ITT INC

Previous wording

Adverse global macroeconomic conditions, including due to heightened geopolitical tensions, inflation, slowing growth or a recession, currency fluctuations, new or increased tariffs or barriers to trade, tighter credit, higher interest rates, union strikes, and higher unemployment can negatively impact customer confidence, spending, and demand for our products and services. In addition, these conditions can negatively impact our customers and suppliers. A downturn in the economic environment can also lead to increased credit and collectability risk or slower collection on the Company's trade receivables, increased bankruptcy risk amongst our suppliers, the failure of derivative counterparties or other financial institutions, limitations on the ability of the Company to issue new debt, reduced liquidity, declines in the fair value of the Company's financial instruments, and increased impairment risk for the Company's goodwill and intangible assets. These and other economic factors could materially adversely affect the Company's business and financial results.

Current wording

Adverse global macroeconomic conditions, including due to heightened geopolitical tensions, inflation, slowing growth or a recession, currency fluctuations, new or increased tariffs or barriers to trade, tighter credit, higher interest rates, union strikes, and higher unemployment rates can negatively impact customer confidence, spending, and demand for our products and services. In addition, these conditions can negatively impact our customers and suppliers. A downturn in the economic environment can also lead to increased credit and collectability risk or slower collection on the Company's trade receivables, increased bankruptcy risk amongst our suppliers, the failure of derivative counterparties or other financial institutions, limitations on the ability of the Company to issue new debt, reduced liquidity, declines in the fair value of the Company's financial instruments, and increased impairment risk for the Company's goodwill and intangible assets. We have experienced and in the future may continue to experience volatility in revenues, operating results and profitability primarily as a result of these uncertain global macroeconomic conditions.

Previous wording

In addition, the supply of raw materials to ITT and to its component parts suppliers has been, and may continue to be, interrupted for a variety of reasons affecting our suppliers, including congested shipping ports around the world, production interruptions, heightened geopolitical tensions, including related to the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, global pandemics, the impaired financial condition of a particular supplier, capacity constraints, labor disputes or shortages, the ability to meet regulatory requirements and commitments to other purchasers. For most of our products, we have existing alternate sources of supply, or the required materials have historically been readily available. In limited instances, we depend on a single source of supply, manufacturing or assembly, or participate in commodity markets that may be subject to a limited number of suppliers. Although we believe we could obtain and qualify alternative sources for most sole and limited source supplier materials if necessary, the transition to an alternative source could be complex, costly, and protracted, especially if the change requires us to redesign our systems or re-qualify our products. In 2023, decreased availability of raw materials and component parts adversely affected our ability to deliver products to our customers and resulted in increased backlog.

Current wording

In addition, the supply of raw materials to ITT and to its component parts suppliers has been, and may continue to be, interrupted for a variety of reasons affecting our suppliers, including congested shipping ports around the world, production interruptions, heightened geopolitical tensions, including related to the Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East conflicts, global pandemics, the impaired financial condition of a particular supplier, capacity constraints, labor disputes or shortages, the ability to meet regulatory requirements and commitments to other purchasers. For most of our products, we have existing alternate sources of supply, or the required materials have historically been readily available. In limited instances, we depend on a single source of supply, manufacturing or assembly, or participate in commodity markets that may be subject to a limited number of suppliers. Although we believe we could obtain and qualify alternative sources for most sole and limited source supplier materials if necessary, the transition to an alternative source could be complex, costly, and protracted, especially if the change requires us to redesign our systems or re-qualify our products. In 2024, decreased availability of raw materials and component parts adversely affected our ability to deliver products to our customers and resulted in increased backlog.

Previous wording

We have divested a number of businesses, including as part of spin-offs in 1995 and 2011 and our sale of InTelCo Management LLC (InTelCo), the entity holding asbestos-related assets and liabilities, in 2021. With respect to some of these former businesses, we have contractually agreed to indemnify the counterparties against, or otherwise retain, certain liabilities including certain product liability claims and environmental matters. Even without ongoing contractual indemnification obligations, we could be exposed to liabilities arising out of such divestitures. In addition, the counterparties to those divestitures may have agreed to indemnify us or assume certain liabilities relating to those divestitures. However, there can be no assurance that the indemnity or assumption of liability by the counterparties will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of these liabilities or that a counterparty will be able to fully satisfy its obligations. Third parties also could seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that a counterparty agreed to assume. Even if we ultimately succeed in recovering any amounts for which we were initially held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves.

Current wording

We have divested a number of businesses, including as part of spin-offs in 1995, 2011, our sale of InTelCo Management LLC (InTelCo), the entity holding asbestos-related assets and liabilities in 2021, and Wolverine in 2024. With respect to some of these former businesses, we have contractually agreed to indemnify the counterparties against, or otherwise retain, certain liabilities including certain product liability claims and environmental matters. Even without ongoing contractual indemnification obligations, we could be exposed to liabilities arising out of such divestitures. Although the counterparties to those divestitures may have agreed to indemnify us or assume certain liabilities relating to those divestitures, there can be no assurance that the indemnity or assumption of liability by the counterparties will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of these liabilities or that a counterparty will be able to fully satisfy its obligations. Third parties also could seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that a counterparty agreed to assume. Even if we ultimately succeed in recovering any amounts for which we were initially held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves.

Previous wording

We manufacture key components that are integral to the operation of systems and manufacturing processes in the markets we serve. The reliability and performance of our products are critically important to our customers and the users of their products. Accordingly, quality is extremely important to us and our customers due to the potentially costly consequences of product failure. Our quality certifications, including products manufactured to military specifications, are critical to the marketing success of our goods and services. Our success in part depends on our ability to attract and retain skilled engineers and to manufacture to exact tolerances precision-engineered components, subassemblies and finished devices from multiple materials. If our components fail to meet these standards or fail to adapt to evolving standards, we could damage our reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality components, which could hurt our ability to remain competitive and result in a loss of customers, market share or product sales.

Current wording

We manufacture key components that are integral to the operation of systems and manufacturing processes in the markets we serve. The reliability and performance of our products are critically important to our customers and the users of their products. Accordingly, quality is extremely important to us and our customers due to the potentially costly consequences of product failure. Our quality certifications, including products manufactured to military specifications, are critical to the marketing success of our goods and services. Our success in part depends on our ability to attract and retain skilled engineers and to manufacture to exact tolerances precision-engineered components, subassemblies and finished devices from multiple materials. If our components fail to meet these standards or fail to adapt to evolving standards, it could damage our reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality components, which could hurt our ability to remain competitive and result in a loss of customers, market share or product sales.

Previous wording

Maintaining and improving our competitive position will require continued investment by us in manufacturing, research and development, engineering, marketing, customer service and support, and our distribution networks. Insufficient investment in these areas may result in a failure to maintain our competitive position. In addition, our existing competitors, or potential new competitors, may develop products that are cheaper and/or superior to our products, or may develop more efficient or effective methods of providing products and services or may adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies or evolving customer requirements. These pressures may result in us having to take actions, such as adjusting the prices of certain products, in order to stay competitive.

Current wording

Maintaining and improving our competitive position will require our continued investment in manufacturing, research and development, engineering, marketing, customer service and support, and our distribution networks. Insufficient investment in these areas may result in a failure to maintain our competitive position. In addition, our existing competitors, or potential new competitors, may develop products that are cheaper and/or superior to our products, develop more efficient or effective methods of providing products and services, or adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies or evolving customer requirements. These pressures may result in us having to take actions, such as adjusting the prices of certain products, in order to stay competitive.

Previous wording

Our information technology systems and those of our third-party service providers may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, cybersecurity incidents and user errors that may affect our operations. Although we actively manage the risks to our information technology systems that are within our control, we can provide no assurance that our actions or those of our third-party service providers will always be successful in eliminating or mitigating risks to our systems, networks or data. Even the most well-protected information technology systems are vulnerable to internal and external cybersecurity incidents including, but not limited to, those by employees and by computer hackers and other threat actors utilizing techniques such as phishing, ransomware or denial of service attacks. We have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past which have not had a material impact on our operations or financial results. If we experience a future 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. In addition, as a provider of products and services to government and commercial customers, and particularly as a government contractor, we are subject to a heightened risk of cybersecurity incidents caused by computer viruses, illegal break-ins or hacking, sabotage, or acts of vandalism, including by foreign governments, hackers and cyber terrorists. Furthermore, information technology security threats are increasing in sophistication, intensity and frequency. A cybersecurity incident may occur, including breaches that we may be unable to detect in a timely manner. The unavailability of our information technology systems, the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason, or any significant breach of security could cause significant disruption to our business or could result in decreased performance and increased costs.

Current wording

Our information technology systems and those of our third-party service providers may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, cybersecurity incidents and user errors that may affect our operations. Although we actively manage the risks to our information technology systems that are within our control, we can provide no assurance that our actions or those of our third-party service providers will always be successful in eliminating or mitigating risks to our systems, networks or data. Even the most well-protected information technology systems could be vulnerable to internal and external cybersecurity incidents including, but not limited to, those by employees and by computer hackers and other threat actors utilizing techniques such as phishing, ransomware or denial of service attacks. We have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past which have not had a material impact on our operations or financial results. If we experience a future 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. In addition, as a provider of products and services to government and commercial customers, and particularly as a government contractor, we are subject to a heightened risk of cybersecurity incidents caused by computer viruses, illegal break-ins or hacking, sabotage, or acts of vandalism, including by foreign governments, hackers and cyber terrorists. Furthermore, information technology security threats are increasing in sophistication, intensity and frequency. A cybersecurity incident may occur, including breaches that we may be unable to detect in a timely manner. The unavailability of our information technology systems, the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason, or any significant breach of security could cause significant disruption to our business or could result in decreased performance and increased costs.

Previous wording

We continue to monitor data security regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. The processing and storage of certain information is increasingly subject to privacy and data security regulations, and many such regulations are country-specific. The interpretation and application of data protection laws in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere are uncertain, evolving and may be inconsistent across jurisdictions. Compliance with these various laws may be onerous and require us to incur substantial costs or to change our business practices in a manner that adversely affects our business, while failure to comply with such laws may subject us to substantial penalties.

Current wording

We continue to monitor data security regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. The processing and storage of certain information is increasingly subject to privacy and data security regulations, and many such regulations are country-specific. The interpretation and application of data protection laws in the U.S., Europe, China, and elsewhere are uncertain, evolving and may be inconsistent across jurisdictions. Compliance with these various laws may be onerous and require us to incur substantial costs or to change our business practices in a manner that adversely affects our business, while failure to comply with such laws may subject us to substantial penalties.

Previous wording

If we are unable to protect sensitive information, our customers or governmental authorities could question the adequacy of our security processes and procedures and our compliance with evolving privacy and data security regulations and government cybersecurity requirements for government contractors, potentially causing us to lose business. A breach could also result in the loss of our intellectual property, potentially impacting our long-term capability to compete for sales of affected products. In addition, a breach of security of our information technology systems could result in litigation, regulatory action and potential liability, as well as increased costs to implement further information security measures. If we are unable to prevent, detect or adequately respond to cybersecurity incidents, our operations could be disrupted, our reputation could be harmed, and our business could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

If we are unable to protect sensitive information, our customers or governmental authorities could question the adequacy of our security processes and procedures and our compliance with evolving privacy and data security regulations and government cybersecurity requirements for government contractors, potentially causing us to lose business. A breach could also result in the loss of our intellectual property, potentially impacting our long-term capability to compete for sales of affected products. In addition, a breach of security of our information technology systems could result in litigation, regulatory action and potential liability, as well as increased costs to implement further information security measures. If we are unable to prevent, detect or adequately respond to cybersecurity incidents, our operations could be disrupted, our reputation could be harmed, and our business and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

The Company’s ability to manage its business and monitor results is highly dependent upon information and communication systems, and a failure of these systems, including flaws in the implementation of any enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, could adversely impact our business or financial results.

Current wording

The Company’s ability to manage its business and monitor results is highly dependent upon information and communication systems, and a failure of these systems, including flaws in the implementation of any business system, could adversely impact our business or financial results.

Previous wording

The Company is dependent upon a variety of information technology IT systems, including ERP and communication systems, to operate its business. Over the past several years, we have been implementing new ERP systems at many of our sites, including within our shared services subsidiary, and we expect these ERP implementations to continue for the next several years. These ERP implementations have required and will continue to require significant investment in capital and deployment of human resources. Potential flaws in implementing ERP systems or in the failure of any portion or module of the ERP systems may pose risks to our ability to operate successfully and efficiently. In addition, failure to implement the appropriate internal controls with respect to new ERP systems may result in the ERP systems producing inaccurate or unreliable information. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design or implementation of the new ERP systems or related internal controls, or in the performance of legacy IT systems, could adversely affect the Company’s ability to effectively manage its business, which could adversely affect the Company’s reputation, competitive position and financial results.

Current wording

The Company is dependent upon a variety of information technology IT systems, including business systems and communication systems, to operate its business. Over the past several years, we have been implementing new business systems at many of our sites, including within our shared services subsidiary, and we expect these implementations to continue for the next several years. These implementations have required and will continue to require significant investment in capital and deployment of human resources. Potential flaws in implementing business systems or in the failure of any portion or module of the business system(s) may pose risks to our ability to operate successfully and efficiently. In addition, failure to implement the appropriate internal controls with respect to new business systems may result in the business systems producing inaccurate or unreliable information. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design or implementation of the new business systems or related internal controls, or in the performance of legacy IT systems, could adversely affect the Company’s ability to effectively manage its business, which could adversely affect the Company’s reputation, competitive position and financial results.

Previous wording

Sales to Continental, a supplier to the automotive industry and ITT's largest customer, were approximately 7% of our total revenue in 2023. Requests by automakers to use ITT brake pads in their Continental-produced braking systems (calipers) typically account for approximately half of MT's revenue from Continental. These automaker requests are generally formalized through supply agreements signed directly between MT and the automakers. The remainder of MT's sales to Continental in 2023 was generated from a 10-year agreement to supply Continental with aftermarket parts, which expired on December 31, 2023. A new 10-year agreement, effective January 1, 2024, and extending through December 31, 2033, was signed in March 2023. The loss of this customer, or a reduction in this customer's market share could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Current wording

Sales to Continental, a supplier to the automotive industry and ITT's largest customer, were approximately 7% of our total revenue in 2024. Requests by automakers to use ITT brake pads in their Continental-produced braking systems (calipers) typically account for approximately half of MT's revenue from Continental. These automaker requests are generally formalized through supply agreements signed directly between MT and the automakers. The remainder of MT's sales to Continental in 2024 was generated from a 10-year agreement to supply Continental with aftermarket parts, which is effective through December 31, 2033, although there can be no assurance that we are able to retain this customer's business in the future. The loss of this customer, or a reduction in this customer's market share could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Previous wording

•the disruption of operations from labor and political disturbances;

Current wording

•the disruption of operations from labor and political disturbances; and

Previous wording

•our ability to hire and maintain qualified staff in these regions; and

Current wording

•our ability to hire and maintain qualified staff in these regions.

Previous wording

Because a significant portion of our sales are to customers operating outside the U.S., our financial results have been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by foreign currency fluctuations, which are influenced by changes in global macroeconomic conditions. The primary foreign currencies to which we have exposure are the Euro, Chinese renminbi, Czech koruna, Polish zloty, South Korean won, Saudi riyal, Mexican peso, and Israeli new shekel. Any significant change in the value of currencies of the countries in which we do business relative to the value of the U.S. dollar could reduce our revenue and adversely impact our ability to sell products or control costs. In addition, our international subsidiaries report their results of operations and financial position in their respective local currencies (i.e., functional currencies), which are then translated into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. As the relationship between these foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar changes, our financial results have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected upon translation. From time to time, we enter into derivative contracts to hedge some of our foreign currency exposures. However, our hedging strategy may fail to reduce our exposure and could even result in an unfavorable impact on our financial results. Refer to Note 21, Derivative Financial Instruments, for further information.

Current wording

Because a significant portion of our sales are to customers operating outside the U.S., our financial results have been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by foreign currency fluctuations, which are influenced by changes in global macroeconomic conditions. The primary foreign currencies to which we have exposure are the Euro, Chinese renminbi, Czech koruna, Danish krone, Singapore dollar, Polish zloty, South Korean won, Saudi riyal, Mexican peso, and Israeli new shekel. Any significant change in the value of currencies of the countries in which we do business relative to the value of the U.S. dollar could reduce our revenue, impact our ability to sell products and control costs, thus our financial results have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected upon translation. In addition, our international subsidiaries report their results of operations and financial position in their respective local currencies (i.e., functional currencies), which are then translated into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. From time to time, we enter into derivative contracts to hedge some of our foreign currency exposures. However, our hedging strategy may fail to reduce our exposure and could even result in an unfavorable impact on our financial results. Refer to Note 20, Derivative Financial Instruments, for further information.

Previous wording

Under the previous administration, the U.S. government undertook a series of actions to increase tariffs on certain goods imported into the U.S., including steel and aluminum, and in response certain governments imposed retaliatory tariffs on various goods. These tariffs have negatively impacted demand for our products as well as the cost of certain parts and materials that we purchase from vendors located overseas, particularly in China. We have been mitigating, and will continue attempting to mitigate, the impact of tariffs by lowering input costs through efficient utilization of our global manufacturing footprint, supplier and customer negotiations, and diversification strategies. However, we expect that any new or continued trade disputes or increased tensions between the U.S. and other countries, and any governmental actions, including increases of existing tariffs or the imposition of new tariffs, in response to those trade disputes or increased tensions, may continue to adversely impact demand for our products and our financial results.

Current wording

Over the last seven years the U.S. government has undertaken a series of actions to increase tariffs on certain goods imported into the U.S. There is a possibility the current presidential administration may also impose new or increased U.S. import tariffs, initially focusing on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, with the potential for additional countries to be affected. In response to prior tariffs, certain governments imposed retaliatory tariffs on various goods, and in response to new or increased U.S. tariffs, have threatened to similarly retaliate. Prior tariffs have negatively impacted demand for our products as well as the cost of certain parts and materials that we purchase from vendors located overseas, particularly in China. Although we have been mitigating, and will continue attempting to mitigate, the impact of tariffs by supplier and customer negotiations, diversification strategies and pricing actions, there can be no assurance that our mitigation actions will be effective. At this time, it remains unclear what further measures will be implemented or if additional countries will impose retaliatory tariffs. Any new or continued trade disputes or increased tensions between the U.S. and other countries, and any governmental actions, including further increases of existing tariffs or the imposition of new tariffs, may continue to adversely impact demand for our products, increase our costs, and disrupt our supply chain. These risks, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our customer's businesses, particularly those in the energy, chemical and mining industries, which represented approximately 10%, 9%, and 4%, respectively, of our 2023 revenue, are to varying degrees cyclical and have experienced, and may in the future experience, periodic downturns of varying severity. For example, the volatility of the energy market has generally been dependent upon the prevailing view of future gas and oil prices, which are influenced by numerous supply and demand factors, including availability and cost of capital, global and domestic economic conditions, environmental regulations, policies of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) countries and Russia and other factors. Our customers in these industries, particularly those whose demand for our products and services is primarily profit-driven, have tended to delay large capital projects, including expensive maintenance and upgrades, during economic downturns. Additionally, fluctuating energy demand forecasts and commodity pricing and other macroeconomic factors may cause our customers to be more conservative in their capital planning, which could reduce demand for our products and services, result in the delay or cancellation of existing orders, or lead to excess manufacturing capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed manufacturing costs. This reduced demand may also erode average selling prices in our industry. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Our customer's businesses, particularly those in the energy, chemical and mining industries, which represented approximately 11%, 8%, and 3%, respectively, of our 2024 revenue, are to varying degrees cyclical and have experienced, and may in the future experience, periodic downturns of varying severity. For example, the volatility of the energy market has generally been dependent upon the prevailing view of future gas and oil prices, which are influenced by numerous supply and demand factors, including availability and cost of capital, global and domestic economic conditions, environmental regulations, policies of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) countries and Russia and other factors. Our customers in these industries, particularly those whose demand for our products and services is primarily profit-driven, have tended to delay large capital projects, including expensive maintenance and upgrades, during economic downturns. Additionally, fluctuating energy demand forecasts and commodity pricing and other macroeconomic factors may cause our customers to be more conservative in their capital planning, which could reduce demand for our products and services, result in the delay or cancellation of existing orders, or lead to excess manufacturing capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed manufacturing costs. This reduced demand may also erode average selling prices in our industry. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

If operations at one or more of our manufacturing facilities were to be disrupted or damaged as a result of war (including related to Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and China-Taiwan), an epidemic or pandemic (including, without limitation, COVID-19), changing weather or climate conditions (including increases in storm intensity, sea-level rise, melting of permafrost and temperature extremes on facilities or operations; and changes in the availability or quality of water, or other natural resources on which our business depends), IT system failure, cyber-attack, equipment failure, labor dispute, natural disaster, power outage, fire, explosion, act of terrorism, relocation of production location or any other catastrophic event or reason, our ability to meet customer demand for our products may be impacted. We have business continuity plans in place to mitigate the effects of such interruptions, but these plans may not be sufficient to resolve the issues in a timely manner. A significant interruption in production capability could also require us to make substantial payments due to non-performance. We also have insurance for certain covered losses which we believe to be adequate to offset a significant portion of the costs for reconstruction of facilities and equipment, as well as certain financial losses resulting from production interruptions or shutdowns. However, any recovery under our insurance policies would be subject to deductibles and, depending on the coverage, may not offset the lost revenues or increased expenses that may be experienced during the disruption of operations.

Current wording

If operations at one or more of our manufacturing facilities were to be disrupted or damaged as a result of war (including related to Russia-Ukraine, the Middle East, and China-Taiwan), an epidemic or pandemic, changing weather or climate conditions (including increases in storm intensity, sea-level rise, melting of permafrost and temperature extremes on facilities or operations; and changes in the availability or quality of water, or other natural resources on which our business depends), IT system failure, cyber-attack, equipment failure, labor dispute, natural disaster, power outage, flood, fire, explosion, act of terrorism, relocation of production location or any other catastrophic event or reason, our ability to meet customer demand for our products may be impacted. We have business continuity plans in place to mitigate the effects of such interruptions, but these plans may not be sufficient to resolve the issues in a timely manner. A significant interruption in production capability could also require us to make substantial payments due to non-performance. In addition, although we have insurance for certain covered losses, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient. In addition, any recovery under our insurance policies would be subject to deductibles and, depending on the coverage, may not offset the lost revenues or increased expenses that may be experienced during the disruption of operations.

Previous wording

The ESG factors by which companies’ corporate responsibility practices are assessed have been evolving and may continue to evolve. Additionally, requirements on U.S. public companies and companies with European operations with regards to ESG compliance have been increasing and may continue to increase, including, but not limited to, the SEC's proposal to require extensive climate-related disclosures and the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which could additionally require third-party assurance disclosures. These evolving standards and regulations have caused us, and may continue causing us, to undertake costly initiatives to satisfy such new criteria. If we are unable to satisfy new corporate responsibility criteria, investors may conclude our policies are inadequate and choose not to invest in our securities or to divest all or a portion of their current holdings, which in either case may adversely affect the price of our securities.

Current wording

The ESG factors by which companies’ corporate responsibility practices are assessed have been evolving and may continue to evolve. Additionally, requirements on U.S. public companies and companies with European operations with regards to ESG compliance have been increasing and may continue to increase, including, but not limited to, the SEC's rule requiring extensive climate-related disclosures, California's Climate Accountability Laws, and the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which will require third-party assurance disclosures. These evolving standards and regulations have caused us, and may continue causing us, to undertake costly initiatives to satisfy such new criteria. If we are unable to satisfy new corporate responsibility criteria, investors may conclude our policies are inadequate and choose not to invest in our securities or to divest all or a portion of their current holdings, which in either case may adversely affect the price of our securities.

Previous wording

We are closely monitoring the potential passage of new U.S. and foreign tax legislation, which could result in substantial changes to the current U.S. or foreign tax systems, including changes to the statutory corporate tax rate. In October 2021, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and G20 Finance Ministers reached an agreement, known as Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Pillar Two, which is a multi-jurisdictional plan of action to address base erosion and profit shifting. On December 20, 2021, the OECD released the Model GloBE Rules for Pillar Two defining a 15% global minimum tax rate for large multinational corporations. The OECD continues to release additional guidance and countries are implementing legislation with widespread adoption of the Model GloBE Rules for Pillar Two expected by calendar year 2024. We are continuing to evaluate the Model GloBE Rules for Pillar Two and related legislation, and their potential impact on future periods. Enactment of this regulation in its current form could increase the amount of global corporate income tax paid by the Company. These increases could have a material adverse effect on our effective tax rate. As the effects of a change in U.S. or foreign tax law must be recognized in the period in which the new legislation is enacted, should new legislation be signed into law, our financial results could be materially impacted.

Current wording

We are closely monitoring the potential passage of new U.S. and foreign tax legislation, which could result in substantial changes to the current U.S. or foreign tax systems. In October 2021, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and G20 Finance Ministers reached an agreement, known as Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Pillar Two, which is a multi-jurisdictional plan of action to address base erosion and profit shifting. On December 20, 2021, the OECD released the Model GloBE Rules for Pillar Two defining a 15% global minimum tax rate for large multinational corporations. Countries are implementing legislation with widespread adoption of the Model GloBE Rules for Pillar Two. We continue to evaluate the Model GloBE Rules for Pillar Two and related legislation, and their potential impacts. Continuing enactment of these regulations could increase the amount of global corporate income tax paid by the Company. These increases could have a material adverse effect on our effective tax rate. As the effects of a change in U.S. or foreign tax law must be recognized in the period in which the new legislation is enacted, should new legislation be signed into law, our financial results could be materially impacted.

Previous wording

15% on the adjusted financial statement income (AFSI) of corporations with an average AFSI exceeding $1.0 billion over a three-year period. The Corporate AMT was effective for the Company beginning in 2023. Given the AFSI threshold, the Corporate AMT was not applicable to the Company in 2023, but the Corporate AMT may have potential impacts on our future U.S. tax expense, cash taxes and effective tax rate. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act imposes a 1% excise tax on the fair market value of net stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. The impact of this provision was not material in 2023 and future impacts will be dependent on the extent of share repurchases made in future periods.

Current wording

On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the Inflation Reduction Act) into law. The Inflation Reduction Act includes a new corporate alternative minimum tax (the Corporate AMT) of 15% on the adjusted financial statement income (AFSI) of corporations with an average AFSI exceeding $1.0 billion over a three-year period. The Corporate AMT was effective for the Company beginning in 2023. Given the AFSI threshold, the Corporate AMT was not applicable to the Company in 2024, but the Corporate AMT may have potential impacts on our future U.S. tax expense, cash taxes and effective tax rate. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act imposes a 1% excise tax on the fair market value of net stock repurchases made after December 31, 2022. Although the impact of this provision was not material in 2024 and future impacts will be dependent on the extent of share repurchases made in future periods, there can be no assurance that our business operations and financial condition will not be materially impacted by this provision in the future.

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, as well as laws related to greenhouse gas emissions (including cap-and-trade laws). These laws could require us to incur substantial expenses. Environmental laws and regulations allow for the assessment of substantial fines and criminal sanctions as well as facility shutdowns to address violations and may require the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit emissions or discharges. The discovery of previously unknown or more extensive contamination at a site which the Company previously operated or currently operates could suddenly subject the Company to costly remediation efforts. We could be affected directly or indirectly through impacts on our customers and suppliers by changes in environmental laws or regulations, including, for example, those imposed in response to vapor intrusion or climate change concerns and violations by us of such laws and regulations. We may also be impacted by the adequacy of insurance policies, our inability to recover costs associated with any such developments, or financial insolvency of other potentially responsible parties which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, new laws and regulations that might favor the increased use of non-fossil fuels, including nuclear, wind, solar and biofuels or that are designed to increase energy efficiency could reduce demand for oil and gas production or power generation resulting in lower spending by our IP customers.

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, as well as laws related to greenhouse gas emissions (including cap-and-trade laws). These laws could require us to incur substantial expenses. Environmental laws and regulations allow for the assessment of substantial fines and criminal sanctions as well as facility shutdowns to address violations and may require the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit emissions or discharges. The discovery of previously unknown or more extensive contamination at a site which the Company previously operated or currently operates could suddenly subject the Company to costly remediation efforts. We could be affected directly or indirectly through impacts on our customers and suppliers by changes in environmental laws or regulations, including, for example, those imposed in response to vapor intrusion or climate change concerns and violations by us of such laws and regulations. We may also be impacted by the adequacy of insurance policies, our inability to recover costs associated with any such developments, or financial insolvency of other potentially responsible parties which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, new laws and regulations that might reduce demand for oil and gas production or power generation may result in lower spending by some of our IP customers.