ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
The following summarizes the most significant risks to our business. In addition to these risks, we are subject to a variety of risks that affect many other companies generally, as well as other risks and uncertainties that are not known to us as of the date of this Annual Report. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks. Any of these risk factors, either individually or in combination, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition, or prevent us from meeting our profitability or growth objectives. If you hold our securities or are considering an investment in our securities, you should carefully consider the following risks, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report. The disclosures in this section reflect our beliefs and opinions as to factors that could materially and adversely affect us in the future. References to past events are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be a complete listing or a representation as to whether or not such factors have occurred in the past
Risks in this section are grouped in the following categories: (1) Business and Industry Risks; (2) Indebtedness Risks; (3) Legal and Regulatory Risks; (4) Financial Risks; and (5) General Risks. Many risks affect more than one category, and the risks are not in order of significance or probability of occurrence because they have been grouped by categories.
Business and Industry Risks
Risks Related to Our Ability to Generate Organic Growth
Our ability to generate organic growth may be affected by, among other factors, our ability to:
• attract new customers;
• increase the number of projects performed for existing customers;
• successfully qualify and bid for new projects;
• hire and retain qualified personnel;
• obtain necessary levels of rental assets and equipment; and
• adapt the range of products and services we offer to address our customers’ evolving needs.
In addition, our customers may reduce the number or size of projects available to us due to their inability to obtain capital or in response to economic conditions.
Furthermore, the growth of our business is heavily dependent upon the production of our recyclable composite mat products, which in turn is dependent on the operations and capacity of our manufacturing facility in Carencro, Louisiana.
Many of the factors affecting our ability to generate organic growth may be beyond our control, and we cannot be certain that our strategies will be successful or that we will be able to generate cash flow sufficient to fund our operations and to support organic growth. If we are unsuccessful, we may not be able to achieve organic growth, expand our operations or grow our business.
Risks Related to Economic and Market Conditions that May Impact Our Customers’ Future Spending
A substantial portion of our operating income and cash flows are generated from infrastructure construction and maintenance projects, the awarding of which we do not directly control. Infrastructure construction and maintenance historically has experienced cyclical fluctuations and unpredictable changes in project timing due to economic recessions, downturns in business cycles of our customers, rejection of proposed utility rate increases, project permitting challenges, material or labor shortages, price increases by subcontractors, interest rate fluctuations, the imposition of new or additional tariffs, government shutdowns, and other economic factors beyond our control. When the general level of economic activity deteriorates, our customers may reduce investments in infrastructure construction and maintenance, or delay or cancel planned projects. Many factors, including the financial condition of the industry, could adversely affect our customers and their willingness to fund capital expenditures in the future.
We also derive revenues from customers in the oil and natural gas industry. Spending by our customers for exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas is based on a number of factors, including expectations of future hydrocarbon demand, the volatility of energy prices, the risks associated with developing reserves, our customers’ ability to finance exploration and development of reserves, regulatory developments, and the future value of the reserves. Reductions in customer spending levels adversely affect the demand for our products and services, and consequently, our revenues and operating results.
Our customers may also seek to implement measures aimed at greater cost savings, which may include the acceptance of lesser quality products and services in order to improve short-term cost efficiencies as opposed to total cost efficiencies. The utilization of these kinds of cost saving measures by our customers could reduce the demand or pricing for our products and services and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In addition, economic, regulatory, and market conditions affecting our specific end markets, including import tariffs and other laws and regulations that impact our customers’ ability to obtain materials necessary for their operations, may adversely impact the demand for our services, resulting in the delay, reduction or cancellation of certain projects and these conditions may continue to adversely affect us in the future.
Risks Related to Customer Concentration
During 2025, approximately 74% of our revenues were derived from our 20 largest customers, of which our three largest customers represented 19%, 15%, and 10%, respectively, of our revenues. Typically, we perform services either under short-term contracts or rental service agreements, and most agreements with our customers are cancellable upon short notice. The loss of one or more of our significant customers could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
As part of our growth strategy, we seek to diversify our customers with a particular emphasis on penetrating larger-scale, longer-term (six months or longer) projects. We may not be effective in executing this or any other aspect of our growth strategy.
Risks Related to the Effective Management of Our Fleet, Including Our Ability to Properly Manufacture, Safeguard, and Maintain Our Fleet
As of December 31, 2025, our property, plant and equipment includes $163.8 million of rental fleet assets, net of accumulated depreciation, including $138.9 million in the United States and $24.9 million in the United Kingdom. Managing our fleet is a critical element to our rental business. Rental fleet asset management requires anticipating customer needs as well as changes in legislation, regulations, and local permitting in the various markets in which we or our customers operate. Our composite matting systems have long economic lives, and we must cost-effectively safeguard and maintain our fleet to maximize the economic life of the products. In addition, as the needs of our customers change, we may incur costs to relocate our assets to better meet shifts in demand. If the distribution of our assets is not aligned with regional demand, we may be unable to take advantage of rental opportunities in certain regions, or may incur additional costs to relocate assets from other regions. If we are not able to successfully manage our mat rental fleet, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
Risks Related to International Operations
Our United Kingdom operations generated approximately 7% of our 2025 consolidated revenues and represented 21% of our total assets at December 31, 2025. In November 2025, we completed the acquisition of Grassform Plant Hire Limited (“Grassform”), a U.K. market leader in ground protection and temporary roadway solutions and services, for estimated net consideration of £34.9 ($46.0) million. A decline or slowed growth in this region could result in reduced demand for our products and services, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
In addition, international operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including among others:
▪ difficulties and cost associated with complying with a wide variety of complex foreign laws, treaties, and regulations;
▪ risks associated with failing to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, export laws, and other similar laws applicable to our operations in international markets;
▪ our inexperience in certain international markets;
▪ political and economic instability;
▪ changes in global trade policies, including the termination of trade agreements, the imposition of tariffs on certain imports into the United States, and other regulations affecting trade between the United States and countries in which we conduct business; and
▪ fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
These risks and uncertainties could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Risks Related to Manufacturing Capacity Expansion Projects
As part of our growth strategy, we intend to make investments to expand our composite mat production capacity. Such manufacturing capacity expansion projects may be delayed, interrupted, or otherwise limited due to unexpected cost increases, availability of labor and materials, unforeseen hazards, and other risks associated with construction projects. The costs of these activities could have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, the expected benefits of such future manufacturing operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could negatively impact our results from operations, including among other items, incorrect assumptions
regarding future business activity levels, future per unit manufacturing cost assumptions, including expectations of the cost and availability of raw materials, as well as the diversion of management’s attention from existing operations or other priorities.
Risks Related to Operating Hazards Present in Our and Our Customers ’ Industries and Substantial Liability Claims
We are exposed to significant health, safety, and environmental risks. Our operations, and those of our customers, are subject to hazards present in the electrical utility industry, such as exposure to wildfires and high voltage electrocution, among other risks, as well as hazards in the oil and natural gas industry, such as fires, explosions, blowouts, oil spills, and leaks or spills of hazardous materials. These incidents as well as accidents or problems in normal operations can cause personal injury or death and damage to property or the environment and may result in investigations, litigation, and other legal, regulatory, and reputational risks. From time to time, customers seek recovery for damage to their equipment or property that occurred during the course of our service obligations. Damage to our customers’ property, for example from spills of materials or plastic materials, such as pellets, from mats, could be extensive if a major occurs.
Generally, we rely on contractual indemnities, releases, limitations on liability with our customers, and insurance to protect us from potential liability related to such events. However, our insurance and contractual indemnification may not be sufficient or effective to protect us under all circumstances or against all risks. In addition, our customers’ changing views on risk allocation together with deteriorating market conditions could force us to accept greater risks to obtain new business or retain renewing business and could result in us losing business if we are not prepared to take such risks. Moreover, we may not be able to maintain insurance at levels of risk coverage or policy limits that we deem adequate. Any damages caused by our services or products that are not covered by insurance or contractual indemnification, or are in excess of policy limits or subject to substantial deductibles, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. See “Risks Related to the Inherent of Insurance Coverage” below for additional information.
Risks Related to Contracts that Can Be Terminated or Downsized by Our Customers Without Penalty
Certain of our contracts contain provisions permitting early termination by the customer at their convenience, generally without penalty, and with limited notice requirements. In addition, many of our contracts permit our customers to decrease the products or services without penalty, which could result in a decrease in our revenues and profitability. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on the strength of our customer contracts or the terms of those contracts.
Risks Related to Product Offering and Market Expansion
As a key component of our long-term strategy to diversify our revenue streams, we seek to continue to expand our product and service offerings, including through acquisitions, and enter new customer markets with our existing products. As with any market expansion effort, new customer and product markets require additional capital investment and include inherent uncertainties regarding customer expectations, industry-specific regulatory requirements, product performance, customer-specific risk profiles and competitor responses. In addition, we likely will not have the same level of operational experience with respect to the new customer and product markets as will our competitors. As such, new market entry is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Ability to Attract, Retain, and Develop Qualified Leaders, Key Employees, and Skilled Personnel
Our business is highly dependent on our ability to attract and retain highly-skilled product specialists, technical sales personnel, and service personnel. Our failure to attract, retain, and develop qualified leaders and key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business. The market for qualified employees is extremely competitive. If we cannot attract and retain qualified personnel, our ability to compete effectively and grow our business will be severely limited. Also, a significant increase in wages paid by competing employers could result in a reduction in our skilled labor force or an increase in our operating costs.
We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, a shortage of labor for certain functions, which has increased our labor costs and negatively impacted our profitability. The extent and duration of the effect of these labor market challenges are subject to numerous factors, including the availability of qualified persons in the markets where we and our contracted service providers operate and unemployment levels within these markets, behavioral changes, prevailing wage rates and other benefits, inflation, adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations (including increased minimum wage requirements) or government programs, safety levels of our operations, and our reputation within the labor market.
Risks Related to Expanding Our Services in the Utilities Sector, Which May Require Unionized Labor
Although none of our employees are currently represented by labor unions, we may expand our services offered in the utilities sector, the customers of which may require unionized labor. If we, a subsidiary, or a business partner were to have a unionized workforce, we may be subject to strikes or work stoppages, wage and hour regulations, or other regulations associated with a collective bargaining agreement, which could adversely impact our relationships with our customers and cause us to lose business and could result in an increase in our operating costs.
Risks Related to the Price and Availability of Raw Materials
Our ability to provide products and services to our customers is dependent upon our ability to obtain raw materials necessary to operate our business. These raw materials may be impacted by periodic supply chain disruptions and, particularly during times of high demand, there may be delays in the supply of raw materials. These constraints could have a material adverse effect on our business and consolidated results of operations. In addition, price increases, whether as a result of inflation, geopolitical issues, changes in global trade policies, including the termination of trade agreements and the imposition of tariffs, or otherwise, imposed by our vendors for raw materials used in our business and the inability to pass these increases through to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our business is highly dependent on the availability of HDPE, which is the primary raw material used in the manufacture of our recyclable composite mats. Our costs can vary based on the energy costs of the producers of HDPE, demand for this material, and the capacity or operations of the plants used to make HDPE. We may not be able to increase our customer pricing to cover the cost increases that we have experienced, which could result in a reduction in future profitability.
Risks Related to Inflation
Increases in the cost of wages, materials, equipment and other operational components has the potential to adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position by increasing our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases in the prices we charge our customers for our products and services. In addition, inflation has also resulted in higher interest rates in recent years, which could cause an increase in the cost of debt borrowing in the future, as well as supply chain shortages, an increase in the costs of labor, currency fluctuations and other similar effects.
Risks Related to Capital Investments and Business Acquisitions
Our ability to successfully execute our business strategy will depend, among other things, on our ability to make capital investments and complete acquisitions which provide us with financial benefits and operational synergies. In November 2025, we completed the acquisition of Grassform. In addition, our capital expenditures in 2026 are expected to range between $45 million to $55 million, exclusive of any manufacturing expansion or future acquisitions. These investments and acquisitions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including:
▪ incorrect assumptions regarding business activity levels or results from our capital investments, acquired operations, or assets;
▪ potential loss of significant revenue and income streams;
▪ increased or unexpected expenses;
▪ inadequate return of capital;
▪ regulatory or compliance issues;
▪ potential loss of key employees, customers, or suppliers of the acquired company;
▪ the triggering of certain covenants in our debt agreements (including accelerated repayment);
▪ unidentified issues not discovered in due diligence;
▪ failure to complete a planned acquisition transaction or to successfully integrate the operations or management of any acquired businesses or assets in a timely manner;
▪ diversion of management’s attention from existing operations or other priorities; and
▪ delays in completion and cost overruns associated with large capital investments.
Any of the factors above could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Additionally, the anticipated benefits of a capital investment or acquisition may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. We may incur substantial indebtedness to make capital investments or finance future acquisitions, and we also may issue equity, debt or other securities in connection with any such acquisitions. The use of cash for acquisitions may adversely affect our cash available for capital investments and other uses, the incurrence of additional debt may limit our financial flexibility, and the issuance of additional equity or other securities could be dilutive to existing stockholders.
Risks Related to Market Competition
We face competition and compete vigorously on product performance and/or price. Many of our competitors provide various forms of worksite access products and services. More recently, several competitors have begun marketing composite products to compete with our DURA-BASE® matting system. In addition, we compete for rental and services with larger, well-capitalized companies. These larger companies may have greater financial, marketing or other resources than we do, and have broad product and service offerings in addition to worksite access products, and at times, attempt to compete by offering discounts to customers to rent multiple products and services, some of which we do not offer.
While we believe the design and manufacturing quality of our products provide a differentiated value to our customers, many of our competitors seek to compete on pricing. In addition, certain patents related to our DURA-BASE® matting system have expired, and competitors offer mats that include features described in those patents. We have filed additional patent applications on improvements to the structure of, features of, and uses of the DURA-BASE® matting system, but there is no assurance that our competitors will not be able to offer products that are similar to these improvements, features, or uses of the DURA-BASE® matting system.
In addition, certain customer contracts are awarded through a competitive bidding process. The strong competition in our markets requires maintaining skilled personnel and investing in technology and also puts pressure on profit margins. We do not obtain contracts from all of our bids and our inability to win bids at acceptable profit margins would adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Risks Related to Technological Developments and Intellectual Property
The market for our products and services requires technological developments that generate improvements in product performance or service delivery. If we are not successful in continuing to develop new products, enhancements, or improved service delivery that are accepted in the marketplace or that comply with industry standards, we could lose market share to competitors, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, we may from time to time engage in expensive and time-consuming litigation to determine the enforceability, scope, and validity of our patent rights. In addition, we can seek to enforce our rights in trade secrets, or “know-how,” and other proprietary information and technology in the conduct of our business. However, it is possible that our competitors may infringe upon, misappropriate, violate or challenge the validity or enforceability of our intellectual property, and we may not be able to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights in the future.
The tools, techniques, methodologies, programs, and components we use to provide our services may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. Infringement claims generally result in significant legal and other costs, and may distract management from running our business. Royalty payments under licenses from third parties, if applicable, could increase our costs. Additionally, developing non-infringing technologies could increase our costs. If a license were not available, we might not be able to continue providing a particular service or product, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Severe Weather, Natural Disasters, and Seasonality
We have significant operations located in market areas that are periodically impacted by severe adverse weather events or natural disasters. To the extent such weather events or natural disasters become more frequent or severe (including as a result of climate change), disruptions to our business and costs to repair damaged facilities could increase.
These severe weather events or natural disasters, such as excessive rains, hurricanes, fires, or droughts, could disrupt our operations and result in damage to our properties, including our manufacturing facility and technology center located in Carencro, Louisiana. Additionally, there are markets in which our operations are subject to seasonality such as summer in the U.S., where utility companies typically reduce maintenance project activity on the transmission grid due to elevated consumer electricity demand.
Severe weather, natural disasters, and seasonality could adversely affect our or our customers’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Public Health Crises, Epidemics, and Pandemics
The effects of future public health crises, epidemics, and pandemics may result in a significant and swift reduction in U.S. and international economic activity, including adversely affecting the demand for our products and services. If we encounter a significant and prolonged reduction in demand for our products and services, we plan to take (and have in the past taken) actions aimed at protecting our liquidity and reshaping the business for the market changes, including the sale of assets from our rental fleet, and reducing our workforce and cost structure. However, our business contains high levels of fixed costs, including significant facility and personnel expenses, which limits the effectiveness of such actions. The extent to which our operating and financial results are affected by a public health crisis, epidemic or pandemic will depend on various factors beyond our control, such as the duration and scope of such event, including any resurgences and the emergence and spread of a
subject pathogen; actions taken by businesses and governments in response to such event; and the speed and effectiveness of responses to combat the subject pathogen, including the availability and public acceptance of effective treatments or vaccines, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic activity can resume, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Any such public health crisis, epidemic or pandemic could also materially and adversely impact our operating and financial results in a manner that is not currently known to us or that we do not currently consider as presenting material risks to our operations.
Indebtedness Risks
Risks Related to the Cost and Continued Availability of Borrowed Funds, including Risks of Noncompliance with Debt Covenants
We use borrowed funds as an integral part of our long-term capital structure and our future success is dependent upon continued access to borrowed funds to support our operations. The availability of borrowed funds on reasonable terms is dependent on the condition of credit markets and financial institutions from which these funds are obtained. Adverse events in the financial markets may significantly reduce the availability of funds, which may have an adverse effect on our cost of borrowings and our ability to fund our business strategy. Our ability to meet our debt service requirements and the continued availability of funds under our existing or future loan agreements is dependent upon our ability to generate operating income and generate sufficient cash flow to remain in compliance with the covenants in our debt agreements. This, in turn, is subject to competitive, economic, financial, and other factors that are beyond our control.
In June 2025, we entered into a U.S. senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with a group of lenders that provides financing of up to $150 million available for borrowings (inclusive of letters of credit), which can be increased up to $250 million, subject to certain conditions. The Credit Facility and the loans made under the Credit Facility are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the personal property of the Company and its significant U.S. subsidiaries as guarantors (subject to customary exceptions and exclusions). The Credit Facility will mature in June 2030.
The Credit Facility contains various customary representations, warranties and covenants that, among other things and subject to certain specified circumstances and exceptions, restrict or limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness (including guarantees), grant liens, make investments, pay dividends or distributions with respect to capital stock or make other restricted payments, make prepayments on other indebtedness, engage in mergers or other fundamental changes, dispose of property, or change the nature of their business.
If we fail to comply with the various covenants and other requirements of the Credit Facility, we would be in default thereunder, which would permit the holders of the indebtedness to accelerate the maturity thereof and proceed against their collateral. The acceleration of any of our indebtedness and the election to exercise any remedies could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and we may not be able to make all of the required payments or borrow sufficient funds to refinance such indebtedness.
If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows to repay our indebtedness when due or to fund our other liquidity needs, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional financing. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
Risks Related to Environmental Laws and Regulations
We are subject to federal, state, local, and foreign laws, regulations and policies that govern environmental protection, zoning and other matters applicable to our current and past business activities, including the activities of our former subsidiaries. Failure to remain compliant with these evolving laws, regulations and policies or to maintain compliance with permits obtained under such legal and regulatory schemes may result in, among other things, sanctions, fines, penalties, criminal prosecution, imposition of costs, investigatory and/or remedial or corrective actions relating to contaminated sites and site closure obligations, costs of remedying noncompliance, termination or suspension of certain operations, or other expenditures. We could be exposed to strict, joint and several liability for remediation or cleanup costs, natural resource damages and other damages as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, prior operators or other third parties. Private parties may also pursue legal actions us based on spills of materials or plastic materials, such as pellets, from mats, or non-compliance with or liability under certain of these laws, rules and regulations.
The continued expansion of operations in markets that are likely to benefit from increasing demand from electricity, such as power transmission and renewable energy, remains a strategic priority going forward, and we anticipate that our capital investments will primarily focus on supporting this objective. However, any changes in the current legal and regulatory
environment could impact industry activity and the demand for our products and services, the scope of products and services that we provide, or our cost structure required to provide our products and services, or the costs incurred by our customers. It is unclear whether initiatives from federal, state, and local legislative bodies and administrative agencies, when implemented, will have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and services and the costs of our operations.
There have also been efforts in recent years to influence the investment community, including investment advisors and certain sovereign wealth, pension and endowment funds, promoting divestment of fossil fuel equities and pressuring lenders to limit funding to companies engaged in the extraction of fossil fuel reserves. Such environmental activism and initiatives aimed at limiting climate change and reducing air pollution could interfere with our business activities, operations, and ability to access capital. Furthermore, some members of the investment community, customers, administrative agencies and other stakeholders have increased their focus on sustainability practices and disclosures by public companies in recent years, and we may face increasing pressure regarding our sustainability disclosures and practices. We have published and may continue to publish a Sustainability Report, which outlines our various initiatives. Our disclosures on these matters rely on management’s expectations as of the date the statements are first made, as well as standards for measuring progress that are still in development and may change or fail to be realized. These expectations and standards may continue to evolve. We may be unable to satisfy all of our stakeholders, who hold varied perspectives on these topics. If our sustainability disclosures and practices do not meet regulatory, investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, which continue to evolve and may , we could become the target of , or other proceedings, and it could have a material effect on our business or demand for our services.
Risks Related to Legal Compliance
As a global business, we are subject to complex laws and regulations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries in which we sell our products. These laws and regulations relate to several aspects of our business, including anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, sanctions against business dealings with certain countries and third parties, the payment of taxes, employment and labor relations, immigration, fair competition, data privacy protections, securities regulation, and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment. The application of these laws and regulations to our business is often unclear and may sometimes conflict. Compliance with these laws and regulations may involve significant costs or require changes in our business practices that could result in reduced revenue and profitability. Non-compliance could also result in significant fines, damages, and other criminal sanctions against us, our officers or our employees, prohibitions or additional requirements on the conduct of our business and damage our reputation. Certain of law could also result in or from government contracts. We also incur additional legal compliance costs associated with global regulations. In some foreign countries, particularly those with developing economies, it may be customary for others to engage in business practices that are prohibited by laws such as the U.S. Foreign Practices Act, the U.K. Act, Brazil’s Clean Companies Act, and Mexico’s Anti- Law. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that all of our employees, contractors, agents, and business partners will not take action in with our internal policies. Any such of our internal policies or the law could have a material effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Financial Risks
Risks Related to the Inherent Limitations of Insurance Coverage
While we maintain liability insurance, this insurance is subject to coverage limitations. Specific risks and limitations of our insurance coverage include the following:
▪ self-insured retention limits on each claim, which are our responsibility;
▪ exclusions for certain types of liabilities and limitations on coverage for damages resulting from pollution;
▪ coverage limits of the policies, and the risk that claims will exceed policy limits; and
▪ the financial strength and ability of our insurance carriers to meet their obligations under the policies.
In addition, our ability to continue to obtain insurance coverage on commercially reasonable terms is dependent upon a variety of factors impacting the insurance industry in general, including a recent rise in exceptionally high jury awards for auto-related claims, which are outside our control. Any of the issues noted above, including insurance cost increases, uninsured or underinsured claims, or the inability of an insurance carrier to meet their financial obligations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Risks Related to Income Taxes
Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws, both domestically and internationally, or the interpretation or application thereof. From time to time, U.S. and foreign tax authorities, including state and local governments, consider legislation that could increase our effective tax rate or accelerate the timing of our required
payments of tax obligations. While we cannot predict the impact to our income taxes of future tax legislation, guidance, or interpretations, if such changes are enacted, our profitability could be negatively impacted.
Our future effective tax rates could also be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, or by changes in tax treaties, regulations, accounting principles or interpretations thereof in one or more countries in which we operate. In addition, we are subject to the potential examination of our income tax returns by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and by other tax authorities in jurisdictions where we file tax returns. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. There can be no assurance that such examinations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
General Risks
Risks Related to Cybersecurity Incidents or Business System Disruptions
We utilize various management information systems and information technology infrastructure to manage or support our business operations and to maintain various records, which may include confidential business or proprietary information as well as information regarding our customers, business partners, employees or other third parties. We also utilize third-party vendors and their systems and technology to support our business activities, including the secure processing of confidential, sensitive, proprietary and other types of information. Failures of or interference with access to these systems, such as communication disruptions, could have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct operations or directly impact financial reporting.
In addition, our information systems and information technology infrastructure are subject to security threats and increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity incidents, including, but not limited to, denial-of-service attacks, hacking, “phishing” attacks, computer viruses, ransomware, malware, employee or insider error, malfeasance, social engineering or physical breaches, including cyber-based attacks that may leverage artificial intelligence technologies to increase speed, scale, or effectiveness. These cybersecurity incidents can cause deliberate or unintentional damage, destruction, misuse, manipulation, alteration, corruption, loss, denial of access to or disclosure of confidential or important data or systems, which could us and our employees, customers, and suppliers to risks, such as transaction , compromise or of confidential information, of sales and customers, operational and other business impacts. A cybersecurity affecting third-party vendors, service providers, or other third parties on whom we rely could affect our information systems or the confidentiality, , or availability of our data, even if our own systems are not directly compromised.
There can be no assurance that cybersecurity incidents will not occur. In addition, there can be no assurance that the policies and procedures we or our third-party vendors have in place, including system monitoring and data back-up processes, to prevent or mitigate the effects of these potential disruptions or cybersecurity incidents will be sufficient to prevent, detect and limit the impact of disruptions or incidents. Even when a cybersecurity incident has been detected, it may not be immediately apparent what the full nature, scope and potential impact may be, or how best to mitigate its effects or remediate it. We invest in security technology, perform penetration and vulnerability tests from time to time, and design our business processes to attempt to mitigate the risk of such incidents. Our processes require continuous monitoring as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures evolve. We maintain cybersecurity insurance; however, losses related to a or other cybersecurity may exceed the scope or limits of such coverage or may not be covered under the terms of our cybersecurity insurance policy. In addition, as and other cybersecurity increase in frequency and magnitude, including as actors increasingly leverage artificial intelligence technologies, we may be to obtain cybersecurity insurance in amounts or on terms we view as appropriate for our operations.
We have experienced a ransomware incident in the past, and we expect cybersecurity threats and attacks involving our systems, data and the third-party systems upon which we rely to continue. While no cybersecurity incidents have materially impacted our business to date, a successful breach or attack could have a material negative impact on our operations, business reputation, financial conditions and relationships with our customers, business partners, employees or other third parties, and could subject us to consequences such as regulatory inquiries and enforcement actions, litigation, contractual liability and direct and indirect costs associated with incident response, remediation, notification obligations, loss of revenue and reputational harm. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Risks Related to Complications with the Design or Implementation of Our Updated Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) System
We rely extensively on information systems and technology to manage our business and summarize operating results. We are in the process of a multi-year phased upgrade to our digital capabilities and have recently transitioned the majority of our operational and financial processes to a cloud-based ERP platform. The ongoing ERP system implementation and transition requires the training of personnel and the development and execution of certain new processes and procedures. We may be unable to successfully implement the new cloud-based ERP platform without experiencing delays, increased costs and other
difficulties with certain processes. If we do not effectively manage the implementation or the resources necessary to build and sustain the upgraded technology infrastructure, or if we fail to achieve the expected benefits from this enhancement or it does not operate as designed, our business and operations could be adversely affected. Additionally, if we do not effectively implement the updated ERP system as planned or the updated ERP system does not operate as intended, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures could be adversely affected or our ability to assess those controls adequately could be delayed.
Risks Related to Activist Stockholders that May Attempt to Effect Changes at Our Company or Acquire Control Over Our Company
We have been the subject of campaigns by activist stockholders in the past and may continue to be so in the future. Such activist stockholders may engage in proxy solicitations, advance stockholder proposals, or otherwise attempt to affect changes or acquire control over our company. Campaigns by stockholders to effect changes at publicly traded companies are sometimes led by investors seeking to increase short-term stockholder value through actions such as financial restructuring, increased debt, special dividends, stock repurchases or sales of assets or the entire company. Responding to proxy contests and other actions by activist stockholders can be costly and time-consuming and could divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management from the management of our operations and the pursuit of our business strategies. As a result, stockholder campaigns could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Related to Share Repurchases
The amount and timing of all future purchases of shares of our common stock pursuant to our securities repurchase program, if any, are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon business conditions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors. Our Board of Directors may, without advance notice, suspend or terminate our repurchase program. There can be no assurance that we will make repurchases of shares of our common stock in the future. Share repurchases under our repurchase program could diminish our available liquidity, which may impact our ability to finance future growth and to pursue possible future strategic growth projects. In addition, any elimination of, or downward revision in, our repurchase program could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Our Amended and Restated Bylaws, Which Designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the Sole and Exclusive Forum for Certain Types of Actions and Proceedings that May Be Initiated by Our Stockholders, and the U.S. Federal District Courts in Wilmington County, Delaware as the Exclusive Forum for Securities Act Claims, Could Limit Our Stockholders’ Ability to Obtain What Such Stockholders Believe To Be a Favorable Judicial Forum for Disputes with Us or Our Directors, Officers or Other Employees
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (i) the Delaware Court of Chancery or, if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, will be the sole and exclusive forum with respect to (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors, officers, stockholders, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, including a claim alleging the aiding and abetting of such a breach of fiduciary duty, (c) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our current or former directors, officers, stockholders, employees or agents arising out of or relating to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), our certificate of incorporation or its amended and restated bylaws, (d) any action asserting a claim related to or involving us or any of our directors, officers, stockholders, employees or agents that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware, or (e) any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL, and (ii) the U.S. Federal District Court in Wilmington County, Delaware will be the sole and forum for any action arising under the Securities Act. Our choice-of-forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act, and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring an interest in any shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the forum provisions in our amended and restated bylaws. These choice-of-forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that he, she or it believes to be favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our amended and restated bylaws inapplicable or unenforceable with respect to one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
