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WISeKey International Holding (WSKEF) Risk Analysis

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. WISeKey International Holding disclosed 59 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. WISeKey International Holding reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2021

Source: the company's latest filing for the period ended Dec 31, 2021, filed Apr 13, 2022

Risk Distribution
59Risks
Sector Avg.Finance & CorporateTech & InnovationLegal & RegulatoryProductionAbility to SellMacro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

Risk Change Over Time

No filing history is available.

Risks removedRisks addedRisks changedWISeKey International Holding Risk Factors
New Risk (2)
  • Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
    Our research and development efforts may not produce successful products or enhancements to our security solutions that result in significant revenue or other benefits in the near future, if at all.

    Investing in research and development personnel, developing new products and enhancing existing products is expensive and time consuming, and there is no assurance that such activities will result in significant new marketable products or enhancements to our products, design improvements, cost savings, revenues or other expected benefits. If we spend significant time and effort on research and development and are unable to generate an adequate return on our investment, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected. This is expected to be exacerbated in the coming year with the required integration of newly acquired knowledge automation assets which is expected to result in a more complex research and development program.

  • Technology - Risk 2
    If we experience software errors and non-compliance, this may affect our reputation and our financial results.

    WISeKey's software applications are complex, the addition of newly acquired assets increases this complexity and there is a risk that defects or errors could arise, particularly where new versions or enhancements are released. Similarly, regulatory and industry requirements are continuously evolving and we may not be able to keep up with them. This could result in adverse consequences for us, such as lost revenue, a delay in market acceptance or customer claims.

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Risk Highlights Q4, 2021

Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 27 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
59
+2
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 32
Recent Changes
2Risks added
0Risks removed
4Risks changed
Since Dec 2021
Number of Risk Changed
4
+1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 1

Risk Word Cloud

although we believe that we were not a "passive foreign investment company," or pfic, for u.s. federal income tax purposes in 2021, there can be no assurance in this regard, and it is likely that we will be a pfic in 2022. if we are a pfic in any year, u.s. holders of our adss may be subject to adverse u.s. federal income tax consequences.federal income tax purposesthe company is a holding company with no direct cash generating operations and relies on its subsidiaries to provide it with funds necessary to pay dividends to shareholders.to pay dividends to shareholderswe are subject to anti-takeover provisions.subject to anti-takeover provisionswisekey has entered, and expects to continue to enter, into joint venture agreements and these activities involve risks and uncertainties.expects to continue to enterif we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. as a result, shareholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of adss or our class b shares.effective system of internal controlif wisekey does not include post-quantum crypto libraries in its semiconductors, wisekey may fail to offer its customers sufficient protection against attacks executed with quantum computers.include post-quantum crypto librariesif wisekey does not respond to the trend of embedding secure modules on central processing units, wisekey may lose the market of separate secure module chips.trend of embedding secure modulesfailure of our third-party suppliers to handle increased volume for their services could impact our ability to take advantage of upside business opportunities.advantage of upside business opportunitiesour research and development efforts may not produce successful products or enhancements to our security solutions that result in significant revenue or other benefits in the near future, if at all.enhancements to our security solutionscovid-19 and prolonged economic uncertainties or downturns have adversely affected our business and could materially adversely affect our business in the future.materially adversely affect our business

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 59

Share Price & Shareholder Rights17 | 28.8%
  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
    Certain of the Company's large shareholders, including if acting in concert, may be able to exert significant influence on the Company and their interests may conflict with the interests of its other shareholders.

    Our founder, Carlos Moreira, holds more than 30% of the Company's voting rights as at December 31, 2021. Further, all holders of the Class A Shares represent approximately 31% of the Company's voting rights as at December 31, 2021. Our founder, or if the holders of Class A Shares were to act in concert with each other, the holders of the Class A Shares, would be able to exert significant influence over certain matters, including matters that must be resolved by the general meeting of shareholders, such as the election of members to the board of directors or the declaration of dividends or other distributions. To the extent that the interests of these shareholders may differ from the interests of the Company's other shareholders, the Company's other shareholders may be disadvantaged by any actions that these shareholders may seek to pursue.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
    The market for and price of Class B Shares and our ADSs may be highly volatile.

    There has not been a public market in the United States for our Class B Shares, and the market for the ADS listed on NASDAQ is limited. You may not be able to sell your ADSs quickly or at the market price if trading in the ADSs is limited. The market price of Class B Shares and our ADSs may be highly volatile and may be affected negatively by events involving us, our competitors, the software and security industry, or the financial markets in general. Furthermore, investors might not be able to resell their Class B Shares and our ADSs at the price at which they were purchased or at a higher price or at all. Factors that could cause this volatility in the market price of Class B Shares and our ADSs include, but are not limited to: - our operating and financial results;- future announcements concerning our business;- changes in revenue or earnings estimates and recommendations by securities analysts;- changes in our business strategy and operations;- changes in our senior management or board of directors;- speculation of the press or the investment community;- disposals of Class B Shares by shareholders;- actions of competitors;- our involvement in acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures;- regulatory factors;- arrival and departure of key personnel;- investment community views on technology stock;- liquidity of the Class B Shares and our ADSs; and - general market, economic and political conditions. In addition, securities markets in general have from time to time, experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. Such fluctuations, as well as the economic environment as a whole, can have a substantial negative effect on the market price of our securities, regardless of our operating results or our financial position. Any such broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our securities.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
    Our securities will be traded on more than one market or exchange and this may result in price variations.

    Our Class B Shares have been trading on the SIX since March 2016. The ADSs have been listed on NASDAQ since December 2019. Trading in Class B Shares and ADSs, as applicable, on these markets will take place in different currencies (U.S. dollars on NASDAQ and Swiss francs on the SIX), and at different times (resulting from different time zones, trading days, and public holidays in the United States and Switzerland). The trading prices of our Class B Shares and ADSs on these two markets may differ due to these and other factors. Any decrease in the price of our Class B Shares on the SIX could cause a decrease in the trading price of the ADSs on NASDAQ, and vice versa.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
    Future sales or issuances, or the possibility or perception of future sales or issuances, of a substantial number of Shares could cause the market price of our Class B Shares or the ADSs to fall.

    The market price of our Class B Shares or ADSs could decline as a result of sales of a large number of Class B Shares in the public market in the future or the possibility or perception that such sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for the Company to issue equity securities in the future at a time and price that it deems appropriate. Further, the Company may choose to raise additional capital by issuing additional Class B Shares, depending on market conditions or strategic considerations. In particular, under our Articles of Association as at December 31, 2021, the board of directors is authorized to issue up to 18,469,207 new Class B Shares out of authorized capital at any time until May 25, 2023 and thereby increase the Company's share capital without further shareholder approval. After May 25, 2023 (and each subsequent two-year period), the shareholders may re-approve this authorization. Further, our Articles of Association provide for a conditional share capital based on which, as at December 31, 2021, the Company is authorized to issue up to 31,469,207 new Class B Shares, corresponding to CHF 1,573,460.35 in par value. Since April 15, 2020, the date of reference for the last formal recording in the Articles and the commercial register of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland, an aggregate number of 529,330 Class B Shares has been issued out of the Company's conditional share capital as at December 31, 2021. As a result, the available conditional share capital of the Company, as at December 31, 2021, amounted to CHF 1,546,993.85, corresponding to the issuance of 30,939,877 Class B Shares. Among other things, the Company's conditional share capital could be used in connection with the issuance of securities that are convertible into Class B Shares. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the issuance of Class B Shares or other securities that are convertible into Class B Shares, the issuance of such securities could dilute the Company's shareholders' interest in the Company. On February 08, 2018, the Company entered into a Standby Equity Distribution Agreement, as amended on September 28, 2018 (the "SEDA") with YA II PN, Ltd., a fund managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC (collectively referred to as "Yorkville"). Pursuant to the SEDA, the Company has the right, at any time during a five-year period, to request Yorkville, in one or several steps, to subscribe for Class B Shares up to an aggregate subscription amount of CHF 50,000,000. After several drawdowns made by WISeKey under the SEDA in 2019, 2020 and 2021, in the aggregate amount of CHF 4,356,045, the remaining amount available for drawdown is CHF 45,643,955 as at December 31, 2021. As long as a sufficient number of Class B Shares is provided through share lending, WISeKey has the right to make drawdowns under the SEDA at its discretion by requesting Yorkville to subscribe for (if the Class B Shares are issued out of authorized share capital) or purchase (if the Class B Shares are delivered out of treasury) Class B Shares worth up to CHF 5,000,000 each, subject to certain exceptions and limitations (including the exception that a drawdown request by WISeKey shall in no event cause the aggregate number of Class B Shares held by Yorkville to meet or exceed 4.99% of the total number of shares registered with the commercial register of the Canton of Zug). The subscription price for each subscription request of the Company corresponds to 93% of the lowest daily volume-weighted average share price (the "VWAP") of a Class B Share, as traded and quoted on the SIX, over the five trading days following the drawdown request by WISeKey. If the Company elects to exercise its rights under the SEDA, the issuance of Class B Shares would dilute the Company's shareholders' interest in the Company. As at December 31, 2021, the remaining amount available for drawdown by the Company under the SEDA is CHF 45,643,955 (USD 50,058,912 at closing rate) and, as at December 31, 2021, the estimated maximum number of Class B Shares deliverable under the SEDA is 64,927,389 Class B Shares at CHF 0.703 per Class B Share (calculated based on the closing price of a Class B Share on December 30, 2021 of CHF 0.756 per Class B Share, discounted by 7%). The actual price, at which the Company may drawdown under the SEDA is subject to change, and, therefore, the number of Class B Shares deliverable to Yorkville may vary. In connection with a convertible loan agreement WISeKey entered into with Crede CG III, Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda ("Crede") on September 28, 2018 (which matured on October 30, 2020), the Company granted to Crede, on September 28, 2018, 408,247 warrants (the "Crede Warrants") for the acquisition of an equal number of Class B Shares. As a result, the maximum total number of Class B Shares that are issuable under the Crede Warrants as at December 31, 2021 is 408,247 Class B Shares. The Crede Warrants were amended on September 18, 2020 to extend the exercise period and may be exercised by Crede at any time on or before October 29, 2023 at an exercise price per Crede Warrant equal to CHF 3.84 per Class B Share. The Class B Shares issued to Crede in connection with the Crede Warrants would be issued out of the Company's conditional share capital or authorized share capital without triggering the pre-emptive rights of the existing shareholders of the Company. The exercise of Crede Warrants will dilute the Company's shareholders' interests in the Company. In connection with a convertible loan agreement WISeKey entered into with YA II PN, Ltd., a fund managed by Yorkville ("Yorkville") on June 27, 2019 (which matured on August 1, 2020), the Company granted to Yorkville, on June 27, 2019, 500,000 warrants (the "Yorkville Warrants") for the acquisition of an equal number of Class B Shares. As a result, the maximum total number of Class B Shares that are issuable under the Yorkville Warrants as at December 31, 2021 is 500,000 Class B Shares. The Yorkville Warrants may be exercised by Yorkville at any time on or before June 27, 2022, at an exercise price per Yorkville Warrant initially set to CHF 3.00 per Class B Share (the "Yorkville Initial Exercise Price"). The Yorkville Initial Exercise Price may be adjusted using certain agreed-upon formulae more fully described in Item 10C – Contracts – Warrants Issued to Yorkville. The Class B Shares issued to Yorkville in connection with the Yorkville Warrants would be issued out of the Company's conditional share capital or authorized share capital without triggering the pre-emptive rights of the existing shareholders of the Company. The exercise of Yorkville Warrants will dilute the Company's shareholders' interests in the Company. On May 18, 2020, WISeKey entered into an Agreement for the Issuance and Subscription of Convertible Notes (the "Nice & Green Facility") with Nice & Green SA ("Nice & Green"), pursuant to which WISeKey has the right to draw down up to a maximum of CHF 10,000,000 in up to 25 tranches, each of which is divided into 25 convertible notes (the "Nice & Green Convertible Notes"), during a commitment period of 24 months commencing on May 20, 2020. The Nice & Green Convertible Notes do not bear interest. Subject to a cash redemption right of WISeKey, the Nice & Green Convertible Notes are mandatorily convertible into Class B Shares within a period of 12 months from issuance of the respective Nice & Green Convertible Notes (the "Nice & Green Conversion Period"). Conversion takes place upon request by Nice & Green during the Nice & Green Conversion Period, but in any case, no later than at the expiry of the Nice & Green Conversion Period, at a conversion price of 95% of the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of a Class B Share as traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange during the ten trading days preceding the relevant conversion date. WISeKey made several drawdowns in 2020 under the Nice & Green Facility, and no drawdown in 2021. The remaining amount available for drawdown as at December 31, 2021 is CHF 1,083,111 (USD 1,187,876 at closing rate). The conversion of the drawdowns under the Nice & Green Facility into Class B Shares will dilute the Company's shareholders' interest in the Company. In 2020, Nice & Green requested to convert all Nice & Green Convertible Notes issued in 2020, therefore, as at December 31, 2021, there were no Nice & Green Convertible Notes outstanding. As at December 31, 2021, the remaining amount available for drawdown by the Company under the Nice & Green Facility is CHF 1,083,111 (USD 1,187,876 at closing rate) and, as at December 31, 2021, the estimated maximum number of Class B Shares deliverable under the Nice & Green Facility is 1,508,511 Class B Shares at CHF 0.718 per Class B Share (calculated based on the closing price of a Class B Share on the SIX on December 30, 2021 of CHF 0.756 per Class B Share discounted by 5%). Note that the actual price at which Nice & Green may convert each tranche under the Nice & Green Facility is subject to change, and, therefore, the number of Class B Shares deliverable to Nice & Green may vary. In connection with a second convertible loan, the Company granted to Crede on August 07, 2020, 1,675,885 warrants (the "Second Crede Warrants") for the acquisition of an equal number of Class B Shares. As a result, the maximum total number of Class B Shares that are issuable under the Second Crede Warrants as at December 31, 2021 is 1,675,885 Class B Shares. The Second Crede Warrants may be exercised by Crede at any time on or before September 14, 2023 at an exercise price per warrant equal to CHF 1.375 per Class B Share, as amended. The Class B Shares issued to Crede in connection with the Second Crede Warrants would be issued out of the Company's conditional share capital or authorized share capital without triggering the pre-emptive rights of the existing shareholders of the Company. The exercise of the Second Crede Warrants will dilute the Company's shareholders' interests in the Company. In connection with, an Agreement for the Issuance and Subscription of Convertible Notes WISeKey entered into with GLOBAL TECH OPPORTUNITIES 8, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands ("GTO") on December 8, 2020, the Company granted GTO warrants to acquire Class B Shares at an exercise price of the higher of (a) 120% of the 5-trading day VWAP of the Class B Shares on the SIX Swiss Stock Exchange over the 5 trading days immediately preceding the relevant subscription request and (b) CHF 1.50 (the "GTO Warrant Exercise Price"). The number of warrants granted at each tranche subscription was calculated as 15% of the principal amount of each subscription divided by the GTO Warrant Exercise Price. Each warrant agreement has a 5-year exercise period starting on the relevant subscription date. As at December 31, 2021, a total of 1,319,161 warrants (the "GTO Warrants") have been issued for the acquisition of an equal number of Class B Shares. As a result, the maximum total number of Class B Shares that are issuable under the GTO Warrants as at December 31, 2021 is 1,319,161 Class B Shares. The GTO Warrants may be exercised by GTO at any time until the fifth anniversary of their respective grant at the GTO Warrant Exercise Price. The Class B Shares issued to GTO in connection with the GTO Warrants would be issued out of the Company's conditional share capital or authorized share capital without triggering the pre-emptive rights of the existing shareholders of the Company. The exercise of the GTO Warrants will dilute the Company's shareholders' interests in the Company. On 29 June 2021, WISeKey entered into an Agreement for the Subscription of up to $22M Convertible Notes (the "L1 Facility") with L1 Capital Global Opportunities Master Fund ("L1"), as amended on September 27, 2021, pursuant to which L1 committed to grant loans, in several tranches and in the form of convertible notes (the "L1 Convertible Notes"), to WISeKey up to a maximum amount of USD 22,000,000, subject to certain conditions, over a period of 24 months. The L1 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum ("L1 Interest"). Subject to a cash redemption right of WISeKey, the L1 Convertible Notes are mandatorily convertible into Class B Shares within a period of 24 months from issuance of the respective L1 Convertible Notes (the "L1 Conversion Period"), extendable under certain conditions by a maximum of 6 months (the "L1 Maximum Conversion Period"). Conversion takes place upon request by L1 during the L1 Conversion Period, but in any case no later than at the expiry of the L1 Maximum Conversion Period. The conversion price applied to the principal amount of the L1 Convertible Notes and accrued interest, converted into CHF at the relevant exchange rate will be the lower of (i) 95% of the lowest volume weighted average price of Class B Shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange during the five trading days preceding the relevant conversion date and (ii) depending on the tranche, a fixed conversion price ranging from CHF 4 to CHF 7.50, for the tranches subscribed under the original agreement, and 90% of the lowest volume weighted average price of Class B Shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange during the ten trading days preceding the relevant conversion date for the tranches subscribed under the amendment dated September 27, 2021. WISeKey made several loan subscriptions in 2021 under the L1 Facility and the remaining amount available for loans as at December 31, 2021 is USD 5,000,000. In 2021, L1 requested to convert L1 Convertible Notes issued in 2021 for a total amount of USD 13,500,000, resulting in the issuance of 11,858,831 Class B Shares to L1. The conversion of the subscriptions under the L1 Facility into Class B Shares will dilute the Company's shareholders' interest in the Company. L1 requested to convert some but not all L1 Convertible Notes issued in 2021. As at December 31, 2021, L1 Convertible Notes in an aggregate amount of USD 3,500,000 remained unconverted and the remaining amount available for subscription by the Company under the L1 Facility is USD 5,000,000, therefore, as at December 31, 2021, the estimated maximum number of Class B Shares deliverable under the L1 Facility is 12,435,057 Class B Shares at a conversion price of, respectively, CHF 0.718 per Class B Share for the tranches subscribed under the original agreement (calculated based on the closing price of a Class B Share on the SIX on December 30, 2021 of CHF 0.756 discounted by 5%) and CHF 0.68 per Class B Share for the tranches subscribed under the amendment dated September 27, 2021 (calculated based on the closing price of a Class B Share on the SIX on December 30, 2021 of CHF 0.756 discounted by 10%). Note that the actual price at which L1 may convert each tranche under the L1 Facility is subject to change, and, therefore, the number of Class B Shares deliverable to L1 may vary. In connection with the L1 Facility, the Company granted L1 the option to acquire Class B Shares at an exercise price of the higher of (a) 1.5 times the 5-trading day volume-weighted average price of the WISeKey Class B Share ("WIHN Class B Share") on the SIX Swiss Stock Exchange immediately preceding the tranche closing date and (b) CHF 5.00 (the "L1 Warrant Exercise Price"). The number of warrants granted at each tranche subscription is calculated as 25% of the principal amount of each tranche divided by the volume-weighted average price of the trading day immediately preceding the tranche closing date. Each warrant agreement has a 3-year exercise period starting on the relevant subscription date. As at December 31, 2021, a total of 3,078,963 warrants (the "L1 Warrants") for the acquisition of an equal number of Class B Shares. As a result, the maximum total number of Class B Shares that are issuable under the L1 Warrants as at December 31, 2021 is 3,078,963 Class B Shares. The L1 Warrants may be exercised by L1 at any time until the third anniversary of their respective grant at the L1 Warrant Exercise Price. Should the remaining amount available for subscription by the Company under the L1 Facility of USD 5,000,000 be subscribed for, the estimated maximum number of warrants deliverable under the L1 Facility is 1,507,606 for the acquisition of an equal number of Class B Shares. As a result, assuming the L1 Facility is fully subscribed for, the maximum total number of Class B Shares that are issuable under the L1 Facility as at December 31, 2021 is 4,586,569 Class B Shares (the "Total L1 Warrants"). The Class B Shares issuable to L1 in connection with the Total L1 Warrants would be issued out of the Company's conditional share capital or authorized share capital without triggering the pre-emptive rights of the existing shareholders of the Company. The exercise of the Total L1 Warrants will dilute the Company's shareholders' interests in the Company. Note that the actual volume-weighted average price of the trading day immediately preceding the subscription date at each subscription used to calculate the number of warrants granted to L1 is subject to change, and, therefore, the number of Class B Shares deliverable to L1 may vary. On 29 June 2021, WISeKey entered into an Agreement for the Subscription of up to $22M Convertible Notes (the "Anson Facility") with Anson Investments Master Fund LP ("Anson"), as amended on September 27, 2021, pursuant to which Anson committed to grant loans, in several tranches and in the form of convertible notes (the "Anson Convertible Notes"), to WISeKey up to a maximum amount of USD 22,000,000, subject to certain conditions, over a period of 24 months. The Anson Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum ("Anson Interest"). Subject to a cash redemption right of WISeKey, the Anson Convertible Notes are mandatorily convertible into Class B Shares within a period of 24 months from issuance of the respective Anson Convertible Notes (the "Anson Conversion Period"), extendable under certain conditions by a maximum of 6 months (the "Anson Maximum Conversion Period"). Conversion takes place upon request by Anson during the Anson Conversion Period, but in any case no later than at the expiry of the Anson Maximum Conversion Period. The conversion price applied to the principal amount of the Anson Convertible Notes and accrued interest, converted into CHF at the relevant ex-change rate will be the lower of (i) 95% of the lowest volume weighted average price of Class B Shares on the SIX Swiss Ex-change during the five trading days preceding the relevant conversion date and (ii), depending on the tranche, a fixed conversion price ranging from CHF 4 to CHF 7.50, for the tranches subscribed under the original agreement, and 90% of the lowest volume weighted average price of Class B Shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange during the ten trading days preceding the relevant conversion date for the tranches sub-scribed under the amendment dated September 27, 2021. WISeKey made several loan subscriptions in 2021 under the Anson Facility and the remaining amount available for loans as at December 31, 2021 is USD 5,500,000. In 2021, Anson requested to convert Anson Convertible Notes issued in 2021 for a total amount of USD 9,800,000, resulting in the issuance of 8,228,262 Class B Shares to Anson. The conversion of the subscriptions under the Anson Facility into Class B Shares will dilute the Company's shareholders' interest in the Company. Anson requested to convert some but not all Anson Convertible Notes issued in 2021. As at December 31, 2021, Anson Convertible Notes in an aggregate amount of USD 6,700,000 remained unconverted and the remaining amount available for subscription by the Company under the Anson Facility is USD 5,500,000, therefore, as at December 31, 2021, the estimated maximum number of Class B Shares deliverable under the Anson Facility is 18,088,674 Class B Shares at a conversion price of, respectively, CHF 0.718 per Class B Share for the tranches subscribed under the original agreement (calculated based on the closing price of a Class B Share on the SIX on December 30, 2021 of CHF 0.756 discounted by 5%) and CHF 0.68 per Class B Share for the tranches subscribed under the amendment dated September 27, 2021 (calculated based on the closing price of a Class B Share on the SIX on December 30, 2021 of CHF 0.756 discounted by 10%). Note that the actual price at which Anson may convert each tranche under the Anson Facility is subject to change, and, therefore, the number of Class B Shares deliverable to Anson may vary. In connection with the Anson Facility, the Company granted Anson the option to acquire Class B Shares at an exercise price of the higher of (a) 1.5 times the 5-trading day volume-weighted average price of the WIHN Class B Shares on the SIX Swiss Stock Exchange immediately preceding the tranche closing date and (b) CHF 5.00 (the "Anson Warrant Exercise Price"). The number of warrants granted at each tranche subscription is calculated as 25% of the principal amount of each tranche divided by the volume-weighted average price of the trading day immediately preceding the tranche closing date. Each warrant agreement has a 3-year exercise period starting on the relevant subscription date. As at December 31, 2021, a total of 2,821,922 warrants (the "Anson Warrants") for the acquisition of an equal number of Class B Shares. As a result, the maximum total number of Class B Shares that are issuable under the Anson Warrants as at December 31, 2021 is 2,821,922 Class B Shares. The Anson Warrants may be exercised by Anson at any time until the third anniversary of their respective grant at the Anson Warrant Exercise Price. Should the remaining amount available for subscription by the Company under the Anson Facility of USD 5,500,000 be subscribed for, the estimated maximum number of warrants deliverable under the Anson Facility is 1,658,366 for the acquisition of an equal number of Class B Shares. As a result, assuming the Anson Facility is fully subscribed for, the maximum total number of Class B Shares that are issuable under the Anson Facility as at December 31, 2021 is 4,480,288 Class B Shares (the "Total Anson Warrants"). The Class B Shares issuable to Anson in connection with the Total Anson Warrants would be issued out of the Company's conditional share capital or authorized share capital without triggering the pre-emptive rights of the existing shareholders of the Company. The exercise of the Total Anson Warrants will dilute the Company's shareholders' interests in the Company. Note that the actual volume-weighted average price of the trading day immediately preceding the subscription date at each subscription used to calculate the number of warrants granted to Anson is subject to change, and, therefore, the number of Class B Shares deliverable to Anson may vary.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
    As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance standards.

    As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to, and we are relying on exemptions from certain NASDAQ corporate governance standards applicable to domestic U.S. issuers. This may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares and the ADSs. We are exempted from certain corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ by virtue of being a foreign private issuer. We are required to provide a brief description of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the corporate governance practices required to be followed by domestic U.S. companies listed on NASDAQ. The standards applicable to us are considerably different than the standards applied to domestic U.S. issuers. For instance, we are not required to: - have a majority of the board be independent (although all of the members of the audit committee must be independent under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the "Exchange Act");- have a compensation committee or a nominating or corporate governance committee consisting entirely of independent directors; or - have regularly scheduled executive sessions with only independent directors. We have relied on and intend to continue to rely on some of these exemptions. As a result, you may not be provided with the benefits of certain corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
    As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain disclosure requirements under the Exchange Act, which may afford less protection to our shareholders and ADS holders than they would enjoy if we were a domestic U.S. company.

    As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from, among other things, the rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements under the Exchange Act. In addition, our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit and recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We are also not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as domestic U.S. companies with securities registered under the Exchange Act. As a result, our shareholders and ADS holders may be afforded less protection than they would under the Exchange Act rules applicable to domestic U.S. companies.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
    We may lose our foreign private issuer status, which would then require us to comply with the Exchange Act's domestic reporting regime and cause us to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses.

    As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to comply with all of the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. In order to maintain our current status as a foreign private issuer, either (a) a majority of our common shares must be either directly or indirectly owned of record by non-residents of the United States or (b)(i) a majority of our executive officers or directors may not be United States citizens or residents, (ii) more than 50 percent of our assets cannot be located in the United States and (iii) our business must be administered principally outside the United States. These criteria are tested annually. If we lost this status, we would be required to comply with the Exchange Act reporting and other requirements applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, which are more detailed and extensive than the requirements for foreign private issuers. We may also be required to make changes in our corporate governance practices in accordance with various SEC and stock exchange rules. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws if we are required to comply with the reporting requirements applicable to a U.S. domestic issuer may be significantly higher than the cost we would incur as a foreign private issuer. As a result, we expect that a loss of foreign private issuer status would increase our legal and financial compliance costs and would make some activities highly time-consuming and costly. We also expect that if we were required to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, it would make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These rules and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
    We are an "emerging growth company", and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make the ADSs less attractive to investors and, as a result, adversely affect the price of the ADSs and result in a less active trading market for the ADSs.

    We are an "emerging growth company" as defined in the U.S. Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. For example, we have elected to rely on an exemption from the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act relating to internal control over financial reporting, and we will not provide such an attestation from our auditors. We may avail ourselves of these disclosure exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We cannot predict whether investors will find the ADSs less attractive because of our reliance on some or all of these exemptions. If investors find the ADSs less attractive, it may adversely affect the price of the ADSs and there may be a less active trading market for the ADSs. We will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of: - the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of USD 1,070,000,000 (as such amount is indexed for inflation every five years by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC) or more;- the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our first sale of common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act;- the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than USD 1,070,000,000 in non-convertible debt; or - the date on which we are deemed to be a "large accelerated filer", as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our ordinary shares and ADSs that are held by non-affiliates exceeds USD 700,000,000 as of the last day of our most recently-completed second fiscal quarter. In addition, under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. Depending on the circumstances, we may or may not take advantage of the extended transition period under Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards and therefore our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
    ADS holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit agreement, which could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiffs in any such action.

    The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our Class B Shares provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, ADSs holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our Class B Shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws. The waiver to right to a jury trial of the deposit agreement is not intended to be deemed a waiver by any holder or beneficial owner of ADSs of our or the depositary's compliance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. If we or the depositary oppose a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with the applicable state and federal law. The enforceability of a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver in connection with claims arising under the federal securities laws has not been finally adjudicated by the United States Supreme Court. However, we believe that a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision is generally enforceable, including under the laws of the State of New York, which govern the deposit agreement. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a jury trial. We believe that this is the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs. It is advisable that you consult legal counsel regarding the jury waiver provision before investing in the ADSs. If you or any other holders or beneficial owners of ADSs bring a claim against us or the depositary in connection with matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under federal securities laws, you or such other holder or beneficial owner may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims, which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us and/or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us and/or the depositary under the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different outcome than a trial by jury would have had, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiffs in any such action. Nevertheless, if this jury trial waiver is not permitted by applicable law, an action could proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement with a jury trial. No condition, stipulation or provision of the deposit agreement or our ADSs serves as a waiver by any holder or beneficial owner of ADSs or by us or the depositary of compliance with any provision of the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
    Your voting rights as a holder of our ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement.

    You may exercise your voting rights with respect to the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Upon receipt of voting instructions from you in the manner set forth in the deposit agreement, the depositary for our ADSs will endeavor to vote your underlying ordinary shares in accordance with these instructions. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders' meeting to permit you to withdraw your ordinary shares to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter at the meeting. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner. We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but you may not receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your shares. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
    The depositary for our ADSs will give a discretionary proxy to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not give timely voting instructions, except in limited circumstances, which could adversely affect your interests.

    Under the deposit agreement for our ADSs, the depositary will, to the extent permitted under applicable law, give a discretionary proxy to the independent proxy holder elected by the Company's shareholders to exercise the voting rights of the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs at shareholders' meetings if you do not give voting instructions to the depositary, unless: - we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given;- we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting; or - a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders. The effect of this discretionary proxy is that, if you fail to give voting instructions to the depositary, you cannot prevent the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted, absent the situations described above, and it may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence our management.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12
    We are subject to anti-takeover provisions.

    Our Articles and Swiss law contain provisions that could prevent or delay an acquisition of the Company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions may also adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Class B Shares and our ADSs. These provisions provide, among other things: - an opting-out from the obligation of an acquirer of Shares to make a public offer pursuant to article 135 and 163 of the Swiss Financial Market Infrastructure Act, including its implementing directives, circulars and other regulations (the "FMIA");- that the share capital is divided into different classes of shares, of which only Class B Shares are listed on the SIX, whereas Class A Shares are not listed and tradable;- that the Board is currently authorized, at any time until May 25, 2023, to issue up to 6,141,701 new Class B Shares and to limit or withdraw the pre-emptive rights of existing shareholders in various circumstances;- that any shareholder who is entitled to propose any business or to nominate a person or persons for election as member of the Board at an annual meeting may only do so if advance notice is given to the Company;- that a merger or demerger transaction requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of voting rights and an absolute majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented (in person or by proxy) at the general meeting of shareholders and the possibility of a so-called "cash-out" or "squeeze-out" merger if the acquirer controls 90% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at a general meeting of shareholders; and - that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of shares must be taken at a duly called annual or extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of the Company.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13
    Each Class A Share and each Class B Share has one vote despite the difference in par value

    Each Class A Share and each Class B Share carries one vote per share but our Class A Shares have a lower par value (CHF 0.01 per share) than our Class B Shares (CHF 0.05 per share). This means that, relative to their respective per share contribution to the Company's capital, the holders of our Class A Shares have a greater relative per share voting power than the holders of our Class B Shares for matters that require approval on the basis of a specified majority of shares present at the shareholders meeting. However, to the extent shareholder resolutions require as the relevant majority standard a majority of the par value of the shares present at the meeting, Class A Shares as a class have less votes than Class B Shares as a class (as the Class B Shares have a par value of CH 0.05 per Class B Share as compared to CH 0.01 per Class A Share). The majority of par value standard for approval of resolutions applies (i) to shareholder resolutions on certain specific matters (see Item 10B - Memorandum and Articles of Association - Dual Voting Rights) and (ii) to the extent that Swiss corporate law requires that a shareholder resolution be adopted with a majority of (A) two-thirds of the voting rights attached to, and (B) the absolute majority of the par value of, the shares, each as represented at the relevant meeting (see also Item 10B - Memorandum and Articles of Association - Voting Requirements). Assuming a total of approximately 128.1 million of our shares are issued (in line with the commercial register of the Canton of Zug as at December 31, 2021), of which approximately 40.0 million are Class A Shares and approximately 88.1 million are Class B Shares, the Class A Shares as a class contribute approximately 8.33% of the aggregate par value of the Company, have 31.24% of the total votes for matters that require approval on the basis of a specified majority of the number of shares present or represented at the shareholders meeting, but 8.33% of the total votes for matters that require approval on the basis of a specified majority of the par value of the shares present at the shareholders meeting. Assuming the same total of approximately 128.1 million of our shares are issued, of which approximately 40.0 million are Class A Shares and approximately 88.1 million are Class B Shares, Class B Shares as a class contribute 91.67% of the aggregate par value of the Company, have 68.76% of the total votes for matters that require approval on the basis of a specified majority of the number of shares present or represented at the shareholders meeting, but 91.67% of the total votes for matters that require approval on the basis of a specified majority of the par value of the shares present at the shareholders meeting.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 14
    You may not receive distributions on our Class B Shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you as an ADS holder.

    The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian for the Class B Shares represented by ADSs after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of our Class B Shares that your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible for making such payments or distributions if it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary is not responsible for making a distribution available to any holders of ADSs if any government approval or registration required for such distribution cannot be obtained after reasonable efforts made by the depositary. We have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of our ADSs, Class B Shares, rights or anything else to holders of our ADSs. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our Class B Shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you as an ADS holder. These restrictions may reduce the value of your ADSs.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 15
    The rights accruing to holders of our shares may differ from the rights typically accruing to shareholders of a U.S. corporation.

    We are organized under the laws of Switzerland. The rights of holders of Class B Shares and, therefore, certain of the rights of ADSs, are governed by the laws of Switzerland and by our Articles of Association. These rights differ in certain respects from the rights of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. See the sections entitled "Description of Share Capital and Articles of Association – Differences in Corporate Law" and "Description of Share Capital and Articles of Association – Articles of Association – Other Swiss Law Considerations" for a description of the principal differences between the provisions of Swiss law applicable to us and, for example, the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to shareholders' rights and protections.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 16
    If securities or industry analysts do not publish research, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research, about our business, the price of our ADSs or our Class B Shares and their respective trading volumes could decline.

    The trading market for our ADSs and our Class B Shares depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. Since we have not undertaken an initial public offering of ADSs in connection with the listing of our ADSs on NASDAQ, we do not anticipate that many or any industry analysts in the United States will publish such research and reports in the United States about our Class B Shares or our ADSs. If no or too few securities or industry analysts commence or continue coverage on us, the trading price for our ADSs and our Class B Shares could be affected. If one or more of the analysts who may eventually cover us downgrade our ADSs or our Class B Shares or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the trading price of our ADSs or our Class B Shares would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our ADSs or Class B Shares could decrease, which might cause the price of such securities and their respective trading volumes to decline.

  • Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 17
    If a United States person is treated as owning at least 10% of our shares or ADSs, such holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

    If a U.S. investor owns or is treated as owning (indirectly or constructively) at least 10% of the value or voting power of our shares or ADSs, such investor may be treated as a "United States shareholder" with respect to each "controlled foreign corporation" in our group (if any). Because our group includes a U.S. subsidiary, certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries could be treated as controlled foreign corporations (regardless of whether or not we are treated as a controlled foreign corporation). A United States shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation may be required to report annually and include in its U.S. taxable income its pro rata share of "Subpart F income," "global intangible low-taxed income," and investments in U.S. property by controlled foreign corporations, regardless of whether we make any distributions. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations may subject a United States shareholder to significant monetary penalties and may prevent the statute of limitations with respect to such shareholder's U.S. federal income tax return for the year for which reporting was due from starting. We cannot provide any assurances that we will assist investors in determining whether any of our non-U.S. subsidiaries is treated as a controlled foreign corporation or whether any investor is treated as a United States shareholder with respect to any such controlled foreign corporation or furnish to any United States shareholders information that may be necessary to comply with the aforementioned reporting and tax paying obligations. A United States investor should consult its advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to an investment in our ADSs.

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.