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Risk Overview Q1, 2026
Risk Distribution
34% Finance & Corporate
16% Ability to Sell
16% Macro & Political
13% Legal & Regulatory
11% Tech & Innovation
11% Production
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
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Kraft Heinz Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q1, 2026
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 13 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 13 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
38
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
38
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
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Since Mar 2026
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Number of Risk Changed
0
-3
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 1
0
-3
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 1
See the risk highlights of Kraft Heinz 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 38
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 13/38 (34%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights4 | 10.5%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Following the Separation, the price of shares of the Company's common stock may fluctuate significantly.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has the ability to exert influence over us and significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval.As of January 16, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway") owns approximately 27.5% of our common stock. As a result, Berkshire Hathaway has influence over any action requiring the approval of the holders of our common stock, including adopting any amendments to our charter, electing directors, and approving mergers or sales of substantially all of our capital stock or assets. In addition, Berkshire Hathaway is in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Berkshire Hathaway may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those opportunities may not be available to us.
Financial Risks
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Sales of our common stock in the public market could cause volatility in the price of our common stock or cause the share price to fall.Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, including sales of our common stock by Berkshire Hathaway, or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock, and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. A sustained depression in the market price of our common stock has happened and could in the future happen, which could also reduce our market capitalization below the book value of net assets, which could increase the likelihood of recognizing goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment losses that could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Kraft Heinz and Berkshire Hathaway are party to a registration rights agreement requiring us to register for resale under the Securities Act all registrable shares held by Berkshire Hathaway, which represents all shares of our common stock held by Berkshire Hathaway as of the date of the closing of the 2015 Merger. As of January 16, 2026, registrable shares represented approximately 27.5% of all outstanding shares of our common stock. Although the registrable shares are subject to certain holdback and suspension periods, the registrable shares are not subject to a "lock-up" or similar restriction under the registration rights agreement. Accordingly, offers and sales of a large number of registrable shares may be made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act in accordance with the terms of the registration rights agreement. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, on January 20, 2026, we filed a prospectus supplement with the SEC to register for resale up to 325,442,152 shares of our common stock held by Berkshire Hathaway. The filing of the prospectus supplement was made solely to register these shares for resale, does not itself constitute a sale of any shares, and does not necessarily mean that Berkshire Hathaway will sell any or all of the registered shares. If any of these registered shares are sold, we will not receive any proceeds from those sales. Because the registered shares represent a significant portion of the outstanding shares of our common stock, any future sales by Berkshire Hathaway could materially increase the number of shares being traded in the public market and may materially increase the volatility of, and cause a decrease in, the price of our common stock. In addition, the filing of the prospectus supplement and the perception of future sales by Berkshire Hathaway have already contributed to increased volatility of our common stock and could continue to affect the volatility of our common stock in the future.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Our share repurchase program may not be fully consummated and the anticipated enhanced long-term stockholder value may not be realized, and share repurchases could increase the volatility of the price of our stock.In November 2023, the Board authorized the Company to repurchase up to $3.0 billion, exclusive of fees, of our outstanding common stock through December 26, 2026. As of December 27, 2025, we had remaining authorization under the share repurchase program of approximately $1.5 billion. Our repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific dollar amount or to acquire any specific number of shares. The timing and amount of any repurchases, if any, will depend on factors such as our historical and expected business performance and cash and liquidity positions, the price of our stock, economic and market conditions, and corporate and regulatory requirements. Our share repurchase program could affect the price of our stock and increase volatility and may be suspended or terminated at any time. We cannot guarantee that we will repurchase shares or conduct future share repurchase programs, or that any such programs, even if fully implemented, will result in long-term increases to stockholder value. Any failure to fully implement our repurchase program may negatively impact our reputation, investor confidence, and the price of the Company's common stock.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 7.9%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Our ability to pay regular dividends to our stockholders and the amounts of any such dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board and may be limited by our financial condition, debt agreements, or limitations under Delaware law.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Additional impairments of the carrying amounts of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.As of December 27, 2025, we maintain 10 reporting units globally, six of which comprise our goodwill balance. Our indefinite-lived intangible asset balance primarily consists of a number of individual brands. As of December 27, 2025, we had goodwill and intangible assets with a total carrying amount of $59.7 billion. In 2025, we recorded non-cash goodwill impairment losses of $9.3 billion related to these assets. We test our reporting units and brands for impairment annually as of the first day of our third quarter, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or brand is less than its carrying amount. Such events and circumstances could include a sustained decrease in our market capitalization, increased competition or unexpected loss of market share, increased input costs beyond projections, disposals of significant brands or components of our business, unexpected business disruptions (for example due to a natural disaster, pandemic, or loss of a customer, supplier, or other significant business relationship), unexpected significant declines in operating results, significant adverse changes in the markets in which we operate, changes in income tax rates, changes in interest rates, or changes in management strategy. We test reporting units for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. We test brands for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of each brand with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit or brand exceeds its estimated fair value, we record an impairment loss based on the difference between fair value and carrying amount, in the case of reporting units, not to exceed the associated carrying amount of goodwill.
Reporting units and brands that have 20% or less excess fair value over carrying amount as of the 2025 annual impairment test performed as of June 29, 2025 had an aggregate carrying value of $37.2 billion as of the date of 2025 annual impairment test. These reporting units and brands have a heightened risk of future impairments if any assumptions, estimates, or market factors change in the future. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates, and market factors. Estimating the fair value of individual reporting units and brands requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding our future plans, as well as industry, economic, and regulatory conditions, and to consider the market multiples of certain peer and guideline companies. These assumptions and estimates include estimated future annual cash flows (including net sales, cost of products sold, SG&A, depreciation and amortization, working capital, and capital expenditures), income tax rates, discount rates, long-term growth rates, royalty rates, contributory asset charges, and other market factors. If current expectations of future growth rates and margins are not met, if market factors outside of our control change; such as discount rates, market capitalization, income tax rates, foreign currency exchange rates, or inflation, or if management's expectations or plans otherwise change, including updates to our long-term operating plans, then one or more of our reporting units or brands might become impaired in the future, which could negatively affect our operating results or net worth. Furthermore, changes in reporting units, including as a result of integrating a new acquisition into an existing reporting unit that has a fair value below carrying amount of goodwill, have led, and could in the future lead, to an impairment of goodwill. Additionally, any decisions to divest certain non-strategic assets could lead to future goodwill or intangible asset impairments. See Note 9, Goodwill and Intangible Assets in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and Critical Accounting Estimates in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, for additional information on our goodwill and intangible assets.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately and timely report our financial results, which could negatively impact our business, investor confidence, and the price of our common stock.If we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, our ability to record, process, and report financial information accurately and to prepare financial statements within required time periods could be adversely affected, which could subject us to litigation, investigations, or penalties; negatively affect our liquidity, our access to capital markets, perceptions of our creditworthiness, our ability to complete acquisitions, our ability to maintain compliance with covenants under our debt instruments or derivative arrangements regarding the timely filing of periodic reports, or investor confidence in our financial reporting; or cause defaults, accelerations, or cross-accelerations under our debt instruments or derivative arrangements to the extent we are unable to obtain waivers from the required creditors or counterparties or to cure any breaches, any of which may require management resources or cause our stock price to decline.
Debt & Financing3 | 7.9%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
A downgrade in our credit rating could adversely impact interest costs or access to future borrowings.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Volatility in the market value of all or a portion of the derivatives we use to manage exposures to fluctuations in commodity prices may cause volatility in our gross profit and net income.We use commodity futures, options, and swaps to economically hedge the price of certain input costs, including dairy products, vegetable oils, coffee beans, corn, wheat products, sugar cane and meat products. We recognize gains and losses based on changes in the values of these commodity derivatives. We recognize these gains and losses in cost of products sold in our consolidated statements of income. We recognize the unrealized gains and losses on these commodity derivatives in general corporate expenses until realized; once realized, the gains and losses are recorded in the applicable segment's operating results. Accordingly, changes in the values of our commodity derivatives may cause volatility in our gross profit and net income.
Regulatory Risks
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Our level of indebtedness, as well as our ability to comply with covenants under our debt instruments, could adversely affect our business and financial condition.We have a substantial amount of indebtedness and are permitted to incur a substantial amount of additional indebtedness, including secured debt. Our existing debt, together with any incurrence of additional indebtedness, could have important consequences, including, but not limited to:
- increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;- limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, debt service requirements, acquisitions, and general corporate or other purposes;- resulting in a downgrade to our credit rating, which could adversely affect our cost of funds, including our commercial paper programs, liquidity, and access to capital markets;- restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;- limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are not as highly leveraged;- making it more difficult for us to make payments on our existing indebtedness;- requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, payments of dividends, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, and future business opportunities;- exposing us to risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency, as we earn profits in a variety of foreign currencies and the majority of our debt is denominated in U.S. dollars; and - in the case of any additional indebtedness, exacerbating the risks associated with our substantial financial leverage.
In addition, we may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or future debt or equity financings may not be available to us to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund other needs. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all. Any inability to generate sufficient cash flow or to refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Our debt instruments contain customary representations, warranties, and covenants, including a financial covenant in our senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility") to maintain a minimum shareholders' equity balance (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income/(losses)). The creditors who hold our debt could accelerate amounts due in the event that we default, which could potentially trigger a default or acceleration of the maturity of our other debt. If our operating performance declines, or if we are unable to comply with any covenant, such as our ability to timely prepare and file our periodic reports with the SEC, we have in the past needed and may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required creditors under our debt instruments to avoid being in default.
If we breach any covenants under our debt instruments and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required creditors, or we may not be able to remedy compliance within the terms of any waivers approved by the required creditors. If this occurs, we would be in default under our debt instruments and unable to access our Senior Credit Facility. In addition, certain creditors could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Corporate Activity and Growth3 | 7.9%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We may not successfully identify, complete, or realize the benefits from strategic acquisitions, divestitures, alliances, joint ventures, or investments.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
The Separation is subject to various risks and uncertainties, involves significant time, expense, and resources and may be further delayed or we may decide to cease work related to the Separation entirely.On September 2, 2025, we announced our intention to separate our company into two independent publicly traded companies through a tax-free spin-off. On February 11, 2026, we announced that the Board has decided to pause work related to the Separation. If work related to the Separation is resumed, the Separation would be subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including final approval by the Board, receipt of favorable tax opinions of our U.S. tax advisors with respect to the tax-free nature of the Separation, and the effectiveness of appropriate filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission. The failure to satisfy any of the required conditions could further delay the completion of the Separation or prevent it from occurring at all.
The Separation is complex in nature, and unanticipated developments or changes, including changes in the law, macroeconomic environment, regulatory and political conditions and competitive conditions of our markets, the need both to receive regulatory approvals or clearances and to satisfy the requirements to effectuate a generally tax-free transaction, the uncertainty of the financial markets and challenges in executing the Separation, could further delay or prevent the completion of the Separation or cause the Separation to occur on terms or conditions that are different or less favorable than expected. Any changes to the Separation or further delay in completing the Separation could cause us not to realize some or all of the expected benefits, or realize them on a different timeline than currently expected. Further, our Board could decide, either because of a failure of conditions or because of market or other factors, to further delay or abandon the Separation. No assurance can be given as to whether and when the Separation will occur.
Whether or not we complete the Separation, our ongoing business may be adversely affected and we may be subject to certain risks and consequences if we pursue the Separation, including the following:
- The process of completing the Separation will be time-consuming and involve significant additional costs and expenses, which may not yield a discernible benefit if the Separation is not completed, and pausing efforts on the Separation could lead to higher execution costs and expenses, if we resume efforts to pursue the Separation, than we would have otherwise incurred without such pause.
- Executing the Separation will require significant time and attention from our senior management and employees, which may divert management's attention from operating and growing our business and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
- We may also experience increased difficulties in attracting, retaining, and motivating employees during the pendency of the Separation and following completion of the Separation, which could harm our businesses.
- The assumptions underlying expectations regarding the integration process, including with respect to the Separation may prove to be faulty and/or inaccurate.
- Some of our customers or suppliers may delay or defer decisions or may end their relationships with us.
- We may experience negative reactions from the financial markets if we fail to complete the Separation or fail to complete it on a timely basis.
- The announcement of the Separation, and any changes regarding the timing of the Separation, may create greater volatility in the trading price of our shares and potentially cause market prices to decline.
Any of the above factors could cause the Separation (or the failure to execute the Separation) to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
The Separation if completed, may not achieve the anticipated benefits and will expose us to new risks.We may not realize the anticipated strategic, financial, operational, or other benefits from the Separation if completed. We cannot predict with certainty when the benefits expected from the Separation will occur or the extent to which they will be achieved. If the Separation is completed, our operational and financial profile will change and we will face new risks. As independent, publicly traded companies, the newly created companies will each be smaller, less-diversified companies and may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions. There is no assurance that following the Separation each separated company will be successful. The announcement and/or completion of the Separation, as well as any delays relating to the completion of the Separation, may cause uncertainty for or disruptions with our customers, partners, suppliers, and employees, which may negatively impact these relationships or our operations. In addition, we will incur one-time costs and ongoing costs in connection with, or as a result of, the Separation, including costs of operating as independent, publicly-traded companies that the two businesses will no longer be able to share. Those costs may exceed our estimates or could negate some of the benefits we expect to realize. Further, our future effective tax rate, which is impacted by a number of factors including changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in geographic mix of income, changes in expenses not deductible for tax, and changes in available tax credits, may be negatively impacted for each separated company due to deviations in these factors from our current estimates, such as changes to our current assessments of the realization of existing deferred tax assets. If we do not realize the intended benefits or if our costs exceed our estimates, the separated businesses could suffer a material adverse effect on their respective business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 6/38 (16%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 2.6%
Competition - Risk 1
We operate in a highly competitive industry.Demand1 | 2.6%
Demand - Risk 1
Changes in the retail landscape or the loss of key retail customers could adversely affect our financial performance.Sales & Marketing2 | 5.3%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
Changes in our relationships with significant customers or suppliers, or in other business relationships, could adversely impact us.Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
We may be unable to drive revenue growth in our key product categories or platforms, increase our market share, or add products that are in faster-growing and more profitable categories.Our future results will depend on our ability to drive revenue growth in our key product categories or platforms as well as growth in the food and beverage industry in the geographies in which we operate. Our future results will also depend on our ability to enhance our portfolio by adding innovative new products in faster-growing and more profitable categories or platforms and our ability to increase market share in our existing product categories or platforms. Our failure to drive revenue growth, limit market share decreases in our key product categories or platforms, or develop innovative products for new and existing categories or platforms could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and operating results.
Brand / Reputation2 | 5.3%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
Maintaining, extending, and expanding our reputation and brand image are essential to our business success.Brand / Reputation - Risk 2
We must leverage our brand value to compete against private label products.In nearly all of our product categories, we compete with branded products as well as private label products, which are typically sold at lower prices. Our products must provide higher value or quality to consumers than alternatives, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. Consumers may not buy our products if relative differences in value or quality between our products and private label products change in favor of competitors' products or if consumers perceive such a change. If consumers prefer private label products, then we could lose market share or sales volume, or our product mix could shift to lower margin offerings. A change in consumer preferences could also cause us to increase capital, marketing, and other expenditures, which could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and operating results.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 6/38 (16%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment2 | 5.3%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Our performance may be adversely affected by economic and political conditions in the United States and in various other nations where we do business.Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Disruptions in the global economy caused by geopolitical conflicts could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.Escalation of geopolitical tensions related to military conflict, including increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade, could result in, among other things, supply chain disruptions, changes in consumer demand, increased cyberattacks, and impacts on foreign exchange rates and financial markets, any of which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Although we do not have operations in Ukraine, and our business in Russia generated approximately 1% of our consolidated net sales for the year ended December 27, 2025, the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused, and could continue to cause, negative impacts on our business and the global economy. Governments in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and European Union have each imposed export controls and economic sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia. Further, the Russian government has placed restrictions on the transfer of funds to and from Russian entities, making it more difficult to operate in Russia and to repatriate cash to other jurisdictions from our Russian business, which had a cash and cash equivalents balance equal to approximately $140 million as of December 27, 2025. Failure to comply with applicable sanctions and measures could subject us to regulatory penalties, temporary or permanent loss of assets, or our ability to conduct business operations in Russia. While less than 1% of consolidated total assets are located in Russia as of December 27, 2025, our Russian assets may be partially or fully impaired in future periods, or our business operations terminated, based on actions taken by Russia, other parties, or us. The effects of current geopolitical conflicts as well as potential future geopolitical tensions, could heighten many of our known risks described in this Item 1A, Risk Factors.
International Operations1 | 2.6%
International Operations - Risk 1
Our international operations subject us to additional risks and costs and may cause our profitability to decline.Capital Markets3 | 7.9%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
The Separation if completed, may adversely impact our ability to access the capital markets and our cost of capital.Capital Markets - Risk 2
Our net sales and net income may be exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.We derive a substantial portion of our net sales from international markets. We hold assets, incur liabilities, earn revenue, and pay expenses in a variety of currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Canadian dollar, euro, British pound sterling, Australian dollar, Brazilian real, Chinese renminbi, Russian ruble, Indonesian rupiah, and New Zealand dollar. Since our consolidated financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates from period to period, which have been more volatile recently, will have an impact on our reported results. We have implemented foreign currency hedges intended to reduce our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. However, these hedging strategies may not be successful, and any of our unhedged foreign exchange exposures will continue to be subject to market fluctuations. In addition, in certain circumstances, we may incur costs in one currency related to services or products for which we are paid in a different currency. As a result, factors associated with our international operations, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates, could significantly affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Capital Markets - Risk 3
Volatility of capital markets or macroeconomic factors could adversely affect our business.Changes in financial and capital markets, including market disruptions, instability in financial institutions, limited liquidity, and interest rate volatility, may increase the cost of financing as well as the risks of refinancing maturing debt. Additionally, some of our customers, suppliers, and counterparties are highly leveraged. Consolidations in some of the industries in which our customers operate have created larger customers, some of which are highly leveraged and facing increased competition and continued credit market volatility. These factors have caused some customers to be less profitable, increasing our exposure to credit risk. A significant adverse change in the financial and/or credit position of a customer, supplier, or counterparty could require us to assume greater credit risk relating to that customer or counterparty and could limit our ability to collect receivables. This could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and liquidity.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 5/38 (13%)Below Sector Average
Regulation2 | 5.3%
Regulation - Risk 1
or regulators operate could adversely affect our ability to provide products to our customers or our results of operations.Regulation - Risk 2
Our compliance with laws and regulations, and related legal claims or regulatory enforcement actions, could expose us to significant liabilities and damage our reputation.As a large, global food and beverage company, we operate in a highly regulated environment with constantly evolving legal and regulatory frameworks. Various laws and regulations govern our practices including, but not limited to, those related to advertising and marketing, product claims and labeling, food production and nutritional requirements, environmental matters (including climate change), packaging and waste management (including packaging containing PFAS), intellectual property,consumer protection and product liability, commercial disputes, trade and export controls, anti-trust, data privacy, labor and employment, workplace health and safety, forced labor, and tax. As a consequence, we face a heightened risk of legal claims and regulatory enforcement actions in the ordinary course of business. In addition, the imposition of new laws, changes in laws or regulatory requirements or changing interpretations thereof, and differing or competing regulations and standards across the markets where our products are made, manufactured, distributed, and sold have in the past and could continue to result in higher compliance costs, capital expenditures, and higher production costs, adversely impacting our product sales, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, claims about the health impacts of consumption of our products, or ingredients, additives, preservatives, components, or substances present or allegedly present in those products or packaging, including in connection with the development, manufacture, and marketing of our products, have resulted in, and could in the future result in, us being subject to regulations, fines, lawsuits (including but not limited to pending litigation alleging that certain of our products are "ultra-processed" and consuming them causes adverse health impacts, allegations with which we strongly disagree), or taxes, or may cause us to change the way in which we operate which could adversely impact our profitability, financial condition, or operating results.
As a result of any such legal claims or regulatory enforcement actions, we could be subject to monetary judgments, settlements, and civil and criminal actions, including fines, injunctions, product recalls, penalties, disgorgement of profits, or activity restrictions, which could materially and adversely affect our reputation, product sales, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. We evaluate these legal claims and regulatory enforcement actions to assess the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes and to estimate, if possible, the amount of potential losses. Based on these assessments and estimates, we establish reserves and disclose relevant material litigation claims, legal proceedings, or regulatory enforcement actions as appropriate and in accordance with SEC rules and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). Our assessments and estimates are based on the information available to management at the time and involve a significant amount of judgment. Actual outcomes or losses may differ materially from our current assessments and estimates. In addition, even if a claim is unsuccessful, without merit, or not pursued to completion, the cost of defending against or responding to such a claim, including expenses and management time, could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
Taxation & Government Incentives2 | 5.3%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
If the Separation and/or certain related transactions do not qualify as transactions that are generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we and our stockholders could be subject to significant tax liabilities.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
Changes in tax laws and interpretations could adversely affect our business.We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our domestic and foreign tax liabilities are dependent on the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed. Additionally, the amount of taxes paid is subject to our interpretation of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. A number of factors influence our effective tax rate, including changes in tax laws and treaties as well as the interpretation of existing laws and rules. Federal, state, and local governments and administrative bodies within the United States, which represents the majority of our operations, and other foreign jurisdictions have implemented, or are considering, a variety of broad tax, trade, and other regulatory reforms that may impact us.
Significant judgment, knowledge, and experience are required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. Our future effective tax rate is impacted by a number of factors including changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in geographic mix of income, changes in expenses not deductible for tax, including impairment of goodwill, and changes in available tax credits. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are also regularly subject to audits by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits, including transfer pricing matters, and any related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. For example, we are currently under examination for income taxes by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for the years 2018 through 2022. In 2023, we received two Notices of Proposed Adjustment (the "NOPAs") relating to transfer pricing with our foreign subsidiaries for the years 2018 and 2019. The NOPAs propose an increase to our U.S. taxable income that could result in additional U.S. federal income tax expense and liability of approximately $200 million for 2018 and approximately $210 million for 2019, excluding interest, and assert penalties of approximately $85 million for each of 2018 and 2019. In 2025, we received two NOPAs for the years 2020 through 2022 that could result in additional U.S. federal income tax expense and liability of approximately $200 million for 2020, $210 million for 2021, and $200 million for 2022, excluding interest and assert penalties of approximately $85 million for each of the years of 2020, 2021, and 2022. We strongly disagree with the IRS's positions, believe that our tax positions are well documented and properly supported, and intend to vigorously contest the positions taken by the IRS and pursue all available administrative and judicial remedies; however, the ultimate outcome of this matter is uncertain, and if we are required to pay the IRS additional U.S. taxes, interest, and potential penalties, our results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected. We continue to maintain the same operating model and transfer pricing methodology with our foreign subsidiaries that was in place for the years 2018 through 2022. Economic and political pressures to increase tax revenue in various jurisdictions may make resolving tax disputes more difficult. The results of an audit or litigation could adversely affect our financial statements in the period or periods for which that determination is made.
Environmental / Social1 | 2.6%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Changes in environmental conditions and responsive legislation or regulation may have a long-term adverse impact on our business and results of operations.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 4/38 (11%)Above Sector Average
Innovation / R&D2 | 5.3%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
Our success depends on our ability to correctly predict, identify, and interpret changes in consumer preferences and demand, to offer new products to meet those changes, and to respond to competitive innovation.Innovation / R&D - Risk 2
We may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits from prior or future initiatives to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, or improve our competitiveness.We have evaluated and implemented a number of strategic initiatives with the intention of enabling us to reduce costs, improve productivity, and improve our competitiveness. Our future success may depend upon our ability to realize the benefits of these or other cost-saving initiatives. In addition, certain of our initiatives may lead to increased costs in other aspects of our business such as increased conversion, outsourcing, or distribution costs. We must accurately predict anticipated costs and be efficient in executing any plans to achieve these initiatives. To capitalize on our efforts, we must carefully evaluate investments in our business and execute in those areas with the most potential return on investment, and operate efficiently in the highly competitive food and beverage industry, particularly in an environment of increased competition. If we are unable to realize the anticipated benefits from these efforts, we could be cost disadvantaged in the marketplace, and our competitiveness, production, profitability, financial condition, and operating results could be adversely affected.
Trade Secrets1 | 2.6%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could reduce the value of our products and brands.Technology1 | 2.6%
Technology - Risk 1
service interruption, misappropriation of data, or breaches of security.Production
Total Risks: 4/38 (11%)Below Sector Average
Manufacturing1 | 2.6%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
Product recalls or other product liability claims could materially and adversely affect us.Employment / Personnel2 | 5.3%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Our results could be adversely impacted as a result of increased pension, labor, and people-related expenses.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We rely on our management team and other key personnel and may be unable to hire or retain key personnel or a highly skilled and diverse global workforce.We depend on the skills, working relationships, and continued services of key personnel, including our experienced management team. In addition, our ability to achieve our operating goals depends on our ability to identify, hire, train, and retain qualified individuals. We compete with other companies both within and outside of our industry for talented personnel, and we may lose key personnel or fail to attract, train, and retain other talented personnel and a diverse global workforce with the skills and in the locations we need to operate and grow our business. Unplanned turnover, failure to attract and develop personnel with key emerging capabilities or failure to develop adequate succession plans for leadership positions, including the Chief Executive Officer position, could deplete our institutional knowledge base and erode our competitiveness. Additionally, the Separation, including any failure to adequately address the plans for leadership positions for the two independent companies post-Separation, may cause us to experience increased difficulties in attracting, retaining, and motivating employees during the pendency of the Separation and following completion of the Separation, and harm our businesses. Further, equity-based compensation is a key component of our compensation program and essential for attracting and retaining qualified personnel. As a result, the lack of positive performance in our stock price may adversely affect our ability to attract or retain key personnel. Changes in immigration laws and policies could also make it more difficult for us to recruit or relocate skilled employees. Any such loss, failure, or limitation could adversely affect our product sales, financial condition, and operating results.
Costs1 | 2.6%
Costs - Risk 1
Commodity, energy, and other input prices are volatile and could negatively affect our consolidated operating results.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.