TRIMAS CORP

Previous wording

Our financial performance depends, in large part, on conditions in the markets that we serve in both the U.S. and globally. In the past, our operations have been exposed to volatility due to changes in general economic conditions or consumer preferences, recessions or adverse conditions in the markets we serve, including the impact of global pandemics and international conflicts. We are exposed to highly cyclical end markets for industrial goods, and to a lesser extent, aerospace and consumer products. An uncertain macro-economic and political climate could lead to reduced demand from our customers, variations in timing of sales to our customers, increased price competition for our products, increased risk of excess and obsolete inventories, uncollectible receivables, and higher overhead costs as a percentage of revenue, all of which could impact our operating margins. If our customers are adversely affected by these factors, we may experience lower product volume orders, which could have an unfavorable impact on our revenue and operating profit. For example, beginning in the back half of 2022 and continuing through 2023, demand for dispensing and closure products fell as a result of some of our larger customers' choices to rebalance on-hand inventory levels and caution in current purchasing behaviors given the current inflationary macro-economic environment. Our ability to precisely forecast the level of our customers’ orders is limited and can result in inefficiencies in scheduling our installed manufacturing capacity and result in sub-optimal business and financial results.

Current wording

Our financial performance depends, in large part, on conditions in the markets that we serve in both the U.S. and globally. In the past, our operations have been exposed to volatility due to changes in general economic conditions or consumer preferences, recessions or adverse conditions in the markets we serve, including the impact of global pandemics and international conflicts. We are exposed to highly cyclical end markets for industrial goods, and to a lesser extent, aerospace and consumer products. An uncertain macro-economic and political climate could lead to reduced demand from our customers, variations in timing of sales to our customers, increased price competition for our products, increased risk of excess and obsolete inventories, uncollectible receivables, and higher overhead costs as a percentage of revenue, all of which could impact our operating margins. If our customers are adversely affected by these factors, we may experience lower product volume orders, which could have an unfavorable impact on our revenue and operating profit. For example, beginning in the back half of 2022 and continuing through 2023, demand for dispensing and closure products within our Packaging segment fell as a result of some of our larger customers' choices to rebalance on-hand inventory levels and caution in purchasing behaviors given the current inflationary macro-economic environment. As a more recent example, we experienced strong demand and inventory builds from customers, which benefited our steel cylinder business in 2022 and 2023, which then resulted in customer destocking negatively impacting demand for steel cylinders in 2024. These are a few recent examples indicating that our ability to accurately forecast the level of our customers’ orders is limited and can result in inefficiencies in scheduling our installed manufacturing capacity and result in sub-optimal business and financial results.

Previous wording

We are sensitive to price movements and availability of our raw materials supply. Our largest raw material purchases are for resins (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), steel, aluminum superalloys (such as titanium, A286 stainless steel and Iconcel) and other oil and metal-based purchased components, each of which have experienced recent cost volatility. Prices for these products, along with costs for transportation and energy, fluctuate with market conditions, and have generally increased over time. For example, during 2022, we experienced increased energy costs and supply chain disruptions as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In addition, we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, the impact of cost inflationary pressure on raw materials, wage rates and freight. For 2023, material and other input costs have decreased from 2022 levels, primarily in our Packaging segment, although pressure on wage rates remain. Although we have generally been able to recover costs increases, we may be unable to offset the impact of future cost increases with price increases on a timely basis due to outstanding commitments to our customers, competitive considerations or our customers’ resistance to accepting such price increases and our financial performance could be adversely impacted. A failure by our suppliers to continue to supply us with certain raw materials, component parts, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on us. To the extent there are energy supply disruptions or material fluctuations in energy costs, our margins could be materially adversely impacted.

Current wording

We are sensitive to price movements and availability of our raw materials supply. Our largest raw material purchases are for resins (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), steel, aluminum superalloys (such as titanium, A286 stainless steel and Inconel) and other oil and metal-based purchased components, each of which have experienced recent cost volatility. Prices for these products, along with costs for transportation and energy, fluctuate with market conditions, and have generally increased over time. For example, during 2022, we experienced increased energy costs and supply chain disruptions as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In addition, we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, the impact of cost inflationary pressure on raw materials, wage rates and freight. For 2024, while our material and other input costs have generally stabilized compared to 2023 levels, we have experienced increased input costs associated with abrupt increases in customer demand, primarily in our Packaging segment. Pressure on wage rates continued through 2024 across all our businesses. Although we have generally been able to recover certain costs increases, we may be unable to offset the impact of future cost increases with price increases on a timely basis due to outstanding commitments to our customers, competitive considerations or our customers’ resistance to accepting such price increases and our financial performance could be adversely impacted. A failure by our suppliers to continue to supply us with certain raw materials, component parts, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on us. To the extent there are energy supply disruptions or material fluctuations in energy costs, our margins could be materially adversely impacted.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, our goodwill and intangible assets were $544.8 million and represented 40.6% of our total assets. If we experience declines in sales and operating profit or do not meet our current and forecasted operating budget, we may be subject to goodwill and/or other intangible asset impairments in the future. While the fair value of our remaining goodwill exceeds its carrying value, significantly worse financial performance of our businesses, significantly different assumptions regarding future performance of our businesses or significant declines in our stock price could result in future impairment losses. Because of the significance of our goodwill and intangible assets, and based on the magnitude of historical impairment charges, any future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, our goodwill and intangible assets were $517.4 million and represented 39.1% of our total assets. If we experience declines in sales and operating profit or do not meet our current and forecasted operating budget, we may be subject to goodwill and/or other intangible asset impairments in the future. While the fair value of our remaining goodwill exceeds its carrying value, significantly worse financial performance of our businesses, significantly different assumptions regarding future performance of our businesses or significant declines in our stock price could result in future impairment losses. Because of the significance of our goodwill and intangible assets, and based on the magnitude of historical impairment charges, any future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Previous wording

The mix and type of customers, and sales to any single customer, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year, and have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If customers do not place orders, or they substantially reduce, delay or cancel orders, we may not be able to replace the business, which may have a significant adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. For example, a number of our consumer packaged goods customers ordered higher levels of inventory due to concerns over capacity constraints and rising inflation in the first half of 2022, and subsequently reduced their order levels in the back-half of 2022. Sales of our consumer and industrial packaging products decreased in 2023, which we believe was due to lower customer order activity given high customer stocking levels, as well as continuing uncertainty around consumer sentiment as a result of the inflationary environment. In addition, major customers may require that we localize manufacturing and supply capacity rather than sourcing from lower cost countries, or seek pricing, payment, intellectual property-related or other commercial terms that are less favorable to us, which may have a negative impact on our business. The concentration of our customer base also increases our risks related to the financial condition of our customers, and the deterioration in financial condition of customers or the failure of customers to perform their obligations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

The mix and type of customers, and sales to any single customer, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year, and have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If customers do not place orders, or they substantially reduce, delay or cancel orders, we may not be able to replace the business, which may have a significant adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. For example, beginning late 2023 and continuing through 2024, we experienced a significant demand trough in our cylinder business as our customers rebalanced their inventory and adjusted their buying patterns. Further, a number of our consumer packaged goods customers ordered higher levels of inventory due to concerns over capacity constraints and rising inflation in the first half of 2022, and subsequently reduced their order levels in the back-half of 2022. Sales of our consumer and industrial packaging products decreased in 2023, which we believe was due to lower customer order activity given high customer stocking levels, as well as continuing uncertainty around consumer sentiment as a result of the inflationary environment. In addition, major customers may require that we localize manufacturing and supply capacity rather than sourcing from lower cost countries, or seek pricing, payment, intellectual property-related or other commercial terms that are less favorable to us, which may have a negative impact on our business. The concentration of our customer base also increases our risks related to the financial condition of our customers, and the deterioration in financial condition of customers or the failure of customers to perform their obligations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

If our manufacturing facilities become unavailable either temporarily or permanently due to weather, earthquakes or other natural disasters related to global climate change, or geopolitical developments, including any potential impacts resulting from tensions between the United States and China, or logistical complications or operational disruptions arising from adverse regulatory actions, acts of war, cyber-attacks, public health crises or labor disruptions, we may be unable to shift production to other facilities or to make up for lost production. For example, our Aerospace manufacturing facilities are predominately located in southern California, an area known for earthquakes, and are thus vulnerable to damage. Any new facility would need to comply with the necessary regulatory requirements, satisfy our specialized manufacturing requirements and require specialized equipment. Even though we carry business interruption insurance policies, any business interruption losses could exceed the coverage available or be excluded from our insurance policies. Any disruption of our ability to operate our business could result in a material decrease in our revenues or significant additional costs to replace, repair or insure our assets, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

If our manufacturing facilities become unavailable either temporarily or permanently due to weather, earthquakes or other natural disasters related to global climate change, or geopolitical developments, including any potential impacts resulting from tensions between the United States and China, or logistical complications or operational disruptions arising from adverse regulatory actions, acts of war, cybersecurity incidents, public health crises or labor disruptions, we may be unable to shift production to other facilities or to make up for lost production. For example, our Aerospace manufacturing facilities are predominately located in southern California, an area known for earthquakes and wildfires, and are thus vulnerable to damage. Any new facility would need to comply with the necessary regulatory requirements, satisfy our specialized manufacturing requirements and require specialized equipment. Even though we carry business interruption insurance policies, any business interruption losses could exceed the coverage available or be excluded from our insurance policies. Any disruption of our ability to operate our business could result in a material decrease in our revenues or significant additional costs to replace, repair or insure our assets, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

A major failure of our information systems could harm our business; increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks and products.

Current wording

A major failure of our information systems could harm our business; increased cybersecurity threats and more sophisticated and targeted cybersecurity attacks could pose a risk to our systems, networks and products.

Previous wording

We depend on integrated information systems to conduct our business. While we maintain some of our critical information systems, we are also dependent on third parties to provide important services relating to, among other things, operational technology at our facilities, human resources, electronic communications and certain finance functions. We may experience operating problems with our information systems as a result of system failures, viruses, computer hackers or other causes. Any significant disruption or slowdown of our systems could cause customers to cancel orders or cause standard business processes to become inefficient or ineffective.

Current wording

We depend on integrated information systems to conduct our business. While we maintain some of our critical information systems, we are also dependent on third parties to provide important services relating to, among other things, operational technology at our facilities, human resources, electronic communications and certain finance functions. We may experience operating problems with our information systems as a result of system failures, cybersecurity incidents or other causes.

Previous wording

We have experienced cyber-attacks in the past and, while none of these cyber-attacks resulted in a material disruption to our business, we may experience additional cyber-attacks in the future. Increased global IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks, and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and communications. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employee training, comprehensive monitoring of our networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems, our networks and systems remain potentially vulnerable to advanced persistent threats. Furthermore, we may have little or no oversight with respect to security measures employed by third-party service providers, which may ultimately prove to be ineffective at countering threats. Depending on their nature and scope, such threats could potentially lead to the compromising of confidential information and communications, improper use of our systems and networks, manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operational disruptions, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness and results of operations.

Current wording

We have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past and, while none of these cybersecurity incidents resulted in a material disruption to our business, we may experience additional cybersecurity incidents in the future. Further, there can be no assurance that a future cybersecurity incident will not result in a material disruption to our business or have a material adverse effect on our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. Increased global IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted cybersecurity attacks, including the rapid evolution and increased availability of artificial intelligence technologies that may intensify cybersecurity risks by making cybersecurity incidents more difficult to detect, contain and mitigate, pose a risk to the security of our systems and networks, and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data and communications. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employee training, comprehensive monitoring of our networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems, our networks and systems remain potentially vulnerable to advanced persistent threats. Furthermore, we may have little or no oversight with respect to security measures employed by third-party service providers, which may ultimately prove to be ineffective at countering cybersecurity threats or cybersecurity incidents.

Previous wording

We have operations outside of the United States. Of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023, 23.8% were derived from sales by our subsidiaries located outside of the U.S. In addition, we may expand our international operations through internal growth or acquisitions. International operations, particularly sales to emerging markets and manufacturing in non-U.S. countries, are subject to risks that are not present within U.S. markets, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Current wording

We have operations outside of the United States. Of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, 25.1% were derived from sales by our subsidiaries located outside of the United States. In addition, we may expand our international operations through internal growth or acquisitions. International operations, particularly sales to emerging markets and manufacturing in non-U.S. countries, are subject to risks that are not present within U.S. markets, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Previous wording

Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on sustainability and ESG considerations relating to businesses. We have announced certain areas of focus through information on our website, press statements and other communications, including through our Sustainability Reports, which include health and safety, environmental matters, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, human capital, diversity, equity and inclusion, talent development, and innovation for sustainable products. The criteria used to evaluate sustainability and ESG practices, including goals and initiatives, may continue to evolve, which could result in greater expectations and may cause us to make investments, which may be material, to satisfy new criteria. In addition, some stakeholders may disagree with our goals and initiatives, or have very different views on where our sustainability and ESG focus should be placed, including differing views of regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate. The increasing attention to sustainability could also result in reduced demand for certain of our products and/or reduced profits. If we are unable to respond effectively, investors may conclude that our sustainability and ESG policies and/or actions are inadequate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our sustainability or ESG goals and initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state or international laws and regulations, meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards, or accurately disclose our progress on such matters, could expose us to potential liabilities, increased costs, reputational harm and other adverse effects on our business.

Current wording

Many governments, regulators, investors, employees, customers and other stakeholders are increasingly focused on sustainability and ESG considerations relating to businesses. We have announced certain areas of focus through information on our website, press statements and other communications, including through our Sustainability Reports. The criteria used to evaluate sustainability and ESG practices, including goals and initiatives, may continue to evolve, which could result in greater expectations and may cause us to make investments, which may be material, to satisfy new criteria. In addition, some stakeholders may disagree with our goals and initiatives, or have very different views on where our sustainability and ESG focus should be placed, including differing views of regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate. The increasing attention to sustainability could also result in reduced demand for certain of our products and/or reduced profits. If we are unable to respond effectively, investors may conclude that our sustainability and ESG policies and/or actions are inadequate. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our sustainability or ESG goals and initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state or international laws and regulations, meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards, or accurately disclose our progress on such matters, could expose us to potential liabilities, increased costs, reputational harm and other adverse effects on our business.

Previous wording

Significant developments from the recent and potential changes in U.S. trade policies could have a material adverse effect on us and our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Significant developments in U.S. trade policies could have a material adverse effect on us and our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Free trade laws and regulations provide certain duties and tariffs on qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. The United States government has indicated its intent to alter its approach to international trade policy and in some cases to renegotiate, or potentially terminate, certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements and treaties with foreign countries. For example, the U.S. government has implemented additional tariffs on certain goods imported from China. These tariffs, and other governmental actions relating to international trade agreements or policies, the adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, or the occurrence of a trade war may adversely impact demand for our products, costs, customers, suppliers and/or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof and, as a result, adversely impact our business. These tariffs and actions may, directly or indirectly, lead to higher costs and cause us to increase prices to our customers which may reduce demand, or, if we are unable to increase prices, result in lowering our margin on products sold. For example, in the past few years, we have experienced higher input costs as a direct result of tariffs imposed on certain raw materials and components imported from China. In certain cases, we have passed-through these incremental costs to the customer, while in some cases we have not changed pricing to retain or expand volume, and in other cases we continue to work to install capacity in facilities where there currently is no tariff. In addition, certain of our U.S. suppliers raised prices for components in response to an overall increase in demand for domestic sources. It remains unclear what the U.S. or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to tariffs, international trade agreements and policies on a short-term or long-term basis. Additional changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we manufacture or purchase products could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Current wording

Free trade laws and regulations provide certain duties and tariffs on qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. The United States government has indicated its intent to alter its approach to international trade policy and in some cases to renegotiate, or potentially terminate, certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements and treaties with foreign countries. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries or other potential governmental actions, could result in further adverse impacts on our business and results of operations. These tariffs, and other governmental actions relating to international trade agreements or policies, the adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, or the occurrence of trade wars may adversely impact demand for our products, costs, customers, suppliers and/or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof and, as a result, adversely impact our business. These tariffs and actions may, directly or indirectly, lead to higher costs and cause us to increase prices to our customers which may reduce demand, or, if we are unable to increase prices, result in lowering our margin on products sold. The degree to which these changes in U.S. trade policies, or the trade policies of other counties, affect our financial condition and results of operations will be influenced by the specific details of the changes in trade policies, their timing and duration, and our effectiveness in deploying tools and strategies to address these issues. For example, in the past few years, we have experienced higher input costs as a direct result of tariffs imposed on certain raw materials and components imported from China. In certain cases, we have passed-through these incremental costs to the customer, while in some cases we have not changed pricing to retain or expand volume, and in other cases we continue to work to install capacity in facilities where there currently is no tariff. In addition, certain of our U.S. suppliers raised prices for components in response to an overall increase in demand for domestic sources. It remains unclear what the U.S. or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to tariffs, international trade agreements and policies on a short-term or long-term basis. Additional changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we manufacture or purchase products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We continue to monitor and evaluate legislative developments related to the Global Anti-Base Erosion Proposal ("GloBE") established by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development's ("OECD") Pillar Two framework. On December 12, 2022, the European Union member states agreed to implement the OECD's Pillar Two global corporate minimum tax rate of 15% on companies with revenues of at least $790,000, which would go into effect beginning in 2024. While we will continue to analyze this law to determine potential impacts, at this time, we do not expect the Pillar Two legislation to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Current wording

We continue to monitor and evaluate legislative developments related to the Global Anti-Base Erosion Proposal ("GloBE") established by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development's ("OECD") Pillar Two framework. OECD member countries may implement the Pillar Two model rules as issued, in a modified form, or not at all. On December 12, 2022, the European Union member states agreed to implement the OECD's Pillar Two global corporate minimum tax rate of 15% on companies with revenues of at least $790,000, which went into effect in January 2024. A number of other countries have passed legislation enacting certain parts of the Pillar Two framework in 2024. While the Pillar Two legislation did not have a material impact on our 2024 consolidated financial statements, it could have a material impact on our effective tax rate and result in higher cash tax liabilities in the future, depending on which countries enact minimum tax legislation and in what manner.

Previous wording

In addition, our former Lamons business is a party to lawsuits related to asbestos contained in gaskets formerly manufactured by it or its predecessors. While we sold the Lamons business in December 2019, we retained the asbestos-related liability exposure. Some of this litigation includes claims for punitive and consequential, as well as compensatory damages. We are not able to predict the outcome of these matters given that, among other things, claims may be initially made in jurisdictions without specifying the amount sought or by simply stating the minimum or maximum permissible monetary relief, and may be amended to alter the amount sought. Of the 4,863 claims pending at December 31, 2023, 33 set forth specific amounts of damages (other than those stating the statutory minimum or maximum). See Note 15, "Commitments and Contingencies," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for additional information.

Current wording

In addition, our former Lamons business is a named party to lawsuits related to asbestos contained in gaskets alleged to be formerly manufactured by it or its predecessors. While we sold the Lamons business in December 2019, we retained the asbestos-related liability exposure. Some of this litigation includes claims for punitive and consequential, as well as compensatory damages. We are not able to predict the outcome of these matters given that, among other things, claims may be initially made in jurisdictions without specifying the amount sought or by simply stating the minimum or maximum permissible monetary relief, and may be amended to alter the amount sought. Of the 4,968 claims pending at December 31, 2024, 28 set forth specific amounts of damages (other than those stating the statutory minimum or maximum). See Note 15, "Commitments and Contingencies," included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," within this Form 10-K for additional information.

Previous wording

Total settlement costs (exclusive of defense costs) for all such cases, some of which were filed more than 30 years ago, have been $13.1 million. All relief sought in the asbestos cases is monetary in nature. To date, approximately 40% of our costs related to settlement and defense of asbestos litigation have been covered by our primary insurance. Effective February 14, 2006, we entered into a coverage-in-place agreement with our first level excess carriers regarding the coverage to be provided to us for asbestos-related claims when the primary insurance is exhausted. The coverage-in-place agreement makes asbestos defense costs and indemnity insurance coverage available to us that might otherwise be disputed by the carriers and provides a methodology for the administration of such expenses. The Company's primary insurance exhausted in November 2018, and the Company is solely responsible for defense costs and indemnity payments prior to the commencement of coverage under this agreement, the duration of which would be subject to the scope of damage awards and settlements paid. During this period, we may incur significant litigation costs in defending these matters. We also may be required to incur additional defense costs and pay damage awards or settlements, or become subject to equitable remedies, in the future that could adversely affect our businesses.

Current wording

Total settlement costs (exclusive of defense costs) for all such cases, some of which were filed more than 30 years ago, have been $13.7 million. All relief sought in the asbestos cases is monetary in nature. To date, approximately 40% of our costs related to settlement and defense of asbestos litigation have been covered by our primary insurance. Effective February 14, 2006, we entered into a coverage-in-place agreement with our first level excess carriers regarding the coverage to be provided to us for asbestos-related claims when the primary insurance is exhausted. The coverage-in-place agreement makes asbestos defense costs and indemnity insurance coverage available to us that might otherwise be disputed by the carriers and provides a methodology for the administration of such expenses. The Company's primary insurance exhausted in November 2018, and the Company is solely responsible for defense costs and indemnity payments prior to the commencement of coverage under this agreement, the duration of which would be subject to the scope of damage awards and settlements paid. During this period, we may incur significant litigation costs in defending these matters. In the event the asbestos defense costs and indemnity insurance coverage provided by the coverage-in-place agreement are unavailable to us for any reason, we may incur additional costs. We also may be required to incur additional defense costs and pay damage awards or settlements, or become subject to equitable remedies, in the future that could adversely affect our businesses.

Previous wording

While we strive to maintain high standards, our internal controls and compliance systems may not always protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, or business partners that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws or adequately protect our confidential information, including the laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, anti-kickback and false claims rules, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering, and data privacy laws, as well as the improper use of proprietary information or social media. Any such allegations, violations of law or improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to increased costs of compliance, could damage our reputation and could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Current wording

While we strive to maintain high standards, our internal controls and compliance systems may not always protect us from acts committed by our employees, agents, or business partners that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws or adequately protect our confidential information, including the laws governing payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, anti-kickback and false claims rules, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering, and data privacy laws (including with respect to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and U.S. state privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act), as well as the improper use of proprietary information or social media. Any such allegations, violations of law or improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, and related shareholder lawsuits, could lead to increased costs of compliance, could damage our reputation and could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we have $395.7 million of outstanding long-term debt. We are subject to variable interest rates on our revolving credit facility. Such interest rates are subject to benchmark interest rates based on the currency denomination of borrowings, with British pound sterling borrowings subject to the Sterling Overnight Index Average and Euro borrowings subject to the Euro InterBank Offered Rate, both plus a spread of 1.625%, and U.S. dollar borrowings subject to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus a spread of 1.725%. The interest rate spread is based upon the leverage ratio, as defined, as of the most recent determination date. We may experience increases in our interest expense as a result of general increases in interest rate levels. In addition, we could be further impacted by changes in variable interest rates. Our reference rates under our revolving credit facility may perform differently from historical rates, which may affect our net interest expense and require changes to our future risk, pricing and hedging strategies. We had no amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2023.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we have $398.1 million of outstanding long-term debt. We are subject to variable interest rates on our revolving credit facility. Such interest rates are subject to benchmark interest rates based on the currency denomination of borrowings, with British pound sterling borrowings subject to the Sterling Overnight Index Average and Euro borrowings subject to the Euro InterBank Offered Rate, both plus a spread of 1.750%, and U.S. dollar borrowings subject to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus a spread of 1.850%. The interest rate spread is based upon the leverage ratio, as defined, as of the most recent determination date. We may experience increases in our interest expense as a result of general increases in interest rate levels. In addition, we could be further impacted by changes in variable interest rates. Our reference rates under our revolving credit facility may perform differently from historical rates, which may affect our net interest expense and require changes to our future risk, pricing and hedging strategies. We had $1.5 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

We lease many of our manufacturing and distribution branch facilities, and certain capital equipment. Our rental expense in 2023 under these leases was $14.9 million. A failure to pay our rental obligations would constitute a default allowing the applicable landlord to pursue any remedy available to it under applicable law, which would include taking possession of our property and, in the case of real property, evicting us. The majority of our leases are categorized as operating leases and are not considered indebtedness for purposes of our debt instruments.

Current wording

We lease many of our manufacturing and distribution branch facilities, and certain capital equipment. Our rental expense in 2024 under these leases was $13.9 million. A failure to pay our rental obligations would constitute a default allowing the applicable landlord to pursue any remedy available to it under applicable law, which would include taking possession of our property and, in the case of real property, evicting us. The majority of our leases are categorized as operating leases and are not considered indebtedness for purposes of our debt instruments.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we have one facility, located in Commerce, California, where our hourly employees operate under a collective bargaining agreement, and which represents 12% of our employees located in the United States. We have four facilities outside of the United States where our employees are affiliated with state-controlled or trade unions, which covers 21% of our non-U.S. employees. In 2021 we entered a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America at our TriMas Aerospace facility in Commerce, California, which expires in August 2024. We are not aware of any present active union organizing drives at any of our other facilities. We cannot predict the impact of any further unionization of our workplace.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we have one facility, located in Commerce, California, where our hourly employees operate under a collective bargaining agreement, and which represents 13% of our employees located in the United States. We have six facilities outside of the United States where our employees are affiliated with state-controlled or trade unions, which covers 13% of our non-U.S. employees. Our labor agreement with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) at our TriMas Aerospace facility in Commerce, California, expired in August 2024, at which time the UAW initiated a strike. We entered into a new three-year collective bargaining agreement in October 2024. We are not aware of any present active union organizing drives at any of our other facilities. We cannot predict the impact of any further unionization of our workplace.