Biggest changeA halt of production at any of our manufacturing facilities could severely affect delivery times to our customers. Any significant delay in deliveries not otherwise contractually mitigated could result in cancellation of all or a portion of our orders, cause us to lose future sales, and negatively affect our reputation and our results of operations.
Biggest changeAny significant delay in deliveries not otherwise contractually mitigated could result in cancellation of all or a portion of our orders, the loss of future sales, and negatively affect our reputation and our results of operations. 14 An inability to successfully manage, maintain, update, and secure our information systems, and utilize these systems to produce, disseminate, and store relevant and reliable data and information pertaining to our business, could adversely affect our business and competitive position in the market.
If we become subject to any such claims and are unable successfully to resolve them or maintain inadequate insurance for such claims, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The products we manufacture are designed to work optimally when properly operated, installed, repaired, maintained and used to transport the intended cargo.
If we become subject to any such claims and are unable to successfully resolve them or maintain inadequate insurance for such claims, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The products we manufacture are designed to work optimally when properly operated, installed, repaired, maintained and used to transport the intended cargo.
If such incentives are discontinued or diminished, the demand for our products could decrease, thereby creating the potential for a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Risks Related to our Common Stock Our stock price has been volatile and may continue to experience large fluctuations.
If such incentives are discontinued or diminished, the demand for our products could decrease, thereby creating the potential for a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. 24 Risks Related to our Common Stock Our stock price has been volatile and may continue to experience large fluctuations.
If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with our foreign and cross-border business activities, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows could be negatively impacted. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could lead to increased costs and lower profitability.
If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with our foreign and cross-border business activities, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows could be negatively impacted. 20 Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could lead to increased costs and lower profitability.
All of these factors and others could disrupt our business directly and could disrupt the business of our customers thereby reducing or delaying orders of our goods and services. Prolonged civil unrest, political instability or uncertainty, military activities, or broad-based sanctions could have an adverse effect on our operations and business outlook.
These factors and others could disrupt our business directly and could disrupt the business of our customers thereby reducing or delaying orders of our goods and services. Prolonged civil unrest, political instability or uncertainty, military activities, or broad-based sanctions could have an adverse effect on our operations and business outlook.
A limited availability of financing or higher interest rates could increase the cost of, or potentially deter, new leasing arrangements with our customers, reduce our ability to syndicate railcars under lease to financial institutions, or impact the sales price we may receive on such syndications, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. 22 Some of our competitors are owned or financially supported by foreign governments and may sell products below cost or otherwise compete unfairly.
A limited availability of financing or higher interest rates could increase the cost of, or potentially deter, new leasing arrangements with our customers, reduce our ability to syndicate railcars under lease to financial institutions, or impact the sales price we may receive on such syndications, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. 21 Some of our competitors are owned or financially supported by foreign governments and may sell products below cost or otherwise compete unfairly.
Such use of social and other digital media could result in unexpected and unsubstantiated claims concerning our business in general or our products, our leadership or our reputation among customers and the public at large, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete effectively, and potentially having a material adverse effect on our business, operations, or financial condition. 27 Item 1B.
Such use of social and other digital media could result in unexpected and unsubstantiated claims concerning our business in general or our products, our leadership or our reputation among customers and the public at large, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete effectively, and potentially having a material adverse effect on our business, operations, or financial condition. 26 Item 1B.
Our inability to develop and manufacture new product innovations or technologies in a timely and profitable manner, or to obtain timely certification, or to achieve market acceptance, or to avoid quality problems in our new products, could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and results of operations and subject us to losses including penalties, cancellation of orders, rejection of railcars by a customer and/or other losses.
Our inability to develop and manufacture new products or technologies in a timely and profitable manner, or to obtain timely certification, or to achieve market acceptance, or to avoid quality problems in our new products, could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and results of operations and subject us to losses including penalties, cancellation of orders, rejection of railcars by a customer and/or other losses.
We face several risks due to our debt and debt service obligations including our potential inability to satisfy our financial obligations related to our consolidated indebtedness; potential breach of the covenants in our credit agreements; our ability to borrow additional amounts or refinance existing indebtedness in the future to fund operating needs may be limited or costly; our availability of cash flow may be inadequate because a portion of our cash flow is needed to pay principal and interest on our debt; we may be at a disadvantage relative to our competitors that have greater financial resources than us or more flexible capital structures than us; we face additional exposure to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expense in the event of an increase in interest rates; restrictions under debt agreements may adversely interfere with our financial and operating flexibility; and exposure to the possibility that we may suffer a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition if we are unable to service our debt or obtain additional financing, as needed.
We face several risks due to our debt and debt service obligations including our potential inability to satisfy our financial obligations related to our consolidated indebtedness; potential breach of the covenants in our credit agreements (including our revolving credit facility, asset-backed facilities and other facilities); our ability to borrow additional amounts or refinance existing indebtedness in the future to fund operating needs may be limited or costly; our availability of cash flow may be inadequate because a portion of our cash flow is needed to pay principal and interest on our debt; we may be at a disadvantage relative to our competitors that have greater financial resources than us or more flexible capital structures than us; we face additional exposure to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expense in the event of an increase in interest rates; restrictions under debt agreements may adversely interfere with our financial and operating flexibility; and exposure to the possibility that we may suffer a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition if we are unable to service our debt or obtain additional financing, as needed.
In addition, we have a Regulatory Services Group which offers regulatory, engineering, process consulting and advocacy support to the tank car and petrochemical rail shipper community, among other services.
In addition, we have a Regulatory Services Group that offers regulatory, engineering, process consulting and advocacy support to the tank car and petrochemical rail shipper community, among other services.
As a result, comparisons of our manufacturing revenue, deliveries, quarterly net gain on disposition of equipment, income and liquidity between quarterly periods within one year and between comparable periods in different years may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as indicators of our future performance.
As a result, comparisons of our Manufacturing or Leasing & Management Services revenue, deliveries, quarterly net gain on disposition of equipment, income and liquidity between quarterly periods within one year and between comparable periods in different years may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as indicators of our future performance.
Our information technology infrastructure also includes products and services provided by third parties, and these providers can experience breaches of their systems and products that affect the security of our systems and our proprietary or confidential information. Our reliance on information technology increases as working remotely increases among our employees.
Our information technology infrastructure also includes products and services provided by third parties, and these providers can experience breaches of their systems and 13 products that affect the security of our systems and our proprietary or confidential information. Our reliance on information technology increases to the extent working remotely increases among our employees.
If warranty claims attributable to actions of third party component manufacturers are not recoverable from such parties due to their poor financial condition or other reasons, we could be liable for warranty claims and other risks for using these materials in our products.
If warranty claims attributable to actions of third party component manufacturers are not recoverable from such parties due to their poor financial condition or other reasons, we could be liable for warranty claims and other risks for using these materials in our products. Insurance coverage could be costly, unavailable or inadequate.
We provide a number of services which include the manufacture and supply of new railcars, wheels, components and parts and the lease and maintenance of railcars for our customers that transport a variety of commodities, including tank railcars that transport hazardous materials such as crude oil, ethanol and other products.
We provide a number of services which include the manufacture and supply of new railcars, wheels, new and refurbished axles, components and parts and the lease and maintenance of railcars for our customers that transport a variety of commodities, including tank railcars that transport hazardous materials such as crude oil, ethanol, chlorine, anhydrous ammonia and other products.
Such attempts are increasing in number and in technical sophistication, and if successful, would expose us and the affected parties to risk of loss or misuse of proprietary or confidential information or disruptions of our business operations.
Such attempts are increasing in number and in technical sophistication, and if successful, would expose us and the affected parties to risk of loss or misuse of proprietary or confidential information, and could significantly disrupt our business operations.
The cost of steel and all other materials used in the production of our railcars represents more than half of our direct manufacturing costs per railcar and in the production of our marine barges represents more than 30% of our direct manufacturing costs per marine barge.
The cost of steel and all other materials used in the production of our railcars represents more than half of our direct manufacturing costs per railcar.
We perform a goodwill impairment test annually at the reporting unit level during the third quarter of each year, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may exceed their fair value.
We perform a goodwill impairment test at the reporting unit level annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may exceed their fair value.
During 2022, we experienced significantly elevated commodity and supply chain costs including the costs of labor, raw materials, energy, fuel, materials and other inputs necessary for the production and distribution of our products, and we expect elevated levels of inflation to continue in 2023.
During 2023, we experienced elevated commodity and supply chain costs including the costs of labor, raw materials, energy, fuel, materials and other inputs necessary for the production and distribution of our products, and elevated levels of inflation may continue in 2024.
Our products may be sold to third parties who may misuse, improperly install or improperly or inadequately maintain or repair such products, which may result in us being subjected to claims or litigation associated with product damage, injuries or property damage that could increase our costs and weaken our financial condition.
Our products may be sold to third parties who may misuse, improperly install or improperly or inadequately maintain or repair such products, which may result in us being subjected to claims or litigation associated with product damage, injuries or property damage that could increase our costs and weaken our financial condition. 22 Risks related to potential misconduct by employees may adversely impact us.
In February 2022, the Russian Federation commenced a military invasion of Ukraine. We cannot predict the full impact of the war in Ukraine, the economic sanctions imposed on Russia, and the related economic and geopolitical instability, including instability in the manufacturing and freight rail markets.
Our business may be negatively impacted as a result of war in Ukraine. In February 2022, the Russian Federation commenced a military invasion of Ukraine. We cannot predict the full impact of the war in Ukraine, the economic sanctions imposed on Russia, and the related economic and geopolitical instability, including instability in the manufacturing and freight rail markets.
We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to properly remediate the material weakness or to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
If we fail to properly remediate the material weakness or to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
If we are unable to recruit, train and retain adequate numbers of qualified employees and third party labor providers on a timely basis or at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. Our business may be negatively impacted as a result of armed conflict in Ukraine.
If we are unable to recruit, train and retain adequate numbers of qualified employees and third party labor providers on a timely basis or at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
The industry in which we operate is subject to periodic economic cycles, and the purchasing trends of customers in our industry have a significant impact on demand for our products and services.
Cyclical economic downturns in our industry usually result in decreased demand for our products and services and reduced revenue. The industry in which we operate is subject to periodic economic cycles, and the purchasing trends of customers in our industry have a significant impact on demand for our products and services.
Our manufacturing backlog represents future production for our customers in various periods, and estimated potential revenue attributable to such production. Our backlog of railcar units and marine vessels is not necessarily indicative of future results of operations. Certain orders in backlog are subject to customary documentation and completion of terms which may not occur.
Our manufacturing backlog represents future production for our customers, and estimated potential revenue attributable to such production. Our backlog of railcar units is not necessarily indicative of future results of operations. Some orders are subject to customary documentation, conditions, or completion of terms which may not occur.
Any such disruption in our supply of specialized components and services or increased costs of those components or services could harm our business and adversely affect our results of operations. 16 The timing of our asset sales and related revenue recognition could cause significant differences in our quarterly results and liquidity.
Any resulting disruption in our supply, or increase in the cost of specialized components and services could harm our business and adversely affect our results of operations. The timing of our asset sales and related revenue recognition could cause significant differences in our quarterly results and liquidity.
Shareholder activism could result in substantial costs to the Company, give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulators, make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel, and adversely impact our stock price.
Shareholder activism could result in substantial costs to the Company, give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulators, make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel, and adversely impact our stock price. Our current shareholders could experience dilution. We require substantial working capital to fund our business.
If we became involved in securities class action litigation in the future, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and our resources and could harm our stock price, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Our current shareholders could experience dilution. We require substantial working capital to fund our business.
If we became involved in securities class action litigation in the future, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and our resources and could harm our stock price, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
A loss of any such personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 15 Our backlog is not necessarily indicative of the level of our future revenues.
A loss of any such personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our share repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. Although the share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value, we cannot provide assurance that this will occur.
The Board of Directors has authorized our company to repurchase our common stock through a share repurchase program. Our share repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. Although the share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value, we cannot provide assurance that this will occur.
We must continue to recruit, retain and motivate senior management and other key employees sufficient to maintain our current business and support our future projects and growth objectives. We are vulnerable to attrition among our current senior management team and other key employees. Some members of our senior management team and other key employees are at or nearing retirement age.
We must continue to recruit, retain and motivate senior management and other key employees sufficient to maintain our current business and support our future projects and growth objectives. We are vulnerable to attrition among our current senior management team and other key 16 employees.
The current economic downturn in our industry has impacted the demand for our products and services, and will continue to result in one or more of the following: lower sales volumes, lower prices, lower lease utilization rates and decreased revenues and profits.
An economic downturn in our industry would impact the demand for our products and services, and would result in one or more of the following: lower sales volumes, lower prices, lower lease utilization rates and decreased revenues and profits.
Demand for specific types of railcars increases and decreases with the demand for goods such as grains, metals, construction aggregates, fertilizer, perishables and general merchandise, plastic pellets, oil and gas, bio-fuels, chemicals, and automobiles, among others, which is beyond our control. Cyclical economic downturns in our industry usually result in decreased demand for our products and services and reduced revenue.
Demand for specific types of railcars increases and decreases with the demand for goods such as grains, 19 metals, construction aggregates, fertilizer, perishables and general merchandise, plastic pellets, oil and gas, bio-fuels, chemicals, and automobiles, among others, which is beyond our control.
Addressing cybersecurity threats and incidents, whether or not successful, could result in our incurring significant costs related to, for example, disruptions in our operations, rebuilding internal systems, implementing additional threat protection measures, defending against litigation, responding to regulatory inquiries or actions, paying damages, or taking other remedial steps with respect to third parties, as well as reputational harm.
The theft, loss, or misuse of third party data collected, used, stored, or transferred by us to run our business, and our attempts to address cybersecurity threats and incidents, whether or not successful, could result in our incurring significant costs related to, for example, disruptions in our operations, rebuilding internal systems, implementing additional threat protection measures, defending against litigation, responding to regulatory inquiries or actions, paying damages, or taking other remedial steps with respect to third parties, as well as reputational harm.
Even our inadvertent failure to comply with federal, state, or international privacy-related or data-protection laws and regulations could result in audits, regulatory inquiries, or proceedings against us by governmental entities or other third parties. 17 Updates or changes to our information technology systems may result in problems that could negatively impact our business.
Even our inadvertent failure to comply with federal, state, or international privacy-related or data-protection laws and regulations could result in audits, regulatory inquiries, or proceedings against us by governmental entities or other third parties.
Our financial performance and market value could cause future write-downs of goodwill or intangibles or other long-lived assets in future periods. We are required to perform an annual impairment test of goodwill and other indefinite lived assets which could result in an impairment charge if it is determined that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.
We are required to perform an annual impairment test of goodwill and other indefinite lived assets which could result in an impairment charge if it is determined that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.
We occasionally accept orders prior to receiving railcar certification or proving our ability to manufacture a quality product that meets customer standards. We could be unable to successfully design or manufacture new railcar product innovations or technologies.
We continue to introduce new railcar product innovations and technologies as well as develop and offer information-technology-based services. We occasionally accept orders prior to receiving railcar certification or proving our ability to manufacture a quality product that meets customer standards. We could be unable to successfully design or manufacture new railcar product innovations or technologies.
These markets can experience high levels of volatility and access to capital can be constrained for extended periods of time. In addition to conditions in the capital markets, a number of other factors could cause us to incur increased borrowing costs and have greater difficulty accessing public and private markets for both secured and unsecured debt.
In addition to conditions in the capital markets, a number of other factors could cause us to incur increased borrowing costs and have greater difficulty accessing public and private markets for both secured and unsecured debt.
No other suppliers accounted for more than 10% of total inventory purchases. Certain components of our products, particularly specialized components like castings, bolsters, trucks, wheels and axels, and certain services, such as lining capabilities, are currently only available from a limited number of suppliers.
Certain components of our products, particularly specialized components like castings, bolsters, trucks, wheels and axles, and certain services, such as lining capabilities, are currently only available from a limited number of suppliers.
Estimates, judgments and assumptions underlying the accompanying consolidated financial statements include, income taxes, warranty accruals, environmental costs, and goodwill, among others. If our accounting policies, methods, judgments, assumptions, estimates and allocations prove to be incorrect, or if circumstances change, our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, ability to pay dividends or stock price may be materially adversely affected.
If our accounting policies, methods, judgments, assumptions, estimates and allocations prove to be incorrect, or if circumstances change, our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, ability to pay dividends or stock price may be materially adversely affected.
Adverse changes in foreign regulations applicable to us or our customers, such as labor, environment, trade, tax, currency and price regulations, could limit our operations, make the manufacture and distribution of our products difficult, and delay or limit our ability to repatriate income derived from foreign markets. 21 Our business benefits from free trade agreements between the United States and foreign governments, and from various U.S. corporate tax provisions related to international commerce.
Adverse changes in foreign regulations applicable to us or our customers, such as labor, environment, trade, tax, currency and price regulations, could limit our operations, make the manufacture and distribution of our products difficult, and delay or limit our ability to repatriate income derived from foreign markets.
Monetary interventions also risk a sustained decline in aggregate demand, either globally or within one more geographic market. A decline in demand for our products would most likely have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
Additionally, increased borrowing costs faced by our customers could result in decreased demand for our products. Monetary interventions also risk a sustained decline in aggregate demand, either globally or within one or more geographic markets. A decline in demand for our products would have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
Certain relevant provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as well as Oregon law, are described in further detail in “Description of the Registrant’s Securities Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” annexed as Exhibit 4.3 to this Annual Report. 26 Payments of cash dividends on our common stock may be made only at the discretion of our Board of Directors and may be restricted by Oregon law.
Certain relevant provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as well as Oregon law, are described in further detail in “Description of the Registrant’s Securities Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934” annexed as Exhibit 4.3 to this Annual Report.
The loss of suppliers or their inability to meet our price, quality, quantity and delivery requirements could have an adverse effect on our ability to manufacture and sell our products on a cost-effective basis. 13 Shortages of skilled labor, increased labor costs, or failure to maintain good relations with our workforce could adversely affect our operations.
The loss of suppliers or their inability to meet our price, quality, quantity and delivery requirements could have an adverse effect on our ability to manufacture and sell our products on a cost-effective basis.
Disruptions in the supply of materials and components used in the production of our products could negatively impact our business and results of operations. Supply chains were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Armed conflict in Ukraine has also severely disrupted supply chains for the materials and components that we use in manufacturing our products.
Supply chains were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. The war in Ukraine has also severely disrupted supply chains for the materials and components that we use in manufacturing our products.
During its evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of August 31, 2022, management determined that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective, because we did not have effective controls over change management of system configurations in one IT environment to ensure all changes were logged and approved.
During its evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of August 31, 2023, management determined that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective, because we did not have effective controls in one IT environment as a result of deficiencies in change management, program development, and user access controls.
We rely on limited suppliers for certain components and services needed in our production. If we are not able to procure specialty components or services on commercially reasonable terms or on a timely basis, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.
If we are not able to procure specialty components or services on commercially reasonable terms or on a timely basis, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected. Our manufacturing operations depend in part on our ability to obtain timely deliveries of materials, components and services in acceptable quantities and quality from our suppliers.
Legislation and new rules to regulate emission of GHGs have been introduced in numerous state legislatures, the U.S. Congress, and by the EPA. Some of these proposals would require industries to meet stringent new standards that may require substantial reporting of GHGs and other carbon intensive activities in addition to potentially mandating reductions in our carbon emissions.
Some of these proposals would require industries to meet stringent new standards that may require substantial reporting of GHGs and other carbon intensive activities in addition to potentially mandating reductions in our carbon emissions.
Any of these conditions or events could result in reductions in our revenues, increased price competition, or increased operating costs, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. 23 Risks Related to Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Matters Risks related to potential misconduct by employees may adversely impact us.
Any of these conditions or events could result in reductions in our revenues, increased price competition, or increased operating costs, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A material disruption in the movement of rail traffic could negatively impact our business and results of operations. Equipment failures, technological failures, costs and inefficiencies associated with changing of production lines, or transfer of production between facilities, could lead to production, delivery, or service curtailments or shutdowns, loss of revenue or higher expenses.
Equipment failures, technological failures, costs and inefficiencies associated with changing of production lines, or transfer of production between facilities, could lead to production, delivery, or service curtailments or shutdowns, loss of revenue or higher expenses. We operate a substantial amount of equipment at our production facilities.
Changes in accounting standards can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. 25 Some of our customers place orders for our products in reliance on their ability to utilize tax benefits or tax credits any of which benefits or credits could be discontinued thereby reducing incentives for our customers to purchase our rail products.
Some of our customers place orders for our products in reliance on their ability to utilize tax benefits or tax credits any of which benefits or credits could be discontinued thereby reducing incentives for our customers to purchase our rail products.
If we are not able to purchase materials and energy at competitive prices, our ability to produce and sell our products on a cost-effective basis could be adversely impacted which, in turn, could adversely affect our revenue and profitability. Our fixed-price contracts generally anticipate material price increases and surcharges.
If we are not able to purchase materials and energy at competitive prices, our ability to produce and sell our products on a cost-effective basis could be adversely impacted which, in turn, could adversely affect our revenue and profitability. 12 Disruptions in the supply of materials and components used in the production of our products could negatively impact our business and results of operations.
We depend on skilled labor in all areas of our business. Some of our facilities are located in areas where demand for skilled labor often exceeds supply. Shortages of some types of skilled labor such as welders and machine operators could restrict our ability to maintain or increase production rates, lead to production inefficiencies and increase our labor costs.
Shortages of some types of skilled labor such as welders and machine operators could restrict our ability to maintain or increase production rates, lead to production inefficiencies and increase our labor costs.
If we are unsuccessful in our succession planning efforts, the continuity of our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Some members of our senior management team and other key employees are at or nearing retirement age. If we are unsuccessful in our succession planning efforts, the continuity of our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively, resulting in the revision of prior period financial statements.
In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively, resulting in the revision of prior period financial statements. Changes in accounting standards can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations.
Other adverse consequences of climate change could include an increased frequency of severe weather events and rising sea levels that could affect operations at our manufacturing facilities, the price of insuring company assets, or other unforeseen disruptions of our operations, systems, property or equipment. 24 Train derailments or other accidents or claims could subject us to legal claims that adversely impact our business, financial condition and our results of operations.
Other adverse consequences of climate change could include an increased frequency of severe weather events and rising sea levels that could affect operations at our manufacturing facilities, the price of insuring company assets, or other unforeseen disruptions of our operations, systems, property or equipment. 23 We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.
We have acquired businesses and invested in or entered into joint ventures in past periods. We may in the future acquire other businesses or invest in or enter into joint ventures with other companies.
Our business will suffer if we are unsuccessful in making, integrating, and maintaining acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic investments. We have acquired businesses and invested in or entered into joint ventures in past periods. We may in the future acquire other businesses or invest in or enter into other joint ventures.
Our share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value although we cannot guarantee this will occur and this program may be suspended or terminated at any time. The Board of Directors has authorized our company to repurchase our common stock through a share repurchase program.
Accordingly, we may not be able to continue to pay dividends in any given amount in the future, or at all. 25 Our share repurchase program is intended to enhance long-term shareholder value although we cannot guarantee this will occur and this program may be suspended or terminated at any time.
As a result, the amount of interest we may pay on our variable rate indebtedness is difficult to predict. 18 Our product and service warranties could expose us to significant claims. We offer our customers limited warranties for many of our products and services.
Our product and service warranties could expose us to significant claims. We offer our customers limited warranties for many of our products and services.
The United States Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and several other central banks, have undertaken or signaled increases in benchmark interest rates. Rising interest rates increases our borrowing costs potentially decreasing our profitability. Additionally, increased borrowing costs faced by our customers could result in decreased demand for our products.
Inflation may cause our customers to reduce or delay orders for our goods and services thereby causing a decrease in sales of our goods and services. The United States Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and several other central banks, have undertaken or signaled increases in benchmark interest rates. Rising interest rates increases our borrowing costs potentially decreasing our profitability.
Management has determined that this deficiency constitutes a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. We have identified and are implementing remedial measures to address the control deficiency that led to the material weakness. However, there can be no assurance that our remedial measures will correct the deficiency.
The material weakness related primarily to the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Management has determined that this deficiency constitutes a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. We are in the process of identifying and implementing remedial measures to address the control deficiencies that led to the material weakness.
In some instances, we, our customers, and the users of our products and services can be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects.
In some instances, we, our customers, and the users of our products and services can be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects. In addition, global privacy legislation, enforcement, and policy activity in this area are rapidly expanding and creating a complex regulatory compliance environment.
More information regarding the material weakness and our remediation efforts is provided in “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.” Changes in or the implementation of accounting standards or inaccurate estimates or assumptions in the application of accounting policies could adversely affect our financial results .
Controls and Procedures.” Changes in or the implementation of accounting standards or inaccurate estimates or assumptions in the application of accounting policies could adversely affect our financial results . Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations.
Extended closure of one or more of our large facilities or a material decrease in our available workforce could have a material negative impact on our financial position and results of operations.
Extended closure of one or more of our facilities or a decrease in our available workforce could have a negative impact on our financial position and results of operations. Labor shortages in the geographies where we operate could prevent us from converting backlog to revenue. Similarly, the operations of our customers or suppliers may be disrupted.
A failure to design or manufacture products or technologies or to achieve timely certification or market acceptance of new products or technologies could have an adverse effect on our profitability. We continue to introduce new railcar product innovations and technologies.
Some of our credit facilities and existing indebtedness use variable rates which may make the amount of interest we pay on our variable rate indebtedness difficult to predict. 17 A failure to design or manufacture products or technologies or to achieve timely certification or market acceptance of new products or technologies could have an adverse effect on our profitability.
Additionally, malicious hackers, state-sponsored organizations, terrorists, employees and third-party service providers, or intruders into our physical facilities may attempt to gain unauthorized access and corrupt the processes used to operate our businesses and to design and manufacture our products.
We face attempts by malicious hackers, state-sponsored organizations, intruders and potentially terrorists, employees, and third-party service providers into our physical facilities to gain unauthorized access, or introduce malicious software to our network or those of our customers to, among other things, steal proprietary information related to our business, products, employees, and customers; interrupt our systems and services or those of our customers; corrupt the processes used to operate our businesses and to design and manufacture our products; or demand ransom to return control of such systems and services.
In addition, if the U.S. economy enters a recession, we may experience sales declines and may have to decrease prices, either of which could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. 20 Monetary and other policy interventions by governments and central banks, including the increase of interest rates, as well as uncertainly about governmental macroeconomic policies, could negatively impact our business and results of operations.
Risks Related to Market and Economic Factors Inflation as well as monetary and other policy interventions by governments and central banks in response to inflation, including the increase of interest rates, as well as uncertainly about governmental macroeconomic policies, could negatively impact our business and results of operations.
We currently identify the following factors as the most significant risks to our business due to COVID-19, governmental actions, and economic conditions. • We may be prevented from operating our manufacturing facilities, maintenance shops, wheel shops or other worksites due to the illness of our employees, “stay-at-home” regulations, and employee reluctance to appear for work for many different reasons including the implementation of any government-imposed vaccination or testing mandates.
A resurgence or development of new strains or variants of COVID-19 or the occurrence of another widespread health crisis and the governmental reaction thereto may prevent us from operating our facilities due to the illness of our employees, “stay-at-home” regulations, and employee reluctance to appear for work for many different reasons including the implementation of any government-imposed vaccination or testing mandates.
General inflation in the United States, Europe and other geographies has risen to levels not experienced in recent decades. General inflation, including rising prices for energy, metals, components, and other inputs as well as rising wages negatively impact our business by increasing our operating costs.
General inflation in the United States, Europe and other geographies has risen to levels not experienced in recent decades. General inflation also negatively impacts our business by decreasing the capital for our customers to deploy to purchase our goods and services.
Accordingly, we may not be able to continue to pay dividends in any given amount in the future, or at all. Our business and operations could be negatively affected if we become subject to shareholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of our business strategy and impact our stock price.
Our business and operations could be negatively affected if we become subject to shareholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of our business strategy and impact our stock price. Shareholder activism, which could take many forms, including potential proxy contests and public information campaigns, continues to increase.
The deterioration of conditions in the global capital markets, weakening of macroeconomic conditions and changes in the credit markets and the financial services industry could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Our leasing subsidiaries' operations relies in large part upon banks and capital markets to fund its operations and contractual commitments and refinance existing debt.
A material or adverse change in exchange rates could result in significant deterioration of profits or in losses for us. The deterioration of conditions in the global capital markets, weakening of macroeconomic conditions and changes in the credit markets and the financial services industry could negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
The likelihood of cancellations, modifications, rejection and non-payment for our products generally increases during periods of market weakness. The timing of converting backlog to revenue is also materially impacted by our decision whether to lease railcars, sell railcars, or syndicate railcars with a lease attached to an investor. Actual revenue may not equal our anticipated revenues based on our backlog.
If a customer cancels an order, we may be unable to recover the entire amount we anticipated receiving from the order. The timing of converting backlog to revenue is also materially impacted by our decision whether to lease railcars, sell railcars, syndicate railcars with a lease attached to an investor, or contribute railcars to our lease fleet.
Conversely, third parties might assert that our products, services, or other business activities infringe their patents or other intellectual property rights. Infringement and other intellectual property claims and proceedings brought against us, whether successful or not, could result in substantial litigation and judgment costs and harm our reputation. Insurance coverage could be costly, unavailable or inadequate.
Conversely, third parties might assert that our products, services, or other business activities infringe their patents or other intellectual property rights.
If indicators suggest it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it may result in an impairment of goodwill. As of August 31, 2022, we had $84.3 million of goodwill in our Manufacturing segment and $43.0 million in our Maintenance Services segment.
If indicators suggest it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value or that the carrying amount of intangible or long-lived assets may not be recoverable, it may result in an impairment. Impairment charges would impact our results of operations in the period in which they are identified.
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, and potential future related decline in global economic activity, as well as governmental reaction to the pandemic could continue to negatively impact our business, liquidity and financial position, results of operations, stock price, and ability to convert backlog to revenue.
A resurgence or development of new strains or variants of COVID-19 or the occurrence of another widespread health crisis and the governmental reaction thereto could materially and adversely impact our business, liquidity and financial position, results of operations, and, in turn, the price of our common stock.
We face risks related to cybersecurity threats and incidents that increase our costs and could disrupt our business and operations. We regularly face attempts by others to gain unauthorized access through the Internet, or to introduce malicious software, to our information technology systems.
Our failure to create and implement systems for monitoring, mitigating, managing, and recovering from such events could increase the length and severity of such disruptions, and could subject us to losses including penalties, cancellation of orders, and/or other losses. We face risks related to cybersecurity threats and incidents that increase our costs and could disrupt our business and operations.