TRS TriMas Corporation

Risks

• Our businesses depend upon general economic conditions and we serve some customers in highly cyclical industries; as such, we may be subject to the loss of sales and margins due to an economic downturn or recession.
• Many of the markets we serve are highly competitive, which could limit sales volumes and reduce our operating margins.
• We may be unable to successfully implement our business strategies and achieve our strategic and financial objectives.
• We are dependent on our manufacturing facilities for the production of our highly engineered products, which subjects us to risks associated with disruptions and changing technology and manufacturing techniques that could place us at a competitive disadvantage.
• Significant developments from the recent and potential changes in U.S. trade policies could have a material adverse effect on us and our financial condition and results of operations.
• Increases in our raw material or energy costs or the loss of critical suppliers could adversely affect our profitability and other financial results.
• A major failure of our information systems could harm our business; increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks, and products.
• Our ability to deliver products that satisfy customer requirements is dependent on the performance of our subcontractors and suppliers, as well as on the availability of raw materials and other components.
• We have significant goodwill and intangible assets, and future impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets could have a material negative impact on our financial results.
• Compliance with and changes in tax laws, including tax reform legislation in the United States, could materially and adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
• We have debt principal and interest payment requirements that may restrict our future operations and impair our ability to meet our obligations.
• Restrictions in our debt instruments limit our ability to take certain actions and breaches thereof could impair our liquidity.
• We may face liability associated with the use of products for which patent ownership or other intellectual property rights are claimed.
• We may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property.
• We may incur material losses and costs as a result of product liability, recall and warranty claims brought against us.
• Our business may be materially and adversely affected by compliance obligations and liabilities under environmental laws and regulations.
• Our borrowing costs may be impacted by our credit ratings developed by various rating agencies.
• We have significant operating lease obligations and our failure to meet those obligations could adversely affect our financial condition.
• Trends in oil and natural gas prices may affect the demand for, and profitability of, our energy-related products and services, which could have an adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.
• We may be subject to further unionization and work stoppages at our facilities or our customers may be subject to work stoppages, which could seriously impact the profitability of our business.
• Healthcare costs for active employees may exceed projections and may negatively affect our financial results.
• A growing portion of our sales may be derived from international sources, which exposes us to certain risks which may adversely affect our financial results and impact our ability to service debt.
• We depend on the services of key individuals and relationships, the loss of which could materially harm us.
• Economic conditions and regulatory changes following the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
• Our reputation, ability to do business, and results of operations may be impaired by legal compliance risks.
• If the Cequent spin-off does not qualify as a tax-free transaction, the Company and its shareholders could be subject to substantial tax liabilities.