Biggest changeFurthermore, airlines may experience reduced demand due to reluctance by the flying public to travel due to travel restrictions and/or social distancing requirements. As a result, there is significant uncertainty with respect to when commercial air traffic levels will fully recover, and whether and at what point capacity will return to and/or exceed pre-COVID-19 levels.
Biggest changeThere is risk that the industry reintroduces mitigation strategies in response to residual impacts from COVID-19, which could include reduced capacity and shifting route patterns. Furthermore, airlines may experience reduced demand due to reluctance by the flying public to travel due to travel restrictions and/or social distancing requirements.
A number of risks inherent in international operations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, including: a. fluctuations in U.S. dollar value arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies and the translation of certain foreign currency subsidiary balances; b. difficulties in staffing and managing multi-national operations; c. general economic and political uncertainties and potential for social unrest in countries in which we or our customers operate; d. other deterioration of economic conditions, including the effect of inflation on our customers and suppliers; e. limitations on our ability to enforce legal rights and remedies; f. restrictions on the repatriation of funds; g. changes in trade policies, laws, regulations, political leadership and environment, and/or security risks; 11 Table of Contents h. tariff regulations; i. difficulties in obtaining export and import licenses and compliance with export/import controls and regulations; j. the risk of government financed competition; k. compliance with a variety of international laws as well as U.S. regulations, rules and practices affecting the activities of companies abroad; and l. difficulties in managing and staffing international operations and the required infrastructure costs, including legal, tax, accounting, and information technology.
A number of risks inherent in international operations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, including: a. fluctuations in U.S. dollar value arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies and the translation of certain foreign currency subsidiary balances; b. difficulties in staffing and managing multi-national operations; c. general economic and political uncertainties and potential for social unrest in countries in which we or our customers operate; d. other deterioration of economic conditions, including the effect of inflation on our customers and suppliers; e. limitations on our ability to enforce legal rights and remedies; f. restrictions on the repatriation of funds; g. changes in trade policies, laws, regulations, political leadership and environment, and/or security risks; h. tariff regulations; i. difficulties in obtaining export and import licenses and compliance with export/import controls and regulations; j. the risk of government financed competition; k. compliance with a variety of international laws as well as U.S. regulations, rules and practices affecting the activities of companies abroad; and l. difficulties in managing and staffing international operations and the required infrastructure costs, including legal, tax, accounting, and information technology.
Additionally, the timing of receipt of orders, if any, on contracts included in our backlog could change. The failure to realize amounts reflected in our backlog could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods. SIFCO business is dependent on a small number of direct and indirect customers.
Additionally, the timing of receipt of orders, if any, on contracts included in our backlog could change. The failure to realize amounts reflected in our backlog could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods. SIFCO business is dependent on a few number of direct and indirect customers.
As further described in Item 9A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, management determined that SIFCO’s internal control over financial reporting and its disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
As further described in Item 9A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, management determined that SIFCO’s internal control over financial reporting and its disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
Despite our use of reasonable and appropriate controls, material security breaches, theft, misplaced, lost or corrupted data, programming, or employee errors and/or malfeasance could lead to the compromise or improper use of such sensitive, confidential, or personal data or information, resulting in possible negative consequences, such as fines, ransom demands, penalties, loss of reputation, competitiveness or customers, or other negative consequences resulting in adverse impacts to our results of operations or financial condition.
Despite our use of reasonable and appropriate controls, material security breaches, theft, misplaced, lost or corrupted data, programming, or 9 Table of Contents employee errors and/or malfeasance could lead to the compromise or improper use of such sensitive, confidential, or personal data or information, resulting in possible negative consequences, such as fines, ransom demands, penalties, loss of reputation, competitiveness or customers, or other negative consequences resulting in adverse impacts to our results of operations or financial condition.
We maintain standard property casualty insurance coverage for our properties and may be able to recover costs associated with certain natural disasters through insurance; however, even if covered by insurance, any significant damage or destruction of our facilities due to such events could result in our inability to meet customer delivery schedules and may result in the loss of customers and significant additional costs to SIFCO.
We maintain standard property casualty insurance coverage for our properties and may be able to recover costs associated with certain natural disasters through insurance; however, even if covered by insurance, any significant damage or destruction of our facilities due to such events could result in our inability to meet customer delivery schedules and may result in the loss of customers and 15 Table of Contents significant additional costs to SIFCO.
In the event we identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls that we cannot remediate in a timely 12 Table of Contents manner, the market price of our stock could decline if investors and others lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other applicable regulatory authorities.
In the event we identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls that we cannot remediate in a timely manner, the market price of our stock could decline if investors and others lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other applicable regulatory authorities.
These factors have caused reductions in demand for commercial aircraft, which have adversely impacted our net sales and operating results and may continue to do so for an extended period of time. Further, an overall reduction in business activity as a result of the disruption has led to a continued softening of the energy market.
These factors have caused reductions in demand for commercial aircraft, which have adversely impacted our net sales and operating results and may continue to do so for an extended period of time. Further, an overall reduction in business activity as a result of the disruption previously led to a softening of the energy market.
Changes in underlying assumptions, circumstances or estimates may have a material adverse effect upon the profitability of one or more of the affected contracts, future period financial reporting and performance, as pass through pricing is not always permissible. Our technologies could become obsolete, reducing our revenues and profitability.
Changes in underlying assumptions, circumstances or estimates may have a material adverse effect upon the profitability of one or more of the affected contracts, future period financial reporting and performance, as pass through pricing is not always permissible. 11 Table of Contents Our technologies could become obsolete, reducing our revenues and profitability.
The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons, which include: 15 Table of Contents a. our quarterly or annual earnings or those of our competitors or our significant customers; b. the public’s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; c. changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track the stocks of our competitors; d. new laws or regulations or new interpretations of laws or regulations applicable to our business; e. changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; f. changes in general conditions in the domestic and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism, health crises (such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic) or responses to such events; g. litigation involving our company or investigations or audits by regulators into the operations of our company or our competitors; h. strategic action by our competitors; i. sales of common stock by our directors, executive officers and significant shareholders; and j. our stock being closely held by insider holdings and is thinly traded which impacts price volatility.
The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons, which include: a. our quarterly or annual earnings or those of our competitors or our significant customers; b. the public’s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; c. changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track the stocks of our competitors; d. new laws or regulations or new interpretations of laws or regulations applicable to our business; e. changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; f. changes in general conditions in the domestic and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism, health crises or responses to such events; g. litigation involving our company or investigations or audits by regulators into the operations of our company or our competitors; h. strategic action by our competitors; i. sales of common stock by our directors, executive officers and significant shareholders; and j. our stock being closely held by insider holdings and is thinly traded which impacts price volatility.
If the pandemic continues and/or conditions worsen, we may experience additional adverse impacts on our operations, costs, customer orders, and collections of accounts receivable, which may be material.
If the residual impact of the pandemic continues and/or conditions worsen, we may experience additional adverse impacts on our operations, costs, customer orders, and collections of accounts receivable, which may be material.
It also is not possible for SIFCO to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. Substantial claims resulting from an incident in excess of the indemnification we receive and our insurance coverage would harm our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
It also is not possible for SIFCO to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. Substantial claims resulting from an incident in excess of the indemnification we receive and 10 Table of Contents our insurance coverage would harm our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We have continued to see a prolonged impact on the economy, our industry, and our business, with increased challenges for customers, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increasing inflation, among others. The pandemic has affected and is expected to continue to affect certain elements of our operations and business.
We have continued to see a prolonged residual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, our industry, and our business, with increased challenges for customers, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increasing inflation, among others. The pandemic has affected and is expected to continue to affect certain elements of our operations and business.
Additionally, the pandemic could lead to an extended disruption of economic activity whereby the impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be material.
Additionally, the residual impacts of the pandemic could lead to an extended disruption of economic activity whereby the impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be material.
At times when there are perceived threats to national security, U.S. defense spending can increase; at other times, defense spending can decrease. Future levels of defense 8 Table of Contents spending are uncertain and subject to congressional debate. Any reduction in future U.S. defense spending levels could adversely impact our sales, operating profit and cash flow.
At times when there are perceived threats to national security, U.S. defense spending can increase; at other times, defense spending can decrease. Future levels of defense spending are uncertain and subject to congressional debate. Any reduction in future U.S. defense spending levels could adversely impact our sales, operating profit and cash flow.
The COVID-19 pandemic also has increased uncertainty with respect to global trade volumes, which could put negative pressure on cargo traffic levels. Any of these factors would have a significant impact on the demand within the commercial aerospace industry.
The residual impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic also has increased uncertainty with respect to global trade volumes, which could put negative pressure on cargo traffic levels. Any of these factors would have a significant impact on the demand within the commercial aerospace industry.
While the Company believes it has adequate cash/liquidity available to finance its operations, our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, depends on our future performance, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors (including the continued impact of COVID-19) beyond our control.
While the Company believes it 14 Table of Contents has adequate cash/liquidity available to finance its operations, our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, depends on our future performance, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors (including the continued residual impact of COVID-19) beyond our control.
Although we believe that we are in compliance with these laws and regulations, future changes in these laws, regulations or interpretations of them, or changes in the nature of our operations may require us to make significant capital expenditures to ensure compliance. 16 Table of Contents
Although we believe that we are in compliance with these laws and regulations, future changes in these laws, regulations or interpretations of them, or changes in the nature of our operations may require us to make significant capital expenditures to ensure compliance.
While the potential economic impact brought by and the duration of the coronavirus outbreak may be difficult to assess or predict, the continuation of a widespread pandemic could result in significant or sustained disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity.
While the potential economic impact brought by and the duration of the residual impacts of the coronavirus outbreak may be difficult to assess or predict, the resurgence of a widespread pandemic could result in significant or sustained disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity.
Goodwill and other intangible assets are a component of our assets. At Septem ber 30, 2022, goodwill was $3.5 million and other intangible assets were $0.5 million of our total assets of $97.3 million. We may have to write off all or part of our goodwill or other intangible assets if their value becomes impaired.
Goodwill and other intangible assets are a component of our assets. At Septem ber 30, 2023, goodwill was $3.5 million and other intangible assets were $0.3 million of our total assets of $96.5 million. We may have to write off all or part of our goodwill or other intangible assets if their value becomes impaired.
As a result of the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, we have experienced, and may in the future experience, production site shutdowns, and workplace disruptions and restrictions on the movement of people, raw materials and goods, both at our own facilities and at the facilities operated by our customers and suppliers.
As a result of the residual impacts of the pandemic, we may in the future experience, production site shutdowns, and workplace disruptions and restrictions on the movement of people, raw materials and goods, both at our own facilities and at the facilities operated by our customers and suppliers.
Competitive bidding presents a number of risks, including: a. the need to compete against companies or teams of companies with more financial and marketing resources and more experience in bidding on and performing major contracts than we have; b. the need to compete against companies or teams of companies that may be long-term, entrenched incumbents for a particular contract for which we are competing and that have, as a result, greater domain expertise and better customer relations; c. the need to compete to retain existing contracts that have in the past been awarded to us on a sole-source basis or that have been incumbent for a long time; d. the award of contracts to providers offering solutions at the “lowest price technically acceptable,” which may lower the profit we may generate under a contract awarded using this pricing method or prevent us from submitting a bid for such work due to us deeming such work to be unprofitable; e. the reduction of margins achievable under any contracts awarded to us; f. the need to bid on some programs in advance of the completion of their specifications, which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties or increased costs that lower our profitability; g. the substantial cost and managerial time and effort, including design, development and marketing activities, necessary to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may not be awarded to us; h. the need to develop, introduce and implement new and enhanced solutions to our customers’ needs; i. the need to locate and contract with teaming partners and subcontractors; j. the need to accurately estimate the resources and cost structure that will be required to perform any contract that we are awarded; and k. long term agreements - changes in our cost profile over the life of a long-term agreement.
Competitive bidding presents a number of risks, including: a. the need to compete against companies or teams of companies with more financial and marketing resources and more experience in bidding on and performing major contracts than we have; b. the need to compete against companies or teams of companies that may be long-term, entrenched incumbents for a particular contract for which we are competing and that have, as a result, greater domain expertise and better customer relations; c. the need to compete to retain existing contracts that have in the past been awarded to us on a sole-source basis or that have been incumbent for a long time; d. the award of contracts to providers offering solutions at the “lowest price technically acceptable,” which may lower the profit we may generate under a contract awarded using this pricing method or prevent us from submitting a bid for such work due to us deeming such work to be unprofitable; e. the reduction of margins achievable under any contracts awarded to us; f. the need to bid on some programs in advance of the completion of their specifications, which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties or increased costs that lower our profitability; g. the substantial cost and managerial time and effort, including design, development and marketing activities, necessary to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may not be awarded to us; h. the need to develop, introduce and implement new and enhanced solutions to our customers’ needs; i. the need to locate and contract with teaming partners and subcontractors; j. the need to accurately estimate the resources and cost structure that will be required to perform any contract that we are awarded; and k. long term agreements - changes in our cost profile over the life of a long-term agreement. 8 Table of Contents If SIFCO wins a contract, and upon expiration, the customer requires further services of the type provided by the contract, there is frequently a competitive rebidding process.
Labor disruptions by our employees or personnel turnover and/or shortage could adversely affect our business. As of September 30, 2022, we employed approximately 348 pe ople. We face competition for management and employees from other companies and organizations.
Labor disruptions by our employees or personnel turnover and/or shortage could adversely affect our business. As of September 30, 2023, we employed approximately 378 pe ople. We face competition for management and employees from other companies and organizations.
We have and may continue to experience delays in the delivery of such products as a result of increased demands and pressures on the supply chain, customs, labor issues, geopolitical pressures, disruptions associated with the COVID-19 or other pandemics, changes in political, economic, and social conditions, weather, laws and regulations.
We have and may continue to experience delays in the delivery of such products as a result of increased demands and pressures on the supply chain, customs, labor issues, geopolitical pressures, disruptions associated with changes in political, economic, and social conditions, weather, laws and regulations.
Any of these claims, even if without merit, could result in costly litigation or divert management's attention and resources. Furthermore, we may face a sustained disruption to our operations due to one or more of the factors described above.
Any of these claims, even if without merit, could result in costly litigation or divert management's attention and resources. Furthermore, we may face a sustained disruption to our operations due to one or more of the factors described above. The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
As the demand for employees returns to pre-COVID-19 levels, if we continue to experience increased turnover and/or are unable to quickly hire employees and subsequently retain our workforce, or we experience a significant or prolonged work stoppage in such an environment, we may experience increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand and increased wage rates to attract and retain employees, and our ability to secure new work and our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
If we continue to experience turnover and/or are unable to quickly hire employees and subsequently retain our workforce, or we experience a significant or prolonged work stoppage in such an environment, we may experience increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand and increased wage rates to attract and retain employees, and our ability to secure new work and our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
The Company may not receive the full amounts estimated under the contracts in our total backlog, which could reduce our sales in future periods below the levels anticipated, and which makes backlog an uncertain indicator of future operating results. As of September 30, 2022, our total backlog w as $81.9 millio n.
The Company may not receive the full amounts estimated under the contracts in our total backlog, which could reduce our sales in future periods below the levels anticipated, and which makes backlog an uncertain indicator of future operating results. As of September 30, 2023, our total backlog w as $120.1 millio n.
Consequently, we risk disruptions in our supply of key products and components if our suppliers fail or are unable to perform because of shortages in raw materials, operational problems, strikes, natural disasters, health crises (such as the COVID-19 or other pandemics) or other factors.
Consequently, we risk disruptions in our supply of key products and components if our suppliers fail or are unable to perform because of shortages in raw materials, operational problems, strikes, natural disasters, health crises or other factors.
Downturns or reductions in demand could have a material adverse effect on our business. The energy industry is also cyclical in nature.
Downturns or reductions in demand could have a material adverse effect on our business. 7 Table of Contents The energy industry is also cyclical in nature.
While the Company withdrew from this plan to mitigate future costs, the Company may be subject to liability in connection with such withdrawal (see Note 8, Retirement Benefit Plans ).
Additionally, the Company contributed to a multi-employer retirement plan. While the Company withdrew from this plan to mitigate future costs, the Company may be subject to liability in connection with such withdrawal (see Note 8, Retirement Benefit Plans ).
In particular, the recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused shortages in the availability of fuel.
In particular, the recent 12 Table of Contents conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused shortages in the availability of fuel.
The financial markets can experience high levels of volatility and disruption, reducing the availability of credit for certain issuers and the financial markets have undergone significant volatility in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic and various economic factors.
The financial markets can experience high levels of volatility and disruption, reducing the availability of credit for certain issuers and the financial markets have undergone significant volatility in reaction to various macroeconomic factors.
We cannot predict changes in worldwide or regional economic conditions and government policies, as such conditions are highly volatile and beyond our control. If these conditions deteriorate for extended periods, however, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Our indebtedness and restrictive covenants under our credit facilities could limit our operational and financial flexibility.
We cannot predict changes in worldwide or regional economic conditions and government policies, as such conditions are highly volatile and beyond our control. If these conditions deteriorate for extended periods, however, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
As a result, we have been operating in industries which have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, we have been operating in industries which continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have incurred indebtedness, and may incur additional debt in the future. Our ability to make interest and scheduled principal payments and operate within restrictive covenants could be adversely impacted by changes in the availability, terms and cost of capital, changes in interest rates or changes in our credit ratings or our outlook.
Our ability to make interest and scheduled principal payments and operate within restrictive covenants could be adversely impacted by changes in the availability, terms and cost of capital, changes in interest rates or changes in our credit ratings or our outlook.
Differences between actual investment returns and our assumed long-term returns on assets will result in changes in future pension expense and the funded status of our Plans, and could increase future funding of the Plans. Changes in these factors affect our plan funding, cash flows, earnings, and shareholders’ equity. Additionally, the Company contributed to a multi-employer retirement plan.
Differences between actual investment returns and our assumed long-term returns 13 Table of Contents on assets will result in changes in future pension expense and the funded status of our Plans, and could increase future funding of the Plans. Changes in these factors affect our plan funding, cash flows, earnings, and shareholders’ equity.
A substantial portion of SIFCO's business is conducted with a relatively small number of large direct and indirect customers. In fiscal 2022, one direct customer accounted for approximately 11% percent of our consolidated net sales and two direct 9 Table of Contents customers and their direct subcontractors accounted for approximately 23% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
A substantial portion of SIFCO's business is conducted with a relatively small number of large direct and indirect customers. In fiscal 2023, one direct customer accounted for approximately 12% percent of our consolidated net sales and three direct customers and their direct subcontractors accounted for approximately 32% of the Company’s consolidated net sales.
Although this write-off would be a non-cash charge, it could reduce our earnings and our financial condition. 14 Table of Contents General Risks Our business is subject to risks associated with widespread public health crises, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Although this write-off would be a non-cash charge, it could reduce our earnings and our financial condition. General Risks Our business is subject to risks associated with widespread public health crises.
These changes could increase our cost of business, limiting our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, react to market conditions and meet operational and capital needs, thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage.
These changes could increase our cost of business, limiting our ability to pursue acquisition opportunities, react to market conditions and meet operational and capital needs, thereby placing us at a competitive disadvantage. Global economic conditions may adversely impact our business, operating results or financial condition.
We have experienced and expect to continue to experience unpredictable changes in demand from the markets we serve. The A&E industries have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects as a result of various restrictions on air travel and concern regarding air travel during a pandemic.
We expect to continue to experience unpredictable changes in demand from the markets we serve. The A&E industries continue to be negatively impacted by the residual impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects as a result of various restrictions on air travel, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.
Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent you from being able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for your shares or at all.
An active, liquid and orderly market for our common stock may not be sustained, which could depress the trading price of our common stock. Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent you from being able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for your shares or at all.
Further, we are exposed to fluctuations in inflation, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operation. The United States and other jurisdictions have recently experienced high levels of inflation.
The inability of current and potential customers to pay SIFCO for its products and services may adversely affect its earnings and cash flows. Further, we are exposed to fluctuations in inflation, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operation. The United States and other jurisdictions have recently experienced high levels of inflation.
In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided for remote work for certain of our employees, which may increase our vulnerability to cyber and other information technology risks.
We continue to provide for remote work for certain of our employees, which may increase our vulnerability to cyber and other information technology risks.
Until remediated, this material weakness could result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As with any internal control deficiency, there can be no assurance that our remedial measures will be successful or otherwise sufficient to address the material weakness.
As with any internal control deficiency, there can be no assurance that our remedial measures will be successful or otherwise sufficient to address the material weakness.
Risks Related to Financial Matters Global economic conditions may adversely impact our business, operating results or financial condition. Disruption and volatility in global financial markets may lead to increased rates of default and bankruptcy and may negatively impact consumer and business spending levels.
Disruption and volatility in global financial markets may lead to increased rates of default and bankruptcy and may negatively impact consumer and business spending levels. Current or potential customers may delay or decrease spending on our products and services as their business and/or budgets are impacted by economic conditions.
We have experienced changes in demand from our customers in this market and the reduction in demand for commercial aircraft will adversely impact our net sales and operating results.
Residual negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the commercial aerospace industry may continue for a prolonged period of time. We continue to experience changes in demand from our customers in this market and a reduction in demand for commercial aircraft will adversely impact our net sales and operating results.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations We are subject to the cyclical nature of the A&E industries and the continuing or further downturn in these industries could adversely impact the demand for our products. The commerc ial aerospace industry is historically driven by the demand from commercial airlines for new aircraft.
Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations and financial condition. Risks Related to Our Business and Operations We are subject to the cyclical nature of the A&E industries and the continuing or further downturn in these industries could adversely impact the demand for our products.