GENUINE PARTS CO
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 20, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Feb 20, 2026
GPC$122.80-1.3%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-21.
0000040987-25-000026
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-20.
0000040987-26-000003
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 91 previous paragraphs and 108 current paragraphs.
67 unchanged; 22 reworded; 19 added; 1 removed; 1 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (19)
Current report
Our results of operations, revenue, and supply chain could be materially affected as a result of a bankruptcy, insolvency or other credit failures of a significant customer or vendor.
Current report
Our operations depend on relationships with various customers and vendors, and we may be exposed to risks if any customer or vendor declares bankruptcy, becomes insolvent, or otherwise fails to meet its financial or contractual obligations. For example, in September 2025, one of the key vendors for our North America Automotive segment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In the event a key customer or vendor files for bankruptcy or ceases operations, we may face significant disruptions including, but not limited to, delays in our supply chain, inability to source replacement goods at comparable costs, increased operating expenses, and such events may negatively impact our ability to collect outstanding receivables or ability to generate future sales and cash flow. Credit and financial difficulties of our customers and vendors may also lead to a reduction in sales, price reductions, increased returns of our products, and could adversely affect our brand, revenue, operating results, and financial condition.
Current report
The proposed separation of our Automotive and Industrial businesses may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, if at all, and there is no guarantee that the separation, if completed, will achieve the intended financial, strategic and operational benefits.
Current report
On February 17, 2026, following a comprehensive strategic and operational review by our Board of Directors and management team, we announced our intention to separate the Company into two independent, publicly traded companies: Global Automotive and Global Industrial. The proposed separation is intended to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the Company’s shareholders and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. Completion of the proposed separation is subject to, among other things, the final approval of our Board of Directors, receipt of requisite regulatory clearances and compliance with applicable SEC requirements.
Current report
The proposed separation is complex in nature, and unanticipated changes or developments could delay or prevent the completion of the separation or cause the separation to occur on terms or conditions that are different or less favorable than expected. Whether or not we complete the separation, we may face significant challenges in connection with the transaction, including, without limitation:
Current report
•our ability to maintain operational, commercial, data and information technology, intellectual property, human resources, finance, legal, sales, and marketing continuity where necessary between the two companies;
Current report
•the risk that, if the Internal Revenue Service determines that certain steps of the proposed separation do not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company and its shareholders could incur significant tax liabilities;
Current report
•costs and expenses related to the proposed separation are expected to be significant, including costs related to commercial and operational dis-synergies, restructuring and other transaction expenses, expenses related to establishing stand-alone operational, commercial, personnel, and digital and technology infrastructure and accounting, tax, legal, and other professional services expenses, any of which may be higher than initially expected;
Current report
•retaining existing business and operational relationships, including with customers, suppliers, employees, and other counterparties;
Current report
•failing to successfully promote retention, as well as motivate and maintain efficient and effective labor and employee relations;
Current report
•obtaining any required regulatory licenses, operating authority, or contractual consents;
Current report
•determining the appropriate allocations of assets and liabilities between Global Automotive and Global Industrial, as well as the terms governing the relationship between the two companies following the separation; and
Current report
•potential negative reactions from investors and other external stakeholders.
Current report
There can be no assurance that the separation, if completed, will achieve the intended financial, strategic and operational benefits (which are based on a number of assumptions, some or all of which may prove to be incorrect) or provide greater value to our shareholders than that reflected in the current price of our common stock, or that the dis-synergies of the separation will not exceed the anticipated amounts. The market price of our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the uncertainties described above.
Current report
If the proposed separation occurs, Global Automotive and Global Industrial will each be less diversified companies with more concentrated areas of focus. As a result, Global Automotive and Global Industrial may become more vulnerable to changing macroeconomic and market conditions; the results of operations, cash flows, effective tax rate, and other financial and operating metrics of each company may be subject to increased volatility; and the ability of each company to fund capital expenditures and investments, pay dividends, and service debt may be diminished. To the extent challenges related to the proposed separation adversely affect our business, they may also have the effect of heightening other risks disclosed in this Form 10-K, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and the price of our common stock.
Current report
Our business is global, and changes to existing international trade agreements, blocking of foreign trade, increased protectionism, or imposition of tariffs on foreign goods could, among other things, weaken consumer confidence, negatively impact employment rates in industries on which we are dependent, result in higher cost of goods sold and lower gross profit and margins, cause supply chain delays or disruptions or diminishing returns on capital investments, including with respect to our ongoing distribution center optimization initiative, and deter customers in our Industrial segment from pursuing facilities and automation projects, all of which could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods.
Current report
Additionally, in the first half of 2025, the United States imposed increased tariffs on foreign imports into the United States, including an additional 20% tariff on all product imports from China, an additional 25% tariff on all product imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as additional proposed tariffs on other countries. The tariff policy environment has been and is expected to continue to be dynamic, and we cannot predict what additional actions may ultimately be taken by the United States or other governments with respect to tariffs or trade relations, including retaliatory trade measures taken by other countries in response to existing or future United States tariffs or other measures. While we have taken steps to mitigate the impact of tariffs on our businesses, including through price increases and supply chain enhancements, tariffs and related inflationary pressures have impacted our SG&A expenses and gross margins. If these pressures continue or worsen, we may be required to take additional steps to mitigate the impact on our business, which could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Current report
As a global business, we are also subject to many laws governing international relations and our international operations, including laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act that prohibit improper payments to government officials and commercial customers and that restrict where we can do business, what information or products we can import and export to and from certain countries and what information we can provide to a non-U.S. government. We have internal policies and procedures relating to compliance with these and other international laws; however, there is a risk that such policies and procedures will not always protect us from the improper acts of employees, agents, business partners or representatives. Violations of international laws, which are complex, may result in criminal penalties, sanctions and/or fines, and may also result in costly and time-consuming governmental investigations, any or all of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and reputation.
Removed paragraphs (1)
Previous report
Our business is global, so changes to existing international trade agreements, blocking of foreign trade, increased protectionism, or imposition of tariffs on foreign goods could result in decreased revenues and/or increases in pricing, either of which could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods. For instance, the United States imposed Section 232 tariffs on many imported products of steel and aluminum in March 2018 and expanded the tariffs to additional derivative products of steel and aluminum effective February 8, 2020. The United States imposed Section 301 tariffs on most imported products from China starting in July 2018. Although the United States and China reached a Phase One trade deal in January 2020, there was no Phase Two trade deal implemented and most of the tariffs imposed remain in place. Uncertainty persists in the trade relationship between the two countries that impacts the global trade landscape, and as of February 2025, new tariffs were enacted that significantly increase tariffs on foreign imports into the United States. The effects of these changes, including responsive actions from foreign governments, could also have significant impacts on our financial results.
Reworded paragraphs (22)
Previous wording
Some statements in this report, as well as in other materials we file with the SEC or otherwise release to the public and in materials that we make available on our website, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Senior officers may also make verbal statements to analysts, investors, the media and others that are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may relate, for example, to future operations, including the anticipated synergies and benefits of any acquisitions or divestitures, as well as prospects, strategies, investments, financial condition, economic performance (including growth and earnings), industry conditions and demand for our products and services. We caution that our forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and while we believe that our expectations for the future are reasonable in view of currently available information, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed below.
Current wording
Some statements in this report, as well as in other materials we file with the SEC or otherwise release to the public and in materials that we make available on our website, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Senior officers may also make verbal statements to analysts, investors, the media and others that are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may relate, for example, to the company's view of business and economic trends for the coming year and the company's expectations regarding its ability to capitalize on these business and economic trends; the company's full-year 2026 outlook and the company's ability to successfully execute on its strategic priorities, including the company's anticipated separation of Global Automotive and Global Industrial into two independent, publicly traded companies. We caution that our forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and while we believe that our expectations for the future are reasonable in view of currently available information, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed below.
Previous wording
With respect to our Automotive segment, the primary factors are:
Current wording
With respect to our North America Automotive and International Automotive segments, the primary factors are:
Previous wording
•changes in travel patterns, which may cause consumers to rely more on other transportation;
Current wording
•changes in travel patterns, which may cause consumers to rely more on other forms of transportation;
Previous wording
•the consolidation of certain of our manufacturing customers and the trend of manufacturing operations being moved overseas, which subsequently reduces demand for our products;
Current wording
•the consolidation of certain of our manufacturing customers which reduces demand for our products;
Previous wording
•changes in legislation or government regulations or policies which could impact international trade among our multi-national customer base and cause reduced demand for our products; and
Current wording
•changes in legislation or government regulations or policies that could impact international trade among our multi-national customer base and cause reduced demand for our products; and
Previous wording
As a distributor of automotive and industrial parts, our business depends on developing and maintaining close and productive relationships with our suppliers. We depend on our suppliers to sell us quality products at favorable prices. A variety of factors, many outside our control, affect our suppliers' ability to deliver quality merchandise to us at favorable prices and in a timely manner. These include raw material shortages, inadequate manufacturing capacity, labor strikes, shortages and disputes anywhere within the supply and distribution chain delivering products to us, tariff and customs legislation and enforcement, transportation disruptions, tax and other legislative uncertainties, public health emergencies and/or weather conditions.
Current wording
As a distributor of automotive and industrial parts, our business depends on developing and maintaining close and productive relationships with our suppliers. We depend on our suppliers to sell us quality products at favorable prices. A variety of factors, many outside our control, affect our suppliers' ability to deliver quality merchandise to us at favorable prices and in a timely manner. These include raw material shortages, inadequate manufacturing capacity, labor strikes, shortages and disputes anywhere within the supply and distribution chain delivering products to us, tariff and customs legislation and enforcement, transportation disruptions, taxes and other legislative uncertainties, public health emergencies and/or weather conditions.
Previous wording
Furthermore, financial or operational difficulties at a particular supplier could cause that supplier to increase the cost, or decrease the quality, of the products we purchase. Supplier consolidation could also limit the number of suppliers from which we may purchase products and could materially affect the prices we pay for these products. In addition, we would suffer an adverse impact if our suppliers limit or cancel the return privileges that currently protect us from inventory obsolescence.
Current wording
Furthermore, financial or operational difficulties at a particular supplier could cause that supplier to increase the cost, or decrease the quality, of the products we purchase or prevent that supplier from operating. Supplier consolidation could also limit the number of suppliers from which we may purchase products and could materially affect the prices we pay for these products. In addition, we would suffer an adverse impact if our suppliers limit or cancel the return privileges that currently protect us from inventory obsolescence.
Previous wording
learning, and allow them to achieve increased efficiencies in their consolidated operations that enable them to more effectively compete for customers. If we are unable to continue to develop successful competitive strategies or if our competitors develop more effective strategies, we could lose customers and our sales and profits may decline.
Current wording
readily, rapidly scale and invest in their businesses, more successfully utilize developing technology, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, and allow them to achieve increased efficiencies in their consolidated operations that enable them to more effectively compete for customers. If we are unable to continue to develop successful competitive strategies or if our competitors develop more effective strategies, we could lose customers and our sales and profits may decline.
Previous wording
We have operations or activities in numerous countries and regions outside the United States, including throughout western Europe and Australasia. As a result, our global operations are affected by economic, geopolitical and other conditions in the foreign countries in which we do business as well as U.S. laws regulating international trade. Specifically, instability in the geopolitical environment in many parts of the world (including as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict and unrest in the Middle East, and China-Taiwan relations) and other disruptions may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions and supply chains. For example, the U.S., other NATO members and other countries across the globe have instituted sanctions and other penalties against Russia in response to its conflict with Ukraine. While we do not have operations in Russia or Ukraine, retaliatory measures such as this have created, and may continue to create, global security concerns that could result in broader military and political conflicts, further disrupt global automotive supply chains and otherwise have a substantial impact on regional and global economies, any or all of which could adversely affect our business, particularly our European operations.
Current wording
We have operations or activities in numerous countries and regions outside the U.S., including throughout western Europe and Australasia. As a result, our global operations are affected by economic, geopolitical and other conditions in the foreign countries in which we do business as well as U.S. laws regulating international trade. Specifically, instability in the geopolitical environment in many parts of the world (including as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict and unrest in the Middle East, and recent developments in relations between the U.S. and Venezuela) and other disruptions may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions and supply chains. For example, the U.S., other NATO members and other countries across the globe instituted sanctions and other penalties against Russia in response to its conflict with Ukraine. While we do not have operations in Russia or Ukraine, retaliatory measures such as this have created, and may continue to create, global security concerns that could result in broader military and political conflicts, further disrupt global automotive supply chains and otherwise have a substantial impact on regional and global economies, any or all of which could adversely affect our business, particularly our European operations.
Previous wording
•adverse changes in international trade policies and relations, including U.S. relations with China;
Current wording
•adverse changes in international trade policies and relations, including U.S. tariff policies;
Previous wording
Despite our implementation of various security measures, our IT systems and operations could be subject to damage or interruption from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized physical or electronic access, power outages, telecommunications failure, computer system or network failures, wire transfer failure, employee error/malfeasance, cyber-attacks, security breaches, and other similar disruptions. For example, the CrowdStrike outage that occurred in July 2024 negatively impacted our operations and financial results in the third quarter of 2024. In addition, the IT systems of businesses that we have acquired or may acquire could present issues that we were not able to identify prior to the acquisition or other issues that continue to pose risk to us, such as those related to collection, use maintenance and data disclosure practices or other cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Additionally, the techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and breaches of IT systems change frequently, including as a result of the deployment of evolving artificial intelligence tools used to identify vulnerabilities and create more effective phishing attempts, and have the potential to not be recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for a period of time. Maintaining, operating, and protecting these systems and related personal and sensitive information about our employees, customers and suppliers requires continuous investments in physical and technological security measures, employee training, and third-party services which we have made and will continue to make. A cyber-attack or security breach could result in, among other things, sensitive and confidential data being lost, manipulated or exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public or delay our ability to process customer orders and manage inventory. While we also seek to obtain assurances from third parties with whom we interact to protect confidential information, there are risks that the confidentiality or accessibility of data held or utilized by such third parties may be compromised.
Current wording
Despite our implementation of various security measures, our IT systems and operations (and the third-party IT systems and operations with which we interact) could be subject to damage or interruption from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized physical or electronic access, power outages, telecommunications failure, computer system or network failures, wire transfer failure, employee error/malfeasance, cyber-attacks, security breaches, and other similar disruptions. In addition, the IT systems of businesses that we have acquired or may acquire could present issues that we were not able to identify prior to the acquisition or other issues that continue to pose risk to us, such as those related to collection, use maintenance and data disclosure practices or other cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Additionally, the techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and breaches of IT systems change frequently, including as a result of the deployment of evolving artificial intelligence tools and machine learning tools used to identify vulnerabilities and create more effective phishing attempts, and have the potential to not be recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for a period of time. Maintaining, operating, and protecting these systems and related personal and sensitive information about our employees, customers and suppliers requires continuous investments in physical and technological security measures, employee training, and third-party services which we have made and will continue to make. A cyber-attack or security breach could result in, among other things, sensitive and confidential data being lost, manipulated or exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public or delay our ability to process customer orders and manage inventory. While we also seek to obtain assurances from third parties with whom we interact to protect confidential information, there are risks that the confidentiality or accessibility of data held or utilized by such third parties may be compromised.
Previous wording
To date, we have not experienced a material breach of cybersecurity; however, our computer systems and the computer systems of our third-party service providers have been, and will likely continue to be, subjected to unauthorized access or phishing attempts, computer viruses, malware, ransomware or other malicious codes. In particular, work-from-home arrangements rely on virtual environments and communications systems, which have been subjected to increasing third-party vulnerabilities and security risks at various businesses.
Current wording
To date, we have not experienced a material breach of cybersecurity; however, our computer systems and the computer systems of our third-party service providers have been, and will likely continue to be, subjected to unauthorized access or phishing attempts, computer viruses, malware, ransomware or other malicious codes.
Previous wording
A serious prolonged disruption of our information systems for any of the above reasons could materially impair fundamental business processes and increase expenses, decrease sales or otherwise impact earnings and cash flows. Furthermore, such a disruption may harm our reputation and business prospects and subject us to legal claims if there is loss, disclosure or misappropriation of or access to our customers, employees or suppliers' information. As the regulatory environment related to information security, data collection and use, and privacy becomes increasingly rigorous, compliance with these requirements could also result in significant additional costs. As threats related to cybersecurity breaches grow more sophisticated and frequent, it may become more difficult to timely detect and protect our data and infrastructure.
Current wording
A serious prolonged disruption of our information systems for any of the above reasons could materially impair fundamental business processes (including the timely reporting of financial information) and increase expenses, decrease sales or otherwise impact earnings and cash flows. Furthermore, such a disruption may harm our reputation and business prospects and subject us to legal claims if there is loss, disclosure or misappropriation of or access to our customers, employees or suppliers' information. As the regulatory environment related to information security, data collection and use, and privacy becomes increasingly rigorous, compliance with these requirements could also result in significant additional costs. As threats related to cybersecurity breaches grow more sophisticated and frequent, it may become more difficult to timely detect and protect our data and infrastructure. For further information about our cybersecurity strategy, risk assessment and management processes, see "Item 1C. Cybersecurity."
Previous wording
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable and accurate financial statements and to effectively prevent fraud. However, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. There can be no assurance that all control issues or fraud will be detected. As we continue to grow our business, our internal controls continue to become more complex and require more resources. Further, some of our employees work remotely and could introduce potential vulnerabilities to our financial reporting systems and our internal control environment and the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain effective controls could prevent us from timely and reliably reporting financial results and may harm our operating results. In addition, if we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to provide an unqualified report as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of each fiscal year end, we may be exposed to negative publicity, which could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. Any failure to maintain effective internal controls and any such resulting negative publicity may negatively affect our business and stock price.
Current wording
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable and accurate financial statements, safeguard our assets and to effectively prevent fraud. However, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. There can be no assurance that all control issues or fraud will be detected. As we continue to grow our business, our internal controls continue to become more complex and require more resources. Further, some of our employees work remotely and could introduce potential vulnerabilities to our financial reporting systems and our internal control environment and the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain effective controls could prevent us from timely and reliably reporting financial results and may harm our operating results. In addition, if we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to provide an unqualified report as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of each fiscal year end, we may be exposed to negative publicity, which could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. Any failure to maintain effective internal controls and any such resulting negative publicity may negatively affect our business and stock price.
Previous wording
Changes in legislation or government regulations or policies, particularly those relating to taxation and international trade, could have a significant impact on our results of operations.
Current wording
Changes in legislation or government regulations or policies, particularly those relating to international trade and taxation, could have a significant impact on our results of operations.
Previous wording
In addition, as a global business, we are subject to taxation in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in the tax laws of these jurisdictions, or in the interpretation or enforcement of existing tax laws, could subject our business to audits, inquiries and legal challenges from taxing authorities and could reduce the benefit of tax structures previously implemented for our operations. As a result, we may incur additional costs, including taxes and penalties for historical periods, that may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Current wording
In addition, we are subject to taxation in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in the tax laws or policies of these jurisdictions, or in the interpretation or enforcement of existing tax laws, could subject our business to audits, inquiries and legal challenges from taxing authorities and could reduce the benefit of tax structures previously implemented for our operations. As a result, we may incur additional costs, including taxes and penalties for historical periods, that may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows have been and may in the future be adversely affected by uncertain global economic conditions, including inflation or deflation, domestic outputs, geopolitical uncertainty and unrest, employment rates and wages, including increases in minimum wage, changes in tax policies, changes in energy costs, instability in credit markets, declining consumer and business confidence, fluctuating commodity prices, elevated interest rates for prolonged periods, monetary policies, volatile exchange rates, changes in fiscal and regulatory priorities as a result of the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and other challenges that could affect the global economy. Both our commercial and retail customers may experience deterioration of their financial resources, which could result in existing or potential customers delaying or canceling plans to purchase our products.
Current wording
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows have been and may in the future be adversely affected by uncertain global economic conditions, including inflation or deflation, domestic outputs, geopolitical uncertainty and unrest, employment rates and wages, including increases in minimum wage, changes in tax policies, changes in energy costs, instability in credit markets, declining consumer and business confidence, fluctuating commodity prices, elevated interest rates for prolonged periods, monetary policies, volatile exchange rates, changes in fiscal and regulatory priorities under the current presidential administration, and other challenges that could affect the global economy. Both our commercial and retail customers may experience deterioration of their financial resources, which could result in existing or potential customers delaying or canceling plans to purchase our products.
Previous wording
Our vendors may also be adversely affected by these and other uncertain or deteriorating macro-economic conditions, which could impact their ability to fulfill their financial obligations to us.
Current wording
Our vendors may also be adversely affected by these and other uncertain or deteriorating macro-economic conditions, which could impact their ability to fulfill their financial obligations to us. Further, we are exposed to accounts receivable risk and, thus, any significant deterioration in our customer's credit quality could lead to increased credit losses, reduced cash flow, and could have an adverse material effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
In addition, our indebtedness is rated by credit rating agencies. Our overall credit rating may be negatively impacted by deteriorating and uncertain credit markets or other factors that may or may not be within our control. The interest rates on our unsecured revolving credit facility, as well as any additional indebtedness we may incur in the future, are impacted by our credit ratings. Accordingly, any negative impact of our credit ratings, or placement of our credit ratings on “review” or “watch” status, could result in higher interest expense and could impact the terms of any additional indebtedness we incur in the future.
Current wording
In addition, our indebtedness is rated by credit rating agencies. Our overall credit rating may be negatively impacted by deteriorating and uncertain credit markets or other factors that may or may not be within our control. The interest rates on our unsecured revolving credit facility, as well as any additional indebtedness we may incur in the future, are impacted by our credit ratings. Accordingly, maintaining an investment grade rating is important, as it helps reduce our borrowing costs and facilitates financing programs important to our business operations, including our supply chain finance program. Any deterioration or uncertainty in these credit ratings, or placement on "review" or "watch" status, could increase our borrowing costs under our unsecured revolving credit facility and limit access to favorable financing. Additionally, if these programs or underlying customer or supplier terms do not continue and we are unable to secure alternative programs, our cash and working capital may be negatively affected and we may have to utilize our various financing arrangements or increase our long-term borrowings for short- and long-term liquidity requirements. Such outcomes could materially increase interest expense and adversely affect the terms and cost of any future debt.
Previous wording
The concern over climate change has led to legislative and regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”). For example, regulations that impose extensive mandatory requirements related to GHG continue to be considered by or have been issued by policy makers in both the federal and certain state governments in the U.S., by the European Union, and by national governments in Canada, the U.K., Australia and elsewhere. Many of the regulations that have been issued create mandatory, annual reporting requirements related to carbon emissions and other sustainability-related information that will ultimately be subject to audit and could expose our company to fines, regulatory inquiry or negative publicity if we fail to comply. Additionally, significant increases in fuel economy requirements, new federal or state restrictions on emissions of carbon dioxide or new federal or state incentive programs that may be imposed on vehicles and automobile fuels could adversely affect demand for the products we sell. We may not be able to accurately predict, prepare for and respond to new kinds of technological innovations with respect to electric vehicles and other technologies that minimize emissions. Laws enacted to reduce GHG could directly or indirectly affect our suppliers and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Changes in automotive technology (including the adoption of electric vehicles or the use of artificial intelligence) and compliance with any new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws, could require additional expenditures by us or our suppliers all of which could adversely impact the demand for our products and our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Current wording
The concern over climate change has led to legislative and regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (“GHG”). For example, regulations that impose extensive requirements related to GHG continue to be considered by or have been issued by policy makers in certain state governments in the U.S., by the European Union, and by national governments in Canada, the U.K., Australia and elsewhere. In many cases, these requirements differ and may conflict from country to country, increasing our costs or requiring significant management time and attention. Many of the regulations that have been issued outside the U.S. create mandatory, annual reporting requirements related to carbon emissions and other sustainability-related information that will ultimately be subject to audit and could expose our company to fines, regulatory inquiry or negative publicity if we fail to comply. Additionally, significant increases in fuel economy requirements, new federal or state restrictions on emissions of carbon dioxide or new federal or state incentive programs that may be imposed on vehicles and automobile fuels could adversely affect demand for the products we sell. We may not be able to accurately predict, prepare for and respond to new kinds of technological innovations with respect to electric vehicles and other technologies that minimize emissions. Laws enacted to reduce GHG could directly or indirectly affect our suppliers and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Changes in automotive technology (including the adoption of electric vehicles or the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning) and compliance with any new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws, could require additional compliance costs and other expenditures by us or our suppliers all of which could adversely impact the demand for our products and our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Previous wording
Many factors influence our reputation and the value of our brands including the perception held by our customers, business partners, investors, regulators, other key stakeholders and the communities in which we do business. Our business faces increasing scrutiny and regulations related to corporate social responsibility practices and disclosures and we face an increasing risk of damage to our reputation and the value of our brands if we fail to act responsibly and/or in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in a number of areas, such as environmental stewardship and sustainability, supply chain management, climate change, inclusion, workplace conduct, human rights, philanthropy and support for local communities. We are continually assessing our obligations under proposed and enacted rules and expect that compliance could require substantial effort in the future. Standards for tracking and reporting on sustainability matters, including climate-related matters, have also not been harmonized. Changes to these standards could require adjustments to our accounting or operational policies, as well as updates to our existing systems to meet these reporting obligations. We will therefore likely need to be prepared to contend with overlapping, yet distinct, disclosure approaches, frameworks and requirements.
Current wording
Many factors influence our reputation and the value of our brands including the perception held by our customers, suppliers, business partners, investors, regulators, other key stakeholders and the communities in which we do business. Our business faces increasing scrutiny and regulations related to corporate social responsibility practices and disclosures and we face an increasing risk of damage to our reputation and the value of our brands if we fail to act responsibly and/or in compliance with applicable laws and regulations in a number of areas, such as environmental stewardship and sustainability, supply chain management, climate change, inclusion, workplace conduct, human rights, philanthropy and support for local communities. We are continually assessing our obligations under proposed and enacted rules and expect that compliance could require substantial effort in the future. Standards for tracking and reporting on sustainability matters, including climate-related matters, have also not been harmonized. Changes to these standards could require adjustments to our accounting or operational policies, as well as updates to our existing systems to meet these reporting obligations. We will therefore likely need to be prepared to contend with overlapping, yet distinct, disclosure approaches, frameworks and requirements.
Previous wording
The trading price of our common stock is subject to fluctuations, and may be subject to fluctuations in the future based upon external economic and market conditions. The stock market in general has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that sometimes have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of listed companies. These broad market, geopolitical and industry factors among others may harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance and growth outlook, and the value of your investment may decline.
Current wording
The trading price of our common stock is subject to fluctuations, and may be subject to fluctuations in the future based upon external economic and market conditions. The stock market in general has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have sometimes been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of listed companies. These broad market, geopolitical and industry factors among others may harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance and growth outlook, and the value of your investment may decline.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
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