Ashland (ASH) risk factors, FY2024 10-K

Risks Related to the Company’s Business Operations, Financial Performance and Growth

1. 01Climate change and related resource impacts may lead to supply chain disruptions, operational impacts, and geopolitical events which could result in impacts to raw material pricing, lack of product availability, and decreased sales
2. 02and for the global supply chain where fresh water is a key resource for manufacturing operations. Failure to respond to this risk could lead to business interruptions and impact the availability and pricing of product
3. 03Ashland’s customers could change their products in a way that reduces the demand for Ashland’s products
4. 04Ashland’s substantial global operations subject it to risks of doing business in foreign countries, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations
5. 05Adverse developments in the global economy and potential disruptions of financial markets could negatively impact Ashland’s customers and suppliers, and therefore have a negative impact on Ashland’s results of operations
6. 06Ashland’s substantial indebtedness may adversely affect our ability to pursue certain strategic acquisitions and other business opportunities, inhibit our flexibility in responding to changing market conditions, and impede our ability to generate revenue
7. 07making it more difficult for Ashland to satisfy its financial obligations

Risks Related to Competition

1. 08Failure to develop and market new products and production technologies could impact Ashland’s competitive position and have an adverse effect on its sales, businesses, and results of operations
2. 09Ashland operates in highly competitive markets which places downward pressure on prices and margins and may adversely affect Ashland’s businesses and results of operations

Risks Related to Human Capital

1. 10Ashland’s success depends upon its ability to attract and retain key employees and the identification and development of talent to succeed senior management

Risks Related to Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property

1. 11Ashland uses information technology ("IT") systems to conduct business and these IT systems are at risk of potential disruption and cybersecurity threats
2. 12Ashland may not be able to effectively protect or enforce its intellectual property rights

Risks Related to Legal and Regulatory Compliance and Litigation

1. 13Ashland’s business exposes it to potential product liability claims and recalls, which could adversely affect its financial condition, performance, and reputation
2. 14Ashland is responsible for, and has financial exposure to, liabilities from pending and threatened claims, including those alleging personal injury caused by exposure to asbestos, which could adversely impact Ashland’s results of operations and cash flow
3. 15The impact of changing laws or regulations or the manner of interpretation or enforcement of existing rules could adversely impact Ashland’s financial performance and restrict its ability to operate its business or execute its strategies

Risks Related to Taxation

1. 16Imposition of new taxes, disagreements with tax authorities or additional tax liabilities could adversely affect Ashland’s business, financial condition, reputation or results of operations