ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risks and all other information included in this report. The risks and uncertainties described below and elsewhere in this report are not the only ones facing our business. If any of the following risks were to actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer.

Macroeconomic and Business Risks

Adverse changes in economic and market conditions, including an ongoing inflationary environment, or uncertainty about future market conditions, may result in increased costs of operations and negatively impact the credit and securities markets generally, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the market price of our common stock. Our results of operations and the implementation of our business strategy could be materially and adversely affected by general conditions in the U.S. and global economy, including financial and economic conditions that are outside of our control. We are subject to risks arising from adverse changes in general economic market conditions, including supply chain delays or interruptions, labor shortages, wage pressures, the ongoing inflationary environment, changes in interest rates, geopolitical events, political instability, global health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, or interruptions and other force majeure events. We are subject to risks arising from adverse changes in general economic market conditions, including supply chain delays or interruptions, labor shortages, wage pressures, rising inflation, volatility in the banking industry, geopolitical events, global health crises, including epidemics and pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or interruptions and other force majeure events.

Inflation has persisted in the United States and globally due in part to geopolitical events, a rise in energy prices, and strong consumer demand. An inflationary environment can increase our cost of labor as well as our energy and other operating costs which may have a material adverse impact on our financial results. In addition, economic conditions could impact and reduce the number of customers who purchase our products or services as credit becomes more expensive or unavailable. Although interest rates may remain relatively high for a sustained period, inflation may continue or prices for goods and energy may rise as a result of the imposition or threatened imposition of tariffs. Further, uncertainty resulting from interest rate policy, trade policy or changes to interest rates in the future could have a negative effect on the securities markets generally which may, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. Further, uncertainty about future economic conditions could negatively affect our current and prospective customers causing them to delay purchase of services or test and measurement instruments. Poor economic conditions could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

The industries in which we compete are highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete successfully. Within our Service segment, we provide calibration services and compete in an industry that is highly fragmented and is composed of companies ranging from internationally recognized and accredited corporations to non-accredited sole proprietors, resulting in a tremendous range of service levels and capabilities. Also, within our Service segment, we provide compliance services and compete in an industry that is composed of both small local and regional service providers and large multi-national companies who are also OEMs. Within our Service segment, some of our larger competitors may have broader service capabilities and may have greater name recognition than us. Some manufacturers of the products we sell may also offer calibration and compliance services for their products.

Within our Distribution segment, we compete with numerous companies, including several major manufacturers and distributors to make product sales. Most of the products we sell are available from several sources and our customers tend to have relationships with several distributors. Most of our products are available from several sources and our customers tend to have relationships with several distributors. Competitors in the product distribution industry could also obtain exclusive rights to market particular products, which we would then be unable to market. Manufacturers could also increase their efforts to sell directly to end-users and bypass distributors like us. Industry consolidation among distributors, the unavailability of products, whether due to our inability to gain access to products or interruptions in supply from manufacturers, or the emergence of new competitors could also increase competition and adversely affect our business or results of operations.

In each of the industries in which we compete, some of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do, which could allow them to compete more successfully. In the future, we may be unable to compete successfully and competitive pressures may reduce our sales.

We face significant competition in our Distribution segment, including from suppliers and web-based distributors, to make product sales and to source products. We may not be able to compete successfully. We face substantial and increased competition throughout the world, especially in our Distribution segment. The competition is changing, with certain of our vendors engaging directly with customers and web-based distributors increasing their market share. The competition is changing, with certain of our vendors engaging directly with customers and web-based distributors continuing to be a presence with increasing their market share. Some of our competitors are much larger than us. Changes in the competitive landscape pose new challenges that could adversely affect our ability to compete. Entry or expansion of other vendors into this market may establish competitors that have larger customer bases and substantially greater financial and other resources with which to pursue marketing and distribution of products. Their current customer base and relationships, as well as their relationships and ability to negotiate with manufacturers, may provide them with a competitive advantage. Additionally, if our vendors sell directly to customers, they may choose not to sell to us or to do so on less favorable and more costly terms, which could have a material and adverse impact on our results of operations. Additionally, our vendors who decide to sell directly to customers, may choose to not to sell to us or to provide products to us on less favorable and more costly terms, any of which could have a material and adverse impact on our results of operations. If we are unable to effectively compete with our current and future competitors, our ability to sell products could be harmed and negatively impact our Distribution segment. If we are unable to effectively compete with our current and future competitors, our ability to sell products could be harmed and could result in a negative impact on our Distribution segment. Any erosion of our competitive position could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Our Service segment has a concentration of customers in the life science and other FDA-regulated businesses, as well as the industrial manufacturing, aerospace, defense, energy and utilities industries. A number of our Service segment customers operate life science, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and other FDA-regulated businesses. A number of our Service segment customers operate in the life science, pharmaceutical and other FDA-regulated or industrial manufacturing industries. Federal and state budget pressures and changes in grant allocation policies may result in lower funding for certain of our life science customers, which may cause those customers to delay or halt spending on capital-intensive projects. We also serve the industrial manufacturing, energy and utilities, chemical manufacturing, aerospace and defense industries. In the oil and gas industry, customer demand for our services is sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices, access to capital, and the regulatory environment, with less demand expected in a deregulatory environment. The concentration of our customer base affects our overall risk profile, since a significant portion of our customers would be similarly affected by changes in economic, political, regulatory, and other industry conditions. This concentration of our customer base affects our overall risk profile, since a significant portion of our customers would be similarly affected by changes in economic, political, regulatory, and other industry conditions. An abrupt or unforeseen change in conditions in these industries could adversely affect customer demand for our services, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Any impairment of goodwill or intangible assets could negatively impact our results of operations. Our goodwill and intangible assets are subject to an impairment test on an annual basis and are also tested whenever events and circumstances indicate that goodwill and/or intangible assets may be impaired. Any excess goodwill and/or indefinite-lived intangible assets value resulting from the impairment test must be written off in the period of determination. Intangible assets (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets) are amortized over the useful life of such assets. In addition, we may record goodwill when we acquire or make an investment in a business based on the purchase price and the value of the acquired tangible and intangible assets. In addition, from time to time, we may acquire or make an investment in a business that will require us to record goodwill based on the purchase price and the value of the acquired tangible and intangible assets. We have significantly increased our goodwill because of our acquisitions. We may subsequently experience unforeseen issues with the businesses we acquire, which may adversely affect the anticipated returns of the business or value of the intangible assets and trigger an evaluation of the recoverability of the recorded goodwill and intangible assets for the business. Determinations of significant write-offs of goodwill or intangible assets because of an impairment test or any accelerated amortization of other intangible assets could have a material negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Future determinations of significant write-offs of goodwill or intangible assets because of an impairment test or any accelerated amortization of other intangible assets could have a material negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

Tariffs imposed or threatened by the United States and other countries, as well as changing trade relations, regional and international conflicts, and political conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Changes in United States and foreign governments’ trade policies, as well as volatility caused by regional and international conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, and the political climate in the United States, China, and Taiwan, have resulted in, and may continue to result in, tariffs on imports into and exports from the United States. For example, the United States has recently instituted or proposed changes in trade policies that include the negotiation or termination of trade agreements, the imposition of higher tariffs on imports into the United States, economic sanctions on individuals, corporations or countries, and other government regulations affecting trade between the United States and other countries. A number of other nations have proposed or instituted similar measures directed at trade with the United States in response. Tariffs on certain products can increase our costs of doing business. If we are unable to recover these costs, our profit margins may be negatively impacted. Similarly, if our customers are negatively impacted by the imposition or threatened imposition of tariffs, it may result in negative sentiment which may negatively impact demand for our products and services, which could negatively impact our results of operations. If our vendors or suppliers are unable to source products we purchase, our Distribution business may be negatively impacted. Diminished trade relations, conflicts between the United States and other countries, and any escalation of tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and results of operations. Diminished trade relations between the US and other countries, as well as any escalation of tariffs, could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and results of operations.

Negative publicity and other reputational harm could impact the value of our brand and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Negative publicity and other reputational harm relating to events or activities attributed to us, our policies, our employees or others associated with us, whether or not justified, may tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, disclosure of our corporate governance practices, such as our environmental, social and governance initiatives, may draw negative publicity from our shareholders and other stakeholders. If our brand is negatively impacted, we may lose existing customer relationships, which would reduce our sales and negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition, and we may be unable to attract and retain key personnel, which would negatively impact our prospects. Our failure to keep pace with changes in technology, industry standards and customer preferences in the markets we serve could diminish our ability to retain and attract customers and retain our competitive position, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Risks Related to Acquisitions

We may not successfully integrate business acquisitions. We completed two acquisitions during fiscal year 2025 and three acquisitions during fiscal year 2024. We have a robust and diverse acquisition pipeline and may complete additional acquisitions in the future. If we fail to accurately assess and successfully integrate any recent or future business acquisitions, we may not achieve the anticipated benefits, which could result in lower revenues, unanticipated operating expenses, reduced profitability and dilution of our book value per share. Successfully integrating acquisitions involves many challenges, including:

In addition, we may seek acquisitions in adjacent or new markets where we have limited experience. Challenges in assessing acquisitions in adjacent or new markets and integrating such acquisitions due to our level of experience in such markets could result in a material adverse impact on our financial condition, operating results and stock price. For example, the acquisition of NEXA (recently rebranded to Transcat Solutions), a service segment business focused on the technical, consulting and staffing solutions market, expanded the scope of services we offer beyond our traditional calibration services and required more time for us to fully integrate into our operating plan.

In addition, an acquisition could adversely impact cash flows and/or operating results, and dilute shareholder interests for many reasons, including:

If the integration of any or all of our acquisitions or future acquisitions is not successful, it could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and stock price.

Our future business acquisition efforts may not be successful, which may limit our growth or adversely affect our results of operations, and financing future acquisitions could result in shareholder dilution and/or increase our leverage. Business acquisitions are an important part of our growth strategy. If we identify an appropriate acquisition candidate, we may not be able to successfully negotiate terms or finance the acquisition. If economic downturns or other matters of national or global concern continue for an extensive period of time or recur, our ability to pursue and consummate potential acquisitions could be materially adversely affected. In addition, to successfully complete targeted acquisitions, we may issue additional equity securities that could dilute our shareholders’ ownership, or we may incur additional debt, which would increase our leverage and our risk of default under our existing credit facility. If we fail to successfully acquire businesses, our growth and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

The indemnification provisions of acquisition agreements by which we have acquired companies or may, in the future, acquire companies may not fully protect us and as a result we may face unexpected liabilities. Certain of the acquisition agreements by which we have acquired companies or may, in the future, acquire companies generally require the former owners to indemnify us against certain liabilities related to the operation of the company before we acquired it. In most of these agreements, however, the liability of the former owners is limited, and certain former owners may be unable to meet their indemnification responsibilities. We cannot assure you that these indemnification provisions will protect us fully or at all, and as a result we may face unexpected liabilities that adversely affect our financial results.

Operational Risks

Cybersecurity incidents could adversely affect our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information and/or damage to our business relationships, all of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations or financial condition. We rely extensively on information technology (“IT”) systems, some of which are provided by third parties, to support our business activities, including for orders and the storage, processing and transmission of our electronic, business-related, information assets used in or necessary to conduct business. The data we store and process may include customer payment information, personal information concerning our employees, confidential financial information and other types of sensitive business-related information. Numerous and evolving cybersecurity threats pose potential risks to the security of our IT systems, networks and services, as well as the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. Some of our office personnel work in remote environments which may exacerbate various cybersecurity risks to our business, including an increased risk of phishing and other social engineering attacks, and an increased risk of unauthorized dissemination of sensitive personal, proprietary or other confidential information. Global cybersecurity threats can range from uncoordinated individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to our IT systems to sophisticated and targeted measures known as advanced persistent threats. The techniques used in these attacks change frequently and may be difficult to detect for periods of time and we may face difficulties in anticipating and implementing adequate preventative measures. While we employ comprehensive measures to prevent, detect, address and mitigate these threats (including access controls, data encryption, vulnerability assessments, management training, continuous monitoring of our IT networks and systems and maintenance of backup and protective systems), cybersecurity incidents, depending on their nature and scope, could potentially result in the misappropriation, destruction, corruption or unavailability of critical data or proprietary information and the disruption of business operations. The potential consequences of a material cybersecurity incident include reputational damage, compromised employee, customer, or third-party information, litigation with third parties, regulatory actions, and increased cybersecurity protection and remediation costs, which in turn could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We maintain insurance intended to cover certain cybersecurity events, but such insurance may not cover all risks and losses that we experience. In addition, the laws and regulations governing security of data on IT systems and otherwise held by companies is evolving and adding layers of complexity in the form of new requirements and increasing costs of attempting to protect IT systems and data and complying with new cybersecurity regulations.

If we experience a significant disruption in, or breach in security of, our IT systems, or if we fail to implement new systems and software successfully, our business could be adversely affected. Our IT systems may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to power outages, hardware failures, telecommunication failures, user errors, catastrophes or other unforeseen events. Our IT systems also may experience interruptions, delays or cessations of service or produce errors in connection with system integration, software upgrades or system migration work that takes place from time to time. In addition, technology resources may be strained due to our remote users. If we were to experience a prolonged system disruption in the IT systems that involve our interactions with customers or suppliers, it could result in the loss of sales and customers and significant incremental costs, which could adversely affect our business.

Our revenue and ability to achieve our stated corporate objectives depends on our senior management and our ability to retain recruit, train and retain quality employees. Our success is dependent on our senior management and our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, especially skilled service technicians. Competition for senior management is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting and retaining key personnel. Qualified skilled service technicians are in high demand and are subject to competing offers. The ability to meet our labor needs while controlling costs associated with hiring and training new employees is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates and the available labor pool in locations where we operate. The ability to meet our labor needs while controlling costs associated with hiring and training new employees is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels and prevailing wage rates. The loss of services of any member of our senior management team or key employees, and the inability to attract and retain other qualified personnel, especially skilled service technicians, could affect our ability to achieve our stated corporate objectives and could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

The profitability of our Transcat Solutions business depends to a large extent on our ability to achieve or maintain adequate utilization and pricing rates for our technical service providers. In our Service segment, Transcat Solutions provides all of its services in the technical, consulting and staffing solutions market by providing services to improve asset management programs for our customers. The profitability of Transcat Solutions depends in part on ensuring that our technical service providers maintain adequate utilization rates (i. The profitability of NEXA depends in part on ensuring that our technical service providers maintain adequate utilization rates (i. e., the percentage of our provider’s working hours devoted to billable activities). Our utilization rates are affected by a number of factors, including:

For example, in the Transcat Solutions business, our revenue has been negatively impacted in part by delayed starts for customer projects, which has prevented us from fully utilizing all of our technical service providers. If the utilization rate for our technical service providers declines, our revenues, profit margin and profitability could decline, and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

The profitability of our Service segment, including the Transcat Solutions business, depends in part on the prices we are able to charge for our services. The prices we charge for our services, including the Transcat Solutions business, are affected by a number of factors, including:

If we are unable to achieve and maintain adequate rates for our services, our profit margin and profitability could decline, and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

If we do not effectively compete in the test and measurement equipment market, our operating results may be adversely affected. We compete in the rental and distribution market on the basis of a number of factors, including equipment availability, price, service and reliability. We compete in the rental market on the basis of a number of factors, including equipment availability, price, service and reliability. Some of our competitors may offer similar equipment for rent or purchase at lower prices and may offer more extensive servicing, or financing options. Some of our competitors may offer similar equipment for rent at lower prices and may offer more extensive servicing, or financing options. In addition, if the supply of equipment available on the market significantly increases, demand for and pricing of our rental and distribution products could be adversely impacted, lowering our gross margins. In addition, if the supply of rental equipment available on the market significantly increases, demand for and pricing of our rental products could be adversely impacted lowering our gross margins on rentals. Further, customers confronting competing budget priorities and more limited resources could lead to less demand for equipment and increased pressure on pricing. Failure to adequately forecast the adoption of and demand for equipment may cause us not to meet our customers’ equipment requirements and may adversely affect our operating results.

If we fail to adapt our technology to meet customer needs and preferences, the demand for our products and services may diminish. Our future success will depend on our ability to develop services and solutions that keep pace with technological change, evolving industry standards and changing customer preferences in the markets we serve. For example, we sell our products and services to customers in several industries that may experience rapid technological changes, new product introductions, and evolving industry standards, including highly regulated industries. We cannot be sure that we will be successful in adapting existing or developing new technology or services in a timely or cost-effective manner or that the solutions we do develop will be successful in the marketplace. We cannot be sure that we will be successful in adapting existing or developing new technology or services in a timely or cost-effective manner or that the solutions we do develop will be successful in the marketplace. Our failure to keep pace with changes in technology, industry standards and customer preferences in the markets we serve could diminish our ability to retain and attract customers and retain our competitive position, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

We rely on our CalTrak®, Application Plus (our enterprise resource planning system (“ERP”)) and other management information systems for inventory management, distribution, workflow, accounting and other functions. If our CalTrak®, Application Plus or other management information systems fail to adequately perform these functions, experience an interruption in their operation or a security breach, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. The efficient operation of our business depends on our management information systems. We rely on our CalTrak®, Application Plus and other management information systems to effectively manage accounting and financial functions, customer service, warehouse management, order entry, order fulfillment, inventory replenishment, documentation, asset management, and workflow. Our management information systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from computer viruses or hackers, natural or man-made disasters, vandalism, terrorist attacks, power loss, or other computer systems, internet, telecommunications or data network failures. Any such interruptions to our management information systems could disrupt our business and could result in decreased revenues, increased overhead costs, excess inventory or product shortages, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. In addition, our management information systems are vulnerable to security breaches. Our security measures or those of our third-party service providers may fail to detect or prevent such security breaches. Security breaches could result in the unauthorized publication of our confidential business or proprietary information, the unauthorized release of customer, vendor, or employee data and payment information, the violation of privacy or other laws, and the exposure to litigation, any of which could harm our business and results of operations.

Our ERP is aging and may not be capable of integrating management information systems that we use or are used by companies we acquire, and we may experience issues from any implementation of a new ERP or be required to operate some management information systems separately from our ERP. We have an ERP to assist with the collection, storage, management and interpretation of data from our business activities to support future growth and to integrate significant processes. Although we use current versions of software and have support agreements in place, due to the age of our ERP it may not be capable of integrating management information systems that we use or are used by companies we acquire. We anticipate that a new ERP will be required to be implemented sometime in the future. ERP implementations are complex and time-consuming and involve substantial expenditures on system software and implementation activities, as well as changes in business processes. Our ERP system is critical to our ability to accurately maintain books and records, record transactions, provide important information to our management and prepare our consolidated financial statements. ERP implementations also require the transformation of business and financial processes in order to reap the benefits of the ERP system; any such transformation involves risks inherent in the conversion to a new computer system, including loss of information and potential disruption to our normal operations. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design and implementation of a new ERP system could adversely affect our ability to process orders, provide services and customer support, send invoices and track payments, fulfill contractual obligations or otherwise operate our business. Additionally, if the ERP system does not operate as intended, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could be adversely affected or our ability to assess our internal controls adequately could be delayed.

We depend on manufacturers to supply inventory to our Distribution segment and if our vendors fail to provide desired products to us, increase prices, or fail to timely deliver products, or if supply chain delays, interruptions, or product shortages occur, our revenue and gross profit could suffer. Similar to other distributors in our industry, we occasionally experience supplier shortages and are unable to purchase our desired volume of products. Our ability to offer a wide variety of products to our customers is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate product supply from manufacturers and other suppliers. Any disruption in our sources of supply, particularly of the most commonly sold items, could result in a loss of revenues, reduced margins, and damage to our relationships with customers. Supply shortages may occur as a result of unanticipated increases in demand or difficulties in production or delivery. In addition, we may be adversely impacted by disruptions within our supply chain network. Such disruptions may result from weather-related events, natural disasters, international trade disputes or trade policy changes or restrictions, tariffs or import-related taxes, third-party strikes, lock-outs, work stoppages or slowdowns, shortages of supply chain labor and truck drivers, shipping capacity constraints, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, public health issues (including pandemics or quarantines), civil unrest or other factors beyond our control. When shortages occur, our suppliers often allocate products among distributors. The loss of, or a substantial decrease in the availability of, products from our suppliers or the loss of key supplier arrangements could adversely impact our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows, as well as our ability to benefit from ongoing supply chain initiatives.

Our future success may be affected by our current and future indebtedness. Under our credit agreement, as of March 29, 2025, we owed $32.7 million to our secured creditor, a commercial bank, including $1.8 million borrowed under a $15.0 million term loan to fund acquisitions and provide additional working capital. We may borrow additional funds in the future to support our growth and working capital needs. We are required to meet financial tests on a quarterly basis and comply with other covenants customary in secured financings. Although we believe that we will continue to comply with such covenants, if we do not remain in compliance with such covenants, our lender may demand immediate repayment of amounts outstanding. Furthermore, we are dependent on credit from manufacturers of our products to fund our inventory purchases. If our debt burden increases to high levels, such manufacturers may restrict our credit. Our cash requirements will depend on numerous factors, including the rate of growth of our revenues, the timing and levels of products purchased, payment terms, and credit limits from manufacturers, the timing and level of our accounts receivable collections and our ability to manage our business profitably. Our ability to satisfy our existing obligations, whether or not under our secured credit facility, will depend upon our future operating performance, which may be impacted by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, and other factors described in this report, many of which are beyond our control.

We face risks associated with foreign currency rate fluctuations. We currently transact a portion of our business in foreign currencies, namely the Canadian dollar and the Euro. During fiscal years 2025 and 2024, approximately 10% of our total revenues were denominated in Canadian dollars and Euros. Conducting business in currencies other than U.S. dollars subjects us to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could have a negative impact on our reported operating results. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar and the Euro impact our revenues, cost of revenues and operating margins and result in foreign currency transaction gains and losses. During fiscal year 2025, the value of the U.S. dollar relative to one Canadian dollar and to one Euro ranged from 1.34 to 1.45 and from 0.89 to 0.98, respectively.

We continually utilize short-term foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that future earnings denominated in Canadian dollars would be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates. However, this strategy does not eliminate our exposure. If there is a significant or prolonged downturn in the Canadian dollar or the Euro, it could have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition.

Our inability to adequately enforce and protect our intellectual property or defend against assertions of infringement could prevent or restrict our ability to compete. We rely on intellectual property in order to maintain a competitive advantage. Our inability to defend against the unauthorized use of these assets could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Litigation may be necessary to protect our intellectual property rights or defend against claims of infringement. This litigation could result in significant costs and divert our management’s focus away from operations.

Hurricanes, other adverse weather events, national or regional catastrophes or natural disasters could negatively affect the local economies we serve or disrupt our operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations. Our market areas include the Gulf Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, and Puerto Rico, which are susceptible to hurricanes, and the Western United States, which is susceptible to wildfires. Our market areas include the Gulf Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, and Puerto Rico, which are susceptible to hurricanes. Such weather events and natural disasters can disrupt our operations, result in damage to our properties and negatively affect the local economies in which we operate. Such weather events can disrupt our operations, result in damage to our properties and negatively affect the local economies in which we operate. Future hurricanes, extreme weather events and natural disasters could result in damage to certain of our facilities and the equipment located at such facilities, or equipment on rent with customers in those areas. Future hurricanes could result in damage to certain of our facilities and the equipment located at such facilities, or equipment on rent with customers in those areas. Even if our properties suffer no direct damage from such events, the operations of our customers could be disrupted, and our supply chain impacted. In addition, climate change could lead to an increase in intensity or occurrence of hurricanes or other adverse weather events, including severe winter storms. Future occurrences of these events, as well as regional or national catastrophes or natural disasters, and their effects may adversely impact our business or results of operations.

We may be involved in legal proceedings from time to time arising from the operation of our business and, as such, we could incur substantial judgments, fines, legal fees, or other costs. From time to time, we may be the subject of complaints or litigation from customers, employees, vendors, or other third parties for various actions. We also may be involved in litigation involving claims related to breach of contract, tortious conduct, employment and labor law matters, and others. The damages sought against us in these matters could be substantial. Although we maintain liability insurance for certain legal claims, if one or more of the claims were to greatly exceed our insurance coverage limits or if our insurance policies do not cover a claim, our expenses could increase significantly and management’s focus could be diverted away from our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Risks Related to our Stock

We expect that our quarterly results of operations will fluctuate. Such fluctuations could cause our stock price to decline. A large portion of our expenses for our Service segment, including expenses for facilities, equipment and personnel are relatively fixed. Accordingly, if revenues decline or do not grow as we anticipate, we may not be able to correspondingly reduce our expenses in any particular quarter. Our quarterly revenues and operating results have fluctuated in the past and are likely to do so in the future. Historically, our fiscal third and fourth quarters have been stronger than our fiscal first and second quarters due to industrial operating cycles. Fluctuations in industrial demand for products we sell and services we provide could cause our revenues and operating results to fluctuate. If our operating results in some quarters fail to meet the expectations of stock market analysts and investors, our stock price may decline.

Our stock price may be volatile. The stock market experiences significant price and volume fluctuations that are both related and unrelated to the operating performance of companies. Our stock may be affected by market volatility and by our own performance. The following factors, among others, may have a significant effect on the market price of our common stock:

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted. Securities class action litigation against us could result in significant costs and divert our management’s focus away from our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

The relatively low trading volume of our common stock may limit your ability to sell your shares. Although our shares of common stock are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, we have historically experienced a relatively low trading volume, averaging approximately 68,000 shares a day in fiscal 2025. If our low trading volume continues in the future, holders of our shares may have difficulty selling shares of our common stock in the manner or at a price that they desire.

If significant existing shareholders sell large numbers of shares of our common stock, our stock price could decline. The market price of our common stock could decline if a large number of our shares are sold in the public market by our existing shareholders or as a result of the perception that such sales could occur. Due to the relatively low trading volume of our common stock, the sale of a large number of shares of our common stock may significantly depress the price of our common stock.

Because we do not intend to declare or pay dividends on our shares of common stock for the foreseeable future, any return to our shareholders will be limited to the increase, if any, of the price of our common stock. We have not declared any cash dividends since our inception and have no current plans to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Our shareholders have no contractual or other legal right to dividends that have not been declared. Any return to our shareholders will therefore be limited to the increase, if any, in the price of our common stock.

Regulatory Risks

Tax rates applicable to us may change. Tax legislation initiatives could adversely affect our net earnings and tax liabilities. We are subject to the tax laws and regulations of the United States federal, state and local governments, as well as foreign jurisdictions. From time to time, various legislative initiatives may be enacted that could adversely affect our tax positions. Tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, such as reducing the Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Any additional modifications to key aspects of the tax code could materially affect our tax obligations and negatively impact our effective tax rate. Although we believe that our tax positions are sound and consistent with applicable laws, regulations and existing precedent, there can be no assurance that our tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or that we would be successful in any such challenge.

Changes in accounting standards, legal requirements and the Nasdaq Global Market listing standards, or our ability to comply with any existing requirements or standards, could adversely affect our operating results. Extensive reforms relating to public company financial reporting, corporate governance and ethics, the Nasdaq Global Market listing standards and oversight of the accounting profession have been implemented over the past several years and continue to evolve. Compliance with these rules, regulations and standards that have resulted from such reforms has increased our accounting and legal costs and has required significant management time and attention. In the event that additional rules, regulations or standards are implemented or any of the existing rules, regulations or standards to which we are subject undergoes additional material modification, we could be forced to spend significant financial and management resources to ensure our continued compliance, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. For example, the additional reporting requirements relating to tracking greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-related disclosure from various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions could significantly increase our accounting, consulting and legal expenses. Should we be or become unable to comply with any of such rules, regulations and standards, as they presently exist or as they may exist in the future, our results of operations could be adversely affected and the market price of our common stock could decline.

Our international operations expose us to legal and regulatory risks, which could have a material effect on our business. Our international operations are governed by various United States laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other foreign anti-bribery laws. Our international operations are governed by various US laws and regulations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other foreign anti-bribery laws. The FCPA and similar anti-corruption laws generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Because of our international operations, we are subject to the anti-bribery laws of non-US jurisdictions where we operate. Any alleged or actual violations of these or other relevant regulations may subject us to government scrutiny, severe criminal or civil sanctions and other liabilities and could negatively affect our business, reputation, operating results and financial condition.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy. We have processes for assessing, identifying, and managing cybersecurity threats, and cybersecurity is an integral part of our overall enterprise risk management program which is overseen by our Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. Our strategy includes a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, utilizing advanced technologies and methodologies, such as cloud migrations and deployment of threat detection tools to mitigate potential risks. Continuous risk assessments help us better refine our strategy, guiding the deployment of technical safeguards and shaping our incident response plans. For acquired companies, our integration strategies prioritize establishing comprehensive timelines for harmonizing information security, data privacy, and cybersecurity practices. This includes a strong focus on aligning employee education programs to ensure a seamless transition and uphold security and privacy standards across our entities.

We take a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, which begins with the identification and evaluation of cybersecurity risks or threats that could affect our operations, finances, legal or regulatory compliance, or reputation. The scope of our evaluation encompasses risks that may be associated with both our internally managed IT systems and key business functions and sensitive data operated or managed by third-party service providers, ensuring the service providers adhere to our security standards, thereby safeguarding our integrated operations. The strategic migration of our data centers and infrastructure to secure cloud environments, coupled with the implementation of targeted technical cybersecurity measures, underscores our dedication to establishing foundational security across our users, applications, data, systems, and networks.

We have established a comprehensive incident response plan to swiftly address and recover from cybersecurity incidents, minimizing operational impact. We conduct regular trainings and simulations to enhance our team's awareness and preparedness against cyber threats. Our proactive approach to addressing identified vulnerabilities affirms the continuous improvement of our security posture.

Use of Consultants and Advisors. We engage various third-party cybersecurity service providers to assess and enhance our cybersecurity practices and assist with the protection and monitoring of our systems and information. This encompasses a range of services, including network monitoring, endpoint protection, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing. Additionally, we engage cybersecurity consultants, auditors, and other third parties, such as a third-party consulting firm, to rigorously evaluate our cyber processes. This includes a comprehensive assessment of our incident response procedures, ensuring they meet the highest standards of readiness and effectiveness.

To ensure the integrity and security of our operations, we have implemented stringent processes to evaluate third-party service providers and vendors that have access to sensitive systems, as well as company and customer data. This evaluation may include due diligence procedures such as assessments of the service provider’s cybersecurity posture or recommendations for specific mitigation controls. Following an assessment, we determine and prioritize service provider risk based on potential threat impact and likelihood. These risk determinations are crucial in driving the level of due diligence and ongoing compliance monitoring required for each service provider.

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Board Oversight and Management’s Role. The Board of Directors, both directly and through the delegation of responsibilities to the Audit Committee oversees the proper functioning of our cybersecurity risk management program to ensures strategic alignment and governance of our cybersecurity efforts at the highest level. In particular, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of management’s responsibility to assess, manage and mitigate risks associated with our business and operational activities, to administer our various compliance programs, in each case including cybersecurity concerns, and to oversee our information technology systems, processes and data.

Management has implemented robust risk management structures, policies, and procedures, with day-to-day cybersecurity risk management being a core responsibility. Our Chief Information Officer ("CIO") spearheads the assessment and management of cybersecurity risks, ensuring that our strategies and actions are both proactive and responsive to the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Supporting this effort, we have a cross-departmental approach to cyber security management. This ensures that our executive leadership team receives comprehensive quarterly updates on cybersecurity from various teams within the organization. Such updates are instrumental in promoting stakeholder engagement across all levels and enhancing management's oversight of cybersecurity. The content of these updates includes progress on ongoing cybersecurity initiatives, insights from recent threat assessments or incidents, findings and action plans derived from external vulnerability and penetration tests, and key performance metrics aligned with industry standards. Our CIO and our Chief Financial Officer report risks to the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.

Risks from Material Cybersecurity Threats. Despite ongoing cyber-attacks, such as unauthorized access, phishing, and ransomware, we have not identified any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably anticipated to have a material effect on our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. Our proactive security measures, alongside those of our third-party vendors, aim to protect our information technology systems and the sensitive data they hold. To bolster our cybersecurity posture, Transcat has engaged a third-party Managed Security Services Provider ("MSSP") to enhance our defensive capabilities. This partnership includes comprehensive vulnerability scanning both internally and externally to detect potential security weaknesses before they can be exploited. Our MSSP also provides round-the-clock monitoring through a 24x7x365 Security Operations Center ("SOC"), safeguarding our digital assets ("Endpoint Detection and Response - EDR"), identities ("Identity Detection and Response - IDR"), and integrating supplemental logging sources such as firewalls and Enterprise Resource Planning systems ("Extended Detection and Response - XDR"). Furthermore, we have established Incident Response as a Service ("IRaaS") to ensure rapid and effective action in the event of a security breach.