Item 1A. Risk Factors
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESSES
We rely heavily on information technology to operate our businesses and product portfolios, and any cyber incidents could harm our operations and have a material impact on our business and financial results.
We are exposed to the risk of cyber incidents, which can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events, in the normal course of business. We use integrated information and technology systems to manage our business and deliver products and services to customers. In particular, the 2022 launch of DS Core, our cloud platform that integrates digital dentistry workflows across devices, and the 2024 launch of Primescan 2, a cloud-native intraoral scanner, have introduced new potential vulnerabilities to cyber attacks. The breadth and complexity of our information and technology systems have increased and we expect that they will continue to increase as we expand the services enabled by DS Core and further develop our Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) systems and product offerings to utilize artificial intelligence (“AI”) and analytics (such as DS Core). As a result, we will increasingly be exposed to risks inherent in the development, integration and operation of the evolving information and technology supporting our product platforms, as well as our own internal infrastructure, including:
• security breaches, viruses, cyberattacks, ransomware or other malware or other failures, cyber incidents or malfunctions;
• disruption, impairment or failure of data centers or hardware, telecommunications facilities or other infrastructure, including due to natural disasters;
• failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components;
• the compromise or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive, personal, proprietary or intellectual property information related to our business and customers;
• excessive costs, excessive delays or other deficiencies in systems development and deployment; and
• an unintentional event that involves a third party gaining unauthorized access to our systems or proprietary information.
We also utilize systems, applications and data storage provided and maintained by third parties, including those delivered through cloud-based solutions. Any disruptions to or deterioration of our distribution partners’ or service providers’ information and technology infrastructures could pose a threat to our operations and harm our business.
Like other large, global companies, during the normal course of business, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience cyber threats, attacks and other attempts to compromise our information systems, with such attacks and threats rapidly increasing in both sophistication and frequency. Although past cybersecurity incidents have not had a material effect on
our business or operations, and although we and our service providers take efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems and anticipate, detect, avoid or mitigate such threats, we cannot provide assurances that a future cyberattack would not result in material harm to our business and results of operations. Our policies, required employee training (including phishing prevention), procedures and technical safeguards may be insufficient to prevent or detect improper access to confidential, proprietary or sensitive data, including personal data. Cyberattacks could cause us to incur significant costs, disrupt key business operations and divert attention of management and key information technology resources. We also face the ongoing challenge of controlling access to our information and technology infrastructure. We have implemented new controls, governance, protections and procedures as a result of cyber incidents experienced in the past. If we do not manage these access controls, it could us to the risk of security or . recovery plans, where in place, might not protect us in the event of a system . Further, we currently do not have excess or standby computer processing or network capacity everywhere in the world to avoid in the event of a system . any precautions we take, from natural , telecommunications , computer viruses, -ins, human or similar events at our computer facilities could result in in the flow of data to our servers, although we have not yet experienced such an . While we have invested and continue to invest in information technology risk management and recovery plans, these measures cannot fully insulate us from cyber , technology or data and the resulting effect on our operations and financial results. If our information systems are again, sensitive and proprietary data is compromised, surreptitiously modified, rendered for any period of time or made public, or if we to make adequate or timely disclosures to affected individuals, appropriate state and federal regulatory authorities or law enforcement agencies, it could result in significant , , court orders, sanctions and proceedings or actions us by governmental or other regulatory authorities, customers or third parties. We may incur substantial costs and other consequences such as liability, reputational and significant remediation costs and experience material to our business and financial results if we experience cyber in the future.
AI-based platforms and tools are increasingly being used in the consumer health industries, and our use of this technology, as well as its use by our business partners, may continue to increase and could lead to the unintentional release of our confidential information, which could negatively impact us, including our ability to realize the benefits of our intellectual property. Additionally, the advancement of AI and large language models has given rise to additional vulnerabilities and potential entry points for cyber threats; threat actors may have additional tools to automate breaches or persistent attacks, evade detection, generate sophisticated phishing emails, or impersonate employees or senior management. Our use of AI in our products and processes and the use of AI by our business partners may lead to novel cybersecurity, legal and regulatory risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and reputation as well as the operations of our business partners.
Evolving governmental oversight of the use of personal information, cross-border data transfer restrictions and the use of emerging technologies, including AI, as well as other technology regulations, may adversely affect our business.
We collect and process personally identifiable information (“PII”) and other data as part of our business processes and activities. This data is subject to an increasing number of U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including oversight by regulatory or governmental bodies. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), for example, has an extraterritorial scope that makes it applicable to our U.S.-based legal entities whenever we process the personal data of EU residents and impose stringent data protection requirements and provides significant penalties for noncompliance. Privacy laws, rules and regulations are also rapidly developing in other regions, including China, Brazil and South Korea, and the United States.
In the United States, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and its implementing regulations (collectively, “HIPAA”) impose requirements on covered entities and their business associates to protect the privacy and security of protected health information (“PHI”) and to provide notification in the event of a breach of PHI.
Our Company, through its various subsidiaries, functions as both a covered entity and a business associate under HIPAA. We believe that we have implemented appropriate policies and procedures and security measures necessary to comply with HIPAA. However, despite our compliance efforts, we may suffer a serious breach of PHI or be subject to a cyberattack that compromises the PHI that we maintain, which may require that we pay monetary civil penalties or establish corrective action plans.
Additionally, federal and state privacy and security-related laws may be more restrictive than HIPAA and could impose additional penalties:
• For example, the Federal Trade Commission uses its consumer protection authority to initiate enforcement actions in response to alleged privacy violations and data breaches.
• Additionally, the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) creates additional data privacy obligations for covered companies and other states have followed California by implementing data privacy laws, including, but not limited to, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. These laws and other state laws contain breach notification requirements. If we suffer a serious breach of personal data, we may be subject to breach notification requirements, government investigations, media inquiries, civil and criminal fines and penalties, litigation, and negative public perception, and we may be required to expend substantial financial and personnel resources. Any liability from failing to comply with applicable privacy and data protection laws could adversely affect our operations and our financial condition.
These varying laws, rules, regulations and industry standards impact our businesses to the extent we rely on the use of PII, including PHI, and create significant compliance challenges. In addition, certain privacy and data protection laws may apply to us indirectly through our customers, manufacturers, suppliers or other third-party partners. For example, non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations by a third-party partner that is processing personal data on our behalf may be deemed to be non-compliance or a failure to conduct proper due diligence. Any inability, or perceived inability, to adequately address privacy and data protection concerns or to comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, industry standards, contractual obligations, or other legal obligations (including at newly acquired companies) could result in additional cost and liability to us or our officers, damage our reputation, inhibit sales, and otherwise adversely affect our business.
In addition, the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding AI technologies is rapidly evolving and uncertain, especially in the areas of intellectual property, cybersecurity, and privacy and data protection. For example, the EU AI Act was enacted on August 1, 2024, with some provisions effective in February of 2025, and becoming fully effective on August 2, 2026. Additionally, there is uncertainty around the validity and enforceability of intellectual property rights related to the use, development, and deployment of AI. Compliance with new or changing laws, regulations or industry standards relating to AI may impose significant operational costs and may limit the ability of the Company and its business partners to develop, deploy or use AI technologies. Failure to appropriately respond to this evolving landscape may result in legal liability, regulatory action, or brand and reputational harm.
New and more stringent multinational, national and state technology legislation and regulations may be adopted in 2026 and beyond. We cannot predict the scope of new legislation, regulation or enforcement, the jurisdictions that may be involved, or impact. Failure to comply with technology laws and regulations could result in enforcement actions (which could include substantial penalties), private litigation and/or adverse publicity and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Although we currently maintain liability insurance intended to cover cyber and certain other privacy and security breach-related claims, we cannot ensure that our insurance coverage will be adequate to cover liabilities arising out of claims asserted against us in the future if the outcomes of such claims are unfavorable to us. Insurers are seeking to limit liability and/or deny coverage for AI-related claims due to uncertainty created by the speed of technology advancement. Liabilities for claims outside or in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the trading price of our securities.
Damage to our reputation or brand could negatively impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We seek to maintain our reputation, and successful promotion of our brand depends on multiple factors, including our marketing efforts and our ability to deliver a superior customer experience, develop innovative products, and differentiate our offerings from those of our competitors. Additionally, the strength of our brand relies on continued effective use of our distribution network and customer service platforms. The promotion of our brand requires us to make substantial expenditures, including continued investments in enhancing customer experience. Our brand promotion activities may not be successful in maintaining or increasing our current level of revenue. If we do not successfully position our brand and reputation as an industry leader, our business and operating results may be adversely affected.
Additionally, our brand depends on our reputation for offering high-quality solutions meeting the highest safety standards. A serious breach of our quality assurance or quality control procedures, deterioration of our quality image, impairment of our customer or consumer relationships or failure to adequately protect the relevance of our brands may lead to litigation, customers purchasing from our competitors, other brands or private labels not manufactured by us, or regulatory enforcement action, any of which could have a material negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We may be unable to execute key strategic initiatives due to competing priorities and strategies of our distribution partners and other factors, which may result in financial losses and operational inefficiencies.
We may be unable to execute our key strategic activities and investments due to operational disruptions impacting our distributors or the competing priorities of our distribution partners, which may introduce additional products that compete with our products at lower price points. If these competing products capture significant market share or result in a decrease in market prices overall, there could be negative impacts on our results of operations and financial condition.
We generate a substantial portion of our revenue through a limited number of distributors who we also rely on to provide important service and support to end-users. We have attempted to mitigate any risks related to this concentration through
diversifying our distributor base, particularly in the United States beginning in 2026.
The dental market continues to be impacted by price competition, driven in part by the consolidation of dental practices, the growing significance of Dental Support Organizations, innovation, and end-user price sensitivity. There can be no assurance our distribution partners will purchase products from us at a similar rate as in the past. Changes in our distributors, our promotional strategies, and investments may adversely impact our distributor relationships, including their effectiveness in selling our projects, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, changes in the capital structure or ownership of distributors could result in changes to our relationship, including shifts in strategies related to inventory management, customer service and servicing the installed base of our products.
We rely in part on our distributor and customer relationships to predict future demand levels and estimate the impact on our financial results. Predications of retail or end customer demand, which influence distributor demand for Dentsply Sirona products, may fluctuate, and may be different from actual demand. There can be no assurance that distributors’ and customers’ demand for our products will be consistent with historical demand. Any disruptions to our distributors’ operations or systems may result in delays in orders and shipments and may prevent our products from being timely delivered to the market.
Our acquisitions, exiting of businesses, divestitures or strategic investments may result in financial results that are different than expected and create certain risks for our business and operations.
We have made, and may continue to make in the future, acquisitions to enhance our business and product portfolio, which require us to invest significant resources to integrate the businesses we acquire. We also periodically evaluate our businesses and assets for potential disposition as a key part of our strategy. The success of each acquisition or divestiture depends in part on our ability to realize opportunities and manage risks, including challenges executing transactions, higher operating expenses, litigation, adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers, and the potential loss of key employees, customers, distributors, vendors, and other business partners. The process of continuing to evaluate acquisitions, divestitures or strategic investments may be costly, time-consuming and complex, including requiring management to devote significant time and attention to these types of transactions that may distract our management and our ongoing business operations or relationships. We may incur significant legal, accounting and advisory fees and other expenses, some of which may be incurred regardless of whether we enter into a transaction. We may not expected returns and benefits in connection with acquisitions or dispositions as a result of various factors, including integration , such as those relating to personnel and technology, and we may not financial results consistent with revenue growth expectations and cost synergies or savings anticipated from integration or disposition activities. Dispositions may also involve continued involvement in a business, such as through continuing equity ownership, transition service agreements, guarantees, indemnities or other financial obligations. Under these arrangements, the performance of the business, or other conditions outside our control, could affect our future financial results.
We may fail to realize the expected benefits of our strategic initiatives, including executed, announced, or potential future restructuring and other business transformation efforts.
We undertake strategic initiatives in an attempt to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our organization, support growth initiatives and improve operating and financial results. Our ability to achieve benefits from our strategic initiatives within the expected timeframe is subject to many estimates, assumptions, and other factors that we may not be able to control. We may also undertake restructuring plans that lead to our incurring charges to execute the plans, which charges may be higher than anticipated, reducing our profitability in the periods such charges are incurred. We executed a restructuring plan in 2024 (the “2024 Plan”). Actions taken under the 2024 Plan sought to streamline our operations and global footprint, as well as improve alignment of our cost structure with strategic growth objectives. The 2024 Plan is substantially complete as of December 31, 2025. In addition, we implemented a new restructuring plan in 2026 (the “2026 Plan”) to improve operational performance and drive stockholder value creation. In connection with the 2026 Plan, the Company expects to incur non-
recurring charges in the approximate range of $55 million to $65 million, the majority of which will be expensed and paid in cash in 2026 and 2027. The 2026 Plan is anticipated to result in approximately $120 million in annualized cost savings.
We currently use disparate systems, including ERP systems, across the organization, which may reduce our ability to obtain and analyze business data in a timely manner, increase costs for system upgrades, and pose business partner connection challenges. Non-standardized processes may lead to inaccurate, incomplete or delayed financial and management reporting, which may result in misleading or inaccurate reporting for key business decisions or noncompliance with applicable business and regulatory requirements, potentially causing penalties or fines. We continue to focus on standardizing our processes, improving our financial systems, maintaining effective internal controls and centralizing transaction management and execution to provide continued assurance with respect to our financial reports and prevent financial misstatement or fraud. In 2025, we continued implementing a new global ERP system, which will upgrade and standardize our existing information systems. Beginning in 2023 and continuing through 2025, we made capital investments to support the implementation of this new global ERP system, which has resulted in significant costs and uses of cash that are expected to continue in the future. Execution of the implementation plan is expected to take several years to complete, and cost or any , or could lead to higher than anticipated capital investments and related costs, potentially impacts to sales and shipping activities, from our core business, or result in to produce financial information accurately and timely and may impact our financial results. The implementation of a new global ERP system may not be fully in providing standardization sufficient to address these risks even once completed. The to either deliver the application on time, design the ERP system or anticipate organization readiness and training needs could lead to business . The quarterly timing of sales may also be impacted as distributors adjust their buying patterns and inventory levels in anticipation of potential business related to the implementation of our new ERP system. or of any part of the ERP system could result in a write-off of part or all of the costs that have been capitalized on the project.
Due to the complexities inherent in implementing these types of cost reduction and restructuring activities, and the timing of strategic investments, we may fail to realize expected efficiencies and benefits or may experience a delay in realizing such efficiencies and benefits, and our operations and business could be disrupted. Company management may be required to divert their focus to these disruptions, and implementation may require agreements with third parties, such as labor unions or works councils. Risks associated with these actions and other workforce management issues include delays in workforce reductions, additional unexpected costs, changes in restructuring plans that modify the number of employees affected, negative impacts on our relationship with labor unions or works councils, adverse effects on employee morale, and to meet operational targets due to the of employees, any of which may our ability to anticipated cost reductions or may otherwise our business, and could have a material effect on our sales growth and other results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, or competitive position.
We may be unable to develop innovative products and solutions to stimulate customer demand.
The worldwide markets for dental and continence care products are highly competitive and are subject to rapid and significant technological disruption. There can be no assurance that our products will not lose their competitive advantage or become obsolete as a result of such factors, or that we will be able to generate any economic return on our investment in product development. If product demand or sales effectiveness decreases, or if our newly introduced products are not accepted by our customers, our revenue and profit could be negatively impacted. Important factors that could cause demand for our products to decrease include changes in:
• business conditions, including downturns in the dental industry, regional economies, and the overall economy;
• the level of customers’ inventories;
• evolving industry practices;
• competitive and pricing pressures, including actions taken or new products introduced by competitors;
• customer product needs and preferences and customer/patient lifecycle; and
• patient reimbursement trends which could lead to a drop in patient volumes at our customers’ dental practices.
If we fail to innovate existing technologies or develop new technologies consistent with changing consumer preferences and security requirements or fail to differentiate our products from our competition, our technology or products may become obsolete and cause us to lose market share and revenue. While we have identified the development of new technologies and products as an important part of our growth strategy, there is no assurance that new technology, products or approaches to dental treatment will not render our products obsolete, and there is no assurance that capital allocated to R&D will yield expected benefits. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancements may accelerate amortization faster than we anticipated or impair investments in our software technology, which could negatively impact our results.
Our ongoing business operations may be disrupted for a significant period of time, resulting in material operating costs and financial losses.
We sell to customers in approximately 140 countries and our manufacturing facilities, along with those of our suppliers, are located in multiple countries around the world. Potential events such as extreme weather, natural disasters, regional epidemics or global pandemics, worker strikes and social and political actions, such as trade wars, regional wars or conflicts or other events beyond our control, could impact our ongoing business operations, including due to disruptions at critical third-party vendors or the loss of critical information technology and telecommunications systems. There is potential that global climate change could result in certain types of natural disasters occurring more frequently or with increased intensity and such climate events could disrupt our third-party suppliers, production, and distribution of our products. Current or future insurance arrangements may not provide protection for costs that may arise from such events, particularly if such events are catastrophic in nature or occur in combination. Although we maintain multiple manufacturing facilities, a large number of the products manufactured by us are manufactured in facilities that are the sole source of such products. As there are a limited number of alternative third-party suppliers for these products, any at a particular Company manufacturing facility could lead to and increased expenses and may our business and results of operations. If our response, recovery and business continuity plans do not these issues in an and timely manner, such events could result in an in our operations and could cause material impacts on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Additionally, certain raw materials are purchased from a limited number of suppliers, including in certain cases single source suppliers pursuant to agreements that are subject to periodic renewal, some of which may also compete with us. As there are a limited number of suppliers for these products, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain an adequate supply of these products and raw materials in the future at acceptable prices. Any delays in delivery of or shortages in these products could interrupt and delay manufacturing of our products and result in the cancellation of orders. In addition, these suppliers could discontinue the manufacture or supply of these products to us or supply products to competitors. We may not be able to identify and integrate alternative sources of supply in a timely fashion, or at all. Any transition to alternate suppliers may result in delays in shipment, increase expenses and limit our ability to deliver products to customers.
We have recognized substantial goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges and may be required to recognize additional goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in the future.
We have acquired companies resulting in the recognition of goodwill and intangible assets. Actual performance of acquired companies may differ from forecasts or projections, leading to the anticipated economic benefit from those acquisitions not being realized, which could result in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. We review amortizable intangible assets for impairment when events indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at least annually. The valuation models used to determine the fair value of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets are dependent upon various assumptions and reflect management’s best estimates.
The goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analyses are sensitive to changes in key assumptions used, such as discount rates, revenue growth rates, perpetual revenue growth rates, operating margin percentages, and net working capital assumptions of the business as well as current market conditions affecting the dental and medical device industries. Given the uncertainty in the marketplace and other factors affecting management’s assumptions, there is a risk of future impairment charges if there is a decline in the fair value of the reporting units or indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of, among other things, financial results lower than forecasts, adverse changes in valuation assumptions, a decline in equity valuations, increases in interest rates, or changes in the use of intangible assets. There can be no assurance that our future asset impairment testing will not result in a material charge to earnings.
For further information regarding the specifics of our impairments, see Note 11, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Our intellectual property may not protect our products, and/or our products may infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties.
Our financial results may be adversely impacted if third parties infringe upon our intellectual property rights or misappropriate our technologies and trademarks. To protect our rights to our intellectual property, we rely on a combination of patent and trademark law, trade secret protection, confidentiality agreements and contractual arrangements with our employees, strategic partners, and others. However, we cannot be assured that the protective steps that we have taken will be adequate to detect, protect against or deter misappropriation. Effective patent, trademark and trade secret protection may not be available in
every country in which we will offer our products. In addition, there is a risk of employees inadvertently inputting trade secret information into AI technologies, thereby enabling third parties to access such information. Any failure to adequately protect our intellectual property rights could devalue our proprietary content and impair our ability to compete effectively.
Litigation may be necessary to assert claims against others, enforce patents owned by or licensed to us, protect our trade secrets or know-how, or determine the enforceability, scope, and validity of our proprietary rights or to defend third-party claims that we have infringed on proprietary rights of others. An adverse determination in such proceedings could subject us to significant liabilities, allow our competitors to market competitive products without obtaining a license from us, prohibit us from marketing our products, require us to seek licenses from third parties, require us to pay substantial damages, including but not limited to treble damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, for past infringement, or we could be at risk for an injunction if it is ultimately determined that our products infringe a third party’s intellectual property rights. If we cannot obtain third-party licenses when necessary, we may be restricted or prevented from commercializing our products. If we become involved in , we may incur substantial expense, and the proceedings may the attention of key personnel, even if we ultimately prevail. Our will depend in part on our ability to obtain patents for technology in our products, on our patents by third parties that relate to our products, technologies, and processes, both in the United States and in other countries, and that we are on the intellectual property of others.
Risks and uncertainties that we face with respect to our patents and patent applications include the following:
• pending patent applications may not result in issued patents or may take longer than we expect to result in issued patents;
• the allowed claims of any patents that are issued may not provide meaningful protection;
• disputes may arise regarding inventions and corresponding ownership rights in inventions and know-how resulting from the joint creation or use of intellectual property by us and our respective licensors; and
• other companies may design around the technologies patented by us.
Changes in our credit ratings or macroeconomic impacts on credit markets may increase our cost of capital and limit financing options.
We utilize short- and long-term debt markets to obtain capital from time to time. Our continued access to sources of liquidity depends on multiple factors, including global economic conditions, the condition of global credit markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, operating performance, and credit ratings. Macroeconomic impacts, including natural disasters, pandemics, geopolitical conditions or other catastrophic events, may result in significant disruption in the credit markets, which may adversely affect our ability to refinance existing debt or obtain additional financing to support operations or to fund new acquisitions or capital-intensive internal initiatives.
Any adverse changes in our credit ratings may result in increased borrowing costs for future long-term debt or short-term borrowing facilities which may in turn limit financing options, including access to the unsecured borrowing market. There is no guarantee that additional debt financing will be available in the future to fund obligations, or that it will be available on commercially reasonable terms, in which case we may need to seek other sources of funding.
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our debt or contractual obligations.
We now have and expect to continue to have a significant amount of debt. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including the following:
• making it more difficult or even impossible for us to satisfy our debt or contractual obligations;
• exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities, are at variable rates of interest;
• restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;
• requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, which would reduce the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
• limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, future business opportunities and the industry in which we operate;
• placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to any of our less leveraged competitors;
• increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in our business and both general and industry-specific adverse economic conditions; and
• limiting our ability to obtain additional financing, which could worsen if any adverse changes in our credit ratings occur.
Our credit facilities contain restrictive covenants, including some which require that we maintain certain ratios, that could limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. We may need to reduce the amount of our indebtedness outstanding from time to time to comply with the ratios required by such covenants, although no assurance can be given that we will be able to do so. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt, which could adversely affect our business, earnings and financial condition. Such failure to comply with covenants may also hurt our reputation and credibility with our stockholders and our debt holders and may compromise our future ability to finance our operations through the public equity or debt markets.
There is no guarantee that we will be able to renew or replace our existing debt agreements as they become due. A failure to renew or replace such agreements and instruments would harm our overall liquidity.
Our foreign currency hedging and cash management transactions may be ineffective or only partially mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, exposing us to unexpected volatility.
Due to the global nature of our business, movements in foreign exchange rates may impact our consolidated statements of operations, consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statement of cash flows. With approximately two-thirds of our sales occurring outside the United States, our consolidated net sales are impacted negatively by the strengthening and positively by the weakening of the U.S. dollar as compared to certain foreign currencies. Changes in trade policy, supply chain constraints, higher energy costs, labor shortages, and geopolitical tensions have all contributed to the risk of higher inflation and general economic uncertainty across the industry and the regions in which the Company operates. Additionally, movements in certain foreign exchange rates may impact our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity since a number of our manufacturing and distribution operations are located outside of the United States. Although we currently use and may in the future use certain financial instruments to attempt to mitigate market fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, there can be no assurance that such measures will be effective or available.
We use foreign currency exchange forward contracts to reduce the effects of exchange rate fluctuations. Should our counterparties to such transactions or the sponsors of the exchanges through which these transactions are offered fail to honor their obligations, we would be exposed to potential losses or the inability to recover anticipated gains from these transactions.
We enter into interest rate swap agreements from time to time to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility. These swap agreements involve risks, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements. In addition, these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to changes in interest rates. If such events occur, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Most of our cash deposited with banks is not insured and would be subject to the risk of bank failure. Our total liquidity also depends in part on the availability of funds under our 2023 Credit Facility. The failure of any bank in which we deposit our funds or that is part of our 2023 Credit Facility could reduce the amount of cash we have available.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR GLOBAL OPERATIONS
Due to the global nature of our business, including increasing exposure to markets outside of the United States, political or economic changes or other factors could harm our business and financial performance.
Approximately two-thirds of our sales are in regions outside the United States, and we anticipate that sales outside of the United States will continue to increase. Operating internationally is subject to uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to, the following:
• economic and political instability;
• import or export licensing requirements;
• compliance-related risks;
• trade restrictions and tariffs;
• product registration requirements;
• longer payment cycles;
• uncertainty regarding energy costs and labor availability;
• changes in regulatory requirements and tariffs, including restrictions in China on the proportion of certain medical equipment which can be imported;
• potentially adverse tax consequences; and
• trade policy changes.
The Company’s business is subject to risks related to, among other factors, tariffs and other trade protection measures put in place by the United States and other countries. The U.S. government has implemented or is in the process of implementing various tariffs on the importation of goods from certain countries, a number of which are applicable to the Company’s supply chain, operations, and sales, and the tariffs enacted or proposed by the Trump Administration and retaliatory tariffs by other countries could make it significantly more difficult or costly for the Company to import certain products or materials to the United States, or export products or materials from the United States to other countries. Currently, a small portion of the products, materials, and components used in our products are imported from China, and a significant share of the dental equipment that we sell in the United States is manufactured in Europe. Europe is also a major market for our products, including certain consumable products made in the United States, while sales in China represent less than 5% of our global sales on an annual basis. We continue to monitor and evaluate the ongoing and potential impacts of the tariffs and changes in trade policy, whether implemented or proposed, on our supply chain, costs, net sales and profitability. We have implemented and continue to evaluate additional strategies that would mitigate such impacts, including competitive pricing strategies to offset tariffs and evaluating potential sourcing options that work with our vendors and merchants to seek to minimize products sourced from high tariff rate countries, both for existing products and for new product development. Furthermore, changes in trade policies can lead to supply chain constraints, higher energy costs, labor , and contribute to the risk of higher inflation and general economic uncertainty across the industry and the regions in which the Company operates. The impact that these tariffs and changes in trade policy will ultimately have on our financial results remains uncertain, including the impact on demand for our products in certain markets if prices rise as a consequence of import tariffs.
Specifically, the Chinese government has implemented a volume-based procurement process designed to decrease prices for medical devices and other products, which has in the past resulted in, and could in the future result in, reduced margins on covered devices and products, required renegotiation of distributor arrangements, or an incurrence of inventory-related charges. We cannot predict future impacts of the volume-based procurement program on our business, including any expansion of the program to include additional products within our portfolio.
Furthermore, geopolitical conflicts are expected to continue to shape market dynamics and pose general threats to financial stability in affected regions, including ongoing tensions from both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the conflict in the Middle East. These conflicts are highly unpredictable and could lead to significant market and other disruptions, which along with the spillover effect of ongoing civil, political, and economic disturbances on surrounding areas, may significantly devalue currencies we use or have other adverse impacts, including increased costs of raw materials, manufacturing or shipping delays or increases in inflation rate, cyberattacks and supply chain challenges.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTS
We may be subject to additional litigation and regulatory examinations, investigations, proceedings or court orders relating to the completed 2022 internal investigation regarding certain financial reporting matters. If any of these items are resolved adversely to us, it could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As a result of the previously reported material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting which were remediated as of December 31, 2023, which partially arose from the independent investigation regarding certain financial reporting matters conducted by the Audit and Finance Committee (“AFC”) of the Company’s Board of Directors. Several securities class action lawsuits were filed against us following our announcement on May 10, 2022 of the AFC’s internal investigation. While the related SEC investigation has been closed, we may face additional litigation and regulatory examinations, investigations, proceedings or court orders, including additional cease and desist orders, the suspension of trading of our securities, delisting of our securities, the assessment of civil monetary penalties and other equitable remedies. Our management has devoted and may be required to further devote significant time and attention to these matters. If any of these matters are resolved us, it could our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, while we cannot estimate our potential exposure to these matters at this time, we have already expended a significant amount of time and resources and the underlying these matters and expect to
continue to do so. For further information, see Note 21, Commitments and Contingencies, discussing the securities class action lawsuits, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
We may be unable to obtain necessary product approvals and marketing clearances.
We must obtain certain approvals and marketing clearances from governmental authorities, including the FDA and similar health authorities in foreign countries to market and sell select products in the United States and foreign countries. These agencies regulate the marketing, manufacturing, labeling, packaging, advertising, sales, installation, service, and distribution of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The FDA enforces additional regulations regarding the safety of X-ray emitting devices. Various U.S. states also impose manufacturing, licensing, and distribution regulations.
The FDA review process for new medical devices typically requires extended proceedings pertaining to the safety and efficacy of new products. A 510(k) application is required to market certain classes of new or modified medical devices. If specifically required by the FDA, a pre-market approval may be necessary. Such proceedings are potentially expensive and time-consuming and may hinder a product’s entry into the marketplace. There can be no assurance that the review or approval process for these products by the FDA or any other governmental authority will occur in a timely fashion, or that additional regulations will not be adopted or current regulations amended in a manner that will adversely affect us. The FDA also oversees the content of advertising and marketing materials relating to medical devices that received FDA clearance. Failure to comply with the FDA’s advertising guidelines may result in the imposition of penalties, enforcement actions, import bans, or other negative consequences.
We are also subject to other federal, state, and local laws, regulations and recommendations relating to safe working conditions, and to laboratory and manufacturing practices. The extent of government regulation that might result from any future legislation or administrative action cannot be accurately predicted, and inadequate employee training may result in the failure to adhere to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Similar to the FDA review process, the EU review process typically requires extended proceedings on the safety and efficacy of new products. Such proceedings are potentially expensive and time-consuming and may hinder a product’s entry into the marketplace.
Our products that fall into the category of Class I under the EU MDD were mandated to be certified under the EU MDR. These regulations applied to all medical device manufacturers who market their medical devices in the EU, and manufacturers were required to perform significant upgrades to quality systems and processes. On March 20, 2023, the EU Commission extended the MDR transitional periods until December 31, 2027 for higher risk devices and until December 31, 2028 for other medical devices. We remain focused on ensuring that applicable medical device products will be fully certified by the deadlines. Additionally, given the exit of the UK from the EU, the EU CE marking will be recognized in the UK through the earlier of the expiration of the product’s CE certificate or June 2028. After such date, the UK may impose its own differing regulatory requirements for products imported from the EU.
Failure to comply with these rules, regulations, self-regulatory codes, circulars, and orders could result in significant civil and criminal penalties and costs, including the loss of licenses and the ability to participate in federal and state health care programs, and could have a material adverse impact on our business. Also, these regulations may be interpreted in a manner that requires us to make changes in operations or incur substantial defense expenses. Even unsuccessful challenges by regulatory authorities or private regulators could result in reputational harm and the incurring of substantial costs.
Changes in tax rules or interpretations of tax rules, operating structures, transfer pricing regulations, country profitability mix and regulations and tax investigations, audits or other proceedings that we are subject to may harm our business, financial condition and results of operations, including by adversely affecting our effective tax rate.
As a company with global operations, we are subject to income and non-income-based taxes around the world. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide tax liabilities. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable at the time made, the actual outcome could differ materially from the amounts recorded in our financial statements. The Company has significant tax positions in a variety of countries including the United States and Germany. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or other tax authorities disagree with our tax positions, we could have additional tax liability, which may have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position. Our effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with different statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws and regulations, and changes in interpretations of tax laws.
Certain governments have adopted or are considering tax reform measures that could significantly increase our worldwide tax liabilities.
• On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was signed into law, making various changes to the U.S. tax code. In particular, OBBBA reinstated the deduction for research and development expenditures within the United States and introduced new provisions for the immediate deduction of certain capital expenditures. These changes may have an impact on our future tax payments.
• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) and other government bodies have focused on the taxation of multi-national corporations, including in the area of “base erosion and profit shifting,” where payments are made from affiliates in jurisdictions with high tax rates to affiliates in jurisdictions with lower rates. On December 12, 2022, the European Union member states agreed to implement the OECD’s global corporate minimum tax rate of 15% (“Pillar Two”), which became effective as of January 2024. Other countries have made, or are actively considering, changes to their tax laws to adopt certain parts of the OECD’s proposals. However, on June 28, 2025, the G7 issued a joint statement stating that Pillar Two will operate alongside the U.S. system of tax and proposed that U.S.-parented multinational groups not be subject to certain provisions of Pillar Two. Other OECD countries are likely to consider changes to their own tax laws and the implementation of Pillar Two. Additional changes to tax laws or inconsistent application of existing tax laws, including Pillar Two, could increase tax uncertainty and have a material effect on the Company’s effective tax rate, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
The Company will continue to monitor and reflect the impact of such legislative changes in future financial statements as appropriate.
German tax authorities are currently performing a criminal investigation related to a series of intercompany loans from 2016 and 2017 (the “German Tax Investigation”). As of the date of this filing, there have been no charges against the Company or current or former employees. Potential outcomes of the German Tax Investigation involve a number of uncertainties, including those relating to the application of tax law and regulations, and there can be no assurance that the German Tax Investigation will be resolved favorably. Our management has devoted and may be required to further devote significant time and attention to the German Tax Investigation. If the German Tax Investigation is resolved against us, it could harm our reputation, business, ability to attract talent, particularly professionals with backgrounds in international tax and tax accounting, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, while we cannot estimate our potential exposure at this time, we have already expended a significant amount of time and resources and supporting requests for information from German tax authorities, and we expect to continue to do so. Accordingly, this and any related could management and entail risks and uncertainties, the outcome of which could affect our results of operations and our reputation. For further information regarding the German Tax , see Note 21, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
We voluntarily suspended the sale and marketing of our direct-to-consumer Byte aligner systems and impression kits, and subsequently determined to cease offering these aligners to new patients while repurposing Byte technologies and capabilities to support other products within our aligner portfolio. As a result, we have experienced a material impact on our results of operations, and we may be required to take additional significant impairment charges if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to reallocate Byte resources.
On October 24, 2024, we announced the voluntary suspension of the sale and marketing of our direct-to-consumer Byte aligner systems and impression kits. In January 2025, we announced that Byte aligners would no longer be offered to new patients.
The initial suspension and subsequent decisions regarding Byte products had a material impact on our results of operations. The sales of Byte aligner systems and impression kits represented approximately 2% of our annual revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025, and the assets related to the Byte aligner business are approximately 5% of the Company’s assets as of December 31, 2025. Although we have not accepted any new Byte aligner patients since October 24, 2024, we have continued to provide support for non-contraindicated Byte aligner patients currently undergoing treatment. We also incurred charges relating to customer refunds and asset write-offs. For further information, see Note 18, Restructuring and Other Costs, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Inadequate levels of reimbursement from governmental or other third-party payors for procedures using our products may cause our revenue to decline.
Third-party payors, including government health administration authorities, private health care insurers and other organizations, regulate the reimbursement of fees related to certain diagnostic procedures or medical treatments. Third-party payors are increasingly challenging the price and cost-effectiveness of medical products and services. For example, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering a proposed rule which might, among other things, subject urological supplies to the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and supplies Competitive Bidding Program. Such a change could lead to lower reimbursement levels for these products. While we cannot predict what effect the policies of government entities and other third-party payors will have on future sales of our products, there can be no assurance that such policies would not cause our revenue to decline.
Challenges may be asserted against our products due to real or perceived quality, health or environmental issues.
We manufacture and sell a wide portfolio of dental and medical device products. While we endeavor to ensure that our products are safe and effective, there may be challenges from time to time regarding the quality, health or environmental impact of our products or certain raw material components. Adverse publicity about the quality or safety of our products may have an adverse effect on our brand, reputation and operating results. Legal and regulatory developments in this area may lead to litigation and/or product limitations or discontinuation.
We manufacture and sell dental filling materials that may contain bisphenol-A, commonly called BPA. BPA is found in many everyday items, such as plastic bottles, foods, detergents, and toys, and may be found in certain dental composite materials or sealants either as a by-product of other ingredients that have degraded or as a trace material left over from the manufacture of other ingredients used in such composites or sealants. The FDA currently allows the use of BPA in dental materials, medical devices, and food packaging. Nevertheless, public reports and concerns regarding the potential hazards of BPA could contribute to a perceived safety risk for our products that contain BPA or other substances.
Our business is subject to extensive, complex, and changing domestic and foreign laws, rules, regulations, self-regulatory codes, directives, circulars and orders which, if not complied with, subject us to civil or criminal penalties or other liabilities.
We are subject to extensive domestic and foreign laws, rules, regulations, self-regulatory codes, circulars and orders which are administered by various international, federal and state governmental authorities, including, among others, the FDA, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”), the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce (“BIS”), the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), and other similar domestic and foreign authorities. These laws, rules, regulations, self-regulatory codes, circulars and orders include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the EU MDD (and implementing and local measures adopted thereunder), the Federal Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH Act”), the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), France’s Data Protection Act of 1978 (rev. 2004), the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), the U.S. Federal Anti-Kickback Statute and similar international anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, regulations concerning the supply of conflict minerals, various and increasingly fragmented environmental regulations, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (the “Health Care Reform Law”), regulations relating to trade, import and export controls and economic sanctions, and regulations relating to cybersecurity, including the EU’s Network and Information Security Directives, the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, and China’s Personal Information Protection Law. Such laws, rules, regulations, self-regulatory codes, circulars and orders (“Applicable Laws”) are complex and are subject to change.
The FCPA generally prohibits companies and their affiliates from making improper payment to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, and also includes books and records and internal accounting controls requirements. Our internal policies, procedures and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct mandate compliance with these anti-corruption laws. However, we operate in some countries perceived to have a higher risk of corruption. Despite our training and compliance programs, we cannot provide assurance that our internal policies and procedures will always protect us from violations of such anti-corruption laws committed by our employees or affiliated entities or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents. Failure to comply with the FCPA and other laws governing the conduct of business with government entities may subject us to criminal and civil penalties and other remedial measures, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Any ongoing of potential of the FCPA
or other anti-corruption laws by the United States or foreign authorities could harm our reputation and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Legislation or regulations that potentially impose restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, could adversely affect our operations and financial results.
• The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) requires impacted companies to make extensive sustainability and climate-related disclosure. In December 2025, the EU Parliament approved changes to the CSRD due to the Omnibus simplification package, altering reporting deadlines (so-called “stop the clock”) and to reduce the number of reporting requirements through revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS”). The revised ESRS are expected to be adopted by the European Commission in the first half of 2026. These changes, and any other new or pending legal or regulatory matters, may result in the expenditure of additional resources or costs to comply with such requirements.
• The state of California has also enacted a series of environmental laws related to climate disclosures with which we are required to comply in 2026, pending the outcome of legal challenges.
• On March 27, 2025, the SEC voted to cease defending the previously-proposed climate-related disclosure rules. It is unclear whether similar rules will ever be implemented.
• Other international jurisdictions are proposing climate and ESG-related disclosure legislation.
Climate-related rules will increase compliance costs and could increase litigation risks related to disclosures, which could materially and adversely affect our financial performance.
Compliance with numerous applicable existing and new Applicable Laws could require us to incur substantial regulatory compliance costs. There can be no assurance that governmental authorities will not raise compliance concerns or perform audits to confirm compliance with such Applicable Laws. For example, most of our products are classified as medical devices or pharmaceuticals, which are subject to extensive regulations globally, including the requirement to obtain licenses for the manufacture or distribution of such products. Failure to comply with Applicable Laws could result in a range of governmental enforcement actions, including fines or penalties, injunctions and/or criminal or other civil proceedings. Any such actions could result in higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated revenue and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules, regulations, self-regulatory codes, circulars, and orders relating to health care fraud (“Healthcare Fraud Laws”). Some of these laws, referred to as “false claims laws,” prohibit the submission, or causing the submission, of false or fraudulent claims for reimbursement to health care payors and programs. Other laws, referred to as “anti-kickback laws,” prohibit soliciting, offering, receiving, or paying remuneration in order to induce the referral of a patient or ordering, purchasing, leasing or arranging for or recommending ordering, purchasing or leasing, of items or services that are paid for by health care payors and programs. Additionally, under the reporting and disclosure obligations of the U.S. Physician Payment Sunshine Act and similar Healthcare Fraud Laws, the general public and government officials will be provided with access to detailed information with regard to payments or other transfers of value to certain practitioners (including physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals) by applicable drug and device manufacturers, including us. This information may lead to , which may result in modifications to established practices and additional costs. We cannot predict whether changes in Healthcare Laws, or the interpretation thereof, or changes in our services or practices in response, could affect our business.
RISKS RELATED TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK
The market price for our common stock may continue to be volatile as a result of a number of factors, including our quarterly operating results.
We may experience significant fluctuations in quarterly sales and earnings due to several factors, some of which are substantially outside of our control, including but not limited to:
• general economic conditions, as well as those specific to the healthcare industry and related industries;
• changes in income tax laws and incentives that could create adverse tax consequences;
• the execution of restructuring plans;
• the complexity of our organization;
• our ability to supply products to meet customer demand;
• the timing of new product introductions by us and our competitors;
• the timing of industry trade shows;
• changes in customer inventory levels;
• developments in government or third-party payor reimbursement policies;
• changes in customer preferences and product mix;
• fluctuations in manufacturing costs;
• competitors’ sales promotions; and
• fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
As a result, we may fail to meet the expectations of investors and securities analysts, which could cause our stock price to decline.
Certain provisions in our governing documents, and of Delaware law, may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us.
Certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws and of Delaware law could have the effect of making it difficult for a third party to acquire a controlling interest in us. Such provisions include, among others, a provision allowing the Board of Directors to issue preferred stock having rights senior to those of our common stock and certain requirements which make it difficult for stockholders to amend our By-laws and prevent them from calling special meetings of stockholders. Delaware law imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any “interested stockholder” with beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our outstanding common stock.
GENERAL RISKS
Our business may be adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions, including inflation, rising interest rates, and supply chain shortages.
Our business, operating results, financial condition, credit rating, access to credit markets, and liquidity may be adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, credit market conditions, consumer and business confidence, and other factors generally beyond our control. We expect the current global supply chain and labor market challenges and inflationary pressures will continue to negatively affect our results of operations. Specifically, the Company continues to experience higher prices and supply chain disruptions for certain raw materials and wage inflation. Certain dental specialty products, dental equipment and related products that support discretionary dental procedures, especially elective procedures in implants and aligners, may also be especially susceptible to changes in economic conditions. Decreases in consumer discretionary spending could negatively affect our business and cause a decline in sales and financial performance.
Additionally, high interest rates have created financial market volatility, which could further negatively impact financial markets or lead to an economic downturn. These and other unfavorable economic conditions could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or cause lenders not to extend credit to us. Tightening of credit in financial markets has adversely impacted our customers’ and suppliers’ ability to obtain financing and could result in additional impacts in the future, including a decrease in or cancellation of orders for our products and services, inability of customers to make payments, and increased risk of supplier financial distress.
Talent gaps and challenges in managing and retaining top talent may impact our ability to operate effectively, execute strategic initiatives, and deliver for our customers.
Our success depends on our ability to attract, engage, develop, and retain employees with the skills and experience necessary to execute our strategy. Failure to fill key roles, retain critical talent, or upskill employees to address emerging skill gaps may negatively affect our performance, competitive position, and long‑term prospects. Maintaining a strong succession pipeline for senior leadership roles is essential to ensuring continuity for our customers.
We face the inherent risk of legal actions, including litigation, product liability claims, and other regulatory or compliance matters.
We face the inherent risk of legal actions or claims, including purported securities class actions, investigations by governmental agencies, product liability claims, product recall actions, antitrust suits, customs proceedings, tax actions, commercial or contractual claims, employee benefit or discrimination lawsuits, actions based in environmental laws, and other matters. These actions or claims, regardless of their factual bases, might result in substantial costs, restrictions, or otherwise materially injure our business by harming our reputation or distracting our officers, management, and employees. The penalties imposed as a result of legal actions or claims might include fines, civil , , , , and other sanctions that may materially our business by reducing our ability to sell or promote our products or reducing our profits. We have insurance policies, including directors’ and officers’ insurance and product liability insurance, covering these risks in amounts that are considered adequate; however, we cannot provide assurance that the maintained coverage is sufficient to cover future or that the coverage will be available in adequate amounts or at a reasonable cost. Also, other types of asserted us may not be covered by insurance. A claim brought us in excess of available insurance, or another type of claim which is or that results in significant publicity us, could our business and our overall cash flows.
Additionally, we include warranties on select products against defects in materials and workmanship, which are generally for a period of one year from the date of shipment or installation plus any extended warranty period purchased by the customer. The future costs associated with providing product warranties could be material. Successful product warranty claims brought against us could reduce our profits and/or impair our financial condition and damage our reputation.
