ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES INC

Previous wording

The loss, reduction, or fluctuation of sales to key customers, including independent distributors or national home center customers, or any adverse change in our business relationships with them, whether as a result of changing customer demands and expectations, reduced demand, supply chain constraints, competition, industry consolidation or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Current wording

The loss, reduction, or fluctuation of sales to key customers, including national home center customers or independent distributors, or any adverse change in our business relationships with them, whether as a result of changing customer demands and expectations, competition, industry consolidation, supply chain constraints or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Previous wording

The availability and cost of raw materials, packaging materials, energy and sourced products are critical to our operations and our results of operations. For example, we use substantial quantities of natural gas and some petroleum-based raw materials in our manufacturing operations. We source some materials from a limited number of suppliers, which, among other things, increases the risk of unavailability. Limited availability could require us to reformulate products or limit our production. Supply chain disruptions could decrease access to manufacturing inputs or sourced products or significantly increase the cost to purchase these items. Future input cost volatility could occur because of our suppliers’ exposure to tariffs or geopolitical events. A decrease in availability or increases in costs of manufacturing inputs or sourced products, and any inability to pass along such costs through price increases, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Current wording

The availability and cost of raw materials, packaging materials, energy and sourced products are critical to our operations and our results of operations. For example, we use substantial quantities of natural gas and some petroleum-based raw materials in our manufacturing operations. We source some materials from a limited, or single, number of suppliers, which, among other things, increases the risk of unavailability. Limited availability could require us to reformulate products or limit our production. Supply chain disruptions could decrease access to manufacturing inputs or sourced products or significantly increase the cost to purchase these items. Future input cost volatility could occur because of our suppliers’ exposure to governmental trade policies, including tariffs, or geopolitical events. A decrease in availability or increases in costs of manufacturing inputs or sourced products, and any inability to pass along such costs through price increases, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Previous wording

We believe the relationship with our partner, Worthington Enterprises, Inc., is an important element in the success of this joint venture. In December 2023, Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (formerly known as Worthington Industries, Inc.) separated from Worthington Steel, Inc. into a separate, independent, publicly traded company (the “Worthington Separation”). Worthington Enterprises, Inc.’s investment in WAVE was not included in the assets and business transferred to Worthington Steel, Inc. If the Worthington Separation or any other change with respect to our partner adversely impacts our relationship, WAVE’s performance could be materially and adversely impacted. In addition, our partner may develop economic or business interests or goals that are different from or inconsistent with our interests or goals, which may impact our ability to influence or align WAVE’s strategy and operations with our interests or goals.

Current wording

We believe the relationship with our partner, Worthington Enterprises, Inc., is an important element in the success of this joint venture. If there is a change in ownership, a change in control, a change in management philosophy, a change in business strategy or another event with respect to our partner that adversely impacts our relationship, WAVE’s performance could be materially and adversely impacted. In addition, our partner may develop economic or business interests or goals that are different from or inconsistent with our interests or goals, which may impact our ability to influence or align WAVE’s strategy and operations with our interests or goals.

Previous wording

We seek ways to make our operations more efficient and effective. We may reduce, move, modify or expand our plants and operations, as well as our sourcing and supply chain arrangements, and invest in technology, as needed, to control costs and improve productivity. Such actions involve substantial planning, often require capital investments and may result in charges for fixed asset impairments or obsolescence and substantial severance costs. Our ability to achieve cost savings and other benefits within expected time frames is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If these estimates and assumptions are incorrect, if we experience delays resulting from equipment failures or other interruptions in production, or if other unforeseen events occur, our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

We seek ways to make our operations more efficient and effective. We may reduce, move, modify or expand our plants and operations, as well as our sourcing and supply chain arrangements, and invest in technology, as needed, to control costs and improve productivity. Such actions involve substantial planning, often require capital investments and may result in charges for fixed asset impairments or obsolescence and substantial severance costs. Our ability to achieve the cost savings and other benefits within expected time frames is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. If these estimates and assumptions are incorrect, if we experience delays resulting from equipment failures or other interruptions in production, or if other unforeseen events occur, our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

We rely on our employees to manufacture and sell our products. Because most of our manufacturing employees are represented by unions and covered by collective bargaining or similar agreements, we often incur costs attributable to periodic renegotiation of those agreements, which may be difficult to project. Collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 180 employees at three U.S. plants will expire during 2025. We are also subject to the risk that strikes or other conflicts with organized personnel may arise or that we may become the subject of union organizing activity at our facilities that do not currently have union representation. Prolonged negotiations, conflicts or related activities could also lead to costly work stoppages, loss of productivity and reduced service levels to our customers.

Current wording

We rely on our employees to manufacture and sell our products. Because most of our manufacturing employees are represented by unions and covered by collective bargaining or similar agreements, we often incur costs attributable to periodic renegotiation of those agreements, which may be difficult to project. Collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 260 employees at one U.S. plant will expire during 2026. We are also subject to the risk that strikes or other conflicts with organized personnel may arise or that we may become the subject of union organizing activity at our facilities that do not currently have union representation. Prolonged negotiations, conflicts or related activities could also lead to costly work stoppages, loss of productivity and reduced service levels to our customers.

Previous wording

Evolving and/or conflicting government, customer and societal views related to climate change, climate transition, responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency, resource stewardship, diversity, human rights, social responsibility and other sustainability matters and our efforts to manage and report on them, as well as accomplish our sustainability goals, present numerous operational, regulatory, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks, any of which could have a material adverse impact.

Current wording

Evolving and/or conflicting governmental regulations, customer and societal views related to climate change, climate transition, responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency, resource stewardship, diversity, human rights, social responsibility and other sustainability matters and our efforts to manage and report on them, as well as accomplish our sustainability goals, present numerous operational, regulatory, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks, any of which could have a material adverse impact.

Previous wording

In May 2024, we published our annual Sustainability Report, which includes certain 2030 sustainability goals and describes our progress towards meeting those goals. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits we expect from these goals, which may damage our reputation, or these efforts may not align with new regulations or expectations of stakeholders. Efforts to achieve these goals may result in higher or unforeseen costs. In addition, we may encounter challenges measuring our progress towards the achievement of our sustainability goals.

Current wording

In May 2025, we published our annual Sustainability Report, which includes certain 2030 sustainability goals and describes our progress towards meeting those goals. We may not achieve the anticipated benefits we expect from these goals, which may damage our reputation, or these efforts may not align with new regulations or expectations of stakeholders. Many factors, including changes in regulations and tax policies, lagging industry innovation in sustainable technologies and unfavorable market conditions for sustainability-related investments may adversely affect the timeline for achievement of our sustainability goals. Efforts to achieve these goals may also result in higher or unforeseen costs. In addition, we may encounter challenges in meeting our sustainability goals by 2030 and/or in measuring our progress towards the achievement of our sustainability goals.

Previous wording

Overall, climate change, its effects, the impacts of government regulation, and consumer, investor and business preferences are inherently difficult to predict and could have a material adverse impact our business by increasing our energy costs, result in substantial, additional capital expenditures and operating costs in the form of taxes, emissions allowances, carbon offsets, or required equipment upgrades or require that we modify our products or processes in a manner that increases our costs and/or reduces our profitability. Any of the foregoing factors could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs.

Current wording

Overall, climate change, its effects, the impacts of government regulation, and consumer, investor and business preferences are inherently difficult to predict and could have a material adverse impact on our business by increasing our energy costs, result in substantial, additional capital expenditures and operating costs in the form of taxes, emissions allowances, carbon offsets, or required equipment upgrades or require that we modify our products or processes in a manner that increases our costs and/or reduces our profitability. Any of the foregoing factors could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs.

Previous wording

We may pursue strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances or other investments, which could create risks and present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Current wording

We are likely to pursue strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances or other investments, which could create risks and present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Previous wording

We regularly evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances or other investments that we believe could complement, enhance or expand our current businesses or product lines or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities, particularly in our Architectural Specialties segment for which we have completed seven acquisitions since July 2020. Any such strategic transaction involves a number of risks, including potential disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management, difficulty with integrating or separating personnel and business operations and infrastructure, increasing or decreasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our operations and markets, and expanding into new ceiling and wall adjacencies and exterior metal architectural applications, offering products with new attributes and/or offering installation of products. Strategic transactions could involve payment by us of a substantial amount of cash, assumption of liabilities and indemnification obligations, subjecting us to new regulatory requirements, incurrence of a substantial amount of debt or issuance of a substantial amount of equity. Certain strategic opportunities may not result in the consummation of a transaction or may fail to realize the intended benefits and synergies. If we fail to identify, consummate and integrate our strategic transactions in a timely and cost-effective manner, our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

We regularly evaluate potential mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances or other investments that we believe could complement, enhance or expand our current businesses or product lines or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities, particularly in our Architectural Specialties segment for which we have completed nine acquisitions from July 2020 through December 31, 2025. Any such strategic transaction involves a number of risks, including potential disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management, difficulty with integrating or separating personnel and business operations and infrastructure, increasing or decreasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our operations and markets as we expand into new ceiling and wall adjacencies and exterior metal architectural applications, offering products with new attributes and/or increasing the size and scope of solutions offered, including design offerings and the installation of products. Strategic transactions could involve payment by us of a substantial amount of cash, assumption of liabilities and indemnification obligations, subjecting us to new regulatory requirements, incurrence of a substantial amount of debt or issuance of a substantial amount of equity. Certain strategic opportunities may not result in the consummation of a transaction or may fail to realize the intended benefits and synergies. If we fail to identify, consummate and integrate our strategic transactions in a timely and cost-effective manner, our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

Additionally, the agreements that govern our indebtedness include covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions, including restrictions on our ability to engage in activities that may be in our best long-term interests. Under the terms of our senior secured credit facility, we are required to maintain specified leverage and interest coverage ratios. Our ability to meet these ratios could be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot ensure that we will continue to meet them. A breach of any of the restrictive covenants or ratios would result in a default under the senior secured credit facility. If any such default occurs, the lenders under the senior secured credit facility may be able to elect to declare all outstanding borrowings under our facility, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable, or enforce their security interest. The lenders may also have the right in these circumstances to terminate commitments to provide further borrowings.

Current wording

Additionally, the agreements that govern our indebtedness include covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions, including restrictions on our ability to engage in activities that may be in our best long-term interests. Under the terms of our amended senior secured credit facility, we are required to maintain specified leverage and interest coverage ratios. Our ability to meet these ratios could be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot ensure that we will continue to meet them. A breach of any of the restrictive covenants or ratios would result in a default under the senior secured credit facility. If any such default occurs, the lenders under the senior secured credit facility may be able to elect to declare all outstanding borrowings under our facility, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable, or enforce their security interest. The lenders may also have the right in these circumstances to terminate commitments to provide further borrowings.

Previous wording

In July 2016, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to $150.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock (the “Program”). Since inception of the Program, we have been authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of $1,700.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock through December 31, 2026. Repurchases under the Program may be made through open market, block and privately negotiated transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 plans, at times and in amounts as management deems appropriate, subject to market and business conditions, regulatory requirements and other factors. The Program does not obligate us to repurchase any particular amount of common stock and may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to repurchase our common stock, and we may discontinue plans to repurchase common stock at any time.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, we were authorized to repurchase up to $532.8 million of our outstanding shares of common stock under a share repurchase program first adopted in July 2016 and authorized through December 31, 2026 (the “Program”). Repurchases under the Program may be made through open market, block and privately negotiated transactions, including Rule 10b5-1 plans, at such times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate, subject to market and business conditions, regulatory requirements and other factors. The Program does not obligate us to repurchase any particular amount of common stock and may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to repurchase our common stock, and we may discontinue plans to repurchase common stock at any time.

Previous wording

We are subject to the tax laws of the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The tax laws are complex, and the manner in which they apply to our operations, results and tax planning strategies is sometimes open to interpretation. Our income tax expense (benefit) and reported net earnings may fluctuate significantly and may be materially different than forecasted or experienced in the past. Our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by changes in effective tax rates, changes in our overall profitability, changes in tax legislation, the results of examinations of previously filed tax returns, and ongoing assessments of our tax exposures.

Current wording

We are subject to the tax laws of the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The tax laws are complex, and the manner in which they apply to our operations, results and tax planning strategies is sometimes open to interpretation. Our income tax expense and reported net earnings may fluctuate significantly and may be materially different than forecasted or experienced in the past. Our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by changes in effective tax rates, changes in our overall profitability, changes in tax legislation, the results of examinations of previously filed tax returns, and ongoing assessments of our tax exposures.

Previous wording

In the aggregate, our U.S. defined benefit pension plans were overfunded by $62.7 million as of December 31, 2024. Our unfunded postretirement plan liabilities were $39.4 million as of December 31, 2024. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our pension and postretirement plans obligations, we could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, seek additional capital, or refinance or obtain additional indebtedness.

Current wording

In the aggregate, our U.S. defined benefit pension plans were overfunded by $74.6 million as of December 31, 2025. Our unfunded postretirement plan liabilities were $36.2 million as of December 31, 2025. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our pension and postretirement plans obligations, we could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, seek additional capital, or refinance or obtain additional indebtedness.

Previous wording

In addition, claims and investigations may arise related to patent infringement, distributor relationships, commercial contracts, antitrust or competition law requirements, employment matters, employee benefits issues, and other compliance and regulatory matters, including anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters. While we have processes and policies designed to mitigate these risks and to investigate and address such claims as they arise, we cannot predict or, in some cases, control the costs to defend or resolve such claims.

Current wording

In addition, claims and investigations may arise related to patent infringement, customer relationships, commercial contracts, antitrust or competition law requirements, employment matters, employee benefits issues, and other compliance and regulatory matters, including anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters. While we have processes and policies designed to mitigate these risks and to investigate and address such claims as they arise, we cannot predict or, in some cases, control the costs to defend or resolve such claims.

Previous wording

A portion of our net sales are generated in Canada and Latin America. While these sales are minor in comparison to our total consolidated net sales, they are subject to currency exchange fluctuations, trade regulations, import duties, logistics costs, delays and other related risks. Our Canadian and Latin American operations are also subject to various tax rates, tariffs, credit risks in emerging markets, political risks, uncertain legal systems, and loss of sales to local competitors following currency devaluations in countries where we import products for sale. In addition, a part of our growth strategy depends on our ability to expand our operations in Canada and Latin America, including emerging markets that have greater political and economic volatility and greater vulnerability to infrastructure and labor disruptions than established markets.

Current wording

A portion of our net sales are generated in Canada and Latin America. While these sales are minor in comparison to our total consolidated net sales, they are subject to currency exchange fluctuations, trade regulations, import duties, logistics costs, delays and other related risks. Our Canadian and Latin American operations are also subject to various tax rates, tariffs, credit risks in emerging markets, political risks, uncertain legal systems, and loss of sales to local competitors following currency devaluations in countries where we import products for sale.

Previous wording

Our business is influenced by market and economic conditions, including inflation, deflation, interest rates, tariffs, availability and cost of capital, consumer spending rates, energy availability, the effects of government spending programs and the impacts of geopolitical events. Volatility in financial markets and softness or deterioration of national and global economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations, including as follows:

Current wording

Our business is influenced by market and economic conditions, including inflation, deflation, interest rates, tariffs, availability and cost of capital, consumer spending rates, energy availability, the effects of governmental trade policies or spending programs and the impacts of geopolitical events. Volatility in financial markets and softness or deterioration of national and global economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations, including as follows:

Previous wording

In the conduct of our business, we collect, use, transmit and store data on information systems, which are vulnerable to disruption and an increasing threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks. These information systems may be disrupted or fail as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, including events such as power loss, software or hardware defects, hacking, computer viruses, malware, ransomware or other cyber-attacks. All of these risks are also applicable where we rely on outside vendors to provide services, which may operate in a cloud environment. We are dependent on third-party vendors to operate secure and reliable systems which may include data transfers over the internet. Any events which deny us use of vital operating or information systems may seriously disrupt our normal business operations.

Current wording

In the conduct of our business, we collect, use, transmit and store data on information systems, which are vulnerable to disruption and an increasing threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks. These information systems may be disrupted or fail as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, including events such as power loss, software or hardware defects, ransomware, malware, phishing, social engineering attacks, supply chain attacks or other cyber-attacks. All of these risks are also applicable where we rely on outside vendors to provide services, which may operate in a cloud environment. We are dependent on third-party vendors for critical services, and any compromise of their systems could result in a service interruption or loss of our data. Any events which deny us use of vital operating or information systems may seriously disrupt our normal business operations.

Previous wording

We, along with third parties, may use data from our information systems and publicly available sources with artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies and tools. The use of AI may increase risks of data exposure, including unauthorized access, misuse, or unintentional disclosure of sensitive information. The evolving and broader use of AI tools and technologies may also impact the effectiveness of our cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection programs.

Current wording

Finally, we, along with third parties, may use data from our information systems and publicly available sources in a manner that incorporates artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies and tools. The use of AI may increase risks, including flawed algorithms, hallucinations, and biased outputs. Other risks include data exposure and misuse, including unauthorized access or unintentional disclosure of proprietary manufacturing processes, product designs, pricing data, or other sensitive information. Output generated by AI technologies could result in inaccurate solutions that adversely affect operational decisions, customer relationships, or product quality. As the use of AI technologies continues to evolve, including by competitors, the effectiveness of our cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection programs may be impacted. In addition, faster or more advanced use of AI by competitors, customers, or other third parties could create competitive or operational disruptions to our business. Failure to successfully govern, integrate, or safeguard the use of AI could subject us to enhanced regulatory scrutiny, litigation, reputational harm, or competitive disadvantage.

Previous wording

We primarily operate in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Our concentrated operations in the Americas could subject us to a greater degree of risk relative to our global, diversified competitors. We are particularly vulnerable to adverse events (including acts of terrorism, natural disasters, weather conditions, labor market disruptions and government actions) and economic conditions in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. While our operations are primarily in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, we are exposed to downstream risks from global events. Adverse events or conditions in these geographic areas could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Current wording

We primarily operate in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Our concentrated operations in the Americas could subject us to a greater degree of risk relative to our global, diversified competitors. We are particularly vulnerable to adverse events (including geopolitical events, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, weather conditions, labor market disruptions and government actions) and economic conditions in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. While our operations are primarily in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, we are exposed to downstream risks from global events. Adverse events or conditions in these geographic areas could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.