Reynolds Consumer Products Inc

Previous wording

Many of our customers are large and possess significant market leverage, which results in significant downward pricing pressure and can constrain our ability to pass through price increases. We generally sell our branded products pursuant to informal trading policies and our store brand products under one year or multi-year agreements. We do not have written agreements with most of our customers. Our contracts generally do not obligate the customer to purchase any given amount of product. If our major customers reduce purchasing volumes or stop purchasing our products for any reason, our business and results of operations would likely be materially and adversely affected. It is possible that we will lose customers, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Many of our customers are large and possess significant market leverage, which results in significant downward pricing pressure and can constrain our ability to pass through price increases. We generally sell our branded products pursuant to informal trading policies and our store brand products under one year or multi-year agreements. Our contracts generally do not obligate the customer to purchase any given amount of product. If our major customers reduce purchasing volumes or stop purchasing our products for any reason, our business and results of operations would likely be materially and adversely affected. It is possible that we will lose customers, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We rely on a relatively small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenue. In 2023, sales to our top ten customers accounted for 72% of our total revenue, and our two largest customers, Walmart and Sam’s Club, individually accounted for 30% and 18%, respectively, of our total revenue. Walmart and Sam’s Club are affiliated entities. Sales to Walmart are concentrated more heavily in our Hefty Waste & Storage segment, and sales to Sam’s Club are concentrated more heavily in our Hefty Tableware segment. The loss of any of our significant customers would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We rely on a relatively small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenue. In 2024, sales to our top ten customers accounted for 72% of our total revenue, and our two largest customers, Walmart and Sam’s Club, individually accounted for 31% and 17%, respectively, of our total revenue. Walmart and Sam’s Club are affiliated entities. Sales to Walmart are concentrated more heavily in our Hefty Waste & Storage segment, and sales to Sam’s Club are concentrated more heavily in our Hefty Tableware segment. The loss of any of our significant customers would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Fluctuations in raw material and energy costs could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Raw material costs represent a significant portion of our cost of sales. The primary raw materials we use are plastic resins, particularly polyethylene and polystyrene, and aluminum. The prices of our raw materials have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Aluminum prices have been historically volatile as aluminum is a cyclical commodity with prices subject to global market factors. Resin prices have also historically fluctuated with changes in crude oil and natural gas prices as well as changes in refining capacity and the demand for other petroleum-based products. We experienced significant increases in material costs in both 2021 and 2022, particularly in resin and aluminum prices, which negatively impacted our results. Significant increases in material costs could also occur in future periods, which could negatively impact our future results.

Current wording

Fluctuations in raw material and energy costs could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Raw material costs represent a significant portion of our cost of sales. The primary raw materials we use are plastic resins, particularly polyethylene and polystyrene, and aluminum. The prices of our raw materials have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Aluminum prices have been historically volatile as aluminum is a cyclical commodity with prices subject to global market factors. Resin prices have also historically fluctuated with changes in crude oil and natural gas prices as well as changes in refining capacity and the demand for other petroleum-based products. We experienced significant increases in material costs in 2022, particularly in resin and aluminum prices, which negatively impacted our results. Significant increases in material costs could also occur in future periods, which could negatively impact our future results.

Previous wording

We typically do not enter into long-term fixed price purchase contracts for our principal raw materials. The majority of sales contracts for our products generally do not contain cost pass-through mechanisms for raw material costs. Where our contracts use such pass-through mechanisms, differences in timing between purchases of raw materials and sales to customers can create a “lead lag” effect during which margins are negatively impacted when raw material costs rise and positively impacted when raw material costs fall. We adjust prices, where possible, to mitigate the effect of production cost increases, including raw materials, but these increases are not always possible or may not cover the increased raw material costs. For example, we implemented multiple rounds of price increases in both 2021 and 2022, however those pricing actions typically lagged material cost increases.

Current wording

We typically do not enter into long-term fixed price purchase contracts for our principal raw materials. The majority of sales contracts for our products generally do not contain contractual cost pass-through mechanisms for raw material costs. Where our contracts use such pass-through mechanisms, differences in timing between purchases of raw materials and sales to customers can create a “lead lag” effect during which margins are negatively impacted when raw material costs rise and positively impacted when raw material costs fall. We adjust prices, where possible, to attempt to mitigate the effect of production cost increases, including raw materials, but these increases are not always possible or may not cover the increased raw material costs. For example, we implemented multiple rounds of price increases in 2022, however those pricing actions typically lagged material cost increases.

Previous wording

In addition, we distribute our products and receive raw materials primarily by rail and truck. Reduced availability of rail or trucking capacity has caused us, and may continue to cause us, to incur unanticipated expenses and impair our ability to distribute our products or receive our raw materials in a timely manner, which could disrupt our operations, strain our customer relations and adversely affect our operating profits. In particular, reduced trucking capacity, due to a shortage of drivers, the federal regulation requiring drivers to electronically log their driving hours and adverse weather conditions, among other reasons, have caused an increase in the cost of transportation for us and many other companies.

Current wording

In addition, we distribute our products and receive raw materials primarily by rail and truck. Reduced availability of rail or trucking capacity has caused us, and may continue to cause us, to incur unanticipated expenses and impair our ability to distribute our products or receive our raw materials in a timely manner, which could disrupt our operations, strain our customer relations and adversely affect our operating profits. In particular, reduced trucking capacity, due to a shortage of drivers, the federal regulation requiring drivers to electronically log their driving hours and adverse weather conditions, among other reasons, have caused an increase in our cost of transportation.

Previous wording

We are a consumer products company and any reduction in consumer demand for the types of products we offer as a result of changes in consumer lifestyle, environmental concerns or other considerations could have a significant impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, there have been recent concerns about the environmental impact of single-use disposable products and products made from plastic, particularly polystyrene foam. These concerns, and the actions taken in response (including regulations banning the sale of certain polystyrene foam products in certain jurisdictions), impact several of our products, especially in our Hefty Tableware segment. Further, a number of governmental authorities, both at the federal, state and local level in the United States and abroad, have implemented, considered, or are expected to consider, additional legislation aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste, regulating product content and regulating environmental claims. Our business is subject to regulations that govern matters such as post-consumer recycled content, extended producer responsibility, compostability and recyclability claims, and use of PFAS. Future regulatory and legislative change could affect the economics of our business activities, lead to changes in operating practices, affect our customers and influence the demand for and the cost of providing products and services to our customers. Sustainability concerns, including the recycling of products, have received increased focus in recent years and are expected to play an increasing role in brand management and consumer purchasing decisions. These changes in consumer lifestyle, environmental concerns or other considerations may result in a decrease in the demand for certain of our current products, an increase in expenditures to attempt to adapt and respond to these concerns, and an inability to respond through innovation or acquisition of assets we do not currently own, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We are a consumer products company and any reduction in consumer demand for the types of products we offer as a result of changes in consumer lifestyle, environmental concerns or other considerations could have a significant impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, there have been recent concerns about the environmental impact of single-use disposable products and products made from plastic, particularly polystyrene foam. These concerns, and the actions taken in response (including regulations banning the sale of certain polystyrene foam products in certain jurisdictions), impact several of our products, especially in our Hefty Tableware segment. Further, a number of governmental authorities, both at the federal, state and local level in the United States and abroad, have implemented, considered, or are expected to consider, additional legislation aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste, regulating product content and regulating environmental claims. Our business is subject to regulations that govern matters such as post-consumer recycled content, extended producer responsibility, compostability and recyclability claims, and use of PFAS. Future regulatory and legislative change could affect the economics of our business activities, lead to changes in operating practices, affect our customers and influence the demand for and the cost of providing products and services to our customers. Sustainability concerns, including the recycling of products, have received increased focus in recent years and are expected to play an increasing role in brand management and consumer purchasing decisions. These changes in consumer lifestyle, environmental concerns or other considerations may result in a decrease in the demand for certain of our current products, an increase in expenditures to attempt to adapt and respond to these concerns, and an inability to respond through innovation or acquisition of assets we do not currently own, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Market conditions could also impact our ability to manage our inventory levels to meet customers’ demand for our products. Our production levels and inventory management goals for our products are based on estimates of demand, taking into account production capacity, timing of shipments and inventory levels. If market conditions change, resulting in us overestimating or underestimating demand for any of our products during a given season, we may not maintain appropriate inventory levels, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Current wording

Market conditions could also impact our ability to manage our inventory levels to meet customers’ demand for our products. Our production levels and inventory management goals for our products are based on estimates of demand, taking into account production capacity, timing of shipments and inventory levels. If market conditions change, resulting in us overestimating or underestimating demand for any of our products during a given season, we may not maintain appropriate inventory levels, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, we have implemented price increases and may implement additional price increases in the future, which may slow sales growth or create volume declines in the short term as customers and consumers adjust to these price increases. Competitors may or may not take competitive actions, which may lead to sales declines and loss of market share. In addition, changes to the mix of products that we sell may adversely impact our net sales, profitability and cash flow.

Current wording

In addition, we have implemented price increases and may implement additional price increases in the future, which may slow sales growth or create volume declines in the short term as customers and consumers adjust to these price increases. Competitors may or may not take competitive actions, which may lead to sales declines and loss of market share for us. In addition, changes to the mix of products that we sell or product portfolio optimization efforts may adversely impact our net sales, profitability and cash flow.

Previous wording

Although we have control measures and systems in place that are designed to ensure that the safety and quality of our products are maintained, the consequences of not being able to do so could be severe, including adverse effects on consumer health, our reputation, the loss of customers and market share, financial costs and loss of revenue. If any of our products are found to be defective, we could be required to or may voluntarily recall such products, which could result in adverse publicity, significant expenses and a disruption in sales and could affect our reputation and that of our products. In addition, if any of our competitors or customers supply faulty or contaminated products to the market, our industry could be negatively impacted, which in turn could have adverse effects on our business.

Current wording

Although we have quality control measures and systems in place that are designed to ensure that the safety and quality of our products are maintained, the consequences of not being able to do so could be severe, including adverse effects on consumer health, our reputation, the loss of customers and market share, financial costs and loss of revenue. If any of our products are found to be defective, we could be required to or may voluntarily recall such products, which could result in adverse publicity, significant expenses and a disruption in sales and could affect our reputation and that of our products. In addition, if any of our competitors or customers supply faulty or contaminated products to the market, our industry could be negatively impacted, which in turn could have adverse effects on our business.

Previous wording

Portions of our business have historically been moderately seasonal. Overall, our strongest sales are in our fourth quarter and our weakest sales are in our first quarter. This is driven by higher levels of sales of cooking products around major U.S. holidays in our fourth quarter, primarily due to the holiday use of Reynolds Wrap, Reynolds Oven Bags, Reynolds Parchment Paper and disposable aluminum pans. Our tableware products generally have higher sales in the second quarter of the year, primarily due to outdoor summertime use of disposable plates, cups and bowls. As a result of this seasonality, any factors negatively affecting us during these periods of any year, including unfavorable economic conditions or pandemic-related impacts, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for the entire year. Because of quarterly fluctuations caused by these and other factors, comparisons of our operating results across different fiscal quarters may not be accurate indicators of our future performance.

Current wording

Portions of our business have historically been moderately seasonal. Overall, our strongest sales are in our fourth quarter and our weakest sales are in our first quarter. This is driven by higher levels of sales of cooking products around major U.S. holidays in our fourth quarter, primarily due to the holiday use of Reynolds Wrap, Reynolds Oven Bags, Reynolds Parchment Paper and disposable aluminum pans. Our tableware products generally have higher sales in the second and fourth quarters of the year, primarily due to outdoor summertime and holiday uses of disposable plates, cups, bowls and cutlery. As a result of this seasonality, any factors negatively affecting us during these periods of any year, including unfavorable economic conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for the entire year. Because of quarterly fluctuations caused by these and other factors, comparisons of our operating results across different fiscal quarters may not be accurate indicators of our future performance.

Previous wording

We depend on our senior executive officers and other key personnel to operate our businesses, develop new products and technologies and service our customers. The loss of any of these key personnel could adversely affect our operations. Competition is intense for qualified personnel and the loss of them or an inability to attract, retain and motivate additional highly skilled personnel required for the operation and expansion of our business could hinder our ability to successfully conduct research and development activities or develop and support marketable products. Additionally, the high U.S. employment levels in our industry in recent years have increased turnover as compared to prior periods at some of our facilities and made hiring and retaining hourly employees more difficult. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Competition is intense for qualified personnel and the loss of them or an inability to attract, retain and motivate additional highly skilled personnel required for the operation and expansion of our business could hinder our ability to successfully conduct research and development activities or develop and support marketable products. Additionally, the high U.S. employment levels in our industry in recent years have increased turnover as compared to prior periods at some of our facilities and made hiring and retaining hourly employees more difficult. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Approximately 23% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. While we believe we have good relationships with our unionized employees and we have not experienced a significant union-related work stoppage over the last ten years, if we encounter difficulties with renegotiations or renewals of collective bargaining arrangements or are unsuccessful in those efforts, we could incur additional costs and experience work stoppages. We cannot predict how stable our union relationships will be or whether we will be able to successfully negotiate successor collective bargaining agreements without impacting our financial condition. In addition, the presence of unions may limit our flexibility in dealing with our workforce. Work stoppages could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products on a timely basis, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Approximately 20% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. While we believe we have good relationships with our unionized employees and we have not experienced a significant union-related work stoppage over the last ten years, if we encounter difficulties with renegotiations or renewals of collective bargaining arrangements or are unsuccessful in those efforts, we could incur additional costs and experience work stoppages. We cannot predict how stable our union relationships will be or whether we will be able to successfully negotiate successor collective bargaining agreements without impacting our financial condition. In addition, the presence of unions may limit our flexibility in dealing with our workforce. Work stoppages could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products on a timely basis, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected certain parts of our business and operations. A resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, or a future pandemic or health epidemic, could adversely impact our business and results of operations in a number of ways, including but not limited to:

Current wording

A future pandemic or health epidemic could adversely impact our business and results of operations in a number of ways, including but not limited to:

Previous wording

•new or escalated government or regulatory responses in markets where we manufacture, sell or distribute our products, or in the markets of third parties on which we rely, could prevent or disrupt our business operations;

Current wording

•government or regulatory responses in markets where we manufacture, sell or distribute our products, or in the markets of third parties on which we rely, preventing or disrupting our business operations;

Previous wording

•higher costs in certain areas such as front-line employee compensation, as well as incremental costs associated with newly added health screenings, temperature checks and enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols to protect our employees, which we expect could increase in these or other areas;

Current wording

•higher costs in certain areas such as front-line employee compensation, as well as incremental costs associated with newly added health screenings, temperature checks and enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols to protect our employees;

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had $1,845 million of outstanding indebtedness under our senior secured term loan facility (“Term Loan Facility”) maturing in 2027 and $244 million of borrowing capacity under our senior secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”) maturing in 2026 (the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facility, the “External Debt Facilities”). Our debt level and related debt service obligations:

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had $1,695 million of outstanding indebtedness under our senior secured term loan facility (“Term Loan Facility”) maturing in 2027 and $694 million of borrowing capacity under our senior secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”) maturing in 2029 (the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facility, the “External Debt Facilities”). Our debt level and related debt service obligations:

Previous wording

Our debt bears interest at variable rates, and we may incur additional variable interest rate indebtedness in the future. This exposes us to interest rate risk, and while we have entered into a series of interest rate swaps to mitigate the risk of variable rate debt, any interest rate swaps we enter into in order to reduce interest rate volatility may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2023, the unhedged portion of our Term Loan Facility was approximately $695 million, and any borrowings under our Revolving Facility are subject to interest rate volatility.

Current wording

Our debt bears interest at variable rates, and we may incur additional variable interest rate indebtedness in the future. This exposes us to interest rate risk, and while we have entered into a series of interest rate swaps to mitigate the risk of variable rate debt, any interest rate swaps we enter into in order to reduce interest rate volatility may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2024, the unhedged portion of our Term Loan Facility was approximately $545 million, and any borrowings under our Revolving Facility are subject to interest rate volatility.

Previous wording

Higher interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2023, have increased our debt service obligations on the unhedged variable rate indebtedness, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, has correspondingly decreased. Further increases in interest rates on unhedged debt could further reduce our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness.

Current wording

Higher interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2023, increased our debt service obligations on the unhedged variable rate indebtedness, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, had correspondingly decreased. Further increases in interest rates on unhedged debt could further reduce our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness.

Previous wording

In addition, a number of governmental authorities, both in the United States and abroad, have considered, and are expected to consider, legislation aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste. Programs have included banning certain types of products, mandating certain rates of recycling and/or the use of recycled materials, imposing deposits or taxes on plastic bags and packaging material, and requiring retailers or manufacturers to take back packaging used for their products. Such legislation, as well as voluntary initiatives, aimed at reducing the level of plastic wastes could reduce the demand for certain plastic products, result in greater costs for manufacturers of plastic products or otherwise impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additional regulatory efforts addressing other environmental or safety concerns in the future could similarly impact our operations and financial results.

Current wording

In addition, a number of governmental authorities, both in the United States and abroad, have considered, and are expected to consider, legislation aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste. Programs have included banning certain types of products, mandating certain rates of recycling and/or the use of recycled materials, imposing deposits or taxes on plastic bags and packaging material, imposing extended producer responsibility and requiring retailers or manufacturers to take back packaging used for their products. Such legislation, as well as voluntary initiatives, aimed at reducing the level of plastic waste could reduce the demand for certain plastic products, result in greater costs for manufacturers of plastic products or otherwise impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additional regulatory efforts addressing other environmental or safety concerns in the future could similarly impact our operations and financial results.

Previous wording

Concern over climate change or plastics and packaging materials, in particular, may result in new or increased legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate impacts to the environment. Increased regulatory requirements, including in relation to various aspects of ESG, such as the SEC’s disclosure proposal on climate change and California’s recent enactment of climate-related disclosure laws, or environmental causes may result in increased compliance costs or input costs of energy, raw materials or compliance with emissions standards, which may cause disruptions in the manufacture of our products or an increase in operating costs. We may incur additional costs to control, assess and report on ESG metrics as the nature, scope and complexity of ESG reporting, diligence and disclosure requirements expand. Our ability to achieve any stated goal, target, or objective is subject to numerous factors and conditions, many of which are outside of our control. Any failure to achieve our ESG goals or a perception (whether or not valid) of our failure to act responsibly with respect to the environment or to effectively respond to new, or changes in, legal or regulatory requirements concerning environmental or other ESG matters, or increased operating or manufacturing costs due to increased regulation or environmental causes could adversely affect our business and reputation.

Current wording

Concern over climate change or plastics and packaging materials, in particular, may result in new or increased legal and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate impacts to the environment. Increased regulatory requirements, including in relation to various aspects of ESG, such as California’s recent enactment of climate-related disclosure laws, or environmental causes may result in increased compliance costs or input costs of energy, raw materials or compliance with emissions standards, which may cause disruptions in the manufacture of our products or an increase in operating costs. We may incur additional costs to control, assess and report on ESG metrics as the nature, scope and complexity of ESG reporting, diligence and disclosure requirements expand. Our ability to achieve any stated goal, target, or objective is subject to numerous factors and conditions, many of which are outside of our control. Any failure to achieve our ESG goals or a perception (whether or not valid) of our failure to act responsibly with respect to the environment or to effectively respond to new, or changes in, legal or regulatory requirements concerning environmental or other ESG matters, or increased operating or manufacturing costs due to increased regulation or environmental causes could adversely affect our business and reputation.

Previous wording

Our affiliation with PEI Group has provided us with increased scale and reach. We have leveraged our combined scale to coordinate purchases across our operations to reduce costs. If we no longer benefit from this relationship, whether because we are no longer affiliated with PEI Group or otherwise, it may result in increased costs for us and higher prices to our customers because we may be unable to obtain goods, services and technology from unaffiliated third parties on terms as favorable as those previously obtained. As a result of any of the above factors, we may be precluded from pursuing certain opportunities that we would otherwise pursue, including growth opportunities, which in turn may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our affiliation with PEI Group has provided us with increased scale and reach. We have leveraged our combined scale to coordinate purchases across our operations to reduce costs. In December 2024, the PEI Group announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an unrelated third party (the “PEI Group Acquisition”), pending regulatory approval. If the PEI Group Acquisition is completed, we will no longer be affiliated with PEI Group. If we no longer benefit from the relationship with PEI Group, whether because we are no longer affiliated with PEI Group or otherwise, it may result in increased costs for us and higher prices to our customers because we may be unable to obtain goods, services and technology from unaffiliated third parties on terms as favorable as those previously obtained. As a result of any of the above factors, we may be precluded from pursuing certain opportunities that we would otherwise pursue, including growth opportunities, which in turn may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

•supply agreements where we sell certain products (primarily aluminum foil containers and roll foil) to, and purchase certain products (primarily tableware) from Pactiv LLC (“Pactiv”), a member of PEI Group; and

Current wording

•supply agreements where we sell certain products (primarily aluminum foil containers and roll foil) to, and purchase certain products (primarily foam-related tableware) from Pactiv LLC (“Pactiv”), a member of PEI Group;

Previous wording

•a warehousing and freight services agreement whereby Pactiv provides certain logistics services to us.

Current wording

•a warehousing and freight services agreement whereby Pactiv provides certain logistics services to us; and

Previous wording

It is also likely that we may enter into related party transactions in the future. Although material related party transactions that we may enter into will be subject to approval or ratification by the Audit Committee, there can be no assurance that such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, or that we could not have achieved more favorable terms if such transactions had not been entered into with related parties.

Current wording

It is also possible that we may enter into related party transactions in the future. Although material related party transactions that we may enter into will be subject to approval or ratification by the Audit Committee, there can be no assurance that such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, or that we could not have achieved more favorable terms if such transactions had not been entered into with related parties.