ManpowerGroup Inc

Previous wording

Our ESG strategy exposes us to business risks;

Current wording

Our sustainability strategy exposes us to business risks;

Previous wording

Economic conditions in the countries and territories where we do business may be affected by recent or emerging events, such as the rise of populism, political volatility, civil violence and unrest, election results or other changes in ruling parties or governmental leadership, trade disputes, protectionism or changes in global trade policies, capital flows, the global refugee crisis, social justice movements, energy shortages or instability in the global energy market, global health crises including COVID-19, changes in immigration policy, the impact of supply chain challenges on our clients, changes in employment policy, rising interest rates, inflation, the impact of terrorist activity, or by other political or economic developments. In addition, there is a risk the current inflationary environment and efforts to combat inflation could have an impact on the countries and territories where we do business. We are particularly susceptible to changes in demand patterns and economic conditions in Europe, which represents two of our operating segments and 64% of our revenue.

Current wording

Economic conditions in the countries and territories where we do business may be affected by recent or emerging events, such as the rise of populism, political volatility, civil violence and unrest, election results or other changes in ruling parties or governmental leadership, trade disputes, protectionism or changes in global trade policies, capital flows, the global refugee crisis, social justice movements, energy shortages or instability in the global energy market, global health crises, changes in immigration policy, the impact of supply chain challenges on our clients, changes in employment policy, changes in interest rates, inflation, the impact of terrorist activity, or by other political or economic developments. In addition, there is a risk the current inflationary environment and efforts to combat inflation could have an impact on the countries and territories where we do business. We are particularly susceptible to changes in demand patterns and economic conditions in Europe, which represents two of our operating segments and 64% of our revenue.

Previous wording

There is a risk that economic conditions in European markets or elsewhere may continue to be negatively impacted by geopolitical events. In recent years these have included labor unrest, civil protest, heightened trade tensions, refugee crises, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and, most recently, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. We cannot predict the potential consequences arising from these conflicts and the further escalation of geopolitical tensions globally, including whether they could have an effect on the global economy and on our business and results of operations. Geopolitical events could give rise to the imposition of further sanctions, regional or international expansion of current conflicts, instability in energy supplies, potential retaliatory action by governments, heightened cybersecurity threats, disruptions in the global supply chain, volatility in foreign exchange rates, and inflationary pressures. Any of these events or trends could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results, particularly our European operations.

Current wording

There is a risk that economic conditions in European markets or elsewhere may continue to be negatively impacted by geopolitical events. In recent years these have included labor unrest, civil protest, heightened trade tensions, refugee crises, and military conflicts, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas. We cannot predict the potential consequences arising from these conflicts and the further escalation of geopolitical tensions globally, including whether they could have an effect on the global economy and on our business and results of operations. Geopolitical events could give rise to the imposition of further sanctions, regional or international expansion of current conflicts, instability in energy supplies, potential retaliatory action by governments, heightened cybersecurity threats, disruptions in the global supply chain, volatility in foreign exchange rates, and inflationary pressures. Any of these events or trends could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results, particularly our European operations.

Previous wording

There is a risk we may not be able to respond with sufficient speed and agility to the needs of our diverse clients, which span all industries and whose needs may change rapidly as their businesses and industries evolve. The size and breadth of our organization, comprising approximately 27,900 employees based out of over 2,100 offices in approximately 75 countries and territories, may make it difficult for us to effectively manage our resources, to maintain our corporate culture throughout the organization, to drive service improvements and to provide coordinated solutions to our clients who require our services in multiple locations. For example, client demands for uniform service across borders may be difficult to satisfy because of variation in local laws and customs. We see a trend in more multi-country and enterprise-level relationships, and we may have difficulty in profitably managing and delivering projects involving multiple countries. Also, our size and organizational structure may make it difficult to develop and implement new processes and tools across the enterprise in a consistent manner. If we are not effective at anticipating or meeting the widely ranging needs of our current and prospective clients, or our competitors are more agile or effective at doing so, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

There is a risk we may not be able to respond with sufficient speed and agility to the needs of our diverse clients, which span all industries and whose needs may change rapidly as their businesses and industries evolve. The size and breadth of our organization, comprising approximately 26,700 employees based out of over 2,100 offices in approximately 75 countries and territories, may make it difficult for us to effectively manage our resources, to maintain our corporate culture throughout the organization, to drive service improvements and to provide coordinated solutions to our clients who require our services in multiple locations. For example, client demands for uniform service across borders may be difficult to satisfy because of variation in local laws and customs. We see a trend in more multi-country and enterprise-level relationships, and we may have difficulty in profitably managing and delivering projects involving multiple countries. Also, our size and organizational structure may make it difficult to develop and implement new processes and tools across the enterprise in a consistent manner. If we are not effective at anticipating or meeting the widely ranging needs of our current and prospective clients, or our competitors are more agile or effective at doing so, our business and financial results could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

In connection with the operation of our business, we store, process and transmit a large amount of data, including personnel and payment data, about our employees, clients, associates and candidates, a portion of which is personal data and/or confidential data. We expect our use of data to increase, including through the use of analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). In engaging in these data-related activities, we rely on our own technology systems and software, and those of third-party vendors we use for a variety of processes, including, but not limited to cloud-based technology and systems, mobile technologies and social media. Unauthorized access to, disclosure, modification, use or loss of personal or confidential data may occur through various methods. These include, but are not limited to, ransomware, systems failure, employee negligence or malfeasance, fraud or misappropriation, or unauthorized access to or through our information systems, whether by our employees, vendors or third parties, including a cyberattack by hackers, members of organized crime and/or state-sponsored organizations, who may develop and deploy supply chain interruptions, social engineering attacks, viruses, worms or other malicious software programs, or obtain credentials to our systems through other unrelated cyberattacks.

Current wording

In connection with the operation of our business, we store, process and transmit a large amount of data, including personnel and payment data, about our employees, clients, associates and candidates, a portion of which is personal data and/or confidential data. We expect our use of data to increase, including through the use of analytics, AI and machine learning (ML). In engaging in these data-related activities, we rely on our own technology systems and software, and those of third-party vendors we use for a variety of processes, including, but not limited to cloud-based technology and systems, mobile technologies and social media. Unauthorized access to, disclosure, modification, use or loss of personal or confidential data may occur through various methods. These include, but are not limited to, ransomware, systems failure, employee negligence or malfeasance, fraud or misappropriation, or unauthorized access to or through our information systems, whether by our employees, vendors or third parties, including a cyberattack by hackers, members of organized crime and/or state-sponsored organizations, who may develop and deploy supply chain interruptions, social engineering attacks, viruses, worms or other malicious software programs, or obtain credentials to our systems through other unrelated cyberattacks.

Previous wording

An incident involving disclosure, system failure, data modification, loss or security breach could harm our reputation and subject us to significant monetary damages or losses, litigation, negative publicity, regulatory enforcement actions, fines, criminal prosecution, as well as liability under our contracts and laws that protect personal and/or confidential data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenues. Cybersecurity threats continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, thereby increasing the difficulty of detecting and defending against them. In the past, we have experienced data security breaches resulting from unauthorized access to our systems and other fraudulent activities, such as social engineering, which to date have not had a material impact on our operations or financial results. We regularly engage an independent external security firm to assess our defenses to a potential cyberattack, and these assessments may uncover new or additional vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could lead to a compromise of our systems and/or a loss of personal data. In a recent evaluation, vulnerabilities were identified that could facilitate or contribute to a security incident involving personal data. The assessment firm was able to penetrate defensive protections adopted by us, as well as protections that we obtain from third party providers. We are prioritizing the resolution of security gaps that could lead to a loss of personal data or to other damage. Despite our efforts to identify and address vulnerabilities in our systems, vulnerabilities in software products used by us are disclosed by our software providers on a daily basis, and attackers grow continuously more sophisticated in their attack methods, which may additionally make use of AI technology, making it impossible to give assurance that our cybersecurity efforts will be successful.

Current wording

An incident involving disclosure, system failure, data modification, loss or security breach could harm our reputation and subject us to significant monetary damages or losses, litigation, negative publicity, regulatory enforcement actions, fines, criminal prosecution, as well as liability under our contracts and laws that protect personal and/or confidential data, resulting in increased costs or loss of revenues. Cybersecurity threats continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, thereby increasing the difficulty of detecting and defending against them. In the past, we have experienced data security breaches resulting from unauthorized access to our systems and other fraudulent activities, such as social engineering, which to date have not had a material impact on our operations or financial results. We regularly engage an independent external security firm to assess our defenses to a potential cyberattack, and these assessments may uncover new or additional vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could lead to a compromise of our systems and/or a loss of personal data. In a recent evaluation, vulnerabilities were identified that could facilitate or contribute to a security incident involving personal data. The assessment firm was able to penetrate defensive protections adopted by us, as well as protections that we obtain from third party providers. We are prioritizing the resolution of security gaps that could lead to a loss of personal data or to other damage. Despite our efforts to identify and address vulnerabilities in our systems, vulnerabilities in software products used by us are disclosed by our software providers on a daily basis, and attackers grow continuously more sophisticated in their attack methods, which may additionally make use of AI technology such as AI-generated 'deep-fake' impersonation or social engineering, making it impossible to give assurance that our cybersecurity efforts will be successful.

Previous wording

There is a risk that our and our third-party vendors’ preventative security controls and practices will be inadequate to prevent unauthorized access to, disclosure of, or loss of personal and/or confidential data, or fraudulent activity, especially given that third party attacks have become more common. In the past, our data has been exposed due to data security breaches at our third party vendors, but to date none of these incidents have had a material impact on our operations or financial results. Any such future events, such as unauthorized access or fraudulent activity with our third parties could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Current wording

There is a risk that our and our third-party vendors’ preventative security controls and practices will be inadequate to prevent unauthorized access to, disclosure of, or loss of personal and/or confidential data, or fraudulent activity, especially given that third party attacks have become more common. In the past, our data has been exposed due to data security breaches at our third party vendors, but to date none of these incidents have had a material impact on our operations or financial results. Any such future events, such as unauthorized access or fraudulent activity with our third party vendors could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Previous wording

More of our employees are working from their homes or other remote locations than before the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes it more difficult for us to monitor their activities, the security of their work locations, insider threats, and data exfiltration. This has increased the risk of security incidents, which could include unauthorized access to, disclosure of, or loss of personal and/or confidential data, as well as other types of fraudulent activity. Any such unauthorized access or fraudulent activity could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Current wording

More of our employees are working from their homes or other remote locations than before, which makes it more difficult for us to monitor their activities, the security of their work locations, insider threats, and data exfiltration. This has increased the risk of security incidents, which could include unauthorized access to, disclosure of, or loss of personal and/or confidential data, as well as other types of fraudulent activity. Any such unauthorized access or fraudulent activity could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Previous wording

With operations in approximately 75 countries and territories around the world, we are subject to numerous risks outside of our control, including risks arising from political unrest and other political events, regional and international hostilities and international responses to these hostilities, strikes and other worker unrest, natural disasters, the impact of global climate change, acts of war, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine as well as Israel and Hamas, terrorism, international conflict, severe weather conditions, pandemics, including COVID-19 and other global health emergencies, disruptions of infrastructure and utilities including energy, cyberattacks, and other events beyond our control.

Current wording

With operations in approximately 75 countries and territories around the world, we are subject to numerous risks outside of our control, including risks arising from political unrest and other political events, regional and international hostilities and international responses to these hostilities, strikes and other worker unrest, natural disasters, the impact of global climate change, acts of war, terrorism, international conflict, severe weather conditions, pandemics, and other global health emergencies, disruptions of infrastructure and utilities including energy, cyberattacks, and other events beyond our control.

Previous wording

We believe our reputation, along with our brand equity in the ManpowerGroup name and our various other brands, are important corporate resources that help distinguish our services from those of competitors and also contribute to our efforts to recruit and retain talented employees. However, our corporate reputation is potentially susceptible to material damage by events such as disputes with clients, information technology security breaches, internal control deficiencies, delivery failures or compliance violations. Similarly, our reputation could be damaged by actions or statements of current or former clients, employees, competitors, vendors, franchisees and other third-party brand licensees, adversaries in legal proceedings, government regulators, as well as members of the investment community or the media. There is a risk that negative information about ManpowerGroup, even if based on rumor or misunderstanding, could materially adversely affect our business. Damage to our reputation could be difficult, expensive and time-consuming to repair, could make potential or existing clients reluctant to select us for new engagements, resulting in a loss of business, and could materially adversely affect our recruitment and retention efforts. Damage to our reputation and could also reduce the value and effectiveness of the ManpowerGroup name and our other brand names, and could reduce investor confidence in us, materially adversely affecting our share price.

Current wording

We believe our reputation, along with our brand equity in the ManpowerGroup name and our various other brands, are important corporate resources that help distinguish our services from those of competitors and also contribute to our efforts to recruit and retain talented employees. However, our corporate reputation is potentially susceptible to material damage by events such as disputes with clients, information technology security breaches, internal control deficiencies, delivery failures or compliance violations. Similarly, our reputation could be damaged by actions or statements of current or former clients, employees, competitors, vendors, franchisees and other third-party brand licensees, adversaries in legal proceedings, government regulators, as well as members of the investment community or the media. There is a risk that negative information about ManpowerGroup, even if based on rumor or misunderstanding, could materially adversely affect our business. Damage to our reputation could be difficult, expensive and time-consuming to repair, could make potential or existing clients reluctant to select us for new engagements, resulting in a loss of business, and could materially adversely affect our recruitment and retention efforts. Damage to our reputation could also reduce the value and effectiveness of the ManpowerGroup name and our other brand names, and could reduce investor confidence in us, materially adversely affecting our share price.

Previous wording

Our business strategy also includes continuing efforts to transform how we use personnel and technology to manage our financial administration and to enhance our delivery of services. These projects are complex, and may consume considerable financial and personnel resources. The goal of these transformation initiatives is to become a more agile and effective competitor, to reduce the cost of operating our business and to increase our operating profit and operating profit margin. However, as these efforts may consume considerable resources, they may put pressure on our operating results or ability to address other priorities. They may not be successful, may not be achieved within our timing and cost estimates, and may not ultimately reduce our operating costs or prevent the return of any costs that are eliminated. Additionally, reductions in personnel and other changes emerging from these projects could materially adversely affect our ability to effectively operate our business. If, for these or other reasons, we are not successful in implementing our business strategy or achieving the anticipated results of our transformation initiatives, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

These projects are complex and may consume considerable financial and personnel resources. The goal of these transformation initiatives is to become a more agile and effective competitor, to reduce the cost of operating our business and to increase our operating profit and operating profit margin. However, as these efforts may consume considerable resources, they may put pressure on our operating results or ability to address other priorities. They may not be successful, may not be achieved within our timing and cost estimates, and may not ultimately reduce our operating costs or prevent the return of any costs that are eliminated. Additionally, reductions in personnel and other changes emerging from these projects could materially adversely affect our ability to effectively operate our business. If, for these or other reasons, we are not successful in implementing our business strategy or achieving the anticipated results of our transformation initiatives, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and internal control over financial reporting could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Additionally, our business is reliant on a variety of technologies, including those which support applicant on-boarding and tracking systems, order management, billing, payroll, and client data analytics. There is a risk we will not sufficiently invest in technology or industry developments, or evolve our business with the right strategic investments, or at sufficient speed and scale, to adapt to changes in our marketplace. Similarly, from time to time we make strategic commitments to particular technologies to recruit, manage or analyze our workforce or support our business, and there is a risk they will be unsuccessful. Additionally, there are risks and uncertainties associated with our use of AI technologies which could expose us to regulatory, legal, reputational or financial harm. These and similar risks could have a negative effect on our services and solutions, our results of operations, and our ability to develop and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Current wording

Additionally, our business is reliant on a variety of technologies, including those which support applicant on-boarding and tracking systems, order management, billing, payroll, and client data analytics. There is a risk we will not sufficiently invest in technology or industry developments, or evolve our business with the right strategic investments, or at sufficient speed and scale, to adapt to changes in our marketplace. Similarly, from time to time we make strategic commitments to particular technologies to recruit, manage or analyze our workforce or support our business, and there is a risk they will be unsuccessful. Additionally, there are risks and uncertainties associated with our use of, and client demand for, AI technologies which could expose us to regulatory, legal, reputational or financial harm. These and similar risks could have a negative effect on our services and solutions, our results of operations, and our ability to develop and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Previous wording

Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments and disclosures may expose us to risks, legal liability, and increased costs.

Current wording

Our sustainability commitments and disclosures may expose us to risks, legal liability, and increased costs.

Previous wording

Our business could be impacted in several ways by our corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, including our goals for sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Current wording

Our business could be impacted in several ways by our corporate sustainability initiatives, including our goals for sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.

Previous wording

Positions we take, or do not take, on politically sensitive social issues or other ESG matters may be unpopular with certain existing or potential clients and employees, which may impact our ability to attract and retain those clients and employees.

Current wording

Positions we take, or do not take, on politically sensitive social issues or other sustainability matters may be unpopular with certain existing or potential clients and employees, which may impact our ability to attract and retain those clients and employees.

Previous wording

We may experience increased compliance burdens and costs in order to implement our initiatives, including those costs associated with any new legal or regulatory requirements (such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), or voluntary standards and commitments, designed to mitigate climate change or address human capital management concerns.

Current wording

We may experience increased compliance burdens and costs in order to implement our initiatives, including those costs associated with any new legal or regulatory requirements (such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)), or voluntary standards and commitments, designed to mitigate climate change or address human capital management concerns. We will be required to report on CSRD commencing in 2025 (filing in 2026) and will be subject to limited assurance requirements by a third party. If we are not able to implement processes and controls to accumulate data to support the disclosures in a timely manner, we may not be able to meet the regulatory requirements and reporting timelines or fail to meet the limited assurance requirements.

Previous wording

Our ability to achieve our ESG commitments may be subject to numerous external factors outside of our control, including: (1) the availability and cost of low-carbon energy sources; (2) evolving regulatory requirements affecting ESG standards or disclosures; (3) the availability of vendors and other business partners that can meet our sustainability, diversity, and other standards; and (4) our ability to recruit, develop, and retain diverse talent.

Current wording

Our ability to achieve our sustainability commitments may be subject to numerous external factors outside of our control, including: (1) the availability and cost of low-carbon energy sources; (2) evolving regulatory requirements affecting sustainability standards or disclosures; (3) the availability of vendors and other business partners that can meet our sustainability, diversity, and other standards; and (4) our ability to recruit, develop, and retain diverse talent.

Previous wording

Standard methodologies and frameworks, as well as our processes and controls, for measuring and reporting ESG matters across our operations are continuously evolving, including ESG-related disclosures that may be required by the SEC, European and other regulators; and such changing standards could result in significant revisions to our current goals, reported progress in achieving such goals, or our ability to achieve such goals in the future.

Current wording

Standard methodologies and frameworks, as well as our processes and controls, for measuring and reporting sustainability matters across our operations are continuously evolving, including sustainability-related disclosures that may be required by the SEC, European and other regulators; and such changing standards could result in significant revisions to our current goals, reported progress in achieving such goals, or our ability to achieve such goals in the future. Methodologies for reporting sustainability data may be updated and previously reported sustainability data may be adjusted to reflect improvement in availability and quality of third-party data, changing assumptions, changes in the nature and scope of our operations and other changes in circumstances.

Previous wording

From time to time, we make acquisitions of other companies or operating assets, including a significant acquisition of ettain group, in 2021. These activities involve significant strategic and operational risks, including:

Current wording

From time to time, we make acquisitions of other companies or operating assets. These activities involve significant strategic and operational risks, including:

Previous wording

they may fail to achieve our strategic objectives or fail to meet our performance expectations, including as a result of challenges integrating the acquired company and assimilating their corporate culture;

Current wording

in some instances, we have failed to, and may in the future fail to achieve our strategic objectives or fail to meet our performance expectations, including as a result of challenges integrating the acquired company and assimilating their corporate culture;

Previous wording

we may experience disputes that arise with the sellers;

Current wording

we have experienced, and may in the future experience disputes that arise with the sellers;

Previous wording

These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business because they may result in substantial costs to us and disrupt our business. The integration of prior acquisitions, as well as entry into future acquisition transactions, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. We could also incur impairment losses on goodwill and other intangible assets with an indefinite life or restructuring charges as a result of acquisitions we make.

Current wording

These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business because they may result in substantial costs to us and disrupt our business. The integration of prior acquisitions, as well as entry into future acquisition transactions, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Additionally, we have incurred, and may in the future incur impairment losses on goodwill and other intangible assets with an indefinite life or restructuring charges as a result of acquisitions we make.

Previous wording

Occasionally, we dispose of parts of our operations based on risk considerations and to optimize our global strategic and geographic footprint and overall efficiency. We have engaged in such dispositions in the past, including the dispositions of our businesses in the Philippines in September 2023 and Russia and Hungary in January and December 2022, respectively. We expect that we will continue to dispose of portions of our business that are not meeting our performance or strategic objectives. Among other alternatives, this could take the form of a closure of a business, the contribution of the business to a joint venture, or an exit by means of a sale to, or a franchise arrangement with, a third party. There are risks and costs associated with any exit activities, which could include difficulties in the separation of operations, services or personnel, the diversion of management attention, and the disruption of our business. Any such transactions may require regulatory or governmental approvals, which could impede the transaction. Divestitures may also involve continued financial involvement in, or liability with respect to, the divested businesses. As a result of divestiture transactions, we could incur severance charges for personnel and payments for lease and other commitments, charges from the impairment or write-off of assets, and other financial loss due to the transaction. Furthermore, there is the risk that we might lose customers, in particular multinational clients with operations in the exited countries or operations. Additionally, if we choose to enter into a franchise arrangement for a third party to operate our business in the exited region using our trademarks and other licensed assets, we face potential counterparty and reputational risks arising from the franchisee’s operation of the business. The reputational risks include the risk that marketplace participants, including clients, candidates and the media, may believe that we continue to control the operations of a divested or franchised business that operates utilizing our name or other trademarks.

Current wording

Occasionally, we dispose of parts of our operations based on risk considerations and to optimize our global strategic and geographic footprint and overall efficiency. We have engaged in such dispositions in the past, including the dispositions of our businesses in Korea and Austria in 2024, the Philippines in 2023 and Russia and Hungary in 2022, respectively. We expect that we will continue to dispose of portions of our business that are not meeting our performance or strategic objectives. Among other alternatives, this could take the form of a closure of a business, the contribution of the business to a joint venture, or an exit by means of a sale to, or a franchise arrangement with, a third party. There are risks and costs associated with any exit activities, which could include difficulties in the separation of operations, services or personnel, the diversion of management attention, and the disruption of our business. Any such transactions may require regulatory or governmental approvals, which could impede the transaction. Divestitures may also involve continued financial involvement in, or liability with respect to, the divested businesses. As a result of divestiture transactions, we could incur severance charges for personnel and payments for lease and other commitments, charges from the impairment or write-off of assets, and other financial loss due to the transaction. Furthermore, there is the risk that we might lose customers, in particular multinational clients with operations in the exited countries or operations. Additionally, if we choose to enter into a franchise arrangement for a third party to operate our business in the exited region using our trademarks and other licensed assets, we face potential counterparty and reputational risks arising from the franchisee’s operation of the business. The reputational risks include the risk that marketplace participants, including clients, candidates and the media, may believe that we continue to control the operations of a divested or franchised business that operates utilizing our name or other trademarks.

Previous wording

During 2023, approximately 84% of our revenues were generated outside of the United States, the majority of which were generated in Europe. Furthermore, $1,002.6 million of our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2023 was denominated in foreign currencies, including $988.2 million related to our Euro-denominated notes (€900.0 million). Increases or decreases in the value of the United States dollar against other major currencies, or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into United States dollars, could affect our revenues, operating profit and the value of balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies. Our exposure to foreign currencies, in particular the Euro, could have a material adverse effect on our reported results and shareholders’ equity, however, such fluctuations generally do not affect our cash flow or result in actual economic gains or losses unless we repatriate funds. Furthermore, the volatility of currencies may make year-over-year comparability of our financial results difficult.

Current wording

During 2024, approximately 85% of our revenues were generated outside of the United States, the majority of which were generated in Europe. Furthermore, $952.8 million of our outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2024 was denominated in foreign currencies, including $928.4 million related to our Euro-denominated notes (€900.0 million). Increases or decreases in the value of the United States dollar against other major currencies, or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into United States dollars, could affect our revenues, operating profit and the value of balance sheet items denominated in foreign currencies. Our exposure to foreign currencies, in particular the Euro, could have a material adverse effect on our reported results and shareholders’ equity, however, such fluctuations generally do not affect our cash flow or result in actual economic gains or losses unless we repatriate funds. Furthermore, the volatility of currencies may make year-over-year comparability of our financial results difficult.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had $1,002.6 million of total debt. Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our credit agreements could have important consequences for investors, including the following:

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had $952.8 million of total debt. Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our credit agreements could have important consequences for investors, including the following:

Previous wording

In addition, changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation or enforcement, have become more unpredictable and may become more stringent, which could materially adversely affect our tax position. A number of countries where we do business, including the United States and many countries in the European Union, have implemented, and are considering implementing, changes in relevant tax, accounting and other laws, regulations and interpretations. The overall tax environment has made it increasingly challenging for multinational corporations to operate with certainty about taxation in many jurisdictions. For example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), which represents a coalition of member countries, agreed to enact Pillar Two, which introduces a global minimum effective tax rate whereby certain multinational groups are subject to a 15% minimum tax on income derived in low-tax jurisdictions. These rules become effective in some countries beginning in 2024. In the United States, various proposals to raise corporate income taxes are periodically considered such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which introduced a 15% Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax beginning in 2023. These proposed and enacted changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse impact on our current or future tax positions.

Current wording

In addition, changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation or enforcement, have become more unpredictable and may become more stringent, which could materially adversely affect our tax position. A number of countries where we do business, including the United States and many countries in the European Union, have implemented, and are considering implementing, changes in relevant tax, accounting and other laws, regulations and interpretations. The overall tax environment has made it increasingly challenging for multinational corporations to operate with certainty about taxation in many jurisdictions. For example, a number of members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development have agreed to enact the Pillar Two international tax reform, which introduces a global minimum effective tax rate whereby certain multinational groups are subject to a 15% minimum tax on income derived in low-tax jurisdictions. These rules became effective in some countries in 2024. As another example, in February 2025 the French government enacted legislation resulting in a one-year temporary increase in the corporate income tax rate for our French business from 25.825% to 36.125% for 2025 and a three-year delay to the scheduled phase-out of the French business tax (CVAE). We estimate this legislation will increase our consolidated global effective tax rate in the range of 4% to 5% based on current projections. These proposed and enacted changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse impact on our current or future tax positions.

Previous wording

The market price for our common stock may be subject to significant volatility. For example, during 2023, the price of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange ranged from a high of $91.50 to a low of $67.09. Our stock price can fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, including factors listed in these “Risk Factors” and others, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

Current wording

The market price for our common stock may be subject to significant volatility. For example, during 2024, the price of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange ranged from a high of $79.12 to a low of $56.82. Our stock price can fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, including factors listed in these “Risk Factors” and others, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

Previous wording

In many jurisdictions in which we operate, such as France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Mexico, the employment services industry is heavily regulated and scrutinized. For example, in 2021, new legislation was adopted in Mexico that affects many types of temporary placements under the country’s labor laws. The new law broadly prohibits the provision of our traditional temporary staffing services, only allowing outsourced worker assignments for special, deliverables-based projects outside of the client’s core business activity. This has had a material adverse impact on our business in Mexico. In Europe, governmental regulations in Germany restrict the length of contracts and the industries in which our associates may be used. In some countries, special taxes, fees or costs are imposed in connection with the use of our associates. Additionally, in some countries, trade unions have used the political process to target our industry in an effort to increase the regulatory burden and expense associated with offering or utilizing contingent workforce solutions. Moreover, many countries, including the Netherlands and Japan, have established regulations that require equal-pay for equal-work for temporary workers and fixed term employees. Furthermore, some countries are adopting more restrictive immigration regulations, which may lead to greater expense or inability to fulfill client demand, particularly in our cross-border Talent Solutions business. All of these continuously-evolving regulations could have a significant impact to our revenues, costs, and operating margins as we and customers adjust to these new regulations.

Current wording

In many jurisdictions in which we operate, such as France, Italy, Germany, Japan and Mexico, the employment services industry is heavily regulated and scrutinized. For example, in 2021, legislation was adopted in Mexico that affects many types of temporary placements under the country’s labor laws. The law broadly prohibits the provision of our traditional temporary staffing services, only allowing outsourced worker assignments for special, deliverables-based projects outside of the client’s core business activity. This has had a material adverse impact on our business in Mexico. In Europe, governmental regulations in Germany restrict the length of contracts and the industries in which our associates may be used. In some countries, special taxes, fees or costs are imposed in connection with the use of our associates. Additionally, in some countries, trade unions have used the political process to target our industry in an effort to increase the regulatory burden and expense associated with offering or utilizing contingent workforce solutions. Moreover, many countries, including the Netherlands and Japan, have established regulations that require equal-pay for equal-work for temporary workers and fixed term employees. Furthermore, some countries are adopting more restrictive immigration regulations, which may lead to greater expense or inability to fulfill client demand, particularly in our cross-border Talent Solutions business. All of these continuously-evolving regulations could have a significant impact on our revenues, costs, and operating margins.

Previous wording

expand governmental or regulatory scrutiny on the use of AI within the recruitment process;

Current wording

expand governmental or regulatory scrutiny of the use of AI within the employment context or recruitment process;