Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

MasterBrand Inc disclosed 42 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. MasterBrand Inc reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2024

Risk Distribution

31% Finance & Corporate

24% Legal & Regulatory

17% Ability to Sell

14% Production

7% Tech & Innovation

7% Macro & Political

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

MasterBrand Inc Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q4, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 13 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 13 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

-2

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

-2

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

1Risks added

3Risks removed

3Risks changed

Since Dec 2024

1Risks added

3Risks removed

3Risks changed

Since Dec 2024

Number of Risk Changed

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

See the risk highlights of MasterBrand Inc in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 42

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 13/42 (31%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights4 | 9.5%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

The market price of our shares of common stock may fluctuate significantly.

Our common stock has been listed and is being traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol "MBC." Many factors could cause the market price of our common stock to rise and fall, including the following: ?a shift in our investor base;- our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry or in similar industries;- actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;- success or failure of our business strategy;- our ability to obtain financing as needed;- changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;- changes in laws and regulations affecting our business;- announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions or dispositions;- the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock;- changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet our earnings guidance;- the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies; and - overall market fluctuations and general economic and geopolitical conditions. Stock markets in general have also experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations could negatively affect the trading price of our common stock. Additionally, if any of the foregoing occurs, it could cause our stock price to fall and may expose us to lawsuits that, even if successfully defended, could be costly to defend and a distraction to management.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws and provisions of Delaware law may prevent or delay an acquisition of us, even if that change may be considered beneficial by some of our stockholders.

The existence of some provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation ("our charter"), our amended and restated bylaws ("our bylaws") and Delaware law may discourage a future takeover attempt not approved by our Board of Directors but which our stockholders may deem to be in their best interests or in which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. These provisions include but are not limited to: a classified board of directors with three-year staggered terms (however, beginning with our 2030 annual meeting, all directors will be elected annually); the right of our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval; no stockholder ability to fill director vacancies; elimination of the rights of our stockholders to act by written consent and call special stockholder meetings; until our Board of Directors is no longer classified, prohibiting stockholders from removing directors other than "for cause"; and rules regarding how stockholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at stockholder meetings. In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), which may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our Board of Directors, including discouraging takeover attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for shares of our common stock. These provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our Board of Directors determines is not in our best interests or the best interests of our stockholders.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

Our charter contains an exclusive forum provision that may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors and officers.

Our charter provides that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the state courts within the State of Delaware (or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) will be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any state derivative action or proceeding brought or purporting to be brought on our behalf, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director or officer of ours to us or our stockholders, (3) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our charter or our bylaws, (4) any action asserting a claim relating to or involving us governed by the internal affairs doctrine or (5) any action asserting an "internal corporate claim" as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL. Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, both state and federal courts have jurisdiction to entertain such claims. To prevent having to litigate claims in multiple jurisdictions and the threat of inconsistent or contrary rulings by different courts, among other considerations, our charter will further provide that the federal district courts of the United States will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty of liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder, and as a result, the exclusive forum provision does not apply to actions arising under the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. While the Delaware Supreme Court ruled in March 2020 that federal forum selection provisions purporting to require claims under the Securities Act be brought in federal court are "facially valid" under Delaware law, there is uncertainty as to whether other courts will enforce our federal forum provision described above. Our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors and officers. Alternatively, if a court were to find this exclusive forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings described above, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could negatively affect our results of operations.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

We cannot guarantee that our stock repurchase program will be fully consummated or will enhance long-term stockholder value, and stock repurchases could increase the volatility of our stock prices and could diminish our cash reserves.

Our Board of Directors has adopted a stock repurchase program, and we may make repurchases under such program. The actual manner, timing, amount and value of repurchases under our repurchase program or any future repurchase programs will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of our common stock, trading volume, other capital management objectives and opportunities, applicable legal requirements, applicable tax effects and general market and economic conditions. Any stock repurchases could affect our share trading price, increase volatility and reduce our cash reserves, which may result in a decrease in the trading price of our common stock. In addition, if we are unable to make repurchases in accordance with our repurchase program, then we would not be able to reduce the effects of dilution experienced when we issue stock under our equity incentive programs, and we would not receive other benefits contemplated by the repurchase program.

Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 7.1%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Following the Separation, our financial profile has changed, and we are a smaller, less diversified company than Fortune Brands prior to the Separation.

The Separation resulted in our business becoming smaller and less diversified. As a result, we are more vulnerable to changing market conditions. In addition, the diversification of our revenues, costs and cash flows are diminished as a standalone company, such that our results of operations, cash flows, working capital and financing requirements may be subject to increased volatility and our ability to fund capital expenditures and investments and service debt may be diminished. We may experience decreased capital allocation efficiency and flexibility because we can no longer use cash flow from Fortune Brands to fund our business.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Changed

We have a short operating history as an independent, publicly-traded company, and our historical consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as an independent, publicly-traded company and may not be reliable indicators of our future results.

Our historical consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K do not necessarily reflect the results of operations that we would have achieved as an independent, publicly-traded company during the periods presented or those that we will achieve in the future, including as a result of the following factors: ?Historically, prior to the Separation, our working capital requirements and capital for our general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, were financed by Fortune Brands. Additionally, Fortune Brands historically managed and retained cash we generated prior to the Separation. Following completion of the Separation as of December 14, 2022, Fortune Brands no longer provided us with funds to finance our working capital or other cash requirements. Without the opportunity to obtain financing from Fortune Brands, we have obtained and may need to obtain additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic relationships or other arrangements, and such arrangements may not be available to us or available on terms that are as favorable as those we could have obtained when we were part of Fortune Brands. - Prior to the Separation, our business was operated by Fortune Brands as part of its broader corporate organization, rather than as an independent company. Fortune Brands historically performed various corporate functions for us, including, but not limited to, tax administration, treasury activities, accounting, legal, ethics and compliance program administration, investor and public relations, certain governance functions, including the board of directors and related committees, internal audit and external reporting. Our historical consolidated financial statements prior to the Separation reflect allocations of corporate expenses from Fortune Brands for these and similar functions. These allocations may be more or less than the comparable expenses we would have incurred had we operated as an independent, publicly-traded company. - Prior to the Separation, we took advantage of Fortune Brands' overall size and scope to obtain more advantageous procurement terms. After the Separation, we may be unable to obtain similar arrangements to the same extent as Fortune Brands did, or on terms as favorable as those Fortune Brands obtained. - Other significant changes may occur in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of our operation as a company separate from Fortune Brands.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3

Impairment charges could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets expected to contribute indefinitely to our cash flows are not amortized, but must be evaluated for impairment by management at least annually. If the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, the goodwill is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value via a non-cash charge to earnings. If the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is greater than its fair value, the intangible asset is considered impaired and is reduced to fair value via a non-cash charge to earnings. Future events may occur that would adversely affect the fair value of our goodwill or other acquired intangible assets and require impairment charges. Such events may include, but are not limited to, lower than forecasted revenue growth rates, actual new construction and R&R growth rates that fall below our assumptions, actions of key customers, increases in market-participant discount rates, continued economic uncertainty, higher levels of unemployment, weak consumer confidence, lower levels of discretionary consumer spending, a decrease in assumed royalty rates and a decline in the trading price of our common stock. We continue to evaluate the impact of economic and other developments to assess whether impairment indicators are present. Accordingly, we may be required to perform impairment tests based on changes in the economic environment and other factors, and these tests could result in impairment charges in the future.

Debt & Financing1 | 2.4%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

We have debt obligations, and may in the future incur additional debt obligations, that could adversely affect our business and profitability and our ability to meet our other obligations.

On June 27, 2024, the Company completed a private offering of $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.00 percent Senior Notes due 2032 and entered into an amended and restated credit agreement. This debt could potentially have important consequences to us and our debt and equity investors, including: ?require a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make interest and principal payments, which could reduce our profitability;?make it more difficult to satisfy debt service and other obligations;?increase the risk of a future downgrade of our credit ratings, which could increase our future debt costs and limit the future availability of debt financing;?increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, such as adverse interest rates;?reduce the cash flow available to fund capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to grow our business;?limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry;?place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors that may not be as highly leveraged with debt; and ?limit our ability to borrow additional funds as needed or take advantage of business opportunities as they arise, pay cash dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock. To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness, the foregoing risks could increase. In addition, our actual cash requirements in the future may be greater than expected. Our cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to repay all of the outstanding debt as it becomes due, and we may not be able to borrow money, sell assets or otherwise raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, to refinance our debt. Additionally, our access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions in the future will be impacted by many factors, including, but not limited to: (1) our financial performance; (2) our credit ratings; (3) the liquidity of the overall capital markets; and (4) the state of the economy, including the housing market. There can be no assurance that we will have access to the capital markets on terms acceptable to us.

Corporate Activity and Growth5 | 11.9%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Added

We may not be successful in identifying and executing potential business development transactions, such as our acquisition of Supreme, or realizing the financial and strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any historical or potential business development transaction, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to meet our growth objectives.

We may seek to accelerate our growth by not only advancing our own product pipelines and maximizing the value of our existing products, but also through various forms of business development activities, which include our acquisition of Supreme and any alliances, licenses, joint ventures, collaborations, equity- or debt-based investments, dispositions, divestments, mergers and acquisitions. The success of our business development activities is dependent on the availability and accurate evaluation of appropriate opportunities, competition from others that are seeking similar opportunities and our ability to successfully identify, structure and execute transactions, including the ability to satisfy or waive closing conditions in the anticipated timeframes, or at all, and our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and develop and commercialize acquired products. Pursuing, executing and consummating these transactions may require substantial investment, which may require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which could result in increased leverage and/or a downgrade of our credit ratings or limit our operating or financial flexibility relative to our current position. The success of our business development transactions depends on our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions and is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, including the possibility that the anticipated benefits from such transactions, including synergies and cost savings, will not be realized or will not be realized within the anticipated time period. With respect of the Supreme acquisition, the assumptions and estimates underlying the estimated synergies are inherently uncertain and, although considered reasonable by the Company's management as of the date of the acquisition, are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The anticipated synergies are based upon assumptions about our ability to implement integration measures in a timely fashion and within certain cost parameters. Our ability to achieve the planned cost synergies is dependent upon a significant number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. No assurances can be made that the costs of achieving the synergies will not rise materially, or that such synergies will be realized in the amounts expected, in the timeframes we currently anticipate, or at all. In addition, regulatory hurdles and commercialization challenges may adversely impact revenue and income contribution from acquired products and businesses. We may fail to generate anticipated revenue growth for our existing products, product pipeline and acquired products or businesses or we may fail to achieve anticipated cost savings, such as those anticipated with respect to Supreme, within anticipated time frames or at all, which may impact our ability to meet our growth objectives. Our business development activities may divert our focus and resources that would otherwise be invested into maintaining or growing our business. Similarly, the accretive impact anticipated from transactions may not be realized or may be delayed. Integration of these products or businesses may result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of ongoing business, including third-party relationships, or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies. Further, while we seek to mitigate risks and liabilities through, among other things, due diligence, we may be exposed to risks and liabilities as a result of business development transactions. There is no assurance that we will be able to acquire attractive businesses or enter into strategic business relationships on favorable terms ahead of our competitors, or that such acquisitions or strategic business development relationships will be accretive to earnings or improve our competitive position.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

Risks associated with our ability to improve organizational productivity and global supply chain efficiency and flexibility could adversely affect our results of operations.

If we are unable to obtain sufficient components or raw materials on a timely basis or for a cost-effective price or if we experience other manufacturing, supply or distribution difficulties, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected. We acquire our components and raw materials from many suppliers and vendors across the globe. We endeavor to ensure the continuity of our components and materials and make efforts to diversify certain of our sources of components and materials, but we cannot guarantee these efforts will be successful. A reduction or interruption in supply or an issue in the supply chain, including due to any potential cybersecurity attacks on our sourcing vendors as well as a result of our inability to quickly develop acceptable alternative sources for such supply, could adversely affect our ability to manufacture, distribute and sell our products in a timely or cost-effective manner. We regularly evaluate our organizational productivity and global supply chains and assess opportunities to increase capacity, reduce costs and enhance quality. We may be unable to enhance quality, speed and flexibility to meet changing and uncertain market conditions, as well as manage continued cost inflation, including wages, pension and medical costs. Our success depends in part on refining our cost structure and supply chains to promote consistently flexible and low-cost supply chains that can respond to market changes to protect profitability and cash flow or ramp up quickly and effectively to meet demand. Global supply chain disruptions could continue, including as a result of the changing political landscape, to impact our ability to timely source necessary components and inputs. Import tariffs or other adverse trade actions could potentially lead to increases in prices of raw materials or components which are critical to our business. Failure to achieve the desired level of quality, capacity or cost reductions could impair our results of operations.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3

The terms we received in our agreements with Fortune Brands could be less beneficial than the terms we may have otherwise received from unaffiliated third parties, and Fortune Brands may fail to perform under such agreements.

The agreements we entered into with Fortune Brands in connection with the Separation, including the Separation and Distribution Agreement, a tax allocation agreement (the "Tax Allocation Agreement") and an associate matters agreement (the "Employee Matters Agreement,") that are still in effect, were prepared in the context of the Separation while we were still a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fortune Brands. Accordingly, during the period in which the terms of those agreements were prepared, we did not have an independent Board of Directors or a management team that was independent of Fortune Brands. As a result, the terms of those agreements may not reflect terms that would have resulted from negotiations between unaffiliated third parties. The Separation and Distribution Agreement, the Tax Allocation Agreement and the Employee Matters Agreement determined the allocation of assets and liabilities between the companies following the Separation for those respective areas and includes any necessary indemnifications related to liabilities and obligations. The Employee Matters Agreement also provides for the establishment or amendment of certain associate benefit arrangements and the conversion or adjustment of equity incentive awards. We will rely on Fortune Brands to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Fortune Brands is unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties or losses.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4

Fortune Brands may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that were executed as part of the Separation, which could cause us to incur expenses or losses we would not otherwise incur.

In connection with the Separation and prior to the Distribution, we and Fortune Brands entered into the Separation and Distribution Agreement and also entered into various other agreements, including a Tax Allocation Agreement and an Employee Matters Agreement. The Separation and Distribution Agreement, the Tax Allocation Agreement and the Employee Matters Agreement determined the allocation of assets and liabilities between the companies following the Separation for those respective areas and includes any necessary indemnifications related to liabilities and obligations. The Employee Matters Agreement also provides for the establishment or amendment of certain employee benefit arrangements and the conversion or adjustment of equity incentive awards. We will rely on Fortune Brands to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Fortune Brands is unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties or losses.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5

Risks associated with strategic acquisitions and joint ventures could adversely affect our results of operations.

In addition to the acquisition of Supreme, we will continue to consider acquisitions and joint ventures as a means of enhancing stockholder value. Acquisitions and joint ventures involve risks and uncertainties, including: difficulties integrating acquired companies and operating joint ventures; difficulties retaining the acquired businesses' customers; the inability to achieve the expected financial results and benefits of transactions; the loss of key associates from acquired companies; implementing and maintaining consistent standards, controls, policies and information systems; incurrence of acquisition and integration costs and diversion of management's attention from other business and strategic matters. Future acquisitions could cause us to incur additional debt or issue additional shares, resulting in increased financial leverage, increased borrowing costs, dilution in earnings per share or decreased return on capital.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 10/42 (24%)Above Sector Average

Regulation2 | 4.8%

Regulation - Risk 1

Changes in government and industry regulatory standards could adversely affect our results of operations.

Government regulations and policies pertaining to trade agreements, health and safety (including protection of associates as well as consumers), taxes and environment (including those specific to the climate and the reduction of air and energy emissions) may continue to emerge in the U.S., as well as internationally. There are many government and industry regulatory standards focused on wood, including the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Lacey Act. In particular, there may be additional tariffs or taxes related to our imported raw materials, components and finished goods. It is necessary for us to comply with current requirements (including requirements that do not become effective until a future date), and even more stringent requirements could be imposed on our products or processes in the future. Compliance with changes in taxes, tariffs and other regulations may require us to further alter our manufacturing and installation processes and our sourcing. Such actions may result in customers transitioning to available competitive products, loss of market share, negative publicity, reputational damage, loss of customer confidence or other negative consequences (including a decline in stock price) and could increase our capital expenditures and adversely impact our results of operations.

Regulation - Risk 2

Failure to comply with laws, government regulations and other requirements could adversely affect our results of operations.

We are subject to a wide variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations pertaining to: ?securities matters;?taxation (including import and export related taxes);?anti-bribery/anti-corruption;?employment and labor matters;?wage and hour matters;?environment, health and safety matters;?the protection of associates and consumers;- unclaimed property (i.e., aged outstanding checks to vendors & associates, aged unused credits issued to customers, etc.)?product safety and performance;?competition practices;?trade, including duties and tariffs;?data privacy and the collection and storage of information; and ?climate and protection of the environment. In addition to complying with current requirements and known future requirements, we may be subject to new or more stringent requirements in the future. As we sell new types of products or existing products in new geographic areas or channels, we are subject to the requirements applicable to those sales. Compliance with new or changed laws, regulations and other requirements, including as a part of government or industry response to environmental impacts, may require us to alter our product designs, our manufacturing processes, our packaging or our sourcing. Existing and new compliance activities are or may be costly and require significant management attention and resources. If we do not effectively and timely comply with such regulations and other requirements, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 4.8%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

Potential liabilities and costs from claims and litigation could adversely affect our results of operations.

We are, from time to time, involved in various claims, litigation matters, audits and regulatory proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business and that could have an adverse effect on us. These matters may include contract disputes, intellectual property disputes, product recalls, personal injury claims, construction defects and home warranty claims, warranty disputes, environmental claims or proceedings, other tort claims, employment, trade and tax matters and other proceedings and litigation, including class actions. It is not possible to predict the outcome of pending or future claims, litigation, audits and regulatory proceedings and, as with any litigation, it is possible that some of the actions could be decided unfavorably and could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. We are subject to product safety regulations, recalls and direct claims for product liability that can result in significant liability and, regardless of the ultimate outcome, can be costly to defend. As a result of the difficulty of controlling the quality of products or components sourced from other manufacturers, we are exposed to risks relating to the quality of such products and to limitations on our recourse against such suppliers.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2

In connection with the Separation, each of Fortune Brands and MasterBrand are indemnifying each other for certain liabilities. If we are required to pay under these indemnities to Fortune Brands, our results of operations could be negatively impacted. The Fortune Brands indemnities may not be sufficient to hold MasterBrand harmless from the full amount of liabilities for which Fortune Brands will be allocated responsibility, and Fortune Brands may not be able to satisfy its indemnification obligations in the future.

Pursuant to the Separation and certain other agreements between Fortune Brands and us, each party agrees to indemnify the other for certain liabilities, in each case for uncapped amounts. Indemnities that we may be required to provide Fortune Brands are not subject to any cap, may be significant and could negatively impact our business. Third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that Fortune Brands has agreed to retain. Any amounts we are required to pay pursuant to these indemnification obligations and other liabilities could require us to divert cash that would otherwise have been used in furtherance of our operating business. Further, the indemnities from Fortune Brands for our benefit may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, and Fortune Brands may not be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations, and we could incur operational difficulties or losses. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Fortune Brands any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves. Each of these risks could negatively affect our results of operations.

Taxation & Government Incentives3 | 7.1%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

If the Distribution, together with certain related transactions, were to fail to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then we, Fortune Brands and our stockholders could be subject to significant tax liability or tax indemnity obligations.

Prior to the Separation, Fortune Brands received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") together with a written opinion of counsel to the effect that, among other things, the Distribution will qualify as a transaction that is tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"). The opinion of counsel does not address any U.S. state or local or foreign tax consequences of the Separation. The opinion of counsel and the private letter ruling rely on certain facts, assumptions, representations and undertakings from Fortune Brands and us regarding the past and future conduct of the companies' respective businesses and other matters. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations, or undertakings are incorrect or not otherwise satisfied, Fortune Brands and its stockholders may not be able to rely on the private letter ruling or the opinion of counsel and could be subject to significant tax liabilities. The opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. Notwithstanding the private letter ruling or opinion of counsel, the IRS could determine on audit that the Distribution or any of certain related transactions is taxable if it determines that any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are not correct or have been violated or if it disagrees with the conclusions in the opinion that are not covered by the private letter ruling, or for other reasons, including as a result of certain significant changes in the stock ownership of Fortune Brands or us after the Distribution. If the Distribution were determined not to qualify for non-recognition of gain or loss under Section 355 and related provisions of the Code, each stockholder that is subject to U.S. federal income tax who received our common stock in the Distribution would generally be treated as having received a distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of our common stock received, which would generally result in: (1) a taxable dividend to such stockholder to the extent of that such stockholder's pro rata share of Fortune Brand's current or accumulated earnings and profits; (2) a reduction in such stockholder's basis (but not below zero) in Fortune Brand common stock to the extent the amount received exceeds the stockholder's share of Fortune Brand's earnings and profits; and (3) taxable gain from the exchange of Fortune Brand common stock to the extent the amount received exceeded the sum of such stockholder's share of Fortune Brand's earnings and profits and such stockholder's basis in its Fortune Brand common stock.

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2

Changes in tax laws or regulations may have a negative impact on our results of operations.

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. The determination of our income tax positions involves consideration of uncertainties, changing fiscal policies, tax laws, court rulings, regulations, and related legislation. New income, sales, use, or other tax laws, treaties, statutes, rules, regulations, interpretations, or court rulings could be enacted at any time, which could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance. Additionally, existing tax laws, treaties, statutes, rules, regulations, or court rulings could be interpreted, changed, modified, or applied adversely to us. In 2024, certain jurisdictions in which we operate enacted, or announced their intention to enact, legislation consistent with one or more Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (Pillar Two). The model rules include minimum domestic top up taxes, income inclusion rules, and undertaxed profit rules all aimed to ensure that multinationals pay a minimum effective corporate tax rate of 15 percent in each jurisdiction in which they operate, with some rules effective in 2024 or others becoming effective in 2025. The Pillar Two legislation, as enacted in certain jurisdictions in which we operate, does not materially impact our 2024 annual effective tax rate, nor do we expect it to materially impact our annual effective rate in 2025. However, further changes to our entity structure, enacted local legislation, or changes in jurisdictions in which we operate could adversely impact our results of operations. In addition, the new U.S. administration could modify key aspects of the tax code, which could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate.

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3

Tax audits may result in findings that have a negative impact on our results of operations.

We regularly undergo tax audits in various jurisdictions in which our products are sold or manufactured, including audits of indirect taxes, value-added tax, import and export related taxes, customs and duties in certain jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that tax authorities agree with our determinations on tax positions, and tax authorities have disagreed and may disagree with certain tax positions we have taken or may challenge our compliance with related rules and regulations. We may decide to challenge any assessments, if made, and may exercise our right to appeal, which could result in expensive and time-consuming litigation that may ultimately be unsuccessful. Any final determination by tax authorities, including related litigation, penalties and interest, with respect to any tax, import and export tax, customs and duty audits, could be materially different from our estimates or from our historical results in the periods for which that determination is made. Such determinations and additional costs relating to reviews of our practices as a result of such audits may adversely impact future period results of operations.

Environmental / Social3 | 7.1%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

We may be subject to significant compliance costs, as well as liabilities under environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.

Our past and present operations, assets and products are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations at the federal, state and local level worldwide. These laws regulate, among other things, traceability of our wood sources, air emissions, the discharge or release of materials into the environment, the handling and disposal of wastes, remediation of contaminated sites, worker health and safety, and the impact of products on human health and safety and the environment. Under certain of these laws, liability for contaminated property may be imposed on current or former owners or operators of the property or on parties that generated or arranged for waste sent to the property for disposal. Liability under these laws may be joint and several and may be imposed without regard to fault or the legality of the activity giving rise to the contamination. Notwithstanding our compliance efforts, we may still face material liability, limitations on our operations, fines, or penalties for violations of environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, including releases of regulated materials and contamination by us or previous occupants at our current or former properties or at offsite disposal locations we use. The applicable environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, and any changes to them or in their enforcement, may require us to make material expenditures with respect to ongoing compliance with or remediation under these laws and regulations or require that we modify our products or processes in a manner that increases our costs and/or reduces our profitability. For example, additional pollution control equipment, process changes, or other environmental control measures may be needed at some of our facilities to meet future requirements. In addition, discovery of currently unknown or unanticipated soil or groundwater conditions at our properties could result in significant liabilities and costs. Accordingly, we are unable to predict the exact future costs of compliance with or liability under environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations.

Environmental / Social - Risk 2

Climate change and related legislative and regulatory initiatives could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Concerns over the long-term effects of climate change have led to, and we expect will continue to lead to, governmental efforts around the world to mitigate those effects, including potential changes to wood sourcing practices. We will need to respond to any new laws and regulations as well as to consumer, investor and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns, which may increase our operational complexity and result in costs to us in order to comply with any new laws, regulations or preferences. Further, the effects of climate change may negatively impact international, regional and local economic activity, which may lower demand for our products or disrupt our manufacturing or distribution operations. Additionally, sustained changes to the climate may impact the growing patterns or locations of some of the species of wood we use, resulting in increased costs or shortages. Overall, climate change, its effects and the resulting, unknown impact on government regulation, consumer, investor and business preferences could have a long-term adverse effect on our business.

Environmental / Social - Risk 3

Data privacy considerations could impact our business.

In our business, we, ourselves and through our third parties, collect and process personal, confidential and sensitive data about our business, which includes sensitive information about our customers, associates, suppliers, distributors and others, including users of our online product engagement applications. Some of this data is stored, accessible or transferred. The interpretation and application of information security and privacy laws, rules and regulations applicable to our business (collectively, the "Data Protection Laws") are uncertain and evolving. It is possible that the Data Protection Laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our data practices. Complying with these various laws is difficult and could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our business. Further, there can be no assurance that our internal controls and procedures designed to manage compliance with the Data Protection Laws and protect our data will prevent a breach or that our procedures will enable us to be fully compliant with all Data Protection Laws. Cybersecurity attacks or breaches due to security vulnerabilities, associate error, supplier or third-party error, malfeasance or other disruptions may still occur and create data privacy risks, which may lead to negative publicity, legal claims, extortion, ransom, theft, remediation costs and other significant costs.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 7/42 (17%)Below Sector Average

Competition3 | 7.1%

Competition - Risk 1

The cabinet industry is highly competitive with relatively low barriers to entry and market share losses could occur. Competition has further intensified as a result of current economic conditions. We compete with numerous large national and regional companies for, among other things, customers, raw materials, skilled management and labor resources.

The cabinet industry in which we operate is highly competitive. Additionally, there are few barriers to entry in the U.S. and Canadian cabinet markets and new competitors may enter these markets at any time. Since our competitors offer products that are similar to ours, we face significant price competition from our competitors, which tends to intensify during economic downturns, such as during the recent inflationary environment. This price competition impacts our ability to implement price increases or, in some cases, such as during an economic downturn, maintain prices, which could lower our profit margins. Although we believe that competition in our business is based largely on product quality, consumer and trade brand reputation, customer service and product features, as well as fashion trends, innovation and ease of installation, price is a significant factor for consumers as well as our trade customers. Additionally, some of our competitors may resort to price competition to sustain or grow market share and manufacturing capacity utilization. Due to the highly competitive nature of the cabinets industry and the low barriers to entry in our markets, we are continually subject to the risk of losing market share, which may adversely affect our profitability and revenue levels, as well as our results of operations. We also use e-commerce to sell our products. E-commerce brings an increased number of competitors and greater pricing transparency for consumers, which could affect our results of operations. In addition, our relationships with our customers, including our retailers, may be affected if we increase the amount of business we transact in the e-commerce channel. Furthermore, we compete with numerous large national and regional companies for, among other things, customers, raw materials, skilled management and labor resources. We may face challenges in: (1) maintaining, developing or expanding our customer relationships; (2) sourcing raw materials on a timely basis or for a cost-effective price due to ongoing global supply chain issues and elevated inflation; and (3) attracting and retaining qualified personnel at all levels, including our senior management team and other key associates.

Competition - Risk 2

We face competition with respect to some of our products from competitors who operate in countries with lower labor and compliance costs. These competitors may also benefit from certain local government subsidies or other incentives that are not available to us.

We face competition with respect to some of our products from competitors who operate in countries that have lower labor and compliance costs. Accordingly, these competitors may be able to produce their products at lower costs compared to the costs we incur to produce similar products. These competitors may also benefit from certain local government subsidies or other incentives that are not available to us. Such competitors may be able to offer lower prices for their products as compared to the prices we offer, which could harm our competitive position and result in the loss of our market share.

Competition - Risk 3

Disruption of operations could adversely affect our profitability and competitive position.

We manufacture a significant portion of the products we sell. Any prolonged disruption in our manufacturing operations, whether due to technical or labor difficulties, continued labor shortages, transportation-related shortages, supply chain constraints, global pandemics, weather conditions, including the impact of extreme weather, lack of raw material or component availability, startup inefficiencies for new operations, destruction of or damage to any facility (as a result of natural disasters, fires and explosions, use and storage of hazardous materials or other events) or other reasons, could negatively impact our profitability and competitive position.

Demand2 | 4.8%

Demand - Risk 1

The loss of any of our significant customers or a reduction in the quantity of products they purchase could affect our financial health.

Our ten largest customers generated approximately 55 percent, 55 percent and 52 percent of our net sales for our 2024, 2023 and 2022 fiscal years, respectively. Lowe's and The Home Depot comprised approximately 37 percent of our net sales for our 2024, 2023 and 2022 fiscal years. We cannot guarantee that we will maintain or improve our relationships with these customers or that we will supply these customers at historical levels. Moreover, in the event of any economic downturn, some of our customers may exit or severely curtail activity in certain of our markets. The loss of one or more of our significant customers or deterioration in our relations with any of them could significantly affect our results of operations. Furthermore, our customers are not required to purchase any minimum amount of products from us. The contracts into which we have entered with most of our customers typically provide that we supply particular products for a certain period of time when and if ordered by the customer. Should our customers purchase our products in significantly lower quantities than they have in the past, such decreased purchases could adversely impact our results of operations.

Demand - Risk 2

Certain of our customers may expand through consolidation and internal growth, which may increase their buying power. The increased size of our customers could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Certain of our significant customers are large companies with strong buying power, and our customers may expand through consolidation or internal growth. Consolidation could decrease the number of potential significant customers for our products and increase our reliance on key customers. Further, the increased size of our customers could result in our customers seeking more favorable terms, including pricing, for the products that they purchase from us. Accordingly, the increased size of our customers may further limit our ability to maintain or raise prices in the future.

Sales & Marketing2 | 4.8%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

Our businesses rely on the performance of dealers, retailers and other marketing arrangements and could be adversely affected by poor performance or other disruptions impacting our distribution channels and customers.

We rely on a distribution network comprised of consolidating customers. Any disruption to the existing distribution channels could adversely affect our results of operations. The consolidation of dealers or retailers or the financial instability or default of a dealer or one of its major customers could potentially cause such a disruption. In addition to our own sales force, we offer our products through a variety of third-party dealers and retailers. Many of our customers may also market other products that compete with our products. In addition, one or more retailers may stop carrying certain of our products, reduce the volume of purchases of our products and/or replace certain of our products with the products of our competitors. The loss or termination of, or significant reduction in sales to, one or more of our major dealers or retailers, the failure of one or more of our dealers or retailers to effectively promote our products, or changes in the financial or business condition of these dealers or retailers could adversely affect our ability to bring products to market.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 2

ESG matters may adversely impact our business and reputation and we may be required to make material expenditures to respond to customer needs and investor expectations regarding ESG matters.

In addition to the importance of their financial performance, companies are increasingly being judged by their performance on a variety of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") matters. In light of the increased focus on ESG matters, there can be no certainty that we will manage such issues successfully, or that we will successfully meet stakeholder expectations. Any failure or perceived failure by us in this regard could adversely impact our business and reputation, including reducing our profitability and stock price. Government intervention and regulatory reform may lead to substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations with respect to ESG matters, which may lead to additional compliance costs and impact the manner in which we operate our business in ways we cannot currently anticipate. In addition, customers have, and are likely to continue to, require us and our products to comply with their internal ESG-related standards, such as wood-sourcing policies. Complying with such standards may impose significant additional costs on us, and we may no longer be able to do business with customers with whose standards we are unable to comply with.

Production

Total Risks: 6/42 (14%)Below Sector Average

Manufacturing1 | 2.4%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Failure to maintain the performance, reliability and quality of our products, or to timely deliver our products, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

If our products have performance, reliability or quality problems, our reputation and brand equity, which we believe is a substantial competitive advantage, could be adversely affected. We may also experience increased and unanticipated warranty and service expenses. Furthermore, we manufacture a significant portion of our products based on the specific requirements of our customers, and delays in providing our customers the products and services they specify on a timely basis could result in reduced or canceled orders and delays in the collection of accounts receivable. Additionally, claims from our customers, with or without merit, could result in costly and time-consuming litigation that could require significant time and attention of management and involve significant monetary damages.

Employment / Personnel2 | 4.8%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel and other labor constraints, including increases in labor costs, potential labor disputes and work stoppages, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our success depends in part on the efforts and abilities of qualified personnel at all levels, including our senior management team and other key associates. Their motivation, skills, experience, contacts and industry knowledge significantly benefit our operations and administration. Low unemployment rates in the U.S., rising wages, competition for qualified talent and attracting and retaining personnel in remote locations could result in the failure to attract, motivate and retain personnel. This can result in higher associate costs, higher attrition rates and significant shifts in the labor market and associate expectations and we may face challenges in finding and retaining qualified personnel, particularly at the production level, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. As of December 29, 2024, approximately 32 percent of our associates worked under collective bargaining agreements. These collective bargaining agreements are subject to periodic negotiation and renewal. If we are unable to enter into new, satisfactory labor agreements with our unionized associates upon expiration of their agreements, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations, which could cause us to be unable to deliver products to customers on a timely basis. Such disruptions could result in a loss of business and an increase in our operating expenses, which could reduce our net sales and profit margins. In addition, our non-unionized labor force may become subject to labor union organizing efforts, which could cause us to incur additional labor costs and increase the related risks that we now face.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

Our pension costs and funding requirements could increase as a result of volatility in the financial markets and changes in interest rates and actuarial assumptions, or the decision to transfer administration of the pension plan to a third-party.

Increases in the costs of pension benefits and accelerated expenses may continue and negatively affect our business as a result of: the effect of potential declines in the stock and bond markets on the performance of our pension plan assets; potential reductions in the discount rate used to determine the present value of our benefit obligations; the decision by the Company to transfer administration of the pension plan to a third-party; and changes to our investment strategy that may impact our expected return on pension plan asset assumptions. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that we calculate income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial markets and interest rates, which may change based on economic conditions. Our accounting policy for defined benefit plans may subject earnings to volatility due to the recognition of actuarial gains and losses, particularly due to the change in the fair value of pension assets and interest rates. During 2023, the Board of Directors of MasterBrand, Inc. approved a plan to terminate the defined benefit pension plan. The termination and settlement process preserves retirement benefits due to participants but changes the ultimate payor of such benefits. During 2025, we expect to complete the purchase of group annuity contracts that will transfer any remaining pension benefit obligation to an insurance company. The final pension settlement charges and the actual amount we will be required to contribute to the plan to fund benefit distributions in excess of plan assets are dependent on various factors, including the value of plan assets, the amount of lump-sum benefit distributions paid to participants, and the cost to purchase annuity contracts to settle the pension obligation.

Supply Chain2 | 4.8%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

Inability to obtain raw materials and finished goods in a timely and cost-effective manner from suppliers could adversely affect our ability to manufacture and market our products.

We purchase raw materials to be used in manufacturing our products and also rely on third-party manufacturers to produce certain of the finished goods we sell. We often opt not to enter into long-term contracts with our suppliers or sourcing partners. Instead, most raw materials and sourced goods are obtained on a "purchase order" basis. In addition, in some instances we maintain single-source or limited-source sourcing relationships, either because multiple sources are not available or the relationship is advantageous due to performance, quality, support, delivery, capacity or price considerations. Financial, operating or other difficulties encountered by our suppliers or sourcing partners or changes in our relationships with them could result in manufacturing or sourcing interruptions, delays and inefficiencies and prevent us from manufacturing or obtaining the finished goods necessary to meet customer demand.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

We are dependent on third-party suppliers and service providers.

We are dependent on third parties for many of our products and components and for certain services. Our ability to offer a wide variety of products and provide high levels of service to our customers depend on our ability to obtain an adequate and timely supply of products and components. Failure of our suppliers to timely provide us quality products or services on commercially reasonable terms or to comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or could damage our reputation. The operations of the third parties we depend on could be impacted by changing laws, regulations and policies, including those related to climate, labor availability, cybersecurity attacks and by adverse weather conditions, pandemics and other force majeure events, any of which could result in disruptions to their operations and result in shortages of supply, assertion of force majeure contract provisions and increases in the prices they charge for the raw materials, components and products they produce. Sourcing these products and components from alternate suppliers, including suppliers from new geographic regions, or re-engineering our products as a result of supplier disruptions, is time-consuming and costly and could result in inefficiencies or delays in our business operations or could negatively impact the quality of our products. In addition, the loss of critical suppliers, or a substantial decrease in the availability of products or components from our suppliers, could disrupt our business and may adversely affect our results of operations. Many of the suppliers we rely upon are located in foreign countries. The differences in business practices, shipping and delivery requirements, changes in economic conditions and trade policies and laws and regulations, together with the limited number of suppliers, have increased the complexity of our supply chain logistics and the potential for interruptions in our production scheduling. We may experience constraints on and disruptions to transporting our raw materials, components and products from our international suppliers and may have to pay higher transportation costs. If we are unable to effectively manage our supply chain or if we experience transportation constraints, disruptions and higher costs for timely delivery of our products or components, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Costs1 | 2.4%

Costs - Risk 1

Risks associated with global commodity and energy availability and price volatility, as well as the possibility of sustained inflation, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Because our component products have few distinguishing properties from producer to producer, competition for these products is based primarily on price, which is determined by supply relative to demand. Prices for our products are also affected by many other factors outside of our control, such as import tariffs. As a result, we have less influence or control over timing and price changes, which often are volatile in our industry. Moreover, our profit margins with respect to these products depend, in part, on managing our costs, particularly raw materials, labor (including contract labor) and transportation costs, which represent significant cost components that also fluctuate based upon market and other factors beyond our control. We buy raw materials that contain commodities such as hardwoods (maple, birch and oak), plywood and particleboard. In addition, our distribution costs are significantly impacted by the price of oil and diesel fuel. Decreased availability and increased or volatile prices for these commodities, as well as energy used in making, distributing and transporting our products, could increase the costs of our products. While in the past we have been able to mitigate the impact of these cost increases through productivity improvements and passing on increasing costs to our customers over time, there is no assurance that we will be able to offset such cost increases in the future, and the risk of potentially sustained high levels of inflation could adversely impact our results of operations.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 3/42 (7%)Below Sector Average

Innovation / R&D1 | 2.4%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

We could lose market share if we do not successfully develop new products or processes or improve existing products or processes.

Our success depends on meeting consumer needs and anticipating changes in consumer preferences with successful new products and product improvements. We aim to introduce products and new or improved production processes proactively to offset obsolescence and decreases in sales of existing products. We may not be successful in product development and our new products may not be commercially successful. In addition, it is possible that competitors may improve their products or processes more rapidly or effectively, which could adversely affect our sales. If the products we introduce do not gain widespread acceptance or if our competitors improve their products more rapidly or effectively than we do, we could lose market share or be required to reduce our prices, which could adversely impact our results of operations. Furthermore, market demand may decline as a result of consumer preferences trending away from our categories or trending down within our brands or product categories.

Trade Secrets1 | 2.4%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

Our inability to secure and protect our intellectual property rights could negatively impact revenues and brand reputation.

We have many patents, trademarks, brand names, trade names and trade secrets that, in the aggregate, are important to our business. Unauthorized use of these intellectual property rights or other loss of our intellectual property may not only erode sales of our products, but may also cause us to incur substantial significant damage to our brand name and reputation, interfere with our ability to effectively represent our self to our customers, contractors and suppliers and increase litigation costs. There can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our intellectual property will be effective. In addition, existing patent, trade secret and trademark laws offer only limited protection, and the laws of some countries in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold may not fully protect our intellectual property from infringement by others. There can be no assurance that our efforts to assess possible third party intellectual property rights will ensure our ability to manufacture, distribute, market or sell our products in any given country or territory. Furthermore, others may assert claims of intellectual property infringement, misappropriation or violation against us or our customers that may require us to incur significant expense to defend such claims or indemnify our customers.

Cyber Security1 | 2.4%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

Changed

We may experience delays or outages in our information technology systems and computer networks, and our information technology or enterprise resource planning systems may fail to perform adequately. We may be subject to breaches of our information technology systems, which could damage our reputation and consumer relationships. Such breaches could subject us to significant financial, legal and operational consequences.

We rely on information technology systems and infrastructure, including support provided by third parties. In particular, we rely on such systems for manufacturing, customer orders, shipping, regulatory compliance and various other matters, as well as information technology systems and infrastructure to aid us in the collection, use, storage and transfer and other processing of data including confidential, business, financial and personal information such as customer buying preferences and marketing profiles. We, or third-party systems that we rely upon, may be subject to information technology system failures and network disruptions caused by delays or disruptions due to system updates, natural disasters, malicious attacks and threats, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or similar events or disruptions. In addition, our businesses have implemented and may implement in the future, digital systems or technologies, enterprise resource planning systems or additional applications to replace outdated systems and to operate more efficiently. We may not be able to successfully implement these projects without experiencing difficulties, which could require significant financial and human resources and may impact our ability to efficiently service our customers. Any expected benefits of implementing projects might not be realized or the costs of implementation might outweigh the benefits realized. If our information technology and other digital systems are damaged or fail to function properly or reliably, we may incur substantial remediation costs and experience data loss or theft, disruptions in our business operations and the impairment of our ability to maintain adequate internal controls and financial reporting. Moreover, we have acquired and may acquire in the future, businesses and subsidiaries that operate information technology systems that are distinct from our operating environment, which may result in significant integration or replacement issues or expenses. We may be subject to security threats, including cyber and other attacks, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated, frequent and adaptive. In addition, many of our associates are working remotely, which, among other things, increases the importance of and exposes us to greater risks related to cybersecurity and our information technology systems. Third-party systems that we rely upon could also become vulnerable to the same risks and may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could result in system disruption or compromise the information security of our own systems. From time to time, we have had to address non-material security incidents. There can be no assurance that we will not experience security incidents in the future. Security measures and resources we devote to network security, data encryption and other security measures to protect our systems and data cannot provide absolute security. Breaches and breakdowns affecting our information technology systems or protected data could lead to negative publicity, legal claims, extortion, ransom, theft, modification or destruction of proprietary information or key information, damage to or inaccessibility of critical systems, manufacture of defective products, production downtimes, operational disruptions, data breach claims, privacy violations and other significant costs.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 3/42 (7%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 2.4%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Our business primarily relies on U.S. and Canadian home improvement, R&R and new home construction activity levels, all of which are impacted by risks associated with fluctuations in the housing market. Unfavorable changes in the general economy, the housing market, interest rates, inflation or other business conditions could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our business primarily relies on home improvement, R&R, and new home construction activity levels, principally in the U.S. and Canada. The housing market is sensitive to changes in economic conditions and other factors, such as the level of employment, access to and the cost of labor, consumer confidence, demographic changes, consumer income, government tax programs, home prices, availability of financing, inflation and interest rate levels. Adverse changes in any of these conditions generally, or in any of the markets where we operate, could decrease demand and could adversely impact our businesses by: causing consumers to delay or decrease homeownership; making consumers more price conscious, resulting in a shift in demand to smaller, less expensive homes; making consumers more reluctant to make investments in their existing homes or causing them to delay investments, including large kitchen and bath R&R projects; or making it more difficult to secure loans for renovations. Economic conditions, including as a result of inflation and increased interest rates, has and may continue to adversely impact our business by causing softer end-market demand for our products, decreased customer orders, delays in decisions to purchase our products and price-consciousness and "trade-downs" to lower priced products by consumers.

International Operations1 | 2.4%

International Operations - Risk 1

We manufacture, source and sell products internationally and are exposed to risks associated with doing business globally, including risks associated with uncertain trade environments.

We manufacture, source or sell our products in a number of locations throughout the world, predominantly in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Southeast Asia. Accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with potential disruption caused by changes in political, economic and social environments, including civil and political unrest, illnesses declared as a public health emergency (including global pandemics), terrorism, expropriation, local labor conditions, changes in laws, regulations and policies of foreign governments and trade disputes with the U.S., and U.S. laws affecting activities of U.S. companies abroad. We could be adversely affected by international trade regulations, including the imposition of sanctions, duties, new or increased tariffs and anti-dumping penalties. Risks inherent to international operations include: potentially adverse tax laws, unfavorable changes or uncertainty relating to trade agreements or importation duties, uncertainty regarding clearance and enforcement of intellectual property rights, risks associated with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery laws, mandatory or voluntary shutdowns of our facilities or our suppliers due to changes in political dynamics, economic policies or health emergencies and difficulty enforcing contracts. While we hedge certain foreign currency transactions, a change in the value of the currencies will impact our financial statements when translated into U.S. dollars. In addition, fluctuations in currency can adversely impact the cost position of our products in local currency, making it more difficult for us to compete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage our businesses through the impact of these potential changes. In addition, we source certain raw materials, components and finished goods from Southeast Asia where we have experienced higher manufacturing costs and longer lead times due to higher tariffs, currency fluctuations, higher wage rates, labor shortages and higher raw material costs. There is currently uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and various other countries with respect to trade practices. The new U.S. administration has proposed the implementation of a number of tariffs, including a 25 percent tariff on imports from Mexico, Canada and other countries, which could, if enacted into law, likely significantly increase the cost of certain raw materials imported into the U.S. There can be no assurance that we will not experience a disruption in our business or harm to our financial condition related to changes in trade practices, and any changes to our operations or our sourcing strategy in order to mitigate any such tariff costs could be complicated, time-consuming and costly.

Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 2.4%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Changed

Future global pandemics would likely cause disruptions to our business and results of operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic had, and future global pandemics would likely have, an adverse impact on many aspects of our business and operations, including impacting our ability to efficiently operate our facilities, manufacture and distribute our products, the ability of our suppliers to supply and manufacture key inputs, availability and cost of transportation and logistics, the operation of domestic and international supply chains, raw materials and commodity costs and competition, customer behaviors, our associates, the dealers and retailers who sell our products, and the market generally. Our business could be negatively impacted over the longer term if the disruptions related to global pandemics decrease consumer confidence and housing investments, or precipitate a prolonged economic downturn and/or an extended rise in unemployment or tempering of wage growth, any of which could lower demand for our products. Global pandemics may also exacerbate certain of the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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