ZIMMER BIOMET HOLDINGS, INC.

Previous wording

Competition within our markets is primarily on the basis of technology, innovation, quality, reputation, customer service and pricing. In markets outside of the U.S., other factors influence competition as well, including local distribution systems, complex regulatory environments, differing medical philosophies and differing product preferences. Our competition may have greater financial, marketing, technical and other resources than us; respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies; undertake more extensive marketing campaigns; operate more effective planning, manufacturing, sales and distribution channels; adopt more aggressive pricing policies; or be more successful in attracting potential customers, employees and strategic partners. We also face competition from pharmaceutical and other therapies that may be more attractive than, or have other benefits over, our products, or that could affect the frequency, progressions or symptoms of diseases and conditions that our products treat. Any of these factors, alone or in combination, could cause us to have difficulty maintaining or increasing sales of our products or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Current wording

Competition within our markets is primarily on the basis of technology, innovation, quality, reputation, customer service and pricing. In markets outside of the U.S., other factors influence competition as well, including local distribution systems, complex regulatory environments, differing medical philosophies and differing product preferences, including policy-driven preferences for local manufacturers. Our competition may have, and at times does have, greater financial, marketing, technical and other resources than us; respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies; undertake more extensive marketing campaigns; operate more effective planning, manufacturing, sales and distribution channels; adopt more aggressive pricing policies; or be more successful in attracting potential customers, employees and strategic partners. Additionally, our customers’ needs often vary depending on their sites of care, such as hospitals, hospital systems, ambulatory surgical centers and doctors’ offices, and certain of our competitors have better capabilities to serve certain sites of care than we do. We also face competition from pharmaceutical and other therapies that may be more attractive than, or have other benefits over, our products, or that could affect the frequency, progressions or symptoms of diseases and conditions that our products treat. Any of these factors, alone or in combination, could cause us to have difficulty maintaining or increasing sales of our products or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Previous wording

Our products may become obsolete, customers may not buy our products, and our revenue and profitability may decline without the timely introduction of new products and enhancements, due to changes in markets, or due to changes in applicable standards of care.

Current wording

Our products may become obsolete, customers may not buy our products, and our revenue and profitability may decline without the timely introduction of new products and enhancements, due to changes in markets, changes in our strategy, or due to changes in applicable standards of care.

Previous wording

Demand for our products may change, in certain cases, in ways we may not anticipate because of evolving customer needs, changing demographics, changing industry growth rates, declines in the musculoskeletal implant market, the introduction of competing products and technologies, the emergence of alternative treatment methods, evolving surgical philosophies and evolving industry standards. Our products may become obsolete without the timely introduction of new products and enhancements, or due to changes in applicable standards of care. If that happens, our revenue and operating results would suffer. The success of our new and enhanced product offerings will depend on several factors, including our ability to properly identify and anticipate customer needs; commercialize new products in a timely manner; manufacture and deliver instruments and products on time and in sufficient volumes; differentiate our offerings from competitors’ offerings; achieve positive clinical outcomes for new products; satisfy the increased demands by healthcare payors, providers and patients for shorter hospital stays, faster post-operative recovery and lower-cost procedures; innovate and develop new materials, product designs and surgical techniques; and provide adequate medical education relating to new products.

Current wording

Demand for our products may change, in certain cases, in ways we may not anticipate because of evolving customer needs, changing demographics, changing industry growth rates, declines in the musculoskeletal implant market, the introduction of competing products and technologies, changes to our strategy, the emergence of alternative treatment methods, evolving surgical philosophies and evolving industry standards. Our products may become obsolete without the timely introduction of new products and enhancements or due to changes in applicable standards of care. If that happens, our revenue and operating results would suffer. The success of our new and enhanced product offerings will depend on several factors, including our ability to properly identify and anticipate customer needs; commercialize new products in a timely manner; manufacture and deliver instruments and products on time and in sufficient volumes; differentiate our offerings from competitors’ offerings; achieve positive clinical outcomes for new products; satisfy the increased demands by healthcare payors, providers and patients for shorter hospital stays, faster post-operative recovery and lower-cost procedures; innovate and develop new materials, product designs and surgical techniques; and provide adequate medical education relating to new products.

Previous wording

Additionally, certain of our key employees and third parties have detailed knowledge of our products and instruments and have developed professional relationships with existing and potential customers due to this knowledge. Recent legal and regulatory changes may affect our ability to enforce post-termination obligations from certain employees and third parties with respect to non-competition, non-solicitation and protection of confidential information, which may negatively impact our ability to retain employees and third-party distributors and to protect our information and relationships with our customers.

Current wording

Additionally, certain of our key employees and third parties have detailed knowledge of our products and instruments and have developed professional relationships with existing and potential customers due to this knowledge. Recent legal and regulatory changes may affect our ability to enforce post-termination obligations from certain employees and third parties with respect to non-competition, non-solicitation and protection of confidential information, which may negatively impact our ability to retain key employees and third-party distributors and to protect our information and relationships with our customers.

Previous wording

potential loss of key employees;

Current wording

potential loss of key employees and key third parties;

Previous wording

unforeseen risks and liabilities associated with businesses acquired, including any unknown vulnerabilities in acquired technology, compromises of acquired data or noncompliance with data privacy requirements; and/or

Current wording

unforeseen risks and liabilities associated with businesses acquired, including any unknown vulnerabilities in acquired technology, compromises of acquired data or noncompliance with laws and regulations; and/or

Previous wording

We and our third-party manufacturers have manufacturing sites all over the world. In some instances, however, the manufacturing of certain of our product lines is concentrated in one or a few plants which are concentrated in a single country or region. Damage to one or more facilities or related operations from weather or natural disaster-related events, vulnerabilities in technology, cyber-attacks against our information systems or the information systems of our business partners (such as ransomware attacks), issues in manufacturing arising from failure to follow specific internal protocols and procedures, compliance concerns relating to the Quality System Regulation (“QSR”) and Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, equipment breakdown or malfunction, reductions in operations and/or worker absences, trade impediments, international sanctions, wars or other factors could adversely affect the ability to manufacture and distribute our products. In the event of an interruption in manufacturing or involving a critical supplier, we may be unable to move quickly to alternate means of producing or acquiring affected products or to meet customer demand, and alternative sources of supply may not be adequate to accommodate sudden increases in demand. We have experienced such interruptions previously (including in connection with our enterprise resource planning system implementation which negatively impacted distribution of our products), and we may experience such interruptions in the future. In the event of a significant interruption, for example, as a result of our or a supplier’s failure to follow regulatory protocols and procedures or as a result of a bankruptcy, we (or our suppliers) may experience lengthy delays in resuming production of affected products due primarily to the need for additional regulatory approvals. The global supply chain has been and continues to be negatively impacted by a variety of macro factors which have, in part, resulted in challenges to meet end market demand in some instances. As a result, we may experience lost sales, which we may be unable to recover, loss of market share, which we may be unable to recapture, and/or harm to our reputation, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We and our third-party manufacturers have manufacturing sites all over the world. In some instances, however, the manufacturing of certain of our product lines is concentrated in one or a few plants which are concentrated in a single country or region. Damage to one or more facilities or related operations from weather or natural disaster-related events, vulnerabilities in technology, cyber attacks against our or our business partners’ information systems, issues in manufacturing arising from failure to follow specific internal protocols and procedures, compliance concerns relating to the Quality System Regulation (“QSR”) and Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, equipment breakdown or malfunction, reductions in operations and/or worker absences, trade impediments, international sanctions, wars or other factors has in the past adversely affected, and could in the future adversely affect, the ability to manufacture and distribute our products. If we suffer, or a critical supplier suffers, a manufacturing interruption, we may be unable to move quickly to alternate means of producing or acquiring affected products or to meet customer demand, and alternative sources of supply may not be adequate to accommodate sudden increases in demand. We have experienced such interruptions previously (including in connection with our enterprise resource planning system implementation which negatively impacted distribution of our products in 2024), and we may experience such interruptions in the future. In the event of a significant interruption, for example, as a result of our or a supplier’s failure to follow regulatory protocols and procedures or as a result of a bankruptcy, we (or our suppliers) may experience lengthy delays in resuming production of affected products due primarily to the need for additional regulatory approvals. The global supply chain has been and continues to be negatively impacted by a variety of macro factors which have, in part, resulted in challenges to meet end market demand in some instances. As a result, we may experience lost sales, which we may be unable to recover, loss of market share, which we may be unable to recapture, and/or harm to our reputation, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

As a result of technology initiatives, changes in our system platforms and the ongoing integration of business acquisitions, we have been consolidating and integrating the ERP systems that we operate. ERP consolidation and integration programs are highly complex, require substantial management and financial resources, and may adversely affect our ability to process and/or fulfill orders, provide customer service, send and collect invoices, manage our contracts, manage our distribution network, provide financial information or otherwise run our business, in a timely manner or at all, or without incurring additional expenses or disruption.

Current wording

As a result of technology initiatives, changes in our system platforms and the ongoing integration of business acquisitions, we have been consolidating and integrating the ERP systems that we operate. ERP consolidation and integration programs are highly complex, require substantial management and financial resources, and may adversely affect our ability to process and/or fulfill orders, provide customer service, send and collect invoices, manage our contracts, manage our distribution network, provide financial information or otherwise run our business, in a timely manner or at all, or without incurring additional expenses or disruption. For example, during 2024, we experienced unanticipated challenges during an Americas ERP transition that disrupted our ability to fulfill customer orders during the second half of fiscal 2024, which caused adverse consequences including disruption to our ability to distribute product, difficulty in meeting customer demand, productivity declines, delays in invoicing customers, increased ERP system costs and loss of customers and sales. Additional disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the transition, design, and implementation of our ERP systems, particularly any disruptions, delays or deficiencies that impact our operations, could again in the future have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and results of financial operations.

Previous wording

Our information systems, and those of third parties with whom we contract, require an ongoing commitment of significant resources to maintain, protect and enhance existing systems and develop new systems to keep pace with continuing changes in information technology, evolving systems and regulatory standards, changing threats and vulnerabilities, and the increasing need to protect data including patient, customer and Confidential Information. In addition, given their size and complexity, these systems are vulnerable to service interruptions and to security breaches from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, third party suppliers and/or business partners, and from cyber attacks by malicious third parties attempting to gain unauthorized access to our products, systems or Confidential Information. Our use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in our infrastructure and products exposes us to new threats, risks and uncertainties, including with respect to changing laws and regulations regarding the use of such technologies.

Current wording

Our information systems, and those of third parties with whom we contract, require an ongoing commitment of significant resources to maintain, protect and enhance existing systems and develop new systems to keep pace with continuing changes in information technology, evolving system and regulatory standards, changing threats and vulnerabilities, and the increasing need to protect data including patient, customer and Confidential Information. In addition, given their size and complexity, these systems are vulnerable to service interruptions and to security breaches from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, third party suppliers and/or business partners, and from cyber attacks by malicious third parties attempting to gain unauthorized access to our products, systems or Confidential Information.

Previous wording

Like other large multi-national corporations, we and the third parties with whom we contract regularly experience cyber attacks, certain of which (including email phishing attacks on our email systems) have been successful, and we expect to continue to be subject to such attacks. These attacks may include phishing, state-sponsored cyber attacks, industrial espionage, insider threats, computer denial-of-service attacks, computer viruses, ransomware and other malware, payment fraud or other cyber incidents. Evolving artificial intelligence and machine learning tools continue to improve the capabilities of cyber attackers. In addition, as a result of our adoption of remote work arrangements in many positions, a significant number of our employees who are able to work remotely are doing so, and malicious cyber actors may increase efforts targeting remote workers, which exposes us to additional cybersecurity risks. Our cybersecurity program, incident response efforts, business continuity procedures and disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. If we (or third parties with whom we contract) fail to maintain or protect our information systems and data integrity effectively, we could:

Current wording

Like other large multi-national corporations, we and the third parties with whom we contract regularly experience cyber attacks, certain of which (including email phishing attacks on our email systems) have been successful, and we expect to continue to be subject to such attacks. These attacks may include phishing, state-sponsored cyber attacks, industrial espionage, insider threats, computer denial-of-service attacks, computer viruses, ransomware and other malware, payment fraud or other cyber incidents. Evolving artificial intelligence and machine learning tools continue to improve the capabilities of cyber attackers. In addition, as a result of our adoption of remote work arrangements in many positions, a significant number of our employees who are able to work remotely are doing so, which exposes us to additional cybersecurity risks. Our cybersecurity program, incident response efforts, business continuity procedures and disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. If we (or third parties with whom we contract) fail to maintain or protect our information systems and data integrity effectively, we could:

Previous wording

We will continue to dedicate significant resources to protect against unauthorized access to our systems and work with government authorities to detect and reduce the risk of future cyber incidents; however, cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, frequent and adaptive. Therefore, despite our efforts, we cannot assure that cybersecurity incidents or data breaches will not occur or that technology or information system issues will not arise in the future. Any significant breakdown, intrusion, breach, interruption, corruption or destruction of these systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation and could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, frequent and adaptive, and therefore, despite our efforts, we cannot assure that cybersecurity incidents or data breaches will not occur or that technology or information system issues will not arise in the future. Any significant breakdown, intrusion, breach, interruption, corruption or destruction of these systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation and could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Initiatives to limit the growth of general healthcare expenses and hospital costs are ongoing in the markets in which we do business, and we have experienced downward pressure on product pricing and other effects of healthcare reform in our international markets. These initiatives are sponsored by government agencies, legislative bodies and the private sector and include price regulation and competitive pricing. For example, China has implemented volume-based procurement (“VBP”) processes designed to reduce medical spending, which have in the past resulted in, and could in the future result in, reduced margins on covered devices and products, required renegotiation of distributor arrangements, and incurrence of inventory-related charges. In cases where our product is not selected in VBP, sales of that product are substantially impacted. “Buy local” initiatives have in the past resulted in, and could in the future result in, reduced demand for our products, as well as reduced margins on covered devices and products, required renegotiation of distributor arrangements and incurrence of inventory-related charges. Similarly, the Italian Public Administration has implemented a “Pay Back” law to obtain reimbursement from the medical device industry to contribute to government overspending on medical devices beginning in 2015, which assessments we have challenged, and a “Fund for the Government of Medical Devices” applicable to revenues relating to medical devices, large medical equipment and in vitro diagnostic devices commencing in 2024, which assessment we have also challenged. Additional cost reduction and recovery strategies are likely to be proposed in various jurisdictions, the effects of which are difficult to predict, but may have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.

Current wording

Initiatives to limit the growth of general healthcare expenses and hospital costs are ongoing in the markets in which we do business, and we have experienced downward pressure on product pricing and other effects of healthcare reform in our international markets. These initiatives are sponsored by government agencies, legislative bodies and the private sector and include price regulation and competitive pricing. For example, China has implemented volume-based procurement (“VBP”) processes designed to reduce medical spending, which have in the past resulted in, and could in the future result in, reduced margins on covered devices and products, required renegotiation of distributor arrangements, and incurrence of inventory-related charges. “Buy local” initiatives have in the past resulted in, and could in the future result in, reduced demand for our products, as well as reduced margins on covered devices and products, required renegotiation of distributor arrangements and incurrence of inventory-related charges. Similarly, the Italian Public Administration implemented a “Pay Back” law to obtain reimbursement from the medical device industry to contribute to government overspending on medical devices beginning in 2015 and a “Fund for the Government of Medical Devices” applicable to revenues relating to medical devices, large medical equipment and in vitro diagnostic devices commencing in 2024. Additional cost reduction and recovery strategies are likely to be proposed in various jurisdictions, the effects of which are difficult to predict, but may have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.

Previous wording

We incurred substantial indebtedness in connection with previous mergers and acquisitions, and may incur substantial additional indebtedness in connection with future mergers and acquisitions. At December 31, 2024, our total indebtedness was $6.2 billion. As of December 31, 2024, our debt service principal obligations (excluding interest, leases and equipment notes), during the next 12 months are expected to be $0.9 billion. As a result of the increase in our debt, demands on our cash resources have increased; such demand would further amplify if we fund future mergers and acquisitions using debt financing. Our current and future increased level of debt could, among other things:

Current wording

We incurred substantial indebtedness in connection with previous mergers and acquisitions, and may incur substantial additional indebtedness in connection with future mergers and acquisitions. At December 31, 2025, our total indebtedness was $7.5 billion. As of December 31, 2025, our debt service principal obligations (excluding interest, leases and equipment notes), during the next 12 months are expected to be $0.6 billion. As a result of the increase in our debt, demands on our cash resources have increased; such demand would further amplify if we fund future mergers and acquisitions using debt financing. Our current and future increased level of debt could, among other things:

Previous wording

In addition, the interest rates applicable to certain of our debt obligations are based on a fluctuating rate of interest determined by reference to the Secure Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or other externally-determined rates. SOFR and such other rates have increased from recent lows, which has increased our cost of borrowing. Any further increase in interest rates applicable to our debt obligations would increase our cost of borrowing and could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Current wording

In addition, the interest rates applicable to certain of our debt obligations are based on a fluctuating rate of interest determined by reference to the Secure Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or other externally-determined rates. SOFR and such other rates have increased from pandemic-era lows, which has increased our cost of borrowing. Any further increase in interest rates applicable to our debt obligations would increase our cost of borrowing and could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Previous wording

Goodwill and intangible assets represent a significant portion of our assets. At December 31, 2024, we had $9.0 billion in goodwill and $4.6 billion of intangible assets. The goodwill results from our acquisition activity and represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We assess at least annually whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our intangible assets may not be recoverable. As discussed further in Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements, in the fourth quarter of 2022, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $289.8 million as a result of, among other factors, changes in foreign currency exchange rates in our European-based currencies, inflation and a higher interest rate environment; and in the second quarter of 2022, we recorded $3.0 million of an in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) intangible asset impairment on a certain IPR&D project. There were no impairment charges during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, but if the operating performance at one or more of our reporting units significantly declines, including if competing or alternative technologies or pharmacological treatments, emerge, if market conditions or future cash flow estimates for one or more of our businesses decline, or as a result of restructuring initiatives pursuant to which we reorganize our reporting units, we could be required to record additional impairment charges. Any write-off of a material portion of our goodwill or unamortized intangible assets would negatively affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Goodwill and intangible assets represent a significant portion of our assets. At December 31, 2025, we had $9.9 billion in goodwill and $4.7 billion of intangible assets. The goodwill results from our acquisition activity and represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We assess at least annually whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our intangible assets may not be recoverable. There were no impairment charges during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, but if the operating performance at one or more of our reporting units significantly declines, including if competing or alternative technologies or pharmacological treatments, emerge, if market conditions or future cash flow estimates for one or more of our businesses decline, or as a result of restructuring initiatives pursuant to which we reorganize our reporting units, we could be required to record additional impairment charges. Any write-off of a material portion of our goodwill or unamortized intangible assets would negatively affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

data privacy and cybersecurity requirements and labor relations laws that may add to the complexity and costs of our operations or require changes to our products or business processes;

Current wording

data privacy and cybersecurity requirements, labor relations laws, sustainability disclosure requirements and other laws that add to the complexity and costs of our operations or require changes to our products or business processes;

Previous wording

Furthermore, political tensions between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, China and certain other countries have escalated in recent years. Rising political tensions could reduce trade, investment and other economic activities between or among these economies. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Furthermore, political tensions between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, China, Russia, Venezuela and certain other countries have escalated in recent years. Rising political tensions could reduce trade, investment and other economic activities between or among these economies. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The effects of emerging, expanding and new conflicts, such as a possible expansion of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, a possible expansion of conflicts in the Middle East, or a possible conflict involving China and Taiwan, may not be limited to the specific markets involved. Sanctions and other civil, political and economic effects of such conflicts are likely to have adverse impacts upon us. Additionally, other trade disruptions include supply chain continuity disruption; inflationary pressures and increased costs of raw materials and inputs; manufacturing or shipping delays; increased shipping costs and transit delays (such as experienced due to attacks on shipping transiting the Red Sea); and increased disruptions and delays affecting our ability to operate in and to collect payment for our products and services in particular markets.

Current wording

The effects of emerging, expanding and new conflicts, such as a possible expansion of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, conflicts in the Middle East, or a possible conflict involving China and Taiwan, may not be limited to the specific markets involved. Sanctions and other civil, political and economic effects of such conflicts are likely to have adverse impacts upon us. Additionally, other trade disruptions include supply chain continuity disruption; inflationary pressures and increased costs of raw materials and inputs; manufacturing or shipping delays; increased shipping costs and transit delays (such as experienced due to attacks on shipping transiting the Red Sea); and increased disruptions and delays affecting our ability to operate in and to collect payment for our products and services in particular markets.

Previous wording

Tariffs, trade restrictions and other trade measures could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Current wording

Tariffs, trade restrictions and other trade measures have adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, our business and financial results.

Previous wording

We operate in multiple countries and maintain a complex global supply chain and distribution network which exposes us to a variety of risks from U.S. and other countries’ international trade and tariff policies. Changes to tariffs, trade restrictions and protection measures applicable to trade with certain countries, trade in certain types of goods, or otherwise; new import or export requirements; changes to trade agreements; new or increased tariffs, trade embargoes, sanctions and other trade barriers may prevent us from shipping products to or from a particular market, restrict our access to certain sources of raw materials and other inputs, increase our operating costs and disrupt our ability to collect payment for our products and services in particular markets. For example, the U.S. has imposed tariffs and export controls on certain goods and products imported from China and certain other countries, which has resulted in retaliatory tariffs by China and other countries. Recently, the U.S. has imposed or threatened to impose additional tariffs on imports from Canada, China, Mexico and other countries, and has further threatened to impose additional tariffs on certain steel and aluminum imports; certain countries have imposed or threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs. We cannot predict how these developments will impact us, and existing or future tariffs and trade restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Additionally, these and other tariffs and further retaliatory trade measures could result in an increase in supply chain costs that we may not be able to offset in full or in part or that may otherwise adversely impact our financial results.

Current wording

We operate in multiple countries and maintain a complex global supply chain and distribution network which exposes us to a variety of risks from U.S. and other countries’ international trade and tariff policies. Changes to tariffs, trade restrictions and protection measures applicable to trade with certain countries, trade in certain types of goods, or otherwise; new import or export requirements; changes to trade agreements; new or increased tariffs, trade embargoes, sanctions and other trade barriers, have in the past and may in the future prevent us from shipping products to or from a particular market, restrict our access to certain sources of raw materials and other inputs, increase our operating costs and disrupt our ability to collect payment for our products and services in particular markets. For example, U.S. tariff and export controls policies have recently experienced rapid and extensive change, which in turn drove responsive or retaliatory changes to other countries’ tariff and export controls policies, many of which had adverse consequences on our cost of goods sold and revenue. We cannot predict how these dynamic developments will impact us or the bilateral and multilateral trade agreements upon which we rely. Existing or future tariffs and trade restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Additionally, these and other tariffs and further retaliatory trade measures could result in an increase in supply chain costs that we may not be able to offset in full or in part or that may otherwise adversely impact our financial results.

Previous wording

Both before and after a product is commercially released, we have ongoing responsibilities under FDA regulations, the EU MDR and other national, regional, state and other requirements. These requirements relate to quality systems, recordkeeping, labeling, promotional and marketing requirements, adverse event reporting, monitoring and other regulations, which are subject to continual review and are monitored rigorously through periodic inspections by regulators, which may result in observations (such as on FDA Form 483), and in some cases warning letters, that require corrective action or other forms of enforcement. Additionally, the availability of designated European notified body services to certify compliance with the EU MDR requirements is limited, which may delay the marketing approval for some of our products under the EU MDR (and, potentially, the UK MDR). Furthermore, regulators strictly regulate the promotional claims that we may make about approved or cleared products.

Current wording

Both before and after a product is commercially released, we have ongoing responsibilities under FDA regulations, the EU MDR, UK MDR and other national, regional, state and other requirements. These requirements relate to quality systems, recordkeeping, labeling, promotional and marketing requirements, adverse event reporting, monitoring and other regulations, which are subject to continual review and are monitored rigorously through periodic inspections by regulators, which may result in observations (such as on FDA Form 483), and in some cases warning letters, that require corrective action or other forms of enforcement. Furthermore, regulators strictly regulate the promotional claims that we may make about approved or cleared products.

Previous wording

We process personal and personal health data in our business, particularly through our ZBEdge® ecosystem. In addition, some of our products and services incorporate software or information technology that processes patient health data for treatment, maintenance and other purposes. Further, we obtain and process personal data related to our employees, individual business partners (such as physicians and consultants), and website visitors located around the world. These data and information-focused activities carry additional risk.

Current wording

We process personal and personal health data in our business, and certain of our products and services incorporate software or information technology that processes patient health data for treatment, maintenance and other purposes. Further, we obtain and process personal data related to our employees, individual business partners (such as physicians and consultants), and website visitors located around the world. These data and information-focused activities carry additional risk.

Previous wording

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture and marketing of medical devices. In the ordinary course of business, we are the subject of product liability lawsuits alleging that component failures, manufacturing flaws, design defects or inadequate disclosure of product-related risks or product-related information resulted in an unsafe condition or injury to patients. As discussed further in Note 21 to our consolidated financial statements, we are defending product liability lawsuits relating to the Durom® Acetabular Component (“Durom Cup”), certain products within the M/L Taper and M/L Taper with Kinectiv® Technology hip stems and Versys® Femoral Head implants, and the M2a-Magnum TM hip system. We are also currently defending a number of other product liability lawsuits and claims related to various other products. Any product liability claim brought against us, with or without merit, can be costly to defend. Product liability lawsuits and claims, safety alerts or product recalls, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation and on our ability to attract and retain customers.

Current wording

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture and marketing of medical devices. In the ordinary course of business, we are the subject of product liability lawsuits alleging that component failures, manufacturing flaws, design defects or inadequate disclosure of product-related risks or product-related information resulted in an unsafe condition or injury to patients. We are currently defending a number of product liability lawsuits and claims related to various products. Any product liability claim brought against us, with or without merit, can be costly to defend. Product liability lawsuits and claims, safety alerts or product recalls, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation and on our ability to attract and retain customers.