ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS
OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains and our other publicly available documents may contain, and our officers, directors and other representatives may from time to time make, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our businesses, financial condition and results of operations, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are discussed or identified in our public filings made with the SEC, including in this "Risk Factors" discussion. Any forward-looking statements made by us in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on which the statement is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Reference to this cautionary statement (the "Cautionary Statement") in the context of a forward-looking statement shall be deemed to be a statement that any one or more of the following factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statement.
The following risk factors are in addition to any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or referred to in connection with any particular forward-looking statement. The following risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently view to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related to Operating Our Business
Our revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by changes in commodity prices.
Our revenues, results of operations and cash flows are affected by market prices for commodities such as crude oil, natural gas, ethanol, fertilizer, grain, oilseed, flour, and crude and refined vegetable oils. Commodity prices generally are affected by a wide range of factors beyond our control, including weather, plant disease, insect damage, drought, availability and adequacy of supply, availability of reliable rail and river transportation networks, industry labor availability, outbreaks of disease, inflation, increased or fluctuating tariffs, government regulation and policies, global trade disputes, international conflicts and general political and economic conditions. We are also exposed to fluctuating commodity prices as the result of our inventories of commodities, typically grain, fertilizer and petroleum products, and purchase and sale contracts at fixed or partially fixed prices. At any time, our inventory levels and unfulfilled fixed or partially fixed price contract obligations may be substantial. We have processes in place to monitor exposures to these risks and engage in strategies, such as hedging, to manage these risks. If these controls and strategies are not successful in mitigating our exposure to these fluctuations, we could be materially and affected. For example, fluctuations in commodity prices may result in significant noncash being incurred on our commodity-based derivatives, which may in turn materially and affect our operating results. In addition, changes in market prices for commodities that we purchase without a corresponding change in the selling prices of those products can affect revenues and operating earnings. Similarly, increased or decreased sales volumes without a corresponding change in the purchase and/or selling prices of those products can affect revenues and operating earnings.
In our energy operations, profitability depends largely on the margin between the cost of crude oil that we refine and the selling prices we obtain for our refined products. The prices for crude oil and for gasoline, diesel fuel and other refined petroleum products fluctuate widely. Factors influencing these prices, many of which are beyond our control, include:
• levels of worldwide and domestic supplies;
• capacities of domestic and foreign refineries;
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• ability of members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC") and other countries that are significant producers of oil to agree to and maintain oil price and production controls, and the price and level of imports;
• disruption in supply;
• political instability or conflict in oil-producing regions;
• levels of energy conservation efforts;
• level of demand from consumers, agricultural producers and other customers;
• price and availability of alternative fuels;
• availability of pipeline capacity; and
• domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes.
Many of these factors have resulted in significant volatility in crude oil, refined petroleum products and natural gas supplies and prices. We expect that volatility to continue in fiscal 2026. The long-term effects of this volatility and other conditions on the prices of crude oil, refined petroleum products and natural gas are uncertain and ever-changing. Increases in crude oil prices without a corresponding increase in the prices of our refined petroleum products, and decreases in crude oil prices with larger corresponding decreases in the prices of our refined petroleum products, would reduce our net income. Accordingly, we expect our margins and the profitability of our energy business to fluctuate, possibly significantly, over time. Our renewable fuels business produces ethanol, which is closely related to, or may be substituted for, petroleum products, and may be blended into gasoline to increase octane content. Therefore, the selling price of ethanol can be impacted by the selling prices of gasoline, diesel fuel and other octane enhancers. A significant decrease in the price of gasoline, diesel fuel or other octane enhancers could result in a significant decrease in the selling price of ethanol, which could adversely affect our revenues and operating earnings. In addition, we expect the volume of renewable fuels produced by our competitors to increase going forward. As the market for renewable fuels becomes more competitive, or if there are changes in the regulations, policies or standards affecting the demand for renewable fuels, our renewable fuels business may experience increased in product margins, which could affect our operating earnings.
We are subject to political, economic, legal and other risks of doing business globally.
We are a global business and are exposed to risks associated with having global operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks relating to terrorism, war or civil unrest; changes in a country's or region's social, economic or political conditions; changes in local labor conditions and regulations; changes in safety and environmental regulations; changes in regulatory or legal environments; expropriation or impoundment of assets; restrictions on currency exchange activities and currency exchange fluctuations; price and export controls or bans on commodities; taxes; doing business in countries or regions with inadequate infrastructure; and logistics challenges. In addition, some countries where we operate lack well-developed legal systems or have not adopted clear legal and regulatory frameworks. This lack of legal certainty exposes our operations to increased risks, including increased difficulty in enforcing our agreements in those jurisdictions and increased risk of adverse actions by local government authorities, such as unilateral or , modification or of existing agreements or .
Ongoing wars and global conflicts may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, the Red Sea and other regions have resulted in significant uncertainty and instability in the global commodities markets, including agricultural commodities and crude oil. In response to the invasion of Ukraine, the United States and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization ("NATO") member states, as well as nonmember states, announced economic sanctions targeting Russia and certain Russian citizens and enterprises, including several large banks. Continuation of escalation could lead to additional economic and other sanctions imposed by the United States, NATO member states and other countries. Although we do not maintain operations in Russia, sanctions have caused inflationary pressures and impacted our ability to purchase fertilizer in the global market and put us at increased risk of inadvertently trading with a sanctioned partner.
Global conflicts also increase the risk of cybersecurity incidents. It is possible that these attacks could have collateral effects on additional critical infrastructure and financial institutions globally, which could adversely affect our operations. Proliferation of malware from the war into systems unrelated to the war, or cyberattacks against U.S. companies in retaliation for U.S. sanctions or involvement in global conflicts could adversely affect our operations and heighten the risk of cyberattacks against the U.S. and global companies and infrastructure.
In addition, these global conflicts could also draw military or other intervention from additional countries and/or additional sanctions imposed by governments that restrict business with specific persons, organizations or countries with respect to certain products or services. If such escalation should occur or such sanctions are imposed, supply chains, trade
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routes and markets currently served by us could be adversely affected, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business operations and financial performance. Furthermore, the actions undertaken by various nations in response to these conflicts have had, and may continue to have, adverse impacts on global financial markets.
We may also experience negative reactions from our members, shareholders, lenders, employees, customers or other stakeholders as a result of our action or inaction related to global conflicts. Even if the wars and global conflicts moderate or resolutions are reached, we expect that we will continue to experience ongoing financial and operational impacts resulting from these conflicts for the foreseeable future. Additionally, certain of the economic and other sanctions imposed, or that may be imposed, against participants in the wars and global conflicts and their citizens and enterprises may continue for a period of time after any resolution has been reached.
Our business and operations and demand for our products are highly dependent on certain global and regional factors that are outside our control and could adversely impact our business.
Demand for our products is affected by global and regional demographics and macroeconomic conditions, including population growth rates and changes in standards of living. A significant downturn in global economic growth or recessionary conditions in major geographic regions may lead to reduced demand for our products and services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects. Weak global economic conditions and adverse conditions in financial and capital markets may adversely impact the financial condition and liquidity of some of our customers, suppliers, the financial institutions that serve as our lenders and other counterparties, which could have a material adverse effect on our customers' abilities to pay for our products and on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.
The economic health of the agricultural industry is influenced by numerous factors, including farm income levels. Farm income is influenced by numerous factors outside our control, including commodity prices, crop yields, input costs, farmland values, government policies and subsidies, debt and financing costs, and weather and climate conditions. Declines in farm income, including those experienced recently as a result of trade policy or other global and regulatory factors, can reduce producers’ cash flows, pressure farmland values, and limit investment in equipment and related products. Downturns in the agricultural industry of this nature have in the past resulted in, and may in the future result in, our members exiting their farming and other agricultural business activities, which could in the future materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, planted acreage and consequently the volume of crop nutrient and crop protection products applied, is partially dependent on government programs, grain prices and the perception held by producers of demand for production, all of which are outside our control. Moreover, our business and operations may be affected by fluctuations in freight and logistics costs, disruptions in supply channels between parties and locations that include our suppliers, production and storage facilities, tolling and packaging partners, distributors and customers, and weather conditions, including those due to climate change, that are outside our control. The following are examples of factors that could impact our businesses.
• Weather conditions during the spring planting season and early summer crop nutrient and crop protection application season affect agronomy product volumes and profitability.
• Adverse weather conditions, such as drought, heavy snowfall or rainfall and any flooding that results, may cause transportation delays and increased transportation costs or damage physical assets, especially facilities in low-lying areas near coasts and riverbanks or situated in hurricane-prone and/or rain-susceptible regions.
• Changes in weather patterns may shift periods of demand for products or regions in which our products are produced or distributed, which could require us to revise our procurement and distribution processes.
• Significant changes in water levels (up or down, as a result of flooding, drought or otherwise), including recent low water levels in the U.S. river system and in the Panama Canal (which have delayed shipping in these locations resulting in an increase in shipping costs), may cause changes in agricultural activity, which could require changes to our operating and distribution activities, as well as significant capital improvements to our facilities.
• Climate change may cause changes in weather patterns and conditions, including changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changes in sea levels and changes in temperature levels, all of which could adversely impact our costs and business operations; the location, cost and competitiveness of commodity agricultural production; related storage and processing facilities; dock availability; and demand for agricultural commodities, and may result in incidents of stranded physical assets. The frequency and severity of the effects of climate change and changes in weather patterns have been increasing. These effects could significantly reduce demand for the products we sell to or buy from agricultural producers and local cooperatives, and therefore could adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.
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• We may experience increased insurance premiums and deductibles or decreases in available coverage for our assets in areas subject to adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, there will likely be increased strains on and risks to the integrity, reliability and resilience of electrical grids and increased volatility and tightness in natural gas and electricity supplies across the world. These events could negatively affect the cost, reliability, and availability of our natural gas and electricity supplies and may cause sporadic outages disrupting our operations. Growing electrification and rapidly developing and increasing technology use (such as artificial intelligence, computer processing, cryptocurrency mining, cloud storage, data centers and power supplies required to support these activities) will also likely increase the intermittency and decrease the reliability of electricity supplies, particularly for grids highly dependent upon wind and solar power, which would exacerbate the foregoing challenges. Emerging sustainability, new regulations and other environmental priorities outside our control could also affect agricultural practices and future demand for agronomy products applied to crops and the volume of any such application. These priorities could also impact demand for our grain and energy products, and may require us to incur additional costs for increased due diligence and reporting. Accordingly, factors outside our control could materially and affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flows.
Inflation may result in increased costs, which could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.
We have experienced and anticipate continued effects of inflation on costs such as labor, freight, natural gas and materials. In response to global inflationary pressures, the U.S. Federal Reserve and foreign equivalents have maintained higher interest rates, which has resulted in continued uncertainty and volatility in global financial markets and increased borrowing costs under certain of our credit facilities. Inflation and its impacts, many of which are beyond our control, could escalate in the future. To mitigate commodity cost increases, we have implemented various strategies that include, among other things, entering into contracted pricing with certain vendors, procuring commodities in periods of favorable market conditions and entering into various derivative instruments. These actions may, in part, mitigate these increased costs, but even by increasing our product prices and passing some or all of our increased costs to customers or implementing cost saving efforts, we may not be able to fully offset these increased costs. Additionally, increased prices may not be sustainable over time and may result in reduced sales volumes. Accordingly, inflationary pressures could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations. There can be no guarantee that our efforts to mitigate commodity cost increases due to inflationary pressures will be or, if they are , that they will have a material impact on maintaining or reducing costs.
We participate in highly competitive business markets and we may not be able to continue to compete successfully, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
We operate in highly competitive business segments and our competitors may succeed in developing new or enhanced products that are better than ours, may be more successful in marketing and selling their products than we are, or may have more effective supply chain capabilities than we have. Competitive factors include price, service level, proximity to markets, access to transportation, product quality, marketing and risk management. In particular, competitive pressures may restrict our ability to increase prices and maintain those price increases, including price increases made in response to commodity and other cost increases. We may experience delays between the time that we take inflation-related pricing actions and the time that we realize the impact of those actions on our margins and results of operations. In our business segments, we compete with companies that are larger and better known than we are and have greater marketing, financial, personnel and other resources than we do. For example, in conjunction with the recent increase in demand for renewable diesel feedstocks, we have experienced added competition for soybean oil refining capacity from traditional petroleum companies. As a result, we may not be to continue to compete , which could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.
Our revenues, margins, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected if our members were to do business with other companies rather than with us.
We do not have an exclusive relationship with our members, and our members are not obligated to supply us with their products or purchase products from us. Our members often have a variety of distribution outlets and product sources available to them. If our members were to sell their products to other purchasers or purchase products from other sellers, our revenues, margins, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
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If our customers choose alternatives to our refined petroleum products, our revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
Numerous energy sources could serve as alternatives to our gasoline, diesel fuel and other refined petroleum products. If any of these alternative products become more economically viable or preferable to our customers for environmental or other reasons, demand for our energy products would decline. In addition, many governments have imposed, and in the future may impose, policies and regulations aimed at decreasing reliance on petroleum-based products, which could reduce demand for our energy products. In addition, a number of companies have announced their intention to phase out production of gasoline- and diesel-powered light-duty vehicles by the mid-2030s. While these phaseouts primarily impact light-duty vehicles outside our primary markets, they are expected to accelerate the decline in demand for gasoline, diesel fuel and other refined petroleum products. Declining demand for our energy products, particularly diesel fuel sold for farming and other heavy-duty equipment applications, could materially and adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flows.
Consolidation among producers of products we purchase and customers for products we sell could materially and adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flows.
Consolidation has occurred among the producers and manufacturers of products we sell and purchase, including crude oil, crop nutrients and grain, and it is highly likely this consolidation will continue in the future. Consolidation could allow producers to negotiate pricing, supply availability and other contract terms that are less favorable to us. In addition, consolidation may increase the likelihood that consumers or end users of these products enter into supply relationships with a smaller number of producers, resulting in potentially higher prices for the products we purchase.
Consolidation has occurred among member cooperatives that are the primary wholesale customers of our products, which has resulted in a smaller wholesale and retail customer base for our products and has intensified the competition for these customers. It is highly likely this consolidation will continue in the future. Ongoing consolidation among distributors and brokers of food products and food retailers has altered the buying patterns of those businesses, as they have increasingly elected to work with product suppliers who can meet their needs nationwide or globally, rather than just regionally or locally. If these cooperatives, distributors, brokers and retailers elect to not purchase our products, our revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
In seed, crop nutrient and crop protection markets, consolidation at both the producer and wholesale customer levels has increased potential for direct sales from input manufacturers to cooperative customers and/or individual agricultural producers, which would remove us from the supply chain and could have a material and adverse effect on our revenues, results of operations and cash flows.
We are exposed to risk of nonperformance and nonpayment by counterparties.
We are exposed to risk of nonperformance and nonpayment by counterparties, whether pursuant to contracts or otherwise. Risk of nonperformance and nonpayment by counterparties includes the inability or refusal of a counterparty to pay us; the inability or refusal to perform because of a counterparty's financial condition and liquidity, operational failures, labor issues, cybersecurity events, outbreaks of disease or for any other reason; and risk that the counterparty will refuse to perform a contract during a period of price fluctuations where contract prices are significantly different than current market prices. In the event we experience significant nonperformance or nonpayment by counterparties, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. For example, we store inventory in third-party warehouses, and the operators of these warehouses may not store or secure our inventory, or they may sell that inventory to someone else, which could us to of the value of that inventory. In the event we experience any such by a third-party warehouse operator, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and affected. As another example, if any of our counterparties experience a cybersecurity or system or does not respond or perform effectively in connection with such cybersecurity or system , their businesses could be impacted, and it may result in to our supply chain or distribution channels, which could have a material effect on our business.
Our business, profitability and liquidity may be adversely affected by deterioration in the credit quality of, or defaults by, third parties who owe us money.
We extend credit to, make loans to and engage in other financing arrangements with individual producers, local cooperatives and other third parties around the world. We incur credit risk and the risk of losses if our borrowers and others to which we extend credit do not repay their loans or perform their obligations to pay us the money they owe. These parties may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or for other reasons. If these
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counterparties do not pay us back and we experience significant defaults on their payment obligations to us, our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
We are also subject to the risk that our rights against borrowers and other third parties that owe us money may not be enforceable in all circumstances. For example, a borrower or third-party may declare bankruptcy. In addition, the credit quality of borrowers and other third parties whose obligations we hold could deteriorate due to a number of factors, including deterioration in the value of collateral posted by those parties to secure their obligations to us pursuant to purchase contracts, loan agreements or other contracts. If deterioration occurs, the material adverse effects of third parties not performing their repayment obligations may be exacerbated if the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount owed to us. For example, certain loans and other financing arrangements we undertake with agricultural producers are typically secured by the counterparty's crops planted in the current year. There is a risk that the value of the crop will not be sufficient to satisfy the counterparty's repayment obligations under the financing arrangement as a result of weather; crop-growing conditions; other factors that influence the price, supply and demand for agricultural commodities; or for other reasons.
In addition, disputes may arise as to the amount of collateral we are entitled to receive and the value of pledged assets. Termination of contracts and foreclosure on collateral may subject us to claims for improper exercise of our rights. Default rates, downgrades and disputes with counterparties as to the valuation of collateral increase significantly in times of market stress and illiquidity.
With respect to our lending activity, we evaluate the collectability of commercial and producer loans on a specific identification basis based on the amount and quality of the collateral obtained and record specific loan loss reserves when appropriate. Consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"), we maintain a general reserve based on our best estimate of expected credit losses. For other forms of credit, we establish reserves as appropriate and consistent with U.S. GAAP. The reserves represent our best estimate based on current facts and circumstances. Future developments or changes in assumptions may cause us to record adjustments to the reserves that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our risk management strategies may not be effective.
Our business is affected by fluctuations in commodity prices, transportation costs, energy prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We monitor position limits, accounts receivables and other exposures and engage in other strategies and controls to manage these risks. Our monitoring efforts may not be effective at detecting a significant risk exposure and our controls and strategies may not be effective in adequately managing against occurrence of a significant loss relating to a risk exposure. If our controls and strategies are not successful in mitigating or preventing our financial exposure to losses due to the fluctuations or failures mentioned above, it could significantly and adversely affect our operating results.
Actual or perceived quality, safety or health risks associated with our products could subject us to significant liability and damage our business and reputation.
If any of our food or animal feed products were to become adulterated or misbranded, we may need to recall those items and could experience product liability claims if either consumers or customers' livestock or pets were injured or were claimed to be injured as a result. A widespread product recall or a significant product liability judgment could cause our products to be unavailable for a period of time or could cause a loss of consumer or customer confidence in our products. Even if a product liability claim were unsuccessful or were not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness or injury could adversely affect our business and reputation with existing and potential consumers and customers and our corporate and brand image. The growing use of social and digital media by consumers has increased the speed and extent that information or and opinions can be shared. posts or comments about us, our brands or our products on social or digital media could our brands and reputation. Moreover, product liability or liabilities might not be covered by our insurance or by any rights of indemnity or contribution that we may have others. In addition, general public perceptions regarding the quality, safety or health risks associated with particular food or animal feed products, such as regarding genetically modified crops, could reduce demand and prices for some of the products associated with our businesses. To the extent that consumer preferences evolve away from products produced by CHS or our members for health or other reasons, such as the growing demand for organic food products and products that are sustainably grown and made, including low-carbon grain and oilseed, and we are to develop or procure products that new consumer preferences, there will be decreased demand for our products, which could have a material effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.
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Our operations are subject to business interruptions, casualty losses and supply chain issues. We do not insure against all potential losses and could be seriously harmed by unanticipated liabilities.
Our operations are subject to business interruptions due to unanticipated events such as explosions, fires, other natural disasters, war, terrorism, cyberattacks, industrial accidents, pipeline interruptions, transportation delays, equipment failures, crude oil or refined product spills, adverse weather conditions and labor disputes. The following statements are examples of potential interruptions or losses.
• Our oil refineries and other facilities are potential targets for terrorist attacks that could halt or discontinue production.
• Our inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with unionized workers in our operations could result in strikes or work stoppages.
• Our corporate headquarters, the facilities we own and the inventories we carry could be damaged or destroyed by catastrophic events, adverse weather conditions or contamination.
• Our transportation operations, equipment and services could experience disruptions such as adverse operating conditions on the inland waterway system or on the seas with respect to oceangoing vessels, including risks from piracy and other maritime security threats.
• Someone may accidentally or intentionally introduce malware to our information technology systems or breach our computer systems or other cybersecurity resources.
• Occurrence of a pandemic or epidemic disease could affect a substantial part of our workforce or our customers and interrupt our business operations.
The effects of any of these events could be significant. We maintain insurance coverage against many, but not all, potential losses or liabilities arising from these operating hazards, but uninsured losses or losses above our coverage limits are possible. Uninsured losses and liabilities arising from operating hazards could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, our insurance premiums could increase or insurance coverage may become unavailable to us, particularly if we experience insurable events.
We may also be impacted by supply chain issues, due to factors largely beyond our control, which could escalate in future periods. Any such issues could result in higher costs or operational disruptions, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business and operations have been, and may in the future, be adversely affected by epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks of disease and other adverse public health developments.
Epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks of novel diseases and other adverse public health developments in countries and states where we operate may arise at any time. Such developments could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, restrictions on or disruptions of transportation, port closures or increased border controls or closures, or other impacts on domestic and global supply chains or distribution channels could increase our costs for raw materials and commodity costs, increase demand for raw materials and commodities from competing purchasers, limit our ability to meet customer demand or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations or cash flows. Precautionary measures we may take in the future intended to limit the impact of any epidemic, pandemic, disease outbreak or other public health development, may result in additional costs. In addition, such epidemics, pandemics, disease outbreaks or other public health developments may adversely affect economies and financial markets throughout the world, which may affect our ability to obtain additional financing for our businesses and demand for our products and services. The impact of such developments may also the other risks discussed in this Item 1A, any of which could have a material effect on us.
We are subject to workforce factors that could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Like most companies in the agricultural industry, we are continuously challenged to hire, develop and retain a sufficient number of employees to operate our businesses throughout our operating geographies. We may have difficulty recruiting and retaining employees with adequate qualifications and experience. The challenge of hiring new employees is exacerbated by the rural nature of our business, which provides a smaller pool of skilled employable candidates. A number of other factors may adversely affect the labor force available to us, including socioeconomic and demographic changes, high employment levels, federal unemployment subsidies and other government regulations, unemployment programs and volatility in macroeconomic factors impacting the labor market. Increases in remote work opportunities have also amplified the competition for employees and contractors. To hire new employees, we may be forced to pay higher wages or offer other benefits that might impact our cost of labor. Furthermore, when we hire new employees, lengthy training and orientation periods might be required before they are to necessary productivity levels, and we may be to
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transfer our other employees' institutional knowledge and skills to them or fail to execute on internal succession plans. In addition, a competitive labor market may lead to increased turnover rates within our employee base. Increased employee turnover results in significant time and expense relating to identifying recruiting, hiring, relocating and integrating qualified individuals. High employee turnover of key personnel may further deplete our institutional knowledge base and erode our competitiveness. These or other workforce factors could negatively impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Technological improvements and sustainability initiatives could decrease demand for our agronomy and energy products.
Technological advances in agriculture, as well as sustainability initiatives and practices, could decrease the demand for crop nutrients, energy and other crop input products and services we provide. Genetically engineered seeds that resist disease and insects, or that meet certain nutritional requirements, could affect the demand for our seed, crop nutrients and crop protection products. Demand for fuel we sell could decline as technology allows for more efficient usage of equipment or should alternative energy sources become more viable due to technological advances. Declining demand for our products could materially and adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flows.
Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), including generative AI, advancements are progressing at an unprecedented pace, which brings risks that could subject us to loss through various technical, legal, and opportunistic-related risks.
We continue to advance in the development and integration of AI systems across our operations. AI systems may fail to perform as expected under certain conditions or become vulnerable to adversarial attacks that manipulate the AI’s output. As AI becomes more integrated into our operations, the risks of system failure or malfunction increase, potentially disrupting our business processes. Additionally, use of AI may further expose computer systems to the risk of cyberattacks, and may create the need for rapid modifications to our cybersecurity program.
AI systems rely heavily on vast amounts of data, which could include sensitive personal or proprietary information. If not managed and protected properly, AI systems could become targets for data breaches, exposing critical information to unauthorized access. Additionally, our service providers and vendors are also increasingly using and offering platforms powered by AI. While we advise our employees and contractors to refrain from providing confidential or sensitive information to any AI models or AI-powered platforms and limit our vendors’ processing of any confidential or sensitive information in an AI model, we cannot predict how an AI model will process our data or if it will inadvertently provide our data to a third-party in its outputs. Any input of our confidential or sensitive data into an AI model for development or use purposes could result in inadvertent disclosure of this data at any time to an unknown third-party, which could subject us to litigation or regulatory actions or cause us to breach our contractual obligations. Additionally, datasets can inadvertently introduce bias if the data is not sufficiently diverse or representative to AI-driven decisions that may be or discriminatory, potentially both individuals and our reputation.
We utilize information technology systems to support our business. The ongoing multiyear implementation of an enterprisewide resource planning system, reliance on multiple legacy business systems as well as third-party data management providers and other vendors, security breaches or other disruptions to our information technology systems or assets could interfere with our operations, compromise the security of our customers' or suppliers' information and expose us to liability that could adversely impact our business and reputation.
Our operations rely on certain key information technology ("IT") systems, many of which are legacy in nature or may depend on third-party services to provide critical connections of data, information and services for internal and external users.
Over the past several years, we have been implementing a new enterprise resource planning system ("ERP"), and we expect this ERP implementation to continue for the next several years. This ERP implementation has required and will continue to require significant capital and human resources to deploy. Changes we have experienced in the implementation timeline and scope likely have impacted the capital and operating expense amounts required to complete the implementation, and there can be no assurance that the actual costs for completing the ERP implementation will not exceed our current estimates or that the ERP will not take longer to implement than we currently expect. In addition, potential flaws in implementing the ERP or in the failure of any portion/module of the ERP to meet our needs or provide appropriate controls may pose risks to our ability to operate successfully and efficiently and with an effective system of internal controls.
There may be other challenges and risks to both our aging and current IT systems over time due to any number of causes, such as catastrophic events, availability of resources, power outages, security breaches or social engineering and
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cyberattacks. These challenges and risks could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or penalties, disruption in operations, loss of valuable data, increased costs and damage to our reputation, all of which could adversely affect our business. In addition, IT investments in new technology that could result in greater operational efficiency may further expose our IT systems to the risk of cyberattacks, especially as use of AI increases sophistication and effectiveness of social engineering and cyberattacks.
The third-party data management providers and other vendors we rely on and cloud-based services we utilize may have or may develop security problems or security vulnerabilities which may also affect our systems or data. We cannot guarantee a data security or privacy breach of their systems or other form of cyber-based attack will not occur in the future. The increase in hybrid working situations, where employees, including third-party employees, access technology infrastructure remotely, increases information technology and data security risks. Like many companies, we continue to experience an increase sophisticated attempts by external parties to access and/or disrupt our networks without authorization, such as denial of service attacks, attempted malware infections, scanning activity and phishing e-mails. We and vendors on our behalf monitor our information technology systems on a 24/7 basis in an effort to detect cyberattacks, security breaches or unauthorized access. There is no assurance the measures we have taken to protect our information systems will prevent or limit the impact of a future cybersecurity incident. We may incur significant costs protecting or remediating cyber-based attacks or other cybersecurity and may representational . While we maintain a cybersecurity insurance policy that provides coverage for security , we cannot be certain our coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred, that insurance will continue to be available to us on financially reasonable terms or at all, or that any insurer will not coverage as to any future claim.
In addition, we are subject to laws and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions regarding privacy, data protection and data security, including those related to collection, storage, handling, use, disclosure, transfer and security of personal data. These laws and regulations pose increasingly complex compliance challenges and will require us to incur costs to achieve and maintain compliance; some of those costs may be significant. Any violation of such laws and regulations, including as a result of a security or privacy breach or adoption of emerging technologies, such as AI, could subject us to legal claims, regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Furthermore, the requirement to report material cybersecurity incidents within such a short time frame could mean there will be insufficient time to halt a breach before having to report it, potentially giving hackers an advantage, and to promptly such material as required by law may result in additional financial or regulatory consequences.
Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social and governance practices may expose us to new or additional risks.
Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny from stakeholders related to their environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices and disclosures, including practices and disclosures related to climate change, human capital management, diversity and inclusion, social and community impact, corporate culture and governance standards. At the same time, our stakeholders have evolving, varied and sometimes conflicting expectations regarding many aspects of our business, including our operations and ESG-related matters. If we fail or are perceived to fail, in any number of ESG matters, or to effectively respond to changes in, or new, legal, regulatory or reporting requirements concerning climate change or other sustainability concerns, we may be subject to regulatory fines and penalties, and our reputation may suffer.
If we do not adapt or comply with evolving ESG expectations and standards, which are evolving, or if we are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing focus on ESG issues and opposition to ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, we may suffer reputational damage and our business or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. Conversely, if we comply with evolving stakeholder ESG expectations and standards, doing so could result in higher costs, disruption and diversion of management attention, increased strain on our resources and heightened legal and regulatory risk, and could also threaten our credibility with other stakeholders. This may result in increased scrutiny, protests and negative publicity with respect to our business and operations, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, business and financial performance.
Failures or delays in achieving our strategies or expectations related to climate change and other environmental matters could adversely affect our business, operations and reputation, and increase risk of litigation.
Our ability to achieve any of our strategies or expectations related to climate change and other environmental matters is subject to numerous factors and conditions, many of which are outside our control. Examples of such factors include, but are not limited to, evolving regulatory and other standards, processes and assumptions; the pace of scientific and technological developments; increased costs and the availability of requisite financing; market trends that may alter business opportunities;
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conduct of third-party counterparties; constraint or disruptions to our supply chain; and changes in carbon markets or carbon taxes. We may be required to expend significant resources to achieve these strategies and expectations, which could significantly increase our operational costs. There can be no assurance of the extent to which any of our strategies or expectations will be achieved or that any future investments we make in furtherance of achieving these strategies or expectations will meet customer or investor expectations.
While we continue to take steps toward mitigation of climate risk and impact on climate change, transitioning our business to adapt to and comply with evolving policy, legal, and regulatory changes may impose substantial operational and compliance burdens. As a result, climate change could negatively affect our business and operations. Collecting, measuring and analyzing information relating to such matters can be costly, time-consuming, dependent on third-party cooperation and unreliable. Furthermore, methodologies for measuring, tracking and reporting on such matters continue to change over time, which requires our processes and controls for such data to evolve. Additionally, we may face increased pressure from customers, consumers, investors, activists, lenders and other stakeholders to modify our products or operations away from ingredients or activities that are considered to have greater negative impact on climate change.
Such changes to methodologies or lack of progress and failures or delays in our strategies, whether actual or perceived, in achieving our strategies or expectations related to climate change and other environmental matters could adversely affect our business, operations and reputation, and increase risk of litigation.
Acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures, mergers, divestitures and other nonordinary course-of-business events resulting from portfolio management actions and other evolving business strategies could affect future results.
We monitor our business portfolio and organizational structure and have made and may continue to make acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures, mergers, divestitures and changes to our organizational structure. With respect to acquisitions or mergers, future results will be affected by our ability to identify suitable acquisition or merger candidates, to adequately finance any acquisitions or mergers and to integrate acquired or merged businesses quickly and obtain the anticipated financial returns, including synergies. Our ability to successfully complete a divestiture will depend on, among other things, our ability to identify buyers that are prepared to acquire such assets or businesses on acceptable terms and to adjust and optimize our retained businesses following the divestiture. Additionally, we may fail to consummate proposed acquisitions, mergers, divestitures, joint ventures or strategic alliances after incurring expenses and devoting substantial resources, including management time, to such transactions or foregoing other strategic opportunities.
Several parts of our business, including our nitrogen production business, our foods business and portions of our global grain marketing and wheat milling operations, are operated through joint ventures with third parties where we do not have majority control of the venture. By operating a business through a joint venture, we have less control over business decisions than we have in our subsidiaries and limited liability companies in which we have a controlling interest. In particular, we generally cannot act on major business initiatives in our joint ventures without the consent of the other party or parties in those ventures. Investments in joint ventures may, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present when a third-party is not involved, including the possibility that co-venturers might experience business or financial stresses that impact their ability to effectively operate the joint venture or might become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of the business; in which case the joint venture may be unable to access needed growth capital without funding from us and/or any other remaining co-venturers. Co-venturers may have economic, tax or other business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our policies or objectives. Our co-venturers may take actions that are not within our control and that may our investments in joint ventures to the risk of lower values or returns. between us and co-venturers may result in or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and/or directors from focusing their time and efforts on our day-to-day business. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our co-venturers. Each of these matters could have a material effect on us.
We have made certain assumptions and projections regarding the future of the markets served by our joint venture investments that include projected raw materiality availability and pricing, production costs, market pricing and demand for the joint venture's products. These assumptions were an integral part of the economics used to evaluate these joint venture investment opportunities prior to consummation. To the extent that actual market performance varies from our models, our ability to achieve projected returns on our joint venture investments may be impacted in a materially adverse manner. For example, assumptions we made in connection with our investment in CF Nitrogen may not align with future demand for nitrogen-based products or the cost or availability of natural gas, the primary feedstock utilized for CF Nitrogen's nitrogen-based products. Supply of nitrogen products is affected primarily by available production capacity and operating rates, raw material costs and availability, energy prices, government policies and global trade. Demand for nitrogen products is affected by planted acreage, crop selection and fertilizer application rates, driven by population changes, economic growth, changes in dietary habits and non-food use of crops, such as production of ethanol and other biofuels. Demand also includes industrial uses
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of nitrogen, for example chemical manufacturing and emissions reductants such as diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Many factors affecting supply and demand of global nitrogen products are out of our control and could significantly impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Laws and Regulations
Government policies, mandates, regulations, trade agreements, domestic and foreign trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, and other factors beyond our control could adversely affect our operations and profitability.
Our business is subject to numerous government policies, mandates and regulations that may impact our operations or profitability. For example, those related to genetically modified organisms, traceability standards, sustainable practices, product safety and labeling, and renewable and low-carbon fuels may influence crop planting, production levels and location, trade flows, feedstock availability and competitiveness, volumes and types of imports and exports, and product viability. In our Energy segment, government policies, mandates and regulations designed to stop or impede development or production of petroleum-based products, such as those limiting or banning use of hydraulic fracturing, drilling or oilsands production or restricting the sale of new combustion-engine vehicles, could adversely affect our operations and profitability.
We could be the target of claims of false or deceptive advertising under U.S. federal and state laws, as well as foreign laws, including consumer protection statutes of some states. The food industry has experienced heightened scrutiny and an increasing number of claims related to labeling and marketing practices. Changes in legal or regulatory requirements (such as new food safety requirements and revised nutrition facts labeling, including front-of-pack labeling and serving size regulations) or evolving interpretations of existing legal or regulatory requirements may result in increased compliance costs, capital expenditures and other financial obligations that could adversely affect our business or financial results. If we are found to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations in these areas, we could be subject to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, termination of necessary licenses or permits, or recalls, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have a material effect on our business. The EU deforestation-free regulation ("EUDR"), which is to become in December 2025, will require companies trading in certain commodities, including soybeans, as well as products derived from these commodities, to ensure these commodities and related products do not result from deforestation, forest or of local laws after December 31, 2020, to qualify for sale in the European Union. to comply could have consequences, including civil, administrative and , as well as impacts on our reputation, business, cash flows and results of operations.
In addition, changes in international trade agreements and trade disputes can adversely affect commodity trade flows by limiting or disrupting trade between countries or regions. In many countries around the world, historical free trade relationships are being challenged, and it is unclear what changes, if any, will be made to international trade agreements affecting our operations. Resulting volatility in commodity prices, historical trade flows planting patterns, particularly in the United States and South America, has reduced grain export volumes and increased business uncertainty. Changes in trade policy, withdrawals from or material modifications to relevant international trade agreements and continued uncertainty could depress economic activity and restrict our access to suppliers and customers, and we cannot predict the effects of future trade policies, disputes or agreements on our business. Tariffs and trade restrictions on products that we buy and/or sell could increase the cost of those products or adversely affect market access. These cost increases and market changes could adversely affect demand for our products and reduce margins, which could have a material effect on our business and our earnings. In addition, the U.S. government can prevent or restrict us from doing business in or with other countries, such as the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. government on Russia and certain of its citizens and enterprises in connection with Russia's war with Ukraine. These restrictions and those of other governments could limit our ability to access to business in various countries.
The U.S. government recently implemented changes to its trade policies, including significant tariff increases on imports and potential changes to existing trade agreements, creating a dynamic and uncertain trade environment. Such measures can be adopted with little or no notice, and retaliatory actions by other countries may further increase costs and disrupt global supply chains. Higher tariffs or trade restrictions may raise the cost of inventory and products sold by our customers, vendors, partners, and suppliers, reducing demand, compressing margins, and impairing their financial performance and ability to meet obligations. This, in turn, could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Tariffs or other trade restrictions may lead to continuing uncertainty and volatility in U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. Disruptions and volatility in the financial markets may lead to adverse changes in the availability, terms and cost of capital, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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In particular, the changes in trade policies have had significant impacts on our sales into China. The Chinese government is currently limiting imports through a variety of measures. For example, in May 2025, China’s General Administration of Customers suspended soybean imports from us and certain other U.S. companies in connection with the broader trade policy changes between the U.S. and China. A number of factors could encourage China to increase product capacity utilization or expand exports of nitrogen fertilizers, including changes in Chinese government policy, devaluation of the Chinese renminbi, the relaxation of Chinese environmental standards or decreases in Chinese producers’ underlying costs such as the price of Chinese coal. Any inability to sell our products into China, including soybeans, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in federal income tax laws or in our tax status, or changes to tax rules in jurisdictions in which we operate, could increase our tax liability and reduce our net income significantly.
Current federal income tax laws, regulations and interpretations, including those specific to taxation of cooperatives, provide us certain income tax benefits such as allowing us to exclude income generated through business with or for a member (patronage-sourced income) from our taxable income to the extent it is distributed back to our members. We continue to monitor potential changes to federal income tax laws, regulations or interpretations to evaluate their potential impact on our business, tax position and financial results. The change in administration and regulatory leadership has created additional uncertainty with respect to federal tax policy. The current administration has proposed, and may propose further, changes that could alter, narrow or repeal provisions of federal tax law relevant to cooperatives. These changes, and any administrative or judicial challenges to them or further changes by future administrations, create uncertainty for our business and may affect our ability to receive anticipated tax credits or other benefits, which in turn could reduce the profitability of certain projects and increase our overall tax burden. If in the future, for example, we were to be subject to a corporate alternative minimum tax, or we were not eligible to be taxed as a cooperative, our tax liability would significantly increase and our net income would significantly decrease.
We incur significant costs in complying with applicable laws and regulations. Any failure to comply with these laws and regulations, or to make capital or other investments necessary to comply with these laws and regulations, could expose us to unanticipated expenditures and liabilities.
We are subject to numerous federal, state and local provisions regulating our business and operations. We incur and expect to incur significant capital and operating expenses to comply with these laws and regulations. We may be unable to pass on those expenses to customers without experiencing volume and margin losses. Ongoing changes in financial-market regulation have subjected derivatives users, such as CHS to increased CFTC oversight and compliance obligations, raising operating costs and potential exposure to fines or penalties for noncompliance. In addition, new laws and regulations or shifts in government policy may increase the likelihood of such legal and regulatory developments. If new laws or regulations become applicable to us or our businesses, our compliance costs could increase. Any of the above matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.
We establish reserves for the future cost of known compliance obligations, such as remediation of identified environmental issues. However, these reserves may prove inadequate to meet our actual liability. Moreover, amended, new or more stringent requirements, stricter interpretations of existing requirements or discovery of currently unknown compliance issues may require us to make material expenditures or subject us to liabilities that we currently do not anticipate. Furthermore, our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to administrative penalties and injunctive relief, civil remedies, including fines and injunctions, criminal fines and penalties, and recalls of our products. For example, we regularly maintain hedges to manage price risks associated with our commercial operations. These transactions typically take place on exchanges such as the CME. Our hedging transactions and activities are subject to the rules and regulations of the exchanges we use and governing bodies, including the CME, NYMEX, CBOT, MIAX and CFTC. All exchanges have broad powers to review required records, to and enforce compliance and to punish by entities subject to their jurisdiction. to comply with such rules and regulations could lead to restrictions on our trading activities or subject us to enforcement action by the CFTC or a action by the exchanges, which could lead to substantial or or on our related operations. In addition, any or proceeding by an exchange or the CFTC, whether or , could result in substantial costs, of resources, including management time, and potential to our reputation, all of which could have a material effect on our business financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.
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We are subject to extensive anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-kickback and trade laws and regulations, and any noncompliance with those laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We operate on a global basis and are subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 as amended ("FCPA"). The FCPA and other similar anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws and regulations in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries or agents from making improper payments to government officials or any other persons for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We operate and sell our products in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree, and in certain circumstances strict compliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws and regulations may conflict with local customs and practices. In addition, in certain countries, we engage third-party agents or intermediaries to act on our behalf and/or conduct all or a portion of our operations through joint venture partners, including in those countries with a high risk of . If any of these third parties applicable anti-, anti- or anti- laws or regulations, we may be liable for those . We have policies in place prohibiting employees from making or authorizing payments; we train our employees regarding compliance with anti-, anti- and anti- laws and regulations; and we utilize procedures to identify and mitigate risks of such by our employees, third-party agents, intermediaries and joint venture partners. However, we cannot provide assurances that our employees, third-party agents, intermediaries or joint venture partners will comply with those policies, laws and regulations. If we are found liable for of the FCPA or other similar anti-, anti- or anti- laws or regulations, either due to our own acts or out of inadvertence or due to the acts or inadvertence of others, we could or civil or or other repercussions, including reputational , which could have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Due to the international scope of our operations, we are subject to a complex system of import- and export-related laws and regulations, including U.S. regulations issued by Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Industry and Security, the Office of Antiboycott Compliance, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and the Office of Foreign Assets Control, as well as the counterparts of these agencies in other countries. Any alleged or actual violation of these laws or regulations by us or our employees may subject us to government scrutiny, investigation, and civil and criminal penalties, and may limit our import and export abilities. Furthermore, embargoes and sanctions imposed by the United States and other governments restricting or prohibiting sales to specific persons or countries or based on product classification may expose us to potential criminal or civil sanctions. We cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our operations might be subject or the way existing laws and regulations might be administered or interpreted.
Environmental and energy laws and regulations may result in increased operating costs and capital expenditures, and may have a material and adverse effect on us.
New and current environmental and energy laws and regulations, including relating to alternative energy sources and the risk of global climate change, new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, increased governmental enforcement, or other developments could require us to make additional unforeseen expenditures on technologies and/or other assets to continue our operations or cause unforeseen changes to our operations, either of which could adversely affect us. For example, in December 2015, 195 countries adopted a new international agreement known as the Paris Agreement. U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement and other greenhouse gas (“GHG”) commitments may vary by administration.
Accordingly, future emission reduction targets and other provisions of legislative or regulatory initiatives could be reintroduced by future administrations. In the absence of federal action, states and other jurisdictions may also continue to take legislative or regulatory steps aimed at climate change and minimizing GHG emissions. This creates ongoing uncertainty for our operations, compliance obligations, and potential costs.
In addition, new legislation, regulatory programs, reporting requirements or customer or other stakeholder expectations could require substantial expenditures for installation and operation of systems and equipment or for substantial modifications to existing equipment, as well as increased compliance costs. We are or may be obligated to comply with new climate-related reporting requirements under SEC rules, laws of member states of the European Union implementing the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ("CSRD") and other laws and regulations, which may require us to provide, at least annually, detailed public disclosures about the greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-related effects our activities produce, the climate-related operating and financial risks we face and the strategies we pursue to reduce and adapt to the impacts of climate change. If we fail to compile, assess and report the required operating and accounting information in a timely manner and in accordance with mandatory reporting standards, we could be exposed to fines and other sanctions and sustain harm to our reputation. Pursuant to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the EPA has promulgated the Renewable Fuel
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Standard ("RFS"), which requires refiners to blend renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, with their petroleum fuels or purchase renewable energy credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs"), in lieu of blending. The EPA generally establishes new annual renewable fuel percentage standards for each compliance year, which affects the domestic market for ethanol. In June 2025, the EPA proposed standards for compliance years 2026 and 2027, which as of the date of this Report have not yet been adopted. The proposal includes a sizable increase in renewable fuel percentage standards from those in 2025 and, if implemented as proposed, could result in a significant increase in our compliance costs for these periods. We generate RINs through our blending activities, but we cannot generate enough RINs to meet the needs of our refining capacity, and RINs must be purchased on the open market. In recent years, the price of RINs has been extremely volatile. Continued RIN volatility could have a negative impact on our future refined fuels margins. In addition, certain states have established proposed laws around low-carbon fuel standards that require refiners to sell fuel with carbon intensity values at certain established benchmarks or purchase a sufficient number of credits on the open market to meet the benchmark.
Federal, state and international authorities continue to adopt or propose new environmental, health, safety and climate-related requirements that could materially increase our compliance costs and operational burdens, including emerging contaminant regulation (such as PFAS), more stringent refinery and process safety rules, the EPA’s “Good Neighbor Plan” for ozone emissions, new vehicle and fuel efficiency standards, and expanded reporting obligations under U.S. and EU climate disclosure regimes. At the same time, reductions in staffing or funding at regulatory agencies may delay the review of submissions and re-registrations, further prolonging the time to commercialize products or implement compliance measures. Many of these rules and initiatives are subject to ongoing litigation or could be revised or rescinded by future administrations, creating significant uncertainty. Compliance with these evolving standards could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Environmental liabilities and litigation could have a material adverse effect on us.
Many of our current and former facilities have been in operation for many years. Over that time, we and other operators of those facilities have generated, used, stored and disposed of substances or wastes, including liquid fertilizers, chemicals and fuels stored in underground and aboveground tanks, that are or might be considered hazardous under applicable or future environmental laws. Any past or future actions in violation of applicable environmental laws could subject us to administrative penalties, fines, injunctions or other costs, such as capital expenditures. In addition, an owner or operator of contaminated property and a party that sends hazardous materials to such a site for treatment, storage, disposal or recycling can be liable for the cost of investigation and remediation under environmental laws. In some instances, such liability exists regardless of fault. Moreover, future or unknown past releases of hazardous substances could subject us to private lawsuits claiming , including for bodily or property , and to publicity, which could have a material effect on us. Liabilities, including legal costs, related to remediation of contaminated properties are not recognized by us until the related costs are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated.
We have noted a trend in public and private lawsuits filed on behalf of states, counties, cities and utilities alleging harm to the general public and the environment, including waterways and watersheds, as a result of the use of agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers. If we become a party to any such lawsuits, we could be required to pay damages or penalties or have other remedies imposed upon us, which could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
We face increased climate-change-related litigation risk with respect to our operations. In particular, governmental and other entities in various U.S. states have filed lawsuits against companies in the coal, oil and gas industries, alleging damages as a result of climate change, with the plaintiffs in such lawsuits seeking damages and abatement under various tort theories. Additionally, governmental and other entities are increasingly filing lawsuits or initiating regulatory action based on allegations that certain public statements regarding ESG-related matters and practices by companies are false or misleading greenwashing that violate deceptive trade practices and consumer protection statutes. Similar issues can also arise relating to aspirational statements such as net-zero or carbon reduction targets that are made without adequate basis to support such statements. Although we are not currently a party to any of these lawsuits, they present a high degree of uncertainty regarding the extent to which we face increased risk of liability stemming from climate change or ESG disclosures and practices.
Risks Related to Our Financial Position and Financing Our Business
Our financial results are susceptible to seasonality.
Many of our business activities are highly seasonal and operating results vary throughout the year. Our revenues generally trend lower during the second and fourth fiscal quarters and are highest during the first and third fiscal quarters. For
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example, in our Ag segment, our ag retail business generally experiences higher volumes and revenues during the fall harvest and spring planting seasons and our agronomy business generally experiences higher volumes and revenues during the spring planting season. Our global grain and processing operations are subject to fluctuations in volume and revenues based on producer harvests, world grain prices and demand, and international trade relationships. Our Energy segment generally experiences higher volumes and revenues in certain operating areas, such as refined products, in the spring, summer and early fall when gasoline and diesel fuel use by agricultural producers is highest and is subject to global supply and demand forces. Other energy products, such as propane, generally experience higher volumes and revenues during the winter-heating and crop-drying seasons.
If any of our long-lived assets become impaired, we could be required to record a significant impairment charge, which would negatively impact our results of operations.
All our long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill, investments in unconsolidated affiliates and other identifiable intangibles, are evaluated for impairment in accordance with U.S. GAAP at least annually for goodwill and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The process of evaluating for impairment involves a number of judgments and estimates. If the judgments and estimates used in our analyses are not realized or change due to external factors, then actual results may not be consistent with these judgments and estimates, and our long-lived assets may become impaired in future periods. We have in the past, and may in the future, be required to write down the value of our long-lived assets. Any future impairment of our long-lived assets could require us to record a significant impairment charge, which would negatively impact our results of operations.
Our business is capital-intensive and we rely on cash generated from our operations and external financing to fund our strategies and ongoing capital needs.
We require significant capital, including access to credit markets from time to time, to operate our businesses and fund our strategies. Our working capital requirements are directly affected by the price of commodities, which may fluctuate significantly and quickly. We also require substantial capital to maintain and upgrade our extensive network of facilities to keep pace with competitive developments, technological advances, regulatory changes and changing safety standards. In addition, the expansion of our business and pursuit of acquisitions or other business opportunities has required, and may in the future require, significant amounts of capital. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or maintain access to adequate external financing, including as a result of significant disruptions in the global credit markets, it could restrict our current operations and our growth opportunities, which could adversely affect our operating results and restrict our ability to repay our existing debts.
Our access to capital could be affected by financial institutions' and other capital sources' policies concerning energy-related businesses.
Public concern regarding the potential effects of climate change have directed increased attention toward the funding sources of energy-related businesses. As a result, some financial institutions, funds and other sources of capital have reduced or restricted lending to, or investing in, companies that operate in the energy industry. Limiting energy-related businesses' access to capital could make it more difficult for us to secure external financing, which could in turn restrict our current operations and growth opportunities, adversely affect our operating results and restrict our ability to repay our existing debts.
Our cooperative structure limits our ability to access equity capital.
As a cooperative, we may not sell common stock in our company. In addition, existing laws and our articles of incorporation and bylaws limit dividends on any preferred stock we may issue to 8% per annum. These limitations may restrict our ability to raise equity capital and may adversely affect our ability to compete with enterprises that do not face similar restrictions.
