COMMERCIAL METALS Co

Previous wording

Scrap and other inputs for our business are subject to significant price fluctuations and limited availability, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Scrap and other inputs for our business are subject to price fluctuations and limited availability, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our employees contribute to and are instrumental in developing and meeting our business goals and objectives, and we depend on a qualified labor force for the manufacture of our products. The impact of labor shortages and increased competition for available workers may increase our costs or impede our ability to optimally staff our facilities and could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, an ongoing labor shortage may result in increased expenses related to hiring and retention of qualified employees. As our experienced employees retire and we lose their institutional knowledge, we may encounter challenges and may have difficulty replacing them with employees of comparable skill and efficiency. Additionally, as of August 31, 2025, 11%, 4% and 28% of the employees in our North America Steel Group, Emerging Businesses Group and Europe Steel Group segments, respectively, belong to unions. While we believe that we have good relations with the union representatives, there can be no assurance that any future labor negotiations will prove successful, which may result in a significant increase in the cost of labor, or may break down and result in the disruption of our business or operations.

Current wording

Our employees contribute to and are instrumental in developing and meeting our business goals and objectives, and we depend on a qualified labor force for the manufacture of our products. The impact of labor shortages and increased competition for available workers may increase our costs or impede our ability to optimally staff our facilities and could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, an ongoing labor shortage may result in increased expenses related to hiring and retention of qualified employees. As our experienced employees retire and we lose their institutional knowledge, we may encounter challenges and may have difficulty replacing them with employees of comparable skill and efficiency. Additionally, as of August 31, 2026, 9%, 3% and 27% of the employees in our North America Steel Group, Construction Solutions Group and Europe Steel Group segments, respectively, belong to unions. While we believe that we have good relations with the union representatives, there can be no assurance that any future labor negotiations will prove successful, which may result in a significant increase in the cost of labor, or may break down and result in the disruption of our business or operations.

Previous wording

Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted by the effects of inflation.

Current wording

Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted by macroeconomic conditions.

Previous wording

Inflation has the potential to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations by increasing our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases in the prices we charge our customers. Other inflationary pressures could affect wages, energy prices, the cost and availability of components and raw materials and other inputs and our ability to meet customer demand. Inflation may further exacerbate other risk factors, including supply chain disruptions, risks related to international operations and the recruitment and retention of qualified employees.

Current wording

Adverse macroeconomic conditions, including sustained inflation, recession or prolonged periods of economic stagnation, have the potential to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Inflation has the potential to increase our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases in the prices we charge our customers. Other inflationary pressures could affect wages, energy prices, the cost and availability of components and raw materials and other inputs and our ability to meet customer demand. A significant economic downturn or recessionary environment could reduce demand for our products, compress our margins, impair the financial condition of our customers and negatively impact construction activity and infrastructure spending. A sustained period of economic uncertainty may cause customers to defer or cancel capital projects, reduce their purchasing commitments or seek to renegotiate existing contracts on less favorable terms. These macroeconomic conditions may further exacerbate other risk factors, including supply chain disruptions, risks related to international operations and the recruitment and retention of qualified employees.

Previous wording

We compete with regional, national and foreign manufacturers and traders. Consolidation among participants in the steel manufacturing and recycling industries has resulted in fewer competitors, and several of our competitors are significantly larger than us and have greater financial resources and more diverse businesses than us. Some of our foreign competitors may be able to pursue business opportunities without regard to certain laws and regulations with which we must comply, such as environmental regulations. These companies may have a lower cost structure and more operating flexibility, and consequently they may be able to offer lower prices and more services than we can. There is no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with these companies. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We compete with regional, national and foreign manufacturers and traders. Consolidation among participants in the industries in which we operate, including the steel manufacturing and recycling industries and the markets for early-stage construction solutions, has resulted in fewer competitors, and several of our competitors are significantly larger than us and have greater financial resources and more diverse businesses than us. Some of our foreign competitors may be able to pursue business opportunities without regard to certain laws and regulations with which we must comply, such as environmental regulations. These companies may have a lower cost structure and more operating flexibility, and consequently they may be able to offer lower prices and more services than we can. There is no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with these companies. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Operating and startup risks, as well as market risks associated with the commissioning of our micro mills, could prevent us from realizing anticipated benefits and could result in a loss of all or a substantial part of our investments.

Current wording

Operating and startup risks, as well as market risks associated with the commissioning of our micro mills and other capital investments, could prevent us from realizing anticipated benefits and could result in a loss of all or a substantial part of our investments.

Previous wording

Although we have successfully commissioned and operated similar facilities, there are technological, operational, market and start-up risks associated with the continued ramp up of our third micro mill and the construction and commissioning of our fourth micro mill. Construction of our micro mills is subject to changing market conditions, delays, inflation and cost overruns, work stoppages, labor shortages, weather-related disruptions, supply chain delays, changes in transportation costs and availability, changes required by governmental authorities, availability of government tax credits and delays in acquiring or the inability to acquire required permits or licenses, any of which could adversely affect our operational and financial results. While we believe these facilities should each be capable of consistently producing high-quality products in sufficient quantities and at costs that will compare favorably with other similar steel manufacturing facilities, these expectations may not be achieved. If we encounter cost overruns, system or process difficulties or quality control restrictions during commissioning of our fourth micro mill or after startup with any facility, our capital costs could increase materially, the expected benefits from the development of the applicable facilities could be diminished or lost and we could lose all or a substantial portion of our investments. Furthermore, due to the innovative systems and processes being deployed, construction and commissioning of our fourth micro mill may present new operational complexities not previously experienced at our other micro mills. In addition, reductions in the availability of certain modes of transportation, such as rail or trucking, during construction of our micro mills could result in significant delays, and reduced transportation availability following startup at our facilities could limit our ability to deliver our steel products and therefore adversely affect our operational and financial results. We could also encounter commodity market risk if, over a sustained period, the cost to manufacture is greater than projected or the market prices for steel products decline.

Current wording

Although we have successfully commissioned and operated similar facilities, there are technological, operational, market and start-up risks associated with the commissioning of our micro mills and other capital investments. While we believe these facilities should be capable of consistently producing high-quality products in sufficient quantities and at costs that will compare favorably with other similar steel manufacturing facilities, these expectations may not be achieved. If we encounter quality control restrictions during commissioning of our micro mills and other capital investments or after startup, our capital costs could increase materially, the expected benefits could be diminished or lost and we could lose all or a substantial portion of our investment. Furthermore, due to the innovative systems and processes being deployed, construction and commissioning of our micro mills and other capital investments may present new operational complexities not previously experienced. In addition, reductions in the availability of certain modes of transportation, such as rail or trucking, following startup at these facilities could limit our ability to deliver our products and therefore adversely affect our operational and financial results.

Previous wording

We rely on computers, information and communications technology and related systems and networks to operate our business, including to store sensitive data such as intellectual property, our own proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, as well as personally identifiable information of our employees. Increased global information technology security requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and a rise in sophisticated and targeted cyber attacks, which may be heightened in times of hostilities or war, computer viruses, phishing attacks, social engineering schemes, malicious code, ransomware attacks, acts of terrorism and physical or electronic security breaches, including breaches by computer hackers, cyber-terrorists and/or unauthorized access to or disclosure of our and/or our employees’ or customers’ data pose a risk to the security of our systems, networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. We have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the ordinary course of business but, as of the date of this Annual Report, prior cybersecurity incidents have not had a material adverse effect on our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. Our systems and networks are also subject to damage or interruption from power outages, natural disasters, telecommunications failures, intentional or inadvertent user misuse, employee error, operator negligence and other similar events. Any of these or other events could result in system interruption, the disclosure, modification or destruction of proprietary and other key information, corruption of data, legal claims or proceedings, government enforcement actions, civil or criminal penalties, increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, production delays or disruptions to operations including processing transactions and reporting financial results and could adversely impact our reputation and our operating results. We have taken steps to address these concerns and have implemented internal control and security measures to protect our systems and networks from security breaches; however, measures that the Company takes to avoid, detect, mitigate or recover from material incidents, may be circumvented, become ineffective or fail to detect or prevent all threats. Despite these efforts, a system or network failure, or security breach, could materially impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, we may be required to incur significant costs and invest additional resources to protect against and, if required, remediate the damage caused by such disruptions or system failures in the future.

Current wording

Our systems and networks are also subject to damage or interruption from power outages, natural disasters, telecommunications failures, intentional or inadvertent user misuse, employee error, operator negligence and other similar events. Any of these or other events could result in system interruption, the disclosure, modification or destruction of proprietary and other key information, corruption of data, legal claims or proceedings, government enforcement actions, civil or criminal penalties, increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, production delays or disruptions to operations including processing transactions and reporting financial results and could adversely impact our reputation and our operating results. We have taken steps to address these concerns and have implemented internal control and security measures to protect our systems and networks from security breaches; however, measures that the Company takes to avoid, detect, mitigate or recover from material incidents, may be circumvented, become ineffective or fail to detect or prevent all threats. Despite these efforts, a system or network failure, or security breach, could materially impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, we may be required to incur significant costs and invest additional resources to protect against and, if required, remediate the damage caused by such disruptions or system failures in the future.

Previous wording

Increasing attention to ESG matters, including any targets or other ESG, environmental justice or regulatory initiatives, could result in additional costs or risks or adverse impacts on our business.

Current wording

Attention to ESG matters, including any targets or other ESG, environmental justice or regulatory initiatives, could result in additional costs or risks or adverse impacts on our business.

Previous wording

ESG in general. Implementation of our environmental and sustainability initiatives, including the goals set forth in our annual sustainability report, requires certain financial expenditures and employee resources, and the implementation of certain ESG practices or disclosures. In addition, we are, or in the future may become, subject to domestic and international disclosure frameworks, regulations and requirements related to climate change and sustainability. Compliance with such disclosure frameworks, regulations and requirements, if and when they are implemented, could require significant effort, and if we fail to meet the applicable regulatory standards or expectations with respect to these issues, including the expectations we establish for our business, we could be subject to penalties, fines, lawsuits or regulatory action, our reputation and brand could be damaged, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted. Furthermore, negative publicity with respect to our business and operations could result in the cancellation or delay of projects, the revocation of permits or termination of contracts, each of which may adversely affect our business strategy, increase our costs, or adversely affect our reputation, performance and availability of capital.

Current wording

Our business faces scrutiny related to ESG issues, including environmental stewardship, supply chain management, climate change, workplace conduct, human rights, philanthropy and support for local communities. Investors, stakeholders and other interested parties are also increasingly focused on issues related to environmental justice and ESG in general. Implementation of our environmental and sustainability initiatives, including the goals set forth in our annual sustainability report, requires certain financial expenditures and employee resources, and the implementation of certain ESG practices or disclosures. In addition, we are, or in the future may become, subject to domestic and international disclosure frameworks, regulations and requirements related to climate change and sustainability. Compliance with such disclosure frameworks, regulations and requirements, if and when they are implemented, could require significant effort, and if we fail to meet the applicable regulatory standards or expectations with respect to these issues, including the expectations we establish for our business, we could be subject to penalties, fines, lawsuits or regulatory action, our reputation and brand could be damaged, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted. Furthermore, negative publicity with respect to our business and operations could result in the cancellation or delay of projects, the revocation of permits or termination of contracts, each of which may adversely affect our business strategy, increase our costs, or adversely affect our reputation, performance and availability of capital.

Previous wording

Because of the uncertain nature of litigation and insurance coverage decisions, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters. These matters could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition. Litigation is very costly, and the costs associated with prosecuting and defending litigation matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Although we are unable to precisely estimate the ultimate dollar amount of exposure to loss in connection with litigation matters, we make accruals as warranted. However, the amounts that we accrue could vary significantly from the amounts we actually pay, due to inherent uncertainties, including the inherent uncertainties of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors. As further described in Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings of this Annual Report, on October 30, 2020, plaintiff Pacific Steel Group ("PSG") filed a suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (the "Northern District Court") alleging that CMC, CMC Steel Fabricators, Inc. and CMC Steel US, LLC violated the federal and California state antitrust laws and California common law by entering into an exclusivity agreement for certain steel mill equipment manufactured by one of the Company’s equipment suppliers. On November 5, 2024, a jury returned a verdict in favor of PSG in the amount of $110.0 million, which the Northern District Court, in entering its judgment on the verdict, subsequently trebled as a matter of law. In the year ended August 31, 2025, we reported $362.3 million of litigation expense in the consolidated statement of earnings, which represents our estimate based on our understanding of the PSG judgment, PSG’s attorneys’ fees and other related costs, including post-judgment interest. Unless the verdict and judgment are overturned or the judgment is significantly reduced, the losses incurred in connection with this litigation would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.

Current wording

Because of the uncertain nature of litigation and insurance coverage decisions, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters. These matters could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition. Litigation is very costly, and the costs associated with prosecuting and defending litigation matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Although we are unable to precisely estimate the ultimate dollar amount of exposure to loss in connection with litigation matters, we make accruals as warranted. However, the amounts that we accrue could vary significantly from the amounts we actually pay, due to inherent uncertainties, including the inherent uncertainties of the estimation process, the uncertainties involved in litigation and other factors. As further described in Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings of this Annual Report, on October 30, 2020, plaintiff Pacific Steel Group ("PSG") filed a suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (the "Northern District Court") alleging that CMC, CMC Steel Fabricators, Inc. and CMC Steel US, LLC violated the federal and California state antitrust laws and California common law by entering into an exclusivity agreement for certain steel mill equipment manufactured by one of the Company’s equipment suppliers. On November 5, 2024, a jury returned a verdict in favor of PSG in the amount of $110.0 million, which the Northern District Court, in entering its judgment on the verdict, subsequently trebled as a matter of law. In the year ended August 31, 2025, we reported $362.3 million of litigation expense in the consolidated statement of earnings, which represents the Company's estimate based on its understanding of the PSG judgment, PSG's attorneys' fees and other related costs, including post-judgment interest for the period. In the year ended August 31, 2026, we reported $15.4 million of litigation expense in the consolidated statement of earnings, which amount primarily represents the Company's estimate of post-judgment interest on the PSG judgment for the period. Unless the verdict and judgment are overturned or the judgment is significantly reduced, the cash payments incurred in connection with this litigation would have a significant impact on our liquidity and financial condition.

Previous wording

The global economy has been negatively impacted by geopolitical conflicts, such as the continuing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Such conflicts have led and may continue to lead to market and other disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices and supply of energy resources, instability in financial markets, higher inflation, supply chain interruptions, political and social instability, as well as an increase in cyberattacks and espionage. While such recent geopolitical conflicts have not had a direct material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations, we will continue to monitor such situations and develop contingency plans as necessary to address any disruptions to our business operations. To the extent geopolitical conflicts continue to adversely affect the global economy as discussed above, they may also heighten many of the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section, such as those relating to data security, supply chain, volatility in prices of scrap, energy and other inputs and market conditions, any of which could negatively affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Current wording

The global economy has been negatively impacted by geopolitical conflicts, such as the continuing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, and the conflict in Iran. Such conflicts have led and may continue to lead to market and other disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices and supply of energy resources, instability in financial markets, higher inflation, supply chain interruptions, political and social instability, as well as an increase in cyberattacks and espionage. While such recent geopolitical conflicts have not had a direct material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations, we have seen increases in fuel costs, energy costs in Europe have increased, and the broader geopolitical environment may result in demand variability and cost inflation. We will continue to monitor such situations and develop contingency plans as necessary to address any disruptions to our business operations. To the extent geopolitical conflicts continue to adversely affect the global economy as discussed above, they may also heighten many of the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section, such as those relating to data security, supply chain, volatility in prices of scrap, energy and other inputs and market conditions, any of which could negatively affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Previous wording

The indentures governing our 4.125% Senior Notes due 2030, our 3.875% Senior Notes due 2031 and our 4.375% Senior Notes due 2032 contain restrictions on our ability to create liens, sell assets, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and consummate transactions causing a change of control such as a merger or consolidation. In addition to these restrictions, our Credit Agreement, as defined in Note 8, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, contains covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, enter into transactions with affiliates and guarantee the debt of some of our subsidiaries. Our Credit Agreement also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, including maximum debt to capitalization and interest coverage ratios. The loan agreements related to the Series 2022 Bonds and Series 2025 Bonds, as defined in Note 8, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, also restrict our ability to, among other things, enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions, incur certain liens and take actions that could adversely affect the tax-exempt status of such bonds.

Current wording

The indentures governing our 4.125% Senior Notes due 2030, our 3.875% Senior Notes due 2031, our 4.375% Senior Notes due 2032, our 5.750% Senior Notes due 2033 and our 6.000% Senior Notes due 2035 contain restrictions on our ability to create liens, sell assets, enter into sale and leaseback transactions and consummate transactions causing a change of control such as a merger or consolidation. In addition to these restrictions, our Credit Agreement, as defined in Note 8, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, contains covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things, enter into transactions with affiliates and guarantee the debt of some of our subsidiaries. Our Credit Agreement also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, including maximum debt to capitalization and interest coverage ratios. The loan agreements related to the Series 2022 Bonds and Series 2025 Bonds, as defined in Note 8, Credit Arrangements, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, also restrict our ability to, among other things, enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions, incur certain liens and take actions that could adversely affect the tax-exempt status of such bonds.

Previous wording

The pursuit of acquisitions may pose certain risks to us. We may not be able to identify acquisition candidates that fit our criteria for growth and profitability. Even if we are able to identify such candidates, we may not be able to acquire them on terms or financing satisfactory to us. We will incur expenses and dedicate attention and resources associated with the review of acquisition opportunities, whether or not we consummate such acquisitions. In addition, potential acquisition targets may operate in industries in which we do not currently operate. For example, on September 17, 2025, we entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement with Concrete Pipe & Precast, LLC ("CP&P"), Eagle Corporation and ECPP, LLC, pursuant to which we will acquire all of the issued and outstanding equity securities of CP&P, a leading supplier of precast concrete solutions (the "CP&P Purchase Agreement"). Additionally, on October 15, 2025, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with respect to the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding equity securities of entities that own Foley Products Company, LLC ("Foley"), another leading supplier of precast concrete solutions (the "Foley Purchase Agreement"). The acquisitions of CP&P, Foley or any future acquisition in a new industry could result in unforeseen operating challenges and difficulties, and subject us to unfamiliar legal requirements.

Current wording

The pursuit of acquisitions may pose certain risks to us. We may not be able to identify acquisition candidates that fit our criteria for growth and profitability. Even if we are able to identify such candidates, we may not be able to acquire them on terms or financing satisfactory to us. We will incur expenses and dedicate attention and resources associated with the review of acquisition opportunities, whether or not we consummate such acquisitions. In addition, potential acquisition targets may operate in industries in which we do not currently operate. For example, during 2026, we completed the Foley Acquisition and the CP&P Acquisition, which resulted in the creation of our precast platform. The Foley Acquisition and the CP&P Acquisition or any future acquisition in a new industry could result in unforeseen operating challenges and difficulties, and subject us to unfamiliar legal requirements.

Previous wording

We have a significant amount of property, plant and equipment, finite-lived intangible assets and right-of-use ("ROU") assets that may be subject to impairment testing. Long-lived assets are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired. If the net carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the operations related to the asset, the excess of the net carrying value over estimated fair value is charged to impairment loss in the consolidated statements of earnings. The primary factors that affect estimates of future cash flows for these long-lived asset groups are (i) management's raw material price outlook; (ii) market demand; (iii) working capital changes; (iv) capital expenditures; and (v) selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses. There can be no assurance that continued market conditions, demand for our products, facility utilization levels or other factors will not result in future impairment charges.

Current wording

We have a significant amount of property, plant and equipment, finite-lived intangible assets and right-of-use ("ROU") assets that may be subject to impairment testing. Long-lived assets are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired. If the net carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the operations related to the asset, the excess of the net carrying value over estimated fair value is charged to impairment loss in the consolidated statements of earnings. The primary factors that affect estimates of future cash flows for these long-lived asset groups are (i) management's raw material and selling price outlook; (ii) market demand; (iii) working capital changes; (iv) capital expenditures; and (v) selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses. There can be no assurance that continued market conditions, demand for our products, facility utilization levels or other factors will not result in future impairment charges.

Previous wording

The industrial activities conducted at our facilities present significant risk of serious injury or death to our employees, customers or other visitors to our operations. Notwithstanding our safety precautions, including our material compliance with federal, state and local employee health and safety regulations, we may be unable to avoid material liabilities for injuries or deaths. We maintain workers' compensation insurance to address the risk of incurring material liabilities for injuries or deaths, but there can be no assurance that the insurance coverage will be adequate or will continue to be available on the terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could result in material liabilities to us for any injuries or deaths.

Current wording

The industrial activities conducted at our facilities present significant risk of serious injury or death to our employees, customers or other visitors to our operations. Notwithstanding our safety precautions, programs and policies, including our material compliance with federal, state and local employee health and safety regulations, we may be unable to avoid material liabilities for injuries or deaths. We maintain workers' compensation insurance to address the risk of incurring material liabilities for injuries or deaths, but there can be no assurance that the insurance coverage will be adequate or will continue to be available on the terms acceptable to us, or at all, which could result in material liabilities to us for any injuries or deaths.

Previous wording

We have significant recycling and fabrication facilities and a mini mill in Poland as well as Tensar facilities in China and the U.K. Our Europe Steel Group segment, which comprises the majority of our international operations, generated approximately 12% of 2025 consolidated net sales. Our stability, growth and profitability are subject to a number of risks inherent in doing business internationally in addition to the currency exchange risk and operating risks discussed above, including:

Current wording

We have significant recycling and fabrication facilities and a mini mill in Poland as well as Tensar facilities in China and the U.K. Our Europe Steel Group segment, which comprises the majority of our international operations, generated approximately 11% of 2026 consolidated net sales. Our stability, growth and profitability are subject to a number of risks inherent in doing business internationally in addition to the currency exchange risk and operating risks discussed above, including:

Previous wording

We believe the downward pressure on, and periodically depressed levels of, U.S. steel prices in some recent years have been caused, at least in part, by imports of steel involving dumping and subsidy abuses by foreign steel producers. While some tariffs and quotas are periodically put into effect for certain steel products imported from a number of countries, including tariffs recently imposed by the current U.S. presidential administration, there is no assurance that tariffs and quotas will always be levied, even if otherwise justified, and even when imposed, many of these are short-lived or ineffective.

Current wording

We believe the downward pressure on, and periodically depressed levels of, U.S. steel prices in some recent years have been caused, at least in part, by imports of steel involving dumping and subsidy abuses by foreign steel producers. While some tariffs and quotas are periodically put into effect for certain steel products imported from a number of countries, including tariffs recently imposed by the current U.S. presidential administration, there is no assurance that tariffs and quotas will always be levied, even if otherwise justified, and even when imposed, many of these are short-lived and may be modified, reduced, eliminated, challenged in court or become ineffective.

Previous wording

Changes to National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS") or other requirements on our air emissions could make it more difficult to obtain new permits or to modify existing permits and could require changes to our operations or emissions control equipment. Such difficulties and changes could result in operational delays and capital and ongoing compliance expenditures. These regulations can also increase our costs of energy, primarily electricity, which we use extensively in the steelmaking process. Moreover, in July 2021, the EPA issued a public statement regarding CAA violations at metal recycling facilities that operate auto and scrap metal shredders, noting that noncompliant shredders can have an impact on overburdened communities, and in August 2023, the EPA released federal enforcement priorities, which affirmed the EPA’s continued focus on reducing air toxins. The EPA uses alerts such as this to signal its intention to focus enforcement activity on a particular industry sector. In March 2025, the EPA issued a memorandum providing guidance on implementing the enforcement priorities consistent with President Trump’s Executive Orders, including those revoking Executive Orders from previous administrations regarding environmental justice and new Executive Orders relating to energy development.

Current wording

Changes to National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS") or other requirements on our air emissions could make it more difficult to obtain new permits or to modify existing permits and could require changes to our operations or emissions control equipment. Such difficulties and changes could result in operational delays and capital and ongoing compliance expenditures. These regulations can also increase our costs of energy, primarily electricity, which we use extensively in the steelmaking process. Moreover, in July 2021, the EPA issued a public statement regarding CAA violations at metal recycling facilities that operate auto and scrap metal shredders, noting that noncompliant shredders can have an impact on overburdened communities, and in August 2023, the EPA released federal enforcement priorities, which affirmed the EPA’s continued focus on reducing air toxins. The EPA uses alerts such as this to signal its intention to focus enforcement activity on a particular industry sector. In March 2025, the EPA issued a memorandum providing guidance on implementing the enforcement priorities consistent with President Trump’s Executive Orders, including those revoking Executive Orders from previous administrations regarding environmental justice and new Executive Orders relating to energy development. In its memorandum, the EPA clarified that it would no longer focus exclusively on communities identified as being already highly burdened with pollution impacts but rather will focus on areas experiencing the most significant pollution from hazardous air pollutants.

Previous wording

Energy used by our steelmaking operations is a significant input and the largest contributor to our GHG emissions, and there is growing belief that consumption of energy derived from fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change. The U.S. government and various governmental agencies have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to the potential impact of climate change, including legislation regarding carbon emission pricing, GHG emissions and renewable energy targets. International treaties or agreements may also result in increasing regulation of GHG emissions, including the introduction of carbon emissions trading mechanisms. Therefore, any such regulation regarding climate change and GHG emissions could impose significant costs on our steelmaking and metals recycling operations and on the operations of our customers and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to comply with current or future laws or regulations and limitations imposed on our operations. The potential costs of "allowances," "offsets" or "credits" that may be part of potential cap-and-trade programs or similar future regulatory measures are still uncertain. Any adopted future climate change and GHG regulations could negatively impact our ability (and that of our customers and suppliers) to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. From a medium and long-term perspective, as a result of these regulatory initiatives, we may see an increase in costs relating to our assets that emit significant amounts of GHGs. Following the change in U.S. presidential administrations in January 2025, there have been significant changes with respect to federal environmental policy. In January 2025, the U.S. submitted notification to the United Nations that it intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement regarding climate change, with the withdrawal effective January 27, 2026. Additionally, the Trump administration has announced several initiatives to scale back GHG regulation. Furthermore, in July 2025, the EPA proposed to repeal the Endangerment Finding under the CAA, which was the finding prerequisite to developing motor vehicle emission standards. The regulation of GHGs with respect to vehicle emission standards eventually triggered additional GHGs emission regulation for stationary sources under the CAA. Although at the U.S. federal level, various proposals are pending to reduce regulation of GHGs, many state and local governments may continue to adopt and enforce GHG regulations.

Current wording

Energy used by our steelmaking operations is a significant input and the largest contributor to our GHG emissions, and there is growing belief that consumption of energy derived from fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change. The U.S. government and various governmental agencies have proposed or adopted regulatory changes in response to the potential impact of climate change, including legislation regarding carbon emission pricing, GHG emissions and renewable energy targets. International treaties or agreements may also result in increasing regulation of GHG emissions, including the introduction of carbon emissions trading mechanisms. Therefore, any such regulation regarding climate change and GHG emissions could impose significant costs on our steelmaking and metals recycling operations and on the operations of our customers and suppliers, including increased energy, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting and other costs in order to comply with current or future laws or regulations and limitations imposed on our operations. The potential costs of "allowances," "offsets" or "credits" that may be part of potential cap-and-trade programs or similar future regulatory measures are still uncertain. Any adopted future climate change and GHG regulations could negatively impact our ability (and that of our customers and suppliers) to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. From a medium and long-term perspective, as a result of these regulatory initiatives, we may see an increase in costs relating to our assets that emit significant amounts of GHGs. Following the change in U.S. presidential administrations in January 2025, there have been significant changes with respect to federal environmental policy, especially with respect to energy production. On January 27, 2026, the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Agreement regarding climate change. Additionally, the Trump administration has announced several initiatives to scale back GHG regulation. Furthermore, in February 2026, the EPA repealed the Endangerment Finding under the CAA, which was the finding prerequisite to developing motor vehicle emission standards. The regulation of GHGs with respect to vehicle emission standards eventually triggered additional GHGs emission regulation for stationary sources under the CAA. Although at the U.S. federal level, various proposals are pending to reduce regulation of GHGs, many state and local governments may continue to adopt and enforce GHG regulations.