Commercial METALS (CMC) risk factors, FY2024 10-K

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

1. 01Scrap and other inputs for our business are subject to significant price fluctuations and limited availability, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition
2. 02We are vulnerable to the economic conditions in the regions in which our operations are concentrated
3. 03We rely on the availability of large amounts of electricity and natural gas. Disruptions in delivery or substantial increases in energy costs, including crude oil prices, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition
4. 04We may encounter labor disputes and shortages for skilled labor and/or qualified employees in operational positions, which could adversely impact our operations
5. 05The loss of, or inability to hire, key employees may adversely affect our ability to successfully manage our operations and meet our strategic objectives
6. 06Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted by the effects of inflation
7. 07We may have difficulty competing with companies that have a lower cost structure or access to greater financial resources
8. 08Operating and startup risks, as well as market risks associated with the commissioning of our micro mills, could prevent us from realizing anticipated benefits and could result in a loss of all or a substantial part of our investments
9. 09Our mills require continual capital investments that we may not be able to sustain
10. 10Unexpected equipment failures may lead to production curtailments or shutdowns, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition
11. 11Information technology interruptions and breaches in data security could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition
12. 12Increasing attention to ESG matters, including any targets or other ESG, environmental justice or regulatory initiatives, could result in additional costs or risks or adverse impacts on our business
13. 13We are subject to litigation, potential liability claims and contract disputes, and may become subject to additional litigation, claims and disputes in the future, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition
14. 14Potential limitations on our ability to access credit, or the ability of our customers and suppliers to access credit, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition
15. 15Geopolitical conditions, including political turmoil and volatility, regional conflicts, terrorism and war have caused disruptions in the global economy, energy supplies and raw materials, which may continue to negatively impact our business and operations
16. 16From time to time in the past, some of our customers have sought to renegotiate or cancel their existing purchase commitments with us. In addition, some of our customers have breached previously agreed upon contracts to buy our products by refusing delivery of the products
17. 17The agreements governing our notes and our other debt contain financial covenants and impose restrictions on our business
18. 18We may not be able to successfully identify, consummate or integrate acquisitions, and acquisitions may adversely affect our financial leverage
19. 19Goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition
20. 20Impairment of long-lived assets in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition
21. 21Competition from other materials may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition
22. 22Our operations present significant risk of injury or death
23. 23Our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and stock price may be adversely affected by global public health epidemics
24. 24Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition
25. 25Operating internationally carries risks and uncertainties which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition
26. 26Hedging transactions may expose us to losses or limit our potential gains
27. 27There can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares of our common stock at all or in any particular amounts

RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY

1. 28Our industry and the industries we serve are vulnerable to global economic conditions
2. 29Excess capacity and over-production by foreign producers in the steel industry as well as the startup of new steelmaking capacity in the U.S. could result in lower domestic steel prices, which would adversely affect our sales, margins and profitability
3. 30Rapid and significant changes in the price of metals could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition
4. 31Physical impacts of climate change could have a material adverse effect on our costs and results of operations

RISKS RELATED TO THE REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

1. 32waste. If the laws, regulations or testing methods change with regard to EAF dust or shredder fluff or other by-products, we may incur additional significant costs
2. 33Increased regulation associated with climate change could impose significant additional costs on both our steelmaking and metals recycling operations
3. 34We are subject to governmental regulatory and compliance risks that expose us to potential litigation and disputes regarding violations, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition
4. 35Changes in tax legislation and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations