Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

JBS SA disclosed 49 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. JBS SA reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2023

Risk Distribution

33% Finance & Corporate

20% Legal & Regulatory

18% Macro & Political

14% Production

10% Ability to Sell

4% Tech & Innovation

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

JBS SA Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q4, 2023

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 16 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 16 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Dec 2023

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Dec 2023

Number of Risk Changed

S&P 500 Average: 2

See the risk highlights of JBS SA in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 49

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 16/49 (33%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights2 | 4.1%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Our ultimate controlling shareholders have influence over the conduct of our business and may have interests that are different from yours.

Our direct controlling shareholders are J&F and JBS Participações, which are in turn wholly owned by our ultimate controlling shareholders, Messrs. Joesley Mendonça Batista and Wesley Mendonça Batista. See "Item 7. Major Shareholder and Related Party Transactions-A. Major Shareholders." Relatives of our ultimate controlling shareholders perform certain management and leadership roles at JBS S.A. and related companies. Mr. José Batista Sobrinho, the founder of JBS S.A. and the father of our ultimate controlling shareholders, serves as the Vice-Chairman of JBS S.A.'s board of directors and has served on the JBS S.A. board of directors since 2007. Mr. Wesley Mendonça Batista Filho, who is the son of Mr. Wesley Mendonça Batista and the grandson of Mr. José Batista Sobrinho, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of JBS USA since May 2023, and has served as an executive officer of JBS S.A. since 2017 and in other senior management positions in JBS Group companies in the past, including as Chief Executive Officer of Seara Alimentos. He also serves on the board of directors of various JBS Group companies. In addition, Mr. Henrique Mendonça Batista, who is also Wesley Mendonça Batista's son, serves as the President of Huon, an Australian salmon processing company acquired by JBS S.A. in 2021. Messrs. Joesley Mendonça Batista and Wesley Mendonça Batista may serve as members of the board of directors of, or in other senior management positions at, JBS Group companies or affiliates. In February 2024, they were appointed to fill vacancies on the board of directors of PPC. As further described elsewhere in this annual report (see "Item 7. Major Shareholder and Related Party Transactions-A. Major Shareholders-Civil and Criminal Actions and Investigations involving our Ultimate Controlling Shareholders" and "-We are subject to reputational risk in connection with U.S. and Brazilian civil and criminal actions and investigations involving our ultimate controlling shareholders, and these actions may materially adversely impact our business and prospects and damage our reputation and image"), in 2017, our ultimate controlling shareholders, among others, entered into collaboration agreements (acordos de colaboração premiada) (the "Collaboration Agreements") with the Brazilian Attorney General's Office (Procuradoria-Geral da República), and J&F, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, entered into a leniency agreement (the "Leniency Agreement") with the Brazilian Federal Prosecution Office (Ministério Público Federal) following disclosures of certain payments made to Brazilian politicians from 2009 to 2015. Pursuant to the Leniency Agreement, J&F agreed to pay a fine of R$8.0 billion and contribute an additional R$2.3 billion to social projects in Brazil, each adjusted for inflation, over a 25-year period. The total fine was subsequently reduced to R$3.5 billion (equivalent to approximately US$723 million, converted using the foreign exchange rate as of December 31, 2023). In December 2023, the Brazilian Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal) justice overseeing the case suspended J&F's obligation to make additional installment payments under the Leniency Agreement following a petition from J&F that cited potential misconduct by enforcement authorities in connection with entering into the Leniency Agreement. Notwithstanding the suspension of the fine, the Leniency Agreement otherwise remains in effect. In 2020, J&F, JBS S.A., and our ultimate controlling shareholders (the "Respondents") also entered into a settlement with the SEC relating to the circumstances and payments that were the subject of the Collaboration Agreements and Leniency Agreement. Pursuant to the SEC settlement and related order, the Respondents undertook, among other things, to improve anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance programs, make progress reports to the SEC, and pay disgorgement and civil penalties. Also in 2020, J&F reached a plea agreement with the DOJ in which J&F pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in relation to the circumstances and payments that were the subject of the Collaboration Agreements and Leniency Agreement and agreed to pay a criminal penalty. The DOJ plea agreement also required J&F to implement a compliance program and improve its internal policies and to make progress and other reports to the DOJ. Since 2017, JBS S.A. and J&F have implemented numerous and material changes to their anti-corruption compliance policies intended to detect and prevent illicit payments and conduct throughout their operations, including the introduction of new policies and practices and the hiring of experienced professionals who have a track record of building effective compliance programs, all as further detailed in "Information about JBS S.A.-Compliance Program." In addition, the terms of the above-referenced agreements with Brazilian authorities, the SEC and the DOJ provide strong disincentives to any violation of their terms. Our management and leadership teams are strongly committed to operating our business in compliance with anti-corruption principles and law. However, no assurance can be given that new and improved policies, practices and personnel will be effective to detect or prevent illicit activities in all cases. In addition, our ultimate controlling shareholders may have an interest in causing us to pursue transactions that may enhance the value of their equity investments in us, even though such transactions may involve increased risks to us or the holders of our common shares. Furthermore, our ultimate controlling shareholders own, through J&F or other entities, equity investments in other businesses and may have an interest in causing us to pursue transactions that may enhance the value of those other equity investments, even though such transactions may not benefit us. Our ultimate controlling shareholders may also have an interest in pursuing new business opportunities through other companies which they own instead of us. Any of these transactions could result in conflicting interests between us and the other companies in which our ultimate controlling shareholders own. We cannot assure you that we will be able to address these conflicts of interests or others in an impartial manner. There can be no assurance that the future actions or decisions of our direct controlling shareholders and our ultimate controlling shareholders will not impact our company and our prospects in ways that differ from your interests.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Certain guarantees will be subject to certain limitations on enforcement and may be limited by applicable law or subject to certain defenses that may limit the validity and enforceability.

The guarantors will guarantee the payment of the JBS USA Registered Notes on a senior basis. Each guarantee will provide the relevant holders of the JBS USA Registered Notes with a direct claim against the relevant guarantor. However, the indentures governing the JBS USA Registered Notes provide for general and local law specific limitation language to the effect that relevant guarantees and relevant security interests granted (as well as any other obligation, liability or indemnification under the indenture or any related finance document) will be limited in order to take into account corporate benefit, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, voidable preference, financial assistance, corporate purpose, capital maintenance, liquidity maintenance or similar laws as well as regulations or defenses affecting the rights of creditors generally, for example by limiting the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by the relevant guarantor with respect to the aggregate obligations and exposure of the guarantor or by limiting the enforceability of the relevant guarantee.

Debt & Financing12 | 24.5%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

JBS USA may be unable to repurchase the JBS USA Registered Notes if we experience a change of control.

JBS USA is required by the indentures governing the JBS USA Registered Notes, in the event of certain changes in the control of JBS USA that results in a ratings decline to offer to purchase all of the outstanding JBS USA Registered Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. Our failure to repay holders tendering their notes upon a change of control that results in a ratings decline will result in an event of default under the JBS USA Registered Notes. A change of control that results in a ratings decline or an event of default under the JBS USA Registered Notes would result in an event of default under the JBS USA Senior Unsecured Revolving Facility, among other debt facility agreements, which may lead to an acceleration of the debt under those facilities, which in turn could lead to an acceleration under the indentures governing the JBS USA Registered Notes, requiring us to pay all such outstanding debt immediately. We may not have funds available to repurchase the JBS USA Registered Notes upon the occurrence of a change of control that results in a ratings decline or to repay our other debt. In addition, future debt that we incur may limit our ability to repurchase the JBS USA Registered Notes upon a change of control that results in a ratings decline or require us to offer to redeem that debt upon a change of control. See "Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities-A. Debt Securities-Description of the JBS USA Registered Notes-Change of Control."

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

The book-entry registration system of the JBS USA Registered Notes may limit the exercise of rights by the beneficial owners of the JBS USA Registered Notes.

Because transfers of interests in the global notes representing the JBS USA Registered Notes may be effected only through book entries at DTC and its direct and indirect participants (including Clearstream Luxembourg and Euroclear), the liquidity of any secondary market in the JBS USA Registered Notes may be reduced to the extent that some investors are unwilling to hold the JBS USA Registered Notes in book-entry form in the name of a DTC direct or indirect participant. The ability to pledge interests in the global notes may be limited due to the lack of a physical certificate. In addition, beneficial owners of interests in global notes may, in certain cases, experience delay in the receipt of payments of principal and interest, since the payments will generally be forwarded by the paying agent to DTC, which will then forward payment to its direct and indirect participants, which (if they are not themselves the beneficial owners) will then forward payments to the beneficial owners of the global notes. In the event of the insolvency of DTC or any of its direct and indirect participants in whose name interests in the global notes are recorded, the ability of beneficial owners to obtain timely or ultimate payment of principal and interest on global notes may be negatively affected. A holder of beneficial interests in the global notes will not have a direct right under the JBS USA Registered Notes to act upon any solicitations that we may request. Instead, holders will be permitted to act only to the extent they receive appropriate proxies to do so from DTC or, if applicable, DTC's direct or indirect participants. Similarly, if we default on our obligations under the JBS USA Registered Notes, holders of beneficial interests in the global notes will be restricted to acting through DTC, or, if applicable, DTC's direct or indirect participants. We cannot assure holders that the procedures of DTC or DTC's nominees or direct or indirect participants will be adequate to allow them to exercise their rights under the JBS USA Registered Notes in a timely manner.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

We cannot assure you that the credit ratings for the JBS USA Registered Notes will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn by the rating agencies.

The credit ratings of the JBS USA Registered Notes may change. Such ratings are limited in scope, and do not address all material risks relating to an investment in the JBS USA Registered Notes, but rather reflect only the views of the rating agencies at the time the ratings are issued. An explanation of the significance of such ratings may be obtained from the rating agencies. We cannot assure you that such credit ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that such ratings will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the rating agencies, if, in the judgment of such rating agencies, circumstances so warrant. Any lowering, suspension or withdrawal of such ratings may have an adverse effect on the market price and marketability of the JBS USA Registered Notes.

Debt & Financing - Risk 4

Payments by JBS USA under the JBS USA Registered Notes may be subject to taxes in Luxembourg.

An investment in the JBS USA Registered Notes involves a number of complex tax considerations. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences in relation to investing, holding and disposing the JBS USA Registered Notes in light of their particular circumstances.

Debt & Financing - Risk 5

We are not prohibited from incurring significantly more debt.

As of December 31, 2023, our total outstanding indebtedness was US$19,999.1 million, consisting of US$891.6 million of current loans and financings and US$19,107.6 million of non-current loans and financings. If we are unable to repay or refinance our current or non-current loans and financings as they mature, this would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. The terms of the indentures and other contracts governing our existing debt permit us to incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, including secured debt. We may borrow additional funds to fund our capital expenditures, working capital needs or other purposes, including under the JBS USA Senior Unsecured Revolving Facility (as defined in "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Description of Material Indebtedness") or to fund future acquisitions. In addition, under the terms of our indentures and other contracts governing our existing debt, we are also permitted to incur significant additional short-term or long-term indebtedness, and our consolidated debt levels could increase. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-B. Liquidity and Capital Resources-Description of Material Indebtedness" and "Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities-A. Debt Securities-Description of the JBS USA Registered Notes."

Debt & Financing - Risk 6

The Co-Issuers' and the Parent Guarantors' obligations to repay secured debt, and the obligations of JBS USA's non-guarantor subsidiaries to repay their debt and other liabilities will have priority over the Co-Issuers' obligations under the JBS USA Registered Notes and the Parent Guarantors' obligations under their guarantees of the JBS USA Registered Notes.

The JBS USA Registered Notes and the guarantees thereof are senior unsecured obligations and are effectively subordinated to the Co-Issuers' and Parent Guarantors' secured obligations to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations. The JBS USA Registered Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future debt and other liabilities, including trade payables, of JBS USA's non-guarantor subsidiaries, including JBS USA's Australian subsidiaries. The indentures governing the JBS USA Registered Notes permit us to incur a significant amount of additional secured debt. In addition, the JBS USA Registered Notes will be effectively subordinated to the claims of JBS USA's livestock suppliers under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended, which grants to those suppliers preferential treatment as creditors. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-B. Business Overview-Regulation-North America." JBS USA's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation to pay any amounts to JBS USA, whether by dividends, loans, advances or other payments. The ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other payments to JBS USA depends on their earnings, capital requirements and general financial conditions and is restricted by, among other things, applicable corporate and other laws and regulations and the provisions of agreements to which they are or may become a party. The effect of this subordination to secured debt described in the first paragraph of this risk factor is that if a Co-Issuer or a Parent Guarantor is involved in a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding, or upon a default in payment on, or the acceleration of, any debt under the Co-Issuer's or a Parent Guarantors' secured debt, the Co-Issuers' assets and those of the Parent Guarantors that secure such debt will be available to pay obligations on the JBS USA Registered Notes only after all debt under such other secured debt has been paid in full from those assets. The effect of the structural subordination described in the first paragraph of this risk factor is that the non-guarantor subsidiaries of JBS USA and JBS S.A. will not be obligated to make any payments on the JBS USA Registered Notes, and, therefore, all of their obligations, including trade payables, will effectively rank senior to the JBS USA Registered Notes. The Co-Issuers and the Parent Guarantors may not have sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the JBS USA Registered Notes then outstanding. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-B. Liquidity and Capital Resources-Description of Material Indebtedness" and "Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities-A. Debt Securities-Description of the JBS USA Registered Notes."

Debt & Financing - Risk 7

Covenant restrictions under certain of our other debt agreements may limit our ability to operate our business.

Certain of our other debt agreements contain, among other things, covenants that may restrict our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities. Such debt agreements restrict, among other things, our ability to: - incur additional indebtedness;- create liens on or sell our assets;- pay dividends on or redeem capital stock;- make restricted payments;- create or permit restrictions on the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions;- enter into transactions with affiliates; and - engage in mergers, consolidations and certain dispositions of assets. In addition, certain of our credit facilities require us and certain of our subsidiaries to maintain specified financial ratios and tests which may require that we or they take action to reduce debt or to act in a manner contrary to our business objectives. Events beyond our control, including changes in general business and economic conditions, may affect our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests. We may not meet those ratios and tests, and our creditors may not waive any failure to meet those ratios and tests. A breach of any of these covenants or failure to maintain these ratios would result in an event of default under the relevant credit facility, and any such event of default or resulting acceleration under such credit facility could result in an event of default under our indentures and/or other debt agreements. If an event of default under a credit facility were to occur, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable which could result in events of default under the indentures governing the JBS USA Registered Notes. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-B. Liquidity and Capital Resources-Description of Material Indebtedness" and "Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities-A. Debt Securities-Description of the JBS USA Registered Notes."

Debt & Financing - Risk 8

Obligations under the JBS USA Registered Notes and the related guarantees will be subordinated to certain statutory liabilities.

Under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Parent Guarantors, obligations under the JBS USA Registered Notes will be subordinated to certain statutory preferences. In the event of any liquidation, bankruptcy, or judicial reorganization of such entities, such statutory preferences, including motions for restitution, post-petition claims, claims for salaries, wages, social security, taxes and court fees and expenses and claims secured by collateral, among others, will have preference and priority over any other claims, including any claims in respect of JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Parent Guarantors under the JBS USA Registered Notes.

Debt & Financing - Risk 9

The indentures governing the JBS USA Registered Notes provide for the release of the guarantees of the JBS USA Registered Notes, our ability to substitute JBS USA as an issuer, and our ability to release JBS USA Food Company as an issuer of the JBS USA Registered Notes.

If certain conditions are met, the Parent Guarantors will be released from their guarantees of the JBS USA Registered Notes. See "Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities-A. Debt Securities-Description of the JBS USA Registered Notes-Release of Guarantees of Parent Guarantors and Fall-Away of Covenants of Parent." Moreover, we may substitute JBS USA for a direct or indirect parent of JBS USA or any subsidiary of JBS USA that owns, or after the substitution, will own, a majority of the assets of the JBS USA for purposes of the indentures, as described under "Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities-A. Debt Securities-Description of the JBS USA Registered Notes-Substitution of the Company." Alternatively, if certain conditions are met, we may release JBS USA Food Company as an issuer of the JBS USA Registered Notes for purposes of the indentures, as described under "Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities-A. Debt Securities-Description of the JBS USA Registered Notes-Release of JBS USA Food as an Issuer." As a consequence of any release of any guarantees of the JBS USA Registered Notes, the substitution of JBS USA as an issuer and/or the release of JBS USA Food Company as an issuer of the JBS USA Registered Notes, the obligor or obligors, assets and revenues available for repayment of the JBS USA Registered Notes may be significantly different from the obligors, assets and revenues at the time of a holder's investment in the JBS USA Registered Notes. In addition, following any release of any guarantees of the JBS USA Registered Notes or the release of JBS USA Food Company as an issuer, the applicable guarantors that have their guarantees released may continue to guarantee certain of our other outstanding debt and/or JBS USA Food Company may continue to be an issuer of certain of our other outstanding notes, and the JBS USA Registered Notes would effectively be subordinated in right of payment to such outstanding debt. Moreover, a substitution of JBS USA as an issuer or a release of JBS USA Food Company as an issuer could have adverse tax consequences to holders of the JBS USA Registered Notes.

Debt & Financing - Risk 10

Brazilian bankruptcy laws may be less favorable to you than U.S. bankruptcy and insolvency laws.

If JBS USA is unable to pay its indebtedness and JBS S.A. fails to pay its obligations under the guarantee that guarantees any such indebtedness, then we may become subject to bankruptcy proceedings in Brazil. Brazilian bankruptcy law is significantly different from, and may be less favorable to creditors than, the bankruptcy law in effect in the United States. In addition, any judgment obtained against us in Brazilian courts in respect of any payment obligations under the JBS USA Registered Notes may be expressed in the real equivalent of the U.S. dollar amount of such sum at the exchange rate in effect (1) on the date of actual payment, (2) on the date on which collection or enforcement proceedings are started against us or (3) the execution date of the respective agreement. Consequently, in the event of our bankruptcy in a liquidation proceeding, all of our debt obligations, including the guarantee, that are denominated in foreign currency will be converted into Brazilian reais at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of declaration of our bankruptcy by the court. However, in a reorganization proceeding under Brazilian bankruptcy law, all of our debt obligations, including the guarantee, that are denominated in foreign currency will remain in foreign currency, unless the parties agree otherwise. In addition, creditors of certain of the guarantors may hold negotiable instruments or other instruments governed by local law that grant rights to attach the assets of such guarantors at the inception of judicial proceedings in the relevant jurisdiction, which attachment is likely to result in priorities benefitting those creditors when compared to the rights of holders of the JBS USA Registered Notes.

Debt & Financing - Risk 11

We are subject to interest rate fluctuations, which may be harmful to our business.

A portion of our debt is subject to interest rate fluctuations, including fluctuations in: (1) the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") and the Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") and (2) Brazilian financial market rates or inflation rates, such as the Interbank Deposit Certificate (Certificado de Depósito Interbancário) ("CDI") and the Long-Term Interest Rate (Taxa de Juros de Longo Prazo) (the "Brazilian TJLP rate") (Brazil's long-term interest rate published quarterly by the Brazilian National Monetary Council). We are also exposed to exchange rate risk because we have assets and liabilities and future cash flows and earnings denominated in foreign currencies. See "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." Fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates are caused by a number of factors that are beyond our control. If interest rates, such as SOFR, EURIBOR, the CDI and Brazilian TJLP rates, or exchange rates increase significantly, our finance expenses will increase and our ability to obtain financings may decrease, which may materially adversely affect our results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 12

Failure by us to achieve our sustainability performance targets may result in increased interest payments under future financings and harm to our reputation.

As described in "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-B. Liquidity and Capital Resources-Description of Material Indebtedness-Fixed-Rate Notes-Sustainability-Linked Bonds" and "-JBS S.A. Agribusiness Credit Receivable Certificates (Certificados de Recebíveis do Agronegócio)-Sustainability-Linked CRAs," certain of our debt instruments contain certain sustainability performance targets of JBS S.A., JBS USA or PPC that if unsatisfied will result in an increase in the interest rate payable on the respective debt instruments. Achieving these sustainability performance targets or any similar sustainability performance targets we may choose to include in future financings or other arrangements will require us to expend significant resources. In 2021, we became the first major global meat and poultry company to set climate reduction goals by 2040. As part of these environmental aspirations, we signed on to the United Nations Global Compact's Business Ambition for 1.5°C initiative, which aligns with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming. While we are dedicated to working towards these climate reduction goals, they are ambitious and success in achieving these goals will require collaboration and alignment, as well as resources and efforts by experts, shareholders, customers, governments, and partners throughout our supply chain. Our goals will also require advanced technologies, tools, and solutions. The mere setting of these goals may subject JBS S.A. and its affiliates and, in some instances already have subjected JBS USA, to criticism, investigations, regulatory enforcement, litigation, or other risk. In addition, a failure by us to achieve these goals could harm our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Corporate Activity and Growth2 | 4.1%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

We may pursue additional opportunities to acquire complementary businesses, which could further increase leverage and debt service requirements and could adversely affect our financial situation, especially if we fail to successfully integrate the acquired business.

We intend to continue to pursue selective acquisitions of complementary businesses in the future. Inherent in any future acquisitions are certain risks such as increasing leverage and debt service requirements and combining company cultures and facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, particularly during the period immediately following such acquisitions. Additional debt or equity capital may be required to complete future acquisitions, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the required capital. Furthermore, acquisitions involve a number of risks and challenges, including: - diversion of management's attention;- potential loss of key employees and customers of the acquired companies;- an increase in our expenses and working capital requirements;- failure of the acquired entities to achieve expected results;- our failure to successfully integrate any acquired entities into our business; and - our inability to achieve expected synergies and/or economies of scale. These opportunities may also expose us to successor liability relating to actions involving any acquired entities, their respective management or contingent liabilities incurred prior to our involvement and will expose us to liabilities associated with ongoing operations, in particular to the extent we are unable to adequately and safely manage such acquired operations. These transactions may also be structured in such a manner that would result in our assumption of obligations or liabilities not identified during our pre-acquisition due diligence. Any of these factors could adversely affect our ability to achieve anticipated cash flows at acquired operations or realize other anticipated benefits of acquisitions, which could adversely affect our reputation and have a material adverse effect on us.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

Our growth (organic and inorganic) may require substantial capital and long-term investments.

Our competitiveness and growth depend on our ability to fund our capital expenditures. We cannot assure you that we will be able to fund our capital expenditures at reasonable costs due to adverse macroeconomic conditions, our performance or other external factors, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 10/49 (20%)Below Sector Average

Regulation5 | 10.2%

Regulation - Risk 1

Our businesses are subject to government policies and extensive regulations affecting the beef, pork and poultry industries.

Livestock production and trade flows are significantly affected by government policies and regulations. Government policies affecting the livestock industry, such as taxes, tariffs, duties, subsidies and import and export restrictions on livestock products, can influence industry profitability, the use of land resources, the location and size of livestock production, whether unprocessed or processed commodity products are traded, and the volume and types of imports and exports. Our plants and products are subject to periodic inspections by federal, state and municipal authorities, such as the USDA, the Brazilian Federal Inspection Service (Serviço de Inspeção Federal- SIF) and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service, and to comprehensive food regulation, including controls over processed food. Our operations are subject to extensive regulation and oversight by state, local and foreign authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, distribution, advertising and labeling of its products, including food safety standards. Our failure to comply with such regulations may result in a need to recall products or in fines or other sanctions imposed by such authorities. Our exported products are often inspected by foreign food safety authorities, and any violation discovered during these inspections may result in a partial or total return of a shipment, partial or total destruction of the shipment and costs due to delays in product deliveries to our customers. For more information about the regulations to which our operations are subject, see "Item 4. Information on the Company-B. Business Overview-Regulation." Government policies in the jurisdictions in which we operate may adversely affect the supply of, demand for and prices of livestock products, restrict our ability to do business in existing and target domestic and export markets and could adversely affect our results of operations. Import tariffs and/or other mandates imposed by the current presidential administration in the United States could potentially lead to a trade war with other foreign governments, and could significantly increase the prices on our products exported from the United States, such as pork and chicken. The U.S., EU or other countries could impose trade restrictions that would restrict or prevent us from exporting beef from Brazil. Such changes in regulations, or restrictions or bans on beef exports, could be imposed in connection with a desire by regulators to curb deforestation in the Amazon region. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-B. Business Overview-Regulation-Cattle and Grain Supply Chains and Deforestation."

Regulation - Risk 2

Restrictions on the movement of currency out of Brazil and changes in the foreign exchange policy of Brazil may impair the ability of holders of the JBS USA Registered Notes to receive interest and other payments on the JBS USA Registered Notes in respect of the guarantee provided by JBS S.A. In addition, judgments of Brazilian courts enforcing JBS S.A.'s obligations under its guarantee would be payable only in Brazilian reais.

The Brazilian government may impose temporary restrictions on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign currencies and on the remittance to foreign investors of proceeds of their investments in Brazil. Brazilian law permits the government to impose these restrictions whenever there is a serious imbalance in Brazil's balance of payments or there are reasons to foresee a serious imbalance. The Brazilian government imposed remittance restrictions for approximately six months in 1990. Similar restrictions, if imposed in the future, would impair or prevent the conversion of interest payments on the JBS USA Registered Notes from Brazilian reais into U.S. dollars and the remittance of U.S. dollars abroad to holders of the JBS USA Registered Notes. The Brazilian government may take similar measures in the future. Under Brazilian regulations, Brazilian companies are not required to obtain authorization from the Brazilian Central Bank in order to make payments under guarantees in favor of foreign persons, such as the holders of the JBS USA Registered Notes. We cannot assure you that these regulations will continue to be in force at the time we are required to perform our payment obligations under the guarantee. If these regulations are modified and an authorization from the Brazilian Central Bank is required, we would need to seek an authorization from the Brazilian Central Bank to transfer the amounts under the guarantee out of Brazil or, alternatively, make such payments with funds held by us outside Brazil. We cannot assure you that such an authorization will be obtained or that such funds will be available. If proceedings are brought in the courts of Brazil seeking to enforce our obligations under the guarantee, we would not be required to discharge our obligations in a currency other than Brazilian reais. Any judgment obtained against us in Brazilian courts in respect of any payment obligations under the guarantee would be expressed in Brazilian reais. We cannot assure you that this amount in Brazilian reais will afford you full compensation of the amount sought in any such litigation.

Regulation - Risk 3

Efforts to comply with immigration laws and/or the introduction of new immigration legislation could make it more difficult or costly for us to hire employees, as well as have a material adverse effect on our operations and subject us to civil or possible criminal penalties.

Immigration reform continues to attract significant attention among the public and governments in the markets in which we operate, including the United States. If new immigration legislation is enacted or further changes in immigration or work authorization laws could increase our compliance and oversight obligations, which could subject us to additional costs and potential liability and make our hiring process more burdensome, and could potentially reduce the availability of prospective employees. Additional labor costs and other costs of doing business could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, despite our efforts to hire only persons legally authorized to work in the jurisdictions in which we operate, we are unable to ensure that all of our employees are persons legally authorized to work. No assurances can be given that enforcement efforts by governmental authorities will not disrupt a portion of our workforce or operations at one or more facilities, thereby negatively impacting our business. Moreover, efforts by governmental authorities in enforcing the law may occur, including civil or possible criminal penalties, and we may face shortages of personnel or interruptions in our operations in one or more plants, resulting in an adverse impact on our business.

Regulation - Risk 4

We are subject to anti-corruption laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and the Brazil Clean Company Act.

We are subject to a number of anti-corruption laws, including, without limitation, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA"), the U.K. Bribery Act and the Brazil Clean Company Act. The FCPA and similar anti-bribery laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments or improperly providing anything of value to foreign officials, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business and/or other benefits. Some of these laws have legal effect outside the jurisdictions in which they are adopted under certain circumstances. The FCPA also requires maintenance of adequate record-keeping and internal accounting practices to accurately reflect transactions. Under the FCPA, companies operating in the United States may be held liable for actions taken by their strategic or local partners or representatives. The U.K. Bribery Act is broader in scope than the FCPA in that it directly prohibits commercial bribery (i.e. bribing others than government officials) in addition to bribery of government officials and it does not recognize certain exceptions, notably for facilitation payments, that are permitted by the FCPA. The U.K. Bribery Act also has wide jurisdiction. It covers any offense committed in the United Kingdom, but proceedings can also be brought if a person who has a close connection with the United Kingdom commits the relevant acts or omissions outside the United Kingdom. The U.K. Bribery Act defines a person with a close connection to include British citizens, individuals ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and bodies incorporated in the United Kingdom. The U.K. Bribery Act also provides that any organization that conducts part of its business in the United Kingdom, even if it is not incorporated in the United Kingdom, can be prosecuted for the corporate offense of failing to prevent bribery by an associated person, even if the bribery took place entirely outside the United Kingdom and the associated person had no connection with the United Kingdom. Other jurisdictions in which we operate have adopted similar anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws to which we are subject. Civil and criminal penalties may be imposed for violations of these laws. The Brazil Clean Company Act provides that bribery, among other acts against the public and foreign administration, is illegal and subjects companies involved in these wrongdoings to severe penalties. Companies are subjected to strict liability, with the result that the existence or absence of intent or negligence is irrelevant. In case a company is found to be in violation of the Brazil Clean Company Act's provisions, it may suffer the imposition of administrative sanctions in the form of a fine that can range from 0.1% to 20% of its gross revenue in the year before the initiation of the administrative proceeding leading to the imposition of sanctions. Companies may also be subject to judicial sanctions, such as: loss of assets, rights or profits directly or indirectly obtained from the wrongdoing; partial suspension or interdiction of its activities; compulsory dissolution of the legal entity; and prohibition from receiving incentives, subsidies, grants, donations or loans from public financial institutions. Furthermore, companies may be subject to reputational penalties, such as having their name included in the National Register of Punished Enterprises. According to the Brazil Clean Company Act, related, controlling and controlled companies as well as companies that are part of a consortium are jointly liable for the penalties, but limited to damages and fines. The Code of Conduct and Ethics, adopted by JBS S.A. in May 2018 requires our employees or third-parties acting on behalf of JBS S.A. to not make any kind of payments to public or private entities or individuals in order to obtain undue advantages. We operate in some countries which are viewed as high risk for corruption. Despite our ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act, the Brazil Clean Company Act and similar laws, there can be no assurance that our directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, third-party intermediaries and the companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, will comply with those laws and our anti-corruption policies, and we may be ultimately held responsible for any such non-compliance. If we or our directors or officers violate anti-corruption laws or other laws governing the conduct of business with government entities (including local laws), we or our directors or officers may be subject to criminal and civil penalties or other remedial measures, which could harm our reputation and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Any investigation of any actual or alleged violations of such laws could also harm our reputation or have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Regulation - Risk 5

Luxembourg bankruptcy laws may be different than U.S. and other bankruptcy and insolvency laws.

If JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company or the Luxembourg guarantor are unable to pay their indebtedness, including their respective obligations under the JBS USA Registered Notes or the guarantees, then JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor may become subject to bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings in Luxembourg. Luxembourg bankruptcy law is significantly different from, and may be less favorable to creditors than, the bankruptcy law in effect in the United States.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities3 | 6.1%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

Judgments of Luxembourg courts enforcing our obligations would be payable only in euros.

If proceedings are brought in the courts of Luxembourg seeking to enforce JBS USA's and JBS Luxembourg Company's obligations under the JBS USA Registered Notes, JBS USA and JBS Luxembourg Company would not be required to discharge their obligations in a currency other than euros. Any judgment obtained against JBS USA and JBS Luxembourg Company in Luxembourg courts in respect of any payment obligations would be expressed in euros. We cannot assure you that this amount in euros will afford you full compensation of the amount sought in any such litigation.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2

Unfavorable decisions in legal, administrative, antitrust or arbitration proceedings and government investigations may adversely affect us.

We are defendants in legal, administrative, antitrust and arbitration proceedings arising from the ordinary conduct of our business, particularly with respect to civil, tax, labor and environmental claims, which may be decided to our detriment, and are involved in various government investigations. For more information regarding our proceedings and investigations, see "Item 8. Financial Information-A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information-Legal Proceedings." In addition, we cannot guarantee that new lawsuits (judicial or administrative of any nature) or investigations against us, our ultimate controlling shareholders and managers will not arise. Applicable laws and regulations could subject us and our managers to civil and criminal penalties, including debarment from contracts concluded with the public administration and prohibition to celebrating new ones and loss of fiscal benefits, which could materially and adversely affect our product sales, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. Adverse rulings that have material economic or reputational impacts on us or impede the execution of our growth plan may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, unfavorable decisions in proceedings or investigations involving us and our ultimate controlling shareholders and managers may affect our image and business. For certain lawsuits, we were not required to and have not established any provision on our statement of financial position or have established provisions only for part of the amounts in dispute, based on our judgments as to the likelihood of winning these lawsuits. We cannot guarantee that the provisioned amounts (if any) will be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of the corresponding proceedings, which could adversely impact our business and operating results.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3

We are subject to reputational risk in connection with U.S. and Brazilian civil and criminal actions and investigations involving our ultimate controlling shareholders, and these actions may materially adversely impact our business and prospects and damage our reputation and image.

In 2017, following disclosures of certain payments made to Brazilian politicians from 2009 to 2015, our ultimate controlling shareholders, among others, entered into Collaboration Agreements with the Brazilian Attorney General's Office (Procuradoria-Geral da República), and J&F, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, entered into a Leniency Agreement with the Brazilian Federal Prosecution Office (Ministério Público Federal). In 2020, our ultimate controlling shareholders also entered into a settlement with the SEC, and J&F reached a plea agreement with the DOJ relating to the circumstances and payments that were the subject of the Collaboration Agreements and Leniency Agreement. For more information about the facts and circumstances underlying these agreements, see "Item 7. Major Shareholder and Related Party Transactions-A. Major Shareholders-Civil and Criminal Actions and Investigations involving our Ultimate Controlling Shareholders." The Brazilian Collaboration Agreements and Leniency Agreement, the SEC order and the DOJ plea agreement have resolved the Brazilian and U.S. criminal legal exposure of JBS S.A, J&F and our ultimate controlling shareholders related to the conduct that was the subject of the Leniency Agreement. We are, and our ultimate controlling shareholders are and J&F have informed us that they are, in compliance with all of their applicable financial and non-financial obligations pursuant to the Brazilian Collaboration Agreements and Leniency Agreement, the SEC order and the DOJ plea agreement. A breach of any of these agreements could have an adverse effect on us. In addition, our ultimate controlling shareholders and J&F were under investigation by the CVM in Brazil for alleged violations of Brazilian securities and corporate law, in which CVM has made final decisions. JBS S.A. and Seara (a subsidiary of JBS S.A.) were party to one of these proceedings. For more information about these investigations, see "Item 7. Major Shareholder and Related Party Transactions-A. Major Shareholders-Civil and Criminal Actions and Investigations involving our Ultimate Controlling Shareholders-Other Investigations and Proceedings." As a result of the above-mentioned matters, the reputation of our direct controlling shareholders, our ultimate controlling shareholders and JBS S.A. has suffered and may continue to suffer. To the extent that the negative reputational impact of these events continues into the future, if pending investigations and proceedings are not resolved favorably to JBS S.A. and our ultimate controlling shareholders, or if future events or actions give rise to new investigations or proceedings, our ability to execute our business strategies, enter into beneficial transactions, partnerships or acquisitions, we may be materially negatively affected. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee that negative news and publicity (whether or not factually accurate) will not be released in the future that involve our company, JBS S.A., our direct controlling shareholders or our ultimate controlling shareholders. We also cannot be certain that any actions we take in response to a reputational crisis will be effective or sufficient. Actions or allegations (whether grounded or unfounded) regarding actions taken by third parties, including our direct controlling shareholders, our ultimate controlling shareholders, or our suppliers or partners, including, but not limited to, illegal acts or corruption, actions contrary to health or worker safety, or actions contrary to socio-environmental regulations, may materially adversely impact our reputation and image with our customers, suppliers and partners and the market, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and future prospects.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.0%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

We are subject to ordinary course audits by regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions where we operate and changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities, in either case, could adversely affect the taxes we pay and therefore our financial condition and results of operations.

As a global company, we are subject to ordinary course audits by regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions where we operate, including audits currently being conducted by applicable tax authorities in Brazil, Australia and the United Kingdom. The resolution of these audits remains uncertain, and we have not established any reserves for any potential liability relating to these or any other audits. It is possible that we could, in the future, incur unanticipated tax liabilities arising from these or any other audits, which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we are subject to taxation in numerous countries, states and other jurisdictions. Tax laws, tax treaties, regulations, and administrative practices or their interpretation in various jurisdictions, including the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting that has been agreed to by many of the countries in which we operate, may be subject to significant change, with or without notice, due to economic, political and other conditions, and significant judgment is required in applying the relevant provisions of tax law. Furthermore, in Brazil, the income tax exemption on dividend distribution and interest applicable under current legislation may be reviewed and, in the case of interest on shareholders' equity (juros sobre capital próprio) be prohibited, have its taxation increased in the future, including the modifications in its calculation basis such as recent changes introduced by Law No. 14,789/2023 (that, among other modifications, prevented the inclusion of the Tax Incentive Reserve in such calculation basis as of January 1, 2024), which may impact the net amount to be received by our shareholders. If such changes were to be adopted or if the tax authorities in the jurisdictions where we operate were to challenge our application of relevant provisions of applicable tax laws, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Environmental / Social1 | 2.0%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Compliance with existing or changing environmental requirements relating to current and/or discontinued operations may result in significant costs, and failure to comply may result in civil liabilities for damages as well as criminal and administrative sanctions.

Our operations are subject to extensive and increasingly stringent federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of the environment, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, the handling, treatment and disposal of waste and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination. For more information, see "Item 4. Information on the Company-B. Business Overview-Regulation." Failure to comply with these requirements could have serious consequences for us, including criminal, civil and administrative penalties, claims for property damage, personal injury and damage to natural resources and negative publicity. Our activities may also be affected by future international agreements entered into force to protect the environment. In general, environmental laws and regulations have become increasingly stringent over time. As a result of possible new environmental requirements, increasingly strict interpretation or enforcement thereof or other unforeseen events, we may have to incur additional expenses and divert management attention from operating our business in order to comply with such environmental rules and regulations, which may adversely affect our available resources for capital expenditures and other purposes, increase our costs and expenses, and, as a result, reduce our profit. For example, in March 2024 the SEC published its final rules to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures, including certain climate-related metrics and greenhouse gas emissions data, information about climate-related targets and goals, climate-related risks and attestation requirements. We are currently assessing the impact of the new rules, including compliance phase-in dates, but at this time, we cannot predict the costs of implementation or any potential adverse impacts resulting from the new rules. However, we may incur increased costs relating to the assessment and disclosure of climate-related risks and increased litigation risks related to disclosures made pursuant to the new rules, either of which could materially and adversely affect our future results of operations and financial condition.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 9/49 (18%)Above Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment4 | 8.2%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Deterioration of global economic conditions could adversely affect our business.

Our business may be adversely affected by changes in global economic conditions, including changes in GDP, inflation, interest rates, availability of capital, consumer spending rates, energy availability and costs (including fuel surcharges) and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions. Any such changes could adversely affect the demand for products both in domestic and international markets, or the cost and availability of our needed raw materials, including cooking ingredients and packaging materials, thereby adversely affecting our financial results. Disruptions in credit and other financial markets and deterioration of global economic conditions could: - adversely affect global demand for protein products, which could result in a reduction of sales, operating profit and cash flows;- make it more difficult or costly for us to obtain financing for our operations or investments or to refinance our debt in the future;- cause our lenders to depart from prior credit industry practice and make more difficult or expensive the granting of any technical or other waivers under our debt agreements to the extent we may seek them in the future;- impair the financial condition of some of our customers and suppliers; and - decrease the value of our investments. In addition, inflation, which has significantly risen, has and may continue to increase our operational costs, including labor costs and grain and feed ingredient costs, and continued increases in interest rates in response to concerns about inflation may have the effect of further increasing economic uncertainty and heightening these risks. As a result, instability and weakness of the U.S. and global economies, including due to the effects caused by disruptions to financial markets, inflation, recession, high unemployment, geopolitical events and other effects caused by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the negative effects on consumers' spending, may materially negatively affect our business and results of operations. A prolonged period of reduced consumer spending could have an adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2

Our business may be negatively impacted by economic or other consequences from Russia's war against Ukraine and the sanctions imposed as a response to that action.

We face risks related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022. The impact of the ongoing war and sanctions will not be limited to businesses that operate in Russia and Ukraine and may negatively impact other global economic markets including where we operate. The impacts have included and may continue to include, but are not limited to, higher prices for commodities, such as food products, ingredients and energy products, increasing inflation in some countries, and disrupted trade and supply chains. The conflict has disrupted shipments of grains, vegetable oils, fertilizer and energy products. The impact on the agriculture markets falls into two main categories: (1) the effect on Ukrainian crop production, as the region is key in global grain production; and (2) the duration of the disruption in trade flows. Safety and financing concerns in the region are restricting export execution, which is in turn forcing grain and oil demand to find alternative supply. The duration of the war and related volatility makes global markets extremely sensitive to growing-season weather in other global grain producing regions and has led to a large risk premium in futures prices. Moreover, Russia's suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in June 2023 may further pressure on trade flows in the region. The continued volatility in the global markets, in part, as a result of the war has adversely impacted our costs by driving up prices, raising inflation and increasing pressure on the supply of feed ingredients and energy products throughout the global markets. In addition, the U.S. government and other governments in jurisdictions in which we operate have imposed sanctions and export controls against Russia, Belarus and interests therein and threatened additional sanctions and controls. Our business may be impacted by the increase in energy prices and the availability of energy during the winter months. The impact of these measures, now and in the future, could adversely affect our business, supply chain or customers. Finally, there may be increased risk of cyberattack as a result of the ongoing conflict. We have not seen any new or heightened risk of potential cyberattacks since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. See "-Risks Relating to Our Business and Industries-We depend on our information technology systems, and any failure of these systems could adversely affect our business" for additional information.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3

The Brazilian government exercises, and will continue to exercise, significant influence over the Brazilian economy. These influences, as well as the political and economic conditions of the country, could negatively affect our activities.

The Brazilian government frequently intervenes in the country's economy and occasionally implements significant political and regulatory changes. Government actions to control inflation and other regulations and policies have involved, among other measures, increases or decreases in interest rates, changes in fiscal policy, price control, currency depreciations and appreciations, capital controls, import limits, among other actions. Our activities, as well as our financial condition and results of operations, may be adversely affected by changes in government policies and regulations involving or affecting factors such as: - monetary policy and interest rates;- exchange controls and restrictions on international remittances;- exchange rate fluctuations;- tax changes;- liquidity of the Brazilian financial and capital markets;- interest rates - inflation;- shortage of energy;- fiscal policy. Uncertainties related to the possibility that the Brazilian government may implement future policy and regulatory changes that involve or affect the factors mentioned above, among others, may contribute to a scenario of economic uncertainty in the country and high volatility in the domestic securities market, as well as securities issued by Brazilian companies abroad. This uncertainty and other future events affecting the Brazilian economy, as well as other measures taken by the government, may adversely affect our operations and operational results. We cannot predict whether or when new fiscal, monetary and exchange policies will be adopted by the Brazilian government, or even whether such policies will in fact affect the country's economy, operations, financial condition or our results.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 4

Economic and political crises in Brazil may have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.

Brazil has been affected by economic instability caused by different economic and political events in recent years, causing a decrease in gross domestic product and affecting supply (investment levels and increase in the use of technology in production, among others) and demand (employment levels and income, among others). As a result, the uncertainty over the Brazilian government's ability to achieve the economic reforms necessary to improve public accounts and the economy in general has led to a reduction in market confidence in the Brazilian economy and aggravated the domestic political environment. The Brazilian economy is still influenced by government policies and actions that, if not successful or well implemented, may affect the operations and financial performance of companies, including ours. In the past few years, the Brazilian political environment experienced intense instability due principally to the exposure of a corruption scheme involving various politicians, including highly-ranked politicians, which led to the impeachment of the former president of Brazil and lawsuits against her successor and others. In October 2022, Brazil held elections for President, senators, federal deputies and state deputies. The leading candidates in the Presidential race were incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, representing distinctly opposing political ideologies. Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was elected President. Brazil's political environment has historically influenced, and continues to influence, the performance of the country's economy, and uncertainty regarding political developments and the policies the Brazilian federal government may adopt or alter may have material adverse effects on the macroeconomic environment in Brazil, as well as on businesses operating in Brazil, including ours. Political and economic instabilities may result in a negative perception of the Brazilian economy and an increase in the volatility of the Brazilian capital markets, which can also adversely affect our business. Any recurrent economic instability and political uncertainty may adversely affect our business and have a material adverse effect on us.

International Operations1 | 2.0%

International Operations - Risk 1

We are exposed to emerging and developing country risks.

Our operations in emerging and developing countries are subject to the customary risks of operating in these countries, which include potential political and economic uncertainty, government debt crises, application of exchange controls, reliance on foreign investment, nationalization or expropriation, crime and lack of law enforcement, political insurrection, terrorism, religious unrest, external interference, currency fluctuations and changes in government policy. In Brazil, for example, the federal government frequently intervenes in the economy and its actions to control inflation and other regulations and policies have often involved, among other measures, increases in interest rates, changes in tax policies, price controls, currency devaluations, capital controls and limits on imports, among others. Due to our exposure in Brazil, these factors could affect us more than our competitors with less exposure to such emerging and developing countries, and any general decline in emerging and developing countries as a whole could impact us disproportionately compared to our competitors. Such factors could affect our results by causing interruptions to operations, by increasing the costs of operating in those countries or by limiting the ability to repatriate profits from those countries. These circumstances could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 4.1%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Natural disasters, climate change, climate change regulations, adverse weather conditions and greenhouse effects may adversely impact our operations and markets.

There is a growing political and scientific consensus that emissions of greenhouse gases ("GHG"), continue to alter the composition of the global atmosphere in ways that are affecting the global climate. Climate change, including the impact of global warming, creates physical and financial risk. Physical risks from climate change include an increase in sea level and changes in weather conditions, such as an increase in changes in precipitation and extreme weather events. Climate change could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Natural disasters, fire, bioterrorism, pandemics, drought, changes in rainfall patterns or extreme weather, including floods, excessive cold or heat, hurricanes or other storms, could impair the health or growth of livestock or interfere with our operations due to power outages, fuel shortages, damage to our production and processing plants, disruption of transportation channels or increases in the price of livestock and animal feed ingredients, among other things. Furthermore, if heat waves and droughts occur with greater frequency and intensity in locations where we maintain livestock, we may have to incur additional expenses to maintain livestock in suitable conditions or move it to other locations. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, either individually or in the aggregate. We are subject to legislation and regulation regarding climate change, and compliance with related rules could be difficult and costly. Concerned parties in the countries in which we operate, such as government agencies, legislators and regulators, shareholders and non-governmental organizations, as well as companies in many business sectors, are considering ways to reduce GHG emissions. We could incur increased energy, environmental and other costs and capital expenditures to comply with existing or new GHG limitations. We could also face increased costs related to defending and resolving legal claims and other litigation related to climate change and the alleged impact of our operations on climate change, which may also impact our image. In addition, certain of our debt instruments contain certain sustainability performance targets of JBS S.A., JBS USA or PPC relating to GHG emissions. A failure by us to achieve these sustainability performance targets would not only result in increased interest payments under relevant financing arrangements, but could also harm our reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. For additional information, see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-B. Liquidity and Capital Resources-Description of Material Indebtedness-Fixed-Rate Notes-Sustainability-Linked Bonds." Furthermore, growing attention on the environmental and climate change impact of beef production, in particular, could lead (1) to legislative or regulatory actions aimed at reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of cows that could materially increase the production cost of beef or (2) to changes in customer preferences and overall demand for beef that would materially affect consumption of our products.

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2

Outbreaks of animal diseases may affect our ability to conduct our business and harm demand for our products.

Supply of and demand for our products can be adversely impacted by outbreaks of animal diseases, which can have a significant impact on our financial results. Outbreaks of diseases affecting animals, such as BSE, FMD and various strains of influenza, which may be caused by factors beyond our control, or concerns that these diseases may occur and spread in the future, could significantly affect demand for our products, consumer perceptions of certain protein products, the availability of livestock for purchase by us and our ability to conduct our operations, including as a result of cancellations of orders by our customers or governmental restrictions on the import and export of our products to or from our suppliers, facilities or customers. For example, in February 2023, Brazil suspended beef exports to China following one confirmed case of atypical mad cow disease in Brazil. This suspension lasted approximately one month. Although this suspension did not have a material adverse effect on us given that sales of beef from Brazil to China represented less than 3% of JBS S.A. total consolidated net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2023, another case or outbreak of mad cow disease in the markets where we produce beef that leads to a more geographically widespread and/or longer lasting suspension of our beef sales may have a more significant adverse effect on results of operations. Moreover, outbreaks of animal diseases could have a significant effect on the livestock we own by requiring us to, among other things, destroy any affected livestock and create negative publicity that may have a material adverse effect on customer demand for our products. In addition, if the products of our competitors become contaminated, the adverse publicity associated with such an event may lower consumer demand for our products.

Capital Markets2 | 4.1%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

Market fluctuations could negatively impact our operating results, and our business may be adversely impacted by risks related to hedging activities.

Our business is exposed to potential changes in the value of our derivative instruments primarily caused by fluctuations in currency exchange rates and commodities prices. These fluctuations may result from changes in economic conditions, investor sentiment, monetary and fiscal policies, the liquidity of global markets, international and regional political events, and acts of war or terrorism and may adversely impact our results of operation. Also the use of hedge instruments may ultimately limit our ability to benefit from favorable commodity prices.

Capital Markets - Risk 2

Our exports pose special risks to our business and operations.

Exports account for a significant portion of our net revenue, representing 25.3% of our net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023. Exports subject us to risk factors that are outside our control in our principal sales markets, including: - changes in foreign currency exchange rates;- deterioration of economic conditions;- imposition of tariffs and other trade and/or health barriers;- exchange controls and restrictions to exchange operations;- strikes or other events that may affect ports and transportation;- compliance with different foreign legal and regulatory regimes; and - trade barriers. For example, between May 21 and May 31, 2018, Brazil suffered an extensive nationwide trucking strike. With trucks stopped and blocking highways, supplies of fuel, food and medical supplies ceased being delivered to distribution points. The stoppage began to subside on May 27, 2018, after representatives of the trucking industry and the Brazilian government reached an agreement. Our future financial performance will depend significantly on economic, political and social conditions in our principal operating and sales markets. Negative consequences relating to these risks and uncertainties could jeopardize or limit our ability to transact business in one or more of those markets where we operate or in other developing markets and could materially adversely affect us.

Production

Total Risks: 7/49 (14%)Below Sector Average

Manufacturing2 | 4.1%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Any perceived or real health risks related to the food industry could adversely affect our ability to sell our products. If our products become contaminated, we may be subject to product liability claims and product recalls.

We are subject to risks affecting the food industry generally, including risks posed by the following: - food spoilage or food contamination;- consumer product liability claims;- product tampering;- the possible unavailability and expense of product liability insurance; and - the potential cost and disruption of a product recall. Our products have in the past been, and may in the future be, exposed to contamination by organisms that may produce food borne illnesses, such as E. coli, listeria monocytogenes and salmonella. These organisms and pathogens are found generally in the environment and, as a result, there is a risk that they could be present in our products. These organisms and pathogens can also be introduced to our products through tampering or as a result of improper handling at the further processing, foodservice or consumer level. Once contaminated products have been shipped for distribution, illness or death may result if the products are not properly prepared prior to consumption or if the organisms and pathogens are not eliminated in further processing. Our systems designed to monitor food safety risks may not eliminate the risks related to food safety. We have little, if any, control over handling procedures once our products have been shipped for distribution. If any of our products are determined to be contaminated, spoiled or inappropriately labeled, whether or not we are at fault, we may voluntarily recall, or be required to recall, our products. A widespread product recall could result in significant losses due to the costs of a recall, the destruction of product inventory and lost sales due to the unavailability of product for a period of time. We may also be subject to increased risk of exposure to product liability claims and governmental proceedings, which may result in penalties, injunctive relief and plant closings. Any of these occurrences may have an adverse effect on our financial results. We may be subject to significant liability in the jurisdictions in which our products are sold if the consumption of any of our products causes injury, illness or death. Such liability may result from proceedings filed by the government's attorney's office, consumer agencies and individual consumers. Even an inadvertent shipment of contaminated products may be a violation of law. We may have to pay significant damages to consumers or to the government and such liability may be in excess of applicable liability insurance policy limits. In addition, adverse publicity concerning any perceived or real health risk associated with our products could also cause customers to lose confidence in the safety and quality of our food products, which could adversely affect our ability to sell our products. We could also be adversely affected by perceived or real health risks associated with similar products produced by others to the extent such risks cause customers to lose confidence in the safety and quality of such products generally.

Manufacturing - Risk 2

We are subject to various risks relating to worker safety.

Given the nature of our operations, the type of work performed by our employees, and the number of plants and employees that we have throughout the world, we are subject to various risks relating to worker safety. We cannot ensure that accidents will not occur. If our efforts to improve worker safety and reduce the frequency and number of workplace accidents are not successful, we may become subject to lawsuits, regulatory or administrative investigations and inquiries, fines and penalties, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. For example, a U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee held a hearing in December 2022 entitled "Preparing For And Preventing The Next Public Health Emergency: Lessons Learned From The Coronavirus Crisis." This hearing was accompanied by a final report of the same name, which describes an investigation of the largest companies in the U.S. meatpacking industry, including our subsidiary JBS USA Food Company, in the context of the Trump Administration's response to the risks faced by these companies' workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. JBS USA Food Company has complied with the document requests made in 2021 as part of the investigation. We may also suffer reputational harm due to the actions of unrelated companies that do not adhere to applicable worker safety laws in the provision of services to us. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor commenced an investigation into allegations of child labor at certain of our facilities in August 2022. While this investigation did not result in any finding that we were employing any underage workers at any of our facilities, a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order against one of our suppliers. While such supplier is not affiliated with us, the investigation found that it had used underage workers to provide cleaning and sanitation services in the fulfillment of sanitation and cleaning contracts that it was performing at JBS facilities. Such supplier has entered into a consent order and judgment pursuant to which it has agreed to comply with child labor laws at all of the facilities where it provides services. Additionally, we have from time to time had incidents at our plants involving worker health and safety. These have included ammonia releases due to mechanical failures in chiller systems and worker injuries and fatalities involving processing equipment and vehicle accidents. We have taken preventive measures in response; however, we can make no assurance that similar incidents will not arise in the future. New environmental, health and safety requirements, stricter interpretations of existing requirements, or obligations related to the investigation or clean-up of contaminated sites, may materially affect our business or operations in the future. While we adhere and require adherence from suppliers to all applicable worker safety laws throughout our global operations, no assurance can be given that we will not be materially adversely affected to the extent that companies that provide services to us do not demonstrate the same commitment to such laws. In addition, no assurance can be given that our reputation for worker safety will not be adversely affected by governmental investigations or other inquiries in the future.

Employment / Personnel3 | 6.1%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

The loss of members of our senior management or our inability to attract and retain qualified senior management personnel could have an adverse effect on us.

Our ability to maintain our competitive position depends in large part on the performance of our senior management team, mainly because of our business model and our acquisition strategy. As a result of factors such as strong global economic conditions, we may lose key employees or face problems hiring qualified key employees. In order to retain key employees, we may have to make significant changes in our compensation policy to remain competitive, which would increase our costs. There is no assurance that we will succeed in attracting and retaining qualified senior management personnel. Also, decisions in any administrative proceedings involving our current managers may prevent them from remaining in their positions at our company. The loss of the services of any member of our senior management or our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could have an adverse effect on us.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

Our performance depends on favorable labor relations with our employees and our compliance with labor laws. Any deterioration of those relations or increase in labor costs could adversely affect our business.

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. Certain of these employees are represented by labor organizations, and our relationships with these employees are governed by collective bargaining agreements. We may not reach new agreements without union action and any such new agreements may not be on terms satisfactory to us. In addition, any new agreements may be for shorter durations than our historical agreements. Moreover, additional groups of currently non-unionized employees may seek union representation in the future. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, we may become subject to union-initiated work stoppages, including strikes. Any significant increase in labor costs, deterioration of employee relations, slowdowns or work stoppages at any of our locations, whether due to union activities, employee turnover or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 3

Labor shortages and increased turnover or increases in employee and employee-related costs could have adverse effects on our profitability.

We and our third-party vendors have experienced increased labor shortages at some of our production facilities and other locations. Several factors have had and may continue to have adverse effects on the labor force available to us and our third-party vendors, including government regulations, which include laws and regulations related to workers' health and safety, wage and hour practices and work authorization. Labor shortages and increased turnover rates within the Company and our third-party vendors have led to and could in the future lead to increased costs, such as increased overtime to meet demand and increased wage rates to attract and retain employees and could negatively affect our ability to efficiently operate our production facilities or otherwise operate at full capacity and could result in downtime of our production facilities. An overall or prolonged labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover or labor inflation for any of the foregoing reasons could have a material adverse impact on our operations, results of operations, reputation, liquidity or cash flows.

Supply Chain1 | 2.0%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

We may not be able to ensure that our raw material suppliers are in compliance with all applicable environmental and labor laws and regulations, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The raising of cattle and other livestock is at times associated with deforestation, invasion of indigenous lands and protected areas and other environmental and human rights concerns. Most of the cattle we process are bred and raised by our suppliers. If we are unable to ensure that the suppliers of the cattle we use in our production process are in compliance with all applicable environmental and human rights laws and regulations, we may be subject to fines and other penalties that may adversely affect our image, reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, the European Union has adopted a new regulation to curb the European Union market's impact on global deforestation and forest degradation around the world, as well as protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. The European Union Deforestation Regulation (the "EUDR") mandates extensive due diligence on the value chain for all operators and traders dealing with certain products derived from cattle, cocoa, coffee oil palm, rubber, soya and wood. Penalties for non-compliance will be laid down under national law, but must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. In due course, the intention is for the EUDR to be subject to criminal penalties, but under the EUDR itself, penalties may include fines and confiscation of products, among other things. The EUDR entered into force on June 29, 2023, and its main obligations will be applicable in December 2024. If we are unable to ensure that we are in compliance with the EUDR, we may be subject to fines and other penalties. For more information about the EUDR, see "Item 4. Information on the Company-B. Business Overview-Regulation-Europe-European Union Deforestation Regulation." Furthermore, Brazilian Environmental Policy Act, outlined in Federal Law No. 6,938/1981, regulates civil liability for damages caused to the environment and sets forth strict liability on the subject matter. Therefore, we may become party to environmental liability proceedings amongst any damage originator. As the majority of cattle processed by us are bred by third parties and subcontractors, we may be significantly impacted if third parties and subcontractors cause environmental damages in the implementation of their activities on our behalf.

Costs1 | 2.0%

Costs - Risk 1

Our results of operations may be adversely affected by fluctuations in market prices for, and the availability of, livestock and animal feed ingredients.

Our operating margins depend on, among other factors, the purchase price of raw materials, primarily livestock and animal feed ingredients, and the sales price of our products. These prices may vary significantly, including during short periods of time, due to a number of factors, including beef, pork and poultry supply and demand and the market for other protein products. Raw materials accounted for a majority of the total cost of products sold during the year ended December 31, 2023. The supply and market for livestock depend on a number of factors that we have little or no control over, including outbreaks of diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (commonly referred to as mad cow disease) ("BSE"), and foot and mouth disease ("FMD"), the cost of animal feeding, economic and weather conditions. Livestock prices demonstrate a cyclical nature both seasonally and over longer periods, reflecting the supply of, and demand for, livestock on the market and the market for other protein products such as fish. These costs are determined by constantly changing market forces of supply and demand, as well as other factors over which we have little or no control. These other factors include: - import and export restrictions;- changing livestock and grain inventory levels;- economic conditions;- crop and animal diseases; and - environmental, occupational health and safety and conservation regulations. We do not generally enter into long-term sales arrangements with our customers with fixed price contracts, and, as a result, the prices at which we sell our products are determined in large part by market conditions. A majority of our livestock is purchased from independent producers who sell livestock to us under marketing contracts or on the open market. A significant decrease in beef, pork or chicken prices for a sustained period of time could have a material adverse effect on our net revenue. Also, a portion of our forward purchase and sale contracts are measured at fair value such that the related unrealized gains and losses are reported in profit or loss earnings on a quarterly basis. Such losses would adversely affect our earnings and may cause significant volatility in our earnings. Profitability in the processing industry is materially affected by the commodity prices of animal feed ingredients, such as grain, corn and soybeans. The production of feed ingredients is positively or negatively affected due to various factors, primarily by the global level of supply inventories and demand for feed ingredients, the agricultural policies of the United States and foreign governments and weather patterns throughout the world. Market prices for feed ingredients remain volatile. High prices for animal feed ingredients may have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Accordingly, we may be unable to pass on all or part of any increased costs we experience from time to time to consumers of our products directly, in a timely manner or at all. Additionally, if we do not attract and maintain contracts or marketing relationships with independent producers and growers, our production operations could be disrupted, adversely affecting us.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 5/49 (10%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 2.0%

Competition - Risk 1

We face competition in our business, which may adversely affect our market share and profitability.

The beef, pork and chicken industries are highly competitive. Competition exists both in the purchase of live cattle and hogs and grains, and in the sale of beef, pork and chicken products. In addition, our beef, pork and chicken products compete with other protein sources, such as fish. We face competition from a number of beef, pork and chicken producers in the countries in which we operate. The principal competitive factors in the animal protein processing industries are operating efficiency and the availability, quality and cost of raw materials and labor, price, quality, food safety, product distribution, technological innovations and brand loyalty. Our ability to be an effective competitor depends on our ability to compete on the basis of these characteristics. In addition, some of our competitors may have greater financial and other resources than us. We may be unable to compete effectively with these companies, in which case our market share and, consequently, our operations and results may be adversely affected.

Demand3 | 6.1%

Demand - Risk 1

Changes in consumer preferences and/or negative perception of the consumer regarding the quality and safety of our products could adversely affect our business.

The food industry is generally subject to changing consumer trends, demands and preferences. Trends within the food industry frequently change, and our failure to anticipate, identify or react to changes in these trends could lead to reduced demand and prices for our products, among other concerns, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We could also be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of our food products or ingredients, or in the food safety system generally. Negative perceptions concerning the health implications of certain food products, or ingredients or loss of confidence in the food safety system generally, could influence consumer preferences and acceptance of some of our products and marketing programs. Negative perceptions and failure to satisfy consumer preferences could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition and results of operations.

Demand - Risk 2

Health and environmental impact of animal-based meat consumption could negatively impact consumer demand for our animal-based products.

Consumer interest in plant-based proteins, particularly among millennial and younger generations, has been driven in part by a growing perception of the adverse health and environmental impacts of animal-based meat consumption. Consumers have access to unprecedented levels of information disseminated via the internet and social media channels, and global awareness of these issues may grow and could potentially have a negative impact on consumer demand for our animal-based meat products.

Demand - Risk 3

The consolidation of a significant number of our customers could adversely affect our business.

Many of our customers, such as supermarkets, warehouse clubs and food distributors, have consolidated in recent years, and consolidation is expected to continue. These consolidations have produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power who are more capable of operating with reduced inventories, opposing price increases, and demanding lower pricing, increased promotional programs and specifically tailored products. These customers also may use shelf space currently used for our products for their own private label products that are generally sold at lower prices. In addition, in periods of economic uncertainty, consumers tend to purchase more lower-priced private label or other economy brands. To the extent this occurs, we could experience a reduction in the sales volume of our higher margin products or a shift in our product mix to lower margin offerings. Because of these trends, we may need to lower prices or increase promotional spending for our products. The loss of a significant customer or a material reduction in sales to, or adverse change to trade terms with, a significant customer could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition and results of operations.

Brand / Reputation1 | 2.0%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

Media campaigns related to food production; regulatory and customer focus on environmental, social and governance responsibility; and increased focus and attention by the U.S. government and other stakeholders on the meat processing industry and ESG-related issues could expose us to additional costs or risks.

Individuals or organizations can use media platforms to publicize inappropriate or inaccurate stories or perceptions about the food production industry or our company. Such practices could cause damage to the reputations of our company, our ultimate controlling shareholders and/or the food production industry in general. This reputational damage could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Regulators, stockholders, customers and other interested parties have focused increasingly on the environmental, social and governance ("ESG"), practices of companies. This has led to an increase in regulations and may continue to cause us to be subject to additional regulations in the future. Our customers or other interested parties may also require us to implement certain procedures or standards that they perceive to be ESG-friendly before doing or continuing to do business with us. Also, the U.S. government has increased its focus on market dynamics within the meat industry. The U.S. government has inquired with the meat processing industry on matters such as market pricing to end consumers and the relationship between meat processors and the farming community. Increased attention on ESG-related practices could cause us to incur additional compliance costs, divert management attention from operating our business, impair our access to capital among certain investors and subject us to litigation risk for disclosures we make and practices we adopt regarding these issues. This in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and other influential investors are increasingly focused on our business practices and policies, especially as they relate to the environment, climate change, health and safety, supply chain management, diversity, labor conditions and human rights, both in our own operations and in our supply chain. Increased compliance costs related to these matters could result in material increases to our overall operational costs. In any event, our business practices may not meet the standards of all of our stakeholders and, accordingly, advocacy groups may campaign for further changes. Even if we do not agree with the positions of such advocacy groups or other influential parties, the perception of our failure to adapt to or comply with their demands, or to respond to investor or stakeholder expectations and, could negatively impact us. Our business and reputation could be materially adversely impacted by an increased regulatory burden and the impact of actions by governmental entities, advocacy groups and other stakeholder actions to the extent that such actions call into question our business practices and policies. See also "-Risks Relating to the Markets in Which We Operate-Compliance with existing or changing environmental requirements relating to current and/or discontinued operations may result in significant costs, and failure to comply may result in civil liabilities for damages as well as criminal and administrative sanctions."

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 2/49 (4%)Below Sector Average

Trade Secrets1 | 2.0%

Trade Secrets - Risk 1

You may find it more difficult to enforce your rights against JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor than you would if they were a U.S. corporation.

JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor are organized in Luxembourg, and the corporate laws of Luxembourg govern their formation documents and corporate affairs. The rights of JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor and the responsibilities of JBS USA's, JBS Luxembourg Company's and the Luxembourg guarantor's management are different from those for corporations established under the statutes and judicial precedents of the United States. You may find it more difficult to protect your interests against actions by JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company, the Luxembourg guarantor and their managers or directors, as applicable, than you would if JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor were U.S. corporations. Service of process upon individuals or firms that are not resident in the United States may be difficult to obtain within the United States. Certain individual members of JBS USA's, JBS Luxembourg Company's and the Luxembourg guarantor's board and management may reside outside the United States. Because the assets of JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor, certain of their subsidiaries and the assets of certain directors or managers are outside the United States, any judgment obtained in the United States against us or such persons may not be collectible within the United States. JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor have appointed JBS USA Food Company as their agent to receive service of process in any action against it in any federal court or court in the State of New York in connection with the JBS USA Registered Notes, the guarantees of the JBS USA Registered Notes and the indentures governing the JBS USA Registered Notes. JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor have not given consent for such agent to accept service of process in connection with any other claim. We have been advised by Luxembourg counsel to JBS USA, JBS Luxembourg Company and the Luxembourg guarantor that judgments of non-Luxembourg courts for civil liabilities predicated upon the securities laws of countries other than Luxembourg, including U.S. securities laws, may be enforced in Luxembourg, but enforcement is subject to a number of requirements.

Technology1 | 2.0%

Technology - Risk 1

We depend on our information technology systems, and any failure of these systems could adversely affect our business.

We depend on information technology systems for significant elements of our operations, including the storage of data and retrieval of critical business information, and within our supply chain. We also depend on our information technology infrastructure for digital marketing activities and for electronic communications among our locations, personnel, customers, and suppliers. Although our information systems are protected with robust backup systems, including physical and software safeguards and remote processing capabilities, our information technology systems and those of our supply chain are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including network failures, malicious human acts, and natural disasters. Moreover, despite network security and back-up measures, some of our servers are potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, and similar disruptive problems. In addition, certain software used by us is licensed from, and certain services related to our information systems are provided by, third parties who could choose to discontinue their relationship with us. Failures or disruptions to our information technology systems or those used by our third-party service providers could prevent us from conducting our general business operations, and adversely affect our ability to process orders, maintain proper levels of inventories, collect accounts receivable, pay expenses, and maintain the security of our company and customer data. Any disruption or loss of information technology systems on which critical aspects of our operations depend could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. For example, on May 30, 2021, we were the target of an organized cybersecurity attack (the "Cyberattack"), affecting some of the servers supporting our North American and Australian information technology systems. JBS USA's backup servers were not affected. JBS USA and PPC's operations in North America and Australia were affected. PPC's operations in Mexico and the United Kingdom were not impacted and conducted business as normal. Upon learning of the intrusion, we contacted federal officials and activated our cybersecurity protocols, including voluntarily shutting down all affected systems to isolate the intrusion, limit the potential infection and preserve core systems. Restoring systems critical to production was prioritized. In addition, the encrypted backup servers, which were not affected by the Cyberattack, allowed for a return to full operations within two days. As of June 3, 2021, JBS USA and PPC had resumed production at all of their facilities. Our response, IT systems and encrypted backup servers allowed for a rapid recovery from the Cyberattack. As a result, the loss of food produced was limited to less than one day of production. We are not aware of any evidence that any customer, supplier or employee data had been compromised or misused as a result of the Cyberattack. Since the Cyberattack, we have been working to improve our cybersecurity posture in order to minimize our risk and attack surface. We have identified good practices we had in place before the Cyberattack, and we have identified and completed items and actions that were needed to remediate. Further, we store highly confidential information on our information technology systems, including information related to our products. If our servers or the servers of the third party on which our data is stored are attacked by a physical or electronic break-in, computer virus or other malicious human action, our confidential information could be stolen or destroyed. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential information of our suppliers, customers, or others, whether by us or a third party, could disrupt our operations, subject us to civil and criminal penalties, have a negative impact on our reputation, expose us to liability to our suppliers, customers, other third parties or government authorities and increase our cyber-security protection and remediation costs. Any of these developments could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if our supply chain cybersecurity is compromised as a result of third-party action, employee error, malfeasance, stolen or fraudulently obtained log-in credentials or otherwise, our business may be harmed and we could incur significant liabilities. We mitigate this risk by having a diversified supply chain. There can be no assurance that we will be able to prevent all of the rapidly evolving forms of increasingly sophisticated and frequent cyber-attacks. Moreover, our efforts to address network security vulnerabilities may not be successful, resulting potentially in the theft, loss, destruction or corruption of information we store electronically, as well as unexpected interruptions, delays or cessation of service, any of which would cause harm to our business operations. The vulnerability of our systems and our failure to identify or respond timely to cyber incidents could have an adverse effect on our operations and reputation and expose us to liability or regulatory enforcement actions.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

Become an Expert with TipRanks Premium

What am I Missing?

Make informed decisions based on Top Analysts' activity

Know what industry insiders are buying

Get actionable alerts from top Wall Street Analysts

Find out before anyone else which stock is going to shoot up

Get powerful stock screeners & detailed portfolio analysis

Subscribe Now See Plans & Pricing