Risk categories and factors

Taking risks is an inherent part of entrepreneurial behavior. A structured risk management process encourages management to take risks in a controlled manner. In order to provide a comprehensive view of Philips business activities, risks are identified in a structured way combining elements of a top-down and bottom-up approach. Risks are reported on a regular basis as part of the ‘Business Performance Management’ process. All relevant risks and opportunities are prioritized in terms of impact and likelihood, considering quantitative and/or qualitative aspects. The bottom-up identification and prioritization process is supported by workshops with the respective management at Sector and Corporate Function level. This top-down element ensures that potential new risks and opportunities are discussed on management level and are included in the subsequent reporting process, if found to be applicable. Reported risks and opportunities are analyzed regarding potential cumulative effects and are aggregated on Sector, Cross-Sector/Region and Corporate level. Philips has a structured risk management process to address different risk categories: Strategic, Operational, Compliance and Financial risks.

Strategic risks are threats and opportunities that influence Philips’ strategic ambitions. Operational risks include adverse unexpected developments resulting from internal processes, people and systems, or from external events that are linked to the actual running of each business (examples are solution and product creation, and supply chain management). Compliance risks cover unanticipated failures to enact, or comply with, appropriate policies and procedures. Within the area of Financial risks, Philips identifies risks related to Treasury, Accounting and reporting, Pensions and Tax.

Philips describes the risk factors within each risk category in order of Philips’ current view of expected significance, to give stakeholders an insight into which risks it considers more prominent than others at present. Describing risk factors in their order of expected significance within each risk category does not mean that a lower listed risk factor may not have a material and adverse impact on Philips’ business, strategic objectives, revenues, income, assets, liquidity or capital resources. Furthermore, a risk factor described after other risk factors may ultimately prove to have more significant adverse consequences than those other risk factors. Over time Philips may change its view as to the relative significance of each risk factor. Philips does not classify the risk categories themselves in order of importance.