32 added · 40 removed between the two most recent 10-Ks. The risks a company starts — or stops — disclosing are often the story.
Newly disclosed
In addition, an allegation of noncompliance with federal or state food laws and regulations could result in production interruptions or shutdowns, delayed deliveries, discontinuation of product sales, or significant adverse publicity that could harm our credibility and decrease market acceptance of our products.
Any potential claim under our insurance policies may exceed our insurance coverage, may be subject to certain exceptions or may not be honored fully, in a timely manner, or at all. 7 Table of Contents We may be subject to a loss of sales or increased costs due to adverse publicity or consumer concern regarding the safety, quality or healthfulness of food products, whether with our products, competing products or other related food products.
The food industry has been subject to negative publicity concerning “ultra-processed” foods and the health implications of genetically modified organisms, added sugars, trans fat, salt, artificial growth hormones, artificial colors and food additives, ingredients sourced from foreign suppliers and other supply chain concerns.
If our third parties fail to deliver on their commitments, introduce unplanned risk to our operations, or are unable to fulfill their obligations, we could experience manufacturing challenges, shipment delays, increased costs, or lost revenue. 9 Table of Contents Increases in energy-related costs could negatively affect our business by increasing our costs to produce goods.
In addition, operating facilities at or near capacity may also increase production and distribution costs and negatively affect relations with our employees or contractors, which could result in disruptions in our operations. 10 Table of Contents We may require significant capital expenditures to maintain, improve or replace aging infrastructure and facilities, which could adversely affect our cash flows.
Depending on the nature of such legal requirements, we may experience significant increases in our compliance costs, production costs, capital expenditures, and other financial obligations to adapt our business and operations to meet new laws and regulations, which could materially affect our profitability. 11 Table of Contents Further, our businesses could be adversely affected if we are unable to effectively address concerns from the media, shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders specific to our business regarding climate change and related environmental sustainability and governance matters.
Furthermore, if we choose or are pressured by our competitors or customers to switch to sustainable packaging or natural ingredients for our products, it may be difficult to source sufficient quantities of such sustainable or natural materials.
Our failure to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences on a timely basis or in line with our competitors could result in reduced demand and price decreases for our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Chick-fil-A, like most of the other national chain restaurants with which we work, has a direct relationship with us for culinary research and development, menu development and production needs but purchases some of our products indirectly through distributors.
Further, unfavorable changes in the financial condition of Chick-fil-A or any significant distributor, or other disruptions to their respective businesses, such as decreased consumer demand or stronger competition, could also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 13 Table of Contents We rely on the performance of major retailers, mass merchants, wholesalers, food brokers, distributors and foodservice customers for the success of our business and, should they perform poorly or give higher priority to other brands or products, our business could be adversely affected.
Additionally, there is an increased focus by foreign, federal, state and local regulatory and legislative bodies regarding environmental policies relating to climate change, regulating greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon pricing regulations, cap and trade systems or a carbon tax), energy policies and sustainability, including extended producer responsibility ("EPR") laws and regulations for packaging.
Increased compliance costs and expenses due to any customer requirements, the impacts of climate change and additional legal, or regulatory requirements in these areas may cause disruptions in, or an increase in the costs associated with, the operation of our manufacturing facilities and our business, as well as an increase distribution and supply chain costs.
No longer disclosed
For example, the negative impacts of COVID-19 on our Company included higher hourly wage rates paid to our front-line employees, increased costs for personal protective equipment, higher expenditures attributed to incremental co-manufacturing volumes, increased complexity and uncertainty in production planning and forecasting, and overall lower levels of efficiency in our production and distribution network.
For example, in recent periods we have seen significant commodity inflation in soybean oil, which has impacted both of our segments because of the significant number of our products that include soybean oil.
During fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, we faced industry-wide inflation for various inputs, including commodities, ingredients, packaging materials, transportation and labor.
During fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, the overall global economy experienced significant inflation in packaging materials, fuel, energy, and commodities.
In addition, an allegation of noncompliance with federal or state food laws and regulations could force us to cease production, delay the delivery or stop the sale of our products or create significant adverse publicity that could harm our credibility and decrease market acceptance of our products.
We may be subject to a loss of sales or increased costs due to adverse publicity or consumer concern regarding the safety, quality or healthfulness of food products, whether with our products, competing products or other related food products.
The food industry has been subject to negative publicity concerning the health implications of genetically modified organisms, added sugars, trans fat, salt, artificial growth hormones, ingredients sourced from foreign suppliers and other supply chain concerns. 7 Table of Contents Consumers may increasingly require that our products and processes meet stricter standards than are required by applicable governmental agencies, thereby increasing the cost of manufacturing our products.
While we do not expect our operations to be directly impacted by the conflicts in Ukraine or the Middle East at this time, changes in global grain and commodity flows could impact the markets in which we operate, which may in turn negatively impact our business, results of operations, supply chain and financial condition.
Despite our efforts to manage and remedy these impacts, their ultimate significance depends on factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of any such outbreak as well as third-party actions taken to contain the spread and mitigate public health effects.
Depending on the nature of such legal requirements, we may experience significant increases in our compliance costs, production costs, capital expenditures, and other financial obligations to adapt our business and operations to meet new laws and regulations, which could materially affect our profitability.
Further, our businesses could be adversely affected if we are unable to effectively address concerns from the media, shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders specific to our business regarding climate change and related environmental sustainability and governance matters.
Our failure to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences on a timely basis or in line with our competitors could result in reduced demand and price decreases for our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 12 Table of Contents In order to maintain our existing market share or capture increased market share among our retail and foodservice channels, we may decide to increase our spending on marketing and promotional costs, advertising and new product innovation.