Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

Current report

There have been, and may be in the future, changes with respect to U.S. and international trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs, embargoes, sanctions and other trade restrictions. In response to tariffs imposed by the U.S., foreign countries have implemented, or may implement, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Historically, tariffs have led to increased trade and political tensions. Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange, and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. It may also cause the prices of our customers’ products and services to increase, which could reduce demand for such products and services, or reduce our customers’ margins, and adversely impact their revenues, financial results, and ability to service debt. This in turn could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We lend primarily to small businesses in selected industries. Our small business borrowers have fewer financial resources than larger commercial entities, and as a result may be more susceptible than larger businesses to decreased economic activity caused by changes in trade policies and global trade patterns. Negative impacts on our small business borrowers could impair their ability to service their debt, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, to the extent changes in the political environment have a negative impact on us, our small business borrowers, or on the markets in which we operate our business, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted in the future. At this time, it remains unclear what the U.S. government or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to additional tariffs that may be imposed or changes that may be made to international trade agreements and policies.