Myers Industries Inc: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2023

General Development of Business

Myers Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Akron, Ohio. The terms “Myers Industries,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” wherever used herein refer to the Company, unless the context indicates to the contrary. Since its founding, the Company has grown from a small storefront distributing tire service supplies into an international manufacturing and distribution enterprise. In 1971, the Company went public, and the stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MYE.

The Company designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of plastic, metal and rubber products, including a broad selection of plastic reusable containers, pallets, small parts bins, bulk shipping containers, storage and organization products, OEM parts, custom plastic products, consumer fuel containers and tanks for water, fuel and waste handling. Our plastic bulk containers replace single-use packaging, reducing waste and improving sustainability. The Company is also the largest distributor of tools, equipment and supplies used for tire, wheel and under vehicle service on passenger, heavy truck and off-road vehicles, as well as the manufacturing of tire repair and retreading products.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company operated seventeen manufacturing facilities, six sales offices, eight distribution centers and three distribution branches located throughout North and Central America; and has approximately 2,500 employees.

Serving customers around the world, Myers Industries’ brands provide sustainable solutions to a wide variety of customers in diverse niche markets. Myers Industries’ diverse products and solutions help customers to improve shop productivity with point of use inventory, to store and transport products more safely and efficiently, to improve sustainability through reuse, to lower overall material handling costs, to improve ergonomics for their labor force, to eliminate waste and to ultimately increase profitability.

The Company’s business strategy is focused on transforming its Material Handling Segment into a high-growth, customer-centric innovator of engineered plastic solutions while continuing to optimize and grow its Distribution Segment. Myers Industries’ long-term plan is comprised of three, three-year horizons, each outlining specific actions to drive profitable revenue growth. Actions during the first horizon are focused on four strategic pillars:

• driving organic growth through sales and commercial excellence, pricing focus, innovation and e-commerce;
• operational excellence through continuous improvement, purchasing rigor and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense optimization;
• complementing organic growth through bolt on acquisitions that can expand opportunities in current and adjacent markets; and
• developing a high-performance mindset and culture focused on safety first, talent development, inclusion, servant leadership and community involvement.

Completion of the Signature acquisition in February 2024 moves the Company into the second horizon of its long-term strategic plan, which builds upon the first horizon. In the second three-year horizon, the Company is focused on:

• building on and continuing to execute on the four pillars from the first horizon; and
• levering experience gained from Horizon 1 to complete larger acquisitions in North America, potentially entering into adjacent technologies.

Description of Business

The Company conducts its business activities in two distinct business segments, Material Handling and Distribution, consistent with the manner in which the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker evaluates performance and makes resource allocation decisions.

The Material Handling Segment manufactures a broad selection of durable plastic reusable containers that are used repeatedly during the course of their service life. At the end of their service life, these highly sustainable products can be recovered, recycled, and reprocessed into new products. The Material Handling Segment’s products include pallets, small parts bins, bulk shipping containers, storage and organization products, OEM parts, custom plastic products, consumer fuel containers and tanks for water, fuel and waste handling. Products in the Material Handling Segment are primarily injection molded, rotationally molded or blow molded. Injection molding and blow molding primarily use electric power to heat and press resin into molds to form the products. Rotational molding involves multi-axis rotation of molds in natural gas fired ovens to form the resin into our products. The Material Handling Segment conducts operations in the United States and Canada. The Material Handling Segment serves a wide variety of markets, including industrial manufacturing, food processing, retail/wholesale products distribution, agriculture, automotive, recreational vehicles, marine vehicles, healthcare, appliance, bakery, electronics, textiles, consumer markets, among others. Products are sold both directly to end-users and through distributors. The addition of Signature Systems in February 2024 adds a line of composite ground protection products, which are manufactured using compression and injection molding.

The Distribution Segment is engaged in the distribution of tools, equipment and supplies used for tire servicing, wheel and automotive under-vehicle service on passenger, heavy truck and off-road vehicles and the manufacturing of tire repair materials and custom rubber products. The Distribution Segment also manufactures and sells permanent and temporary reflective highway marking tape. The Distribution Segment operates domestically through its sales offices and eight regional distribution centers in the United States, and in certain foreign countries through export sales as well as branch operations principally in Central America. The Distribution Segment serves retail and truck tire dealers, commercial auto and truck fleets, truck stop operations, auto dealers, general service and repair centers, tire retreaders, and government agencies.

On February 8, 2024, the Company purchased Signature Systems ("Signature"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of composite ground protection for industrial applications, stadium turf protection and temporary event flooring. Signature Systems will be included in the Material Handling segment. Signature's annual sales were approximately $110 million at the time of the acquisition.

On May 31, 2022, the Company acquired the assets of Mohawk Rubber Sales of New England Inc. (“Mohawk”), a leading auto aftermarket distributor, which is included in the Company’s Distribution Segment. Mohawk’s annual sales were approximately $65 million at the time of the acquisition.

The following table summarizes the key attributes of the business segments for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Material Handling Segment

*Beginning in February 2024 with the acquisition of Signature Systems

Segments Overview

Material Handling Segment

The Material Handling Segment manufactures highly engineered polymer packaging containers, storage and safety products, and specialty molded parts. The brands within this segment include Buckhorn®, Akro-Mils®, Jamco®, Ameri-Kart®, Elkhart Plastics™, Trilogy Plastics, Scepter® and beginning in February 2024, Signature Systems™.

Buckhorn’s reusable containers and pallets are used in closed-loop supply chain systems to help customers improve product protection, increase handling efficiencies, reduce freight costs and eliminate solid waste and disposal costs. Buckhorn offers products to replace costly single use cardboard boxes, wooden pallets, and steel containers. Buckhorn has a broad product line that includes injection-molded and structural foam-molded constructions. Buckhorn’s product lines include hand-held containers used for inventory control, order management and transportation of retail goods; collapsible and fixed-wall bulk transport containers for light and heavy-duty tasks; intermediate bulk containers for the storage and transport of food, liquid, powder, and granular products; plastic pallets; and specialty boxes designed for storage of items such as seed. Buckhorn also produces a wide variety of specialty products for niche applications and custom products designed according to exact customer specifications.

Akro-Mils material handling products provide customers everything they need to store, organize and transport a wide range of goods while increasing overall productivity and profitability. Serving industrial, commercial and consumer markets, Akro-Mils products range from AkroBins® — the industry’s leading small parts bins — to Super-Size AkroBins, metal panel and bin hanging systems, metal and plastic storage cabinet and bin systems, wire shelving systems, plastic and metal transport carts and a wide variety of custom storage and transport products. Akro-Mils products deliver storage and organization solutions in a wide variety of applications, from creating assembly line workstations to organizing medical supplies and retail displays. Emphasis is placed on product bundling and customizing systems to create specific storage and organization configurations for customers’ operations.

Jamco Products is well established in industrial and commercial markets with its wide selection of welded steel service carts, platform trucks, mobile work centers, racks and cabinets for plastic bins, safety cabinets, medical cylinder carts and more. Jamco Products’ quality product offering, relationships with industrial distributors and reputation for quality and service complements Myers Industries’ other Material Handling businesses.

The Company's rotational molding business operates under the Ameri-Kart, Elkhart Plastics and Trilogy Plastics brand names and is a leader in rotational molding with a manufacturing footprint and capabilities to serve customers across the country. Ameri-Kart is an industry leading rotational molder of water, fuel and waste handling tanks, plastic trim and interior parts used in the production of seat components, consoles, and other applications throughout the recreational vehicle, marine, and industrial markets. Ameri-Kart also thermoforms certain parts for the recreational vehicle and other industries. Elkhart Plastics is a leader in rotationally molded water, fuel and waste handling tanks, intermediate bulk containers, plastic trim and parts used in recreational vehicle, marine, agriculture, commercial construction equipment, heavy truck equipment, material handling and more. Custom plastics are manufactured in a variety of lengths, shapes and thicknesses to meet customer needs. Trilogy Plastics is a world-class custom rotational molder specializing in high quality, high tolerance parts and assemblies. Trilogy manufactures custom products for the industrial, consumer, lawn and garden, heavy truck, medical and other markets.

Scepter is a leading producer of portable plastic fuel containers, portable marine fuel tanks and water containers, ammunition containers and storage totes. Scepter was the first provider of Jerry Cans to North America which offer safe, reliable transportation and storage of fuel for the consumer market. Scepter also manufactures a variety of blow molded products for military applications from high quality containers to safely store and transport large caliber ammunition, to military specified portable fuel and water canisters. Scepter's in-house product engineering and state of the art mold capabilities complements Myers Industries’ Material Handling Segment through an increased product offering and global reach.

In February 2024, the Company purchased Signature Systems, a leading manufacturer and distributor of composite ground protection for industrial applications, stadium turf protection and temporary event flooring. Signature Systems composite ground protection mats are manufactured using compression molding and structural foam injection molding and are sold globally.

Distribution Segment

The Distribution Segment includes the Myers Tire Supply®, Myers Tire Supply International, Tuffy Manufacturing, Mohawk Rubber Sales and Patch Rubber Company® brands. Within the Distribution Segment the Company sources and manufactures top of the line products for the tire, wheel and under-vehicle service industry.

With these brands, the Distribution Segment is the largest U.S. distributor and single source for tire, wheel and under-vehicle service tools, equipment and supplies. The Company buys and sells over 30,000 unique items — everything that professionals need to service passenger, truck and off-road tires, wheels and related components. Independent tire dealers, mass merchandisers, commercial auto and truck fleets, truck stop operations, auto dealerships, tire retreaders and general repair facilities rely on our broad product selection, rapid availability and personal service to be more productive and profitably grow their businesses.

While the needs and composition of our distribution markets constantly change, we adapt and deliver new products and services that are crucial to our customers’ success. The new product pipeline is driven by a thorough understanding of the market, our customers’ needs and working closely with suppliers to develop innovative products and services to meet these needs. Tailored products, services and field support including access to leading suppliers, an expansive customer care team and a strong national footprint are supported through the Company's leading brands including Myers Tire Supply, Tuffy Manufacturing and Mohawk Rubber Sales. On an international scale, Myers Tire Supply International further distributes these product offerings and services in Central America, through its branch offices, and to other foreign countries, through its U.S. export business.

Patch Rubber Company manufactures one of the most comprehensive lines of tire repair and retreading products in the United States. Service professionals rely on our extensive product selection and quality for safe, cost-effective repairs to passenger, truck and off-road tires. Products include the plug that fills a puncture, the cement that seals the plug, the tire innerliner patch and the final sealing compound. Patch brand repair products maintain a strong position in the tire service markets including sales through the Myers Tire Supply sales network. Patch Rubber also employs its rubber calendering and compounding expertise to create a diverse portfolio of products outside of the tire repair market, such as permanent and temporary reflective highway marking tape. Our rubber-based tape and symbols provide the durability and brightness that construction professionals demand to replace paint for marking road repair, intersections and hazardous areas.

Raw Materials & Suppliers

The Company purchases substantially all of its raw materials from a wide range of third-party suppliers. These materials are primarily polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene plastic resins and steel, all used within the Material Handling Segment, as well as synthetic and natural rubber. Most raw materials are commodity products and/or are available from several domestic suppliers. We believe that the loss of any one supplier or group of suppliers would not have a material adverse effect on our business, although there are limited suppliers of certain grades of plastic resins, where the market supply can be temporarily disrupted by an unanticipated loss of capacity from any one such supplier. Additionally, certain components of the Company's products are manufactured through supply arrangements using proprietary molds owned by the Company, and unanticipated loss of one of these suppliers could temporarily disrupt a product line. Our Distribution Segment purchases substantially all of its components from third-party suppliers and has multiple sources for its products.

Deliveries of our materials and supplies are primarily made by commercial truck from the United States and Canadian suppliers, but in the case of resin, may also be delivered by rail to certain of our facilities. Within the Distribution Segment many of the products we distribute are imported.

Competition

Competition in our Material Handling Segment is substantial and varied in form and size from manufacturers of similar products to those of other products which can be substituted for products produced by the Company. In general, most direct competitors with the Company’s brands are private entities. Myers Industries maintains strong brand presence and market positions in the niche sectors of the markets it serves. The Company does not command substantial, overall market presence in the broad market sectors.

Competition in our Distribution Segment is generally comprised of small companies, regional distributors and national auto parts chains where product offerings may overlap. Within the overall tire, wheel and under-vehicle service market, Myers Industries is the largest U.S. distributor of tools, equipment and supplies offered based on national coverage.

Customer Dependence

In 2023, 2022 and 2021, there were no customers that accounted for more than ten percent of total net sales. Myers Industries serves thousands of customers who demand value through product selection, innovation, quality, delivery and responsive personal service. Our brands foster satisfied, loyal customers who have recognized our performance through numerous supplier quality awards.

Human Capital Management

Myers employees are located throughout North and Central America. Employee levels are managed to align with the pace of business and management believes it has sufficient human capital to operate its business successfully. The Company employed approximately 2,500 people globally in both a full-time and part-time capacity as of December 31, 2023. Of these, approximately 1,900 were employed in the Company’s Material Handling Segment while the Distribution Segment employed approximately 500. The Company had approximately 100 Corporate and shared service employees. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately 120 employees represented by a labor union. The collective bargaining agreement between us and the labor union expires June 30, 2025. Myers considers its relationships with its employees and union to be in good standing. The Myers employee base provides the foundation for our Company’s success.

Our employees are responsible for upholding our core values:

• Integrity: Our word is our bond; we do what we say we are going to do.
• Optimism: We work with the assumption that people are fair, honest and have good intent.
• Customer Focus: We strive to deliver the right product, at the right time, every time.
• Can-do Spirit: We will always find a way...we have a can-do spirit. We will deliver. For our employees, our customers, our communities, our shareholders.

Additionally, Myers and its employees are committed to working safely and collaboratively, conducting all aspects of business with the highest standards of integrity, leveraging processes and procedures to drive continuous improvement, empowering individuals and teams across the Company, embracing change as we embark on our One Myers strategic vision, attracting and developing diverse talent, and demonstrating servant leadership to drive improvements in the communities where we live and operate.

Health and Safety

The health, safety, and well-being of our employees is very important to us. The Company has developed a health and safety program that focuses on implementing policies and training programs to ensure all employees can expect workplace safety. The Company’s health and safety strategies are consistently reviewed and updated as changes occur and key metrics are discussed in our Corporate Safety Committee meetings. The results of these critical safety statistics and metrics are distributed internally. Safety awareness and employee engagement programs have been implemented at the Company’s facilities and are a critical consideration in our town hall meetings.

Diversity and Inclusion

As part of our human capital management initiatives, we are continuing to develop and improve our internal reporting on key talent metrics, including workforce demographics, critical role pipeline data, and diversity hiring analytics. These initiatives align with our goal of creating a positive and dynamic workplace where all employees can flourish. A truly innovative workforce needs to be diverse and leverage the skills and perspectives of a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Talent Development

Successful execution of the Company's strategy depends on attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals. The Company believes it is important to reward associates with competitive wages and benefits to recognize professional excellence and career progression. The Company also believes it is important to provide pay and benefits that are competitive and equitable based on its local markets.

The Company believes that having open, honest dialogue with its employees is a key tenet in evolving its culture and keeping it thriving. As a function of this approach, the Company conducts surveys on a periodic basis to measure and report employee engagement and areas of concern. The Company also provides professional development and training opportunities to advance the skills and expertise of Myers’ employees.

Backlog

The backlog of orders for our operations is estimated to have been approximately $75 million at December 31, 2023 and approximately $102 million at December 31, 2022. Generally, our lead time between customer order and product delivery is less than 90 days, and thus our estimated backlog is expected to be substantially delivered within the succeeding three months. During periods of shorter lead times, backlog may not be a meaningful indicator of future sales. Accordingly, we do not believe our backlog data and comparisons thereof, as of different dates, reliably indicate future sales or shipments.

Available Information

Filings with the SEC. As a public company, we regularly file reports and proxy statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), such as:

• annual reports on Form 10-K;
• quarterly reports on Form 10-Q;
• current reports on Form 8-K; and
• proxy statements on Schedule 14A.

The SEC maintains an internet website that contains our reports, proxy and information statements, and our other SEC filings; the address of that site is https://www.sec.gov.

We make our SEC filings available free of charge on our own internet site as soon as reasonably practicable after we have filed with the SEC. Our internet address is https://www.myersindustries.com. The content on the Company’s website is available for informational purposes only and is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

Our website also contains additional information about our corporate governance policies, including the charters of our standing board committees, as described further under Part II, Item 10 of this Form 10-K. Any of these items are available in print to any shareholder who requests them. Requests should be sent to Corporate Secretary, Myers Industries, Inc., 1293 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44301.

This Form 10-K and the information we are incorporating by reference contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including information regarding the Company’s financial outlook, future plans, objectives, business prospects and anticipated financial performance. You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “will,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” or variations of these words, or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, these statements inherently involve a wide range of inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. The Company’s actual actions, results, and financial condition may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Specific factors that could cause such a difference include those set forth below and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. Given these factors, as well as other variables that may affect our operating results, you should not rely on forward-looking statements, assume that past financial performance will be a reliable indicator of future performance, nor use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. We expressly disclaim any obligation or intention to provide updates to the forward-looking statements and the estimates and assumptions associated with them.

Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the applicable statements include, but are not limited to:

Risks Relating to Our Business and Operations

Significant increase in the cost of raw materials or disruption in the availability of raw materials could adversely affect our financial performance.

Our ability to manage our cost structure can be adversely affected by movements in commodity and other raw material prices. Our primary raw materials include plastic resins, colorants, steel and natural and synthetic rubbers. Plastic resins in particular are subject to substantial short-term price fluctuations, including those arising from supply shortages and changes in the prices of natural gas, crude oil and other petrochemical intermediates from which resins are produced, as well as other factors such as production interruption created by extreme weather conditions or other conditions outside of our control. The Company’s revenue and profitability may be materially and adversely affected by these price fluctuations.

Market conditions may limit our ability to raise selling prices to offset increases in our raw material input costs. If we are unsuccessful in developing ways to mitigate raw material cost increases, we may not be able to improve productivity or realize our ongoing cost reduction programs sufficiently to help offset the impact of these increased raw material costs. As a result, higher raw material costs could result in declining margins and operating results.

Raw material availability is subject to the risk of our suppliers’ ability to supply products to us, which could be affected by the suppliers’ ability to produce and deliver raw materials due to material or labor shortages or labor disputes or strikes. Changes in raw material availability may also occur due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions. Our specific molding technologies and/or product specifications can limit our ability to timely locate alternative suppliers to produce certain products. This can occur when there are limited suppliers of certain grades of plastic resins, where the market supply can be temporarily disrupted by an unanticipated loss of capacity from any one such supplier.

In some instances, we rely on a limited number of key suppliers to manufacture custom made components for certain of our products using proprietary molds that we own. We have not and do not expect disruption from these key suppliers, and our sourcing team has taken measures to mitigate this risk. However, if suppliers of these custom made components are unable to meet our requirements, fail to make shipments in a timely manner, or ship defective components, we could experience a shortage or delay in supply or fail to meet our customers' demand, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in trade policies could result in new tariffs or other restrictions on products, components or raw materials sourced, directly or indirectly, from foreign countries, which could increase raw material costs and adversely impact profitability. However, as the Company has limited foreign operations and sources much of its raw materials domestically, we do not believe new tariffs would have a material impact on our operations. We also believe that adverse impacts can be mitigated over time through increases in price or sourcing through an alternate supply chain.

We operate in a very competitive business environment, which could affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Both of our segments participate in markets that are highly competitive. We compete primarily on the basis of product quality and performance, value, and supply chain competency. Our competitive success also depends on our ability to maintain strong brands, customer relationships and the belief that customers will need our solutions to meet their growth requirements. The development and maintenance of such brands require continuous investment in brand building, marketing initiatives and advertising. The competition that we face in all of our markets — which varies depending on the particular business segment, product lines and customers — may prevent us from achieving sales, product pricing and income goals, which could affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Ongoing industry consolidation continues to create competitors with greater financial and other resources. Competitive pressures may require us to reduce prices and attempt to offset such price reductions with improved operating efficiencies and reduced expenditures, for which options may be limited or unavailable. Additionally, larger competitors may be better positioned to weather prolonged periods of reduced prices, which may incentivize them to reduce prices even when not dictated by market and competitive conditions.

Our operations depend on our ability to maintain continuous, uninterrupted production at our manufacturing facilities, which are subject to physical and other risks that could disrupt production.

We are subject to inherent risks from our diverse manufacturing and distribution activities, including but not limited to product quality, safety, licensing requirements and other regulatory issues, environmental events, loss or impairment of key manufacturing or distribution sites, disruptions in logistics and transportation services, labor disputes and industrial accidents. While we maintain insurance covering our manufacturing and production facilities, including business interruption insurance, a catastrophic loss of the use of all or a portion of our facilities due to accident, fire, explosion, natural disaster or any other reason, whether short or long-term, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Unexpected failures of our equipment, machinery and manufacturing processes may also result in production delays, revenue loss and significant repair costs, as well as injuries to our employees. Any interruption in production capability may require us to make large capital expenditures to remedy the situation, which could have a negative impact on our profitability and cash flows. Our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to offset the lost revenues or increased costs that we may experience during a disruption of our operations. A temporary or long-term business disruption could result in a permanent loss of customers. If this were to occur, our future sales levels, and therefore our profitability, could be materially adversely affected.

Additionally, we depend on skilled labor in the manufacturing of our products. High demand for skilled manufacturing labor in the United States has resulted in difficulty hiring, training, and retaining labor. Difficulties in securing skilled labor can result in increased hiring and training costs, increased overtime to meet demand, and increased wage rates to attract and retain workers, and lower manufacturing efficiency due to fewer and less experienced workers which could adversely affect our business or our ability to meet customer demand.

Our future performance depends in part on our ability to develop and market new products if there are changes in technology, regulatory requirements or competitive processes.

Changes in technology, regulatory requirements and competitive processes may render certain of our products obsolete or less attractive. Our performance in the future will depend in part on our ability to develop and market new products that will gain customer acceptance and loyalty, as well as our ability to adapt our product offerings and control our costs to meet changing market conditions. Our operating performance would be adversely affected if we were to incur delays in developing new products or if such products did not gain market acceptance. There can be no assurance that existing or future products will be sufficiently successful to enable us to effectively compete in our markets or, should new product offerings meet with significant customer acceptance, that one or more current or future competitors will not introduce products that render our products noncompetitive.

We may not be successful in protecting our intellectual property rights, including our unpatented proprietary know-how and trade secrets, or in avoiding claims that we infringed on the intellectual property rights of others.

In addition to relying on patent and trademark rights, we rely on unpatented proprietary know-how and trade secrets and employ various methods, including confidentiality agreements with employees and consultants, to protect our know-how and trade secrets. However, these methods and our patents and trademarks may not afford complete protection and there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop the know-how and trade secrets or develop better production methods than us. Further, we may not be able to deter current and former employees, contractors and other parties from breaching confidentiality agreements and misappropriating proprietary information and it is possible that third parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use our information and proprietary technology without authorization or otherwise infringe on our intellectual property rights. Additionally, in the future we may license patents, trademarks, trade secrets and similar proprietary rights to third parties. While we attempt to ensure that our intellectual property and similar proprietary rights are protected when entering into business relationships, third parties may take actions that could materially and adversely affect our rights or the value of our intellectual property, similar proprietary rights or reputation. In the future, we may also rely on litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights and contractual rights and, if not successful, we may not be able to protect the value of our intellectual property. We have been, and may in the future be, subject to claims asserting the infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties seeking damages, the payment of royalties or licensing fees and/or injunctions against the sale of our products. Any litigation could be protracted and costly and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations regardless of its outcome.

Our business operations could be adversely affected if we lose key employees or members of our senior management team.

Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our key employees and senior management team. Our senior management team has extensive marketing, sales, manufacturing, finance and engineering experience, which we believe is instrumental to our continued success. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel who have experience in the application of our products and are knowledgeable about our business, markets and products. We cannot assure that we will be able to retain our existing senior management personnel or other key employees or attract additional qualified personnel when needed, and we may modify our management structure from time to time or reduce our overall workforce, which may create marketing, operational and other business risks. The loss of key employees or executive officers in the future could adversely impact our business and operations, including our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, financial plans, expansion of services, marketing and other objectives.

Risks Relating to the Execution of Our Strategy

Our strategic growth initiatives have inherent risks and may not achieve anticipated benefits.

Our growth initiatives include:

• Organic growth driven by strong brands and new product innovation;
• Development of new, high-growth markets and expansion in existing niche markets;
• Strengthened customer relationships through value-added initiatives and key product partnerships;
• Investments in new technology and processes to reinforce market strength and capabilities in key business groups;
• Consolidation and rationalization activities to further reduce costs and improve productivity within our manufacturing and distribution footprint;
• An opportunistic and disciplined approach to strategic acquisitions to accelerate growth in our market positions; and
• Potential divestitures of businesses with non-strategic products or markets.

While this is a continuous process, all of these activities and initiatives have inherent risks and there remain significant challenges and uncertainties, including economic and general business conditions that could limit our ability to achieve anticipated benefits associated with announced strategic initiatives and affect our financial results. We may not achieve any or all of these goals and are unable to predict whether these initiatives will produce significant revenues or profits.

We may not realize the improved operating results that we anticipate from past acquisitions or from acquisitions we may make in the future, and we may experience difficulties in integrating the acquired businesses or may inherit significant liabilities related to such businesses.

We explore opportunities to acquire businesses that we believe are related to the execution of the Company’s long-term strategies, with a focus on, among other things, alignment with the Company’s existing technologies and competencies, flexible operations, and leadership in niche markets, such as our most recent acquisition of Signature Systems completed on February 8, 2024. Some of these acquisitions may be material to us. We expect such acquisitions will produce operating results consistent with our other operations and our strategic goals; however, we may be unable to achieve the benefits expected to be realized from our acquisitions. In addition, we may incur additional costs and our management’s attention may be diverted because of unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other risks inherent in acquiring businesses, including the following:

• We may have difficulty integrating the acquired businesses as planned, which may include integration of systems of internal controls over financial reporting and other financial and administrative functions;
• We may have delays in realizing the benefits of our strategies for an acquired business;
• The increasing demands on our operational systems and integration costs, including diversion of management’s time and attention, may be greater than anticipated;
• We may not be able to retain key employees necessary to continue the operations of an acquired business;
• Acquisition costs may be met with cash or through increased debt, increasing the risk that we will be unable to satisfy current and future financial obligations; and
• Acquired companies may have unknown liabilities that could require us to spend significant amounts of additional capital.

Risks Relating to Economic Conditions and Currency Exchange Rates

Our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by a downturn or inflationary conditions in the United States economy or global markets.

We operate in a wide range of regions, primarily in North America. Additionally, some of our end markets are cyclical, and some of our products are a capital expense for our customers. Worldwide and regional business and political conditions and overall strength of the worldwide, regional and local economies, including changes in the economic conditions of the broader markets and in our individual niche markets, could have an adverse effect on one or both of our operating segments.

Inflationary economic conditions in North America and the other regions in which we operate could adversely impact the cost of labor, and commodity and other raw material prices. Market conditions may limit our ability to raise selling prices to offset increased costs and prices caused by inflation. To the extent we are not able to offset increased costs and prices caused by inflation we may not be able to maintain current margins and operating results.

We derive a portion of our revenues from direct and indirect sales outside the United States and are subject to the risks of doing business in foreign countries.

We currently operate manufacturing, sales and service facilities outside of the United States, particularly in Canada and Central America. For the year ended December 31, 2023, international net sales accounted for approximately 6% of our total net sales. Accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with operations in foreign countries, including:

• Fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
• Limitations on the remittance of dividends and other payments by foreign subsidiaries;
• Limitations on foreign investment;
• Additional costs of compliance with local regulations; and
• In certain countries, higher rates of inflation than in the United States.

In addition, our operations outside the United States are subject to the risk of new and different legal and regulatory requirements in local jurisdictions, potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations and potentially adverse tax consequences. The costs related to our international operations could adversely affect our operations and financial results in the future.

Risks Relating to Our Debt and Capital Structure

If we are unable to maintain access to credit financing, our business may be adversely affected.

The Company’s ability to make payments on or refinance our indebtedness, fund planned capital expenditures, finance acquisitions and pay dividends depends on our ability to continue to generate sufficient cash flow and retain access to credit financing. This, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

We cannot provide assurance that our business will continue to generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities or that future borrowings will be available to us in amounts sufficient to enable us to service debt, make necessary capital expenditures or fund other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, on or before maturity. We cannot ensure that we would be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Our current credit facilities require us to maintain specified financial ratios, and our ability to satisfy those requirements may be affected by events beyond our control. A breach of any of those financial ratio covenants or other covenants could result in a default and upon such a default the lenders could elect to declare the applicable outstanding indebtedness immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. We cannot be sure that our lenders would waive a default or that we could pay the indebtedness in full if it were accelerated.

Our variable rate indebtedness increases our interest rate risk.

In connection with our acquisition of Signature Systems in February 2024, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Seventh Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (“Amended Loan Agreement”) to add a $400 million Term Loan (“Term Loan A”) in addition to the previous $250 million maximum revolving credit loan (“Revolver”). Under the Amended Loan Agreement both the Term Loan A and the Revolver bear interest at a variable rate based on Term SOFR, RFR, SONIA, EURIBOR and CORRA based loans, and we are subject to risks of changing interest rates. In the future we may seek to enter into hedge arrangements to limit our interest rate risk, but have not done so as of the date of this filing. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate debt will increase even if the amount borrowed remains the same, and our net income and cash flows, will decrease correspondingly.

Equity Ownership Concentration

Based solely on the Schedule 13D/A filed on November 25, 2022, by Mario J. Gabelli, Gabelli Funds, LLC, GAMCO Asset Management Inc., MJG Associates, Inc., Teton Advisors, Inc., Gabelli Foundation, Inc., GGCP, Inc., GAMCO Investors, Inc., Associated Capital Group, Inc. and Gabelli & Company Investment Advisors, Inc., (collectively, the “Gamco Group”), for which the Company disclaims any responsibility for accuracy, the Gamco Group beneficially owned 5,364,631 shares of our common stock, which represented approximately 14.6% of the 36,848,465 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023.

Based solely on the Schedule 13G/A filed on January 22, 2024, by Blackrock, Inc., (“Blackrock”), for which the Company disclaims any responsibility for accuracy, Blackrock beneficially owned 5,864,343 shares of our common stock, which represented approximately 15.9% of the 36,848,465 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023.

Individually or combined, these parties may have sufficient voting power to influence actions requiring the approval of our shareholders.

Risks Related to Data Privacy and Information Security

Our information technology systems may experience an interruption or a breach in security.

We rely on information technology systems to process, transmit and store electronic information and manage and operate our business. Such systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from natural disasters, power loss, telecommunication failures, computer viruses, computer denial-of-service attacks, unauthorized intrusion, and other events, any of which could interrupt our business operations. While we have implemented security measures designed to prevent and mitigate the risk of breaches, information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cybersecurity attacks. A failure in or a breach of security in our information technology systems could expose us, our customers and our suppliers to risks of misuse of confidential information, manipulation and destruction of data, production downtimes and operations disruptions, which in turn could negatively affect our reputation, competitive position, business, results of operations or cash flows. Furthermore, because the techniques used to carry out cybersecurity attacks change frequently and in many instances are not recognized until after they are used against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these changes or implement adequate preventative measures.

Changes in privacy laws, regulations and standards may negatively impact our business.

Personal privacy and data security have become significant issues in the United States and in many other jurisdictions where we offer our products. The regulatory framework for privacy and security issues worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. Federal, state, or foreign government bodies or agencies have in the past adopted and may in the future adopt, laws and regulations affecting data privacy which may require us to incur significant compliance costs. In many jurisdictions, enforcement actions and consequences for noncompliance are rising. Any inability to adequately address privacy and security concerns, even if unfounded, or comply with applicable privacy and data security laws, rules and regulations could result in significant cost and liability to us, damage our reputation, inhibit our sales and adversely affect our business.

Risks Related to Legal, Compliance and Regulatory Matters

Future claims, litigation and regulatory actions could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to conduct our business.

The nature of our business exposes us, from time to time, to breach of contract, warranty or recall claims, claims for negligence, or product liability, strict liability, personal injury or property damage claims. We strive to ensure that our products comply with applicable government regulatory standards and internal requirements and that our products perform effectively and safely; however, customers from time to time could claim that our products do not meet contractual requirements, and users could be harmed by use or misuse of our products. This could give rise to breach of contract, warranty or recall claims, claims for negligence, product liability, strict liability, personal injury or property damage. Such claims can be expensive to defend or address and may divert the attention of management for significant time periods. While we currently maintain what we believe to be suitable and adequate product liability insurance coverage, such coverage may not be available or adequate in all circumstances and claims may increase the cost of such insurance coverage. In addition, claims may arise related to patent infringement, environmental liabilities, distributor terminations, commercial contracts, antitrust or competition law, employment law and employee benefits issues and other regulatory matters. While we have in place processes and policies to mitigate these risks and to investigate and address such claims as they arise, we cannot predict the underlying costs to defend or resolve such claims.

Current and future environmental and other governmental laws and requirements could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to conduct our business.

Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations that impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the air and water and establish standards for the handling, use, treatment, storage and disposal of, or exposure to, hazardous wastes and other materials and require clean-up of contaminated sites. Some of these laws and regulations require us to obtain permits, which contain terms and conditions that impose limitations on our ability to emit and discharge hazardous materials into the environment and periodically may be subject to modification, renewal and revocation by issuing authorities. Fines, penalties and other civil or criminal sanctions may be imposed for non-compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and the failure to have or to comply with the terms and conditions of required permits. Certain environmental laws in the United States, such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq. (“CERCLA” or “Superfund law”) and similar state laws, impose liability for the cost of investigation or remediation of contaminated sites upon the current or, in some cases, the former site owners or operators (or their predecessor entities) and upon parties who arranged for the disposal of wastes or transported or sent those wastes to an off-site facility for treatment or disposal, regardless of when the release of hazardous substances occurred or the lawfulness of the activities giving rise to the release. Such liability can be imposed without regard to fault and, under certain circumstances, can be joint and several, resulting in one party being held responsible for the entire obligation.

While we have not been required historically to make significant capital expenditures in order to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations, we cannot predict with any certainty our future capital expenditure requirements because of continually changing compliance standards and environmental technology. Furthermore, violations or contaminated sites that we do not know about, including contamination caused by prior owners and operators of such sites, or at sites formerly owned or operated by us or our predecessors in connection with discontinued operations, could result in additional compliance or remediation costs or other liabilities, which could be material.

As more fully described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, we are a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) in an environmental proceeding and remediation matter in which substantial amounts may be involved. It is possible that adjustments to reserved expenses will be necessary as new information is obtained, including after finalization and EPA approval of the work plan for the remedial investigation and feasibility study (“RI/FS”). Estimates of Buckhorn’s environmental liabilities are based on current facts, laws, regulations and technology. Estimates of Buckhorn’s environmental liabilities are further subject to uncertainties regarding the nature and extent of site contamination, the range of remediation alternatives available, evolving remediation standards, imprecise engineering evaluation and cost estimates, the extent of remedial actions that may be required, the extent of oversight by the EPA and the number and financial condition of other PRPs that may be named, as well as the extent of their responsibility for the remediation. At this time, we have not accrued for such remediation costs as we are unable to estimate the liability at this time. Additionally, we are party to a consent decree regarding another location pursuant to which we are required to contribute to the costs of the remediation project.

We have limited insurance coverage for potential environmental liabilities associated with historic and current operations and we do not anticipate increasing such coverage in the future. We may also assume significant environmental liabilities in acquisitions. Such costs or liabilities could adversely affect our financial situation and our ability to conduct our business.

Environmental regulations specific to plastic products and containers could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.

Federal, state, local and foreign governments could enact laws or regulations concerning environmental matters that increase the cost of producing, or otherwise adversely affect the demand for, plastic products. Legislation that would prohibit, tax or restrict the sale or use of certain types of plastic and other containers, and would require diversion of solid wastes such as packaging materials from disposal in landfills, has been or may be introduced in the U.S. Congress, in state legislatures and other legislative bodies. While container legislation has been adopted in a few jurisdictions, similar legislation has been defeated in public referenda in several states, local elections and many state and local legislative sessions. There can be no assurance that future legislation or regulation would not have a material adverse effect on us. Furthermore, a decline in consumer preference for plastic products due to environmental considerations could have a negative effect on our business.

Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to protect against potential hazardous incidents to our business.

We maintain property, business interruption, product liability and casualty insurance coverage, but such insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential claims, including losses resulting from war risks, terrorist acts, whether domestic or foreign, or product liability claims relating to products we manufacture. Consistent with market conditions in the insurance industry, premiums and deductibles for some of our insurance policies have been increasing and may continue to increase in the future. In some instances, some types of insurance may become available only for reduced amounts of coverage, if at all. In addition, there can be no assurance that our insurers would not challenge coverage for certain claims. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured or that our insurers disputed, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Changes in laws and regulations may have an adverse impact on our operations.

Changes in laws and regulations and approvals and decisions of courts, regulators, and governmental bodies on any legal claims known or unknown, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial results. Additionally, changes in tax laws, particularly in light of changes in the composition of Congress, or new guidance or directives issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, and other standard-setting bodies could impact our future effective tax rate and may result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

General Risk Factors

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results. As a result, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common stock.

Internal control systems are intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Any failure to maintain effective controls or implement required new or improved controls could cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements, and substantial costs and resources may be required to rectify these internal control deficiencies. If we have an internal control deficiency and our remedial measures are insufficient, material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting could be discovered or occur in the future, and our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements. See Item 9A – Controls and Procedures for further discussion.

Unforeseen events, including natural disasters, unusual or severe weather events and patterns, public health crises, geopolitical crises, and other catastrophic events may negatively impact our economic condition.

Future events may occur that would adversely affect our business. Such events may include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to changes in economic and competitive conditions, the impact of the economic environment on our customer base, a material adverse change in our relationship with significant customers, natural disasters, unusual or severe weather events or patterns, public health crises, geopolitical, or other catastrophic events beyond our control. Any of these events may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, whether by disrupting our operations or critical systems, adversely affecting the facilities of our suppliers, or other third-party providers, or customers. Moreover, these types of events could negatively impact customer spending or trends in our end markets in impacted regions or depending upon the severity, globally, which could adversely impact our operating results.

Major public health issues, including pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have adversely affected, and could in the future materially adversely affect, the Company due to their impact on the global economy and demand for consumer products. We may also incur costs or experience further disruption to comply with new or changing regulations in response to such issues.

Instability in geographies impacted by political events, trade disputes, war, terrorism and other business interruptions could have a material adverse effect on our business, customers, global commodity markets, consumer spending, and financial results.

The current economic environment includes heightened risks stemming from the broader economic effects of the international geopolitical climate, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war which has increased volatility in global commodity markets, including oil (a component of many plastic resins), energy and agricultural commodities. While the Company has limited foreign operations and sources much of its raw materials domestically uncertainty about, or a decline in, global or regional economic conditions can have a significant impact on macroeconomic conditions, including slow growth or recession, inflation, tighter credit, higher interest rates, and currency fluctuations, all of which can adversely impact consumer spending and materially adversely affect demand for the Company’s products that may result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Company takes cybersecurity threats seriously, including regular reassessment of cybersecurity risks both internally and with third parties and updates to the Board of Directors at least annually. The Company's information security management system is based upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF). Among other best practices, the company uses multi-factor authentication wherever possible, maintains current versions of firewalls and security software, performs regular cybersecurity training and email phishing campaigns for employees, uses third parties to perform intrusion testing, and maintains disaster recovery and incident response plans, which include retainer contracts for third party cybersecurity response specialists. The Company employs a combination of active and passive methods to monitor for new or developing cybersecurity risks.

The Board regularly receives reports and training from management and third parties on cybersecurity matters, as part of our overall enterprise risk management program. Management is responsible for developing cybersecurity programs, including as may be required by applicable law or regulation. Company IT personnel have the appropriate expertise in IT and cybersecurity, which generally has been gained from a combination of education, including relevant degrees and/or certifications, and prior work experience. Company cybersecurity personnel monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity incidents as part of the cybersecurity programs described above. Incidents, if any, are escalated to management and the Board according to the Company’s incident response policy. There have been no material cybersecurity incidents in the periods presented.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each of the Company's principal properties owned and facilities leased by the Company as of December 31, 2023:

*This facility has been idled as more fully described in Part II, Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements

The Company also leases facilities for its sales offices and sales branches in the United States and Central America. All of these locations are used by the Distribution Segment.

The Company believes that all of its properties, machinery and equipment generally are well maintained and adequate for the purposes for which they are used.

The Company added additional properties with the February 2024 acquisition of Signature Systems, which include a manufacturing and distribution facility in Orlando, Florida that is leased through 2029, an administration and distribution facility in Flower Mound, Texas that is leased through 2027, and a sales and distribution facility in Darlington, UK that is leased through 2024.

The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits and a party to various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered in whole or in part by insurance. When a loss arising from these matters is probable and can reasonably be estimated, the most likely amount of the estimated probable loss is recorded, or if a range of probable loss can be estimated and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is recorded. As additional information becomes available, any potential liability related to these matters is assessed and the estimates revised, if necessary.

Based on currently available information, management believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters, including those described specifically below, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or overall trends in our results of operations. However, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties. If new information becomes available or an unfavorable ruling were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the financial position and results of operations in the period in which such change in estimate occurs or in future periods.

For information relating to the New Idria Mercury Mine matter, the New Almaden Mine matter, the No Spill matter and Other matters, see Note 9, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On October 18, 2023, Tank Holding Corp. served a Complaint against Myers Industries, Inc. (“Myers”), asserting patent infringement with regard to a single product manufactured by Elkhart Plastics LLC. Myers has conducted a preliminary assessment of the allegations and believes it has strong defenses. The Complaint was dismissed without prejudice on January 2, 2024.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Set forth below is certain information concerning the executive officers of the Registrant as of March 1, 2024. Executive officers are appointed annually by the Board of Directors.

Mr. McGaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer, was appointed to his current position on April 6, 2020. Prior to joining the Company, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of BMC Stock Holdings, Inc. Prior to that, Mr. McGaugh served in various leadership roles with The Dow Chemical Company, including Global General Manager, Dow Building Solutions; Global General Manager, Growth & Innovation Business Portfolio; and Global Director and leader of the Integration Management Office.

Mr. Fitz was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective May 8, 2023. Prior to joining the Company, he served as Chief Financial Officer of EFI (Electronics for Imaging), a privately-owned technology company. Prior to that, Mr. Fitz served as Chief Financial Officer of Valassis Communications, a privately-owned digital and print multi-media company, Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Xerox Technology Business, where he also was responsible for Xerox Financial Services, and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Nexteer Automotive. Prior to these roles, Mr. Fitz held various senior financial leadership positions at General Motors, including being the Chief Risk Officer of the company.

Mr. Baker, Vice President, Shared Services, was appointed to his current position effective November 29, 2021. Previously, he served as Vice President, Purchasing and Supply Chain since joining the Company on September 1, 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Baker spent 34 years at The Dow Chemical Company serving in various roles, including most recently as Associate Director Logistics Purchasing.

Mr. Gurnee, Vice President, Sales, Marketing, and Commercial Excellence, was appointed to his position on August 17, 2020. Mr. Gurnee was also appointed to serve as Vice President, Distribution Segment, effective June 1, 2023. Prior to joining the Company, he spent 37 years with The Dow Chemical Company in multiple sales and marketing roles. Most recently, he served as the Global Innovation Discipline Director.

Executive Overview

The Company conducts its business activities in two distinct segments: The Material Handling Segment and the Distribution Segment.

The Company designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of plastic, metal and rubber products. The Material Handling Segment manufactures a broad selection of plastic reusable containers, pallets, small parts bins, bulk shipping containers, storage and organization products, OEM parts, custom plastic products, consumer fuel containers and tanks for water, fuel and waste handling. Products in the Material Handling Segment are primarily injection molded, rotationally molded or blow molded. The Distribution Segment is engaged in the distribution of tools, equipment and supplies used for tire, wheel and under vehicle service on passenger, heavy truck and off-road vehicles, as well as the manufacturing of tire repair and retreading products.

The Company’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the year ended December 31, 2022 are discussed below. The current economic environment includes heightened risks from inflation, interest rates, volatile commodity costs, supply chain disruptions and labor availability stemming from the broader economic effects of the international geopolitical climate, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have also increased volatility in global commodity markets, including oil (a component of many plastic resins), energy and agricultural commodities. Some of our businesses have been and may continue to be affected by these broader economic effects, including customer demand for our products, supply chain disruptions, labor availability and inflation. The Company believes it is well-positioned to manage through this uncertainty as it has a strong balance sheet with sufficient liquidity and borrowing capacity as well as a diverse product offering and customer base.

Results of Operations: 2023 Compared with 2022

Net Sales:

(dollars in thousands)

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $813.1 million, a decrease of $86.5 million or 9.6% compared to the prior year. Net sales decreased due to lower overall volume/mix of $99.9 million, following high volume of certain products focused on outdoor activities, which were especially strong due to a surge in COVID-19 induced consumer discretionary spending in the prior period. Net sales also decreased due to lower pricing of $8.2 million and the effect of unfavorable currency translation of $1.5 million. The decrease in net sales was partially offset by $23.1 million of incremental sales from the acquisition of Mohawk on May 31, 2022, included in the Distribution Segment. Mohawk's annual sales were approximately $65 million at the time of the acquisition. The Company continues to pursue further pricing initiatives, and beginning in February 2023, the Company began to implement a series of additional pricing increases across a majority of its portfolio of products within its Distribution segment.

Net sales in the Material Handling Segment decreased $92.4 million or 14.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. Net sales decreased due to lower volume/mix of $74.5 million, lower pricing of $16.4 million and the effect of unfavorable currency translation of $1.5 million.

Net sales in the Distribution Segment increased $5.9 million or 2.3% in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, primarily due to higher pricing of $8.2 million and $23.1 million of incremental sales from the acquisition of Mohawk on May 31, 2022. The increase in net sales was partially offset by lower volume/mix of $25.4 million.

Cost of Sales & Gross Profit:

(dollars in thousands)

23

Gross profit decreased $24.3 million, or 8.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year due to lower volume/mix and lower pricing as described under Net Sales above and increased labor and productivity costs partially offset by lower material costs and the benefits of the acquisition of Mohawk on May 31, 2022. Gross margin expanded to 31.9% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 31.5% for the same period in 2022.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

(dollars in thousands)

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $186.9 million, a decrease of $12.6 million or 6.3% compared to the prior year. Decreases in SG&A expenses in 2023 were primarily due to $11.4 million of lower incentive compensation, $3.8 million of lower variable selling expenses, $0.4 million of lower legal and professional fees and $3.3 million of lower facility costs. The decrease to SG&A expenses was partially offset by $5.0 million of incremental SG&A from the acquisition of Mohawk on May 31, 2022 and $1.9 million of higher salaries and benefits. SG&A expenses also increased as compared to prior year due to higher expenses incurred on restructuring actions of $2.5 million, described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements and higher expenses incurred on due diligence and consulting related to the Signature acquisition of $2.1 million, described in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements. Additionally, as described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company reached a settlement agreement with one of its insurers, for $10.0 million, which resulted in a $6.7 million net reduction to legal costs within SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2023. Environmental matters described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements resulted in a net $3.2 million expense in the year ended December 31, 2023, which compared to $1.4 million of charges in the year ended December 31, 2022.

Net Interest Expense:

(dollars in thousands)

Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $6.3 million compared to $5.7 million during 2022. The higher net interest expense was due to a higher weighted-average borrowing rate in the current year, partly offset by lower average outstanding borrowings in the current year.

Income Taxes:

(dollars in thousands)

The effective tax rate was 26.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 22.9% in the prior year. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily the result of the recognition of a previously unrecognized tax benefit in the prior year.

Acquisition of Signature Systems - Subsequent Event

On February 8, 2024, the Company acquired Signature Systems as described in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for $350 million plus customary working capital and other adjustments in an all-cash transaction, funded through an amendment and restatement of Myers’ existing loan agreement discussed below. Signature Systems is a manufacturer and distributor of composite matting ground protection for industrial applications, stadium turf protection and temporary event flooring. In 2023, Signature System’s revenue was approximately $110 million. Signature will be included in the Material Handling segment.

Financial Condition & Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash generated from operations and availability under the Loan Agreement (defined below). At December 31, 2023, the Company had $30.3 million of cash, $224.3 million available under the Loan Agreement and outstanding debt with face value of $67.2 million, including the finance lease liability of $9.2 million. At December 31, 2023, our primary contractual obligations relate to our debt and lease arrangements as described in Notes 10 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements. Based on this liquidity and borrowing capacity, the Company believes it is well-positioned to manage through the working capital demands and heightened uncertainty in the current macroeconomic environment.

In January 2024, the Company repaid $26.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes upon maturity using cash on hand and availability under the Loan Agreement. On February 8, 2024, as described below and in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company acquired Signature Systems for $350 million plus customary working capital and other adjustments. The Signature Systems acquisition was financed by amending and restating the Loan Agreement to include a 5-year $400 million term loan facility ("Term Loan A"). In connection with the amendment to the Loan Agreement, the Company prepaid the remaining $12.0 million face value of Senior Unsecured Notes, which were due January 15, 2026, using availability under the revolving credit facility. The $250 million borrowing limit under senior revolving credit facility of the Loan Agreement was unchanged. The amendment and restatement of the Loan Agreement is described further below.

The Company believes that cash on hand, cash flows from operations and available capacity under its Loan Agreement will be sufficient to meet expected business requirements including capital expenditures, dividends, working capital, debt service, and to fund future growth, including selective acquisitions.

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $86.2 million and $72.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily due to lower working capital driven by decreases in trade accounts receivable and increases in accounts payable for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Investing Activities

Net cash used by investing activities was $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to cash used of $50.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2022, the Company paid $27.6 million to acquire Mohawk as discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. The Company also received in 2022 proceeds of $1.5 million from the sale of fixed assets. Capital expenditures were $22.9 million and $24.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Financing Activities

Net cash used by financing activities was $56.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to cash used of $16.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net borrowings (repayments) on the credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $(36.0) million and $3.0 million, respectively. Fees paid for the amendment and extension of the Loan Agreement in September 2022 totaled $0.9 million. Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock in connection with incentive stock option exercises were $2.3 million and $2.3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash paid for tax withholdings on vesting of stock compensation totaled $2.1 million and $0.5 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, which increased primarily due to improved vesting of long-term performance-based awards in the current year. The Company also used cash to pay dividends of $20.2 million and $19.8 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Credit Sources - as of December 31, 2023

On September 29, 2022, the Company entered into a Seventh Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Seventh Amendment”), which amended the Sixth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the "Sixth Amendment"), dated March 12, 2021. The Seventh Amendment, among other things, extended the maturity date to September 2027 from March 2024. There was no change to the credit facility's borrowing limit of $250 million.

In March 2021, the Company entered into the Sixth Amendment, which amended the Fifth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (collectively with the Sixth and Seventh Amendments, the “Loan Agreement”) dated March 2017. The Sixth Amendment increased the senior revolving credit facility’s borrowing limit to $250 million from $200 million, extended the maturity date to March 2024 from March 2022, and increased flexibility of the financial and other covenants and provisions.

As of December 31, 2023, $224.3 million was available under the Loan Agreement, after borrowings and $5.7 million of letters of credit issued related to insurance and other financing contracts in the ordinary course of business. Borrowings under the Loan Agreement bear interest at the Term SOFR, RFR, EURIBOR and CDOR-based borrowing rates.

At December 31, 2023, $38 million face value of Senior Unsecured Notes were outstanding. The series of notes range in face value from $11.0 million to $15.0 million, with interest rates ranging from 5.25% to 5.45%, payable semiannually. The $11.0 million note and $15.0 million note of these Senior Unsecured Notes matured and on January 12, 2024 the Company repaid these notes using cash on hand and borrowings under the Loan Agreement. The remaining $12.0 million of the Senior Unsecured Notes mature on January 15, 2026.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. The most restrictive financial covenants for all of the Company’s debt are an interest coverage ratio (defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted, divided by interest expense) and a leverage ratio (defined as total debt divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted). The ratios as of and for the period ended December 31, 2023 are shown in the following table:

Credit Sources - subsequent events

Repayment and termination of Senior Unsecured Notes

On January 12, 2024, the Company repaid $26.0 million of Senior Unsecured Notes upon maturity using cash on hand and availability under the Loan Agreement. On February 6, 2024, in connection with the subsequent amendment and restatement to the Loan Agreement described below, the Company prepaid the remaining $12.0 million face value of Senior Unsecured Notes, which were due January 15, 2026, using availability under the revolving credit facility under the Loan Agreement. After giving effect to the payment in full of all outstanding Senior Unsecured Notes under the Note Purchase Agreement, the Note Purchase Agreement has been terminated.

First Amendment to Loan Agreement

On February 8, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Seventh Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”), which amended the Seventh Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the "Loan Agreement” – see also Note 10) dated September 29, 2022 (collectively, the “Amended Loan Agreement”). Amendment No. 1, among other things, permits the acquisition of Signature Systems and provides for a new 5-year $400 million term loan facility (“Term Loan A”). Term Loan A will amortize in quarterly installment payments in aggregate annual amounts equal to $20 million in years 1 and 2 and $40 million in years 3 through 5. Term Loan A may be voluntarily prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, without penalty or premium, however, all amounts repaid or prepaid in respect of Term Loan A may not be reborrowed.

Amendment No. 1 did not change the existing revolving credit facility’s maturity date or $250 million borrowing limit, which includes a letter of credit subfacility and swingline subfacility. In connection with Amendment No. 1, the Company incurred deferred financing fees of approximately $9 million.

The Amended Loan Agreement is on substantially the same terms as the Loan Agreement, except Amendment No. 1 has amended, among other items, (i) to permit the Signature Systems acquisition, (ii) to modify the maximum leverage ratio to not exceed (x) 4.00 to 1:00 on a “net” basis for an initial “net” leverage ratio holiday period for the immediate fiscal quarter end after the Signature Systems acquisition is consummated and for the three immediately following fiscal quarter ends thereafter and (y) 3.25 to 1.00 on a “net” basis after such “net” leverage ratio holiday period (subject to additional “net” leverage ratio holiday periods at the election of the Company for such periods that are more fully described in the Amended Loan Agreement), (iii) to modify certain negative covenants (including the restricted payment covenant) so that the applicable incurrence tests for such negative covenants is now based on the new “net” leverage ratio level, (iv) to increase the applicable margins for the loans under the Amended Loan Agreement to range between 1.775% to 2.35% for Term SOFR, RFR, SONIA, EURIBOR and CORRA based loans and between 0.775% and 1.35% for base rate loans, in each case based from time to time on the determination of the Company’s then net leverage ratio, (v) to replace the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (CDOR) as the applicable reference rate with respect to loans denominated in Canadian Dollars to the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA), and (vi) to amend the scope of collateral securing the obligations under the Amended Loan Agreement to be an “all asset” lien (subject to customary provisions of excluded collateral not subject to the liens).

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably expected to have, a material current or future effect on its financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources at December 31, 2023.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on the accompanying consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). As indicated in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported are affected by estimates and judgments that are necessary to comply with U.S. GAAP. The Company bases its estimates on prior experience and other assumptions that they consider reasonable to their circumstances. The Company believes the following matters may involve a high degree of judgment and complexity.

Contingencies — In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and contingencies, including environmental matters. When a loss arising from these matters is probable and can reasonably be estimated, the most likely amount of the estimated probable loss is recorded, or if a range of probable loss can be estimated and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is recorded. Disclosure of contingent losses is also provided when there is a reasonable possibility that the ultimate loss could exceed the recorded provision or if such probable loss cannot be reasonably estimated. As additional information becomes available, any potential liability related to these contingent matters is assessed and the estimates are revised, if necessary. The actual resolution of these contingencies may differ from these estimates, and it is possible that future earnings could be affected by changes in estimated outcomes of these contingencies. If a contingency were settled for an amount greater than our estimate, a future charge to income would result. Likewise, if a contingency were settled for an amount that is less than our estimate, a future credit to income would result. See disclosure of contingencies in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Business Combinations – The Company uses the acquisition method of accounting to allocate costs of acquired businesses to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition. The excess costs of acquired businesses over the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized as goodwill. The valuations of the acquired assets and liabilities will impact the determination of future operating results. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, revenue growth rates, discount rates, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, asset lives, contributory asset charges, and market multiples, among other items. The Company determines the fair values of intangible assets acquired generally in consultation with third-party valuation advisors. See disclosure of acquisitions in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Goodwill – The Company performs its goodwill impairment test annually as of October 1 and in the interim only when impairment indicators are present. The Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more-likely-than-not that the fair values of our reporting units were greater than their carrying amounts, indicating no impairment. This qualitative assessment requires significant judgment, including a review of our most recent long-range projections, analysis of operating results versus the prior year, changes in market values, changes in discount rates and changes in terminal growth rate assumptions. If a qualitative assessment cannot be used, then we perform a quantitative assessment.

A quantitative assessment requires the Company to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit (Level 3 measurement), which the Company does using a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and market-based approach. Estimating fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates, long term growth rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in the discounted cash flow analyses are based on the most recent budget and long-term forecast. The discount rates used in the discounted cash flow analyses are intended to reflect the risks inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting units. The market-based approach estimates fair value using market multiples of various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies and recent comparable transactions. The fair value of the reporting unit is then compared to the carrying value, and any excess carrying value of the reporting unit above the fair value would indicate impairment.

As described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our most recent annual impairment testing as of October 1, 2023 consisted of a qualitative assessment for five of our six reporting units, with the exception being the Rotational Molding reporting unit for which a quantitative assessment was performed. None of the analyses indicated impairment. With respect to the quantitative analysis of the Rotational Molding reporting unit, the most sensitive assumptions were the long-term growth rate and the weighted average cost of capital used to discount its projected cash flows. Reasonable changes in these assumptions would not indicate impairment. We assessed a 100-basis point decrease in the assumed long-term growth rate and a

100-basis point increase in the weighted average cost of capital for the Company’s Rotational Molding reporting unit, and neither indicated impairment.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Information regarding the recent accounting pronouncements is contained in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021

For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, see “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2023.

Market Risk and Derivative Financial Instruments

Interest Rate Risk

The Company has certain financing arrangements that require interest payments based on floating interest rates, and to that extent, the Company’s financial results are subject to changes in the market rate of interest. Borrowings under the Loan Agreement bear interest at the Term SOFR, RFR, EURIBOR and CDOR-based borrowing rates. At present, the Company has not entered into any interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments to fix the interest rate on any portion of its financing arrangements with floating rates. Based on current debt levels at December 31, 2023, if market interest rates increase one percent, the Company’s variable interest expense would increase approximately $0.2 million annually.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Some of the Company’s subsidiaries operate in foreign countries and their financial results are subject to exchange rate movements. The Company has operations in Canada with foreign currency exposure, primarily due to sales made from businesses in Canada to customers in the United States (“U.S.”). These sales are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company has a systematic program to limit its exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates related to certain assets and liabilities of its operations in Canada that are denominated in U.S. dollars. The net exposure generally is less than $1 million. The foreign currency contracts and arrangements created under this program are not designated as hedged items under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and accordingly, the changes in the fair value of the foreign currency arrangements, which have been immaterial, are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company’s foreign currency arrangements are typically three months or less and are settled before the end of a reporting period. At December 31, 2023, the Company had no foreign currency arrangements or contracts in place.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company uses certain commodities, primarily plastic resins and natural rubber, in its manufacturing processes. The cost of operations can be affected as the market for these commodities changes. The Company currently has no derivative contracts to hedge changes in raw material pricing; however, the Company also has no significant obligations to purchase fixed quantities of such commodities in future periods. The Company may from time to time enter into forward buy positions for certain utility costs, which were not material at December 31, 2023. Significant future increases in the cost of these commodities or other adverse changes in the general economic environment could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company carries out a variety of procedures, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to evaluate the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm on internal control over financial reporting are titled “Management’s Annual Assessment of and Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” respectively, and are included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Annual Assessment of and Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Because of its inherent limitation, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included herein.

59

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Myers Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Myers Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Myers Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes and our report dated March 5, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Assessment of and Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Akron, Ohio

March 5, 2024