Biggest changeMoreover, our ability to achieve our other strategic goals and business plans may be adversely affected, and we could experience business disruptions with customers and elsewhere if any restructuring and realignment efforts prove ineffective. 12 We sell our products in highly competitive markets, which results in pressure on our profit margins and limits our ability to maintain or increase the market share of our products.
Biggest changeWe sell our products in highly competitive markets, which results in pressure on our profit margins and limits our ability to maintain or increase the market share of our products. The markets for our products and services are geographically diverse and highly competitive.
Some of the more common challenges associated with acquisitions that we may experience, and have experienced in the past, include: • loss of key employees or customers of the acquired company; • conforming the acquired company's standards, processes, procedures and controls, including accounting systems and controls, with our operations, which could cause deficiencies related to our internal control over financial reporting; • coordinating operations that are increased in scope, geographic diversity and complexity; 15 • retooling and reprogramming of equipment; • hiring additional management and other critical personnel; and • the diversion of management's attention from our day-to-day operations.
Some of the more common challenges associated with acquisitions that we may experience, and have experienced in the past, include: • loss of key employees or customers of the acquired company; • conforming the acquired company's standards, processes, procedures and controls, including accounting systems and controls, with our operations, which could cause deficiencies related to our internal control over financial reporting; • coordinating operations that are increased in scope, geographic diversity and complexity; • retooling and reprogramming of equipment; • hiring additional management and other critical personnel; and • the diversion of management's attention from our day-to-day operations.
This uncertainty may also affect regulations and trade agreements affecting U.S. companies, global stock markets (including the NYSE, on which our common shares are traded), currency exchange rates, and general global economic conditions. All of these factors are outside of our control, but may nonetheless cause us to adjust our strategy in 18 order to compete effectively in global markets.
This uncertainty may also affect regulations and trade agreements affecting U.S. companies, global stock markets (including the NYSE, on which our common shares are traded), currency exchange rates, and general global economic conditions. All of these factors are outside of our control, but may nonetheless cause us to adjust our strategy in order to compete effectively in global markets.
These agreements limit or restrict our ability, among other things, to: incur additional debt; fully utilize the capacity under the senior credit facility; pay dividends and make other distributions; repurchase shares of our common stock in certain circumstances; prepay subordinated debt; make investments and other restricted payments; create liens; sell assets; and enter into transactions with affiliates.
These agreements limit or restrict our ability, among other things, to: incur additional debt; fully utilize the capacity under the senior credit facility; pay dividends and make 21 other distributions; repurchase shares of our common stock in certain circumstances; prepay subordinated debt; make investments and other restricted payments; create liens; sell assets; and enter into transactions with affiliates.
In addition, acquisitions sometimes require large one-time charges and can result in the incurrence of contingent liabilities, adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation or deferred compensation charges, the amortization of identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, acquisitions sometimes require large one-time charges 15 and can result in the incurrence of contingent liabilities, adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation or deferred compensation charges, the amortization of identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Existing or future legislation and regulations related to GHG emissions and climate change by the U.S. Congress, state and foreign legislatures and federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies could adversely affect our business. Additionally, it is uncertain whether, when and in what form mandatory carbon dioxide emissions reduction programs may be adopted.
Existing or future legislation and regulations related to GHG emissions and climate change by the U.S. Congress, state and foreign legislatures and federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies could adversely affect our business. Additionally, it is uncertain whether, when and in what form mandatory carbon dioxide emissions reduction programs may 19 be adopted.
Our operating costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in prices for commodities, parts, raw materials, energy and related utilities, freight, and cost of labor which have been and may continue to be driven by inflation, tightening labor markets, prevailing price levels, exchange rates, and other economic factors.
Our operating costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in prices for commodities, parts, raw materials, energy and 13 related utilities, freight, and cost of labor which have been and may continue to be driven by inflation, tightening labor markets, prevailing price levels, exchange rates, and other economic factors.
The adoption of new or revised accounting principles may require us to make changes to our systems, processes and internal controls, which could have a significant effect on our reported financial results and internal controls, cause unexpected financial reporting fluctuations, retroactively affect previously reported results or require us to make costly changes to our operational processes and accounting systems upon our following the adoption of these standards.
The 22 adoption of new or revised accounting principles may require us to make changes to our systems, processes and internal controls, which could have a significant effect on our reported financial results and internal controls, cause unexpected financial reporting fluctuations, retroactively affect previously reported results or require us to make costly changes to our operational processes and accounting systems upon our following the adoption of these standards.
Moreover, we may determine that it is in the best interest of our company and our shareholders to prioritize other business, social, governance or sustainable 14 investments over the achievement of our current commitments based on economic, regulatory and social factors, business strategy or pressure from investors, activist groups or other stakeholders.
Moreover, we may determine that it is in the best interest of our company and our shareholders to prioritize other business, social, governance or sustainable investments over the achievement of our current commitments based on economic, regulatory and social factors, business strategy or pressure from investors, activist groups or other stakeholders.
See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report for further discussion of the termination of our Russian operations. In order to manage our day-to-day operations, we must overcome cultural and language barriers and assimilate different business practices.
See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report for further discussion of the termination of our Russian operations. 17 In order to manage our day-to-day operations, we must overcome cultural and language barriers and assimilate different business practices.
In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation or ability to do business. Regulatory and Legal Risks Our operations are subject to a variety of complex and continually changing laws, regulations and policies, both internationally and domestically, which could adversely affect our business.
In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation or ability to do business. 18 Regulatory and Legal Risks Our operations are subject to a variety of complex and continually changing laws, regulations and policies, both internationally and domestically, which could adversely affect our business.
We continually review our funding policy related to our U.S. pension plan in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. U.S. regulations have increased the minimum level of funding for U.S. pension plans in prior years, which has 20 at times required significant contributions to our pension plans.
We continually review our funding policy related to our U.S. pension plan in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. U.S. regulations have increased the minimum level of funding for U.S. pension plans in prior years, which has at times required significant contributions to our pension plans.
The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include reputational damage, loss of customers, litigation with third parties, regulatory actions and fines, theft of intellectual property, disruption of manufacturing plant operations and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs.
The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include reputational damage, loss of customers, litigation with third parties, regulatory actions and fines, theft of intellectual property, systems disruption, disruption of manufacturing plant operations and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs.
For example, our chemical customers generally tend to reduce their spending on capital investments and operate their facilities at lower levels in a soft economic environment, which reduces demand for our products and services.
For example, our chemical customers generally tend to reduce their spending on capital investments and operate their facilities at lower levels in a soft 11 economic environment, which reduces demand for our products and services.
In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," 22 "could," "intends," "projects," "predicts," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," "forecasts," "seeks" or other comparable terminology.
In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "should," "expects," "could," "intends," "projects," "predicts," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," "forecasts," "seeks" or other comparable terminology.
We also have unionized employees or employee work councils i n Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Romania, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden.
We also have unionized employees or employee work councils i n Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden.
Such products 19 were used as internal components of process equipment, and we do not believe that there was any significant emission of asbestos-containing fibers during the use of this equipment.
Such products were used as internal components of process equipment, and we do not believe that there was any significant emission of asbestos-containing fibers during the use of this equipment.
Accordingly, our business and results of operations are subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including: • instability in a specific country's or region's political or economic conditions, particularly economic conditions in Europe and Latin America, and political conditions in the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, Latin America, the Trans-Pacific region and other emerging markets; 16 • trade protection measures, such as tariff increases, and import and export licensing and control requirements; • political, financial market or economic instability relating to epidemics or pandemics (including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic); • uncertainties related to any geopolitical, economic and regulatory effects or changes due to recent or upcoming domestic and international elections; • the imposition of governmental economic sanctions on countries in which we do business; • potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws or tax examinations; • difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations; • increased aging and slower collection of receivables, particularly in Latin America and other emerging markets; • difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some foreign legal systems; • differing and, in some cases, more stringent labor regulations; • potentially negative consequences from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; • partial or total expropriation; • differing protection of intellectual property; • inability to repatriate income or capital; and • difficulty in administering and enforcing corporate policies, which may be different than the customary business practices of local cultures.
Accordingly, our business and results of operations are subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including: • instability in a specific country's or region's political or economic conditions, particularly economic conditions in Europe and Latin America, and political conditions in the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, Latin America, the Trans-Pacific region and other emerging markets; • trade protection measures, such as tariff increases, and import and export licensing and control requirements; • political, financial market or economic instability relating to epidemics or pandemics; • uncertainties related to any geopolitical, economic and regulatory effects or changes due to recent or upcoming domestic and international elections; • the imposition of governmental economic sanctions on countries in which we do business; • potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws or tax examinations; • difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations; • increased aging and slower collection of receivables, particularly in Latin America and other emerging markets; • difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some foreign legal systems; • differing and, in some cases, more stringent labor regulations; • potentially negative consequences from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; • partial or total expropriation; • differing protection of intellectual property; • inability to repatriate income or capital; and • difficulty in administering and enforcing corporate policies, which may be different than the customary business practices of local cultures.
In 2023, our ability to meet customer delivery schedules for backlog is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, sufficient manufacturing plant capacity, adequate supply channel access to the raw materials and other inventory required for production, an adequately trained and capable workforce, project engineering expertise for certain large projects and appropriate planning and scheduling of manufacturing resources.
In 2024, our ability to meet customer delivery schedules for backlog is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, sufficient manufacturing plant capacity, adequate supply channel access to the raw materials and other inventory required for production, an adequately trained and capable workforce, project engineering expertise for certain large projects and appropriate planning and scheduling of manufacturing resources.
The GDPR imposes additional obligations on companies regarding the handling of personal data and provides certain individual privacy rights to persons whose data is stored.
The GDPR imposes additional obligations on companies regarding the 16 handling of personal data and provides certain individual privacy rights to persons whose data is stored.
Based on our assessment of our def erred tax assets, we determined, based on projected future income and certain available tax planning strategies, that approximately $297 million of our deferred tax assets will more likely than not be realized in the future, and no valuation allowance is currently required for this portion of our deferred tax assets.
Based on our assessment of our def erred tax assets, we determined, based on projected future income and certain available tax planning strategies, that approximately $331 million of our deferred tax assets will more likely than not be realized in the future, and no valuation allowance is currently required for this portion of our deferred tax assets.
Reduced demand for our products and services from time to time results in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or lead to excess manufacturing capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed manufacturing costs. This reduced demand has in the past and may continue in the future to also erode average selling prices in our industry.
Reduced demand for our products and services from time to time results in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or leads to excess manufacturing capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed manufacturing costs. This reduced demand has in the past and may continue in the future to also erode average selling prices in our industry.
Such a loss of anticipated revenues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our inability to deliver our backlog on time could affect our revenues, future sales and profitability and our relationships with customers. At December 31, 2022, our backlog was $2.7 billion.
Such a loss of anticipated revenues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our inability to deliver our backlog on time could affect our revenues, future sales and profitability and our relationships with customers. At December 31, 2023, our backlog was $2.7 billion.
Increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change will result in more regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions.
Increased public awareness and 14 concern regarding global climate change will result in more regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions.
To conduct our operations, we regularly move data across national borders and must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data in the U.S. and elsewhere. For example, the E.U. recently adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”).
To conduct our operations, we regularly move data across national borders and must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data in the U.S. and elsewhere. For example, the E.U. has adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”).
Although we have concluded that there is no impairment on the goodwill associated with our pump reporting unit as of December 31, 2022, we will continue to monitor its performance and related market conditions for future indicators of potential impairment.
Although we have concluded that there is no impairment on the goodwill associated with our pump reporting unit as of December 31, 2023, we will continue to monitor its performance and related market conditions for future indicators of potential impairment.
Moreover, because such expenses are difficult to predict and are necessarily inexact, we may incur substantial expenses in connection with the execution of any future restructuring and realignment plans in excess of what is currently anticipated.
Moreover, because such expenses are difficult to predict and are necessarily inexact, we may incur substantial expenses in connection with the execution of any current or future restructuring and realignment plans in excess of what is currently anticipated.
The projected cost of remediation at these sites, as well as our alleged "fair share" allocation, while not anticipated to be material, has been reserved. However, until all studies have been completed and the parties have either negotiated an amicable resolution or the matter has been judicially resolved, some degree of uncertainty remains.
The projected cost of remediation at these sites, as well as our alleged "fair share" allocation, while not anticipated to be material, has been reserved. However, until all studies have been completed and the parties have either negotiated an amicable resolution or the matter has been judicially resolved, some degree of uncertainty remains with respect to the anticipated impact.
These information technology networks and related systems and devices and those under control of third parties are susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to programming errors, defects or other vulnerabilities, power outages, hardware failures, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, malware attacks, ransomware attacks, theft, misconduct by employees or other insiders, misuse, human errors or other events.
These information technology networks and related systems and devices and those under control of third parties are susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to programming errors, defects or other vulnerabilities, power outages, hardware failures, computer viruses, cyber-attacks, malware attacks, ransomware attacks, theft, misconduct by employees or other insiders, misuse, human errors or other cybersecurity incidents.
Failure to successfully execute and realize the expected financial benefits from any restructuring and strategic realignment and other cost-saving initiatives could adversely affect our business. Adverse effects from our execution of any future restructuring and realignment activities could interfere with our realization of anticipated synergies, customer service improvements and cost savings from these strategic initiatives.
Failure to successfully execute and realize the expected financial benefits from any restructuring and strategic realignment and other cost-saving initiatives could adversely affect our business. 12 Adverse effects from our execution of any current or future restructuring and realignment activities could interfere with our realization of anticipated synergies, customer service improvements and cost savings from these strategic initiatives.
The potential for future such events, the national and international responses to such events or perceived threats to national security, and other actual or potential conflicts or wars, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israeli-Hamas conflict and ongoing instability in Syria and Egypt, have created many economic and political uncertainties.
The potential for future such events, the national and international responses to such events or perceived threats to national security, and other actual or potential conflicts or wars, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing instability in Syria and Egypt, have created many economic and political uncertainties.
In addition, any of the aforementioned breaches or disruptions could expose us to a risk of loss, disclosure, misuse, corruption, or interruption of sensitive and critical data, information and functions, including our proprietary and confidential information and information related to our customers, suppliers and employees.
In addition, any of the aforementioned cybersecurity incidents or disruptions could expose us to a risk of loss, disclosure, misuse, corruption, or interruption of sensitive and critical data, information and functions, including our proprietary and confidential information and information related to our customers, suppliers and employees.
If any of the aforementioned breaches or disruptions occur and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
If any of the aforementioned cybersecurity incidents or disruptions occur and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
If we are unable to prevent, anticipate, detect or adequately respond to security breaches, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be materially and adversely affected. Developments in the applicable legal standards for the handling of personal data from time to time require changes to our business practices, penalties, increased cost of operations, or otherwise harm our business.
If we are unable to prevent, anticipate, detect or adequately respond to cybersecurity incidents, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be materially and adversely affected. Developments in the applicable legal standards for the handling of personal data from time to time require changes to our business practices, penalties, increased cost of operations, or otherwise harm our business.
Our manufacturing plant operations, capacity and supply chain are subject to disruption as a result of equipment failure, severe weather conditions and other natural or manmade disasters, including power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, cyber-based attacks, conflicts or unrest, epidemics or pandemics (including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), labor disputes, acts of God, or other reasons.
Our manufacturing plant operations, capacity and supply chain are subject to disruption as a result of equipment failure, severe weather conditions and other natural or manmade disasters, including power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, cyber-based attacks, conflicts or unrest, epidemics or pandemics, labor disputes, acts of God, or other reasons.
The COVID-19 pandemic, including actions taken by governments in response, caused and may continue to cause, a 13 substantial curtailment of business activities (including the decrease in demand for a broad variety of goods and services), weakened economic conditions, supply chain disruptions, significant economic uncertainty and volatility in the financial and commodity markets, including global volatility in supply and demand for oil and gas.
The COVID-19 pandemic, including actions taken by governments in response, caused and could in the future cause, a substantial curtailment of business activities (including the decrease in demand for a broad variety of goods and services), weakened economic conditions, supply chain disruptions, significant economic uncertainty and volatility in the financial and commodity markets, including global volatility in supply and demand for oil and gas.
Throughout 2022, our operating costs have been impacted by price inflation, including with respect to the cost of certain raw materials, commodities, freight and logistics, and we expect this to continue for the foreseeable future.
Throughout 2023, our operating costs were impacted by price inflation, including with respect to the cost of certain raw materials, commodities, freight and logistics, and we expect this to continue for the foreseeable future.
Our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor matters. As of December 31, 2022, w e had approximat ely 16,000 emp loyees, of which approximately 4,500 were located in the U.S. Approximately 5% of our U.S. employees are represented by unions.
Our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor matters. As of December 31, 2023, w e had approximat ely 16,000 empl oyees, of which approximately 4,600 were located in the U.S. Approximately 5% of our U.S. employees are represented by unions.
These factors, together with other key global events during 2022 (such as the ongoing global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ongoing conflicts and terrorist activity), may adversely impact the ability or willingness of non-U.S. companies to transact business in the U.S.
These factors, together with other key global events during 2023 (such as the ongoing conflicts and terrorist activity), may adversely impact the ability or willingness of non-U.S. companies to transact business in the U.S.
It is also possible a security breach could result in theft of material trade secrets or other material intellectual property.
It is also possible a cybersecurity incident could result in theft of material trade secrets or other material intellectual property.
As a global company with a large international footprint, we are subject to increased risk of damage or disruption to us, our employees, facilities, partners, suppliers, distributors, resellers or customers due to, among other things, terrorist acts, conflicts (including as a result of geopolitical uncertainty and/or conflicts in the countries and/or regions where we operate, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Ukraine and the Trans-Pacific region), severe weather conditions and other natural or manmade disasters, including power outages, fires, explosions, cyber-based attacks, epidemics or pandemics (including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic), labor disputes, and acts of God wherever located around the world.
As a global company with a large international footprint, we are subject to increased risk of damage or disruption to us, our employees, facilities, partners, suppliers, distributors, resellers or customers due to, among other things, terrorist acts, conflicts (including as a result of geopolitical uncertainty and/or conflicts in the countries and/or regions where we operate, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Ukraine, the Middle East and the Trans-Pacific region), severe weather conditions, the potential physical effects of climate change, and other natural or manmade disasters, including power outages, fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, storms, rising sea levels, explosions, cyber-based attacks, epidemics or pandemics, labor disputes, and acts of God wherever located around the world.
Our ability to implement this growth strategy will be limited by our ability to identify appropriate acquisition candidates, covenants in our credit agreement and other debt agreements and our financial resources, including available cash and borrowing capacity.
Our ability to implement this growth strategy may be limited by our ability to identify appropriate acquisition candidates, secure the requisite regulatory approvals, covenants in our credit agreement and other debt agreements and our financial resources, including available cash and borrowing capacity.
Our inability to obtain raw materials at favorable prices may adversely affect our operating margins and results of operations. We purchase substantially all electric power and other raw materials we use in the manufacturing of our products from outside sources.
Our inability to obtain raw materials at favorable prices may adversely affect our operating margins and results of operations. We purchase substantially all electric power and other raw materials we use in the manufacturing of our products from outside sources. The costs of these raw materials have been volatile historically and are influenced by factors that are outside our control.
Similarly, certain countries, including the U.S., have adopted the Paris Climate Agreement and these and other existing international initiatives or those under consideration affect our operations.
Similarly, certain countries, including the U.S., have adopted the Paris Climate Agreement and these and other existing international initiatives, such as the agreement resulting from the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or those under consideration may affect our operations.
Actions we take to mitigate volatility in manufacturing and operating costs may not be successful and, as a result, our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have an adverse impact on our operations and financial performance.
Actions we take to mitigate volatility in manufacturing and operating costs may not be successful and, as a result, our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
In addition, there have been recent changes to trade agreements, like the U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. 17 Uncertainties with respect to tariffs, trade agreements, or any potential trade wars negatively impact the global economic markets and could affect our customers’ ability to invest in capital expenditures, which may in turn result in reduced demand for our products and services, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Uncertainties with respect to tariffs, trade agreements, or any potential trade wars negatively impact the global economic markets and could affect our customers’ ability to invest in capital expenditures, which may in turn result in reduced demand for our products and services, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the volatile regional and global economic conditions stemming from the pandemic, have precipitated or aggravated many of the factors described above, and we expect that these factors will continue to adversely impact our operations and financial performance as well as those of many of our customers and suppliers.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the volatile regional and global economic conditions stemming from the pandemic, precipitated or aggravated many of the factors described above, and a resurgence or development of new strains or variants of COVID-19, or other public health emergencies, could cause these factors to continue to adversely impact our operations and financial performance as well as those of many of our customers and suppliers.
In particular, there is uncertainty related to the Biden administration’s plans for new or existing treaty and trade relationships with other countries, including with respect to the January 2017 U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which may affect restrictions or tariffs imposed on products we buy or sell.
In particular, there is uncertainty related to new or existing treaty and trade relationships with other countries which may affect restrictions or tariffs imposed on products we buy or sell.
Reductions in or impairment of the value of our goodwill or other intangible assets will result in charges against our earnings, which could have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations and financial position in future periods. 21 There are numerous risks that may cause the fair value of a reporting unit to fall below its carrying amount, which could lead to the measurement and recognition of goodwill impairment.
Reductions in or impairment of the value of our goodwill or other intangible assets will result in charges against our earnings, which could have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations and financial position in future periods.
Our failure to successfully manage our geographically diverse operations could impair our ability to react quickly to changing business and market conditions and to enforce compliance with standards and procedures. Our future success will depend, in large part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks associated with our international operations.
Our failure to successfully manage our geographically diverse operations could impair our ability to react quickly to changing business and market conditions and to enforce compliance with standards and procedures.
Warranty claims are not generally covered by insurance, and we may incur significant warranty costs that are not reimbursable, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Even if we are successful in defending against a claim relating to our products, claims of this nature could cause our customers to lose confidence in our products and our company. 20 Warranty claims are not generally covered by insurance, and we may incur significant warranty costs that are not reimbursable, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
For further discussion of the risks presented by the ongoing pandemic, see the discussion below under the 11 heading “The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on our operations and financial performance.” Additionally, our customers sometimes delay capital investment and maintenance even during favorable conditions in their industries or markets.
For further discussion of the risks presented by the pandemic, see the discussion below under the heading “The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted our operations and financial performance, and a resurgence or development of new strains or variants of COVID-19, or other public health emergencies, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operation, financial condition and liquidity, the nature and extent of which is highly uncertain.” Additionally, our customers sometimes delay capital investment and maintenance even during favorable conditions in their industries or markets.
Similarly, military conflicts in Russia/Ukraine, the Middle East, Asia and North Africa could soften the level of capital investment and demand for our products and services. In response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, several countries, including the United States, have imposed economic sanctions and export controls on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia.
In response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, several countries, including the United States, have imposed economic sanctions and export controls on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia.
Any of these factors could, however, materially adversely affect our international operations and, consequently, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Implementation of new tariffs and changes to or uncertainties related to tariffs and trade agreements could adversely affect our business. The U.S. has implemented certain tariffs on steel and aluminum imported into the country.
Implementation of new tariffs and changes to or uncertainties related to tariffs and trade agreements could adversely affect our business. The U.S. has implemented certain tariffs on steel and aluminum imported into the country. In response, certain foreign governments have implemented or reportedly considered implementing additional tariffs on U.S. goods.
As a result of this conflict, including the aforementioned sanctions and overall instability in the region, in February 2022 we stopped accepting new orders in Russia and temporarily suspended fulfillment of existing orders. In March 2022, we made the decision to permanently cease all Company operations in Russia.
As a result of this conflict, including the aforementioned sanctions and overall instability in the region, in March 2022 we permanently ceased all Company operations in Russia and are currently taking the necessary steps to wind down in the country.
We compete based on price, technical expertise, timeliness of delivery, contractual terms, project management, proximity to service centers, previous installation history and reputation for quality and reliability.
We compete against large and well-established national and global companies, as well as regional and local companies, low-cost replicators of spare parts and in-house maintenance departments of our end-user customers. We compete based on price, technical expertise, timeliness of delivery, contractual terms, project management, proximity to service centers, previous installation history and reputation for quality and reliability.
The costs of these raw materials have been volatile historically and are influenced by factors that are outside our control, including more recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, the prices for energy, metal alloys, nickel and certain other of our raw materials have been volatile.
In recent years, the prices for energy, metal alloys, nickel and certain other of our raw materials have been volatile.
If these measures are not successful or sustainable, we may undertake additional realignment and cost reduction efforts, which could result in future charges.
If these measures are not successful or sustainable, we may undertake additional realignment and cost reduction efforts, which could result in future charges. Moreover, our ability to achieve our other strategic goals and business plans may be adversely affected, and we could experience business disruptions with customers and elsewhere if any restructuring and realignment efforts prove ineffective.
These effects have had an adverse impact on our operations and financial performance and the operations and financial performance of many of our customers and suppliers.
These effects had an adverse impact on our operations and financial performance and the operations and financial performance of many of our customers and suppliers. Our operations have generally stabilized since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2023, the World Health Organization declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency.