TRINITY INDUSTRIES INC

Previous wording

While the business cycles of the various end markets we serve may not typically coincide, an economic downturn could affect disparate cycles simultaneously. The railcar industry has previously experienced sharp cyclical downturns and at such times operated with minimal backlog. The impacts of such an economic downturn may magnify the adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

While the business cycles of the various end markets we serve may not typically coincide, an economic downturn could affect disparate cycles simultaneously. The railcar industry has previously experienced sharp cyclical downturns and at such times operated with minimal backlog. As a result of the current macroeconomic environment, the North American railcar industry is experiencing reduced order volumes and backlog. The impacts of such an economic downturn may magnify the adverse effect on our business.

Previous wording

Shortages of skilled labor and/or qualified employees have adversely impacted and could continue to impact our operations.

Current wording

Shortages of skilled labor and/or qualified employees could impact our operations.

Previous wording

We depend on skilled labor in the manufacture, maintenance, and repair of railcar products and on other qualified employees in all aspects of our business. Some of our facilities are located in areas where demand for skilled laborers exceeds supply. We have experienced shortages of qualified employees and/or skilled labor and increased turnover at certain facilities, resulting in increased labor costs from temporary workers and operating inefficiencies. Shortages of, or the inability to attract, train, integrate, and retain, some types of skilled laborers, such as welders, restrict our ability to maintain or increase production rates and increase our labor costs. An overall labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover, or higher labor costs could adversely impact our operations and profitability.

Current wording

We depend on skilled labor in the manufacture, maintenance, and repair of railcar products and on other qualified employees in all aspects of our business. We have experienced shortages of qualified employees and/or skilled labor and increased turnover at certain facilities, resulting in increased labor costs from temporary workers and operating inefficiencies. Shortages of, or the inability to attract, train, integrate, and retain, some types of skilled laborers, such as welders, restrict our ability to maintain or increase production rates and increase our labor costs. An overall labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover, or higher labor costs could adversely impact our operations and profitability.

Previous wording

The majority of our railcars are manufactured in Mexico. Our Mexico operations and other operations outside of the U.S. are subject to the risks associated with cross-border business transactions and activities. Political, legal, trade or economic change or instability, criminal activities or social unrest could limit or curtail our respective foreign business activities and operations, including the ability to hire and retain employees. We cannot predict the likelihood of future effects from such risks or any resulting adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Many items manufactured by us in Mexico are sold in the U.S., and the transportation and import of such products may be disrupted. The countries in which we operate, including Canada and Mexico, have regulatory authorities that regulate products sold or used in those countries. If we fail to comply with the applicable regulations within the foreign countries where we operate, we may be unable to market and sell our products in those countries. In addition, with respect to operations in foreign countries, unexpected changes in laws, rules, and regulatory requirements; tariffs and other trade barriers, including regulatory initiatives for buying goods produced in America; more stringent or restrictive laws, rules, and regulations relating to labor or the environment; adverse tax consequences; price exchange controls; and restrictions or regulations affecting cross-border rail and vehicular traffic could limit operations, affecting production throughput and making the manufacture and distribution of our products less timely or more difficult. Furthermore, any material change in the quotas, regulations, tariffs, or duties on imports imposed by the U.S. government and agencies, or on exports by the government of Mexico or its agencies, could affect our ability to export products that we manufacture in Mexico. Because we have operations outside the U.S., we could be adversely affected by final judgments of non-compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or import/export rules and regulations and similar anti-corruption, anti-bribery, or import/export laws of other countries.

Current wording

The majority of our railcars are manufactured in Mexico. Our Mexico operations and other operations outside of the U.S. are subject to the risks associated with cross-border business transactions and activities. Political, legal, trade or economic change or instability, criminal activities or social unrest could limit or curtail our respective foreign business activities and operations, including the ability to hire and retain employees. We cannot predict the likelihood of future effects from such risks or any resulting adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Many items manufactured by us in Mexico are sold in the U.S., and the transportation and import of such products may be disrupted. The countries in which we operate, including Canada and Mexico, have regulatory authorities that regulate products sold or used in those countries. If we fail to comply with the applicable regulations within the foreign countries where we operate, we may be unable to market and sell our products in those countries. In addition, with respect to operations in foreign countries, unexpected changes in laws, rules, and regulatory requirements; tariffs and other trade barriers, including regulatory initiatives for buying goods produced in America; more stringent or restrictive laws, rules, and regulations relating to labor or the environment; adverse tax consequences; price exchange controls; and restrictions or regulations affecting cross-border rail and vehicular traffic could limit operations, affecting production throughput and making the manufacture and distribution of our products less timely or more difficult. Furthermore, any material change in the quotas, regulations, tariffs, or duties on imports imposed by the U.S. government and agencies – including, but not limited to, tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) – or on exports by the government of Mexico or its agencies, could affect our ability to export products that we manufacture in Mexico. Because we have operations outside the U.S., we could be adversely affected by final judgments of non-compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or import/export rules and regulations and similar anti-corruption, anti-bribery, or import/export laws of other countries.

Previous wording

We face aggressive competition in the end markets we serve. In addition to price, we face competition in respect to product performance and technological innovation, quality, reliability of delivery, customer service, and other factors. The effects of this competition, which is often intense, could reduce our revenues and operating profits, limit our ability to grow, increase pricing pressure on our products, and otherwise affect our financial results.

Current wording

We face aggressive competition in the end markets we serve. In addition to price, we face competition in respect to product performance and innovation, quality, reliability of delivery, customer service, and other factors. The effects of this competition, which is often intense, could reduce our revenues and operating profits, limit our ability to grow, increase pricing pressure on our products, and otherwise affect our financial results.

Previous wording

Changes in the price and demand for steel could lower our margins and profitability.

Current wording

Changes in the availability, price, and demand for steel could lower our margins and profitability.

Previous wording

The principal material used in our manufacturing segment is steel. Market steel prices exhibit periods of volatility. Steel prices may experience further volatility as a result of scrap surcharges assessed by our suppliers and other market factors. We have experienced, and may continue to experience, increases in the costs of steel, components, and certain other inputs that represent a substantial portion of our cost of revenues. We typically use contract-specific purchasing practices, existing supplier commitments, contractual price escalation provisions, and other arrangements with our customers to mitigate the effect of this volatility on our operating profit. To the extent that we do not have such arrangements in place, an adverse change in steel prices lowers our profitability in the Rail Products Group. In addition, meeting production demands is dependent on our ability to obtain a sufficient amount of steel. An unanticipated interruption in our supply chain could have an adverse impact on both our margins and production schedules.

Current wording

The principal material used in our manufacturing segment is steel. Market steel prices exhibit periods of volatility. Steel prices may experience further volatility as a result of scrap surcharges assessed by our suppliers and other market factors. We have experienced increases in the costs of steel, components, and certain other inputs that represent a substantial portion of our cost of revenues. We typically use contract-specific purchasing practices, existing supplier commitments, contractual price escalation provisions, and other arrangements with our customers to mitigate the effect of this volatility on our operating profit. To the extent that we do not have such arrangements in place, an adverse change in steel prices lowers our profitability in the Rail Products Group. In addition, meeting production demands is dependent on our ability to obtain a sufficient amount of steel. An unanticipated interruption in our supply chain could have an adverse impact on both our margins and production schedules.

Previous wording

We rely on information technology infrastructure and architecture, including hardware, network, software, people, and processes to provide useful and confidential information to conduct our business. This includes correspondence and commercial data and information interchange with customers, suppliers, legal counsel, governmental agencies, and consultants, and to support assessments and conclusions about future plans and initiatives pertaining to market demands, operating performance, and competitive positioning. Any material failure or interruption of service, including potential disruption from periodic financial or operating system upgrades, could adversely affect our relations with suppliers and customers, place us in violation of confidentiality and data protection laws, rules, and regulations, and result in negative impacts to our market share, operations, profitability, and reputation.

Current wording

We rely on information technology infrastructure and architecture, including hardware, network, software, people, and processes, provided both internally and by third‑party service providers to deliver the secure, reliable, and confidential information necessary to conduct our business. This includes correspondence and commercial data and information interchange with customers, suppliers, legal counsel, governmental agencies, and consultants, and to support assessments and conclusions about future plans and initiatives pertaining to market demands, operating performance, and competitive positioning. Any material failure or interruption of service, including potential disruption from periodic financial or operating system upgrades, could adversely affect our relations with suppliers and customers, place us in violation of confidentiality and data privacy and protection laws, rules, and regulations, and result in negative impacts to our market share, operations, profitability, and reputation.

Previous wording

We face risks related to cybersecurity attacks and other breaches of our information systems and technology.

Current wording

We face risks related to cybersecurity attacks and other breaches of our information systems and technology, including those arising from our deployment and use of artificial intelligence ("AI") tools.

Previous wording

We rely on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology systems, some of which are dependent on services provided by third parties, in operating our business. It is important that the data processed by these systems remains confidential, as it often includes sensitive information relating to our business, customers, employees, and vendors. As with most companies, we are subject to attempted cybersecurity disruptions and intrusions, and we expect such attempts to continue. At times, certain of our vendors have suffered cybersecurity breaches. These incidents have not had a material adverse impact on our operations, and, to date, the Company has not experienced a material information security breach itself. However, failure to prevent or mitigate data loss or system intrusions from cybersecurity attacks or other security breaches could expose us, our vendors, or our customers to a risk of loss or misuse of such information, adversely affect our operating and financial results, restrict or prevent operations or financial reporting, result in litigation, potential liability, or regulatory risk and otherwise harm our business. Likewise, data privacy breaches from our systems could expose personally identifiable information of our employees or contractors, sensitive customer data, or vendor data to unauthorized persons, adversely impacting our customer service, employee relationships, and our reputation. Information technology security threats to network and data security are increasing in frequency and sophistication, and cyberattacks pose a risk to the security of our information technology systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, as well as the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data stored on those systems. We maintain an information security program, which consists of safeguards, procedures, and controls to mitigate such risks. Our information systems are protected through physical and software safeguards as well as backup systems considered appropriate by management. However, there can be no guarantee that we, or third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, will be able to prevent or mitigate all such data breaches or cyberattacks. While we have significant security processes and initiatives in place, we may be unable to fully detect, mitigate or protect against a material breach or disruption in the future. In addition, regulatory authorities have increased their focus on how companies collect, process, use, store, share, and transmit personal data. Data we collect, store, and process is subject to a variety of U.S. and international laws and regulations. Any breach in our information technology security systems that results in the disclosure or misuse of sensitive or confidential information or any failure to comply with data privacy laws and regulations could result in significant penalties, fines, legal liability, and reputational harm. Fur…

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Current wording

We rely on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology systems, some of which are dependent on services provided by third parties, in operating our business. It is important that the data processed by these systems remains confidential, as it often includes sensitive information relating to our business, customers, employees, and vendors. As with most companies, we are subject to attempted cybersecurity disruptions and intrusions, and we expect such attempts to continue. At times, certain of our vendors have suffered cybersecurity breaches. These incidents have not had a material adverse impact on our operations, and, to date, the Company has not experienced a material information security breach itself. However, failure to prevent or mitigate data loss or system intrusions from cybersecurity attacks or other security breaches could expose us, our vendors, or our customers to a risk of loss or misuse of such information, adversely affect our operating and financial results, restrict or prevent operations or financial reporting, result in litigation, potential liability, or regulatory risk and otherwise harm our business. Likewise, data privacy breaches from our systems could expose personally identifiable information of our employees or contractors, sensitive customer data, or vendor data to unauthorized persons, adversely impacting our customer service, employee relationships, and our reputation. Our use of AI tools in our business may introduce new or enhanced cybersecurity and data‑integrity risks, including vulnerabilities related to data inputs, model outputs, and reliance on third‑party AI platforms. Any failure of these AI systems, or any exploitation of AI‑related vulnerabilities, could increase the likelihood or impact of unauthorized access, data loss, or other security incidents. Information technology security threats to network and data security are increasing in frequency and sophistication, and cyberattacks pose a risk to the security of our information technology systems, including those of third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, as well as the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data stored on those systems. We maintain an information security program, which consists of safeguards, procedures, and controls to mitigate such risks. Our information systems are protected through physical and software safeguards as well as backup systems considered appropriate by management. However, there can be no guarantee that we, or third-party service providers with whom we have contracted, will be able to prevent or mitigate all such data breaches or cyberattacks. While we have significant security processes and initiatives in place, we may be unable to fully detect, mitigate or protect against a material breach or disruption in the future. In addition, regulatory authorities have increased their focus on how companies collect, process, use, store, share, and transmit personal data. …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

We have indebtedness both at the parent level and at the subsidiary level. Our level of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business and make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under our outstanding indebtedness and notes. As a result of our debt and debt service obligations, we face increased risks regarding, among other things, the following: (i) borrowing additional amounts or refinancing existing indebtedness may be limited or more costly; (ii) our available cash flow after satisfying our debt obligations due to a portion of our cash flow being needed to pay principal and interest on our debt; (iii) being at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors that have greater financial resources or more flexible capital structures than us; (iv) our exposure to increased interest rates for our borrowings that are at variable interest rates; (v) restrictive covenants under our indebtedness restricting our financial and operating flexibility; and (iv) although the parent entity has not secured any debt with its assets, our subsidiaries that have issued debt have pledged their specific assets to secure such indebtedness, and such assets could be foreclosed upon in connection with an event of default.

Current wording

We have indebtedness both at the parent level and at the subsidiary level. Our level of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business and make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under our outstanding indebtedness and notes. As a result of our debt and debt service obligations, we face increased risks regarding, among other things, the following: (i) borrowing additional amounts or refinancing existing indebtedness may be limited or more costly; (ii) our available cash flow after satisfying our debt obligations due to a portion of our cash flow being needed to pay principal and interest on our debt; (iii) being at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors that have greater financial resources or more flexible capital structures than us; (iv) our exposure to increased interest rates for our borrowings that are at variable interest rates; (v) restrictive covenants under our indebtedness restricting our financial and operating flexibility; and (vi) although the parent entity has not secured any debt with its assets, our subsidiaries that have issued debt have pledged their specific assets to secure such indebtedness, and such assets could be foreclosed upon in connection with an event of default.

Previous wording

In response to scientific and political consensus, legislation and new rules to regulate emission of GHGs have been introduced in numerous state legislatures, the U.S. Congress, and by the USEPA. Some of these proposals would require industries to meet stringent new standards that may require substantial reductions in carbon emissions. While the Company cannot assess the direct impact of these or other potential regulations, we do recognize that new climate change protocols could affect demand for our products and/or affect the price of materials, input factors, and manufactured components. Potential opportunities could include greater demand for certain types of railcars, while potential challenges could include decreased demand for certain types of railcars or other products and higher energy costs. Other adverse consequences of climate change could include increased frequency, intensity, and duration of severe weather events and rising sea levels that could affect operations at our manufacturing facilities, the price of insuring company assets, or other unforeseen disruptions of the Company’s operations, systems, property, or equipment. There may be other unforeseen impacts of climate change that could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, and results. Ultimately, when or if these impacts may occur cannot be assessed until scientific analysis and legislative policy are more developed and specific legislative proposals begin to take shape.

Current wording

In response to scientific and political consensus, legislation and new rules to regulate emission of GHGs have been introduced in numerous state legislatures, the U.S. Congress, and by the USEPA. Some of these proposals would require industries to meet stringent new standards that may require substantial reductions in carbon emissions. While the Company cannot assess the direct impact of these or other potential regulations, we do recognize that climate change and any related protocols could affect demand for our products and/or affect the price of materials, input factors, and manufactured components. Potential opportunities could include greater demand for certain types of railcars, while potential challenges could include decreased demand for certain types of railcars or other products and higher energy costs. Other adverse consequences of climate change could include increased frequency, intensity, and duration of severe weather events and rising sea levels that could affect operations at our manufacturing facilities, the price of insuring company assets, or other unforeseen disruptions of the Company’s operations, systems, property, or equipment. There may be other unforeseen impacts of climate change that could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, and results. Ultimately, when or if these impacts may occur cannot be assessed until scientific analysis and legislative policy are more developed and specific legislative proposals begin to take shape.

Previous wording

U.S. government actions relative to the federal budget, taxation policies, government expenditures, U.S. borrowing/debt ceiling limits, and trade policies, including tariffs, could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Current wording

U.S. government actions relative to the federal budget, taxation policies, government expenditures, U.S. borrowing/debt ceiling limits, and trade policies, including both domestic and foreign tariffs, could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Previous wording

Additionally, in the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated. Any such litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources. We cannot predict the outcome of any such litigation. The initiation of any such litigation or an unfavorable result could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information on any material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.

Current wording

Additionally, in the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a public company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated. Any such litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources. We cannot predict the outcome of any such litigation. The initiation of any such litigation or an unfavorable result could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.