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.
US Global Investors disclosed 26 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. US Global Investors reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q2, 2025
Risk Distribution
38% Finance & Corporate
23% Legal & Regulatory
19% Macro & Political
8% Production
8% Ability to Sell
4% Tech & Innovation
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
2022
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
US Global Investors 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, 2025
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 10 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 10 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
26
+1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
26
+1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
1Risks added
0Risks removed
1Risks changed
Since Jun 2025
1Risks added
0Risks removed
1Risks changed
Since Jun 2025
Number of Risk Changed
1
+1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 1
1
+1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 1
See the risk highlights of US Global Investors 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: 10/26 (38%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights4 | 15.4%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Investment Company Act - Certain changes in control of the Company would automatically terminate our investment management agreements with our client unless the funds' boards of directors and shareholders vote to continue the agreements.
Under the Investment Company Act, an investment management agreement with a fund must provide for its automatic termination in the event of its assignment. The funds' board and shareholders must vote to continue the agreement following its assignment, the cost of which ordinarily would be borne by the Company. Under the Advisers Act, a client's investment management agreement may not be assigned by the investment advisor without the client's consent. An advisor's ownership is considered to be assigned to another party when a controlling block of the advisor's ownership is transferred. In our case, an assignment would occur with the transfer or issuance of a controlling block of Class C shares. The Company cannot be certain that our clients will consent to assignments of our investment management agreements or approve new agreements with us if an assignment occurs. This restriction may discourage potential purchasers from acquiring a controlling interest in the Company.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
One person beneficially owns substantially all of our voting stock and controls the outcome of all matters requiring a vote of stockholders, which may influence the value of our publicly traded non-voting stock.
Frank Holmes, CEO, is the beneficial owner of over 99 percent of our class C voting convertible common stock, and is subject to the Investment Company Act as described above, and controls the outcome of all issues requiring a vote of stockholders. All of our publicly traded stock is nonvoting stock. Consequently, except to the extent provided by law, stockholders other than Frank Holmes have no vote with respect to the election of directors or any other matter requiring a vote of stockholders. Frank Holmes is able to determine the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders for approval and will be able to cause or prevent a change in control of the Company. This lack of voting rights may adversely affect the market value of the publicly traded class A nonvoting common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
The market price and trading volume of the Company's class A common stock may be volatile, which could result in rapid and substantial losses for the Company's stockholders.
The market price of the Company's class A common stock may be volatile, and the trading volume may fluctuate, causing significant price variations to occur. If the market price of the Company's class A common stock declines significantly, stockholders may be unable to sell their shares at or above their purchase price. The Company cannot assure that the market price of its class A common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future. Some of the factors that could negatively affect the price of the Company's class A common stock, or result in fluctuations in price or trading volume, include:
- Decreases in assets under management;- Variations in quarterly and annual operating results;- Volatility in realized and unrealized gains or losses on corporate investments;- Publication of research reports about the Company or the investment management industry;- Departures of key personnel;- Adverse market reactions to any indebtedness the Company may incur, acquisitions or disposals the Company may make, or securities the Company may issue in the future;- Changes in market valuations of similar companies;- Changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations, or differing interpretations thereof, affecting the business, or enforcement of these laws and regulations, or announcements relating to these matters;- Adverse publicity about the asset management industry, generally, or individual scandals, specifically; and - General market and economic conditions.
In addition, the Company has invested in securities within the cryptocurrency industry through its corporate investments. Cryptocurrency markets and related stocks have been, and are expected to continue to be, volatile. This volatility may have a material impact on the Company's financial statements and thus affect the Company's common stock market price. In addition, the price of the Company's common stock may fluctuate to the extent that shareholders invest in the Company's common stock as a proxy for cryptocurrency. The investing public may be influenced by future anticipated appreciation or depreciation in value of cryptocurrencies or blockchain generally, factors over which the Company has little or no influence or control. The Company's stock price may also be subject to volatility due to supply and demand factors associated with few or limited public company options for investment in the segment, which may change over time.
Macroeconomic declines, including inflation; negative political developments, including volatile market conditions due to investor concerns regarding inflation, and the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts; adverse market conditions; and catastrophic events may cause a decline in the Company's revenue, an increase in the Company's costs, negatively affect the Company's operating results, adversely affect the Company's cash flow, and could result in a decline in the Company's stock price.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
The market price of the Company's class A common stock could decline due to the large number of shares of the Company's class C common stock eligible for future sale upon conversion to class A shares.
The market price of the Company's class A common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of class A common stock eligible for future sale upon the conversion of class C shares, or the perception that such sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, might also make it more difficult for the Company to raise additional capital by selling equity securities in the future, at a time and at a price the Company deems appropriate.
Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 7.7%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
The Company intends to pay regular dividends to its stockholders, but the ability to do so is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.
The Company intends to pay cash dividends on a monthly basis, but the Board of Directors, at its discretion, may decrease the level or frequency of dividends or discontinue payment of dividends entirely based on earnings, operations, capital requirements, general financial condition of the Company, and general business conditions.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Changed
We previously identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, which has since been remediated, but may continue to impact perceptions of our controls and expose the Company to potential risk.
As further described in Item 9A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, management identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that existed as of June 30, 2024. While this material weakness has been remediated as of June 30, 2025, and management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2025, the material weakness impacted our internal control environment during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Although the deficiency has been addressed, there can be no assurance that additional material weaknesses will not arise in the future. If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, we could be subject to regulatory scrutiny, litigation, or reputational harm, and our ability to report financial results accurately and timely could be adversely affected.
Debt & Financing3 | 11.5%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Poor investment performance could lead to a decline in revenues.
Success in the investment management industry is largely dependent on investment performance relative to market conditions and the performance of competing products. Good relative performance generally attracts additional assets under management, resulting in additional revenues. Conversely, poor performance generally results in decreased sales and increased redemptions with a corresponding decrease in revenues. Therefore, poor investment performance relative to the portfolio benchmarks and to competitors could impair the Company's revenues and growth.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
The Company derives a substantial portion of revenue from one fund under management.
A substantial amount of assets under management is concentrated in the U.S. Global Jets ETF (69 percent and 79 percent of average net assets for fiscal years 2025 and 2024, respectively). Consequently, the Company's revenues followed a similar pattern of concentration (69 percent and 80 percent of total operating revenues for fiscal years 2025 and 2024, respectively). As a result, our operating results are particularly dependent upon the performance of one fund and our ability to maintain and grow assets under management in that fund. If this fund were to experience a significant decrease in market value or redemptions, our assets under management would be reduced, adversely affecting our revenues.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Investment income and assets may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in the Company's corporate investments.
The Company currently has a significant portion of its assets in corporate investments. These investments are subject to investment market risk, and investment income could be adversely affected by the realization of losses upon disposition of investments or the recognition of significant unrealized losses or impairments. The Company's investments in debt securities are subject to interest rate risk, and unfavorable changes in interest rates could negatively impact their value and related investment income. Fluctuations in investment income are expected to continue in the future.
Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 3.8%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Acquisitions involve inherent risks that could compromise the success of the combined business and dilute the holdings of current stockholders.
As part of our business strategy, we may pursue corporate development transactions, including the acquisition of asset management firms. These transactions involve assessing the value, strengths, weaknesses, liabilities and potential profitability of the transactions, and if our assessment is incorrect, the success of the combined business could be jeopardized. In addition, such transactions are subject to acquisition costs and expenses, are likely to divert the attention of management's time, and can dilute the stockholders of the combined company if the acquisition is made for stock of the combined company.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 6/26 (23%)Above Sector Average
Regulation3 | 11.5%
Regulation - Risk 1
Increased regulatory and legislative actions and reforms could increase costs and negatively impact the Company's profitability and future financial results.
The Company is subject to financial services laws, regulations, corporate governance requirements, administrative actions and policies. Over the past several decades, federal securities laws have been significantly expanded and made more complex by legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank Act"). New laws, as well as changes in interpretations and enforcement of existing requirements, have required the Company to dedicate additional time and resources towards compliance. Future changes in financial regulation may further increase compliance costs and operational complexity, which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
Further, adverse results of regulatory investigations of mutual fund, investment advisory, and financial services firms could tarnish the reputation of the financial services industry generally, and mutual funds and investment advisers more specifically, causing investors to avoid further fund investments or redeem their balances. Redemptions would decrease the Company's assets under management, which would reduce its advisory revenues and net income.
Regulation - Risk 2
Added
Regulatory developments such as the GENIUS Act may adversely impact companies in which we invest.
In July 2025, the United States enacted the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act ("GENIUS Act"), which imposes a new federal regulatory framework on payment stablecoin issuers. While our operations are not directly affected, certain companies in which we invest may be subject to these requirements, including licensing, reserve segregation, monthly audits, and compliance with anti-money laundering and consumer protection standards. These new obligations could increase operating costs, limit growth, or create compliance risks for such companies, which in turn could adversely affect the value of our investments and our financial results.
Regulation - Risk 3
Failure to comply with government regulations could result in fines, which could cause the Company's earnings and stock price to decline.
The Company is subject to a variety of foreign and domestic federal securities laws and agencies, including, but not limited to, the Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act, the S-Ox Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the SEC, FINRA, and NASDAQ. Moreover, financial reporting requirements and the processes, controls, and procedures that have been put in place to address them, are comprehensive and complex. While management has focused attention and resources on compliance policies and procedures, non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations could result in fines, sanctions or censures which could affect the Company's reputation, and thus its revenues and earnings.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 3.8%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Our business is subject to substantial risk from litigation, regulatory investigations and potential securities laws liability.
Many aspects of U.S. Global's business involve substantial risks of litigation, regulatory investigations and/or arbitration. The Company is exposed to liability under federal and state securities laws, other federal and state laws and court decisions, as well as rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and other regulatory bodies. U.S. Global, its subsidiaries, and/or officers could be named as parties in legal actions, regulatory investigations and proceedings. An adverse resolution of any lawsuit, legal or regulatory proceeding or claim against the Company could result in substantial costs or reputational harm to the Company and have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations, which, in turn, may negatively affect the market price of the Company's common stock and U.S. Global's ability to pay dividends. In addition to these financial costs and risks, the defense of litigation or arbitration may divert resources and management's attention from operations.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 3.8%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
New tax legislation or changes to existing tax laws, our failure to adequately comply with tax laws, or the outcome of any audits or regulatory disputes with respect to our compliance with tax law could adversely affect us.
Changes to tax law could be enacted in the future that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Further, we are subject to potential tax audits in various jurisdictions and in such an event, tax authorities may review and challenge certain positions we have taken and assess penalties or additional taxes. These challenges may result in adjustments to, or impact the timing or amount of, taxable income, deductions or other tax allocations, which may adversely affect the Company's effective tax rate and overall financial condition. While we regularly assess the likely outcomes of these potential audits, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcome of a potential audit, and an audit could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Environmental / Social1 | 3.8%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
The Company could be subject to losses if it fails to properly safeguard sensitive and confidential information.
As part of the Company's normal operations, it maintains and transmits certain confidential information about the Company and its clients as well as proprietary information relating to its business operations. These systems could be victimized by unauthorized users or corrupted by computer viruses or other malicious software code, or authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information. Such a breach could subject the Company to liability for a failure to safeguard client data, result in the termination of relationships with our existing customers, require significant capital and operating expenditures to investigate and remediate the breach and subject the Company to regulatory action.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 5/26 (19%)Above Sector Average
Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 3.8%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, and other unpredictable events could adversely affect our operations.
Natural disasters, public health crises, terrorist attacks, extreme weather events or other unpredictable events could adversely affect our revenues, expenses, and net income by:
- decreasing investment valuations in, and returns on, the investment portfolios that we manage and our corporate portfolio, thus causing reductions and volatility in revenue,- causing disruptions in national or global economies that decrease investor confidence and make investment products generally less attractive,- incapacitating or reducing the availability of key personnel necessary to conduct our business activities,- interrupting the Company's business operations or those of critical service providers,- triggering technology delays or failures, and - requiring substantial capital expenditures and operating expenses to remediate damage, replace our facilities, and restore our operations.
The Company's business operations are concentrated in San Antonio, Texas. The Company has developed various backup systems and contingency plans but cannot be assured that those preparations will be adequate in all circumstances that could arise, or that material interruptions and disruptions will not occur. The Company also relies to varying degrees on outside vendors for service delivery in addition to technology and disaster contingency support, and there is a risk that these vendors will not be able to perform in an adequate and timely manner. If the Company loses the availability of employees, or if it is unable to respond adequately to such an event in a timely manner, revenues, expenses, and net income could be negatively impacted.
Capital Markets4 | 15.4%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
The Company has indirect exposure to the cryptocurrency markets through its investments.
Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as "virtual currencies" and "digital currencies") are digital assets that are designed to act as a medium of exchange. Although the Company has no current intention of directly investing in cryptocurrencies, the Company has indirect exposure to cryptocurrencies by investing in securities of issuers with operations in the cryptocurrency industry, such as mining companies, as well as in ETFs that hold cryptocurrency-related assets. Cryptocurrencies (some of the most well-known include Bitcoin and Ethereum) are not backed by any government, corporation, or other identified body. Trading markets for cryptocurrencies are subject to an evolving and fragmented regulatory framework. While certain jurisdictions, such as the European Union and the United States, have recently implemented or proposed regulatory regimes, other markets remain less regulated. As a result, cryptocurrency markets may be more exposed to operational or technical issues, as well as the potential for fraud or manipulation, compared with the established, regulated exchanges for securities, derivatives, and traditional currencies.
Cryptocurrencies have been subject to significant fluctuations in value. The value of a cryptocurrency may significantly fluctuate precipitously (including declining to zero) and unpredictably for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to: investor perceptions and expectations; regulatory changes; general economic conditions; adoption and use in the retail and commercial marketplace; public opinion regarding the environmental impact of the creation ("minting" or "mining") of cryptocurrency; confidence in, and the maintenance and development of, its network and open-source software protocols such as blockchain for ensuring the integrity of cryptocurrency transactional data; and general risks tied to the use of information technologies, including cybersecurity risks.
Capital Markets - Risk 2
Adverse changes in foreign currencies could negatively impact financial results.
We have cash and certain corporate investments denominated in foreign currencies. Adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates may reduce the value of those assets. In addition, certain assets under management have exposure to foreign currency fluctuations in various markets, which may adversely impact their valuation and, consequently, the revenue we receive.
Capital Markets - Risk 3
Difficult market conditions can adversely affect the Company by reducing the market value of the assets we manage or causing shareholders to make significant redemptions.
Changes in economic or market conditions may adversely affect the profitability, performance of and demand for the Company's investment products and services. Under the Company's advisory fee arrangements, the fees received are primarily based on the market value of assets under management. Accordingly, a decline in the price of securities held in funds under management would be expected to reduce revenues and net income by lowering advisory fees. Such declines may also lead to increased shareholder redemptions in favor of investments perceived as offering greater opportunity or lower risk, which would further reduce advisory fees. The Company's ability to compete and grow depends on the relative attractiveness of its investment products, as well as its investment performance and strategies under prevailing market conditions.
Capital Markets - Risk 4
Market-specific risks may negatively impact the Company's earnings.
The Company manages certain funds in the natural resources sector, which is highly cyclical. The investments in the funds are subject to significant loss due to political, economic and diplomatic developments, currency fluctuations, social instability, and changes in governmental policies, including trading policies, regulatory requirements, tariffs and other barriers. Foreign trading markets, particularly in some emerging market countries, are often smaller, less liquid, less regulated and significantly more volatile than the U.S. and other established markets.
Production
Total Risks: 2/26 (8%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel1 | 3.8%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
The loss of key personnel could negatively affect the Company's financial performance.
The success of the Company depends on key personnel, including the portfolio managers, analysts, and executive officers. Competition for qualified, motivated, and skilled personnel in the asset management industry remains significant. Moreover, in order to retain certain key personnel, the Company may be required to increase compensation to such individuals, resulting in additional expense. The loss of key personnel or the Company's failure to attract replacement personnel could negatively affect its financial performance.
Costs1 | 3.8%
Costs - Risk 1
Higher insurance premiums and related insurance coverage risks could increase costs and reduce profitability.
While U.S. Global carries insurance in amounts and under terms that it believes are appropriate, the Company cannot assure that its insurance will cover most liabilities and losses to which it may be exposed, or that our insurance policies will continue to be available at acceptable terms and fees. U.S. Global is subject to regulatory and governmental inquiries and civil litigation. An adverse outcome of any such proceeding could involve substantial financial penalties. From time to time, various claims against us arise in the ordinary course of business, including employment-related claims. Certain insurance coverage may not be available or may be prohibitively expensive in future periods. As U.S. Global's insurance policies come up for renewal, the Company may need to assume higher deductibles or co-insurance liabilities, or pay higher premiums, which would increase the Company's expenses and reduce net income.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 2/26 (8%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 3.8%
Competition - Risk 1
The Company faces a variety of significant and diverse risks, many of which are inherent in the business. Described below are certain risks that could materially affect the Company. Other risks and uncertainties that the Company does not presently consider to be material, or of which the Company is not presently aware, may become important factors that affect it in the future. The occurrence of any of the risks discussed below could materially and adversely affect the business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. The investment management business is intensely competitive.
Competition in the investment management business is based on a variety of factors, including:
- Investment performance;- Investor perception of an investment team's drive, focus, and alignment of interest with them;- Quality of service provided to, and duration of relationships with, clients and shareholders;- Business reputation; and - Level of fees charged for services.
The Company competes with a large number of investment management firms, commercial banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. Competitive risk is heightened by the fact that some competitors may invest according to different investment styles or in alternative asset classes which the markets may perceive as more attractive than the Company's investment approach. If the Company is unable to compete effectively, revenues and earnings may be reduced, and the business could be materially affected.
Demand1 | 3.8%
Demand - Risk 1
The Company's clients can terminate their agreements with the Company on short notice, which may lead to unexpected declines in revenue and profitability.
The Company's investment advisory agreements are generally terminable on short notice and subject to annual renewal. If the Company's investment advisory agreements are terminated, which may occur in a short time frame, the Company may experience a decline in revenues and profitability.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 1/26 (4%)Below Sector Average
Technology1 | 3.8%
Technology - Risk 1
We rely upon certain critical information systems for the operation of our business, and the failure of any critical information system, including a cybersecurity breach, may result in harm to our business.
We are heavily dependent on technology infrastructure and rely upon certain critical information systems for the effective operation of our business. These information systems include data network and telecommunications, internet access and our websites, and various computer hardware equipment and software applications. These information systems are subject to damage or interruption from a number of potential sources including natural disasters, software viruses or other malware, power failures, cyberattacks and other events. We have implemented measures, such as virus protection software, intrusion detection systems and emergency recovery processes to address the outlined risks. However, security measures for information systems cannot be guaranteed to be failsafe. Any compromise of our data security or our inability to use or access these information systems at critical points in time could unfavorably impact the timely and efficient operation of our business and subject us to additional costs and liabilities, which could adversely affect our results of operations. Finally, federal legislation relating to cybersecurity threats could impose additional requirements on our operations.
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.