HARVARD BIOSCIENCE INC

Previous wording

The following factors should be reviewed carefully, in conjunction with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As previously discussed, our actual results could differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Our business faces a variety of risks. These risks include those described below and may include additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risk factors occur, our business operations, performance and financial condition could be adversely affected, and the trading price of our common stock could decline.

Current wording

The following factors should be reviewed carefully, in conjunction with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As previously discussed, our actual results could differ materially from the information included in our forward-looking statements. Our business faces a variety of risks. These risks include those described below and may include additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risk factors occur or develop, our business operations, financial performance and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected, and the trading price of our common stock could decline.

Previous wording

A portion of our revenues is derived from customers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and is subject to the risks faced by those industries. Such risks may adversely affect our financial results.

Current wording

A portion of our revenues is derived from customers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and is subject to the risks faced by those industries. Such risks may materially and adversely affect our financial results.

Previous wording

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and CROs serving these companies. We expect that pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and CROs will continue to be a significant source of our revenues for the foreseeable future, including in our CMT and Preclinical product families. As a result, we are subject to risks and uncertainties that affect the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, such as government regulation, ongoing consolidation, uncertainty of technological change, and reductions and delays in research and development expenditures by companies in these industries.

Current wording

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and CROs serving these companies. We expect that pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and CROs will continue to be a significant source of our revenues for the foreseeable future, including in our CMT and Preclinical product families. As a result, we are subject to risks and uncertainties that affect the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, such as government regulation, ongoing consolidation, uncertainty of technological change, and reductions and delays in research and development expenditures by companies in these industries.

Previous wording

In particular, the biotechnology industry is largely dependent on raising capital to fund its operations. If biotechnology companies that are our customers are unable to obtain the financing necessary to purchase our products, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, we are dependent, both directly and indirectly, upon general health care spending patterns, particularly in the research and development budgets of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as upon the financial condition and purchasing patterns of various governments and government agencies. As it relates to both the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, many companies have significant patents that have expired or are about to expire, which could result in reduced revenues for those companies. If pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies that are our customers suffer reduced revenues as a result of these patent expirations, they may be unable to purchase our products, and our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

In particular, the biotechnology industry is largely dependent on raising capital to fund its operations. If biotechnology companies that are our customers are unable to obtain the financing necessary to purchase our products, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we are dependent, both directly and indirectly, upon general health care spending patterns, particularly in the research and development budgets of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as upon the financial condition and purchasing patterns of various governments and government agencies. As it relates to both the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, many companies have significant patents that have expired or are about to expire, which could result in reduced revenues for those companies. If pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies that are our customers suffer reduced revenues as a result of these patent expirations, they may be unable to purchase our products and our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

Changes in governmental regulations may reduce demand for our products, adversely impact our revenues, or increase our expenses.

Current wording

Changes in government regulations may reduce demand for our products, adversely impact our revenues, or increase our expenses.

Previous wording

Our business is subject to economic, political and other risks associated with international revenues and operations.

Current wording

Our business is subject to economic, political and other risks associated with international sales and operations.

Previous wording

We manufacture and sell our products worldwide and as a result, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. A substantial amount of our revenues is derived from international operations, and we anticipate that a significant portion of our sales will continue to come from outside the United States in the future. We anticipate that revenues from international operations will likely continue to increase as a result of our efforts to expand our business in markets abroad. In addition, a number of our manufacturing facilities and suppliers are located outside the United States.

Current wording

We manufacture and sell our products internationally and, as a result, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. A substantial amount of our revenues is derived from international operations, and we anticipate that a significant portion of our sales will continue to come from outside the United States in the future. We anticipate that revenues from international operations will likely continue to increase as a result of our efforts to expand our business in markets abroad. In addition, a number of our manufacturing facilities and suppliers are located outside the United States.

Previous wording

Our foreign operations subject us to certain risks, including: effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the impact of local economic conditions; fluctuations or reductions in economic growth in overseas markets including Asia and Europe; local product preferences and seasonality and product requirements; local difficulty to effectively establish and expand our business and operations in international markets; disruptions of capital and trading markets; restrictions and potentially negative tax implications of transfer of capital across borders; differing labor regulations; other factors beyond our control, including potential political instability, terrorism, acts of war, natural disasters and diseases, including COVID-19 discussed below; unexpected changes and increased enforcement of regulatory requirements and various state, federal and international, intellectual property, environmental, antitrust, anti-corruption, fraud and abuse (including anti-kickback and false claims laws) and employment laws; interruption to transportation flows for delivery of parts to us and finished goods to our customers; and laws and regulations on foreign investment in the United States under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, and other agencies, including the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, or FIRRMA, adopted in August 2018.

Current wording

Our foreign operations subject us to certain risks, including: effects of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the impact of local economic conditions; fluctuations or reductions in economic growth in overseas markets including Asia and Europe; product preferences and seasonality and product requirements in foreign markets; difficulties in effectively establishing and expanding our business and operations in international markets; disruptions in foreign capital markets and trading markets; restrictions and potentially negative tax implications of transfers of capital across borders; differing labor regulations; the imposition of tariffs or import or export restrictions by the United States or foreign governments; other factors beyond our control, including potential political instability, terrorism, acts of war, natural disasters and diseases, pandemics; unexpected changes and increased enforcement of regulatory requirements and various state, federal and international, intellectual property, environmental, antitrust, anti-corruption, fraud and abuse (including anti-kickback and false claims laws) and employment laws; interruption to transportation flows for delivery of parts to us and finished goods to our customers; and laws and regulations on foreign investment in the United States under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, and other agencies, including the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, or FIRRMA.

Previous wording

A small percentage of our products are subject to export control regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and by the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”). Based on the nature of the product, its ultimate end use and country of destination, we are sometimes subject to foreign assets control and economic sanctions regulations administered by OFAC, which restrict or prohibit our ability to transact with certain foreign countries, certain individuals and entities identified on the Treasury Department’s “Denied Parties List.” Under the OFAC regulations, the sale or transfer of certain equipment to a location outside the United States may require prior approval in the form of an export license issued by the BIS or the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Some potential international transactions may also be restricted or prohibited based on the location, nationality or identity of the potential end user, customer or other parties to the transaction or may require prior authorization in the form of an OFAC license. These risks may be exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in various regions of the world such as China, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. Any delay in obtaining required governmental approvals could affect our ability to conclude a sale or timely commence a project, and the failure to comply with all such controls could result in criminal and/or civil penalties. These international transactions may otherwise be subject to tariffs and import/export restrictions from the United States or other governments.

Current wording

A small percentage of our products are subject to export control regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and by the Export Administration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”). Based on the nature of the product, its ultimate end use and country of destination, we are sometimes subject to foreign assets control and economic sanctions regulations administered by OFAC, which restrict or prohibit our ability to transact with certain foreign countries, certain individuals and entities identified on the Treasury Department’s “Denied Parties List.” Under the OFAC regulations, the sale or transfer of certain equipment to a location outside the United States may require prior approval in the form of an export license issued by the BIS or the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Some potential international transactions may also be restricted or prohibited based on the location, nationality or identity of the potential end user, customer or other parties to the transaction or may require prior authorization in the form of an OFAC license. These risks may be exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in various regions of the world such as China, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. Any delay in obtaining required governmental approvals could affect our ability to conclude a sale or timely commence a project, and the failure to comply with all such controls could result in criminal and/or civil penalties.

Previous wording

Inflation rates, particularly in the U.S., have increased recently to levels not seen in years. Sustained or increased inflation may result in decreased demand for our products, increased operating costs (including our labor costs), reduced liquidity, and limitations on our ability to access credit or otherwise raise debt and equity capital. In addition, the United States Federal Reserve has raised interest rates in response to concerns about inflation. Increases in interest rates have had, and could continue to have, a material impact on our borrowing costs. In an inflationary environment, we may be unable to raise the sales prices of our products at or above the rate at which our costs increase, which could reduce our profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our financial results and net income. We also may experience lower than expected sales if there is a decrease in spending on products in our industry in general or a negative reaction to our pricing. A reduction in our revenue would be detrimental to our profitability and financial condition and could also have an adverse impact on our future growth.

Current wording

Sustained or increased inflation may result in decreased demand for our products, increased operating costs (including our labor costs), reduced liquidity, and limitations on our ability to access credit or otherwise raise debt and equity capital. In addition, the United States Federal Reserve has raised interest rates in response to concerns about inflation. Increases in interest rates have had, and could continue to have, a material impact on our borrowing costs. In an inflationary environment, we may be unable to raise the sales prices of our products at or above the rate at which our costs increase, which could reduce our profit margins and have a material adverse effect on our financial results and net income. We also may experience lower than expected sales if there is a decrease in spending on products in our industry in general or a negative reaction to our pricing. A reduction in our revenue would be detrimental to our profitability and financial condition and could also have an adverse impact on our future growth.

Previous wording

Our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt and other financial obligations and comply with financial covenants depends on our financial and operating performance. Our financial and operating performance will continue to be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Failure within any applicable grace or cure periods to make such payments, comply with the financial covenants, or any other non-financial or restrictive covenant, would create a default under our Credit Agreement. Our cash flow and existing capital resources may be insufficient to repay our debt at maturity, in which such case prior thereto we would have to extend such maturity date, or otherwise repay, refinance and or restructure the obligations under the Credit Agreement, including with proceeds from the sale of assets, and additional equity or debt capital. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining such extension, or entering into such repayment, refinance or restructure prior to maturity, or any other default existed under the Credit Agreement, our lenders could accelerate the indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, foreclose against their collateral or seek other remedies, which would jeopardize our ability to continue our current operations.

Current wording

If we fail to satisfy these requirements, there can be no assurance that the lenders will not take action to collect payment of our debt or dispose of collateral securing the debt. Our cash flow and existing capital resources may be insufficient to repay our debt, in which such case prior thereto we would have to repay, refinance and or restructure the obligations under the Credit Agreement, including with proceeds from the sale of assets, and additional equity or debt capital. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining such extension, or entering into such repayment, refinance or restructure prior to maturity or acceleration of repayment, our lenders could foreclose against their collateral or seek other remedies, which would jeopardize our ability to continue our current operations.

Previous wording

Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, we are subject to various covenants, including negative covenants that restrict our ability to engage in certain transactions, which may limit our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions. Such negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur debt or liens, make investments (including acquisitions), sell assets, and pay dividends on our capital stock. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants, including a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, each of which will be tested at the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company.

Current wording

Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, we are subject to various covenants, including negative covenants that restrict our ability to engage in certain transactions, which may limit our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions. Such negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur debt or liens, make investments (including acquisitions), sell assets, and pay dividends on our capital stock. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants, including a maximum consolidated net leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, each of which is to be tested at the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company. The March 2025 Amendment contains a minimum liquidity requirement, which will be tested on a biweekly basis. The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in the Credit Agreement and any future financing agreements may adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities.

Previous wording

We are subject to the risks of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, which could have an adverse effect on the sales price of our products in foreign markets, as well as the costs and expenses of our foreign subsidiaries. A substantial amount of our revenues is derived from international operations, and we anticipate that a significant portion of revenues will continue to come from outside the United States in the future. As a result, currency fluctuations among the United States dollar, British pound, euro and the other currencies in which we do business have caused and will continue to cause foreign currency translation and transaction gains and losses. We have not used forward exchange contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposures. We attempt to manage foreign currency risk through the matching of assets and liabilities. In the future, we may undertake to manage foreign currency risk through hedging methods, including foreign currency contracts. We recognize foreign currency gains or losses arising from our operations in the period incurred. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in managing foreign currency risk or in predicting the effects of exchange rate fluctuations upon our future operating results because of the number of currencies involved, the variability of currency exposure and the potential volatility of currency exchange rates. We cannot predict with any certainty changes in foreign currency exchange rates or the degree to which we can address these risks.

Current wording

We are subject to the risks of fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates, which could have an adverse effect on the sales price of our products in foreign markets, as well as the costs and expenses of our foreign subsidiaries. A substantial amount of our revenues is derived from international operations, and we anticipate that a significant portion of revenues will continue to come from outside the United States in the future. As a result, currency fluctuations among the United States dollar, British pound, euro and the other currencies in which we do business have caused and will continue to cause foreign currency translation and transaction gains and losses. We have not used forward exchange contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposures. We attempt to manage foreign currency risk through the matching of assets and liabilities. In the future, we may undertake to manage foreign currency risk through hedging methods, including foreign currency contracts. We recognize foreign currency gains or losses arising from our operations in the period incurred. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful in managing foreign currency risk or in predicting the effects of exchange rate fluctuations upon our future operating results because of the number of currencies involved, the variability of currency exposure and the potential volatility of currency exchange rates. We cannot predict with certainty any changes in foreign currency exchange rates or the degree to which we can address these risks.

Previous wording

Disruption caused by the failure of these systems, the underlying equipment, or communication networks could delay or otherwise adversely impact day-to-day business and decision making, could make it impossible for us to operate critical equipment, and could have an adverse effect on our performance. Our disaster recovery plans may not fully mitigate the effect of any such disruption. Disruptions could be caused by a variety of factors, such as catastrophic events or weather, power outages, or cyber-attacks on our systems by outside parties.

Current wording

We depend on accurate and timely information and numerical data from key software applications to aid our day-to-day business, financial reporting and decision-making and, in many cases, proprietary and custom-designed software is necessary to operate our business. Disruption caused by the failure of these systems, the underlying equipment, or communication networks could delay or otherwise adversely impact day-to-day business and decision making, could make it impossible for us to operate critical equipment, and could have an adverse effect on our performance. Our disaster recovery plans may not fully mitigate the effect of any such disruption. Disruptions could be caused by a variety of factors, such as catastrophic events or weather, power outages, or cyber-attacks on our systems by outside parties.

Previous wording

We review our information technology (“IT”) systems regularly to assess and implement opportunities to improve or upgrade our enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) or other information systems required to operate our business effectively. Our ERP systems are critical to our ability to accurately maintain books and records, record transactions, provide important information to our management and prepare our financial statements. The implementation of any IT systems, including ERP systems, has required in the past, and may continue to require, the investment of significant financial and human resources. In addition, we may not be able to successfully complete the implementation of the ERP systems without experiencing difficulties. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design and implementation of any IT system, including ERP systems could adversely affect our ability to process orders, ship products, provide services and customer support, send invoices and track payments, fulfill contractual obligations or otherwise operate our business.

Current wording

Our ERP systems are critical to our ability to accurately maintain books and records, record transactions, provide important information to our management and prepare our financial statements. The implementation of any IT systems, including ERP systems, has required in the past, and may continue to require investment of significant financial and human resources. In addition, we may not be able to successfully complete the implementation of the ERP systems without experiencing difficulties. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design and implementation of any information technology (“IT) system, including ERP systems, could adversely affect our ability to process orders, ship products, provide services and customer support, send invoices and track payments, fulfill contractual obligations or otherwise operate our business.

Previous wording

To meet business objectives, we rely on both internal IT systems and networks, and those of third parties and their vendors, to process and store sensitive data, including confidential research, business plans, financial information, intellectual property, and personal data that may be subject to legal protection. The extensive information security and cybersecurity threats, which affect companies globally, pose a risk to the security and availability of these IT systems and networks, and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our sensitive data. We continually assess these threats and make investments to increase internal protection, detection, and response capabilities, as well as ensure our third-party providers have the required capabilities and controls to address this risk. While we have been, and may continue to be, subject to cybersecurity risks and incidents related to our business, to date, we have not experienced any material impact to the business or operations resulting from information or cybersecurity incidents; however, because of the frequently evolving tactics adopted by threat actors, along with the increased volume and sophistication of attacks by such threat actors, there is the potential for us to be materially adversely impacted in the future. This impact could result in reputational, competitive, operational or other business harm as well as financial costs and regulatory action. Additionally, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the “CCPA”), which became effective on January 1, 2020, provides private rights of action for data breaches and requires companies that process information on California residents to make new disclosures to consumers about their data collection, use and sharing practices and allow consumers to opt out of certain data sharing with third parties. Compliance with the CCPA and other current and future applicable privacy, cybersecurity and related laws can be costly and time-consuming. Significant capital investments and other expenditures could also be required to remedy cybersecurity problems and prevent future breaches, including costs associated with additional security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. These costs, which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations in the period in which they are incurred and may not meaningfully limit the success of future attempts to breach our information technology systems.

Current wording

To meet business objectives, we rely on both internal IT systems and networks, and those of third parties and their vendors, to process and store sensitive data, including confidential research, business plans, financial information, intellectual property, and personal data that may be subject to legal protection. The extensive information security and cybersecurity threats, which affect companies globally, pose a risk to the security and availability of these IT systems and networks, and the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our sensitive data. We continually assess these threats and make investments to increase internal protection, detection, and response capabilities, as well as ensure our third-party providers have the required capabilities and controls to address this risk. We have been, and may continue to be, subject to cybersecurity risks and incidents related to our business. While we have not experienced any material impact to the business or operations resulting from information or cybersecurity incidents, because of the frequently evolving tactics adopted by threat actors, along with the increased volume and sophistication of attacks by such threat actors, there is the potential for us to be materially adversely impacted in the future. This impact could result in reputational, competitive, operational or other business harm as well as financial costs and regulatory action. Additionally, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the “CCPA”), which became effective on January 1, 2020, provides private rights of action for data breaches and requires companies that process information on California residents to make new disclosures to consumers about their data collection, use and sharing practices and allow consumers to opt out of certain data sharing with third parties. Compliance with the CCPA and other current and future applicable privacy, cybersecurity and related laws can be costly and time-consuming. Significant capital investments and other expenditures could also be required to remedy cybersecurity problems and prevent future breaches, including costs associated with additional security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. These costs, which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations in the period in which they are incurred and may not meaningfully limit the success of future attempts to breach our information technology systems.

Previous wording

We may be unable to renew leases or enter into new leases on favorable terms.

Current wording

We may be unable to renew leases or enter into new leases on favorable terms or at all.

Previous wording

Our facilities are located in leased premises. Several of our leases will expire in 2024 and we may be unable to renew such leases or enter into new leases on favorable terms and conditions or at all. A significant rise in real estate prices or real property taxes could also result in an increase in lease cost, and thereby negatively impacting the Company’s results of operations and cash flow. As a result, we may incur additional costs including increased rent and other costs related to our renegotiation of lease terms for our facilities or for a new lease in a desirable location.

Current wording

Our facilities are located in leased premises. When such leases expire, we may be unable to renew such leases or enter into new leases on favorable terms or at all. Further, a significant rise in real estate prices or real property taxes could also result in an increase in lease expenses, and thereby negatively impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flow. As a result, we may incur additional costs including increased rent and other costs related to our renegotiation of lease terms for our facilities or for a new lease in a desirable location.

Previous wording

We may not be able to implement all of the actions that we intend to take in the restructuring of our operations, and we may not be able to fully realize the expected benefits from such realignment and restructuring plans or other similar restructurings in the future. In addition, we may incur additional restructuring costs in implementing such realignment and restructuring plans or other similar future plans in excess of our expectations. The implementation of our restructuring efforts, including the reduction of our workforce, may not improve our operational and cost structure or result in greater efficiency of our organization; and we may not be able to support sustainable revenue growth and profitability following such restructurings.

Current wording

We may not realize the expected benefits from our recent realignment and restructuring initiatives or similar restructuring initiatives that we may undertake in the future. In addition, we may incur additional restructuring costs in implementing such realignment and restructuring plans or other similar future plans in excess of our expectations. The implementation of our restructuring efforts, including the reduction of our workforce, may not improve our operational and cost structure or result in greater efficiency of our organization; and we may not be able to support sustainable revenue growth and profitability following such restructurings.

Previous wording

Our success will depend on the expansion of our operations through organic growth, and we may execute acquisitions in the future to augment this growth. Effective growth management will place increased demands on our management team, operational and financial resources and expertise. To manage growth, we must optimize our operational, financial and management processes and systems, and information technology infrastructure and hire and train additional qualified personnel. While we are currently in the process of evaluating potential improvements to and consolidation of many of our processes and systems, we may not be able to implement these changes in an efficient or timely manner. Failure to manage our growth effectively, including failure to improve our systems and processes timely or efficiently, could impair our ability to generate revenues or could cause our expenses to increase more rapidly than revenues, resulting in operating losses or reduced profitability.

Current wording

Our success will depend on the expansion of our operations through organic growth, and we may execute acquisitions in the future to augment this growth. Effective growth management will place increased demands on our management team, operational and financial resources and expertise. To manage growth, we must optimize our operational, financial and management processes and systems, and information technology infrastructure and hire and train additional qualified personnel. While we continue to evaluate potential improvements to and consolidation of many of our processes and systems, we may not be able to implement these changes in an efficient or timely manner. Failure to manage our growth effectively, including failure to improve our systems and processes timely or efficiently, could impair our ability to generate revenues or could cause our expenses to increase more rapidly than revenues, resulting in operating losses or reduced profitability.

Previous wording

Our success is highly dependent on the continued services of key management, technical and scientific personnel. Our management and other employees may voluntarily terminate their employment at any time upon short notice. The loss of the services of any member of the senior management team, including the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer or any of our managerial, technical or scientific staff may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of product development, our growth strategies and other business objectives. Our future success will also depend on our ability to identify, recruit and retain additional qualified scientific, technical and managerial personnel. We operate in several geographic locations where labor markets are particularly competitive, including the Boston, Massachusetts and Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan areas, England, and Germany where demand for personnel with these skills is extremely high and is likely to remain high. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic and other macroeconomic factors have exacerbated these challenges, contributed to a sustained labor shortage, and increased turnover rates. As a result, competition for qualified personnel is intense, particularly in the areas of general management, finance, information technology, engineering and science, and the process of hiring suitably qualified personnel is often lengthy and expensive and may become more expensive in the future. If we are unable to hire and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, our ability to conduct and expand our business could be seriously reduced.

Current wording

Our success is highly dependent on the continued services of key management, technical and scientific personnel. Our management and other employees may voluntarily terminate their employment at any time upon short notice. The loss of the services of any member of the senior management team, including the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer or any of our managerial, technical or scientific staff, may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of product development, our growth strategies and other business objectives. Our future success will also depend on our ability to identify, recruit and retain additional qualified scientific, technical and managerial personnel. We operate in several geographic locations where labor markets are particularly competitive, including the Boston, Massachusetts and Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan areas, England, and Germany where demand for personnel with these skills is extremely high and is likely to remain high. As a result, competition for qualified personnel is intense, particularly in the areas of general management, finance, information technology, engineering and science, and the process of hiring suitably qualified personnel is often lengthy and expensive and may become more expensive in the future. If we are unable to hire and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, our ability to conduct and expand our business could be seriously reduced.

Previous wording

Third parties may seek to hold us responsible for Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technologies, Inc.’s (“HRGN”) (formerly known as Biostage, Inc.) liabilities, including liabilities that HRGN has assumed from us.

Current wording

Third parties may seek to hold us responsible for Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technologies, Inc.’s (“HRGN”) (formerly known as Biostage, Inc.) liabilities, including liabilities that HRGN has assumedfrom*** us.***

Previous wording

Our stock price has fluctuated in the past and could experience substantial declines in the future.

Current wording

Our stock price has fluctuated in the past and could experience substantial additional declines in the future.

Previous wording

The market price of our common stock has experienced significant fluctuations and may become volatile and could decline in the future, perhaps substantially, in response to various factors including, but not limited to:

Current wording

The market price of our common stock has experienced significant fluctuations and may become volatile and could decline further in the future, perhaps substantially, in response to various factors including, but not limited to:

Previous wording

If we raise additional funds through the sale of equity or convertible debt or equity-linked securities, existing percentages of ownership in our common stock will be reduced and these transactions may dilute the value of our outstanding common stock.

Current wording

If we raise additional funds through the sale of equity or convertible debt or other equity-linked securities, investors may experience significant dilution of their ownership interest.

Previous wording

We may raise additional funds through the sale of equity or convertible debt or equity-linked securities to repay our existing indebtedness, implement our acquisition strategy, expand our operations and/or invest in new products. If we raise additional funds through such sales, existing percentages of ownership in our common stock will be reduced and these transactions may dilute the value of our outstanding common stock. We may issue securities that have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. If we raise additional funds through collaborations or licensing arrangements, we may relinquish rights to certain of our technologies or products, or grant licenses to third parties on terms that are unfavorable.

Current wording

We may raise additional funds through the sale of equity or convertible debt or other equity-linked securities to repay our existing indebtedness, implement our acquisition strategy, expand our operations or invest in the development of new products. If we raise additional funds through such sales, investors may experience significant dilution of their ownership interest. We may issue securities that have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. If we raise additional funds by obtaining loans from third parties, the terms of those financing arrangements may include negative covenants or other restrictions on our business that could impair our operational flexibility and would also require us to incur additional interest expense.

Previous wording

Epidemics and pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic have had, and in the future may have, a material adverse impact on our business.

Current wording

Epidemics and pandemics have had, and in the future may have, a material adverse impact on our business.

Previous wording

Our operations and financial performance have been, and in the future may be, negatively impacted by public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics and pandemics. Such events have caused, and may in the future cause, impacts such as reductions in economic activity (including volatility in demand for our products, services, and solutions, disruptions in global supply chains, and volatility in financial markets). Additionally, we have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, operational challenges such as workplace disruptions, restrictions on the movement of people, raw materials, and goods (both at our own facilities and at those of our customers and suppliers), global supply chain disruptions, delays or disruptions in orders and order fulfillment, and price inflation.

Current wording

Our operations and financial performance have been, and in the future may be, negatively impacted by public health crises, epidemics and pandemics. Such events have caused, and may in the future cause, impacts such as reductions in economic activity (including volatility in demand for our products, services, and solutions, disruptions in global supply chains, and volatility in financial markets). Additionally, we have in the past experienced, and may in the future experience, operational challenges such as workplace disruptions, restrictions on the movement of people, raw materials, and goods (both at our own facilities and at those of our customers and suppliers), global supply chain disruptions, delays or disruptions in orders and order fulfillment, and price inflation.

Previous wording

There continues to be uncertainty about the relationship between the United States and foreign countries, including with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. We are unable to predict whether or when tariffs will be imposed or the impact of any such future tariff increases.

Current wording

There continues to be uncertainty about the relationship between the United States and foreign countries, including with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. The United States has recently instituted or proposed changes in trade policies that include the negotiation or termination of trade agreements, the imposition of higher tariffs on imports into the United States, economic sanctions on individuals, corporations or countries, and other government regulations affecting trade between the United States and other countries where we conduct our business. A number of other nations have proposed or instituted similar measures directed at trade with the United States in response. As a result of these developments, there may be greater restrictions and economic disincentives on international trade that could materially and adversely affect our business.