Mistras Group Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 11, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 11, 2025
MG$20.18+0.1%Stored close · as of Nov 9, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-11.
0001436126-24-000025
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-11.
0001436126-25-000026
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 130 previous paragraphs and 138 current paragraphs.
114 unchanged; 16 reworded; 7 added; 0 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (7)
Current report
•the imposition of domestic and international tariffs, trade barriers and other trade restrictions;
Current report
Currency exchange rate fluctuations in various currencies in which we do business, especially the Euro and the U.S. dollar, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Current report
Most of our revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, with the remaining amounts largely in euros, British pound sterling, the Brazilian Real, the Canadian Dollar and the Indian rupee. We have foreign currency exposure related to our operations in foreign locations and our foreign currency exposure arises primarily from the translation of our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements into U.S. dollars. The exchange rates between the euro and other currencies in which we incur costs or receive revenues, on the one hand, and the U.S. dollar, on the other hand, have changed substantially in recent years and may fluctuate substantially in the future. See Item 7A-“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”
Current report
Our results of operations have been adversely affected and could be further adversely affected by certain movements in exchange rates, particularly if the foreign currencies in which we incur expenses appreciate against the U.S. dollar or if the foreign currencies in which we receive revenues depreciate against the U.S. dollar. For example, a portion of our annual sales and operating costs are denominated in British Pound Sterling and we have exposure related to sales and operating costs increasing or decreasing based on changes in currency exchange rates. If the U.S. Dollar increases in value against these foreign currencies, the value in U.S. Dollars of the assets and liabilities originally recorded in these foreign currencies will decrease. Conversely, if the U.S. Dollar decreases in value against these foreign currencies, the value in U.S. Dollars of the assets and liabilities originally recorded in these foreign currencies will increase. Thus, increases and decreases in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to these foreign currencies have a direct impact on the value in U.S. Dollars of our foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, even if the value of these items has not changed in their original currency. We do not currently enter into forward exchange contracts to hedge exposures denominated in foreign currencies. We may consider entering into hedging or forward exchange contracts in the future, as sales in international currencies increase due to growth in our International segment.
Current report
Social, political and economic changes or instability, or other circumstances beyond our control could affect our business operations.
Current report
Our business may be adversely affected by social, political and economic instability, unrest or disruption, including legal, regulatory and policy changes by a new presidential administration in the U.S., protests, demonstrations, strikes, riots, civil disturbance, disobedience, insurrection, or social and other political unrest. Such events may result in restrictions, curfews or other actions and give rise to significant changes in regional and global economic conditions and cycles, which may adversely affect our financial condition and operations.
Current report
Changes in federal policy, including tax policies, and at regulatory agencies occur over time through policy and personnel changes following elections, which can lead to changes involving the level of oversight and focus on certain industries and corporate entities. The nature, timing, and economic and political effects of potential changes to the current legal and regulatory frameworks affecting the industries in which we operate remain highly uncertain. Additionally, changes in federal policy that affect the geopolitical landscape, such as the imposition of tariffs and changes to U.S. trade policy, have, and could in the future, lead to adverse effects on the U.S. domestic economy and our business operations.
Reworded paragraphs (16)
Previous wording
This section describes the major risks to us, our business and our common stock. You should carefully read and consider the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report, including our financial statements and the notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” before making an investment decision. The statements contained in this section constitute cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects may be adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors that could impact us. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic negative impact on the health of citizens of many countries, and resulted in major disruptions in economies and markets around the world, including our key markets. In addition, it is unclear what effects the on-going war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas are likely to have on the world economy and certain of our target markets, including particularly the oil and gas market, in the near and long term. In addition, macroeconomic factors such as inflation, unemployment, and interest rates, amongst others, will impact our business. Accordingly, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all risks and uncertainties pertaining to us and our common stock.
Current wording
This section describes the major risks to us, our business and our common stock. You should carefully read and consider the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report, including our financial statements and the notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” before making an investment decision. The statements contained in this section constitute cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects may be adversely affected. As a result, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors that could impact us. For example, it is unclear what effects the on-going war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas are likely to have on the world economy and certain of our target markets, including particularly the oil and gas market, in the near and long term. In addition, macroeconomic factors such as inflation, unemployment, interest rates, and tariffs or trade barriers (including recent U.S. tariffs imposed or threatened to be imposed on China, Canada, Mexico and other countries and any retaliatory actions take by such countries) amongst others, will impact our business. Accordingly, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all risks and uncertainties pertaining to us and our common stock.
Previous wording
Our customers in the oil and gas industry have accounted for a substantial portion of our historical revenues. Specifically, they accounted for approximately 59%, 56%, and 54% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Although we have expanded our customer base into industries other than the oil and gas industry, we still receive a majority of our revenues from this industry. Our services are vital to the operators of plants, refineries, and pipelines, and we have expanded our services offerings, such as expanding our mechanical and in-line inspection services capabilities. However, economic slowdowns or low oil prices have, and could continue to, result in cutbacks in contracts for our services. In addition, low oil prices could depress the level of new exploration and construction, which would adversely affect our market opportunities. If the price of oil were to decrease, our revenues, profits and cash flows may be reduced. If the price of oil reaches record, or near record levels as it did in 2022, we may experience delays or deferrals in performing inspection services to customers in the oil and gas industry.
Current wording
Our customers in the oil and gas industry have accounted for a substantial portion of our historical revenues. Specifically, they accounted for approximately 57%, 59%, and 56% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Although we have expanded our customer base into industries other than the oil and gas industry, we still receive a majority of our revenues from this industry. Our services are vital to the operators of plants, refineries, and pipelines, and we have expanded our services offerings, such as expanding our mechanical and in-line inspection services capabilities. However, economic slowdowns or low oil prices have, and could continue to, result in cutbacks in contracts for our services. In addition, low oil prices could depress the level of new exploration and construction, which would adversely affect our market opportunities. If the price of oil were to decrease, our revenues, profits and cash flows may be reduced. If the price of oil reaches record, or near record levels as it did in 2023, we may experience delays or deferrals in performing inspection services to customers in the oil and gas industry.
Previous wording
While we continue to expand our market presence in the aerospace, power generation and transmission, and the chemical processing industries, among others, these markets are also cyclical in nature and as such, are subject to economic downturns. In addition, it is unclear what the continued effects the war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas are likely to have on the world economy and certain of our target markets, including particularly the oil and gas market, in the near and long term. However, during 2022, we experienced unfavorable foreign currency exchange impacts as it relates to our European operations. Additionally, the Russian-Ukrainian war continues to create disruptions in the oil and gas market and the supply chain in general, which is resulting in some disruption to our business operations. Our European operations are currently experiencing increased costs associated with higher energy costs, among others, due in part to the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Current wording
While we continue to expand our market presence in the aerospace, power generation and transmission, and the chemical processing industries, among others, these markets are also cyclical in nature and as such, are subject to economic downturns. In addition, it is unclear what the continued effects the war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas are likely to have on the world economy and certain of our target markets, including particularly the oil and gas market, in the near and long term. However, the on-going war between Russia and Ukraine continues to create disruptions in the oil and gas market and the supply chain in general, which is resulting in some disruption to our business operations. Our European operations are currently experiencing increased costs associated with higher energy costs, among others, due in part to the on-going war between Russia and Ukraine. We may also experience increased costs associated with tariffs or trade barriers (including recent U.S. tariffs imposed or threatened to be imposed on China, Canada, Mexico and other countries and any retaliatory actions taken by such countries).
Previous wording
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we generated approximately 29%, 29%, and 30% of our revenues outside the United States, respectively. In addition, our international operations as a percentage of our business may increase over time. Our primary operations outside the United States are in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Brazil. We also have operations in Belgium, Greece and India. There are numerous risks inherent in doing business in international markets, including:
Current wording
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we generated approximately 31%, 29%, and 29% of our revenues outside the United States, respectively. In addition, our international operations as a percentage of our business may increase over time. Our primary operations outside the United States are in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Brazil. We also have operations in Belgium, Greece, India and Mexico. There are numerous risks inherent in doing business in international markets, including:
Previous wording
We derive a significant amount of revenues from a few customers. Taken as a group, our top ten customers were responsible for approximately 35%, 33%, and 33% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This concentration pertains almost exclusively to our North America segment, which accounted for 82%, 83% and 82% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These customers are primarily in the oil and gas sector. Generally, our customers do not have an obligation to make purchases from us and may stop ordering our products and services or may terminate existing orders or contracts at any time with little or no financial penalty. The loss of any of our significant customers, any substantial decline in sales to these customers or any significant change in the timing or volume of purchases by our significant customers could result in lower revenues and could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Current wording
We derive a significant amount of revenues from a few customers. Taken as a group, our top ten customers were responsible for approximately 36%, 35%, and 33% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This concentration pertains almost exclusively to our North America segment, which accounted for 81%, 82% and 83% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These customers are primarily in the oil and gas sector. Generally, our customers do not have an obligation to make purchases from us and may stop ordering our products and services or may terminate existing orders or contracts at any time with little or no financial penalty. The loss of any of our significant customers, any substantial decline in sales to these customers or any significant change in the timing or volume of purchases by our significant customers could result in lower revenues and could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Previous wording
We rely on certification of our NDT solutions by industry standards-setting bodies. We and/or our subsidiaries currently have International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 certification, ISO 14001:2004 certification and OHSAS 18001:2007 certification. In addition, we currently have Nadcap (formerly National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) and similar certifications for certain of our locations. We continually review our NDT solutions for compliance with the requirements of industry specification standards and the Nadcap special processes quality requirements. However, if we fail to maintain our ISO, Nadcap or other certifications, our business may be harmed because our customers generally require that we have these certifications before they purchase our NDT solutions.
Current wording
We rely on certification of our NDT solutions by industry standards-setting bodies. We and/or our subsidiaries currently have International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 certification, ISO 14001:2004 certification and OHSAS 18001:2007 certification. In addition, we currently have Nadcap and similar certifications for certain of our locations. We continually review our NDT solutions for compliance with the requirements of industry specification standards and the Nadcap special processes quality requirements. However, if we fail to maintain our ISO, Nadcap or other certifications, our business may be harmed because our customers generally require that we have these certifications before they purchase our NDT solutions.
Previous wording
In 2023, we commenced a broad review of our operations, which we refer to as "Project Phoenix". Through Project Phoenix, we have been exploring ways to improve profitability and Adjusted EBITDA, through meaningful margin improvement and sustained cost savings. We have completed most phases of the project, wherein efficiency and profitability opportunities were identified, actionable initiatives were validated, and many of these actions have been implemented prospectively. Project Phoenix has resulted in significant cost reductions, primarily through headcount reductions, more efficient workflows, and streamlining of processes, and also led to developing and initiating action plans to increase revenue.
Current wording
In 2023, we commenced a broad review of our operations, which we refer to as "Project Phoenix". Through Project Phoenix, we have been exploring ways to improve profitability and Adjusted EBITDA, through meaningful margin improvement and sustained cost savings. We have completed most phases of the project in 2023, wherein efficiency and profitability opportunities were identified, actionable initiatives were validated, and many of these actions have been implemented prospectively throughout 2024. Project Phoenix has resulted in significant cost reductions, primarily through headcount reductions, more efficient workflows, and streamlining of processes, and also led to developing and initiating action plans to increase revenue.
Previous wording
or at all. We believe that it is probable, based on the New Credit Agreement (as defined herein), that we will be able to comply
Current wording
or at all. We believe that it is probable, based on the Credit Agreement (as defined herein), that we will be able to comply
Previous wording
acquisitions in 2024 other than small acquisitions with the banks’ approval.
Current wording
acquisitions in 2025 other than small acquisitions with the approval of the lenders under our Credit Agreement.
Previous wording
A significant stockholder has significant influence over the direction of our business. The concentrated ownership of our common stock may prevent other stockholders from influencing significant corporate decisions.
Current wording
The family of our late founder and Chairman Emeritus has significant influence over the direction of our business. The concentrated ownership of our common stock may prevent other stockholders from influencing significant corporate decisions.
Previous wording
Dr. Sotirios J. Vahaviolos, our founder and Chairman Emeritus, owns approximately 6% of our outstanding common stock, his three adult children own an additional 6%, in the aggregate, and a grantor retained annuity trust he created, for which his daughter is the sole trustee, owns approximately 22%. As a result, Dr. Vahaviolos and his family have significant control over the Company and they have the ability to exert substantial influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election and removal of directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation, and any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership could be disadvantageous to other stockholders with differing interests from Dr. Vahaviolos and his family.
Current wording
Dr. Sotirios J. Vahaviolos, our late founder and Chairman Emeritus, who passed away on February 6, 2025, owned at the time of his passing, approximately 6% of our outstanding common stock, his three adult children owned, at the time of his passing an additional 6%, in the aggregate, and a grantor retained annuity trust he created, for which his daughter is the sole trustee, owned approximately 22% at the time of his passing. As a result, the family of Dr. Vahaviolos has significant control over the Company and they have the ability to exert substantial influence over all matters requiring approval by our stockholders, including the election and removal of directors, amendments to our certificate of incorporation, and any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership could be disadvantageous to other stockholders with differing interests from the family of Dr. Vahaviolos.
Previous wording
•allow the authorized number of directors to be changed only by resolution of our board of directors;
Current wording
•allow the authorized number of directors to be changed only by resolution of our Board;
Previous wording
•require that vacancies on the board of directors, including newly created directorships, be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;
Current wording
•require that vacancies on the Board, including newly created directorships, be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;
Previous wording
•authorize our board of directors to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock that, if issued, could operate as a “poison pill” to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer to prevent an acquisition that is not approved by our board of directors;
Current wording
•authorize our Board to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock that, if issued, could operate as a “poison pill” to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer to prevent an acquisition that is not approved by our Board;
Previous wording
•establish advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations to our board of directors or for stockholder proposals that can be acted on at stockholder meetings and limit the right to call special meetings of stockholders to the Chairman of our board, our Chief Executive Officer, our board of directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of directors or our Secretary upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than 35% of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.
Current wording
•establish advance notice requirements for stockholder nominations to our Board or for stockholder proposals that can be acted on at stockholder meetings and limit the right to call special meetings of stockholders to the Chairman of our board, our Chief Executive Officer, our Board acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of directors or our
Previous wording
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized goodwill impairment charges of $13.8 million within the International reporting units. Future deterioration in industry or economic conditions in which we operate, including increased inflationary costs, energy costs, labor costs, social pressures and disruptions in Europe, the Middle East or elsewhere as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, disruptions to our business, not effectively integrating acquired businesses, macroeconomic factors or other factors, may cause impairment charges to our goodwill in future periods.
Current wording
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized goodwill impairment charges of $13.8 million within the International reporting units. Future deterioration in industry or economic conditions in which we operate, including increased inflationary costs, costs associated with proposed tariffs or other trade restrictions, energy costs, labor costs, social pressures and disruptions in Europe, the Middle East or elsewhere as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas, disruptions to our business, not effectively integrating acquired businesses, macroeconomic factors or other factors, may cause impairment charges to our goodwill in future periods.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Secretary upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than 35% of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.