AdvanSix Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 21, 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 Feb 21, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-16.
0001673985-24-000014
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-21.
0001673985-25-000011
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 117 previous paragraphs and 118 current paragraphs.
94 unchanged; 22 reworded; 1 added; 0 removed; 1 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 (1)
Current report
Recent technological advances in AI come with significant risks related to its use across many industries and end markets, as well as an evolving regulatory landscape. We may be exposed to such risks in cases where we utilize AI in connection with certain business activities now or in the future, in cases where, whether or not known to us, Company personnel use AI for our business or at Company locations, or in cases where our third-party partners, whether or not known to us, use AI in their business activities, which we may not be in a position to control. The use of AI by us, our employees or any of our third-party partners may result in unauthorized disclosure of personal data, proprietary information and trade secrets, commercially sensitive or confidential information of the Company, our employees or our partners. Such unauthorized disclosures or uses of information can result, among other things, in reputational harm, loss of confidence by our customers or employees, penalties, litigation costs, or legal liability. If we are unable to successfully manage these risks, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Reworded paragraphs (22)
Previous wording
Our historical operating results reflect the cyclical nature of the industries in which we operate including with respect to our Nylon 6 resin, caprolactam, ammonium sulfate fertilizer, phenol and acetone products. We experience cycles of fluctuating supply and demand for each of our products resulting in changes in selling prices and margins. Periods of high demand, tight supply and increasing operating margins tend to result in increases in capacity and production until supply exceeds demand, generally followed by periods of oversupply and declining prices. While we strive to maintain or increase our profitability by reducing costs through improving production efficiency, by emphasizing higher margin products and by seeking to control transportation, selling and administration expense, we cannot assure you that these efforts will be sufficient to offset, in whole or in part, the effect of possible decreases in pricing on our operating results. As a result of potential cyclicality, we cannot assure you that pricing or profitability in the future will be comparable to any historical period, including the most recent period shown in our operating results. Structural changes in industry and customer trends for our products could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Our historical operating results reflect the cyclical nature of the industries in which we operate including with respect to our Nylon 6 resin, caprolactam, ammonium sulfate fertilizer, phenol and acetone products. We experience cycles of fluctuating supply and demand for each of our products resulting in changes in selling prices and margins. Periods of high demand, tight supply and increasing operating margins tend to result in increases in capacity and production until supply exceeds demand, generally followed by periods of oversupply and declining prices. While we strive to maintain or increase our profitability by reducing costs through improving production efficiency, by emphasizing higher margin products and by seeking to control transportation, selling and administration expense, we cannot assure you that these efforts will be sufficient to offset, in whole or in part, the effect of possible decreases in pricing on our operating results. As a result of potential cyclicality, we cannot assure you that pricing or profitability in the future will be comparable to any historical period, including the most recent period shown in our operating results. Changes in industry and customer trends for our products could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by difficult global economic conditions and significant volatility in the capital, credit and commodities markets and in the overall economy. Adverse events affecting the health of the economy, including inflation and potential recessionary pressures, rising interest rates, supply chain issues, labor market shortages, trade conflicts including export and import restrictions, tariffs and other trade barriers, the COVID-19 pandemic and any resurgences or other pandemics, the threat of war and geopolitical concerns, including as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in Israel and Gaza and the possible expansion of such conflicts, sovereign debt and economic crises, terrorism and protectionism could have a negative impact on the health of the global economy. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions or on the stability of global financial markets which may affect us and our customers. For example:
Current wording
Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by domestic and global economic conditions and significant volatility in the capital, credit and commodities markets and in the overall economy. Adverse economic events, including inflation and potential recessionary pressures, interest rate volatility, supply chain issues, labor market shortages, trade conflicts including export and import restrictions, tariffs and other trade barriers, any economic volatility or uncertainty resulting from new or proposed regulatory, trade or other policies of the new U.S. presidential administration, pandemics and any resurgences thereof, the threat of war and geopolitical concerns, including as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in Israel and Gaza, the surrounding region and the possible expansion of such conflicts, sovereign debt and economic crises, domestic or international terrorism, and protectionism could have a negative impact on the health of the global economy. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions or on the stability of global financial markets which may affect us and our customers. For example:
Previous wording
•As a result of volatility in commodity prices, and increased inflation, we may encounter difficulty in achieving sustained market acceptance of past or future price increases;
Current wording
•As a result of volatility in commodity prices and inflation, we may encounter difficulty in achieving sustained market acceptance of past or future price increases;
Previous wording
•In addition, in the event of continued high inflationary pressure, we may not be able to adjust our pricing or increase our productivity and reduce our costs sufficient to offset increased costs, which could reduce our margins and profitability;
Current wording
•In addition, in the event of continued high inflationary pressure, we may not be able to adjust our pricing or increase our productivity and reduce our costs to a level sufficient to offset increased costs, which could reduce our margins and profitability;
Previous wording
•Market conditions could result in our key customers experiencing financial difficulties and/or electing to limit spending, which in turn could cause decreases in demand for our products, decreased product prices and lower volumes and margins, potentially resulting in decreased sales and earnings;
Current wording
•Market conditions, including those arising from any new or proposed regulatory, trade or other policy changes of the new U.S. presidential administration could result in our key customers experiencing financial difficulties and/or electing to limit spending, which in turn could cause decreases in demand for our products, decreased product prices and lower volumes and margins, potentially resulting in decreased sales and earnings;
Previous wording
As a result of the scale and quantity and range of our product offerings, as well as the significant level of integration across our manufacturing facilities, we are also exposed to increased risk associated with unplanned downtime or material disruptions at any one of our production facilities, which have occurred in the past and which may occur in the future, and which could impact our supply chain and our manufacturing process.
Current wording
As a result of the scale and quantity and range of our product offerings, as well as the significant level of integration across our manufacturing facilities, we are exposed to increased risk associated with unplanned downtime or material disruptions at any one of our production facilities, which have occurred in the past and which may occur in the future, and which adversely impact our supply chain and our manufacturing process.
Previous wording
Unplanned interruptions at our production facilities have occurred in the past and may occur in the future, and we may not have enough intermediate chemical inventory at any given time to offset production losses. Our business interruption insurance coverage may not cover all costs or losses associated with unplanned downtime, or such insurance may not continue to be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Moreover, taking our production facilities offline for regularly scheduled repairs can be an expensive and time-consuming operation with risk that discoverable items and delays during the repair process may cause additional unplanned downtime. Any such unplanned downtime at any of our production facilities may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Unplanned interruptions at our production facilities have occurred in the past and may occur in the future, and we may not have enough intermediate chemical inventory at any given time to offset production losses. Our business interruption insurance coverage may not cover all costs or losses associated with unplanned downtime, or such insurance may not continue to be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Moreover, taking our production facilities offline for regularly scheduled repairs can be an expensive and time-consuming operation and carry the risk that discoverable items and delays during the repair process may cause additional unplanned downtime. Any such unplanned downtime at any of our production facilities may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
We rely heavily on third party transportation to deliver raw materials to our facilities and ship products to our customers. Transport and pipeline operators are exposed to various risks, such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, work stoppages, personnel shortages, and operating hazards, as well as interstate and international transportation requirements. If we experience transportation problems, or if there are other significant changes in the cost of these services, we may not be able to arrange efficient alternatives and timely means to obtain raw materials or ship products to our customers. We seek to maintain appropriate buffer inventory of intermediate chemicals necessary for our manufacturing process, which are intended to mitigate the extent of any delays or disruptions in supply chain logistics. However, our failure to obtain raw materials, ship products or maintain sufficient buffer inventory could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
We rely heavily on third party transportation to deliver raw materials to our facilities and ship products to our customers. Transport and pipeline operators are exposed to various risks, such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, work stoppages, personnel shortages, and operating hazards, as well as interstate and international transportation requirements. If we experience transportation problems, or if there are other significant changes in the cost of these services, we may not be able to arrange efficient alternatives and timely means to obtain raw materials or ship products to our customers. We seek to maintain appropriate buffer inventory of intermediate chemicals necessary for our manufacturing process, which is intended to mitigate the extent of any delays or disruptions in supply chain logistics. However, our failure to obtain raw materials, ship products or maintain sufficient buffer inventory could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Our business depends on significant customers, many of whom have been doing business with us for decades. The loss of one or several significant customers may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In 2023, our 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 39% of our total sales across all product lines. Our largest customer is Shaw, one of the world’s largest consumers of Nylon 6 resin and caprolactam. We sell caprolactam and Nylon 6 resin to Shaw under a long-term agreement. We typically sell to other customers under master services agreements, with primarily one-year terms, or by purchase orders. If our sales to any of our significant customers were to decline, we may not be able to find other customers to purchase the excess supply of our products. The loss of one or several of our significant customers, or a significant reduction in purchase volume by any of them, or significant unfavorable changes to pricing or other terms in contracts with any of them, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are also subject to credit risk associated with customer concentration. If one or more of our largest customers were to become bankrupt or insolvent, or otherwise were unable to pay for our products, we may incur significant write-offs of accounts that may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Our business depends on significant customers, many of whom have been doing business with us for decades. The loss of one or several significant customers may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In 2024, our 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 38% of our total sales across all product lines. Our largest customer is Shaw, one of the world’s largest consumers of Nylon 6 resin and caprolactam. We sell caprolactam and Nylon 6 resin to Shaw under a long-term agreement. We typically sell to other customers under master services agreements, with primarily one-year terms, or by purchase orders. If our sales to any of our significant customers were to decline, we may not be able to find other customers to purchase the excess supply of our products. The loss of one or several of our significant customers, or a significant reduction in purchase volume by any of them, or significant unfavorable changes to pricing or other terms in contracts with any of them, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are also subject to credit risk associated with customer concentration. If one or more of our largest customers were to become bankrupt or insolvent, or otherwise were unable to pay for our products, we may incur significant write-offs of accounts that may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Our industry is capital intensive, and we may require additional capital in the future to finance our growth and development, upgrade and improve our manufacturing capabilities, satisfy regulatory and environmental compliance obligations, achieve sustainability priorities or goals adopted by the Company, implement further marketing and sales activities, fund ongoing R&D activities, and meet general working capital needs. Our capital requirements will likely depend on many factors, including acceptance of and demand for our products, the extent to which we invest in new technology, new products and R&D projects and the status and timing of these developments. Our capital projects and other growth investments may have lengthy deadlines during which market conditions may deteriorate between the capital expenditure’s approval date and the conclusion of the project, negatively impacting projected returns on our investments. Delays or cost increases related to capital and other spending programs, including those relating to plant improvements and development of new technologies, could materially adversely affect our ability to achieve forecasted operating results. In addition, we may need to seek additional capital in the future, and debt or equity financing may not be available to us on terms we find acceptable, if at all. Certain U.S. and non-U.S. financial institutions experienced crisis in 2023, resulting in disruption in the financial markets. Such events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or the financial services industry generally, or concerns about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems, which could significantly impair our access to funding sources or other credit arrangements in amounts adequate to finance our current and future business operations or could result in less favorable commercial financing terms, including higher interest rates or costs and tighter financial and operating covenants, or limitations on access to credit and liquidity sources, thereby making it more difficult for us to acquire financing on acceptable terms or at all. If we incur additional debt or raise equity through the issuance of our preferred stock, the terms of the debt or our preferred stock may give the holders rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock, particularly in the event of liquidation. If we raise funds through the issuance of additional common equity, ownership in AdvanSix would be diluted. We believe that we currently have adequate capital resources to meet our projected operating needs, capital expenditures and other expected cash requirements. However, we may need additional capital resources in the future, and if we are unable to obtain sufficient resources for our operating needs, capital expenditures an…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
Our industry is capital intensive, and we may require additional capital in the future to finance our growth and development, upgrade and improve our manufacturing capabilities, satisfy regulatory and environmental compliance obligations, achieve sustainability priorities or goals adopted by the Company, implement further marketing and sales activities, fund ongoing R&D activities, and meet general working capital needs. Our capital requirements will likely depend on many factors, including acceptance of and demand for our products, the extent to which we invest in new technology, new products and R&D projects and the status and timing of these developments. Our capital projects and other growth investments may have lengthy deadlines during which market conditions may deteriorate between the capital expenditure’s approval date and the conclusion of the project, negatively impacting projected returns on our investments. Delays or cost increases related to capital and other spending programs, including those relating to plant improvements and development of new technologies, could materially adversely affect our ability to achieve forecasted operating results. In addition, we may need to seek additional capital in the future, and debt or equity financing may not be available to us on terms we find acceptable, if at all. Circumstances involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or the financial services industry generally, or concerns about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems, which could significantly impair our access to funding sources or other credit arrangements in amounts adequate to finance our current and future business operations or could result in less favorable commercial financing terms, including higher interest rates or costs and tighter financial and operating covenants, or limitations on access to credit and liquidity sources, thereby making it more difficult for us to acquire financing on acceptable terms or at all. If we incur additional debt or raise equity through the issuance of our preferred stock, the terms of the debt or our preferred stock may give the holders rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock, particularly in the event of liquidation. If we raise funds through the issuance of additional common equity, ownership in AdvanSix would be diluted. We believe that we currently have adequate capital resources to meet our projected operating needs, capital expenditures and other expected cash requirements. However, we may need additional capital resources in the future, and if we are unable to obtain sufficient resources for our operating needs, capital expenditures and other cash requirements for any reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affe…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
These hazards may cause personal injury and loss of life, damage to property and contamination of the environment, which could lead to government fines, work stoppage injunctions, lawsuits by injured persons, damage to our public reputation and brand and diminished product acceptance. If such actions are determined to be adverse to us or there is an associated economic impact to our business, we may have inadequate insurance or cash flow to offset any associated costs. Such outcomes could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
These hazards may cause personal injury and loss of life, damage to property and contamination of the environment, which could lead to government fines, work stoppage injunctions, lawsuits by injured persons, damage to our reputation and brand and diminished product acceptance. If such actions are determined to be adverse to us or there is an associated economic impact to our business, we may have inadequate insurance or cash flow to offset any associated costs. Such outcomes could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
We actively evaluate acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures, collaborations, and strategic investments in businesses, products or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our business, broaden our technology and intellectual property or otherwise offer growth or cost-saving opportunities. Any of these transactions may be complex, time consuming and expensive, and may present numerous challenges and risks. In 2021, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Commonwealth Industrial Services, Inc., and in February 2022, we completed the acquisition of U.S. Amines, Ltd.
Current wording
We actively evaluate acquisitions, strategic relationships, joint ventures, collaborations, and strategic investments in businesses, products or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our business, broaden our technology and intellectual property or otherwise offer growth or cost-saving opportunities. Any of these transactions may be complex, time consuming and expensive, and may present numerous challenges and risks.
Previous wording
Lack of control over the actions of our business partners in any strategic relationship, joint venture or collaboration could significantly delay the introduction of planned products or otherwise make it difficult or impossible to realize the expected benefits of such relationship. An investment in, or acquisition of, complementary businesses, products or technologies in the future could materially decrease the amount of our available cash or require us to seek additional equity or debt financing. We may not be successful in negotiating the terms of any potential acquisition, conducting thorough due diligence, financing the acquisition or effectively integrating the acquired business, product or technology into our existing business and operations. Our due diligence may fail to identify all of the problems, liabilities or other shortcomings or challenges of an acquired business, product or technology, including issues related to intellectual property, product quality or product architecture, regulatory compliance practices, revenue recognition or other accounting practices or employee or customer issues. Additionally, in connection with any acquisitions we complete, we may not achieve the synergies or other benefits we expected to achieve, and we may incur unanticipated expenses, write-downs, impairment charges or unforeseen liabilities that could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, have difficulty incorporating the acquired businesses, disrupt relationships with current and new employees, customers and vendors, incur significant debt or have to delay or not proceed with announced transactions. Further, contemplating or completing an acquisition and integrating an acquired business, product or technology could divert management and employee time and resources from other matters.
Current wording
Lack of control over the actions of our business partners in any strategic relationship, joint venture or collaboration could significantly delay the introduction of planned products or otherwise make it difficult or impossible to realize the expected benefits of such relationship. An investment in, or acquisition of, complementary businesses, products or technologies could materially decrease the amount of our available cash or require us to seek additional equity or debt financing. We may not be successful in negotiating the terms of any potential acquisition, conducting thorough due diligence, financing the acquisition or effectively integrating the acquired business, product or technology into our existing business and operations. Our due diligence may fail to identify all of the problems, liabilities or other shortcomings or challenges of an acquired business, product or technology, including issues related to intellectual property, product quality or product architecture, regulatory compliance practices, revenue recognition or other accounting practices or employee or customer issues. Additionally, in connection with any acquisitions we complete, we may not achieve the synergies or other benefits we expected to achieve, and we may incur unanticipated expenses, write-downs, impairment charges or unforeseen liabilities that could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, have difficulty incorporating the acquired businesses, disrupt relationships with current and new employees, customers and vendors, incur significant debt or have to delay or not proceed with announced transactions. Further, contemplating or completing an acquisition and integrating an acquired business, product or technology could divert management and employee time and resources from other matters.
Previous wording
Due to concerns related to terrorism, we are subject to various security laws including Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (“MTSA”) regulations. Our Frankford and Hopewell facilities are regulated facilities under MTSA due to the nature of our operations and the proximity of the facilities to adjacent waterways. Federal, state, local and foreign governments could implement new or impose more stringent regulations affecting the security of our plants, terminals and warehouses or the transportation and use of fertilizers or other chemicals. These regulations could result in higher operating costs or limitations on the sale of our products and could result in significant unanticipated costs, lower sales and reduced profit margins. It is possible that federal, state, local and foreign governments could impose additional limitations on the use, sale or distribution of chemicals we produce and sell, thereby limiting our ability to manufacture or sell those products, or that illicit use of our products could result in potential exposure for us. The occurrence of extraordinary events, including future terrorist attacks and the outbreak or escalation of hostilities, cannot be predicted, and their occurrence can be expected to continue to negatively affect the economy in general, and the markets for our products in particular. The resulting damage from an attack on our assets could include loss of life and property damage. In addition, available insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all of the damage incurred or, if available, may be prohibitively expensive.
Current wording
Due to concerns related to terrorism, we are subject to various security laws including Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (“MTSA”) regulations. Our Frankford and Hopewell facilities are regulated facilities under MTSA regulations due to the nature of our operations and the proximity of the facilities to adjacent waterways. Federal, state, local and foreign governments could implement new, or impose more stringent regulations affecting the security of our plants, terminals and warehouses or the transportation and use of fertilizers or other chemicals. These regulations could result in higher operating costs or limitations on the sale of our products and could result in significant unanticipated costs, lower sales and reduced profit margins. It is possible that federal, state, local and foreign governments could impose additional limitations on the use, sale or distribution of chemicals we produce and sell, thereby limiting our ability to manufacture or sell those products, or that illicit use of our products could result in potential exposure for us. The occurrence of extraordinary events, including future terrorist attacks and the outbreak or escalation of hostilities, cannot be predicted, and their occurrence can be expected to continue to negatively affect the economy in general, and the markets for our products in particular. The resulting damage from an attack on our assets could include loss of life and significant property damage. In addition, available insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all of the damage incurred or, if available, may be prohibitively expensive.
Previous wording
Approximately 750 of our employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements that expire between 2024 and 2028, which represents approximately 52% of our employee base as of December 31, 2023. From time to time, we engage in negotiations to renew collective bargaining agreements as those contracts are scheduled to expire. In April 2023, a labor strike was initiated by the Hopewell South bargaining unit, affecting approximately 340 workers at the Company’s manufacturing facility in Hopewell, Virginia, which was later resolved in May 2023 when the bargaining unit voted to ratify a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. Ultimately, we cannot predict how stable our union relationships will be or whether we will be able to successfully negotiate successor agreements without impacting our financial condition. In addition, the presence of unions may limit our flexibility in dealing with our workforce. We may experience work stoppages, which could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products on a timely basis and, ultimately, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Approximately 760 of our employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements that expire between 2025 and 2029, which represents approximately 52% of our employee base as of December 31, 2024. From time to time, we engage in negotiations to renew collective bargaining agreements as those contracts are scheduled to expire. We cannot predict how stable our union relationships will be or whether we will be able to successfully negotiate successor agreements without impacting our financial condition. In addition, the presence of unions may limit our flexibility in dealing with our workforce. We may experience work stoppages, which could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products on a timely basis and, ultimately, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
Global cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to information technology (“IT”) systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, directed at AdvanSix, its plants and operations, its products, its customers and/or its third-party service providers including cloud providers. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to networks, or to sabotage IT systems, change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target. We may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. While we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, these types of threats, our information technology infrastructure, including cybersecurity controls, is designed to deploy comprehensive measures to deter, prevent, detect, respond to and mitigate these threats including access controls, data encryption, vulnerability assessments, continuous monitoring of our IT networks and systems and maintenance of backup and protective systems. We track cyber performance metrics and conduct training of our employees on protective measures regarding information security, data privacy, cyber-attacks and recognizing phishing attempts. Despite these efforts, cybersecurity incidents, depending on their nature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (our own or that of third parties) and the disruption of our plant operations and business generally or the disruption of the operations and businesses of our vendors or customers. Additionally, we use third-party vendors that may store sensitive data, including confidential information about our employees, and these third parties are subject to their own cybersecurity threats. While our standard vendor terms and conditions include certain safeguards, including requiring the use of appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of our data, a breach at these third-party vendors may occur regardless of our efforts to mitigate the possibility of any such breach. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident on our own systems or the systems of those with whom we do business include reputational consequences, safety risk, operational disruptions, physical damage to our assets, claims from and litigation with third parties, fines levied by governmental authorities, diminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering, and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, which in turn could, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect our competitiveness, plant operations, business, financial condition and results of operations. We maintain cyber liability insurance, but this insurance may not be sufficient to cover the losses that may result from a cybersecurit…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
Global cybersecurity threats and incidents can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to information technology (“IT”) systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats, directed at AdvanSix, its plants and operations, its products, its customers and/or its third-party service providers including cloud providers. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to networks, or to sabotage IT systems, change frequently and may become more advanced including through the use of artificial intelligence ("AI"), and are increasingly difficult to detect and prevent, as these attacks are generally not recognized until launched against a target. We may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. While we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, these types of threats, our information technology infrastructure, including cybersecurity controls, is designed to deploy comprehensive measures to deter, prevent, detect, respond to and mitigate these threats including access controls, data encryption, vulnerability assessments, continuous monitoring of our IT networks and systems and maintenance of backup and protective systems. We track cyber performance metrics and conduct training of our employees on protective measures regarding information security, data privacy, cyber-attacks and recognizing phishing attempts. Despite these efforts, cybersecurity incidents, depending on their nature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data and confidential or proprietary information (our own or that of third parties) and the disruption of our plant operations and business generally or the disruption of the operations and businesses of our vendors or customers. Additionally, we use third-party vendors that may store sensitive data, including confidential information about our employees, and these third parties are subject to their own cybersecurity threats. While our standard vendor terms and conditions include certain safeguards, including requiring the use of appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of our data, a breach at these third-party vendors may occur regardless of our efforts to mitigate the possibility of any such breach. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident on our own systems or the systems of those with whom we do business include reputational consequences, safety risk, operational disruptions, physical damage to our assets, claims from and litigation with third parties, fines levied by governmental authorities, diminution in the value of our investment in research, development and engineering, and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, which in turn could, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect our competitiveness, plant operations, business, financial condition and r…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
Heightened public focus on climate change, sustainability, and environmental issues has also led to increased government regulation and may cause certain of our key stakeholders to require that we meet certain standards, including customers or suppliers who may impose environmental standards on us as a part of doing business with them, all of which could increase the costs incurred by our customers to use our products and otherwise limit the use of these products, which could lead to decreased demand for these products.
Current wording
Public focus on climate change, sustainability, and environmental issues has also led to increased government regulation and may cause certain of our key stakeholders to require that we meet certain standards, including customers or suppliers who may impose environmental standards on us as a part of doing business with them, all of which could increase the costs incurred by our customers to use our products and otherwise limit the use of these products, which could lead to decreased demand for these products. We may also incur additional expense as a result of domestic and international regulations requiring disclosures regarding GHG emissions and/or broader ESG matters, related performance indicators and other factors.
Previous wording
We are impacted by increasing stakeholder interest in performance relative to sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. As a result, we have significantly expanded our reporting and investments associated with ESG matters and have announced goals regarding our sustainability and ESG performance. Our statements and goals for such matters represent our current plans but are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve such goals which may be adversely impacted by available technology, evolving regulatory requirements, availability of suppliers, and capital requirements.
Current wording
We are impacted by increasing stakeholder interest in performance relative to sustainability and ESG matters. As a result, we have expanded our reporting and investments associated with ESG matters and have announced goals regarding our sustainability and ESG performance. Our statements and goals for such matters represent our current plans but are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve such goals which may be adversely impacted by available technology, evolving regulatory requirements, availability of suppliers, and capital requirements.
Previous wording
We have exposure to risks inherent in international sales, including difficulties and costs associated with complying with a wide variety of complex laws, treaties and regulations including customs and international trade laws; unexpected changes in political or regulatory environments; earnings and cash flows that may be subject to tax withholding requirements or the imposition of tariffs, exchange controls or other restrictions; political and economic instability; import and export restrictions, tariffs, and other trade barriers or retaliatory actions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; government takeover or nationalization of business; and government mandated price controls. These considerations limit the countries in which we can do business, the persons or entities with whom we can do business, the products which we can buy or sell, and the terms under which we can do business. As a U.S.-based producer, we are impacted by anti-dumping investigations which have had, and may continue to impose, significant anti-dumping duties on our products. Such duties place us at a significant competitive disadvantage in the applicable markets. In each case, we diligently evaluate our commercial and legal options to defend these investigations and their subsequent sunset reviews and take steps we feel are prudent to protect our interests, including defending our anti-dumping petitions covering imports of acetone and ammonium sulfate with the International Trade Commission (see "Anti-Dumping Duty Petitions - Ammonium Sulfate" under "Recent Developments" in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”). Historically, we have sought to mitigate these risks through geographical mix management so that the imposition of duties does not materially affect our business results, but such duties could have an adverse effect on the sales of our key product lines and affect our business performance in the future.
Current wording
We have exposure to risks inherent in international sales, including difficulties and costs associated with complying with a wide variety of complex laws, treaties and regulations including customs and international trade laws; unexpected changes in political or regulatory environments; earnings and cash flows that may be subject to tax withholding requirements or the imposition of tariffs, exchange controls or other restrictions; political and economic instability; import and export restrictions, tariffs, and other trade barriers or retaliatory actions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; government takeover or nationalization of business; and government mandated price controls. These considerations limit the countries in which we can do business, the persons or entities with whom we can do business, the products which we can buy or sell, and the terms under which we can do business. As a U.S.-based producer, we are impacted by anti-dumping investigations which have had, and may continue to impose, significant anti-dumping duties on our products. Such duties place us at a significant competitive disadvantage in the applicable markets. In each case, we diligently evaluate our commercial and legal options to defend these investigations and their subsequent sunset reviews and take steps we feel are prudent to protect our interests, including defending our anti-dumping petitions covering imports of acetone and ammonium sulfate with the International Trade Commission (see "Anti-Dumping Duty Petitions - Acetone" under "Recent Developments" in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”). Historically, we have sought to plan for these risks through geographical mix management so that the imposition of duties does not materially affect our business results, but such duties could have an adverse effect on the sales of our key product lines and affect our business performance in the future.
Previous wording
There can be no assurance that, in the future, any governmental or international trade body will not institute trade policies or remedies that are adverse to exports from the United States, and we may face additional uncertainty with regard to U.S. government trade policy. In recent years, the U.S. imposed tariffs on certain U.S. imports, and China and other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. exports. Any significant changes in international trade policies, practices or trade remedies, especially those instituted in our target markets or markets where our major customers are located, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement which became effective in July 2020, could potentially increase the price of our products relative to our competitors or decrease our customers’ demand for our products, which in turn may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
There can be no assurance that, in the future, any governmental or international trade body will not institute trade policies or remedies that are adverse to exports from the United States, and given the recent change in U.S. presidential administration, we may face additional uncertainty with regard to U.S. government trade policy. In recent years, the U.S. imposed tariffs on certain U.S. imports, and China and other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs on certain U.S. exports. Any significant changes in international trade policies, practices or trade remedies, especially those instituted in our target markets or markets where our major customers are located, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement which became effective in July 2020, could potentially increase the price of our products relative to our competitors or decrease our customers’ demand for our products, which in turn may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
In connection with our spin-off, if the October 1, 2016 distribution by Honeywell of all of the then outstanding shares of AdvanSix common stock were determined not to qualify for non-recognition of gain and loss under Section 355(e) of the Code, our U.S. stockholders could be subject to tax. In this case, each U.S. stockholder who received our common stock in the distribution would generally be treated as having received a distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of our common stock received, which would generally result in (1) a taxable dividend to the U.S. stockholder to the extent of that U.S. stockholder’s pro rata share of Honeywell’s current and accumulated earnings and profits; (2) a reduction in the U.S. stockholder’s basis (but not below zero) in its Honeywell common stock to the extent the amount received exceeds the stockholder’s share of Honeywell’s earnings and profits; and (3) a taxable gain from the exchange of Honeywell common stock to the extent the amount received exceeds the sum of the U.S.
Current wording
In connection with our spin-off, if the October 1, 2016 distribution by Honeywell of all of the then outstanding shares of AdvanSix common stock were determined not to qualify for non-recognition of gain and loss under Section 355(e) of the Code, our U.S. stockholders could be subject to tax. In this case, each U.S. stockholder who received our common stock in the distribution would generally be treated as having received a distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of our common stock received, which would generally result in (1) a taxable dividend to the U.S. stockholder to the extent of that U.S. stockholder’s pro rata share of Honeywell’s current and accumulated earnings and profits; (2) a reduction in the U.S. stockholder’s basis (but not below zero) in its Honeywell common stock to the extent the amount received exceeds the stockholder’s share of Honeywell’s earnings and profits; and (3) a taxable gain from the exchange of Honeywell common stock to the extent the amount received exceeds the sum of the U.S. stockholder’s share of Honeywell’s earnings and profits and the U.S. stockholder’s basis in its Honeywell common stock. A discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off can be found in our Form 10.
Previous wording
General or industry-specific market conditions, stock market performance or macroeconomic and geopolitical factors unrelated to our performance may also affect our stock price. For these reasons, investors should not rely on recent or historical trends to predict future stock prices, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Volatility in our stock price could expose us to litigation, which could result in substantial costs and the diversion of management time and resources. In addition, repurchases pursuant to our share repurchase program could affect our stock price and increase its volatility. The existence of a share repurchase program could also cause our stock price to be higher than it would be in the absence of such a program and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock. There can be no assurance that any share repurchases will enhance stockholder value because the market price of our common stock may decline below the levels at which we repurchased shares of common stock. Although our share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term stockholder value, short-term stock price fluctuations could reduce the program’s effectiveness. Furthermore, the program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time and any suspension or discontinuation could cause the market price of our stock to decline.
Current wording
Volatility in our stock price could expose us to litigation, which could result in substantial costs and the diversion of management time and resources. In addition, repurchases pursuant to our share repurchase program could affect our stock price and increase its volatility. The existence of a share repurchase program could also cause our stock price to be higher than it would be in the absence of such a program and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock. There can be no assurance that any share repurchases will enhance stockholder value because the market price of our common stock may decline below the levels at which we repurchased shares of common stock. Although our share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term stockholder value, short-term stock price fluctuations could reduce the program’s effectiveness. Furthermore, the program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time and any suspension or discontinuation could cause the market price of our stock to decline.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
General or industry-specific market conditions, stock market performance or macroeconomic and geopolitical factors unrelated to our performance may also affect our stock price. For these reasons, investors should not rely on recent or historical trends to predict future stock prices, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In recent years, stockholder activism, including threatened or actual proxy contests, has been directed against numerous public companies. If a stockholder activist was to take, or threaten to take actions, against the Company, this could cause the Company to incur significant costs as well as the distraction of management, which could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results. In addition, actions of activist stockholders may cause significant
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
stockholder’s share of Honeywell’s earnings and profits and the U.S. stockholder’s basis in its Honeywell common stock. A discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the spin-off can be found in our Form 10.