CommScope Holding Company Inc

Previous wording

Our performance is dependent on third parties’ capital spending for constructing, rebuilding, maintaining or upgrading data, communication and entertainment networks, which can be volatile and difficult to forecast. Capital spending in the communications industry is cyclical and can be curtailed or deferred on short notice. We experienced a significant decrease in customer capital spending in 2023, which negatively impacted our results of operations, and we may continue to experience significant fluctuations in sales and operating income due to the volatility in our industry. A variety of factors affect the timing and amount of capital spending in the communications industry, including:

Current wording

Our performance is dependent on third parties’ capital spending for constructing, rebuilding, maintaining or upgrading data, communication and entertainment networks, which can be volatile and difficult to forecast. Capital spending in the communications industry is cyclical and can be curtailed or deferred on short notice. We experienced a decrease in customer capital spending in 2024, which negatively impacted our results of operations, and we may continue to experience significant fluctuations in sales and operating income due to the volatility in our industry. A variety of factors affect the timing and amount of capital spending in the communications industry, including:

Previous wording

Our customer base includes direct customers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and channel partners, which include distributors, system integrators, value-added resellers and sales representatives. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we derived approximately 17% of our consolidated net sales from our top two direct customers. The concentration of our net sales with these key customers subjects us to a variety of risks, including:

Current wording

Our customer base includes direct customers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and channel partners, which include distributors, system integrators, value-added resellers and sales representatives. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we derived approximately 19% of our consolidated net sales from our top two direct customers. The concentration of our net sales with these key customers subjects us to a variety of risks, including:

Previous wording

The rapid technological changes occurring in the communications industry could also lead to the entry of new competitors against whom we may not be able to compete successfully. For example, as networks become more virtualized, the functionality of our products is at risk of being subsumed by competitors who utilize software to provide the same functions as our products. A related trend that could affect us is the emerging interest in distributed access architecture (DAA), which disaggregates some of the functions of thec onverged cable access platform (CCAP) and the access and transport platforms to enable deployment of these functions in ways that could reduce traditional operator capital expenditures in hybrid fiber-coaxial. We have developed and deployed a line of DAA products, but some operators may not be aligned on the specific implementations of DAA and we could lose market share to competitors. Service providers also have the goal of virtualizing CCAP management and control functions as they deploy DAA, and although we are developing a fully virtualized CCAP product, this could potentially enable new competitors to enter the market and reduce operator dependence on our products. In our mobile wireless markets, the shift to 5G includes the deployment of new spectrum in higher frequency bands where larger available bandwidths enable a significant increase in network capacity. In many cases, massive multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) technology (active antennas) is the most effective way to deliver coverage in these bands. Consequently, 5G deployments present an inherent headwind to our traditional passive base station antenna business. We are developing technologies and new products to address this shift from passive to active antennas, but we may not be able to completely offset this trend. As there is technology evolution or transformation within the industry, whether it be DOCSIS 4.0, PON, Wi-Fi technology or the shift to 5G, there is a risk that our market position would be weakened. If any of our competitors’ products or technologies were to become the industry standard, our business would be negatively affected.

Current wording

The rapid technological changes occurring in the communications industry could also lead to the entry of new competitors against whom we may not be able to compete successfully. For example, as networks become more virtualized, the functionality of our products is at risk of being subsumed by competitors who utilize software to provide the same functions as our products. A related trend that could affect us is the emerging interest in distributed access architecture (DAA), which disaggregates some of the functions of the converged cable access platform (CCAP) and the access and transport platforms to enable deployment of these functions in ways that could reduce traditional operator capital expenditures in hybrid fiber-coaxial. We have developed and deployed a line of DAA products, but some operators may not be aligned on the specific implementations of DAA and we could lose market share to competitors. Service providers also have the goal of virtualizing CCAP management and control functions as they deploy DAA, and although we are developing a fully virtualized CCAP product, this could potentially enable new competitors to enter the market and reduce operator dependence on our products. As there is technology evolution or transformation within the industry, whether it be DOCSIS 4.0, PON or Wi-Fi technology, there is a risk that our market position would be weakened. If any of our competitors’ products or technologies were to become the industry standard, our business would be negatively affected.

Previous wording

We currently believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, combined with availability under our asset-based revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility), will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs. However, we may be required to obtain additional financing in the future to address our liquidity needs, and subject to market conditions, we may from time to time seek to amend, refinance, restructure, exchange or repurchase our outstanding indebtedness and/or raise additional equity or other financing. For example, our $1.3 billion of 6.0% senior notes due June 15, 2025 will likely require us to seek refinancing or some other restructuring of our debt in 2024. Any debt we incur in the future may have terms (including cash interest rate, financial covenants and covenants limiting our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings) that are not favorable to us, and any such additional equity financing may dilute the economic and/or voting interests of our existing stockholders, may be preferred in right of payment to our outstanding common stock or confer other privileges to the holders and may contain financial or operational covenants that restrict our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings. Furthermore, our failure to obtain any necessary financing, amendment, refinancing, restructuring, exchange or repurchases could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity.

Current wording

We currently believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, combined with availability under our asset-based revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility), will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs for at least the next twelve months. However, we may be required to obtain additional financing in the future to address our liquidity needs, and subject to market conditions, we may from time to time seek to amend, refinance, restructure, exchange or repurchase our outstanding indebtedness and/or raise additional equity or other financing. Any debt we incur in the future may have terms (including cash interest rate, financial covenants and covenants limiting our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings) that are not favorable to us, and any such additional equity financing may dilute the economic and/or voting interests of our existing stockholders, may be preferred in right of payment to our outstanding common stock or confer other privileges to the holders and may contain financial or operational covenants that restrict our operating flexibility or ability to obtain additional financings. Furthermore, our failure to obtain any necessary financing, amendment, refinancing, restructuring, exchange or repurchases could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity.

Previous wording

We are aware that our outstanding debt securities and debt under our credit facilities are currently trading at substantial discounts to their respective principal amounts. In order to reduce future cash interest payments, as well as future amounts due at maturity or upon redemption, we may, from time to time, purchase such debt for cash, in exchange for common or preferred stock or debt, or for a combination thereof, in each case in open-market purchases and/or privately negotiated transactions, tender offers or exchange offers and upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine. Any such transactions will be dependent upon several factors, including our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, general market conditions and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors. Whether or not we engage in any such transactions will be determined at our discretion. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.

Current wording

We are aware that certain of our outstanding debt securities and debt under our credit facilities are currently trading at discounts to their respective principal amounts. In order to reduce future cash interest payments, as well as future amounts due at maturity or upon redemption, we may, from time to time, purchase such debt for cash, in exchange for common or preferred stock or debt, or for a combination thereof, in each case in open-market purchases and/or privately negotiated transactions, tender offers or exchange offers and upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine. Any such transactions will be dependent upon several factors, including our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, general market conditions and applicable regulatory, legal and accounting factors. Whether or not we engage in any such transactions will be determined at our discretion. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $9.3 billion of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2023, we had no outstanding loans under our Revolving Credit Facility and the remaining availability was $688.0 million, reflecting a borrowing base subject to maximum capacity of $1,000.0 million reduced by $97.9 million of outstanding letters of credit. Our ability to borrow under our Revolving Credit Facility depends, in part, on inventory, accounts receivable and other assets that fluctuate from time to time and may further depend on lenders’ discretionary ability to impose reserves and availability blocks.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $9.4 billion of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2024, we had $200.0 million of outstanding loans under our Revolving Credit Facility and the remaining availability was $449.3 million, reflecting a borrowing base subject to maximum capacity of $719.2 million reduced by $69.9 million of outstanding letters of credit.1 Our ability to borrow under our Revolving Credit Facility depends, in part, on inventory, accounts receivable and other assets that fluctuate from time to time and may further depend on lenders’ discretionary ability to impose reserves and availability blocks.

Previous wording

Our interest cost on our senior secured term loan due 2026 (2026 Term Loan) and our Revolving Credit Facility, which make up about $3.1 billion of our indebtedness, is variable and subject to the risk of changes in interest rates. As the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates in 2023, we have seen increased interest cost which has adversely impacted our results of operations and cash flows. This may continue into 2024 if the Federal Reserve continues to maintain higher interest rates or chooses to raise interest rates further. We have entered into certain hedging agreements to reduce our exposure to variable rate debt.

Current wording

Our interest cost on our new senior secured term loan due 2029 (2029 Term Loan) and our Revolving Credit Facility, which make up about $3.4 billion of our indebtedness, is variable and subject to the risk of changes in interest rates. As the Federal Reserve maintained higher interest rates in 2024, we have seen increased interest cost which has adversely impacted our results of operations and cash flows. This may continue into 2025 if the Federal Reserve continues to maintain higher interest rates or chooses to raise interest rates further. We have entered into certain hedging agreements to reduce our exposure to variable rate debt.

Previous wording

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) had historically been the reference interest rate in our variable rate debt agreements, but we transitioned our Revolving Credit Facility to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as the reference rate in 2022 and we amended our 2026 Term Loan to replace LIBOR with SOFR in the first half of 2023. SOFR is calculated differently than LIBOR and they have inherent differences, which could give rise to uncertainties, including limited historical data and volatility. While we do not expect the transition to SOFR to have a material adverse effect on our business, the full effects of the transition to SOFR remain uncertain.

Current wording

Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) is currently the reference interest rate in our variable rate debt agreements and could give rise to uncertainties, including limited historical data and volatility. While we do not expect the use of SOFR to have a material adverse effect on our business, the full effects remain uncertain.

Previous wording

We have substantial balances of goodwill and identified intangible assets. As of December 31, 2023, goodwill and identified intangible assets represented approximately 55% of our total assets. We are required to test goodwill for possible impairment on the same date each year and on an interim basis if there are indicators of a possible impairment. We have recognized substantial impairment charges related to goodwill, including $571.4 million in 2023 and $1,119.6 million in 2022. There were no asset impairment charges related to goodwill in 2021. As of the October 2023 annual impairment test, the fair value of our ANS and Building and Data Center Connectivity (BDCC) reporting units equaled their respective carrying values and slight changes in significant assumptions or business factors could result in material impairment. In the future, if we are unable to improve our results of operations and cash flows, or other indicators of impairment exist, such as a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, we may incur material charges against earnings relating to our remaining goodwill.

Current wording

We have substantial balances of goodwill and identified intangible assets. As of December 31, 2024, goodwill and identified intangible assets represented approximately 47% of our total assets. We are required to test goodwill for possible impairment on the same date each year and on an interim basis if there are indicators of a possible impairment. We have recognized substantial impairment charges related to goodwill, including $571.4 million in 2023 and $1,119.6 million in 2022. For the 2024 annual impairment test, we determined that the fair value of our reporting units exceeded the carrying value and that no impairment existed. In the future, if we are unable to improve our results of operations and cash flows, or other indicators of impairment exist, such as a sustained significant decline in our share price and market capitalization, we may incur material charges against earnings relating to our remaining goodwill.

Previous wording

We also source many of our components from international markets. Any change in the laws and policies of the U.S. or other countries affecting trade is a risk to us. To the extent there are unfavorable changes imposed by the U.S. or other countries and/or retaliatory actions taken by trading partners, such as the addition of new tariffs or trade restrictions, we may experience material adverse impacts on earnings. For a more complete discussion of our risks related to tariffs and trade restrictions, see the risk factor, “Additional tariffs or a global trade war could increase the cost of our products, which could adversely impact the competitiveness of our products” under our “International Risk Factors” in this Item 1A. Risk Factors section.

Current wording

We also source many of our components from international markets. Any change in the laws and policies of the U.S. or other countries affecting trade, including pursuant to policies of the new U.S. administration, is a risk to us. To the extent there are unfavorable changes imposed by the U.S. or other countries and/or retaliatory actions taken by trading partners, such as the addition of new tariffs or trade restrictions, we may experience material adverse impacts on earnings. For a more complete discussion of our risks related to tariffs and trade restrictions, see the risk factor, “Additional tariffs or a global trade war could increase the cost of our products, which could adversely impact the competitiveness of our products” under our “International Risk Factors” in this Item 1A. Risk Factors section.

Previous wording

We periodically realign manufacturing capacity among our global facilities and contract manufacturers in order to reduce costs by improving manufacturing efficiency and to strengthen our long-term competitive position. The implementation of these strategic initiatives may include significant shifts of production capacity among facilities and contract manufacturers. We have done this in the past related to the integration of certain acquisitions, including the integration of the ARRIS business. Also, in prior years, with some of the uncertainties in the U.S. trade tariff environment, we transitioned manufacturing for certain impacted products to non-tariff countries. In addition, in response to intermittent shutdowns of our facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, we transitioned certain manufacturing to less impacted facilities. These changes are time-consuming and costly, and changes in our contract manufacturers or manufacturing locations may cause significant interruptions in supply if the manufacturers have difficulty manufacturing products to our specifications. There are significant risks inherent in the implementation of these initiatives, including our failure to ensure the following: adequate inventory on hand or production capacity to meet customer demand while capacity is being shifted among facilities; maintaining product quality as a result of shifting capacity; adequate raw material and other service providers to meet the needs at the new production locations; ability to successfully remove, transport and re-install equipment; and availability of adequate supervisory, production and support personnel to accommodate the shifted production. In the event manufacturing realignment initiatives are not successfully implemented, we could experience lost future sales and increased operating costs, as well as customer relations problems, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

We periodically realign manufacturing capacity among our global facilities and contract manufacturers in order to reduce costs by improving manufacturing efficiency and to strengthen our long-term competitive position. The implementation of these strategic initiatives may include significant shifts of production capacity among facilities and contract manufacturers. For example, in the past, we have transitioned manufacturing for certain products in response to newly enacted tariffs. In addition, in response to intermittent shutdowns of our facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, we transitioned certain manufacturing to less impacted facilities. These changes are time-consuming and costly, and changes in our contract manufacturers or manufacturing locations may cause significant interruptions in supply if the manufacturers have difficulty manufacturing products to our specifications. There are significant risks inherent in the implementation of these initiatives, including our failure to ensure the following: adequate inventory on hand or production capacity to meet customer demand while capacity is being shifted among facilities; maintaining product quality as a result of shifting capacity; adequate raw material and other service providers to meet the needs at the new production locations; ability to successfully remove, transport and re-install equipment; and availability of adequate supervisory, production and support personnel to accommodate the shifted production. In the event manufacturing realignment initiatives are not successfully implemented, we could experience lost future sales and increased operating costs, as well as customer relations problems, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

To better optimize our portfolio of products, we have divested of the Home Networks business and we may in the future decide to separate, discontinue or divest of other businesses or product lines that we believe are not core to CommScope’s business, or where we believe the separation, discontinuation or divestiture will be accretive to stakeholders. A plan to separate, discontinue or divest a business or product line is complex in nature and can be affected by unanticipated developments or changes, including changes in the macroeconomic, regulatory or political environment, changes in credit or equity markets or changes in other market conditions.

Current wording

To better optimize our portfolio of products, we have recently divested the Home Networks segment, the OWN segment and the DAS business, and we may in the future decide to separate, discontinue or divest of other businesses or product lines that we believe are not core to CommScope’s business, or where we believe the separation, discontinuation or divestiture will be accretive to stakeholders. A plan to separate, discontinue or divest a business or product line is complex in nature and can be affected by unanticipated developments or changes, including changes in the macroeconomic, regulatory or political environment, changes in credit or equity markets or changes in other market conditions.

Previous wording

If we do choose to separate, discontinue or divest of a business or product line and successfully complete the separation plan, we cannot assure you or any of our stakeholders that we will achieve the expected benefits. Upon completion, we would also be a smaller, less diversified company and may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions. In addition, we will continue to incur ongoing costs some of which may exceed our estimates and may be stranded.

Current wording

If we do choose to separate, discontinue or divest of a business or product line and successfully complete the separation plan, we cannot assure you or any of our stakeholders that we will achieve the expected benefits. Upon completion, we would also be a smaller, less diversified company and may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions. In addition, we will continue to incur certain ongoing costs, which will be shared across a smaller company and which may exceed our estimates.

Previous wording

Our business strategy has historically relied, in part, on acquisitions to create growth, such as our acquisition of ARRIS in 2019 and our acquisition of TE Connectivity’s Broadband Network Solutions business (the BNS business) in 2015. We anticipate that a portion of our future growth may be accomplished by acquiring existing businesses, products or technologies. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition opportunities or obtain the necessary financing on acceptable terms to provide these future growth opportunities. We may spend time and money investigating and negotiating with potential acquisition or investment targets without completing the transaction, which may divert or waste resources.

Current wording

Our business strategy has historically relied, in part, on acquisitions to create growth, such as our acquisitions of Casa in 2024, ARRIS in 2019 and TE Connectivity’s Broadband Network Solutions business (the BNS business) in 2015. We anticipate that a portion of our future growth may be accomplished by acquiring existing businesses, products or technologies. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition opportunities or obtain the necessary financing on acceptable terms to provide these future growth opportunities. We may spend time and money investigating and negotiating with potential acquisition or investment targets without completing the transaction, which may divert or waste resources.

Previous wording

We rely on effective management information systems for critical business operations, to support strategic business decisions and to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. We rely on our ERP systems to support critical business operations such as processing sales orders and invoicing, manufacturing, shipping, inventory control, purchasing and supply chain management, human resources and financial reporting. In 2020, we began the upgrade and integration of our ERP software to a newer, cloud-based version. The first phase was completed in early 2021 and we completed the second phase in 2023, with limited disruption. These upgrades and integrations do have risks and any future upgrades or integrations could disrupt our operations, divert management’s attention and have an adverse effect on our capital resources, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Current wording

We rely on effective management information systems for critical business operations, to support strategic business decisions and to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. We rely on our ERP systems to support critical business operations such as processing sales orders and invoicing, manufacturing, shipping, inventory control, purchasing and supply chain management, human resources and financial reporting. Upgrades and integrations of new software or systems have risks and any future upgrades or integrations could disrupt our operations, divert management’s attention and have an adverse effect on our capital resources, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Previous wording

We have significant international sales, manufacturing, distribution and R&D operations. Our major international manufacturing, distribution and R&D facilities are located in China, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico and the U.K. For the year ended December 31, 2023, international sales represented 35% of our consolidated net sales. In general, our international sales have lower gross profit percentages than our domestic sales. To the extent international sales increase as a percentage of our net sales, our overall gross profit percentages may decline.

Current wording

We have significant international sales, manufacturing, distribution and R&D operations. Our major international manufacturing, distribution and R&D facilities are located in China, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico and the U.K. For the year ended December 31, 2024, international sales represented 34% of our consolidated net sales. In general, our international sales have lower gross profit percentages than our domestic sales. To the extent international sales increase as a percentage of our net sales, our overall gross profit percentages may decline.

Previous wording

Our international sales, manufacturing, distribution and R&D operations are subject to the risks inherent in operating abroad, including, but not limited to, coordinating communications among and managing international operations; currency exchange rate fluctuations; economic and political destabilization, including the current risk with China-Taiwan relations, China-U.S. relations and Russia-U.S. relations; restrictive actions by foreign governments; price inflation; volatile interest rates; wage inflation; nationalization of businesses and expropriation of assets; the laws and policies of the U.S. and other countries affecting trade and tariffs, anti-bribery, foreign investment and loans; foreign tax laws, including the ability to recover amounts paid as value-added and similar taxes; potential restrictions on the repatriation of cash; reduced protection of intellectual property; longer customer payment cycles; compliance with local laws and regulations, including the imposition of new data privacy and climate change regulations; volatile geopolitical turmoil, including popular uprisings, regional conflicts, terrorism, and war; shipping interruptions, including shortages of containers or port congestion; major public health or safety concerns, such as pandemics and infectious diseases; natural or man-made disasters; inflexible labor contracts or labor laws in the event of business downturns; and economic boycott for doing business in certain countries. Although the Company maintains insurance coverage for certain types of losses, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses that may arise.

Current wording

Our international sales, manufacturing, distribution and R&D operations are subject to the risks inherent in operating abroad, including, but not limited to, coordinating communications among and managing international operations; currency exchange rate fluctuations; economic and political destabilization, including the current risk with China-Taiwan relations, China-U.S. relations and Russia-U.S. relations; restrictive actions by foreign governments; price inflation; volatile interest rates; wage inflation; nationalization of businesses and expropriation of assets; the laws and policies of the U.S. and other countries affecting trade and tariffs, including additional tariffs implemented or proposed by the new administration (and counter tariffs from other countries that may be implemented in response): anti-bribery, foreign investment and loans; foreign tax laws, including the ability to recover amounts paid as value-added and similar taxes; potential restrictions on the repatriation of cash; reduced protection of intellectual property; longer customer payment cycles; compliance with local laws and regulations, including the imposition of new data privacy and climate change regulations; volatile geopolitical turmoil, including popular uprisings, regional conflicts, terrorism, and war; shipping interruptions, including shortages of containers or port congestion; major public health or safety concerns, such as pandemics and infectious diseases; natural or man-made disasters; inflexible labor contracts or labor laws in the event of business downturns; and economic boycott for doing business in certain countries. Although the Company maintains insurance coverage for certain types of losses, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses that may arise.

Previous wording

A significant portion of our products sold in the U.S. are manufactured outside the U.S. To the extent there are changes in U.S. trade policies, such as significant increases in tariffs or duties for goods brought into the U.S., our competitive position may be adversely impacted and the resulting effect on our earnings could be material. For a more complete discussion of our risks related to trade policies, see the risk factor, “Additional tariffs or a global trade war could increase the cost of our products, which could adversely impact the competitiveness of our products” under “International Risks” in this Item 1A, Risk Factors section.

Current wording

A significant portion of our products sold in the U.S. are manufactured outside the U.S. To the extent there are changes in U.S. trade policies, which have been implemented and/or proposed by the new administration, such as significant increases in tariffs or duties for goods brought into the U.S., our competitive position may be adversely impacted and the resulting effect on our earnings could be material. For a more complete discussion of our risks related to trade policies, see the risk factor, “Additional tariffs or a global trade war could increase the cost of our products, which could adversely impact the competitiveness of our products” under “International Risks” in this Item 1A, Risk Factors section.

Previous wording

There is uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and various other countries, most significantly China, with respect to trade policies and tariffs. Past U.S. administrations have called for substantial changes to U.S. foreign trade policy with respect to China and other countries, including the possibility of imposing greater restrictions on international trade and significant increases in tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. The current administration could have a different approach to U.S. foreign trade policy with China as well as other countries, but there remains uncertainty.

Current wording

There is uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and various other countries, most significantly China and Mexico, with respect to trade policies and tariffs. The new U.S. administration has implemented and/or proposed substantial changes to U.S. foreign trade policy with respect to China and other countries, including the possibility of imposing greater restrictions on international trade and significant increases in tariffs on goods imported into the U.S, but there remains uncertainty surrounding if and when all such changes may be implemented and the magnitude of any such changes.

Previous wording

This uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and certain of its trading partners may reduce trade between the U.S. and other nations, including countries in which we currently operate, or result in a global economic slowdown with long-term changes to global trade. Changes in policy or continued uncertainty could depress economic activity and restrict our access to suppliers or customers. The tariffs implemented on our products (or on materials, parts or components we use to manufacture our products) by past U.S. administrations increased the cost of our products manufactured in the U.S. and imported into the U.S. If additional tariffs or trade restrictions are implemented on our products (or on materials, parts or components we use to manufacture our products) by the U.S. or other countries, the cost of our products manufactured in China, Mexico or other countries and imported into the U.S. or other countries could increase further. We expect to continue to pass along some of these costs to our customers, but the increased cost could adversely affect the demand for products. We have been successful in the past in shifting the manufacturing locations for the impacted products, but this takes time and results in additional one-time costs and these alternative locations may have higher ongoing manufacturing costs. These cost increases could adversely affect the demand for our products and/or reduce margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and our earnings. In addition, a significant percentage of our component parts are manufactured in China and other Southeast Asian countries. The impact of tariffs or other geopolitical instability may limit our access and our manufacturing partners’ access to those components which would impact production and could lead to further increases to product costs. Additionally, further escalation of trade tensions could lead to the possible decoupling of the U.S. and China economies. Any or all of these factors could negatively affect demand for our products and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and such effects could be material.

Current wording

This uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and certain of its trading partners may reduce trade between the U.S. and other nations, including countries in which we currently operate, or result in a global economic slowdown with long-term changes to global trade. Changes in policy or continued uncertainty could depress economic activity and restrict our access to suppliers or customers. The tariffs implemented on our products (or on materials, parts or components we use to manufacture our products) by past U.S. administrations increased the cost of our products manufactured in the U.S. and imported into the U.S. If additional tariffs or trade restrictions are implemented on our products (or on materials, parts or components we use to manufacture our products) by the U.S. or other countries, the cost of our products manufactured in China, Mexico or other countries and imported into the U.S. or other countries could increase further. We expect to continue to pass along some of these costs to our customers, but the increased cost could adversely affect the demand for products. We have been successful in the past in shifting the manufacturing locations for some of the impacted products, but this takes time and results in additional one-time costs and these alternative locations may have higher ongoing manufacturing costs. These cost increases could adversely affect the demand for our products and/or reduce margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and our earnings. In addition, a significant percentage of our component parts are manufactured in China and other Southeast Asian countries. The impact of tariffs or other geopolitical instability may limit our access and our manufacturing partners’ access to those components, which would impact production and could lead to further increases to product costs. Additionally, further escalation of trade tensions could lead to the possible decoupling of the U.S. and China economies. Any or all of these factors could negatively affect demand for our products and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and such effects could be material.