Biggest changeSoftware failure or corruption, including cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, or catastrophic hardware or software 7 Table of Contents failures or other disasters could disrupt communications, supply chain planning and activities relating to sales demand forecasts, materials procurement, production and inventory planning, customer orders, shipments, and collections, and financial and accounting, all of which could negatively impact sales and profits. ● Risk of releasing sensitive information - Although the Company does not believe that it maintains a large amount of sensitive data, a system breach, whether inadvertent or perpetrated by hackers, could result in identity theft, ransomware and/or a disruption in operations which could expose the Company to financial costs and adversely affect profitability. ● Disruption to the Company’s supply chain could impair the Company’s ability to produce or deliver its finished products, resulting in a negative impact on operating results - Disruption to the manufacturing operations or supply chain, some of which are discussed above, could result from, but are not limited to adverse tariffs which could effectively limit supply or make supply more costly, natural disasters, pandemics, weather, fire or explosion, earthquakes, terrorism or other acts of violence, unavailability of ingredients or packaging materials which could result if our suppliers are unable to obtain certain raw materials or make timely deliveries, labor strikes or other labor activities, labor shortages to meet higher demand for Company products, including the staffing of seasonal labor needs, logistical delays including materials from foreign locations, operational and/or financial instability of key suppliers, and other vendors or service providers.
Biggest changeSoftware failure or corruption, including cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, or catastrophic hardware or software failures or other disasters could disrupt communications, supply chain planning and activities relating to sales demand forecasts, materials procurement, production and inventory planning, customer orders, shipments, and collections, and financial and accounting, all of which could negatively impact sales and profits. ● Risk of releasing sensitive information - Although the Company does not believe that it maintains a large amount of sensitive data, a system breach, whether inadvertent or perpetrated by hackers, could result in identity theft, ransomware and/or a disruption in operations which could expose the Company to financial costs and adversely affect profitability. 7 Table of Contents ● Disruption to the Company’s supply chain could impair the Company’s ability to produce or deliver its finished products, resulting in a negative impact on operating results - Disruptions to the manufacturing operations or supply chain, some of which are discussed above, could result from, but are not limited to, unpredictable events such as natural disasters, pandemics, weather, fire or explosion, earthquakes, terrorism or other acts of violence.
A failure of new or existing products to be favorably received, a failure to retain preferred shelf space at retail or a failure to sufficiently counter aggressive promotional and price competition could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. ● Risk of discounting and other competitive actions - Discounting and pricing pressure by the Company’s retail customers and other competitive actions could make it more difficult for the Company to maintain its operating margins.
A failure of new or existing products to be favorably received, a failure to retain preferred shelf space at retailers or a failure to sufficiently counter aggressive promotional and price competition could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. ● Risk of discounting and other competitive actions - Discounting and pricing pressure by the Company’s retail customers and other competitive actions could make it more difficult for the Company to maintain its operating margins.
In the event of a disaster, such as a fire or earthquake, at a specific plant location, or other disruption, including labor shortages, it would be difficult to transfer production to other facilities or a new location in a timely manner, which could result in loss of market share for the affected products.
In the event of a disaster, such as a fire or earthquake, at a specific plant location, or other disruption, including labor stoppages or shortages, it would be difficult to transfer production to other facilities or a new location in a timely manner, which could result in loss of market share for the affected products.
Other long-lived assets are likewise tested for impairment upon the occurrence of a triggering event. Such evaluations are based on assumptions and variables including sales growth, profit margins and discount rates.
Other long-lived assets are likewise tested for impairment upon the occurrence of a triggering event. Such evaluations are based on assumptions and variables including sales demands and growth, profit margins and discount rates.
Circumstances surrounding Halloween, such as, widespread adverse weather or other widespread events that affect consumer behavior and related media coverage at that time of year or general changes in consumer interest in Halloween, could significantly affect the Company’s sales. ● Risk of changes in consumer preferences and tastes - Failure to adequately anticipate and react to changing demographics, consumer trends, consumer health concerns and product preferences, including product ingredients and packaging materials, could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. ● Risk of economic conditions on consumer purchases - The Company’s sales are impacted by consumer spending levels and impulse purchases which are affected by general macroeconomic conditions, consumer confidence, employment levels, disposable income, inflation, availability of consumer credit and interest rates on that credit, consumer debt levels, energy costs and other factors.
Circumstances surrounding Halloween could significantly affect the Company’s sales, such as, widespread adverse weather or other widespread events that affect consumer behavior, related media coverage at that time of year, or general changes in consumer interest in Halloween. 6 Table of Contents ● Risk of changes in consumer preferences and tastes - Failure to adequately anticipate and react to changing demographics, consumer trends, consumer health concerns and product preferences, including product ingredients and packaging materials, could have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. ● Risk of economic conditions on consumer purchases - The Company’s sales are impacted by consumer spending levels and impulse purchases which are affected by general macroeconomic conditions, consumer confidence, employment levels, disposable income, inflation, availability of consumer credit and interest rates on that credit, consumer debt levels, energy costs and other factors.
The Company is currently unable to determine the ultimate outcome of this matter 8 Table of Contents and therefore, is unable to determine the effects on its consolidated financial statements, but the ultimate outcome could be material to its consolidated results of operations in one or more future periods. ● Risk of impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets - In accordance with authoritative guidance, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are subject to an impairment evaluation annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company is currently unable to determine the ultimate outcome of this matter and therefore, is unable to determine the effects on its consolidated financial statements, but the ultimate outcome could be material to its consolidated results of operations in one or more future periods. ● Risk of impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets - In accordance with authoritative guidance, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are subject to an impairment evaluation annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The inability to meet our customers’ needs and achieve efficient production of finished products - Disruptions in our manufacturing operations or supply chain delivery disruptions caused by the loss or disruption of essential manufacturing ingredients, materials, supplies and services, transportation resources, workforce availability, or other manufacturing and distribution capability could have significant adverse effects on our business and financial results. c.
The inability to meet our customers’ needs and achieve efficient production of finished products - Disruptions in our manufacturing operations or supply chain delivery disruptions caused by the loss or 5 Table of Contents disruption of essential manufacturing ingredients, materials, supplies and services, transportation resources, workforce availability, or other manufacturing and distribution capability could have significant adverse effects on our business and financial results. c.
Specific factors that may impact our operations, some of which have had, and in the future could have, an unfavorable impact on our operations as a result of Covid-19, include, but are not limited to: a.
Specific factors that may impact our operations, some of which have had, and in the future could have, an unfavorable impact on our operations as a result of pandemics, such as Covid-19, include, but are not limited to: a.
Higher costs for ingredients and materials, and other input costs may be difficult to pass onto customers and 6 Table of Contents consumers of Company products through price increases, and therefore may adversely affect the Company’s profit margins. ● Risk related to seasonality of sales - The Company’s sales are highest during the Halloween season, although Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day are also key seasons for the Company.
Higher costs for ingredients and materials, and other input costs may be difficult to pass onto customers and consumers of Company products through price increases, and therefore may adversely affect the Company’s profit margins. ● Risk related to seasonality of sales - The Company’s sales are highest during the Halloween season, although Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day are also key seasons for the Company.
Although the Company believes that these claims and other product labeling claims are without merit and has generally been successful in litigation and court decrees, the Company could be exposed to significant legal fees to defend its position, and in the event that it is not successful, could be subject to fines and costs of settlement, including class action settlements. ● Risk related to international operations - To the extent there are political leadership or legislative changes, social and/or political unrest, civil war, pandemics such as the Coronavirus, terrorism or significant economic or social instability in the countries in which the Company operates, the results of the Company’s business 9 Table of Contents in such countries could be adversely impacted.
Although the Company believes that these claims and other product labeling claims are without merit and has generally been successful in litigation and court decrees, the Company could be exposed to significant legal fees to defend its position, and in the event that it is not successful, could be subject to fines and costs of settlement, including class action settlements. ● Risk related to international operations - To the extent there are political leadership or legislative changes, social and/or political unrest, civil war, pandemics such as the Covid-19, terrorism or significant economic or social instability in the countries in which the Company operates, the results of the Company’s business in such countries could be adversely impacted.
Although precautions are taken to mitigate the impact of possible disruptions, if the Company is unable, or if it is not financially feasible to effectively mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such disruptive events, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted. ● Risks associated with climate change and other environmental impacts and regulations, and increased focus and evolving views of our customers and consumers of our products could negatively affect our business and operations - Climate-related changes can increase variability in, or otherwise impact, natural disasters, including weather patterns, with the potential for increased frequency and severity of significant weather events, natural hazards, rising mean temperature and sea levels, and long-term changes in precipitation patterns.
Although precautions are taken to mitigate the impact of possible disruptions, if the Company is unable to effectively mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such disruptive events, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted. ● Risks associated with climate change and other environmental impacts and regulations, and increased focus and evolving views of our customers and consumers of our products could negatively affect our business and operations - Climate-related changes such as natural disasters, including weather patterns, with the potential for increased frequency and severity of significant weather events, natural hazards, rising mean temperature and sea levels, and long-term changes in precipitation patterns could increase variability in, or otherwise impact costs.
Adverse changes in any of these variables could affect the carrying value of these intangible assets and the Company’s reported profitability. ● Risk of production interruptions - The majority of the Company’s products are manufactured in a single production facility on specialized equipment.
Adverse 8 Table of Contents changes in any of these variables could affect the carrying value of these intangible assets and the Company’s reported profitability. ● Risk of production interruptions - The majority of the Company’s products are manufactured in a single production facility on specialized equipment.
See also Management’s Discussion and Analysis. ● Risk of dependence on large customers - The Company’s largest customers, McLane Company, Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree, accounted for approximately 37% of net product sales in 2022, and other large national chains are also material to the Company’s sales.
See also Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. ● Risk of dependence on large customers - The Company’s largest customers, McLane, Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree, accounted for approximately 37% of net product sales in 2023, and other large national chains are also material to the Company’s sales.
New legislation or an enforcement action in this area could harm our reputation and financial results. Risk factors which we believe are principally specific to our Company (although some may apply to varying degrees to competitors in our industry) ● Risks relating to participation in the multi-employer pension plan for certain Company union employees - As outlined in the Note 7 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and discussed in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis, the Company participates in a multi-employer pension plan (Plan) which is currently in “critical and declining status”, as defined by applicable law.
Risk factors which we believe are principally specific to our Company (although some may apply to varying degrees to competitors in our industry) ● Risks relating to participation in the multi-employer pension plan for certain Company union employees - As outlined in the Note 7 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the Company participates in a multi-employer union pension plan (Plan) which is currently in “critical and declining status”, as defined by applicable law.
Significant reductions in demand for one or more of our products - Changes in demand may be caused by, among other things, the temporary inability of consumers to purchase our products due to illness, quarantine, travel restrictions, financial hardship, “shelter in place” directives, or overall fear to return to past behaviors. 5 Table of Contents Shifts in demand for one or more of our products, changes in trade and distribution patterns, or changes in consumer buying habits, if prolonged, could negatively impact our results. b.
Significant reductions in demand for one or more of our products - Changes in demand may be caused by, among other things, the temporary inability of consumers to purchase our products due to illness, quarantine, travel restrictions, financial hardship, “shelter in place” directives, or overall fear to return to past behaviors.
A designation of “critical and declining status” implies that the Plan is expected to become insolvent within the next 20 years. Should the Company withdraw from the Plan, it would be subject to a significant withdrawal liability which is discussed in Note 7 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
Should the Company withdraw from the Plan, it would be subject to a significant withdrawal liability which is discussed in Note 7 of the Company’s Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Changes in consumer behavior, traditions, behaviors, and interest in Halloween activities and events, or changes mandated or recommended by government or health officials, as well as negative media coverage, could significantly affect the Company’s seasonal sales. e.
Changes in consumer behaviors, traditions, and interest in Halloween activities and events, or changes mandated or recommended by government or health officials, as well as negative media coverage, could significantly affect the Company’s seasonal sales. ● Risk of changes in the price and availability of ingredients and raw materials - The principal ingredients used by the Company are subject to price volatility.
Customers, consumers, and government regulators have increasingly focused on the environmental or sustainability practices of companies.
Customers, consumers, and government regulators have increasingly focused on the environmental or sustainability practices of companies. New legislation or an enforcement action in this area could harm our reputation and financial results.
In the event that the parties are unable to reach an agreement, a work stoppage or strike could result at the Company’s Chicago manufacturing plant and distribution center which could have a material effects on the Company’s sales and profits. ● The Company is a controlled company due to the common stock holdings of the Gordon family - The Gordon family’s share ownership represents a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2022.
The Company’s principal markets are the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico. 9 Table of Contents ● Risk of union labor stoppages, slowdowns or strikes- - Significant labor stoppages, strikes or possible labor shortages could negatively affect overall operations including production or shipments of finished product to customers which could have material effects on the Company’s sales and profits. ● The Company is a controlled company due to the common stock holdings of the Gordon family - The Gordon family’s share ownership represents a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2023.