Ferrari (2FE) Risk Analysis
Risk Overview Q4, 2021
Source: the company's latest filing for the period ended Dec 31, 2021, filed Feb 25, 2022
Risk Change Over Time
No filing history is available.
- Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1Our controlled growth strategy exposes us to risks.
Our growth strategy includes a controlled expansion of our sales and operations, including the launching of new car models and expanding sales, as well as dealer operations and workshops, in targeted growth regions internationally. In particular, our growth strategy requires us to expand operations in regions that we have identified as having relatively high growth potential. We may encounter difficulties in entering and establishing ourselves in these markets, including in establishing new successful dealership networks and facing more significant competition from competitors that are already present in those regions. Our growth depends on the continued success of our existing cars, as well as the successful introduction of new cars. Our ability to create new cars and to sustain existing car models is affected by whether we can successfully anticipate and respond to consumer preferences and car trends. The failure to develop successful new cars or delays in their launch that could result in others bringing new products and leading-edge technologies to the market first, could compromise our competitive position and hinder the growth of our business. As part of our growth strategy, we plan to broaden the range of our models to capture additional customer demand for different types of vehicles and modes of utilization. At our Capital Markets Day in September 2018, we announced our plan to introduce 15 new models in the 2019-2022 period (which is unprecedented for Ferrari over a similar time period), including the Icona limited editions, a concept that takes inspiration from our iconic cars of the past and interprets them in a modern way with innovative technology and materials. In the GT range, we are developing a luxury high performance vehicle, the Purosangue, and we are developing a new line of cars powered by V6 engines, starting with the 296 GTB, which was unveiled in June 2021. In addition, we will gradually but rapidly expand the use of hybrid and electric technology in our road cars, consistent with customer preferences and broader industry trends. While we will seek to ensure that these changes remain fully consistent with the Ferrari car identity, we cannot be certain that they will prove profitable and commercially successful. Our growth strategy may expose us to new business risks that we may not have the expertise, capability or the systems to manage. This strategy will also place significant demands on us by requiring us to continuously evolve and improve our operational, financial and internal controls. Continued expansion also increases the challenges involved in maintaining high levels of quality, management and client satisfaction, recruiting, training and retaining sufficiently skilled management, technical and marketing personnel. If we are unable to manage these risks or meet these demands, our growth prospects and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. We continuously improve our international network footprint and skill set. We also plan to open additional retail stores in international markets. We do not yet have significant experience directly operating in many of these markets, and in many of them we face established competitors. Many of these countries have different operational characteristics, including but not limited to employment and labor, transportation, logistics, real estate, environmental regulations and local reporting or legal requirements. Consumer demand and behavior, as well as tastes and purchasing trends may differ in these markets, and as a result, sales of our products may not be successful, or the margins on those sales may not be in line with those we currently anticipate. Furthermore, such markets will have upfront short-term investment costs that may not be accompanied by sufficient revenues to achieve typical or expected operational and financial performance and therefore may be dilutive to us in the short-term. In many of these countries, there is significant competition to attract and retain experienced and talented employees. Consequently, if our international expansion plans are unsuccessful, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2021
Risk Word Cloud
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 58
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1The consequences of the loyalty voting program are uncertain.
No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly discusses how the receipt, ownership, or disposition of special voting shares should be treated for Italian or U.S. tax purposes and as a result, the tax consequences in those jurisdictions are uncertain. The fair market value of the special voting shares, which may be relevant to the tax consequences, is a factual determination and is not governed by any guidance that directly addresses such a situation. Because, among other things, our special voting shares are not transferable (other than, in very limited circumstances, together with the associated common shares) and a shareholder will receive amounts in respect of the special voting shares only if we are liquidated, we believe and intend to take the position that the fair market value of each special voting share is minimal. However, the relevant tax authorities could assert that the value of the special voting shares as determined by us is incorrect. The tax treatment of the loyalty voting program is unclear and shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors in respect of the consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of special voting shares. See "Item 10.E. Taxation-Loyalty Voting Program" for a further discussion.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2Stellantis creditors may seek to hold us liable for certain Stellantis obligations.
One step of our Separation (further described under "Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company") from FCA (references to "FCA" or "FCA Group" refer to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., together with its subsidiaries, prior to the merger between FCA and Peugeot S.A. completed on January 16, 2021, which resulted in the creation of Stellantis N.V.) included a demerger from FCA of our common shares previously held by it. In connection with a demerger under Dutch law,the demerged company may continue to be liable for certain obligations of the demerging company that exist at the time of the demerger, but only to the extent that the demerging company fails to satisfy such liabilities. Based on other actions taken as part of the Separation, we do not believe we retain any liability for obligations of FCA, now Stellantis, existing at the time of the Separation. Nevertheless, in the event that Stellantis fails to satisfy obligations to its creditors existing at the time of the demerger, it is possible that those creditors may seek to recover from us, claiming that we remain liable to satisfy such obligations. While we believe we would prevail against any such claim, litigation is inherently costly and uncertain and could have an adverse effect. See "Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company".
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3It may be difficult to enforce U.S. judgments against us.
We are organized under the laws of the Netherlands, and a substantial portion of our assets are outside of the United States. Most of our directors and senior management and our independent auditors are resident outside the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their respective assets may be located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for U.S. investors to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for U.S. investors to enforce within the United States judgments against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts outside the United States would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors and officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof. Therefore, it may be difficult to enforce U.S. judgments against us, our directors and officers and our independent auditors.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4Our maintenance of two exchange listings may adversely affect liquidity in the market for our common shares and could result in pricing differentials of our common shares between the two exchanges.
Our shares are listed on both the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and the Euronext Milan. The dual listing of our common shares may split trading between the NYSE and the Euronext Milan, adversely affect the liquidity of the shares and the development of an active trading market for our common shares in one or both markets and may result in price differentials between the exchanges. Differences in the trading schedules, as well as volatility in the exchange rate of the two trading currencies, among other factors, may result in different trading prices for our common shares on the two exchanges.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5We are a Dutch public company with limited liability, and our shareholders may have rights different to those of shareholders of companies organized in the United States.
The rights of our shareholders may be different from the rights of shareholders governed by the laws of U.S. jurisdictions. We are a Dutch public company with limited liability (naamloze vennootschap). Our corporate affairs are governed by our articles of association and by the laws governing companies incorporated in the Netherlands. The rights of our shareholders and the responsibilities of members of our Board of Directors may be different from the rights of shareholders and the responsibilities of members of board of directors in companies governed by the laws of other jurisdictions including the United States. In the performance of its duties, our Board of Directors is required by Dutch law to consider our interests and the interests of our shareholders, our employees and other stakeholders, in all cases with due observation of the principles of reasonableness and fairness. It is possible that some of these parties will have interests that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a shareholder.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6Our loyalty voting program may make it more difficult for shareholders to acquire a controlling interest in Ferrari, change our management or strategy or otherwise exercise influence over us, which may affect the market price of our common shares.
The provisions of our articles of association which establish the loyalty voting program may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or attempt to acquire, control of our company, even if a change of control were considered favorably by shareholders holding a majority of our common shares. As a result of the loyalty voting program, a relatively large proportion of the voting power of Ferrari could be concentrated in a relatively small number of shareholders who would have significant influence over us. As of February 14, 2022, Exor had approximately 24.21 percent of our outstanding common shares and a voting interest in Ferrari of approximately 36.00 percent. As of February 14, 2022, Piero Ferrari held approximately 10.30 percent of our outstanding common shares and, as a result of the loyalty voting mechanism, had approximately 15.31 percent of the voting power in our shares. The percentages of ownership and voting power above are calculated based on the number of outstanding shares net of treasury shares. In addition, Exor and Piero Ferrari informed us that they have entered into a shareholder agreement, summarized under "Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions-Major Shareholders-Shareholders' Agreement". As a result, Exor and Piero Ferrari may exercise significant influence on matters involving our shareholders. Exor and Piero Ferrari and other shareholders participating in the loyalty voting program may have the power effectively to prevent or delay change of control or other transactions that may otherwise benefit our shareholders. The loyalty voting program may also prevent or discourage shareholder initiatives aimed at changing Ferrari's management or strategy or otherwise exerting influence over Ferrari. See "Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association-The Ferrari Shares, Articles of Association and Terms and Conditions of the Special Voting Shares".
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7We may have potential conflicts of interest with Stellantis and Exor and its related companies.
Questions relating to conflicts of interest may arise between us and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., our former largest shareholder, renamed Stellantis N.V., in a number of areas relating to common shareholdings and management, as well as our past and ongoing relationships. There are certain overlaps among the directors and officers of us and Stellantis. For example, Mr. John Elkann, our Executive Chairman, is the Chairman and an executive director of Stellantis and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exor. Certain of our other directors and officers may also be directors or officers of Stellantis or Exor, our and Stellantis's largest shareholder. These individuals owe duties both to us and to the other companies that they serve as officers and/or directors, which may create conflicts as, for example, these individuals review opportunities that may be appropriate or suitable for both us and such other companies, or we pursue business transactions in which both we and such other companies have an interest, such as our arrangement to supply engines for Maserati cars. Exor holds approximately 24.21 percent of our outstanding common shares and approximately 36.00 percent of the voting power in us (as of February 14, 2022), while it holds approximately 14.4 percent of the outstanding common shares in Stellantis (based on SEC filings). The percentages of ownership and voting power above are calculated based on the number of outstanding shares net of treasury shares. Exor also owns a controlling interest in CNH Industrial N.V., which was part of the former Fiat Group before its spin-off several years ago. These ownership interests could create actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest when these parties or our common directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us and Stellantis or Exor, as applicable.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8The interests of our largest shareholders may differ from the interests of other shareholders.
Exor N.V. ("Exor") is our largest shareholder, holding approximately 24.21 percent of our outstanding common shares and approximately 36.00 percent of our voting power (as of February 14, 2022). Therefore, Exor has a significant influence over these matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including matters such as adoption of the annual financial statements, declarations of annual dividends, the election and removal of the members of our board of directors (the "Board of Directors"), capital increases and amendments to our articles of association. In addition, as of February 14, 2022, Piero Ferrari, the Vice Chairman of Ferrari, holds approximately 10.30 percent of our outstanding common shares and approximately 15.31 percent of voting interest in us (as of February 14, 2022). The percentages of ownership and voting power above are calculated based on the number of outstanding shares net of treasury shares. As a result, Piero Ferrari also has influence in matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders. Exor and Piero Ferrari informed us that they have entered into a shareholder agreement pursuant to which they have undertaken to consult for the purpose of forming, where possible, a common view on the items on the agenda of shareholders meetings. See "Item 7.A. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions-Major Shareholders-Shareholders' Agreement". The interests of Exor and Piero Ferrari may in certain cases differ from those of other shareholders. In addition, the sale of substantial amounts of our common shares in the public market by Piero Ferrari or the perception that such a sale could occur could adversely affect the prevailing market price of the common shares.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9The loyalty voting program may affect the liquidity of our common shares and reduce our common share price.
The implementation of our loyalty voting program could reduce the trading liquidity and adversely affect the trading prices of our common shares. The loyalty voting program is intended to reward our shareholders for maintaining long-term share ownership by granting initial shareholders and persons holding our common shares continuously for at least three years the option to elect to receive special voting shares. Special voting shares cannot be traded and, if common shares participating in the loyalty voting program are sold they must be deregistered from the loyalty register and any corresponding special voting shares transferred to us for no consideration (om niet). This loyalty voting program is designed to encourage a stable shareholder base and, conversely, it may deter trading by shareholders that may be interested in participating in our loyalty voting program. Therefore, the loyalty voting program may reduce liquidity in our common shares and adversely affect their trading price.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10The market price and trading volume of our common shares may be volatile, which could result in rapid and substantial losses for our shareholders.
The market price of our common shares may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume of our common shares may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our common shares declines significantly, a shareholder may be unable to sell their common shares at or above their purchase price, if at all. The market price of our common shares may fluctuate or decline significantly in the future. Some of the factors that could negatively affect the price of our common shares, or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our common shares, include: - variations in our operating results, or failure to meet the market's earnings expectations;- publication of research reports about us, the automotive industry or the luxury industry, or the failure of securities analysts to cover our common shares;- departures of any members of our management team or additions or departures of other key personnel;- adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we may incur or securities we may issue in the future;- actions by shareholders;- changes in market valuations of similar companies;- changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations, or differing interpretations thereof, affecting our business, or enforcement of these laws and regulations, or announcements relating to these matters;- adverse publicity about the automotive industry or the luxury industry generally, or particularly scandals relating to those industries, specifically;- litigation and governmental investigations; and - general market and economic conditions.
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