Our business can
be adversely affected by severe weather, natural disasters and
other events beyond our control, such as earthquakes, fires, power
failures, telecommunication loss, impacts from climate change and
terrorist attacks.
Our assets are located in areas that may be subject to natural
disasters, such as earthquakes, and extreme weather conditions,
including, but not limited to, hurricanes, floods, tornados,
wildfires, and winter storms. These assets may be vulnerable to
natural disasters, including those exacerbated by the effects of
climate change, telecommunications failures, and similar events.
Such natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, or other events
beyond our control may damage our kiosks and negatively impact our
digital business and can, for extended periods of time,
significantly reduce consumer use of our products and services as
well as interrupt the ability of our employees and third-party
providers to operate and service our legacy and digital businesses.
We are also exposed to various risks arising out of man-made
disasters, including acts of terrorism and ongoing military
actions, the continued threat of which could cause significant
volatility in financial markets, or otherwise trigger economic
downturns.
A catastrophic event that results in the destruction or disruption
of any of our critical business or information technology systems
could harm our ability to conduct normal business operations and
our operating results. Material operating issues arising from such
events also could harm our company brand or reputation, which may
impact our ability to acquire and retain users, as well as scale
and sell advertising to brand and advertising partners. Such losses
may not be fully covered by insurance. The company does not
currently expect that compliance with government laws and
regulations concerning the environment and those designated to
address climate risk will have a material effect upon its capital
expenditures, cash flow, financial condition, earnings and
competitive position.
Litigation,
arbitration, mediation, regulatory actions, investigations or other
legal proceedings could result in material rulings, decisions,
settlements, fines, penalties or publicity that could adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Our business has in the past been, is currently and may from time
to time in the future be, party to legal proceedings, including
regulatory actions, investigations, arbitrations, mediations and
class actions. The outcome of such proceedings is often difficult
to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs, regulatory bodies or other
parties may seek very large or indeterminate amounts of money from
us or substantial restrictions on our business activities, and the
results, including the magnitude, of lawsuits, actions,
settlements, decisions and investigations may remain unknown for
substantial periods of time. The cost to defend, settle or
otherwise finalize lawsuits, regulatory actions, investigations,
arbitrations, mediations or other legal proceedings may be
significant and such proceedings may divert management’s time. For
example, in recent years we have been involved in consumer class
action lawsuits, a securities class action and derivative lawsuit,
and studio litigation, as well as other litigation in the ordinary
course of business. In addition, there may be adverse publicity
associated with any such developments that could decrease consumer
acceptance of our products and services. As a result, litigation,
arbitration, mediation, regulatory actions or investigations
involving us or our affiliates may adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
The loss of key
personnel or the inability of replacements to quickly and
successfully perform in their new roles could adversely affect our
business.
Changes in our senior management could result in disruptions to our
operations. If we lose or terminate the services of one or more of
our current executives or key employees or if one or more of our
current or former executives or key employees joins a competitor or
otherwise leaves or competes with us, it could harm our business
and our ability to successfully implement our business plan.
Additionally, if we are unable to timely hire qualified
replacements for our executive and other key positions, our ability
to execute our business plan could be harmed. Even if we can timely
hire qualified replacements, we would expect to experience
operational disruptions and inefficiencies during any
transition.
The negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, rising wages, and
other factors have, in many cases, contributed to heightened levels
of employee attrition and difficulties retaining employees and
talent, which could have a material impact on the Company’s
strategies.
If we are unable
to execute cost control measures successfully, our total operating
costs may be greater than expected, which would adversely affect
our profitability.
We continually assess our operations in an effort to identify
opportunities to enhance efficiencies and reduce overhead costs and
expenses. These activities in the past included, and could include
in the future, outsourcing of various functions or operations,
improving and upgrading our systems and infrastructure, acquiring
and integrating the operations of our DVD distribution and
packaging provider, and other activities that may result in changes
to employee headcount. If we do not manage our costs or execute