Biggest changeThe COVID-19 pandemic, including actions taken by governments in response, caused and could in the future cause, a substantial curtailment of business activities (including the decrease in demand for a broad variety of goods and services), weakened economic conditions, supply chain disruptions, significant economic uncertainty and volatility in the financial and commodity markets, including global volatility in supply and demand for oil and gas.
Biggest changeVolatile regional and global economic conditions stemming from public health emergencies, such as outbreaks of epidemics, pandemics, and contagious diseases, including actions taken by governments in response, could in the future cause a substantial curtailment of business activities (including the decrease in demand for a broad variety of goods and services), weakened economic conditions, supply chain disruptions, significant economic uncertainty and volatility in the financial and commodity markets, including global volatility in supply and demand for oil and gas and may precipitate and aggravate many of the factors described above, and could cause these factors to adversely impact our operations and financial performance as well as those of many of our customers and suppliers.
Uncertainties with respect to tariffs, trade agreements, or any potential trade wars negatively impact the global economic markets and could affect our customers’ ability to invest in capital expenditures, which may in turn result in reduced demand for our products and services, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Uncertainties with respect to tariffs, trade agreements, or any potential trade wars may negatively impact the global economic markets and could affect our customers’ ability to invest in capital expenditures, which may in turn result in reduced demand for our products and services, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Accordingly, our business and results of operations are subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including: • instability in a specific country's or region's political or economic conditions, particularly economic conditions in Europe and Latin America, and political conditions in the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, Latin America, the Trans-Pacific region and other emerging markets; • trade protection measures, such as tariff increases, and import and export licensing and control requirements; • political, financial market or economic instability relating to epidemics or pandemics; • uncertainties related to any geopolitical, economic and regulatory effects or changes due to recent or upcoming domestic and international elections; • the imposition of governmental economic sanctions on countries in which we do business; • potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws or tax examinations; • difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations; • increased aging and slower collection of receivables, particularly in Latin America and other emerging markets; • difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some foreign legal systems; • differing and, in some cases, more stringent labor regulations; • potentially negative consequences from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; • partial or total expropriation; • differing protection of intellectual property; • inability to repatriate income or capital; and • difficulty in administering and enforcing corporate policies, which may be different than the customary business practices of local cultures.
Accordingly, our business and results of operations are subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including: 16 • instability in a specific country's or region's political or economic conditions, particularly economic conditions in Europe and Latin America, and political conditions in the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, Latin America, the Trans-Pacific region and other emerging markets; • trade protection measures, such as tariff increases, and import and export licensing and control requirements; • political, financial market or economic instability relating to epidemics or pandemics; • uncertainties related to any geopolitical, economic and regulatory effects or changes due to recent or upcoming domestic and international elections; • the imposition of governmental economic sanctions on countries in which we do business; • potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws or tax examinations; • difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations; • increased aging and slower collection of receivables, particularly in Latin America and other emerging markets; • difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some foreign legal systems; • differing and, in some cases, more stringent labor regulations; • potentially negative consequences from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; • partial or total expropriation; • differing protection of intellectual property; • inability to repatriate income or capital; and • difficulty in administering and enforcing corporate policies, which may be different than the customary business practices of local cultures.
Some of the more common challenges associated with acquisitions that we may experience, and have experienced in the past, include: • loss of key employees or customers of the acquired company; • conforming the acquired company's standards, processes, procedures and controls, including accounting systems and controls, with our operations, which could cause deficiencies related to our internal control over financial reporting; • coordinating operations that are increased in scope, geographic diversity and complexity; • retooling and reprogramming of equipment; • hiring additional management and other critical personnel; and • the diversion of management's attention from our day-to-day operations.
Some of the more common challenges associated with acquisitions that we may experience, and have experienced in the past, include: • loss of key employees or customers of the acquired company; • conforming the acquired company's standards, processes, procedures and controls, including accounting systems and controls, with our operations, which could cause deficiencies related to our internal control over financial reporting; • coordinating operations that are increased in scope, geographic diversity and complexity; • retooling and reprogramming of equipment; • hiring additional management and other critical personnel; and 15 • the diversion of management's attention from our day-to-day operations.
These agreements limit or restrict our ability, among other things, to: incur additional debt; fully utilize the capacity under the senior credit facility; pay dividends and make 21 other distributions; repurchase shares of our common stock in certain circumstances; prepay subordinated debt; make investments and other restricted payments; create liens; sell assets; and enter into transactions with affiliates.
These agreements limit or restrict our ability, among other things, to: incur additional debt; fully utilize the capacity under the senior credit facility; pay dividends and make other distributions; repurchase shares of our common stock in certain circumstances; prepay subordinated debt; make investments and other restricted payments; create liens; sell assets; and enter into transactions with affiliates.
In addition, acquisitions sometimes require large one-time charges 15 and can result in the incurrence of contingent liabilities, adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation or deferred compensation charges, the amortization of identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, acquisitions sometimes require large one-time charges and can result in the incurrence of contingent liabilities, adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation or deferred compensation charges, the amortization of identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Existing or future legislation and regulations related to GHG emissions and climate change by the U.S. Congress, state and foreign legislatures and federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies could adversely affect our business. Additionally, it is uncertain whether, when and in what form mandatory carbon dioxide emissions reduction programs may 19 be adopted.
Existing or future legislation and regulations related to GHG emissions and climate change by the U.S. Congress, state and foreign legislatures and federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies could adversely affect our business. Additionally, it is uncertain whether, when and in what form mandatory carbon dioxide emissions reduction programs may be adopted.
Our manufacturing plant operations, capacity and supply chain are subject to disruption as a result of equipment failure, severe weather conditions and other natural or manmade disasters, including power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, cyber-based attacks, conflicts or unrest, epidemics or pandemics, labor disputes, acts of God, or other reasons.
Our manufacturing plant operations, capacity and supply chain are subject to disruption as a result of equipment failure, severe weather conditions and other natural or manmade disasters, including power outages, fires, explosions, terrorism, cyber-based attacks, conflicts or unrest, epidemics or pandemics, labor disputes, tariffs, acts of God, or other reasons.
Our operating costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in prices for commodities, parts, raw materials, energy and 13 related utilities, freight, and cost of labor which have been and may continue to be driven by inflation, tightening labor markets, prevailing price levels, exchange rates, and other economic factors.
Our operating costs are subject to fluctuations, particularly due to changes in prices for commodities, parts, raw materials, energy and related utilities, freight, and cost of labor which have been and may continue to be driven by inflation, tightening labor markets, prevailing price levels, exchange rates, and other economic factors.
As a global company with a large international footprint, we are subject to increased risk of damage or disruption to us, our employees, facilities, partners, suppliers, distributors, resellers or customers due to, among other things, terrorist acts, conflicts (including as a result of geopolitical uncertainty and/or conflicts in the countries and/or regions where we operate, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Ukraine, the Middle East and the Trans-Pacific region), severe weather conditions, the potential physical effects of climate change, and other natural or manmade disasters, including power outages, fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, storms, rising sea levels, explosions, cyber-based attacks, epidemics or pandemics, labor disputes, and acts of God wherever located around the world.
As a global company with a large international footprint, we are subject to increased risk of damage or disruption to us, our employees, facilities, partners, suppliers, distributors, resellers or customers due to, among other things, terrorist acts, conflicts (including as a result of geopolitical uncertainty and/or conflicts in the countries and/or regions where we operate, including the Middle East, Ukraine, the European Union and the Trans-Pacific region), severe weather conditions, the potential physical effects of climate change, and other natural or manmade disasters, including power outages, fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, storms, rising sea levels, explosions, cyber-based attacks, epidemics or pandemics, labor disputes, and acts of God wherever located around the world.
Our operating margins and results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected if we are unable to pass increases in the costs of our raw materials on to our customers or if other methods to offset our increased costs through supply chain management, contractual provisions and gains in operational efficiencies are not achieved.
Our operating margins and results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected if we are unable 13 to pass increases in the costs of our raw materials on to our customers or if other methods to offset our increased costs through supply chain management, contractual provisions and gains in operational efficiencies are not achieved.
Failure to successfully execute and realize the expected financial benefits from any restructuring and strategic realignment and other cost-saving initiatives could adversely affect our business. 12 Adverse effects from our execution of any current or future restructuring and realignment activities could interfere with our realization of anticipated synergies, customer service improvements and cost savings from these strategic initiatives.
Failure to successfully execute and realize the expected financial benefits from any restructuring and strategic realignment and other cost-saving initiatives could adversely affect our business. Adverse effects from our execution of any current or future restructuring and realignment activities could interfere with our realization of anticipated synergies, customer service improvements and cost savings from these strategic initiatives.
In addition, we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted. Compliance with laws and any new laws or regulations may increase our operations costs or require significant capital expenditures.
In addition, we 18 cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted. Compliance with laws and any new laws or regulations may increase our operations costs or require significant capital expenditures.
In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation or ability to do business. 18 Regulatory and Legal Risks Our operations are subject to a variety of complex and continually changing laws, regulations and policies, both internationally and domestically, which could adversely affect our business.
In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation or ability to do business. Regulatory and Legal Risks Our operations are subject to a variety of complex and continually changing laws, regulations and policies, both internationally and domestically, which could adversely affect our business.
For example, our chemical customers generally tend to reduce their spending on capital investments and operate their facilities at lower levels in a soft 11 economic environment, which reduces demand for our products and services.
For example, our chemical customers generally tend to reduce their spending on capital investments and operate their facilities at lower levels in a soft economic environment, which reduces demand for our products and services.
In 2024, our ability to meet customer delivery schedules for backlog is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, sufficient manufacturing plant capacity, adequate supply channel access to the raw materials and other inventory required for production, an adequately trained and capable workforce, project engineering expertise for certain large projects and appropriate planning and scheduling of manufacturing resources.
In 2025, our ability to meet customer delivery schedules for backlog is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, sufficient manufacturing plant capacity, adequate supply channel access to the raw materials and other inventory required for production, an adequately trained and capable workforce, project engineering expertise for certain large projects and appropriate planning and scheduling of manufacturing resources.
Certain of the foreign currencies to which we have exposure, such as the Venezuelan bolivar and Argentine peso, have undergone significant devaluation in the past, which reduce the value of our local monetary assets, reduce the U.S. dollar value of our local cash flow, generate local currency losses that may impact our ability to pay future dividends from our subsidiary to the parent company and potentially reduce the U.S. dollar value of future local net income.
Certain of the foreign currencies to which we have exposure, such as the Argentine peso, have undergone significant devaluation in the past, which reduce the value of our local monetary assets, reduce the U.S. dollar value of our local cash flow, generate local currency losses that may impact our ability to pay future dividends from our subsidiary to the parent company and potentially reduce the U.S. dollar value of future local net income.
The GDPR imposes additional obligations on companies regarding the 16 handling of personal data and provides certain individual privacy rights to persons whose data is stored.
The GDPR imposes additional obligations on companies regarding the handling of personal data and provides certain individual privacy rights to persons whose data is stored.
Most of our current and former properties are or have been used for industrial purposes, and some may require clean-up of historical contamination. We are currently conducting investigation and/or remediation activities at a number of locations where we have known environmental concerns. In addition, we have been identified as one of many PRPs at four Superfund sites.
Most of our current and former properties are or have been used for industrial purposes, and some may require clean-up of historical contamination. We are currently conducting investigation and/or remediation activities at a number of locations where we have known environmental concerns. In addition, we have been identified as one of many PRPs at five Superfund sites.
Based on our assessment of our def erred tax assets, we determined, based on projected future income and certain available tax planning strategies, that approximately $331 million of our deferred tax assets will more likely than not be realized in the future, and no valuation allowance is currently required for this portion of our deferred tax assets.
Based on our assessment of our def erred tax assets, we determined, based on projected future income and certain available tax planning strategies, that approximately $326 million of our deferred tax assets will more likely than not be realized in the future, and no valuation allowance is currently required for this portion of our deferred tax assets.
Throughout 2023, our operating costs were impacted by price inflation, including with respect to the cost of certain raw materials, commodities, freight and logistics, and we expect this to continue for the foreseeable future.
Throughout 2024, our operating costs were impacted by price inflation, including with respect to the cost of certain raw materials, commodities, freight and logistics, and we expect this to continue for the foreseeable future.
In recent years, the estimated fair value of our pump reporting unit has fluctuated, partially due to broad-based capital spending declines and heightened pricing pressures experienced in the oil and gas markets.
In past years, the estimated fair value of our pump reporting unit has fluctuated, partially due to broad-based capital spending declines and heightened pricing pressures experienced in the oil and gas markets.
The 22 adoption of new or revised accounting principles may require us to make changes to our systems, processes and internal controls, which could have a significant effect on our reported financial results and internal controls, cause unexpected financial reporting fluctuations, retroactively affect previously reported results or require us to make costly changes to our operational processes and accounting systems upon our following the adoption of these standards.
The adoption of new or revised accounting principles may require us to make changes to our systems, processes and internal controls, which could have a significant effect on our reported financial results and internal controls, cause unexpected financial reporting fluctuations, retroactively affect previously reported results or require us to make costly changes to our operational processes and accounting systems upon adopting these standards.
Such a loss of anticipated revenues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our inability to deliver our backlog on time could affect our revenues, future sales and profitability and our relationships with customers. At December 31, 2023, our backlog was $2.7 billion.
Such a loss of anticipated revenues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our inability to deliver our backlog on time could affect our revenues, future sales and profitability and our relationships with customers. At December 31, 2024, our backlog was $2.8 billion.
Increased public awareness and 14 concern regarding global climate change will result in more regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions.
Increased public awareness and concern regarding global climate change has and will result in more regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions.
We also have unionized employees or employee work councils i n Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden.
We also have unionized employees or employee work councils in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden.
The potential for future such events, the national and international responses to such events or perceived threats to national security, and other actual or potential conflicts or wars, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing instability in Syria and Egypt, have created many economic and political uncertainties.
The potential for future such events, the national and international responses to such events or perceived threats to national security, and other actual or potential conflicts or wars, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing instability in Middle East, have created many economic and political uncertainties.
These factors, together with other key global events during 2023 (such as the ongoing conflicts and terrorist activity), may adversely impact the ability or willingness of non-U.S. companies to transact business in the U.S.
These factors, together with other key global events during 2024 (such as the ongoing conflicts and terrorist activity), may adversely impact the ability or willingness of non-U.S. companies to transact business in the United States.
Any failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations or policies in the U.S. or in any other country in which we operate could result in substantial fines and penalties, which could adversely affect our business.
Any failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations or policies in the United States or in any other country in which we operate could result in substantial fines and penalties, which could adversely affect our business.
Additionally, some of our customers have been attempting to reduce the number of vendors from which they purchase in order to reduce the size and diversity of their supply chain. To remain competitive, we must invest in manufacturing, technology, marketing, customer service and support and our distribution networks.
Additionally, some of our customers have been attempting to reduce the number of vendors from which they purchase in order to reduce the size and diversity of their supply chain. To remain competitive, we must invest in manufacturing, technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, marketing, customer service and support and our distribution networks.
Risks Related to International Operations Economic, political and other risks associated with our international operations could adversely affect our business. A substantial portion of our operations is conducted and located outside the U.S. We have manufacturing, sales or service facilities in more than 50 countries and sell to customers in over 90 countries, i n addition to the U.S.
Risks Related to International Operations Economic, political and other risks associated with our international operations could adversely affect our business. A substantial portion of our operations is conducted and located outside the United States. We have manufacturing, sales or service facilities in approximately 50 countries and sell to customers in over 90 countries, i n addition to the United States.
Should we determine in the future that these assets will more likely than not be realized we will be required to record an additional valuation allowance in connection with these deferred tax assets and our operating results would be adversely affected in the period such determination is made. In addition, tax law changes could negatively impact our deferred tax assets.
Should we determine in the future that these assets are not more likely than not to be realized, we will be required to record an additional valuation allowance in connection with these deferred tax assets and our operating results would be adversely affected in the period such determination is made.
In addition, as a global company with headquarters and significant operations located in the U.S., actions against or by the U.S. may impact our business or employees.
In addition, as a global company with headquarters and significant operations located in the United States, actions against or by the United States may impact our business or employees.
Failure to successfully develop and introduce new products could limit our ability to grow and maintain our competitive position and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. The success of new and improved products and services depends on their initial and continued acceptance by our customers.
Failure to successfully develop and introduce new products and integrate new technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, could limit our ability to grow and maintain our competitive position and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. The success of new and improved products and services depends on their initial and continued acceptance by our customers.
See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report for further discussion of the termination of our Russian operations. 17 In order to manage our day-to-day operations, we must overcome cultural and language barriers and assimilate different business practices.
See Note 1, "Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments" to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data" of this Annual Report for further discussion of the termination of our Russian operations. In order to manage our day-to-day operations, we must overcome cultural and language barriers and assimilate different business practices.
To conduct our operations, we regularly move data across national borders and must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data in the U.S. and elsewhere. For example, the E.U. has adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”).
To conduct our operations, we regularly move data across national borders and must comply with increasingly complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data in the United States and elsewhere. For example, the European Union has adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”).
In addition, there have been recent changes to trade agreements, like the U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
In addition, there have been recent changes to trade agreements, like the United States withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the replacement of the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and more changes may be forthcoming under the current U.S. administration.
Although we have concluded that there is no impairment on the goodwill associated with our pump reporting unit as of December 31, 2023, we will continue to monitor its performance and related market conditions for future indicators of potential impairment.
Although we have concluded that there is no impairment on the goodwill associated with our pump reporting unit as of December 31, 2024, we will continue to monitor its performance and related market conditions for future indicators of potential impairment. For additional information, see the discussion in "Item 7.
Difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to continue to bring these products and services to market.
Difficulties or delays in the research, development, production and/or marketing of new products and services or adoption of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, may negatively impact our operating results and prevent us from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to continue to bring these products and services to market.
The primary currencies to which we have exposure are the Euro, British pound, Mexican peso, Brazilian real, Indian rupee, Japanese yen, Singapore dollar, Argentine peso, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Chinese yuan, Colombian peso, Chilean peso and South African rand.
The primary currencies to which we have exposure are the Euro, British pound, Mexican peso, Brazilian real, Indian rupee, Japanese yen, Singapore dollar, Argentine peso, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Chinese yuan, Colombian peso, Hungarian forint and Malaysian ringgit.
In addition, we may need new or additional financing in the future to expand our business or refinance our existing indebtedness. Our current senior credit facility matures on September 13, 2026 and our senior notes are due in 2030 and 2032. Additionally, we have drawn amounts under a term loan fund.
In addition, we may need new or additional financing in the future to expand our business or refinance our existing indebtedness. Our current Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement matures on October 10, 2029 and our senior notes are due in 2030 and 2032. Additionally, we have drawn amounts under a term loan fund.
We maintain funded defined benefit pension plans that are either currently funded in accordance with local requirements in the U.S., Belgium, Canada, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the U.K., or above funded requirements in India and Mexico, and defined benefit plans that are not required to be funded and are not funded in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Sweden.
We maintain funded defined benefit pension plans that are either currently funded in accordance with local requirements in the United States, Belgium, Canada, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, or above funded requirements in India and Mexico, and defined benefit plans that are not required to be funded and are not funded in Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
Our inability to obtain raw materials at favorable prices may adversely affect our operating margins and results of operations. We purchase substantially all electric power and other raw materials we use in the manufacturing of our products from outside sources. The costs of these raw materials have been volatile historically and are influenced by factors that are outside our control.
We purchase substantially all electric power and other raw materials we use in the manufacturing of our products from outside sources. The costs of these raw materials have been volatile historically and are influenced by factors that are outside our control.
Reduced demand for our products and services from time to time results in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or leads to excess manufacturing capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed manufacturing costs. This reduced demand has in the past and may continue in the future to also erode average selling prices in our industry.
Reduced demand for our products and services from time to time results in the delay or cancellation of existing orders or leads to excess manufacturing capacity, which unfavorably impacts our absorption of fixed manufacturing costs.
Additionally, increasing tensions between the U.S. and China may result in further restrictions or actions by the U.S. government with respect to doing business in China or by the Chinese government with respect to business conducted by foreign entities in China, which could impact certain of our manufacturing operations, as well as supply for our raw materials and components.
Additionally, increasing tensions between the United States and China may result in further restrictions or actions by the U.S. government with respect to doing business in China or by the Chinese government with respect to business conducted by foreign entities in China, which could impact certain of our manufacturing operations, as well as supply for our raw materials and components. 17 Our future success will depend, in large part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks associated with our international operations.
Our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor matters. As of December 31, 2023, w e had approximat ely 16,000 empl oyees, of which approximately 4,600 were located in the U.S. Approximately 5% of our U.S. employees are represented by unions.
Our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor matters. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 16,000 employees, of which approximately 4,700 were located in the United States. Approximately 3% of our U.S. employees are represented by unions.
Any of these factors, whether individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our customers and, in turn, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, the liquidity and financial position of our customers impacts capital investment decisions and their ability to pay in full and/or on a timely basis. Any of these factors, whether individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our customers and, in turn, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Further, restructuring and realignment activities are a complex and time-consuming process that can place substantial demands on management, which could divert attention from other business priorities or disrupt our daily operations. Any of these failures could, in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, which could constrain our liquidity.
Further, restructuring and realignment activities are a complex and time-consuming process that can place substantial demands on management, which could divert attention from other business priorities or disrupt our daily operations.
Despite these favorable conditions, the general health of global credit and capital markets and our customers' ability to access such markets impacts investments in large capital projects, including necessary maintenance and upgrades. In addition, the liquidity and financial position of our customers impacts capital investment decisions and their ability to pay in full and/or on a timely basis.
Additionally, our customers sometimes delay capital investment and maintenance even during favorable conditions in their industries or markets. Despite these favorable conditions, the general health of global credit and capital markets and our customers' ability to access such markets impacts investments in large capital projects, including necessary maintenance and upgrades.
Compliance with existing, proposed and recently enacted laws and regulations can be costly; any failure to comply with these regulatory standards could subject us to legal and reputational risks, including proceedings against the Company by governmental entities or others, fines and penalties, damage to our reputation and credibility and could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
Compliance with GDPR, new state laws, and other current and future applicable U.S. and international privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other data-related laws can be costly and time-consuming; any failure to comply with these regulatory standards could subject us to legal and reputational risks, including proceedings against the Company by governmental entities or others, fines and penalties, damage to our reputation and credibility and could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
If these measures are not successful or sustainable, we may undertake additional realignment and cost reduction efforts, which could result in future charges. Moreover, our ability to achieve our other strategic goals and business plans may be adversely affected, and we could experience business disruptions with customers and elsewhere if any restructuring and realignment efforts prove ineffective.
Moreover, our ability to achieve our other strategic goals and business plans may be adversely affected, and we could experience business disruptions with customers and elsewhere if any restructuring and realignment efforts prove ineffective.
Our future success will depend in part on the continued service of key executive officers and personnel. The loss of the services of any key individual could harm our business. Our future success also depends on our ability to recruit, retain and engage our personnel sufficiently, both to maintain our current business and to execute our strategic initiatives.
Our future success will depend in part on the continued service of key executive officers and personnel. The loss of the services of any key individual could harm our business.
Moreover, we may determine that it is in the best interest of our company and our shareholders to prioritize other business, social, governance or sustainable investments over the achievement of our current commitments based on economic, regulatory and social factors, business strategy or pressure from investors, activist groups or other stakeholders.
Moreover, we may determine that it is in the best interest of our company and our shareholders to prioritize other business, social, governance or sustainable investments over the achievement of our current commitments based on economic, regulatory and social factors, business strategy or pressure from investors, activist groups or other stakeholders. 14 If we are unable to meet these commitments, then, in addition to regulatory and legal risks related to compliance, we could incur adverse publicity and reaction from investors, customers or other stakeholders, which could adversely impact our reputation, which could in turn adversely impact our results of operations.
Similarly, certain countries, including the U.S., have adopted the Paris Climate Agreement and these and other existing international initiatives, such as the agreement resulting from the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or those under consideration may affect our operations.
Similarly, certain countries, have adopted the Paris Climate Agreement and these and other existing international initiatives, such as the agreement resulting from the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or those under consideration may affect our operations. As regulators and investors increasingly focus on climate change and sustainability issues, we are subject to new disclosure frameworks and regulatory reporting obligations.
Our outstanding indebtedness and the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness limit our operating and financial flexibility.
In addition, tax law changes could negatively impact our deferred tax assets. Our outstanding indebtedness and the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness limit our operating and financial flexibility.
We have devoted significant resources to remediate and improve our internal controls and to monitor the effectiveness of these remediated measures. There can be no assurance that these measures will ensure that we maintain at all times effective internal controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future.
There can be no assurance that these measures will ensure that we maintain at all times effective internal controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.
In response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, several countries, including the United States, have imposed economic sanctions and export controls on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia.
In response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, several countries, including the United States, have imposed economic sanctions and export controls on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia. As a result of this conflict, including the aforementioned sanctions and overall instability in the region, in March 2022 we permanently ceased all Company operations in Russia.
Contributions to our pension plans reduce the availability of our cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures, R&D efforts and other general corporate purposes. The recording of increased deferred tax asset valuation allowances in the future or the impact of tax law changes on such deferred tax assets could adversely affect our operating results.
The recording of increased deferred tax asset valuation allowances in the future or the impact of tax law changes on such deferred tax assets could adversely affect our operating results.
Our internal control over financial reporting has not always prevented or detected misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud. We have in the past discovered, and may in the future discover, areas of our internal controls that need improvement, including material weaknesses in internal controls.
The failure to maintain effective internal controls could impact the accuracy and timely reporting of our business and financial results. Our internal control over financial reporting has not always prevented or detected misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls or fraud.
Any of these results could continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
This reduced demand has in the past and may continue in the future to also erode average selling prices in our industry. 11 Any of these results could continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We continually review our funding policy related to our U.S. pension plan in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. U.S. regulations have increased the minimum level of funding for U.S. pension plans in prior years, which has at times required significant contributions to our pension plans.
U.S. regulations have increased the minimum level of funding for U.S. pension plans in prior years, which has at times required significant contributions to our pension plans. Contributions to our pension plans reduce the availability of our cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures, R&D efforts and other general corporate purposes.
Implementation of new tariffs and changes to or uncertainties related to tariffs and trade agreements could adversely affect our business. The U.S. has implemented certain tariffs on steel and aluminum imported into the country. In response, certain foreign governments have implemented or reportedly considered implementing additional tariffs on U.S. goods.
Any of these factors could, however, materially adversely affect our international operations and, consequently, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Implementation of new tariffs and changes to or uncertainties related to tariffs and trade agreements could adversely affect our business. The United States has implemented certain tariffs on steel and aluminum imported into the country.
In addition, the agreements governing our indebtedness impose certain operating and financial restrictions on us and somewhat limit management's discretion in operating our businesses.
Our inability to timely access capital on satisfactory terms, including as a result of market disruptions, could limit our ability to expand our business as desired and refinance our indebtedness. 21 In addition, the agreements governing our indebtedness impose certain operating and financial restrictions on us and somewhat limit management's discretion in operating our businesses.
This impact may be particularly prevalent where we maintain significant concentrations of specified investments, such as the U.K. equity and fixed income securities in our non-U.S. defined benefit plans. Changes in the expected return on plan assets assumption can result in significant changes in our pension expense and future funding requirements.
Changes in the expected return on plan assets assumption can result in significant changes in our pension expense and future funding requirements. We also continually monitor global pension regulations in the jurisdictions where we sponsor defined benefit plans as complex laws can present financial risks in the event of non-compliance.
A change in these principles can have a significant effect on our reported financial position and financial results.
Changes in accounting principles and guidance could result in unfavorable accounting charges or effects. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. A change in these principles can have a significant effect on our reported financial position and financial results.
For additional information regarding our current indebtedness refer to Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report. Our inability to timely access capital on satisfactory terms, including as a result of market disruptions, could limit our ability to expand our business as desired and refinance our indebtedness.
For additional information regarding our current indebtedness refer to Note 13, "Debt and Finance Lease Obligations," to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report.
For additional information, see the discussion in Item 7 of this Annual Report and under Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report. The failure to maintain effective Internal controls could impact the accuracy and timely reporting of our business and financial results.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Annual Report and under Note 1, "Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Developments," to our consolidated financial statements included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report.