NPK International Inc

The following summarizes the most significant risks to our business. In addition to these risks, we are subject to a variety of risks that affect many other companies generally, as well as other risks and uncertainties that are not known to us as of the date of this Annual Report. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks. Any of these risk factors, either individually or in combination, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition, or prevent us from meeting our profitability or growth objectives. If you hold our securities or are considering an investment in our securities, you should carefully consider the following risks, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report.

Risks in this section are grouped in the following categories: (1) Business and Industry Risks; (2) Indebtedness Risks; (3) Legal and Regulatory Risks; (4) Financial Risks; and (5) General Risks. Many risks affect more than one category, and the risks are not in order of significance or probability of occurrence because they have been grouped by categories.

Business and Industry Risks

Risks Related to our Recently Completed Sale of the Fluids Systems Business

On September 13, 2024, we completed the sale of the equity interests in one of our subsidiaries which held substantially all of the Company’s previously operated Fluids Systems business. We are subject to a number of risks associated with the sale of the Fluids Systems business, including risks associated with (i) our requirement to provide certain transition services in connection with the Sale Transaction and any issues, delays or complications in completing such services, including the incurrence of unanticipated costs to complete such services, (ii) the diversion of management’s attention away from the operations of our retained business; and (iii) any required payments of indemnification obligations under the Sale Transaction agreement for retained liabilities.

As a result of the Sale Transaction, we may incur or experience various adverse effects, including but not limited to (i) greater costs or realize fewer benefits than anticipated under the Sale Transaction agreement, (ii) operational or commercial difficulties segregating the divested assets from our retained assets, (iii) disputes with the Purchaser regarding the nature and sufficiency of the transition services we provide, (iv) higher vendor costs due to reduced economies of scale or other similar dis-synergies, (v) modified, terminated or scaled back relationships with our existing customers or difficulty in attracting prospective customers, (vi) loss or difficulty in retaining employees due to concerns over future job security or responsibilities, or (vii) losses or increased inefficiencies from stranded or underutilized assets. Any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

For 2024, through the closing date of the Sale Transaction in September 2024, the Fluids Systems business generated approximately 68% of total combined company revenue (72% and 76% for 2023 and 2022, respectively). Accordingly, our future financial results will differ materially from our previous results since our future financial results are dependent solely on our remaining business. Any downturn in our business could have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. There can be no guarantee that the sale of the Fluids Systems business will result in stronger long-term financial and operational results for our remaining business.

Risks Related to Our Ability to Generate Organic Growth

Our ability to generate organic growth may be affected by, among other factors, our ability to:

•attract new customers;

•successfully qualify and bid for new projects;

•hire and retain qualified personnel;

•obtain necessary levels of equipment; and

•adapt the range of products and services we offer to address our customers’ evolving needs.

In addition, our customers may reduce the number or size of projects available to us due to their inability to obtain capital or in response to economic conditions.

Furthermore, the growth of our business is heavily dependent upon the production of our recyclable composite mat products, which in turn is dependent on the operations and capacity of our manufacturing facility in Carencro, Louisiana.

Many of the factors affecting our ability to generate organic growth may be beyond our control, and we cannot be certain that our strategies will be successful or that we will be able to generate cash flow sufficient to fund our operations and to support organic growth. If we are unsuccessful, we may not be able to achieve organic growth, expand our operations or grow our business.

Risks Related to Economic and Market Conditions that May Impact Our Customers’ Future Spending

A substantial portion of our operating income, cash flows, and financial returns are generated from infrastructure construction and maintenance projects, the awarding of which we do not directly control. Infrastructure construction and maintenance historically has experienced cyclical fluctuations and unpredictable changes in project timing due to economic recessions, downturns in business cycles of our customers, material shortages, labor shortages, price increases by subcontractors, interest rate fluctuations and other economic factors beyond our control. When the general level of economic activity deteriorates, our customers may reduce investments in infrastructure construction and maintenance, or delay or cancel planned projects. Many factors, including the financial condition of the industry, could adversely affect our customers and their willingness to fund capital expenditures in the future.

We also derive revenues from customers in the oil and natural gas industry. Spending by our customers for exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas is based on a number of factors, including expectations of future hydrocarbon demand, the volatility of energy prices, the risks associated with developing reserves, our customers’ ability to finance exploration and development of reserves, regulatory developments, and the future value of the reserves. Reductions in customer spending levels adversely affect the demand for our products and services, and consequently, our revenues and operating results.

Our customers may also seek to implement measures aimed at greater cost savings, which may include the acceptance of lesser quality products and services in order to improve short term cost efficiencies as opposed to total cost efficiencies. The utilization of these kinds of cost saving measures by our customers could reduce the demand or pricing for our products and services and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In addition, economic, regulatory, and market conditions affecting our specific end markets, including import tariffs and other laws and regulations that impact our customers’ ability to obtain materials necessary for their operations, may adversely impact the demand for our services, resulting in the delay, reduction or cancellation of certain projects and these conditions may continue to adversely affect us in the future.

Risks Related to the Effective Management of Our Fleet, Including Our Ability to Properly Manufacture, Safeguard, and Maintain Our Fleet

As of December 31, 2024, our property, plant and equipment includes $122.8 million of rental fleet assets, net of accumulated depreciation, including $112.0 million in the United States and $10.8 million in the United Kingdom. Managing our fleet is a critical element to our rental business. Rental equipment asset management requires anticipating customer needs as well as changes in legislation, regulations, and local permitting in the various markets in which we or our customers operate. Our composite matting systems have long economic lives, and we must cost-effectively safeguard and maintain our fleet to maximize the economic life of the products. In addition, as the needs of our customers change, we may incur costs to relocate our assets to better meet shifts in demand. If the distribution of our assets is not aligned with regional demand, we may be unable to take advantage of rental opportunities in certain regions, despite excess inventory in other regions. If we are not able to successfully manage our mat rental fleet, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

Risks Related to International Operations

Our United Kingdom operations generated approximately 6% of our 2024 consolidated revenues, and represented 6% of our total assets at December 31, 2024. A decline or slowed growth in this region could result in reduced demand for our products and services, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

In addition, international operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could negatively impact our results from operations, including among others:

▪difficulties and cost associated with complying with a wide variety of complex foreign laws, treaties, and regulations;

▪risks associated with failing to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, export laws, and other similar laws applicable to our operations in international markets;

▪our inexperience in certain international markets;

▪political and economic instability;

▪ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East; and

▪fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

These risks and uncertainties may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks specified in our risk factors or disclosed in our public filings, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Such risks include, but are not limited to, our customers’ activity levels, spending for our products and services, and their ability to pay amounts owed us that could be impacted by the ability of our customers to access equity or credit markets; the cost and continued availability of borrowed funds; and cybersecurity incidents or business system disruptions.

Risks Related to Operating Hazards Present in Our and Our Customers’ Industries and Substantial Liability Claims

We are exposed to significant health, safety, and environmental risks. Our operations, and those of our customers, are subject to hazards present in the electrical utility industry, such as exposure to wildfires, high voltage electrocution, among other risks, as well as hazards in the oil and natural gas industry, such as fires, explosions, blowouts, oil spills, and leaks or spills of hazardous materials. These incidents as well as accidents or problems in normal operations can cause personal injury or death and damage to property or the environment. From time to time, customers seek recovery for damage to their equipment or property that occurred during the course of our service obligations. Damage to our customers’ property and any related spills of hazardous materials could be extensive if a major problem occurs.

Generally, we rely on contractual indemnities, releases, limitations on liability with our customers, and insurance to protect us from potential liability related to such events. However, our insurance and contractual indemnification may not be sufficient or effective to protect us under all circumstances or against all risks. In addition, our customers’ changing views on risk allocation together with deteriorating market conditions could force us to accept greater risks to obtain new business or retain renewing business and could result in us losing business if we are not prepared to take such risks. Moreover, we may not be able to maintain insurance at levels of risk coverage or policy limits that we deem adequate. Any damages caused by our services or products that are not covered by insurance or contractual indemnification, or are in excess of policy limits or subject to substantial deductibles, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. See “Risks Related to the Inherent Limitations of Insurance Coverage” below for additional information.

Risks Related to Contracts that Can Be Terminated or Downsized by Our Customers Without Penalty

Certain of our contracts contain provisions permitting early termination by the customer at their convenience, generally without penalty, and with limited notice requirements. In addition, many of our contracts permit our customers to decrease the products or services without penalty, which could result in a decrease in our revenues and profitability. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on the strength of our customer contracts or the terms of those contracts.

Risks Related to Product Offering and Market Expansion

As a key component of our long-term strategy to diversify our revenue streams, we seek to continue to expand our product and service offerings, including through acquisitions, and enter new customer markets with our existing products. As with any market expansion effort, new customer and product markets require additional capital investment and include inherent uncertainties regarding customer expectations, industry-specific regulatory requirements, product performance, customer-specific risk profiles and competitor responses. In addition, we likely will not have the same level of operational experience with respect to the new customer and product markets as will our competitors. As such, new market entry is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Ability to Attract, Retain, and Develop Qualified Leaders, Key Employees, and Skilled Personnel

Our business is highly dependent on our ability to attract and retain highly-skilled product specialists, technical sales personnel, and service personnel. Our failure to attract, retain, and develop qualified leaders and key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business. The market for qualified employees is extremely competitive. If we cannot attract and retain qualified personnel, our ability to compete effectively and grow our business will be severely limited. Also, a significant increase in wages paid by competing employers could result in a reduction in our skilled labor force or an increase in our operating costs.

We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, a shortage of labor for certain functions, which has increased our labor costs and negatively impacted our profitability. The extent and duration of the effect of these labor market challenges are subject to numerous factors, including the availability of qualified persons in the markets where we and our contracted service providers operate and unemployment levels within these markets, behavioral changes, prevailing wage rates and other benefits, inflation, adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations (including increased minimum wage requirements) or government programs, safety levels of our operations, and our reputation within the labor market.

Risks Related to Expanding Our Services in the Utilities Sector, Which May Require Unionized Labor

Although none of our employees are currently represented by labor unions, we may expand our services offered in the utilities sector, the customers of which may require unionized labor. If we, a subsidiary, or a business partner were to have a unionized workforce, we may be subject to strikes or work stoppages, wage and hour regulations, or other regulations associated with a collective bargaining agreement, which could adversely impact our relationships with our customers and cause us to lose business and could result in an increase in our operating costs.

Risks Related to the Price and Availability of Raw Materials

Our ability to provide products and services to our customers is dependent upon our ability to obtain raw materials necessary to operate our business. These raw materials may be impacted by periodic supply chain disruptions and, particularly during times of high demand, there may be delays in the arrival of or otherwise constrain our supply of raw materials. These constraints could have a material adverse effect on our business and consolidated results of operations. In addition, price increases, whether as a result of inflation, geopolitical issues, or otherwise, imposed by our vendors for raw materials used in our business and the inability to pass these increases through to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our business is highly dependent on the availability of HDPE, which is the primary raw material used in the manufacture of our recyclable composite mats. Our costs can vary based on the energy costs of the producers of HDPE, demand for this material, and the capacity or operations of the plants used to make HDPE. We may not be able to increase our customer pricing to cover the cost increases that we have experienced, which could result in a reduction in future profitability.

Risks Related to Inflation

Increases in the cost of wages, materials, equipment and other operational components has the potential to adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position by increasing our overall cost structure, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases in the prices we charge our customers for our products and services. In addition, inflation has also resulted in higher interest rates, which could cause an increase in the cost of debt borrowing in the future, as well as supply chain shortages, an increase in the costs of labor, currency fluctuations and other similar effects.

Risks Related to Capital Investments and Business Acquisitions

Our ability to successfully execute our business strategy will depend, among other things, on our ability to make capital investments and complete acquisitions which provide us with financial benefits and operational synergies. These investments and acquisitions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including:

▪incorrect assumptions regarding business activity levels or results from our capital investments, acquired operations, or assets;

▪potential loss of significant revenue and income streams;

▪increased or unexpected expenses;

▪inadequate return of capital;

▪regulatory or compliance issues;

▪potential loss of key employees, customers, or suppliers of the acquired company;

▪the triggering of certain covenants in our debt agreements (including accelerated repayment);

▪unidentified issues not discovered in due diligence;

▪failure to complete a planned acquisition transaction or to successfully integrate the operations or management of any acquired businesses or assets in a timely manner;

▪diversion of management’s attention from existing operations or other priorities;

▪unanticipated disruptions to our business associated with the implementation of our enterprise-wide operational and financial system; and

▪delays in completion and cost overruns associated with large capital investments.

Any of the factors above could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Additionally, the anticipated benefits of a capital investment or acquisition may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. We may incur substantial indebtedness to make capital investments or finance future acquisitions, and we also may issue equity, debt or convertible securities in connection with any such acquisitions. The use of cash for acquisitions may adversely affect our cash available for capital investments and other uses, the incurrence of additional debt may limit our financial flexibility, and the issuance of additional equity or convertible securities could be dilutive to existing stockholders.

Risks Related to Market Competition

We face competition and compete vigorously on product performance and/or price. Many of our competitors provide various forms of worksite access products and services. More recently, several competitors have begun marketing composite products to compete with our DURA-BASE® matting system. In addition, there have been recent acquisitions of certain key competitors that provide temporary worksite access product manufacturing and rentals by larger, well-capitalized companies, potentially heightening this competition.

While we believe the design and manufacturing quality of our products provide a differentiated value to our customers, many of our competitors seek to compete on pricing. In addition, certain patents related to our DURA-BASE® matting system have expired, and competitors may begin offering mats that include features described in those patents. We have filed additional patent applications on improvements to the structure of, features of, and uses of the DURA-BASE® matting system, but there is no assurance that our competitors will not be able to offer products that are similar to these improvements, features, or uses of the DURA-BASE® matting system.

In addition, certain customer contracts are awarded through a competitive bidding process. The strong competition in our markets requires maintaining skilled personnel and investing in technology and also puts pressure on profit margins. We do not obtain contracts from all of our bids and our inability to win bids at acceptable profit margins would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Risks Related to Technological Developments and Intellectual Property

The market for our products and services requires technological developments that generate improvements in product performance or service delivery. If we are not successful in continuing to develop new products, enhancements, or improved service delivery that are accepted in the marketplace or that comply with industry standards, we could lose market share to competitors, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, we may from time to time engage in expensive and time-consuming litigation to determine the enforceability, scope, and validity of our patent rights. In addition, we can seek to enforce our rights in trade secrets, or “know-how,” and other proprietary information and technology in the conduct of our business. However, it is possible that our competitors may infringe upon, misappropriate, violate or challenge the validity or enforceability of our intellectual property, and we may not be able to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights in the future.

The tools, techniques, methodologies, programs, and components we use to provide our services may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others. Infringement claims generally result in significant legal and other costs, and may distract management from running our business. Royalty payments under licenses from third parties, if applicable, could increase our costs. Additionally, developing non-infringing technologies could increase our costs. If a license were not available, we might not be able to continue providing a particular service or product, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Related to Severe Weather, Natural Disasters, and Seasonality

We have significant operations located in market areas that are negatively impacted by severe adverse weather events or natural disasters. A potential result of climate change is more frequent or more severe weather events or natural disasters. To the extent such weather events or natural disasters become more frequent or severe, disruptions to our business and costs to repair damaged facilities could increase.

These severe weather events or natural disasters, such as excessive rains, hurricanes, fires, or droughts, could disrupt our operations and result in damage to our properties, including our manufacturing facility and technology center located in Carencro, Louisiana. Additionally, there are markets in which our operations are subject to seasonality such as summer in the U.S., where utility companies typically reduce maintenance project activity on the transmission grid due to elevated consumer electricity demand.

Severe weather, natural disasters, and seasonality could adversely affect our or our customers’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Related to Public Health Crises, Epidemics, and Pandemics

The effects of future public health crises, epidemics, and pandemics may result in a significant and swift reduction in U.S. and international economic activity, including adversely affecting the demand for our products and services. If we encounter a significant and prolonged reduction in demand for our products and services, we plan to take (and have in the past taken) actions aimed at protecting our liquidity and reshaping the business for the market changes, including the sale of assets from our rental fleet, and reducing our workforce and cost structure. However, our business contains high levels of fixed costs, including significant facility and personnel expenses, which limits the effectiveness of such actions. The extent to which our operating and financial results are affected by a public health crisis, epidemic or pandemic will depend on various factors beyond our control, such as the duration and scope of such event, including any resurgences and the emergence and spread of a subject pathogen; actions taken by businesses and governments in response to such event; and the speed and effectiveness of responses to combat the subject pathogen, including the availability and public acceptance of effective treatments or vaccines, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic activity can resume, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Any such public health crisis, epidemic or pandemic could also materially and adversely impact our operating and financial results in a manner that is not currently known to us or that we do not currently consider as presenting material risks to our operations.

Indebtedness Risks

Risks Related to the Cost and Continued Availability of Borrowed Funds, including Risks of Noncompliance with Debt Covenants

We use borrowed funds as an integral part of our long-term capital structure and our future success is dependent upon continued access to borrowed funds to support our operations. The availability of borrowed funds on reasonable terms is dependent on the condition of credit markets and financial institutions from which these funds are obtained. Adverse events in the financial markets may significantly reduce the availability of funds, which may have an adverse effect on our cost of borrowings and our ability to fund our business strategy. Our ability to meet our debt service requirements and the continued availability of funds under our existing or future loan agreements is dependent upon our ability to generate operating income and generate sufficient cash flow to remain in compliance with the covenants in our debt agreements. This, in turn, is subject to competitive, economic, financial, and other factors that are beyond our control.

We primarily fund our ongoing operational needs through a $100 million asset-based revolving credit agreement (the “Amended ABL Facility”). The Amended ABL Facility terminates in May 2027. Borrowing availability under the Amended ABL Facility is calculated based on the level of eligible U.S. accounts receivable, inventory and composite mats included in the rental fleet, net of reserves and subject to limits on certain of the assets included in the borrowing base calculation, and accordingly, the total availability under the Amended ABL Facility may fluctuate. To the extent pledged by the borrowers, the borrowing base calculation also includes the amount of eligible pledged cash. The administrative agent may establish reserves in accordance with the Amended ABL Facility, in part based on appraisals of the asset base, and other limits in its discretion, which could reduce the amounts otherwise available under the Amended ABL Facility.

The Amended ABL Facility is a senior secured obligation of the Company and certain of our U.S. subsidiaries constituting borrowers thereunder, secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the personal property and certain real property of the borrowers, including a first priority lien on certain equity interests of direct subsidiaries of the borrowers. The Amended ABL Facility contains certain financial covenants, customary representations, warranties and covenants that, among other things, and subject to certain specified circumstances and exceptions, restrict or limit the ability of the borrowers and certain of their subsidiaries to incur indebtedness (including guarantees), grant liens, make investments, pay dividends or distributions with respect to capital stock and make other restricted payments, make prepayments on certain indebtedness, engage in mergers or other fundamental changes, dispose of property, and change the nature of their business.

If we fail to comply with the various covenants and other requirements of the Amended ABL Facility, we would be in default thereunder, which would permit the holders of the indebtedness to accelerate the maturity thereof and proceed against their collateral. The acceleration of any of our indebtedness and the election to exercise any remedies could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and we may not be able to make all of the required payments or borrow sufficient funds to refinance such indebtedness.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows to repay our indebtedness when due or to fund our other liquidity needs, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional financing. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Risks Related to Environmental Laws and Regulations

We are responsible for complying with numerous federal, state, local, and foreign laws, regulations and policies that govern environmental protection, zoning and other matters applicable to our current and past business activities, including the activities of our former subsidiaries. Failure to remain compliant with these laws, regulations and policies may result in, among other things, fines, penalties, costs, investigation and/or cleanup of contaminated sites and site closure obligations, costs of remedying noncompliance, termination or suspension of certain operations, or other expenditures. We could be exposed to strict, joint and several liability for cleanup costs, natural resource damages and other damages as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, prior operators or other third parties. Private parties may also pursue legal actions against us based on alleged non-compliance with or liability under certain of these laws, rules and regulations.

The continued expansion of revenues in end-markets that are likely to benefit from increasing demand from electricity, such as power transmission and renewable energy, remains a strategic priority going forward, and we anticipate that our capital investments will primarily focus on supporting this objective. However, any changes in the current legal and regulatory environment could impact industry activity and the demand for our products and services, the scope of products and services that we provide, or our cost structure required to provide our products and services, or the costs incurred by our customers. It is unclear whether initiatives from federal, state, and local legislative bodies and administrative agencies, when implemented, will have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and services.

There have also been efforts in recent years to influence the investment community, including investment advisors and certain sovereign wealth, pension and endowment funds, promoting divestment of fossil fuel equities and pressuring lenders to limit funding to companies engaged in the extraction of fossil fuel reserves. Such environmental activism and initiatives aimed at limiting climate change and reducing air pollution could interfere with our business activities, operations, and ability to access capital. Furthermore, some members of the investment community have increased their focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosures by public companies in recent years. Concerns over climate change have resulted in, and are expected to continue to result in, the adoption of regulatory requirements for climate-related disclosures, which could increase our compliance burden and costs. As a result, we may continue to face increasing pressure regarding our ESG disclosures and practices. We have published and may continue to publish a Sustainability Report, which outlines our progress and ongoing efforts to advance our ESG initiatives. Our disclosures on these matters rely on management’s expectations as of the date the statements are first made, as well as standards for measuring progress that are still in development and may change or fail to be realized. These expectations and standards may continue to evolve. If our ESG disclosures and practices do not meet regulatory, investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards, which continue to evolve, it could have a material adverse effect on our business or demand for our services.

Risks Related to Legal Compliance

As a global business, we are subject to complex laws and regulations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries in which we sell our products. These laws and regulations relate to several aspects of our business, including anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, sanctions against business dealings with certain countries and third parties, the payment of taxes, employment and labor relations, immigration, fair competition, data privacy protections, securities regulation, and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment. The application of these laws and regulations to our business is often unclear and may sometimes conflict. Compliance with these laws and regulations may involve significant costs or require changes in our business practices that could result in reduced revenue and profitability. Non-compliance could also result in significant fines, damages, and other criminal sanctions against us, our officers or our employees, prohibitions or additional requirements on the conduct of our business and damage our reputation. Certain violations of law could also result in suspension or debarment from government contracts. We also incur additional legal compliance costs associated with global regulations. In some foreign countries, particularly those with developing economies, it may be customary for others to engage in business practices that are prohibited by laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, Brazil’s Clean Companies Act, and Mexico’s Anti-Corruption Law. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that all of our employees, contractors, agents, and business partners will not take action in violation with our internal policies. Any such violation of our internal policies or the law could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Financial Risks

Risks Related to the Inherent Limitations of Insurance Coverage

While we maintain liability insurance, this insurance is subject to coverage limitations. Specific risks and limitations of our insurance coverage include the following:

▪self-insured retention limits on each claim, which are our responsibility;

▪exclusions for certain types of liabilities and limitations on coverage for damages resulting from pollution;

▪coverage limits of the policies, and the risk that claims will exceed policy limits; and

▪the financial strength and ability of our insurance carriers to meet their obligations under the policies.

In addition, our ability to continue to obtain insurance coverage on commercially reasonable terms is dependent upon a variety of factors impacting the insurance industry in general, which are outside our control. Any of the issues noted above, including insurance cost increases, uninsured or underinsured claims, or the inability of an insurance carrier to meet their financial obligations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Risks Related to Income Taxes

Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws, both domestically and internationally, or the interpretation or application thereof. From time to time, U.S. and foreign tax authorities, including state and local governments, consider legislation that could increase our effective tax rate. Additionally, longstanding international tax norms that determine each country’s jurisdiction to tax cross-border international trade are subject to potential evolution. For example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), a global coalition of member countries, proposed a two-pillar plan to reform international taxation. The proposals aim to ensure a fairer distribution of profits among countries and to impose a floor on tax competition through the introduction of a global minimum tax. If such changes to tax laws are enacted, our profitability could be negatively impacted.

Our future effective tax rates could also be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, or by changes in tax treaties, regulations, accounting principles or interpretations thereof in one or more countries in which we operate. In addition, we are subject to the potential examination of our income tax returns by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and by other tax authorities in jurisdictions where we file tax returns. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. There can be no assurance that such examinations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

General Risks

Risks Related to Cybersecurity Incidents or Business System Disruptions

We utilize various management information systems and information technology infrastructure to manage or support a variety of our business operations, as well as the operations of our recently-divested Fluids Systems business, and to maintain various records, which may include confidential business or proprietary information as well as information regarding our customers, business partners, employees or other third parties. We also utilize third-party vendors and their systems and technology to support our business activities, including secure processing of confidential, sensitive, proprietary and other types of information. Failures of or interference with access to these systems, such as communication disruptions, could have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct operations or directly impact financial reporting.

In addition, our information systems and information technology infrastructure are subject to security threats and sophisticated cyber-based attacks, including, but not limited to, denial-of-service attacks, hacking, “phishing” attacks, computer viruses, ransomware, malware, employee or insider error, malfeasance, social engineering, or physical breaches, that can cause deliberate or unintentional damage, destruction or misuse, manipulation, denial of access to or disclosure of confidential or important information or intellectual property. A failure of or breach in our information systems and information technology infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors, could expose us and our employees, customers, and suppliers to risks of misuse of information or systems, transaction errors, the compromise of confidential information, manipulation and destruction of data, the loss of sales and customers and operations disruptions.

There can be no assurance that security incidents will not occur. In addition, there can be no assurance that the policies and procedures we or our third-party vendors have in place, including system monitoring and data back-up processes, to prevent or mitigate the effects of these potential disruptions or incidents will be sufficient to prevent, detect and limit the impact of disruptions or incidents. Even when an incident has been detected, it is not always immediately apparent what the full nature and scope of any potential harm may be, or how best to remediate it. We invest in security technology, perform penetration tests from time to time, and design our business processes to attempt to mitigate the risk of such incidents. Our processes require continuous monitoring as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures evolve. We obtain cybersecurity insurance, though costs related to a cyber-based attack may exceed the amount of insurance coverage or be excluded under the terms of our cybersecurity insurance policy. In addition, as cyber-based attacks increase in frequency and magnitude, we may be unable to obtain cybersecurity insurance in amounts or on terms we view as appropriate for our operations.

On October 29, 2024, we experienced a ransomware cybersecurity incident, and we expect such cybersecurity threats and incidents involving our systems and third-party systems to continue. While none of the cybersecurity events have been material to date, a successful breach or attack could have a material negative impact on our operations or business reputation, harm our reputation and relationships with our customers, business partners, employees or other third parties, and subject us to consequences such as litigation and direct costs associated with incident response. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Risks Related to Complications with the Design or Implementation of Our Updated Enterprise Resource Planning System

We rely extensively on information systems and technology to manage our business and summarize operating results. We are in the process of a multi-year phased upgrade to our digital capabilities, including replacing our enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system to enhance operating efficiencies and transitioning to a cloud-based platform. The ERP system implementation update and cloud-based platform transition will require the training of personnel, migration of data, and the execution of certain new processes and procedures. We may be unable to successfully implement the updated ERP system or the new cloud-based platform without experiencing delays, increased costs and other difficulties. If we do not effectively manage the implementation or the resources necessary to build and sustain the upgraded technology infrastructure, or if we fail to achieve the expected benefits from this enhancement or it does not operate as designed, our business and operations could be adversely affected. Additionally, if we do not effectively implement the updated ERP system as planned or the updated ERP system does not operate as intended, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures could be adversely affected or our ability to assess those controls adequately could be delayed.

Risks Related to Activist Stockholders that May Attempt to Effect Changes at Our Company or Acquire Control Over Our Company

We have been the subject of campaigns by activist stockholders and may continue to be so in the future. Such activist stockholders may engage in proxy solicitations, advance stockholder proposals, or otherwise attempt to affect changes or acquire control over our company. Campaigns by stockholders to effect changes at publicly traded companies are sometimes led by investors seeking to increase short-term stockholder value through actions such as financial restructuring, increased debt, special dividends, stock repurchases or sales of assets or the entire company. Responding to proxy contests and other actions by activist stockholders can be costly and time-consuming and could divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management from the management of our operations and the pursuit of our business strategies. As a result, stockholder campaigns could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to Share Repurchases

The amount and timing of all future purchases of shares of our common stock pursuant to our securities repurchase program, if any, are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon business conditions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors. Our Board of Directors may, without advance notice, suspend or terminate our repurchase program. There can be no assurance that we will make repurchases of shares of our common stock in the future. Share repurchases under our repurchase program could diminish our available liquidity, which may impact our ability to finance future growth and to pursue possible future strategic growth projects. In addition, any elimination of, or downward revision in, our repurchase program could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws, Which Designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the Sole and Exclusive Forum for Certain Types of Actions and Proceedings that May Be Initiated by Our Stockholders, and the U.S. Federal District Courts in Wilmington County, Delaware as the Exclusive Forum for Securities Act Claims, Could Limit Our Stockholders’ Ability to Obtain What Such Stockholders Believe To Be a Favorable Judicial Forum for Disputes with Us or Our Directors, Officers or Other Employees

Our amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (i) the Delaware Court of Chancery or, if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another state or federal court located within the State of Delaware, will be the sole and exclusive forum with respect to (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors, officers, stockholders, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, including a claim alleging the aiding and abetting of such a breach of fiduciary duty, (c) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our current or former directors, officers, stockholders, employees or agents arising out of or relating to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), our certificate of incorporation or its amended and restated bylaws, (d) any action asserting a claim related to or involving us or any of our directors, officers, stockholders, employees or agents that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine of the State of Delaware, or (e) any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL, and (ii) the U.S. Federal District Court in Wilmington County, Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any action arising under the Securities Act. Our choice-of-forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act, and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring an interest in any shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the forum provisions in our amended and restated bylaws. These choice-of-forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that he, she or it believes to be favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our amended and restated bylaws inapplicable or unenforceable with respect to one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.