Andersons, Inc.

Previous wording

Our Trade, Renewables and Nutrient & Industrial businesses buy, sell and hold inventories of agricultural input and output commodities, some of which are readily traded on commodity futures exchanges. Unfavorable weather conditions, both local and worldwide, as well as other factors beyond our control, can affect the supply and demand of these commodities and expose us to liquidity pressures to finance hedges in the commodity business in rapidly rising markets. In our Nutrient & Industrial business, changes in the supply and demand of these commodities can also affect the value of inventories that we hold, as well as the price of raw materials as we are unable to effectively hedge these commodities. Increased inventory and raw material costs would decrease our profit margins and adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Our Agribusiness and Renewables businesses buy, sell and hold inventories of agricultural input and output commodities, some of which are readily traded on commodity futures exchanges. Unfavorable weather conditions, both local and worldwide, as well as other factors beyond our control, can affect the supply and demand of these commodities and expose us to liquidity pressures to finance hedges in the commodity business in rapidly rising markets. In our Agribusiness segment, changes in the supply and demand of these commodities can also affect the value of inventories that we hold, as well as the price of raw materials as we are unable to effectively hedge these commodities. Increased inventory and raw material costs would decrease our profit margins and adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Potash, phosphate and nitrogen - Raw materials used by the Nutrient & Industrial business include potash, phosphate and nitrogen, for which prices can be volatile and are driven by global and local supply and demand factors. Significant increases in the price of these commodities may result in lower customer demand and higher than optimal inventory levels. In contrast, reductions in the price of these commodities may create lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments to inventories.

Current wording

Potash, phosphate and nitrogen - Raw materials used by nutrient business within the Agribusiness segment include potash, phosphate and nitrogen, for which prices can be volatile and are driven by global and local supply and demand factors. Significant increases in the price of these commodities may result in lower customer demand and higher than optimal inventory levels. In contrast, reductions in the price of these commodities may create lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments to inventories.

Previous wording

A significant part of our operations is regulated by environmental laws and regulations, including those governing the labeling, use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous materials. Because we use and handle hazardous substances in our businesses, changes in environmental requirements or an unanticipated significant adverse environmental event could have an adverse effect on our business. We cannot assure that we have been, or will at all times be, in compliance with all environmental requirements, or that we will not incur costs or liabilities in connection with these requirements. Private parties, including current and former employees, could bring personal injury or other claims against us due to the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances used, stored or disposed of by us, or contained in our products. We are also exposed to residual risk because some of the facilities and land which we have acquired may have environmental liabilities arising from their prior use. In addition, changes to environmental regulations may require us to modify our existing plant and processing facilities which could significantly increase the cost of those operations.

Current wording

A significant part of our operations is regulated by environmental laws and regulations, including those governing the labeling, use, storage, discharge and disposal of hazardous materials. Because we use and handle hazardous substances in our businesses, changes in environmental requirements or an unanticipated significant adverse environmental event could have an adverse effect on our business. We cannot assure that we have been, or will at all times be, in compliance with all environmental requirements, or that we will not incur costs or liabilities in connection with these requirements. Private parties, including current and former employees, could bring personal injury or other claims against us due to the presence of, or exposure to, hazardous substances used, stored or disposed of by us, or contained in our products. We are also exposed to residual risk because some of the facilities and land which we have acquired may have environmental liabilities arising from their prior use.

Previous wording

International trade disputes can adversely affect agricultural commodity and nutrient trade flows by limiting or disrupting trade between countries or regions. Trade disputes can lead to the implementing of tariffs on commodities in which we merchandise or otherwise use in our operations. This can lead to significant volatility in commodity prices, disruptions in historical trade flows and shifts in planting patterns in the Company's geographic footprint, which would present challenges and uncertainties for our business. Under the new U.S. administration, there may be a heightened risk of new or increased tariffs and trade disputes and there is currently significant uncertainty about how it may impact our business and industry. The imposition of new tariffs or uncertainty around future tariff levels can cause significant fluctuations in the futures and basis levels of agricultural commodities and/or increased raw material costs in our nutrients business, impacting our earnings. We cannot predict the effects that future trade policy or the terms of any negotiated trade agreements and their impact on our business.

Current wording

International trade disputes can adversely affect agricultural commodity and nutrient trade flows by limiting or disrupting trade between countries or regions. Trade disputes can lead to the implementing of tariffs on commodities in which we merchandise or otherwise use in our operations. This can lead to significant volatility in commodity prices, disruptions in historical trade flows and shifts in planting patterns in the Company's geographic footprint, which would present challenges and uncertainties for our business. Under the current U.S. administration, there has been a heightened risk of new or increased tariffs and trade disputes and there is currently significant uncertainty about the extent of increased tariffs and their enforceability and how they may impact our business and industry. The imposition of new tariffs or uncertainty around future tariff levels can cause significant fluctuations in the futures and basis levels of agricultural commodities and/or increased raw material costs in our nutrients business, impacting our earnings. We cannot predict the effects that future trade policy or the terms of any negotiated trade agreements and their impact on our business.

Previous wording

Trade and Renewables - In our Trade and Renewables businesses, agricultural production and trade flows can be affected by government programs and legislation. Production levels, markets and prices of the commodities we merchandise can be affected by U.S. government programs, which include acreage controls and price support programs administered by the USDA and required levels of ethanol in gasoline through the Renewable Fuel Standards as administered by the EPA. Other examples of government policies that can have an impact on our business include the Inflation Reduction Act, tariffs, taxes, duties, subsidies, import and export restrictions, outright embargoes and price controls on agricultural commodities. Because a portion of our commodity sales are to exporters, the imposition of export restrictions and other foreign countries' regulations could limit our sales opportunities and create additional credit risk associated with export brokers if shipments are rejected at their destination.

Current wording

In our Agribusiness and Renewables businesses, agricultural production and trade flows can be affected by government programs and legislation. Production levels, markets and prices of the commodities we merchandise can be affected by U.S. government programs, which include acreage controls and price support programs administered by the USDA and required levels of ethanol in gasoline through the Renewable Fuel Standards as administered by the EPA. Other examples of government policies that can have an impact on our business include the Inflation Reduction Act, tariffs, taxes, duties, subsidies, import and export restrictions, outright embargoes, Low Carbon Fuel Standard programs, and price controls on agricultural commodities. Because a portion of our commodity sales are to exporters, the imposition of export restrictions and other foreign countries' regulations could limit our sales opportunities and create additional credit risk associated with export brokers if shipments are rejected at their destination.

Previous wording

Nutrient & Industrial - Our Nutrient & Industrial business manufactures certain agricultural nutrients and uses potentially hazardous materials. All products containing pesticides, fungicides and herbicides must be registered with the EPA and state regulatory bodies before they can be sold. The inability to obtain or the cancellation of such registrations could have an adverse impact on our business. In the past, regulations governing the use and registration of these materials have required us to adjust the raw material content of our products and make formulation changes. Future regulatory changes may have similar consequences. Regulatory agencies, such as the EPA, may at any time reassess the safety of our products based on new scientific knowledge or other factors. If it were determined that any of our products were no longer considered to be safe, it could result in the amendment or withdrawal of existing approvals, which, in turn, could result in a loss of revenue, cause our inventory to become obsolete or give rise to potential lawsuits against us. Consequently, changes in existing and future government or trade association polices may restrict our ability to do business and have an adverse impact on the Company's financial results.

Current wording

Our Agribusiness segment also manufactures certain agricultural nutrients and uses potentially hazardous materials. All products containing pesticides, fungicides and herbicides must be registered with the EPA and state regulatory bodies before they can be sold. The inability to obtain or the cancellation of such registrations could have an adverse impact on our business. In the past, regulations governing the use and registration of these materials have required us to adjust the raw material content of our products and make formulation changes. Future regulatory changes may have similar consequences. Regulatory agencies, such as the EPA, may at any time reassess the safety of our products based on new scientific knowledge or other factors. If it were determined that any of our products were no longer considered to be safe, it could result in the amendment or withdrawal of existing approvals, which, in turn, could result in a loss of revenue, cause our inventory to become obsolete or give rise to potential lawsuits against us. Consequently, changes in existing and future government or trade association polices may restrict our ability to do business and have an adverse impact on the Company's financial results.

Previous wording

We are required to carry significant amounts of inventory across all of our businesses. If a substantial portion of our inventory becomes damaged or obsolete, its value would decrease, and have an adverse impact on the Company's financial results.

Current wording

We are required to carry significant amounts of inventory across all our businesses. If a substantial portion of our inventory becomes damaged or obsolete, its value would decrease, and have an adverse impact on the Company's financial results.

Previous wording

We are exposed to the risk of a decrease in the value of our inventories due to a variety of circumstances in all of our businesses. For example, within our Trade and Renewables businesses, there is the risk that the quality of our inventory could deteriorate due to damage, moisture, insects, disease, or foreign material. If the quality of our inventory were to deteriorate below an acceptable level, the value of our inventory could decrease significantly. In our Nutrient & Industrial business, planted acreage, and consequently the volume of fertilizer and crop protection products applied, is partially dependent upon government programs and the producer's perception of demand. Technological advances in agriculture, such as genetically engineered seeds that resist disease and insects, or that meet certain nutritional requirements, could also affect the demand for our crop nutrients and crop protection products. Any of these factors could render some of our inventory obsolete or reduce its value.

Current wording

We are exposed to the risk of a decrease in the value of our inventories due to a variety of circumstances in all of our businesses. For example, within both Agribusiness and Renewables, there is the risk that the quality of our inventory could deteriorate due to damage, moisture, insects, disease, or foreign material. If the quality of our inventory were to deteriorate below an acceptable level, the value of our inventory could decrease significantly. Planted acreage, and consequently the volume of fertilizer and crop protection products applied, is partially dependent upon government programs and the producer's perception of demand. Technological advances in agriculture, such as genetically engineered seeds that resist disease and insects, or that meet certain nutritional requirements, could also affect the demand for our crop nutrients and crop protection products. Any of these factors could render some of our inventory obsolete or reduce its value.

Previous wording

The markets for our products in each of our business segments are highly competitive. While we have substantial operations in certain of the regions where we operate, some of our competitors are significantly larger, compete in wider markets, have greater purchasing power, and have considerably larger financial resources. We also may enter into new markets where our brand is not recognized and in which we do not have an established customer base. Competitive pressures in all of our businesses could affect the price of, and customer demand for, our products, thereby negatively impacting our profit margins and resulting in a loss of market share.

Current wording

The markets for our products in both of our business segments are highly competitive. While we have substantial operations in certain regions where we operate, some of our competitors are significantly larger, compete in wider markets, have greater purchasing power, and have considerably larger financial resources. We also may enter into new markets where our brand is not recognized and in which we do not have an established customer base. Competitive pressures in all of our businesses could affect the price of, and customer demand for, our products, thereby negatively impacting our profit margins and resulting in a loss of market share.

Previous wording

Our Trade and Renewables businesses use derivative contracts to reduce the impact of volatility in the commodity markets. Non-performance by the counterparties to those contracts could adversely affect our future results of operations and financial position.

Current wording

Our Agribusiness and Renewables businesses use derivative contracts to reduce the impact of volatility in the commodity markets. Non-performance by the counterparties to those contracts could adversely affect our future results of operations and financial position.

Previous wording

A significant number of purchases and sales within the Trade and Renewables segments are made through forward contracting, much of which includes a natural back-to-back hedging relationship. In addition, the Company uses exchange traded and, to a lesser degree, over-the-counter contracts to further reduce volatility in changing commodity prices. A significant adverse change in commodity prices could cause a counterparty of one or more of our derivative contracts to not perform on its obligation.

Current wording

A significant number of purchases and sales within the Agribusiness and Renewables segments are made through forward contracting, much of which includes a natural back-to-back hedging relationship. In addition, the Company uses exchange traded and, to a lesser degree, over-the-counter contracts to further reduce volatility in changing commodity prices. A significant adverse change in commodity prices could cause a counterparty of one or more of our derivative contracts to not perform on its obligation.

Previous wording

With our international merchandising business we have additional country risk through trade flows around the globe with direct exposure to the counterparty, via contract mark-to-market exposure, unsecured accounts receivable or inventory in the country. In certain areas in which we trade (both origination and destination) country risk is more prevalent given the country’s political and/or economic situations like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With the purchases and sales of grain in vessel sized quantities within the international merchandising business increases the size and potential severity of our country risk. Additionally, there could be a rapid increase in interest rates making it difficult for our counterparties to access U.S. dollars to allow us to collect on accounts receivable timely. We have engaged third parties to provide assessments of country risk and business ratings driven by economic indicators. We also have established counterparty credit limits and various monitoring agreements. Additionally, we have a diverse customer base and have the ability to divert cargo in transit to another counterparty, country, or region to limit the exposure of a material financial loss.

Current wording

With our international merchandising business we have additional country risk through trade flows around the globe with direct exposure to the counterparty, via contract mark-to-market exposure, unsecured accounts receivable or inventory in the country. In certain areas in which we trade (both origination and destination), country risk may be more prevalent given the country’s political and/or economic situations. With the purchases and sales of grain in vessel sized quantities within the international merchandising business increases the size and potential severity of our country risk. Additionally, there could be a rapid increase in interest rates making it difficult for our counterparties to access U.S. dollars to allow us to collect on accounts receivable timely. We have engaged third parties to provide assessments of country risk and business ratings driven by economic indicators. We also have established counterparty credit limits and various monitoring agreements. Additionally, we have a diverse customer base and have the ability to divert cargo in transit to another counterparty, country, or region to limit the exposure of a material financial loss.

Previous wording

The Company has several aging assets that require continual maintenance to remain reliable and safe to operate. Mitigating asset structural integrity risk is critical to avoid property damage claims, business interruptions, and injuries. Engineers undertake inspections of assets regularly and based on the nature of our business there are some heightened risks. For example, risk of bin failures and fires in bins are mitigated by exercising caution with moving grain and controlling temperatures, respectively. We also have an increased focus on safety and training employees to be able to identify potential safety and asset integrity issues. We also are undergoing capital spending allocations to ensure that proper maintenance can occur timely. To help mitigate losses in the event of a claim, we are insured under inventory, property, liability and business interruption policies. However, these policies are subject to deductibles and certain limits. Although we believe we have appropriate levels of insurance to cover material losses, if we continue to experience insurable claims, our annual insurance premiums could increase, and some insurance carriers may cease to cover us. Obtaining adequate insurance at that point could have additional costs and lesser coverage. Then, the occurrence of a claim, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

The Company has several aging assets that require continual maintenance to remain reliable and safe to operate. Mitigating asset structural integrity risk is critical to avoid property damage claims, business interruptions, and injuries. Engineers undertake inspections of assets regularly and based on the nature of our business there are some heightened risks. For example, risk of bin failures and fires in bins are mitigated by exercising caution with moving grain and controlling temperatures, respectively. We also have an increased focus on safety and training employees to be able to identify potential safety and asset integrity issues. We also are undergoing capital spending allocations to ensure that proper maintenance can occur timely. To help mitigate losses in the event of a claim, we are insured under several policies, including but not limited to inventory, property, liability and business interruption coverage. However, these policies are subject to deductibles and certain limits. Although we believe we have appropriate levels of insurance to cover material losses, if we continue to experience insurable claims, our annual insurance premiums could increase, and some insurance carriers may cease to cover us. Obtaining adequate insurance at that point could have additional costs and lesser coverage. Then, the occurrence of a claim, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Adverse weather conditions have historically caused volatility in the agricultural commodity industry and consequently in our operating results by causing crop failures or significantly reduced harvests, which may affect the supply and pricing of the agricultural commodities that we sell and use in our business, reduce demand for our fertilizer products and negatively affect the creditworthiness of agricultural producers who do business with us. A significant portion of the Company's assets are exposed to conditions in the Eastern Grain Belt. In this region, adverse weather during the fertilizer application, planting, and harvest seasons can have negative impacts on our Trade, Renewables, and Nutrient & Industrial businesses. Higher basis levels or adverse crop conditions in the Eastern Grain Belt can increase the input costs or lower the market value of our products relative to other market participants that do not have the same geographic concentration.

Current wording

Adverse weather conditions have historically caused volatility in the agricultural commodity industry and consequently in our operating results by causing crop failures or significantly reduced harvests, which may affect the supply and pricing of the agricultural commodities that we sell and use in our business, reduce demand for our fertilizer products and negatively affect the creditworthiness of agricultural producers who do business with us. While the Company continues to expand its geographic footprint, a significant portion of the Company's assets are still exposed to conditions in the Eastern Grain Belt. In this region, adverse weather during the fertilizer application, planting, and harvest seasons can have negative impacts on our Agribusiness and Renewables businesses. Higher basis levels or adverse crop conditions in the Eastern Grain Belt can increase the input costs or lower the market value of our products relative to other market participants that do not have the same geographic concentration.

Previous wording

As a agricultural company, we assess the potential impacts of our business by environmental risks including climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental issues. The Company, through our Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") program and other efforts, is actively focused on implementing responsible practices to reduce environmental risks while complying with evolving laws and regulations. We have participated with customers in sustainable sourcing pilot projects which provides farming operations greater visibility into their sustainability activities. If we are unable to properly assess these risks and meet our appropriate disclosure requirements, or if our efforts are considered to be inadequate, then stakeholders, the industry, and investors might perceive that we are not responding appropriately and responsibly. As a result, investors may reconsider their capital investments, and our reputation could be diminished leading to customers and suppliers choosing to refrain from engaging in business with us.

Current wording

As an agricultural company, we assess the potential impacts of our business by environmental risks including climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental issues. The Company, through our Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") program and other efforts, is actively focused on implementing responsible practices to reduce environmental risks while complying with evolving laws and regulations. We have participated with customers in sustainable sourcing pilot projects which provides farming operations greater visibility into their sustainability activities. If we are unable to properly assess these risks and meet our appropriate disclosure requirements, or if our efforts are considered to be inadequate, then stakeholders, the industry, and investors might perceive that we are not responding appropriately and responsibly. As a result, investors may reconsider their capital investments, and our reputation could be diminished leading to customers and suppliers choosing to refrain from engaging in business with us.

Previous wording

The Company faces transition risks and physical risks related to climate change.

Current wording

The Company faces transition risks and physical risks related to climate change and electrification.

Previous wording

With the increased regulations and opportunity of electric vehicles comes the transitional risk that biofuels are in lower demand due to environmental concerns with climate change and changing consumer behavior. While biofuels also have less carbon emissions than regular gasoline, electric vehicles have the lowest emissions. A decrease in demand for biofuels as a result of regulatory or market changes would result in ethanol plants being underutilized along with a lower demand for corn to be used in ethanol production. The decrease in corn demand for ethanol production would mean a greater supply of corn for human and livestock consumption, driving down food costs and could lower overall grain prices. From a physical risk standpoint, there is increased land acreage that was historically used for growing corn that is being left unplanted as there is belief that the empty farmland is aiding in absorbing carbon dioxide. This would result in decreased agriculture productivity, reducing the amount of fertilizers needed and grains harvested. There are many assumptions both domestically and internationally driving the impact of supply and demand for corn, soybeans and other grains so it is too early to quantify the transition and physical risks involved with the gradual shift to electrification and the environmental regulatory changes. Although we believe that many regions both domestically and internationally will still rely on biofuels as they are slower to make changes and might not have immediate resources to do so, we cannot be certain about the pace and nature of changes in the industry and how it will impact demand for our products. These environmental changes could be costly and adversely affect our facilities, financial position and results of operations. While our Company believes that we are strategically positioned so that we can assess our role in actively reducing environmental risks while remaining focused on being a leader in the merchandising of grains and other co-products domestically and internationally, it is not possible to predict exactly how a changing climate will impact our business. If our strategies prove ineffective, our business could be adversely affected.

Current wording

In addition, a decrease in corn demand for ethanol production could also impact our Agribusiness segment if it resulted in a greater supply of corn for human and livestock consumption, driving down food costs and potentially overall grain prices. From a physical risk standpoint, there is increased land acreage that was historically used for growing corn that is being left unplanted as there is belief that the empty farmland is aiding in absorbing carbon dioxide. This would result in decreased agriculture productivity, reducing the amount of fertilizers needed and grains harvested. There are many assumptions both domestically and internationally driving the impact of supply and demand for corn, soybeans and other grains so it is too early to quantify the transition and physical risks involved with the gradual shift to electrification and the environmental regulatory changes. Although we believe that many regions both domestically and internationally will still rely on biofuels as they are slower to make changes and might not have immediate resources to do so, we cannot be certain about the pace and nature of changes in the industry and how it will impact demand for our products. These environmental changes could be costly and adversely affect our facilities, financial position and results of operations. While our Company believes that we are strategically positioned so that we can assess our role in actively reducing environmental risks while remaining focused on being a leader in the merchandising of grains and other co-products domestically and internationally, it is not possible to predict exactly how a changing climate will impact our business. If our strategies prove ineffective, our business could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are in the process of reviewing our systems roadmap, to help standardize processes and support growth initiatives. This will likely result in potential system implementations as part of our ongoing information technology transformation strategy, and we plan to implement these systems throughout relevant parts of our business. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to explore, build and sustain the proper information technology infrastructure, or if we fail to achieve the expected benefits from this initiative, it may impact our ability to process transactions accurately and remain aligned with the changing needs of our business. In addition, failure to deliver the applications on time or anticipate the necessary readiness and training needs could lead to business disruption, and loss of customers and employees. In connection with potential implementations and resulting business process changes, we will continue to enhance the design and documentation of business processes and controls, including our internal control over financial reporting processes, to maintain effective controls over financial reporting.

Current wording

We are in the process of reviewing our systems roadmap, to help standardize processes and support growth initiatives. This will result in system implementations as part of our ongoing information technology transformation strategy, and we plan to implement these systems throughout relevant parts of our business. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to explore, build and sustain the proper information technology infrastructure, or if we fail to achieve the expected benefits from this initiative, it may impact our ability to process transactions accurately and remain aligned with the changing needs of our business. In addition, failure to deliver the applications on time or anticipate the necessary readiness and training needs could lead to business disruption, and loss of customers and employees. In connection with potential implementations and resulting business process changes, we will continue to enhance the design and documentation of business processes and controls, including our internal control over financial reporting processes, to maintain effective controls over financial reporting.

Previous wording

Additionally, outside parties may attempt to destroy critical information, or fraudulently induce employees, third-party service providers, or users to disclose sensitive information to gain access to our data or our users' data. Notwithstanding the attention the Company pays to cybersecurity risks and the processes and controls implemented, the Company may not be successful in preventing or mitigating a cybersecurity incident. As with all companies, these security measures are subject to third-party security breaches, employee error, malfeasance, faulty password management, or other irregularities. Cybersecurity risks rapidly evolve and are complex, so the Company must continually adapt and enhance processes and controls. As the Company does this, management must make judgments about where to invest resources to protect the Company and our assets most effectively. These are inherently challenging processes, and management can provide no assurance that the processes and controls implemented will be effective or that we will be able to prevent, repel or mitigate the effects of such an attack by outside parties. The Company also relies on third parties to maintain and process certain information which could be subject to breach or unauthorized access to Company or employee information. We must rely on these entities for adequately detecting and reporting cyber incidents, in which delays could disrupt our operations or potentially affect our ability to report or respond to cybersecurity incidents effectively or in a timely manner. Any such incident to the Company or a third party could result in an inability to perform critical functions, significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, and a loss of confidence in the security of our services that could potentially have an adverse effect on our business.

Current wording

Additionally, outside parties may attempt to destroy critical information, or fraudulently induce employees, third-party service providers, or users to disclose sensitive information to gain access to our data or our users' data. Notwithstanding the attention the Company pays to cybersecurity risks and the processes and controls implemented, the Company may not be successful in preventing or mitigating a cybersecurity incident. As with all companies, these security measures are subject to third-party security breaches, employee error, malfeasance, faulty password management, or other irregularities from time to time. Cybersecurity risks rapidly evolve and are complex, so the Company must continually adapt and enhance processes and controls. As the Company does this, management must make judgments about where to invest resources to protect the Company and our assets most effectively. These are inherently challenging processes, and management can provide no assurance that the processes and controls implemented will be effective or that we will be able to prevent, repel or mitigate the effects of such an attack by outside parties. The Company also relies on third parties to maintain and process certain information which could be subject to breach or unauthorized access to Company or employee information. We must rely on these entities for adequately detecting and reporting cyber incidents, in which delays could disrupt our operations or potentially affect our ability to report or respond to cybersecurity incidents effectively or in a timely manner. Any such incident to the Company or a third party could result in an inability to perform critical functions, significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, and a loss of confidence in the security of our services that could potentially have an adverse effect on our business.