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