A prolonged poor economic environment, including a potential recession in the U.S. or other economies in which our business operates, could result in significant decreases in demand by current and potential clients for our products and services and in the number and dollar amount of transactions we process or accounts we service, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
A prolonged poor economic environment, including a potential recession in the U.S. or other economies in which our business operates, could result in significant decreases in demand by current and potential clients for our products and services and in the number or dollar amount of transactions we process or accounts we service, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in card association and debit network fees or products could increase costs or otherwise limit our operations. From time to time, card associations and debit networks, including the card networks which we own and operate, increase the processing and other fees (including what is commonly called “interchange fees”) that they charge.
Changes in card association and debit network fees or products could increase costs or otherwise limit our operations. From time to time, card associations and debit networks, including the card networks which we own, increase the processing and other fees (including what is commonly called “interchange fees”) that they charge.
In Europe and the U.K., their respective General Data Protection Regulations (collectively, “GDPR”) extends the scope of their data protection laws to all companies processing data of individuals within the E.U. and the U.K., regardless of the company’s location, subject to certain limitations. The law requires companies to meet stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal data.
In Europe and the U.K., their respective General Data Protection Regulations (collectively, “GDPR”) extends the scope of their data protection laws to companies processing data of individuals within the E.U. and the U.K., regardless of the company’s location, subject to certain limitations. The law requires companies to meet stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal data.
Our operations are subject to tax by federal, state, local, and international taxing jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws or their interpretations in our significant tax jurisdictions could materially increase the amount of taxes we owe, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations as well as our cash flows from operations.
Our operations are subject to tax by federal, state, local, and international taxing jurisdictions. Changes in tax laws or their interpretations could materially increase the amount of taxes we owe, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations as well as our cash flows from operations.
Our obligation to indemnify the purchasers and agreement to retain liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill and intangible assets. The impairment of a significant portion of these assets would negatively affect our results of operations.
Our obligation to indemnify the purchasers and agreement to retain liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill and intangible assets. The impairment of a significant portion of these assets could negatively affect our results of operations.
Our businesses are subject to state, federal, and foreign laws and regulations, including payment, cybersecurity, consumer protection, money transmission, data privacy, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, economic and trade sanctions, payment institution, electronic money licensing, credit reporting and debt collection laws and regulations.
Our businesses are subject to state, federal, and foreign laws and regulations, including payment, cybersecurity, consumer protection, money transmission, data privacy, artificial intelligence, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, economic and trade sanctions, payment institution, electronic money licensing, credit reporting and debt collection laws and regulations.
If any of the following risks develop into actual events, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected, and you may lose all or part of your investment. 10 Table of Contents Competitive and Business Risks We operate in a competitive business environment and may not be able to compete effectively.
If any of the following risks develop into actual events, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Competitive and Business Risks We operate in a competitive business environment and may not be able to compete effectively.
Meeting these various requirements may require a significant investment of time and money. Any of these developments could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Disruptions of operations of other participants in the global financial system could prevent us from delivering our products and services.
Meeting these various requirements may require a significant investment of time and money. Any of these developments could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 14 Table of Contents Disruptions of operations of other participants in the global financial system could prevent us from delivering our products and services.
In addition, the success of certain of our products and services rely, in part, on financial institutions, business partners and other third parties promoting the use of or distributing our products and services.
Furthermore, the success of certain of our products and services rely, in part, on financial institutions, business partners and other third parties promoting the use of or distributing our products and services.
In addition, larger clients may reduce the services we provide if they decide to move services in- 11 Table of Contents house. Further, our small merchant business clients may seek reduced fees due to pricing competition, their own financial condition or pressure from their customers. We also have contracts with U.S. federal, state and local governments.
In addition, larger clients may reduce the services we provide if they decide to move services in-house. Further, our small merchant business clients may seek reduced fees due to pricing competition, their own financial condition or pressure from their customers. We also have contracts with U.S. federal, state and local governments.
If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with the international operation and expansion of our business, our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted. Our business is impacted by U.S. and global market and economic conditions.
If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with the international operation and expansion of our business, our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted. 15 Table of Contents Our business is impacted by U.S. and global market and economic conditions.
Such trends may include, but are not limited to, the following: • inflation, trade policy and tariffs, taxes, foreign currency fluctuations, declining economies, social unrest, natural disasters, public health crises, including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness, and the pace of economic recovery can change consumer spending behaviors, on which a significant portion of our revenues are dependent; • low levels of consumer and business confidence typically associated with recessionary environments and those markets experiencing relatively high inflation and/or unemployment, may cause decreased spending by cardholders; • budgetary concerns in the U.S. and other countries around the world could affect the U.S. and other specific sovereign credit ratings, impact consumer confidence and spending, and increase the risks of operating in those countries; • emerging market economies tend to be more volatile than the more established markets we serve in the U.S. and Europe, and adverse economic trends, including high rates of inflation, may be more pronounced in such emerging markets; 14 Table of Contents • financial institutions may restrict credit lines to cardholders or limit the issuance of new cards to mitigate cardholder defaults; • uncertainty and volatility in the performance of our clients’ businesses may make estimates of our revenues, rebates, incentives, and realization of prepaid assets less predictable; • our clients may decrease spending for value-added services; and • government intervention, including the effect of laws, regulations, treaties and/or government investments in our clients, may have potential negative effects on our business, operations and our relationships with our clients or otherwise alter their strategic direction away from our products.
Such trends may include, but are not limited to, the following: • inflation, trade policy and tariffs, embargoes and trade sanctions, taxes, foreign currency fluctuations, interest rates, declining economies, social unrest, natural disasters, public health crises, including the occurrence of a contagious disease or illness, and the pace of economic recovery can change consumer spending behaviors, on which a significant portion of our revenues are dependent; • low levels of consumer and business confidence typically associated with recessionary environments and those markets experiencing relatively high inflation, taxes, tariffs, interest rates, and/or unemployment, may cause decreased spending by cardholders; • budgetary concerns in the U.S. and other countries around the world could affect the U.S. and other specific sovereign credit ratings, impact consumer confidence and spending, and increase the risks of operating in those countries; • emerging market economies tend to be more volatile than the more established markets we serve, and adverse economic trends, including high rates of inflation, may be more pronounced in such emerging markets; • financial institutions may restrict credit lines to cardholders, increase interest rates or limit the issuance of new cards to mitigate cardholder defaults; • uncertainty and volatility in the performance of our clients’ businesses may make estimates of our revenues, rebates, incentives, and realization of prepaid assets less predictable; • our clients may decrease spending for value-added services, or may choose another provider with lower processing fees; and • government intervention, including the effect of laws, regulations, treaties, trade agreements and/or government investments in our clients, may have potential negative effects on our business, operations and our relationships with our clients or otherwise alter their strategic direction away from our products.
An operational failure could involve the hardware, software, data, networks or systems upon which we rely to deliver our services and could be caused by our actions, the actions of third parties or events over which we may have limited or no control.
An operational failure could involve the hardware, software, data, networks or systems upon which we rely to operate and could be caused by our actions, the actions of third parties or events over which we may have limited or no control.
If the U.S. administration or other countries impose new or increased tariffs, trade restrictions or restrictions on the cross-border flow of data, our manufacturing of hardware devices, supply of raw materials and access to certain markets, could be impacted.
If the U.S. administration or other countries impose new or increased tariffs, trade restrictions or restrictions on the cross-border flow of data, our procurement of hardware devices, supply of materials and access to certain markets, could be impacted.
We 16 Table of Contents cannot fully predict the impact of recently proposed or enacted laws or regulations on our business or operations, but compliance may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies incurring costs and expense.
We cannot fully predict the impact of recently proposed or enacted laws or regulations on our business or operations, but compliance may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies incurring costs and expense.
Increases in chargebacks, fines or other liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 18 Table of Contents Acquisitions subject us to risks, including assumption of unforeseen liabilities and difficulties in integrating operations.
Increases in chargebacks, fines or other liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Acquisitions subject us to risks, including assumption of unforeseen liabilities and difficulties in integrating operations.
In addition, we are subject to Nacha rules relating to payment transactions processed by us using the ACH network and to various federal and state laws regarding such operations, including laws pertaining to electronic fund transfer and 15 Table of Contents electronic benefits transactions, as well as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard enforced by the major card brands.
In addition, we are subject to Nacha rules relating to payment transactions processed by us using the ACH network and to various federal and state laws regarding such operations, including laws pertaining to electronic fund transfer and electronic benefits transactions, as well as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard enforced by the major card brands.
The mechanisms that we and many other companies rely upon for such data transfers are the subject of legal challenge, regulatory interpretation, and judicial decisions. In the E.U., U.K. and other markets, potential new rules and restrictions on the flow of data across borders could increase the cost and complexity of doing business in those regions.
The mechanisms that we and many other companies rely upon for such data transfers are the subject of legal challenges, regulatory interpretations, and judicial decisions. In the E.U., U.K. and other markets, potential new rules and restrictions on the flow of data across borders could increase the cost and complexity of doing business in those regions.
The OECD, which represents a coalition of member countries, including the U.S., is contemplating changes to numerous longstanding tax 17 Table of Contents principles, including ensuring all companies pay a global minimum tax and expanding taxing rights of market countries.
The OECD, which represents a coalition of member countries, including the U.S., is contemplating changes to numerous longstanding tax principles, including ensuring all companies pay a global minimum tax and expanding taxing rights of market countries.
Our facilities outside of the U.S., and those of our suppliers and vendors, including manufacturing, customer support, software development and technology hosting facilities, are subject to risks, including natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, terrorism, war, political instability and other events outside of our or our suppliers’ control.
Our facilities outside of the U.S., and those of our suppliers and vendors, including manufacturing, customer support, software development and technology hosting facilities, are subject to risks, including natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, terrorism, war, political or economic instability, regulatory or policy changes and other events outside of our or our suppliers’ control.
As we continue to expand internationally and grow our client base outside of the U.S., we may face challenges due to the presence of more established competitors and our relative lack of experience in such non-U.S. markets, and we may incur higher than anticipated costs.
As we continue to expand internationally and grow our client base outside of the U.S., we may face challenges due to the presence of more established competitors, changes in local market conditions and our relative lack of experience in such non-U.S. markets, and we may incur higher than anticipated costs.
Through our merchant alliances, we hold an ownership interest in and have commercial relationships with competing merchant acquiring businesses while serving as an electronic processor for those businesses. In order to satisfy state and federal antitrust requirements, we actively maintain an antitrust compliance program.
Through our merchant alliances, we hold an ownership interest in and have commercial relationships with competing merchant acquiring businesses while serving as an electronic processor for those businesses. In order to satisfy state and federal antitrust 18 Table of Contents requirements, we actively maintain an antitrust compliance program.
In addition, our competitors and other third parties may incorporate artificial intelligence into their products and offerings more quickly or more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations.
In addition, competitors and other third parties may incorporate artificial intelligence into products and offerings more quickly or more successfully than we do, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations.
Based on outstanding debt balances and interest rates at December 31, 2024, a 1% increase in variable interest rates would result in an increase to annual interest expense of $24 million. Our results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Based on outstanding debt balances and interest rates at December 31, 2025, a 1% increase in variable interest rates would result in an increase to annual interest expense of approximately $21 million. Our results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
In addition, acquisitions outside of the U.S. often involve additional or increased risks including, for example: • managing geographically separated organizations, systems and facilities; • integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds and organizational cultures; • complying with non-U.S. regulatory requirements; • fluctuations in currency exchange rates; • enforcement of intellectual property rights in some non-U.S. countries; • difficulty entering new non-U.S. markets due to, among other things, consumer acceptance and business knowledge of these new markets; and • general economic and political conditions.
In addition, the process of integrating these acquisitions may disrupt our business and divert our resources. 20 Table of Contents In addition, acquisitions outside of the U.S. often involve additional or increased risks including, for example: • managing geographically separated organizations, systems and facilities; • integrating personnel with diverse business backgrounds and organizational cultures; • complying with non-U.S. regulatory requirements; • fluctuations in currency exchange rates; • enforcement of intellectual property rights in some non-U.S. countries; • difficulty entering new non-U.S. markets due to, among other things, consumer acceptance and business knowledge of these new markets; and • general economic and political conditions.
Our indebtedness could: decrease our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate or other purposes; limit our flexibility to make acquisitions; increase our cash requirements to support the payment of interest; limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry; and increase our vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic and industry conditions.
Our indebtedness could: decrease our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate or other purposes; limit our flexibility to make acquisitions; increase our cash requirements to support the payment of interest; limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry; limit our ability to return capital to shareholders, including through share repurchases; and increase our vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic and industry conditions.
Our use of artificial intelligence technologies carries inherent risks, and there can be no assurance that our use of artificial intelligence will enhance our products or services or achieve any improvements in innovation or efficiency.
The use of artificial intelligence technologies carries inherent 11 Table of Contents risks, and there can be no assurance that our use of artificial intelligence will enhance our products or services or achieve any improvements in innovation or efficiency.
At December 31, 2024, we had approximately $2.4 billion in variable rate debt, which includes $899 million drawn on our revolving credit facility and foreign lines of credit, and an aggregate amount of $1.5 billion outstanding under our U.S. dollar and Euro commercial paper programs.
At December 31, 2025, we had approximately $2.1 billion in variable rate debt, which includes an aggregate $950 million drawn on our revolving credit facility and foreign lines of credit, and an aggregate amount of $1.2 billion outstanding under our U.S. dollar and Euro commercial paper programs.
If, 13 Table of Contents for example, such third parties stop providing clearing services or limit our volumes, we would need to find other financial institutions to provide those services.
If, for example, such third parties stop providing clearing services or limit our volumes, we would need to find other financial institutions to provide those services.
The suspension or termination of our member registrations or certifications, or any changes to the association and network rules, that we do not successfully address, or any other action by the card networks to restrict our ability to process transactions over such networks, could limit our ability to provide transaction processing services to clients and result in a reduction of revenue or increased costs of operation, which, in either case, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The suspension or termination of our member registrations or certifications, or any changes to the association and network rules, that we do not successfully address, or any other action by the card networks to restrict our ability to process transactions over such networks, could limit our ability to provide transaction processing services to clients and result in a reduction of revenue or increased costs of operation, which, in either case, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. 17 Table of Contents A heightened regulatory environment in the financial services industry may have an adverse impact on our clients and our business.
Global Market Risks Our business may be adversely affected by geopolitical and other risks associated with operations outside of the U.S. and, as we continue to expand internationally, we may incur higher than anticipated costs and may become more susceptible to these risks.
Global Market Risks Our business may be adversely affected by geopolitical and other risks associated with operations outside of the U.S. and, as we continue to expand internationally, we may incur higher than anticipated costs and may become more susceptible to these risks. We currently offer merchant acquiring, processing and issuing services outside of the U.S.
These incidents are often difficult to detect and are constantly evolving. We expect that unauthorized parties will continue to attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities, and those of our clients, partners, vendors and service providers, through various means and with increasing sophistication, particularly as cybercriminals attempt to profit from increased online banking, e-commerce and other online activity.
We expect that unauthorized parties will continue to attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities, and those of our clients, partners, vendors and service providers, through various means and with increasing sophistication, particularly as cybercriminals attempt to profit from increased online banking, e-commerce and other online activity.
In addition, if certain of our outstanding senior notes or commercial paper notes are downgraded to below investment grade, we may incur additional interest expense.
In addition, if certain of our outstanding senior notes or commercial paper notes are downgraded to below investment grade, we may incur additional interest expense or 21 Table of Contents suffer reputational harm.
Furthermore, the integration of third-party artificial intelligence models with our services relies on certain safeguards implemented by the third-party developers of the underlying artificial intelligence models, including those related to the accuracy, bias and other variables of the data, and these safeguards may be insufficient.
Furthermore, our services that integrate third-party artificial intelligence models may rely on certain safeguards implemented by the third-party providers of the underlying artificial intelligence models, including those related to the accuracy, bias and other variables of the data, and these safeguards may be insufficient.
Furthermore, our implementation of new practices and processes designed to comply with changing tax laws and regulations could require us to make substantial changes to our business practices, allocate additional resources, and increase our costs, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, our implementation of new practices and processes designed to comply with changing tax laws and regulations could require us to make substantial changes to our business practices, allocate additional resources, and increase our costs, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. 19 Table of Contents Unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows from operations.
In addition, the various card associations and networks prescribe certain capital requirements. Any increase in the capital level required would further limit our use of capital for other purposes. Our business depends, in part, on our merchant relationships and alliances, and if we are unable to maintain these relationships and alliances, our business may be adversely affected.
Any increase in the capital level required would further limit our use of capital for other purposes. 12 Table of Contents Our business depends, in part, on our merchant relationships and alliances, and if we are unable to maintain these relationships and alliances, our business may be adversely affected.
An impairment of a significant portion of goodwill or intangible assets could have a material negative effect on our results of operations. 19 Table of Contents Existing or future leverage may harm our financial condition and results of operations. At December 31, 2024, we had approximately $25 billion of debt.
An impairment of a significant portion of goodwill or intangible assets could have a material negative effect on our results of operations. Existing or future leverage may harm our financial condition and results of operations. At December 31, 2025, we had approximately $29 billion of debt. We and our subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness in the future.
Although it is difficult to predict how current or future tariffs on items imported from other countries will impact our business, the cost of our products manufactured in other countries and imported into the U.S. or elsewhere could increase, which could adversely affect the demand for these products and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Although it is difficult to predict how current or future tariffs on items imported from or exported to other countries will impact our business, the cost of our products manufactured in other countries and imported into the U.S. or elsewhere, or manufactured in the U.S. and exported elsewhere, could increase, which could adversely affect the demand for these products and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. 16 Table of Contents Regulatory and Compliance Risks We have claims and lawsuits against us and have received governmental inquiries that may result in adverse outcomes.
State-sponsored cybersecurity attacks on the U.S. financial system or U.S. financial service providers could also adversely affect our business.
State-sponsored cybersecurity attacks on financial service providers and financial systems could also adversely affect our business.
Preserving the confidentiality of sensitive business and personal information is critical to our business. Any unauthorized access, intrusion, infiltration, network disruption, ransom, denial of service or similar incident could disrupt the integrity, continuity, security and trust of our systems or data, or the systems or data of our clients, partners, vendors or service providers.
Any unauthorized access, intrusion, infiltration, network disruption, ransom, denial of service or similar incident could disrupt the integrity, continuity, security and trust of our systems or data, or the systems or data of our clients, partners, vendors or service providers. These incidents are often difficult to detect and are constantly evolving.
Our senior management provides strategic direction for our company, and if we lose members of our leadership team, our management resources may have to be diverted from other priorities to address this loss.
Our senior management provides strategic direction for our company, and if we lose members of our leadership team, our management resources may have to be diverted from other priorities to address this loss. Our products and services require sophisticated knowledge of the financial services industry, applicable regulatory and industry requirements, computer systems, and software applications.
We may not be able to integrate all aspects of acquired businesses successfully or realize the potential benefits of bringing them together. In addition, the process of integrating these acquisitions may disrupt our business and divert our resources.
We may not be able to integrate all aspects of acquired businesses successfully or realize the potential benefits of bringing them together.
Unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows from operations Our tax returns and positions are subject to review and audit by federal, state, local and international taxing authorities.
Our tax returns and positions are subject to review and audit by federal, state, local and international taxing authorities. An unfavorable outcome to a tax audit could result in higher tax expense, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations as well as our cash flows from operations.
Our operations depend on receiving, storing, processing and transmitting sensitive information pertaining to our business, our employees, our clients and their customers. Under the card network rules, various federal, state and international laws, and client contracts, we are responsible for information provided to us by financial institutions, merchants, ISOs, third-party service 12 Table of Contents providers and others.
Under the card network rules, various federal, state and foreign laws, and client contracts, we are responsible for information provided to us by financial institutions, merchants, ISOs, third-party service providers and others. Preserving the confidentiality of sensitive business and personal information is critical to our business.
We believe that data, and the insights enabled by data, can be used to create or enhance the products and services that we offer to our clients. As a result, we are using, and expect to continue to expand our use of, artificial intelligence and machine learning in our product development processes, services and operations.
As a result, we are using, and expect to continue to expand our use of, artificial intelligence and machine learning in our product development processes, services and operations.
Legislation and regulations governing the development or use of artificial intelligence have been implemented or are under consideration in the U.S. at the state and local level, as well as internationally. Such legislation and regulations may impose obligations related to our development, offering, and use of artificial intelligence and expose us to increased risk of regulatory enforcement and litigation.
Legislation and regulations governing the development or use of artificial intelligence and automated-decision making have been implemented or are under consideration in the U.S. at the state and local level, as well as internationally.
These reserves reflect what we believe to be reasonable assumptions as to the likely final resolution of each issue if raised by a taxing authority.
We have established contingency reserves for known tax exposures relating to deductions, transactions and other matters involving some uncertainty as to the proper tax treatment of the item. These reserves reflect what we believe to be reasonable assumptions as to the likely final resolution of each issue if raised by a taxing authority.
For the foreseeable future, we expect to continue to derive revenue primarily from products and services we provide to the financial services industry and from our merchant acquiring business. Given this focus, we are exposed to global economic conditions and adverse economic trends may accelerate the timing, or increase the impact of, risks to our financial performance.
Given this focus, we are exposed to global economic conditions, regulatory or policy changes and adverse economic trends that may accelerate the timing, or increase the impact of, risks to our financial performance.
Any of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Operational and Security Risks Security incidents or other technological risks involving our systems and data, or those of our clients, partners or vendors, could expose us to liability or damage our reputation.
Operational and Security Risks Security incidents or other technological risks involving our systems and data, or those of our clients, partners or vendors, could expose us to liability or damage our reputation. Our operations depend on receiving, storing, processing and transmitting sensitive information pertaining to our business, our employees, our clients and their customers.
The markets for our products and services are characterized by constant and rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, frequent introduction of new products and services, and increasing client expectations. Our ability to respond timely to these changes, including by enhancing our current products and services and developing and introducing new products and services, will significantly affect our future success.
Our ability to respond timely to these changes, including by enhancing our current products and services and developing and introducing new products and services, will significantly affect our future success.
Our balance sheet includes goodwill and intangible assets that represent 60% of our total assets at December 31, 2024. These assets consist primarily of goodwill and identified intangible assets associated with our acquisitions. On at least an annual basis, we assess whether there have been impairments in the carrying value of goodwill.
Our balance sheet includes goodwill and intangible assets that represent approximately 60% of our total assets at December 31, 2025. These assets consist primarily of goodwill and identified intangible assets associated with our acquisitions. We evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances indicate possible impairment.
If we fail to keep pace with technological change, including as a result of artificial intelligence, we could lose clients or have trouble attracting new clients, and our ability to grow may be limited.
If we fail to keep pace with technological change, including as a result of artificial intelligence, we could lose clients or have trouble attracting new clients. The markets for our products and services are characterized by constant and rapid technological change, evolving industry standards, frequent introduction of new products and services, and increasing client expectations.
A weakening in the economy or competition from other retailers could force some retailers to close, resulting in exposure to potential credit losses and declines in transactions, and reduced earnings on transactions due to a potential shift to large discount merchants. Additionally, credit card issuers may reduce credit limits and become more selective in their card issuance practices.
A weakening in the economy or competition among retailers could force some retailers to close, resulting in exposure to potential credit losses and declines in transactions, and reduced earnings on transactions due to a potential shift to merchants with whom we may have less economically favorable contractual terms.
As a result, the ability to use artificial intelligence and machine learning may be constrained by current or future laws, regulatory or self-regulatory requirements. If we are unable to renew contracts on favorable terms or if contracts are terminated prematurely, we could lose clients and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Furthermore, we may not be able to achieve expected benefits of the plan on our anticipated timeline or at all. If we are unable to renew contracts on favorable terms or if contracts are terminated prematurely, we could lose clients and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Regulatory and Compliance Risks If we or third parties with whom we partner or contract fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to liability and our business could be harmed.
An adverse impact to our financial condition and results of operations could occur for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and reasonably estimable. If we or third parties with whom we partner or contract fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to liability and our business could be harmed.
An increase in interest rates would have a negative impact on our results of operations by causing an increase in interest expense.
Certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our revolving credit facility, foreign lines of credit and commercial paper programs, are at variable rates of interest. An increase in interest rates would have a negative impact on our funding costs by causing an increase in interest expense.