Professional services firm BDO Seidman, LLP, released a report last week on risks associated with tech companies in the U.S. Strong competition. Changes to federal, state and local regulations were seen as the most common risk factors. More interesting, major technology companies cited risks associated with international operations more frequently than risks related to U.S. general economic conditions.

 

The top 10 Risk Factors of the 100 Largest U.S. Technology Companies were found to be:

 

1. Competition and consolidation in technology sector (92%)
2. Changes to Federal, State and Local regulations, including tax (87%)
3. Management of current and future M&A or divestitures (86%)
4. Risks associated with international operations (85%)
5. Inability to develop or market new products/services (84%)   
6. Intellectual property infringement (84%)
7. U.S. general economic conditions (73%)
8. Inability to attract or retain personnel, including management (72%)
9. Pressures on pricing, margins and cost cutting (71%)
10. Legal proceedings (70%)

(Source: RM Magazine)