251 added · 297 removed between the two most recent 10-Ks. The risks a company starts — or stops — disclosing are often the story.
Newly disclosed
For example, paper costs represent a significant portion of our expenses, and volatility in paper prices, driven by limited supplier options and declining industry demand, may limit our ability to negotiate favorable pricing.
Furthermore, the increasing adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and agentic search technologies, including conversational search engines, autonomous shopping assistants, and AI-driven product recommendations, may change how customers discover, compare, and purchase products and services.
Any disruption, failure, or security breach affecting our websites, transaction and payment processing, network infrastructure, printing production, or customer service operations could result in reputational harm, customer loss, and negative financial impacts.
AI systems may generate inaccurate, misleading, or harmful outputs, and the lack of transparency surrounding their training data and decision-making processes heightens the risk of unintended consequences, such as bias, errors, or exposure to intellectual property and data privacy issues.
If we are unable to keep pace with developments in AI technology, or fail to effectively harness AI to enhance our business, we may lose competitive positioning or miss out on expected efficiencies, which could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Any disruption or failure on the part of these providers, whether caused by human error, technical malfunction, cyber incidents, power failures, natural disasters, or other unexpected events, could hinder our ability to deliver products and services, interrupt our business activities, and negatively impact our financial results.
New or more restrictive regulations, such as enhanced privacy laws, consumer protection rules targeting “dark patterns,” limitations on search engine marketing, anti-spam laws, or email privacy requirements, could limit our marketing effectiveness, reduce website traffic, or increase customer acquisition costs.
A substantial portion of our assets is comprised of goodwill, which must be evaluated for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances suggest that the asset's carrying value may not be recoverable.
For example, direct mail campaigns may yield lower response rates, search engine providers may alter their algorithms or increase the cost of paid placements, or the volume of partner referrals may diminish.
The markets for many of our products and services are characterized by rapid and disruptive technological change, including advancements in payment technologies, internet and mobile platforms, AI, machine learning, and digital commerce.
Information security risks have escalated in recent years due to factors such as the proliferation of new technologies, including emerging AI systems, remote work arrangements, and the growing sophistication of cyber threat actors.
If we are unable to secure favorable renewals or attract new check supply customers, our revenue could decline. 13 Maintaining a relevant and flexible multichannel experience is essential for customer acquisition and retention.
No longer disclosed
We have completed numerous acquisitions, including the acquisition of First American Payment Systems, L.P. in June 2021, which was the largest acquisition in our history.
These include advancements in payment and internet browser technologies, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and developments in technologies supporting our regulatory and compliance obligations, as well as in-store, digital, mobile, and social commerce.
The integration of any acquisition involves numerous risks, including, but not limited to the following: failure to achieve anticipated synergies and cost savings, complexities associated with the integration process, potential distractions for management, loss of customers and partners, unforeseen expenses, unidentified issues, and the potential departure of key employees.
Any one or a combination of these factors could hinder our ability to successfully operate, integrate, or leverage an acquisition, which could, in turn, have a material and adverse effect on our business operations and financial performance.
Additionally, acquisitions may result in additional contingent liabilities, increased amortization expense, and/or future non-cash asset impairment charges related to acquired intangible assets and goodwill, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
In recent years, information security risks have escalated due to several factors, including the proliferation of new technologies, particularly emerging artificial intelligence systems, an increase in remote work arrangements, and the growing sophistication and activities of hackers, terrorists, and activists.
As our business has grown and diversified, the number and significance of these claims and proceedings has increased. 19 These claims, regardless of their merit, could divert management's attention and result in costly and time-consuming litigation.
We cannot predict whether suitable acquisition candidates can be identified or acquired on acceptable terms or whether any acquired products, technologies, or businesses will contribute to our revenue or earnings to any 14 material extent.
An unfavorable resolution of a material claim or litigation could necessitate the payment of monetary damages, fines, or attorneys' fees, or force us to make costly and undesirable changes to our products, features, or business practices.
Even after such impacts subside, the U.S. economy may experience a recession, which could further adversely affect our business. 20 Asset impairment charges have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Despite having an active credit risk management program, a default by one or more of our merchants or other parties could negatively impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Third-party claims can lead to expensive and distracting litigation, and an unfavorable outcome could negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.