by applicable statutes. Any difficulty or inability to replace distributors, poor performance of the Company's major distributors or the Company's inability to collect accounts receivable from its major distributors could harm the Company's business. There can be no assurance that the distributors and retailers the Company uses will continue to purchase the Company's products or provide Company products with adequate levels of promotional support. Consolidation at the retail tier, among club and chain grocery stores in particular, can be expected to heighten competitive pressure to increase marketing and sales spending or constrain or reduce prices.

Competition - Risk 2

The Willamette Valley AVA value may be eroded by out of state competition who use it inappropriately or as fanciful marketing

Wine grape growing regions in the United States are divided into AVA) by the United States Department of the Treasury's TTB, based on distinguishable geographic features. The Oregon wine industry has historically embraced higher standards for wine production than those established by the federal government and other states. As a result, wines from Oregon AVA's, and specifically the Willamette Valley AVA, have achieved recognition for their quality when compared against other wines in their class. As a result, these Oregon wines are often sold at a higher price point than wines not produced in Oregon. Because of this recognition, out of state competitors have inappropriately used Oregon AVAs on bottles and packaging, claiming its use as fanciful marketing. Such use, inappropriate or otherwise, could have a dilutive effect on the prestige of Oregon AVAs and ultimately the prices that can be charged for wines from Oregon AVAs as a result of reduced competitor quality and/or pricing.

Competition - Risk 3

The Company faces significant competition which could adversely affect profitability

The wine industry is intensely competitive and highly fragmented. The Company's wines compete in several premium wine market segments with many other premium domestic and foreign wines, with imported wines coming from the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France, as well as Italy, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The Company's wines also compete with popular generic wines and with other alcoholic and, to a lesser degree, non-alcoholic beverages, for shelf space in retail stores and for marketing focus by the Company's independent distributors, many of which carry extensive brand portfolios. One result of this intense competition has been upward pressure on the Company's selling and promotional expenses. In addition, the wine industry has experienced significant consolidation. Many of the Company's competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing, and public relations resources than the Company does. In particular, wine production in the United States is dominated by large California wineries that have significantly greater resources than the Company. Additionally, greater worldwide label recognition and larger production levels give many of the Company's competitors certain unit cost advantages. Company sales may be harmed to the extent it is not able to compete successfully against such wine or alternative beverage producers' costs. There can be no assurance that in the future the Company will be able to successfully compete with its current competitors or that it will not face greater competition from other wineries and beverage manufacturers.

Demand2 | 9.5%

Demand - Risk 1

Changes in consumer spending could have a negative impact on the Company's financial condition and business results

Wine sales depend upon a number of factors related to the level of consumer spending, including the general state of the economy, federal and state income tax rates, deductibility of business entertainment expenses under federal and state tax laws, and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. Changes in consumer spending in these and other regions can affect both the quantity and the price of wines that customers are willing to purchase at restaurants or through retail outlets. Reduced consumer confidence and spending may result in reduced demand for the Company's products, limitations on the Company's ability to increase prices and increased levels of selling and promotional expenses. This, in turn, may have a considerable negative impact upon the Company's sales and profit margins.

Demand - Risk 2

A reduction in consumer demand for premium wines could harm the Company's business

There have been periods in the past in which there were substantial declines in the overall per capita consumption of beverage alcohol products in the United States and other markets in which the Company participates. A limited or general decline in consumption in one or more of the Company's product categories could occur in the future due to a variety of factors, including: a general decline in economic conditions; increased concern about the health consequences of consuming alcoholic beverage products and about drinking and driving; a trend toward a healthier diet including lighter, lower calorie beverages such as diet soft drinks, juices and water products; the increased activity of anti-alcohol consumer groups; and increased federal, state or foreign excise and other taxes on beverage alcohol products. The competitive position of the Company's products could also be affected adversely by any failure to achieve consistent, reliable quality in the product or service levels to customers.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 2/21 (10%)Above Sector Average

Trade Secrets1 | 4.8%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

Loss of the "Willamette Valley Vineyards" or "Willamette" trademarks could adversely affect the Company's distinction within the AVA

The Company has long held the federal trademarks "Willamette Valley Vineyards" and "Willamette", as used in its wine brands. While it is lawful for wine producers meeting the federal and state requirements to list the "Willamette Valley" AVA source of their wine grapes and wine on their labels, packaging and advertising materials, the Company has enforced its trademarks on any unauthorized use as a wine brand.

Cyber Security1 | 4.8%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

Failures or security breaches of our information technology systems could disrupt our operations and negatively impact our business.

We use information technologies to manage our operations and various business functions. We rely on various technologies to process, store and report on our business and to communicate electronically between our facilities, personnel, customers, and suppliers as well as for administrative functions and many of such technology systems are independent of one another for their functionality. We also use information technologies to process financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory, legal and tax requirements. We rely on third party providers for some of these information technologies and support. Our ability to effectively manage our business and coordinate the production, distribution and sale of our products is highly dependent on our technology systems. Despite our security design and controls and other operational safeguards, and those of our third party providers, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to a variety of interruptions, including during the process of upgrading or replacing hardware, software, databases or components thereof, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, hackers, unauthorized access attempts and other security issues or may be breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such interruption or breach could result in operational disruptions or the misappropriation of sensitive data that could subject us to civil and criminal penalties, litigation or have a negative impact on our reputation. There can be no assurance that such disruptions or misappropriations and the resulting repercussions will not negatively impact our cash flows and materially affect our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, many of our information technology systems, such as those we use for administrative functions, including human resources, payroll, accounting, and internal and external communications, as well as the information technology systems of our third-party business partners and service providers, whether cloud-based or hosted in proprietary servers, contain personal, financial or other information that is entrusted to us by our customers and personnel. Many of our information technology systems also contain proprietary and other confidential information related to our business, such as business plans and research and development initiatives. To the extent we or a third party were to experience a material breach of our or such third party's information technology systems that result in the unauthorized access, theft, use, destruction or other compromises of our customers' or personnel's data or confidential information stored in such systems, including through cyber-attacks or other external or internal methods could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, and subject us to litigation and governmental investigations and proceedings, any of which could result in our exposure to material liability.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 2/21 (10%)Below Sector Average

Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 9.5%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Our operations are susceptible to changing weather patterns and other environmental factors

Over the past several years, changing weather patterns and climatic conditions have added to the unpredictability and frequency of natural disasters, such as hailstorms, wildfires and wind, snow and ice storms. Any such extreme weather condition could negatively impact the harvest of grapes at our vineyards and/or the other vineyards that supply us with grapes for our wine. Oregon's Willamette Valley has an unpredictable rainfall pattern, particularly in early autumn. If significantly above-average rains occur just prior to the autumn grape harvest, the quality of harvested grapes is often materially diminished, thereby affecting that year's wine quality. Additionally, long-term changes in weather patterns could adversely affect the Company, especially if such changes impacted the amount or quality of grapes harvested. We cannot anticipate changes in weather patterns/conditions, and we cannot predict their impact on our operations if they were to occur. As weather patterns evolve, the Company's vineyards, and contracted vineyards have become susceptible to potential smoke damage as a result of wildfires within the region. In extreme events, smoke can produce effects on grapes that make them unusable in the production of wine. The Company cannot predict smoke events, or the potential impact if such events were to occur.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2

Agricultural risks could adversely affect the Company

Winemaking and grape growing are subject to a variety of agricultural risks. Various diseases, pests, fungi, viruses, including Grapevine Red Blotch Disease ("GRBV"), drought, frost and certain other weather conditions can affect the quantity of grapes available to the Company, decreasing the supply of the Company's products and negatively impacting profitability. In particular, certain of the Company's vines are not resistant to phylloxera; accordingly, those vines are particularly at risk to the effects from an infestation of phylloxera. Phylloxera is a pest that attacks the rootstocks of wine grape plants. Vineyards in the United States, including some in Oregon and some owned by us, have been infested with phylloxera. In particular, Tualatin Estate Vineyards have phylloxera. There can be no assurance that the Company's existing vineyards, or the rootstocks the Company is now using in its planting programs, will not become susceptible to current or new strains of phylloxera or that the phylloxera present at the Tualatin Vineyards will not spread to our other vineyards. Pierce's Disease is a vine bacterial disease. It kills grapevines and there is no known cure. Small insects called Sharpshooters spread this disease. A new strain of the Sharpshooter was discovered in Southern California and is believed to be migrating north. The Company is actively supporting the efforts of the agricultural industry to control this pest and is making every reasonable effort to prevent an infestation in its own vineyards. The Company cannot, however, guarantee that it will succeed in preventing contamination in its vineyards. Additionally, any future government restrictions created in connection with government attempts to combat phylloxera, GRBV or other pests or viruses may increase vineyard costs and/or reduce production.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 1/21 (5%)Below Sector Average

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 4.8%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

Increased regulation and/or taxation could adversely affect the Company

The wine industry is subject to extensive regulation by the TTB and various foreign agencies, state liquor authorities (such as the OLCC) and local authorities. These regulations and laws dictate such matters as licensing requirements, trade, and pricing practices, permitted distribution channels, permitted and required labeling, and advertising and relations with wholesalers and retailers. Any expansion of the Company's existing facilities or development of new vineyards or wineries may be limited by present and future zoning ordinances, environmental restrictions, and other legal requirements. In addition, new regulations or requirements or increases in excise taxes, income taxes, property and sales taxes or international tariffs, could negatively affect the Company's financial condition or results of operations. Recently, many states have considered proposals to increase, and some of these states have increased, state alcohol excise taxes. Additionally, many states have revised, or are revising, statutes that broaden the definition of nexus to increase tax revenue from out of state businesses. New or revised regulations, or increased licensing fees, requirements or taxes could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. There can be no assurance that new or revised regulations, taxes or increased licensing fees and requirements will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and its results of operations and its cash flows.

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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