In recent years, there has been an increased focus on ESG matters, including greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks, renewable energy, water stewardship, waste management, diversity, equality and inclusion, responsible sourcing and supply chain, human rights, and social responsibility. We are committed to ESG and actively manage these issues. We have publicly announced certain goals, which we may refine or expand further in the future. These goals reflect our current plans and aspirations, and are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve them. Evolving stakeholder expectations, and our efforts to manage these issues, report on them, and accomplish our goals, present numerous operational, regulatory, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks, any of which could have a material adverse impact, including on our reputation and stock price.
Such risks and uncertainties include:
- reputational harm, including damage to our relationship with customers, supplies, investors, governments, or other stakeholders;
- adverse impacts on our ability to sell and manufacture products;
- increased risk of litigation, investigations, or regulatory enforcement action;
- unfavorable ESG ratings or investor sentiment;
- diversion of resources and increased costs to control, assess, and report on ESG metrics;
- our ability to achieve our goals within announced timeframes;
- increased costs to achieve our goals;
- unforeseen operational and technological difficulties;
- access to and increased cost of capital; and
- adverse impacts on our stock price.
Any failure, or perceived failure, to meet evolving expectations and industry standards, or achieve our ESG goals could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or stock price.