Least Risky Industries in the US in 2020

1. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Manufacturing

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.40

The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Manufacturing industry has experienced robust growth over the past five years. During the five-year period, industry revenue is expected to surge at an annualized rate of 11.0% to $524.4 million. First developed in the 1960s, AUVs are underwater vessels programmed to perform a set task; AUVs can travel independently with their own power source. The industry generates the majority of its revenue from military and security markets for surveillance, reconnaissance, mine countermeasures and antisubmarine warfare. Many AUVs are largely still developmental products, and the US military's focus on the product is indicative of future commercial... Learn More

2. Online Beer, Wine & Liquor Sales

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.43

Revenue for the Online Beer, Wine and Liquor Sales industry has skyrocketed over the five years to 2019, due in part to the expansion in households with internet connections. The number of broadband connections has increased at an annualized rate of 6.2% over the past five years, creating a robust potential customer base for the industry. Furthermore, according to Nielsen's Global Connected Commerce Study, 8.0% of online consumers in the United States browsed and purchased alcoholic beverages online in 2016 (latest data available), bolstering industry revenue. Moreover, the emergence of more time-strapped amateur wine connoisseurs and individuals interested in mixology... Learn More

3. Residential Senior Care Franchises

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.57

The Residential Senior Care Franchises industry has experienced strong growth over the five years to 2019. The industry, which provides residential and personal-care services for elderly individuals that are unable to fully care for themselves, has boomed on account of the aging population and the growing need for dementia care for seniors with memory impairment. As a result, IBISWorld expects industry revenue to grow at an annualized rate of 10.5% to $4.3 billion over the five years to 2019, including anticipated growth of 11.2% in 2019 alone.

Demographic trends have underpinned growing demand for residential senior care franchises, with the number... Learn More

4. Space Vehicle & Missile Manufacturing in the US

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.61

The Space Vehicle and Missile Manufacturing industry has been volatile over the five years to 2019. Industry players develop and manufacture missiles, rockets, spacecraft and related equipment and components. Since the US government, particularly the Department of Defense (DoD), accounts for the majority of spending on missile and space products and programs, industry performance is highly correlated with government spending levels. Consequently, when Congress attempted to rein in spending, funding for industry products dropped. However, an elevated level of missile exports compared with performance during the previous five-year period helped industry players offset weaker demand at home. Moreover, recent US... Learn More

5. Ship Building in the US

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.66

Over the five years to 2019, the Ship Building industry, made up of operators that design, build and repair ships and other vessels for both the defense and commercial sectors, encountered rough seas as demand fluctuated. The industry maintained some stability as long project lead times for ships and consistent demand for military ships from the US Navy kept shipyards busy. The US Navy, which accounts for the majority of revenue, only buys ships from domestic shipyards, which guarantees industry players access to the largest military ship market in the world. However, government spending cuts, including to the defense budget,... Learn More

6. Tax Preparation Software Developers

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.70

The Tax Preparation Software Developers industry is engaged in the provision of software that enables individuals and small businesses to file federal and state tax returns online, often following an automated step-by-step guide. Over the five years to 2019, industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 7.9% to $3.5 billion as the surging use of online and software-based services has increased demand for industry offerings. Operators typically generate a steady flow of revenue due to the necessary nature of filing taxes each year and have experienced rising revenue as consumers become more comfortable using computer programs.... Learn More

7. Online Small Electrical Appliance Sales

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.70

The Online Small Electrical Appliance Sales industry comprises companies that sell electrical appliances online. Industry products include appliances such as vacuums, hair dryers, toasters, blenders and other items that are advertised and purchased online by consumers. Overall, the industry is growing rapidly as more time-strapped and price-sensitive consumers are attracted to the convenience of finding, comparing and purchasing products online. E-commerce as a whole has grown tremendously over the five years to 2019, and this phenomenon has extended to small electronic appliance products. Increased consumer spending and a higher number of internet connections have further contributed to growth. As a... Learn More

8. Online Perfume & Cosmetic Sales

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.79

The Online Perfume and Cosmetic Sales industry has expanded rapidly over the five years to 2019, largely due to shifting consumer purchasing patterns. As more consumers purchase items online, industry demand has increased at a robust annualized rate of 14.3% to $16.2 billion. The growing prevalence of broadband and mobile internet connections has underpinned changing consumer habits by facilitating the ease of online shopping and enabling consumers to quickly compare prices among retailers. At the same time, rising consumer spending has encouraged shoppers to splurge on industry goods and incentivized new companies to join the industry. As a result, industry... Learn More

9. Beer Wholesaling in the US

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.85

Growth for the Beer Wholesaling industry has been hindered by shifting alcohol consumption trends among consumers, particularly millennials. Americans are consuming less beer and opting for alternative alcoholic beverages. However, the industry continues to benefit from laws that prevent the vertical integration of breweries and retailers. After the Prohibition era, nearly every state enacted a three-tier distribution system, requiring three distinct levels within the alcoholic beverage supply chain: producer, distributor and retailer. As a result, beer wholesalers have a protected role, purchasing beer from producers before storing and transporting it to downstream retailers. This permits revenue to remain stable throughout... Learn More

10. Tank & Armored Vehicle Manufacturing in the US

2020 Overall Risk Score: 2.86

Over the five years to 2019, the Tank and Armored Vehicle Manufacturing industry benefited from a strong recovery after taking a direct hit from plummeting demand. Industry players research, develop, manufacture, modify and repair military armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery and tanks. Before the current five-year period, demand for industry products skyrocketed due to the United States' involvement in two wars, which increased demand for industry products. However, as the United States began to scale down combat operations in the Middle East toward the beginning of the five-year period, the defense budget was reduced, sequestration kicked in and spending on industry... Learn More