ROGERS CORP

Previous wording

We derived approximately 22% and 31% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 from sales relating to the significant growth markets (e.g., EV/HEV) and high growth markets (e.g., ADAS, portable electronics, renewable energy and aerospace and defense), respectively. These growth drivers, as well as specific market and industry trends within them, may be volatile, cyclical and sensitive to a variety of factors, including general economic conditions (including higher inflation and interest rates), demand disruptions (including third-party component availability at our customers), technology disruptions, consumer preferences and political priorities. Adverse or cyclical changes to and within these growth drivers, such as delays in adoption or implementation of new technologies, has resulted in, and may continue to result in, reduced demand for certain of our products, production overcapacity, increased inventory levels and related risks of obsolescence, as well as price erosion, ultimately leading to a decline in our operating results. Acceleration within these growth drivers and corresponding rapid increases in demand for certain products may also require us to make significant capital investments or acquisitions in facilities and information systems and significantly increase our personnel in order to increase production levels and to maintain customer relationships and market positions. However, we may not be able to increase our production levels with sufficient speed or efficiency to capitalize on such increases in demand.

Current wording

We derived approximately 18% and 34% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024 from sales relating to the significant growth markets (e.g., EV/HEV) and high growth markets (e.g., ADAS, portable electronics, renewable energy and aerospace and defense), respectively. These growth drivers, as well as specific market and industry trends within them, may be volatile, cyclical and sensitive to a variety of factors, including general economic conditions (including higher inflation and interest rates), demand disruptions (including third-party component availability at our customers), technology disruptions, consumer preferences and political priorities. Adverse or cyclical changes to and within these growth drivers, such as delays in adoption or implementation of new technologies, has resulted in, and may continue to result in, reduced demand for certain of our products, production overcapacity, increased inventory levels and related risks of obsolescence, as well as price erosion, ultimately leading to a decline in our operating results. Acceleration within these growth drivers and corresponding rapid increases in demand for certain products may also require us to make significant capital investments or acquisitions in facilities and information systems and significantly increase our personnel in order to increase production levels and to maintain customer relationships and market positions. However, we may not be able to increase our production levels with sufficient speed or efficiency to capitalize on such increases in demand.

Previous wording

Macroeconomic conditions, such as high inflationary pressure, changes to monetary policy, high interest rates, volatile currency exchange rates, credit and sovereign debt concerns, decreasing consumer confidence and spending, including capital spending, concerns about the stability and liquidity of certain financial institutions, the introduction of or changes in tariffs or trade barriers, and global or local recessions can adversely impact demand for our products, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Recent macroeconomic conditions have been adversely impacted by geopolitical instability and military hostilities in multiple geographies (including the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict between Israel and Hamas), and monetary and financial uncertainties.

Current wording

Macroeconomic conditions, such as high inflationary pressure, changes to monetary policy, high interest rates, volatile currency exchange rates, credit and sovereign debt concerns, decreasing consumer confidence and spending, including capital spending, concerns about the stability and liquidity of certain financial institutions, the introduction of or changes in tariffs or trade barriers, and global or local recessions can adversely impact demand for our products, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Recent macroeconomic conditions have been adversely impacted by geopolitical instability and military hostilities in multiple geographies (including the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah), and monetary and financial uncertainties.

Previous wording

From time to time, we have explored and pursued transaction opportunities that we believe complement our core businesses, and we expect to do so again in the future. We have also divested and may again consider divesting businesses or assets that we do not regard as part of our core businesses. These transaction opportunities may come in the form of acquisitions, joint ventures, investments, divestitures or other structures. There are risks associated with such transactions, including, without limitation, general business risk, technology risk, market acceptance risk, litigation risk, environmental risk, regulatory approval risk and risks associated with the failure to complete announced transactions. In the case of acquisitions, we may not be able to discover, during the due diligence process or otherwise, all known and unknown risks associated with the business we are acquiring, including the existence of liabilities. We may spend a significant portion of available cash, incur substantial debt or issue equity securities, which would dilute current shareholders’ equity ownership, to pay for the acquisitions. In addition, if we are unsuccessful in integrating any acquired company or business into our operations or if integration is more difficult than anticipated, we may experience disruptions that could harm our business and result in our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions. In the case of divestitures, we may agree to indemnify acquiring parties for known or unknown liabilities arising from the businesses we are divesting. We have incurred, and may in the future incur, significant costs in the pursuit and evaluation of transactions that we do not consummate for a variety of reasons.

Current wording

From time to time, we have explored and pursued transaction opportunities that we believe complement our core businesses, and we expect to do so again in the future. We have also divested and may again consider divesting businesses or assets that we do not regard as part of our core businesses. These transaction opportunities may come in the form of acquisitions, JVs, investments, divestitures or other structures. There are risks associated with such transactions, including, without limitation, general business risk, technology risk, market acceptance risk, litigation risk, environmental risk, regulatory approval risk and risks associated with the failure to complete announced transactions. In the case of acquisitions, we may not be able to discover, during the due diligence process or otherwise, all known and unknown risks associated with the business we are acquiring, including the existence of liabilities. We may spend a significant portion of available cash, incur substantial debt or issue equity securities, which would dilute current shareholders’ equity ownership, to pay for the acquisitions. In addition, if we are unsuccessful in integrating any acquired company or business into our operations or if integration is more difficult than anticipated, we may experience disruptions that could harm our business and result in our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions. In the case of divestitures, we may agree to indemnify acquiring parties for known or unknown liabilities arising from the businesses we are divesting. We have incurred, and may in the future incur, significant costs in the pursuit and evaluation of transactions that we do not consummate for a variety of reasons.

Previous wording

We depend upon the continued services and performance of key executives, senior management and skilled technical personnel, particularly our sales engineers and other professionals with significant experience in the key industries we serve. Our ability to compete effectively and our future success depend on our continuing to identify, hire, develop, motivate, and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. Competition for these personnel from other companies, academic institutions and government entities is intense. In addition, our compensation arrangements, such as our equity award programs, may not always be successful in attracting new employees and retaining and motivating our existing employees. Outside the U.S., it is increasingly important that we are also able to attract and retain personnel with relevant local qualifications and experience. We may not be able to continue to attract and retain the qualified personnel necessary to continue to advance our business and achieve our strategic objectives.

Current wording

We continue to depend upon the continued services and performance of key executives, senior management and skilled technical personnel, particularly our sales engineers and other professionals with significant experience in the key industries we serve. Our ability to compete effectively and our future success depend on our continuing to identify, hire, develop, motivate, and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. Competition for these personnel from other companies, academic institutions and government entities is intense. In addition, our compensation arrangements, such as our equity award programs, may not always be successful in attracting new employees and retaining and motivating our existing employees. Outside the U.S., it is increasingly important that we are also able to attract and retain personnel with relevant local qualifications and experience. We may not be able to continue to attract and retain the qualified personnel necessary to continue to advance our business and achieve our strategic objectives. Additionally, as demand for our products and services increases, our existing personnel may not be able to effectively scale their job functions with the increased demand. If we are unable to identify, hire, develop, motivate, and retain new qualified personnel with relevant local qualifications and experience, our existing workforce may become too lean to accommodate the increased demand, which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow and scale our business.

Previous wording

Our facilities, supply chains, distribution systems and information technology systems are subject to catastrophic loss or disruption due to fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, public health crisis, war, terrorism or other natural or man-made disasters or events. If any of these facilities, supply chains or systems were to experience a catastrophic loss or disruption, it could disrupt our operations, delay production and shipments, result in defective products or services, damage customer relationships and our reputation and result in legal exposure and large repair or replacement expenses. Additionally, there was a fire at our UTIS manufacturing facility in Ansan, South Korea in early February 2021, which resulted in extensive damage to the manufacturing site. Commercial operations resumed in late 2021, with the launch of a replacement production line at one of our Suzhou, China facilities, and commercial production at our new location in Siheung, South Korea commenced in late-January 2023. Disruptions to our South Korean operations and certain customer relationships in South Korea directly resulting from the closure of the UTIS facility continued to be experienced through 2023. The extent to which these events will continue to affect our results of operations and financial position remains uncertain. The third-party insurance coverage that we maintain will vary from time to time in both type and amount depending on cost, availability and our decisions regarding risk retention, and may be unavailable or insufficient to protect us against losses or disruptions.

Current wording

Our facilities, supply chains, distribution systems and information technology systems are subject to catastrophic loss or disruption due to fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, public health crisis, war, terrorism or other natural or man-made disasters or events. If any of these facilities, supply chains or systems were to experience a catastrophic loss or disruption, it could disrupt our operations, delay production and shipments, result in defective products or services, damage customer relationships and our reputation and result in legal exposure and large repair or replacement expenses. In 2021, we experienced fire damage in our Ansan, South Korea manufacturing facility, the impacts of which have since largely been resolved. The third-party insurance coverage that we maintain will vary from time to time in both type and amount depending on cost, availability and our decisions regarding risk retention, and may be unavailable or insufficient to protect us against losses or disruptions.

Previous wording

For the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 74% of our net sales resulted from sales in foreign markets, with approximately 40% and 31% of such net sales occurring in Asia and Europe, respectively. We expect our net sales in foreign markets to continue to represent a substantial majority of our consolidated net sales. We maintain significant manufacturing and administrative operations in China, Germany, Belgium, England, South Korea and Hungary, and approximately 64% of our employees were located outside the U.S. as of December 31, 2023. Risks related to our extensive international operations include the following:

Current wording

For the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately 73% of our net sales resulted from sales in foreign markets, with approximately 44% and 27% of such net sales occurring in Asia and Europe, respectively. We expect our net sales in foreign markets to continue to represent a substantial majority of our consolidated net sales. We maintain significant manufacturing and administrative operations in China, Germany, England, South Korea and Hungary, and approximately 66% of our employees were located outside the U.S. as of December 31, 2024. Risks related to our extensive international operations include the following:

Previous wording

The foregoing risks may be particularly acute in emerging markets such as China, where our operations are subject to greater uncertainty due to increased volatility associated with the developing nature of the economic, legal and governmental systems of these countries, changes in bilateral and multilateral arrangements with the U.S. and other governments, and challenges that some multinational customers that are headquartered in emerging markets may have complying fully with U.S. and other developed market extraterritorial regulations. In addition, our business has been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by the lack of development, or disruptions, of transportation or other critical infrastructure, including wireless infrastructure, in emerging markets. If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with expanding our global business, or to adequately manage operational fluctuations, it may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position.

Current wording

The foregoing risks may be particularly acute in emerging markets such as China, where our operations are subject to greater uncertainty due to increased volatility associated with the developing nature of the economic, legal and governmental systems of these countries, changes in bilateral and multilateral arrangements with the U.S. and other governments, and challenges that some multinational customers that are headquartered in emerging markets may have complying fully with U.S. and other developed market extraterritorial regulations.

Previous wording

In the ordinary course of business, we collect and store confidential information, including proprietary business information belonging to us, our customers, suppliers, business partners and other third parties and personally identifiable information of our employees. We rely on information technology systems to protect this information and to keep financial records, process orders, manage inventory, coordinate shipments to customers, and operate other critical functions. Our information technology systems are susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, systems upgrades (including the planned implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system) and user errors. If we experience a disruption in our information technology systems, it could result in the loss of sales and customers and significant incremental costs, which could materially adversely affect our business.

Current wording

In the ordinary course of business, we collect and store confidential information, including proprietary business information belonging to us, our customers, suppliers, business partners and other third parties and personally identifiable information of our employees. We rely on information technology systems to protect this information and to keep financial records, process orders, manage inventory, coordinate shipments to customers, and operate other critical functions. Our information technology systems are susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, systems upgrades (including the planned implementation of a new ERP system) and user errors. If we experience a disruption in our information technology systems, it could result in the loss of sales and customers and significant incremental costs, which could materially adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

We may experience difficulties in implementing our new enterprise resource planning system.

Current wording

We may experience difficulties in implementing our new ERP system.

Previous wording

We are in the midst of a multi-year design and implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system (ERP), which will replace our existing financial and operating systems. The implementation of this ERP requires an investment of significant personnel and financial resources, including substantial expenditures for outside consultants, system hardware and software in addition to other expenses in connection with the transformation of our organizational structure and financial and operating processes. As we work to complete the implementation phase of this ERP, and even after the implementation phase, we may experience additional delays, increased costs and other difficulties, including potential design defects, miscalculations, testing requirements, re-work due to changes in business plans or reporting standards, and the diversion of management’s attention from day-to-day business operations. Additional extended delays could also introduce operational risk, including cybersecurity risks, and other complications. If we are unable to implement this ERP as planned, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely affected, our ability to assess those controls adequately could be delayed, and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be negatively impacted.

Current wording

We are in the midst of a multi-year design and implementation of a new ERP system, which will replace our existing financial and operating systems. The implementation of this ERP requires an investment of significant personnel and financial resources, including substantial expenditures for outside consultants, system hardware and software in addition to other expenses in connection with the transformation of our organizational structure and financial and operating processes. As we work to complete the implementation phase of this ERP, and even after the implementation phase, we may experience additional delays, increased costs and other difficulties, including potential design defects, miscalculations, testing requirements, re-work due to changes in business plans or reporting standards, and the diversion of management’s attention from day-to-day business operations. Additional extended delays could also introduce operational risk, including cybersecurity risks, and other complications. If we are unable to implement this ERP as planned, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely affected, our ability to assess those controls adequately could be delayed, and our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be negatively impacted.

Previous wording

We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations related to the use, storage, handling, discharge or disposal of certain toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals, gases and other substances used in manufacturing our products. Some of these laws in the U.S. include the Federal Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, and similar state statutes and regulations. In the EU, we are subject to the EU regulations (and their related national implementing legislation) including the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals, the Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures and the Industrial Emissions Directive.

Current wording

We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations related to the use, storage, handling, discharge or disposal of certain toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals, gases and other substances used in manufacturing our products. Some of these laws in the U.S. include the Federal Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, and similar state statutes and regulations. In the EU, we are subject to the EU regulations (and their related national implementing legislation) including the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals, the Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures and the Industrial Emissions Directive. Compliance with these laws and regulations could require us to incur substantial expenses, including in connection with the acquisition of new equipment. Any failure to comply with present or future environmental laws, rules and regulations could result in criminal and civil liabilities, fines, suspension of production or cessation of certain operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.

Previous wording

By way of example, but not limitation, governmental authorities in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions are increasingly focused on potential contamination resulting from the use of so-called “forever chemicals,” most notable at present are per- and polyfluoroalkyl, substances (PFAS). Products containing PFAS have been used in manufacturing, industrial, and consumer applications over many decades, including in some of our engineered materials and components, and are virtually ubiquitous in parts of the environment. Until recently, these substances were largely unregulated. Nevertheless, over the last few years, PFAS regulation has been evolving rapidly. In 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act, requiring manufacturers and importers of PFAS to submit additional reporting information about production volumes, industrial uses, byproducts, worker exposure, and disposal. In 2023, certain EU member states submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency calling for the phase out of the manufacture, import, sale, and use of PFAS substances beginning in late 2025. While PFAS regulation continues to advance at the federal level and in many states, the full scope of such regulation is still being developed. In some cases, PFAS compounds are regulated at, or even below, the ability of current technology to detect their presence, making remediation difficult and complex. We may therefore incur costs in connection with any obligations to transition away from the usage of PFAS-containing products, to dispose of PFAS-containing waste or to remediate any PFAS contamination, which could have a negative effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

By way of example, but not limitation, governmental authorities in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions are increasingly focused on potential contamination resulting from the use of so-called “forever chemicals,” most notable at present are per- and polyfluoroalkyl, substances (PFAS). Products containing PFAS have been used in manufacturing, industrial, and consumer applications over many decades, including in some of our engineered materials and components, and are virtually ubiquitous in parts of the environment. Until recently, these substances were largely unregulated. Nevertheless, over the last few years, PFAS regulation has been evolving rapidly. In 2023, the U.S. EPA issued a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act, requiring manufacturers and importers of PFAS to submit additional reporting information about production volumes, industrial uses, byproducts, worker exposure, and disposal. In 2023, certain EU member states submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency calling for the phase out of the manufacture, import, sale, and use of PFAS substances beginning in late 2025. In 2024, among other things, U.S. EPA issued new regulations regarding PFAS in drinking water, PFAS reporting obligations under Toxic Substances Control Act, and designated two PFAS chemicals (Perfluorooctanoic acid and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) as hazardous substances under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. While PFAS regulation continues to advance at the federal level and in many states, the full scope of such regulation is still being developed. In some cases, PFAS compounds are regulated at, or even below, the ability of current technology to detect their presence, making remediation difficult and complex. We may therefore incur costs in connection with any obligations to transition away from the usage of PFAS-containing products, to dispose of PFAS-containing waste or to remediate any PFAS contamination, which could have a negative effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

New and evolving laws, regulations and rule makings globally are expected to impose different and more restrictive standards and require greater disclosures. They could also require capital investments, incremental personnel resources, could adversely impact our ongoing operations, and could require changes on a more accelerated time frame. Our suppliers are expected to face similar challenges and incur additional compliance costs that may be passed on to us. These direct and indirect costs may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition, and, if we are unable to comply with legislative and regulatory requirements or meet our sustainability objectives, our reputation and ability to do business could be negatively impacted. In addition, our customers’ requirements, priorities and ways of doing business with respect to environmental matters, and climate change specifically, also may have an impact on our business, operations and financial success. For example, in 2022, the SEC issued proposed rule-makings on climate change. The proposed rules, depending on how they are finally adopted, as well as other changes the government might implement, could impose significant new burdens on the company and our suppliers, with significant potential costs and operational impacts, and adversely impact our ability to win business and operate successfully.

Current wording

New and evolving laws, regulations and rule makings globally are expected to impose different and more restrictive standards and require greater disclosures. They could also require capital investments, incremental personnel resources, could adversely impact our ongoing operations, and could require changes on a more accelerated time frame. Our suppliers are expected to face similar challenges and incur additional compliance costs that may be passed on to us. These direct and indirect costs may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition, and, if we are unable to comply with legislative and regulatory requirements or meet our sustainability objectives, our reputation and ability to do business could be negatively impacted. In addition, our customers’ requirements, priorities and ways of doing business with respect to environmental matters, and climate change specifically, also may have an impact on our business, operations and financial success. For example, the SEC finalized a rule in 2024 to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures. The rule, which faces legal challenge and has been voluntarily stayed by the SEC, as well as other changes the government might implement, could impose significant new burdens on our Company and our suppliers, with significant potential costs and operational impacts, and adversely impact our ability to win business and operate successfully.

Previous wording

Environmental matters may significantly impact our business and operations and present evolving risks and challenges. Environmental impacts, including climate change specifically, create short and long-term financial risks to our business globally. Increased worldwide focus on climate change has led to legislative and regulatory efforts to combat both potential causes and adverse impacts of climate change, including regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. New or more stringent laws and regulations related to greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change related concerns have affected and will likely continue to affect us, our suppliers and our customers. There can be no assurance the company will meet the evolving sustainability expectations and standards of our investors and other external stakeholders.

Current wording

Environmental matters may significantly impact our business and operations and present evolving risks and challenges. Environmental impacts, including climate change specifically, create short and long-term financial risks to our business globally. Increased worldwide focus on climate change has led to legislative and regulatory efforts to combat both potential causes and adverse impacts of climate change, including regulation of GHG emissions. New or more stringent laws and regulations related to GHG emissions and other climate change related concerns have affected and will likely continue to affect us, our suppliers and our customers. There can be no assurance our Company will meet the evolving sustainability expectations and standards of our investors and other external stakeholders.

Previous wording

In addition, some environmental laws impose liability, sometimes without fault, for investigating and/or cleaning up contamination on, or emanating from, properties currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by us, as well as for damages to property or natural resources and for personal injury arising out of such contamination. Such liability may be joint and several, meaning that we could be held responsible for more than our share of the liability involved, or even the entire liability. For additional information regarding our material legal proceedings, refer to “Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies” to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Current wording

In addition, some environmental laws impose liability, sometimes retroactively and without fault, for investigating and/or cleaning up contamination on, or emanating from, properties currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by us, as well as for damages to property or natural resources and for personal injury arising out of such contamination. Such liability may be joint and several, meaning that we could be held responsible for more than our share of the liability involved, or even the entire liability. For additional information regarding our material legal proceedings, refer to “Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies” to “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Previous wording

There has been a broad range of proposed or promulgated international, national and state laws and/or regulations focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and global climate change. These proposed or promulgated laws and/or regulations apply or could apply in countries where we have interests or may have interests in the future. Laws and regulations in this field continue to evolve and, while they are likely to be increasingly widespread and stringent, at this stage it is not possible to accurately estimate either a timetable for implementation or our future compliance costs relating to implementation. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to undertake ambitious efforts to reduce GHG emissions and strengthen adaptation to the effects of climate change.

Current wording

Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to undertake ambitious efforts to reduce GHG emissions and strengthen adaptation to the effects of climate change. Subsequently, there has been a broad range of proposed or promulgated international, national and state laws and/or regulations focusing on GHG emissions reduction, climate-related financial risk management, and global climate change. On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing his administration to initiate a withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. However, laws and/or regulations may still apply or could apply in countries in countries that remain party to the Paris Agreement where we have interests or may have interests in the future. Laws and regulations in this field continue to evolve and are likely to be increasingly widespread, stringent, and complex, as different countries mandate different disclosure requirements. We are preparing for required climate-related compliance deadlines in the jurisdictions in which we operate; however, at this stage it is not possible to accurately estimate either a timetable for implementation in all instances or our future compliance costs relating to implementation.

Previous wording

Jurisdictions in which we operate, including, in particular, the EU, are preparing national legislation and protection plans to implement their emission reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement. In June 2021, the European Climate Law set legally binding targets of net zero GHG emissions by 2050, and a 55% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. In December 2022, the EU announced forthcoming regulations to support the 2030 climate target, including a revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and the introduction of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Our operations in Europe participate in the ETS and we meet our obligations through a combination of free and purchased emission allowances. We anticipate the forthcoming regulations will result in an accelerated reduction of our free allowances and higher market prices for purchased allowances. These and other future regulations could result in increased costs, additional capital expenditures, and/or restrictions on operations.

Current wording

Jurisdictions in which we operate, including, in particular, the EU, are preparing national legislation and protection plans to implement their emission reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement. In June 2021, the European Climate Law set legally binding targets of net zero GHG emissions by 2050, and a 55% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. In December 2022, the EU announced forthcoming regulations to support the 2030 climate target, including a revision of the EU Emissions Trading System, and the introduction of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Our operations in Europe participate in the Emissions Trading System and we meet our obligations through a combination of free and purchased emission allowances. We anticipate the forthcoming regulations will result in an accelerated reduction of our free allowances and higher market prices for purchased allowances. In addition, in January 2023, the EU adopted the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive which requires EU and non-EU companies with activities in the EU to file annual sustainability reports including climate-related information. These and other future regulations could result in increased costs, additional capital expenditures, and/or restrictions on operations.

Previous wording

In the U.S., addressing climate change is a stated priority of the current presidential administration, and in February 2021, the U.S. recommitted to the Paris Agreement after having withdrawn in August 2017. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in addition to several state governments, promulgated regulations directed at GHG emissions reductions from certain types of facilities. Additional regulations could be forthcoming at the U.S. federal or state level that could result in increased operating costs for compliance, required acquisition or trading of emission allowances, or compliance costs associated with additional regulatory frameworks for a range of potential carbon reduction projects, including carbon capture, use, and sequestration projects. Additionally, demand for the products we produce may be reduced.

Current wording

Addressing climate change was a stated priority of the former presidential administration, including recommitting the U.S. to the Paris Agreement and enacting legislation to advance objectives to achieve a net zero emissions economy by 2050. For example, the IRA, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS and Science Act, provide incentives to promote climate-friendly technologies and innovation that may increase the demand for the products we produce. The U.S. EPA, in addition to several state governments, promulgated regulations directed at GHG emissions reductions from certain types of facilities. California adopted the Climate Accountability Package in 2023 that introduces extensive climate-related disclosure requirements, and the SEC finalized a rule in 2024 to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures. Both disclosure measures face legal challenge, and the SEC has voluntarily stayed its rule. On February 11, 2025, the acting Chairman of the SEC directed the SEC staff to request that the courts hearing legal challenges to the climate-related disclosure rules not schedule the case for argument to provide time for the SEC to deliberate and determine the appropriate next steps in these cases. The Trump administration has indicated that it will take a different approach towards climate change compared to its predecessor and there is uncertainty regarding what regulatory or executive actions may be forthcoming. Given these uncertainties, it is difficult to accurately estimate at this time if U.S. federal or state level activity could result in increased operating costs for compliance, required acquisition or trading of emission allowances, or compliance costs associated with additional regulatory frameworks for a range of potential carbon reduction projects, including carbon capture, use, and sequestration projects. Additionally, demand for the products we produce may be reduced.

Previous wording

Initiatives to address such ESG issues may be costly and may not have the desired effect. Evolving stakeholder expectations and our efforts and ability to manage these issues and accomplish our goals, commitments, and targets present numerous operational, regulatory, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks, any of which may be outside of our control or could have adverse impacts on our business, including on our stock price. Our failure or perceived failure to achieve some or all of our ESG goals or maintain ESG practices that meet evolving stakeholder expectations or regulatory requirements could harm our reputation, adversely impact our ability to attract and retain employees or customers and expose us to increased scrutiny from the investment community, regulatory authorities and others or subject us to liability. Further, there is uncertainty around the accounting standards and climate-related disclosures associated with emerging laws and reporting requirements and the related costs to comply with the emerging regulations.

Current wording

Initiatives to address such ESG issues may be costly and may not have the desired effect. Evolving stakeholder expectations and our efforts and ability to manage these issues and accomplish our goals, commitments, and targets present numerous operational, regulatory, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks and opportunities. Any risks could have adverse impacts on our business, including on our stock price; however, ESG-related opportunities may result in positive business impacts. Further, there are ESG-related laws and reporting requirements adopted in multiple jurisdictions that will likely increase future compliance costs.

Previous wording

Our failure, or even the perceived failure, to achieve our ESG goals or maintain ESG practices that meet evolving stakeholder expectations or regulatory requirements could harm our reputation. This could adversely impact our ability to attract and retain customers and talent, and expose us to increased scrutiny from the investment community and enforcement authorities. Furthermore, perceptions about our action or inaction on certain ESG-related issues could also harm our reputation, particularly if stakeholders disagree with our goals and initiatives. Damage to our reputation and loss of brand equity may reduce demand for our products and services, adversely affecting our future financial performance and stock price, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.

Current wording

Our failure, or even perceived failure, to achieve some or all of our ESG goals or maintain ESG practices that meet evolving stakeholder expectations or regulatory requirements could adversely impact our ability to attract and retain employees or customers, expose us to increased scrutiny from the investment community, regulatory authorities and others, or subject us to liability. Furthermore, perceptions about our action or inaction on certain ESG-related issues could also harm our reputation, particularly if stakeholders disagree with our goals and initiatives. Damage to our reputation and loss of brand equity may reduce demand for our products and services, adversely affecting our future financial performance and stock price, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation. Conversely, our efforts to actively manage material ESG issues could increase employee and customer loyalty, support risk mitigation, resiliency, operational efficiencies, and positive reputation, influence cost of capital or access to finance, or other outcomes that may positively benefit our business.