CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (this “Annual Report”) contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. When used in this report, the words “believe,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “indicate,” “seek,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about the following matters:
•our ability to realize the benefits from the Business Combination (as defined below);
•future financial performance, including any growth or expansion plans and opportunities;
•our ability to grow long-term value through, among other things, the continuing performance improvement of our existing operations, execution of a disciplined capital allocation and management of our capital structure;
•cash flow projections;
•our ability to maintain a leadership position in any market;
•our ability to retain and recruit officers, key employees or directors;
•expectations concerning sources of revenue;
•expectations about demand for fire retardant products, equipment and services;
•the size of the markets we compete in and potential opportunities in such markets or new markets;
•our ability to foster highly responsive and collaborative relationships with existing and potential customers and stakeholders;
•expectations concerning certain of our products’ ability to protect life and property as population settlement locations change;
•expectations concerning the markets in which we will operate in the coming years;
•expectations concerning repurchases of our ordinary shares under the Share Repurchase Plan (as defined below); and
•the expected outcome of litigation matters and the effect of such claims on business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date of this Annual Report, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to those summarized below:
•the direct and indirect adverse impact of the novel strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 (“COVID-19”) on the global economy and the related governmental regulations and restrictions;
•negative or uncertain worldwide economic conditions;
•volatility, seasonality and cyclicality in the industries in which we operate;
•our ability to realize the strategic and financial benefits of the Business Combination;
•our substantial dependence on sales to the U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA") Forest Service and the state of California and the risk of decreased sales to these customers;
•changes in the regulation of the petrochemical industry, a downturn in the oil additives and/or fire retardant end markets or our failure to accurately predict the frequency, duration, timing, and severity of changes in demand in such markets;
•changes in customer relations or service levels;
•a small number of our customers represent a significant portion of our revenue;
•failure to continuously innovate and to provide products that gain market acceptance, which may cause us to be unable to attract new customers or retain existing customers;
•improper conduct of, or use of our products, by employees, agents, government contractors or collaborators;
•changes in the availability of products from our suppliers on a long-term basis;
•production interruptions or shutdowns, which could increase our operating or capital expenditures or negatively impact the supply of our products resulting in reduced sales;
•changes in the availability of third-party logistics suppliers for distribution, storage and transportation;
•increases in supply and raw material costs, supply shortages, long lead times for components or supply changes;
•adverse effects on the demand for our products or services due to the seasonal or cyclical nature of our business or severe weather events;
•introduction of new products, which are considered preferable, which could cause demand for some of our products to be reduced or eliminated;
•current ongoing and future litigation, including multi-district litigation and other legal proceedings;
•heightened liability and reputational risks due to certain of our products being provided to emergency services personnel and their use to protect lives and property;
•future products liabilities claims where indemnity and insurance coverage could be inadequate or unavailable to cover these claims due to the fact that some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences;
•compliance with export control or economic sanctions laws and regulations;
•environmental impacts and side effects of our products, which could have adverse consequences for our business;
•compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
•our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and know-how;
•our ability to generate the funds required to service our debt and finance our operations;
•fluctuations in foreign currency exchange;
•potential impairments or write-offs of certain assets;
•the adequacy of our insurance coverage; and
•challenges to our decisions and assumptions in assessing and complying with our tax obligations.
For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results, please read (1) Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report; (2) our reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and (3) other public announcements we make from time to time. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.
SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS
Our business is subject to varying degrees of risk and uncertainty. Below is a summary of the principal risk factors that may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties summarized below along with additional discussion of such summarized risks under the heading “Risk Factors” herein, together with other information in this Annual Report and our other filings with the SEC.
Risks Related Our Business and Industry
•as a supplier and service provider to the U.S. government and many foreign governments, states, and municipalities, we are subject to certain heightened risks;
•our profitability could be negatively impacted by price and inventory risk;
•risks from the improper conduct of, or use of our products, by employees, agents, government contractors, or collaborators could adversely affect our reputation;
•risks related to purchasing products from our suppliers on a long-term basis and production interruptions or shutdowns;
•reliance on third-party logistics suppliers for distribution, storage, transportation, operating supplies and products;
•we are susceptible to supply and raw material cost increases, supply shortages, long lead times, and supply changes;
•if we fail to continuously innovate and to provide products that gain market acceptance, we may be unable to attract new customers or retain existing customers;
•the seasonal or cyclical nature of our business and severe weather events may cause demand for our products and services to be adversely affected;
•our industry and the markets in which we operate have few large competitors and increased competitive pressures;
•our competitive position could be adversely affected if we fail to protect our patents, trade secrets or other intellectual property rights, if our patents expire or if we become subject to infringement claims;
•risks inherent in our global operations;
•we may fail to realize the strategic and financial benefits currently anticipated from the Business Combination (as defined below);
•subsequent to the consummation of the Business Combination (as defined below), we may be required to take write-downs or be subject to restructuring, impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our business and financial condition as well as the price of our ordinary shares, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment;
•our substantial indebtedness may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to operate our business;
•terms of our indebtedness may limit our ability to borrow additional funds or capitalize on business opportunities;
•we may incur substantial additional indebtedness;
•an increase in interest rates would increase the costs on our revolving credit facility and on our variable rate indebtedness;
•discontinuation of London Inter Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition;
•our business may be negatively impacted as a result of Russian actions in Ukraine.
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters
•risks related to litigation by customers, suppliers and other third parties, including multi-district litigation and other legal proceedings;
•certain of our products are provided to emergency services personnel and are intended to protect lives and property, so we are subject to heightened liability and reputational risks;
•some of the products we produce may cause adverse health consequences and we are and may be subject in the future to product liability claims, and indemnity and insurance coverage could be inadequate or unavailable to cover these claims;
•risks related to non-compliance with export control or economic sanctions laws and regulations U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and similar anticorruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws, environmental laws and laws and regulations related to PFAS (as defined below);
•our contracts with the federal or state governments subject us to additional oversight and risks;
•our products are subject to extensive government scrutiny and regulation, including the USDA Forest Service qualification process;
•environmental laws and regulations may subject us to significant liabilities;
•legal and regulatory claims, investigations and proceedings may be initiated against us in the ordinary course of business.
Risks Related to Operating as a Public Company
•our management has limited experience in operating a public company;