Item 1A. – Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We note these factors for investors as contemplated by the Act. It is impossible to predict or identify all potential risk factors. Consequently, you should not consider the foregoing list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based on current information as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we assume no obligation to correct or update any such statements in the future, except as required by applicable law.

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PART I

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Form 10-K"), unless otherwise indicated, all Note references contained in Part I of this Form 10-K refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Part II – Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K.

Item 1. — Business

General Overview

Worthington Industries, Inc. is a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Ohio (individually, the “Registrant” or “Worthington Industries” or, collectively with the subsidiaries of Worthington Industries, Inc., “we,” “our,” “Worthington” or the “Company”). Founded in 1955, Worthington is an industrial manufacturing company, focused on value-added steel processing and manufactured metal products. Founded in 1955, Worthington is primarily a diversified metals manufacturing company, focused on value-added steel processing and manufactured metal products. Our manufactured metal products include: pressure cylinders for liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”), compressed natural gas (“CNG”), oxygen, refrigerant and other industrial gas storage; water well tanks for commercial and residential uses; hand torches and filled hand torch cylinders; propane-filled camping cylinders; helium-filled balloon kits; specialty tools; and, through our joint ventures, complete ceiling grid solutions; laser welded blanks; light gauge steel framing for commercial and residential construction; current and past model automotive service stampings; and engineered cabs and operator stations and cab components. Our manufactured metal products include: pressure cylinders for liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”), compressed natural gas (“CNG”), oxygen, refrigerant and other industrial gas storage; water well tanks for commercial and residential uses; hand torches and filled hand torch cylinders; propane-filled camping cylinders; helium-filled balloon kits; steel tanks and processing equipment primarily for the oil and gas industry; cryogenic pressure vessels for liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) and other gas storage applications; and, through our joint ventures, complete ceiling grid solutions; laser welded blanks; light gauge steel framing for commercial and residential construction; current and past model automotive service stampings; and engineered cabs and operator stations and cab components.

Worthington is headquartered at 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085, telephone (614) 438-3210. The common shares of Worthington Industries are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WOR.

Worthington Industries maintains an Internet web site at www.worthingtonindustries.com. This uniform resource locator, or URL, is an inactive textual reference only and is not intended to incorporate Worthington Industries’ web site into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Worthington Industries’ Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as Worthington Industries’ definitive proxy materials for annual meetings of shareholders filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, are available free of charge, on or through the Worthington Industries web site, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Segments

As of May 31, 2021, we, together with our unconsolidated affiliates, operated 68 manufacturing facilities in 22 states and 8 countries. Twenty-one of these facilities are operated by wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. Twenty-six of these facilities are operated by wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. The remaining facilities are operated by our consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures.

Our operations are managed principally on a products and services basis and are comprised of two primary operating segments which correspond with our reportable business segments: “Steel Processing” and “Pressure Cylinders”. Steel Processing consists of the Worthington Steel business unit (“Worthington Steel”) which operates nine manufacturing facilities (eight of which were being operated as of May 31, 2021, and one of which was acquired in June of 2021); and four consolidated joint ventures: Spartan Steel Coating, L. Steel Processing consists of the Worthington Steel business unit (“Worthington Steel”) which operates eight manufacturing facilities; and four consolidated joint ventures: Spartan Steel Coating, L. L.C. (“Spartan”), which operates a cold-rolled, hot-dipped coating line in Monroe, Michigan; TWB Company, L. (“Spartan”), which operates a cold-rolled, hot-dipped galvanizing line in Monroe, Michigan; TWB Company, L. L.C. (“TWB”), which operates eleven laser welded blank facilities (eight of which were being operated as of May 31, 2021, and three of which were acquired in June of 2021) and is headquartered in Monroe, Michigan; Worthington Samuel Coil Processing LLC (“Samuel” or the “Samuel joint venture”), which operates three tolling facilities and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio; and Worthington Specialty Processing (“WSP”), which processes wide-sheet steel for the auto industry and operates two facilities in Michigan. Pressure Cylinders consists of the Worthington Cylinders business unit (“Worthington Cylinders”) which operates 13 manufacturing facilities.

We hold equity positions in nine joint ventures, which are further discussed in the Joint Ventures section below. Of these, Spartan, TWB, Samuel and WSP are consolidated with their operating results reported within Steel Processing.

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During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”), Steel Processing and Pressure Cylinders served approximately 760 and 4,400 customers, respectively, located primarily in the United States. International operations accounted for approximately 7% of our consolidated net sales during fiscal 2021 and were comprised primarily of sales to customers in Europe. Sales to one customer in the automotive industry accounted for 11.2% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2021.

Refer to “Note P – Segment Data” for a full description of our reportable business segments.

Recent Developments

On June 3, 2020, Nikola Corporation (“Nikola”) became a public company through a reverse merger with a subsidiary of VectoIQ Acquisition Corporation, a NASDAQ listed publicly-traded company. The Company owned 19,048,020 shares of Nikola common stock following the reverse merger and subsequently sold all of the Company’s shares, resulting in pre-tax gains of $655.1 million, which was comprised of $634.4 million in cash proceeds and $20.7 million in value from Nikola shares contributed to the Worthington Industries Foundation. See “Note C – Investment in Nikola” for additional information.

Pursuant to a leadership succession plan announced on June 24, 2020 by the Company, effective September 1, 2020, B. Andrew Rose became Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Worthington Industries, in addition to continuing to serve as President, and John P. Andrew Rose will become Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Worthington Industries, in addition to continuing to serve as President, and John P. McConnell, the prior CEO, became Executive Chairman. McConnell, the current CEO, will become Executive Chairman.

In October 2020, the Company sold its cryogenic trailer and hydrogen trailer business, including the Theodore, Alabama manufacturing site, to Chart Industries, Inc. and the cryo-science and microbulk storage unit business to IC Biomedical US, LLC. The combined sales proceeds from the two transactions was $21.2 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $7.1 million within restructuring and other expense, net.

On January 4, 2021, the Company acquired PTEC Pressure Technology GmbH (“PTEC”), a leading independent designer and manufacturer of valves and components for high-pressure hydrogen and compressed natural gas storage, transport and onboard fueling systems. The total purchase price was $10.8 million. The PTEC business is being operated as part of the Company’s Pressure Cylinders segment. For additional information, refer to “Note Q – Acquisitions”. For additional information, refer to “NOTE V – Subsequent Events”. For additional information, refer to “NOTE V – Subsequent Events”.

On January 29, 2021, the Company sold its oil & gas equipment business to an affiliate of Ten Oaks Group. The Company retained the real estate associated with the business and received nominal consideration at closing, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $27.7 million within restructuring and other expense, net.

On January 29, 2021, the Company acquired General Tools & Instruments Company LLC (“GTI”), a provider of feature-rich, specialized tools in various categories including environmental health & safety, precision measurement & layout, home repair & remodel, lawn & garden and specific purpose tools. The total purchase price was $120.4 million, after adjustment for final working capital. The GTI business is being operated as part of the Company’s Pressure Cylinders segment. For additional information, refer to “Note Q – Acquisitions”. For additional information, refer to “NOTE V – Subsequent Events”. For additional information, refer to “NOTE V – Subsequent Events”.

On March 12, 2021, the Company sold its Structural Composites Industries, LLC business located in Pomona, California to Luxfer Holdings PLC. The Company received net proceeds of $19.1 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $7.2 million within restructuring and other expense, net.

On March 24, 2021, the Company announced an additional share repurchase authorization covering 5,618,464 common shares.

On May 31, 2021, the Company sold its LPG fuel storage business, located in Poland, to Westport Fuel Systems, Inc. The Company received total consideration of approximately $6.0 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $11.0 million, subject to closing adjustments, within restructuring and other expense, net.

On June 8, 2021, the Company acquired the Shiloh Industries U.S. BlankLight® business, a provider of laser welded solutions, for cash consideration of approximately $105.0 million, subject to closing adjustments. The acquisition includes three facilities that will expand the capacity and capabilities of our TWB joint venture’s laser welded products business and an additional blanking facility that will support the Company’s core steel processing operations.

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On June 9, 2021, the Company’s consolidated joint venture, WSP, sold the remaining assets of its Canton, Michigan, facility for cash proceeds of approximately $20.0 million. The Company will recognize a gain of approximately $12.0 million in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending May 31, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”) related to the divestiture. WSP continues to operate locations in Jackson and Taylor, Michigan.

On June 10, 2021, the Company announced that its Pressure Cylinders segment was being divided into three new reportable segments: Consumer Products, Building Products and Sustainable Energy Solutions, effective at the start of fiscal 2022. The three new reportable segments are in addition to the Company’s Steel Processing segment.

Steel Processing

Steel Processing consists of the Worthington Steel business unit, and our consolidated joint ventures, Samuel, Spartan, TWB, and WSP. For fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, the percentage of our consolidated net sales generated by Steel Processing was approximately 65%, 61% and 65%, respectively.

Worthington Steel is one of the largest independent intermediate processors of flat-rolled steel in the United States. It occupies a niche in the steel industry by focusing on products requiring exact specifications. These products cannot typically be supplied as efficiently by steel mills to the end-users of these products.

As of May 31, 2021, Steel Processing, including Spartan, TWB, Samuel and WSP, operated 22 manufacturing facilities located in Ohio (8), Michigan (4), Tennessee (2), Alabama (1), Indiana (1), Kentucky (1), New York (1), Canada (1) and Mexico (3). As noted above, Steel Processing acquired four additional facilities in June of 2021 (one in Kentucky being operated by the Worthington Steel business unit; and two in Ohio and one in Michigan being operated by TWB).

Steel Processing serves approximately 760 customers in many markets including automotive, aerospace, agricultural, appliance, construction, container, hardware, heavy-truck, HVAC, lawn and garden, leisure and recreation, office furniture, and office equipment. The automotive industry is one of the largest consumers of flat-rolled steel, and thus the largest end market for Steel Processing. For fiscal 2021, Steel Processing’s top three customers represented approximately 30% of the operating segment’s total net sales.

Steel Processing buys coils of steel from integrated steel mills and mini-mills and processes them to the precise type, thickness, length, width, shape and surface quality required by customer specifications. Computer-aided processing capabilities include, among others:

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Steel Processing also toll processes steel for steel mills, large end-users, service centers and other processors. Toll processing is different from typical steel processing in that the mill, end-user or other party retains title to the steel and has the responsibility for selling the end product. Toll processing enhances Worthington Steel’s participation in the market for wide sheet steel and large standard orders, a market generally served by steel mills rather than by intermediate steel processors.

The steel processing industry is fragmented and highly competitive. There are many competitors, including other independent intermediate processors. Competition is primarily on the basis of price, product quality and the ability to meet delivery requirements. Technical service and support for material testing and customer-specific applications enhance the quality of products (see the Technical Services section below). However, the extent to which technical service and support capability has improved Steel Processing’s competitive position has not been quantified. Steel Processing’s ability to meet tight delivery schedules is, in part, based on the proximity of our facilities to customers, suppliers and one another. The extent to which plant location has impacted Steel Processing’s competitive position has not been quantified. Processed steel products are priced competitively, primarily based on market factors, including, among other things, market pricing, the cost and availability of raw materials, transportation and shipping costs, and overall economic conditions in the United States and abroad.

Pressure Cylinders

Pressure Cylinders consists of the Worthington Cylinders business unit. The percentage of our consolidated net sales generated by Pressure Cylinders was approximately 35%, 37% and 32% in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively.

Pressure Cylinders manufactures and sells filled and unfilled pressure cylinders, tanks, hand torches, tools, well water and expansion tanks, along with various accessories and related products for diversified end-use market applications. The following is a description of these markets:

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While a large percentage of Pressure Cylinders sales are made to major accounts, this operating segment served approximately 4,400 customers during fiscal 2021. Sales to one customer represented approximately 10% of net sales for Pressure Cylinders during fiscal 2021.

As of May 31, 2021, Pressure Cylinders operated 13 manufacturing facilities located in Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio (3), Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Austria, Germany, Poland, and Portugal.

For sales in the United States and Canada, high-pressure and low-pressure cylinders are primarily manufactured in accordance with United States Department of Transportation and Transport Canada specifications. Outside the United States and Canada, cylinders are manufactured according to European norm specifications, as well as various other international standards. Other products are produced to applicable industry standards including, as applicable, those standards issued by the American Petroleum Institute, ASME and UL.

Worthington Cylinders has one principal domestic competitor in the low-pressure LPG cylinder market, and there are a number of foreign competitors in the LPG cylinder market and in the non-refillable refrigerant market. We believe that Worthington Cylinders has the largest market share in its domestic low-pressure cylinder markets. In the other cylinder markets, there are several competitors. Worthington Cylinders is a leading supplier to the European markets for both the high-pressure cylinders and the low-pressure non-refillable cylinders. Worthington Cylinders generally has a strong competitive position for its industrial, energy, retail and specialty products, but competition varies on a product-by-product basis. Worthington Cylinders generally has a strong competitive position for its industrial, energy, retail and specialty products, but competition varies on a product-by-product basis, and geographically for energy products. As with our other operating segment, competition is based upon price, service and quality.

Pressure Cylinders uses the trade names “Worthington Cylinders”, “AMTROL”, “Alfa”, “General”, “Garden Weasel”, and “PacTool” to conduct business.

The Company uses the registered trademark “Balloon Time®” to market helium-filled balloon kits; the registered trademark “BERNZOMATIC®” to market certain fuel cylinders and hand-held-torches; the trademark “WORTHINGTON PRO-GRADE” to market certain LPG cylinders, hand torches and camping fuel cylinders; the registered trademark “Coleman®” to market certain camping fuel cylinders; the registered trademarks “MAP-PRO®” and “Pro-Max®” to market certain hand torch cylinders; the registered trademark “Mag-Torch®” to market certain hand-held torches; the registered trademarks General®, Garden-Weasel® and Pactool International® to market certain tools; the registered trademarks “Therm-X-Trol®” and “Extrol®” to market thermal expansion tanks; the registered trademarks “Well X Trol®”, “Champion®”, and “Wel-Flo and Design®” to market well tanks; and the registered trademarks “Hydromax®” and “Boilermate®” to market indirect fired water heaters.

Each registered trademark has an original duration of 10 to 20 years, depending on the date it was registered and the country in which it is registered, and is subject to an indefinite number of renewals for a like period upon continued use and appropriate application. The Company intends to continue using the trade names and trademarks described above and to timely renew each of its registered trademarks that remains in use.

Other

The Other category includes the results of the Company’s former Engineered Cabs operating segment, on a historical basis through November 1, 2019, when the Company contributed substantially all of the related net assets to a then newly-formed joint venture, Taxi Workhorse Holdings, LLC (the “Cabs joint venture”) in which the Company owns a 20% non-controlling interest. The deconsolidated net assets included the two primary manufacturing facilities of the Engineered Cabs business located in Greeneville, Tennessee and Watertown, South Dakota. The remaining non-core assets of the Engineered Cabs business, including the fabricated products facility in Stow, Ohio, and the steel packaging facility in Greensburg, Indiana, were retained and have since been exited. The remaining non-core assets of the Engineered Cabs business, including the fabricated products facility in Stow, Ohio, and the steel packaging facility in Greensburg, Indiana, were retained, but the Company has finalized plans to exit those facilities.

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Segment Financial Data

Financial information for the reportable business segments is provided in “Note P – Segment Data”.

Suppliers

The primary raw material purchased by Worthington is steel. We purchase steel in large quantities at regular intervals from major primary producers of steel, both domestic and foreign. The amount purchased from any particular supplier varies from year to year depending on a number of factors including market conditions, then current relationships and prices and terms offered. In nearly all market conditions, steel is available from a number of suppliers and generally any supplier relationship or contract can and has been replaced with little or no significant interruption to our business. During fiscal 2021, we purchased approximately 2.45 million tons of steel (74.0% hot-rolled, 14.3% cold-rolled and 11.7% galvanized) on a consolidated basis. During fiscal 2020, we purchased approximately 2.4 million tons of steel (72% hot-rolled, 16% cold-rolled and 12% galvanized) on a consolidated basis.

Steel is primarily purchased and processed based on specific customer orders for Steel Processing, while Pressure Cylinders purchases steel to meet production schedules. For certain raw materials, there are more limited suppliers -- for example, helium and zinc, which are generally purchased at market prices. Since there are a limited number of suppliers in the helium and zinc markets, if delivery from a major supplier is disrupted due to a force majeure type occurrence, it may be difficult to obtain an alternative supply. Raw materials are generally purchased in the open market on a negotiated spot-market basis at prevailing market prices. Supply contracts are also entered into, some of which have fixed pricing and some of which are indexed (monthly or quarterly). During fiscal 2021, we purchased steel from the following major suppliers, in alphabetical order: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. During fiscal 2020, we purchased steel from the following major suppliers, in alphabetical order: AK Steel Holding Corporation, a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. ; NLMK USA; North Star BlueScope Steel, LLC; Nucor Corporation; Steel Dynamics, Inc.; ArcelorMittal; NLMK USA; North Star BlueScope Steel, LLC; Nucor Corporation; Steel Dynamics, Inc. ; and United States Steel Corporation (“U.S. Steel”). Major suppliers of aluminum to Pressure Cylinders in fiscal 2021 were, in alphabetical order: Arconic Inc.; DK Resources Limited; Geumsan Tech; Horizon; Meyer Aluminum; Norsk Hydro; Novelis Corporation; and Shanghai Everskill. Major suppliers of zinc to Steel Processing in fiscal 2021 were, in alphabetical order: Considar Metal Marketing Inc. (a/k/a HudBay); Glencore Ltd. (a/k/a HudBay); Glencore Ltd; Nexa Resources S. ; Teck Resources Limited; and Trafigura Trading LLC. Approximately 44.13 million pounds of zinc and 3.37 million pounds of aluminum were purchased in fiscal 2021. We believe our supplier relationships are favorable. Approximately 42.2 million pounds of zinc and 8.0 million pounds of aluminum were purchased in fiscal 2020. We believe our supplier relationships are favorable.

Technical Services

We employ a staff of engineers and other technical personnel, and we maintain fully-equipped laboratories to support operations. These facilities enable verification, analysis and documentation of the physical, chemical, metallurgical and mechanical properties of raw materials and products. Technical Service personnel also work in conjunction with the sales force to specify components and materials required to fulfill customer needs. Technical Service personnel also work in conjunction with the sales force to specify components and materials required to fulfill customer needs Laboratory facilities also perform metallurgical and chemical testing as dictated by International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ASTM International, and other customer and industry specific requirements. Laboratory facilities also perform metallurgical and chemical testing as dictated by International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ASTM International, and other customer and industry specific requirements.

Seasonality and Backlog

Demand for most of our products remained strong throughout fiscal 2021, but sales are generally strongest in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year as our operating segments are generally operating at seasonal peaks. Historically, sales have generally been weaker in the third quarter of our fiscal year, primarily due to reduced activity in the building and construction industry as a result of inclement weather, as well as customer plant shutdowns, particularly in the automotive industry, due to holidays. Historically, sales have generally been weaker in the third quarter of our fiscal year, primarily due to reduced activity in the building and construction industry as a result of inclement weather, as well as customer plant shutdowns, particularly in the automotive industry, due to holidays and such weakness was amplified in fiscal 2020 as a result of COVID-19. We do not believe backlog is a significant indicator of our business. We do not believe backlog is a significant indicator of our business.

Employees

As of May 31, 2021, we had approximately 9,000 employees, including those employed by our unconsolidated joint ventures. Approximately 8% of our consolidated labor force is represented by collective bargaining units. Worthington believes it has good relationships with its employees, including those covered by collective bargaining units.

Joint Ventures

As part of our strategy to selectively develop new products, markets and technological capabilities and to expand our international presence, while mitigating the risks and costs associated with those activities, as of May 31, 2021, we participated in four consolidated and five unconsolidated joint ventures.

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Consolidated

The results of the following four joint ventures have been consolidated with the financial results of the Company since the respective dates on which the Company acquired majority ownership or effective control. The equity owned by the other joint venture members is shown as noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheets and their portions of net earnings are included as net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of earnings. The financial results of these four joint ventures are consolidated within Steel Processing. The financial results of all of our consolidated joint ventures are consolidated within Steel Processing.

Unconsolidated

Since we do not control the following five joint ventures, they are unconsolidated, and their results have been accounted for using the equity method. Accordingly, our investment is reflected on a single line in the consolidated balance sheets and our portion of their earnings is included as equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates in our consolidated statements of earnings. As this equity is reflected below operating income, they are not included in any of the segment results.

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See “Note D – Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates” for additional information about our unconsolidated joint ventures.

Government Regulations

Our manufacturing facilities, generally in common with those of similar industries making similar products, are subject to many federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations, including those relating to the protection of our employees and the environment. We examine ways to improve safety, reduce emissions and waste, and to decrease costs related to compliance with environmental and other government regulations. The cost of compliance or capital expenditures for environmental control facilities necessary to meet regulatory requirements are not anticipated to be material when compared with overall costs and capital expenditures and, accordingly, are not anticipated to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, or on the competitive position of Worthington or any particular business segment. The cost of compliance or capital expenditures for environmental control facilities required to meet environmental requirements are not anticipated to be material when compared with overall costs and capital expenditures and, accordingly, are not anticipated to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, or on the competitive position of Worthington or any particular business segment.

Human Capital Management

Culture

In line with our people-first Philosophy, our employees have always been, and will always be, our most important asset. Worthington operates under a set of core values that are rooted in our long-standing Philosophy, which emphasizes the Golden Rule. These core values guide us as a company, including in our approach to human capital management. As such, we are continually focused on creating and maintaining a strong Company culture. Our culture provides employees with opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as community engagement, all of which we believe contribute to the Company’s overall success. We have repeatedly been recognized as a top place to work and we offer our employees competitive pay and above-market benefits, as compared to others in our industry, all while focusing on safety, wellness, and promoting a diverse and inclusive culture.

Employee Base

As of May 31, 2021, we had approximately 9,000 employees, including those employed by our unconsolidated joint ventures. Approximately 8% of our consolidated labor force is represented by collective bargaining units. Worthington believes that our open-door policy has created an environment which fosters open communication and serves to cultivate the good relationships we have with our employees, including those covered by collective bargaining units, which is evidenced by the results of recent employee engagement surveys. For example, in the fall of 2020, 71% of employees, excluding those employed by our unconsolidated joint ventures – nearly 4,300 people worldwide – participated in our engagement survey, and the Company’s results exceeded both manufacturing and global benchmarks in a number of categories, such as Employee Engagement (74%), Safety (89%), and Manager Effectiveness (74%).

Safety, Health and Wellness

We have always made the safety and well-being of our people a top priority, and we have regularly maintained an industry-leading safety record. For us, safety is about engagement, and our employees have adopted a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility, and not just the safety of our employees, but the safety of everyone who enters our facilities. We also provide our employees and their families with access to above-market benefits, as compared to others in our industry, including a parental leave benefit that offers all new parents the opportunity for paid time off. Worthington has a broad array of other employee centered-benefits and programs, including a medical center, a pharmacy, chiropractic care, on-site fitness centers, free health screenings, health fairs, and other company-wide and location-specific wellness events and challenges. We believe our investments in safety, health and wellness are key to supporting and protecting our most important asset, our people.

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Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

We believe that diversity, of all types, contributes to our success. Worthington is committed to increasing the diversity of our employee base at all levels of our organization because we believe our differences make us better and that diverse thought and experiences drive innovation and produce better results. With our Philosophy as our foundation, we are building an environment where diversity is valued, and where all employees feel they belong and are empowered to do their best work.

To further such efforts, we have established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council (“Council”) chaired by our Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. The Council has developed a strategy where our diversity, inclusion and equity efforts are focused on strengthening four primary pillars: workforce, workplace, community and partnership. These pillars serve as a foundation for continually building and fostering an inclusive culture. We are also working to establish employee resource groups (“ERGs”) that will each have executive sponsors. These ERGs will not only be tasked with raising awareness, but will also offer mentoring and development opportunities to their members.

Talent Development and Retention

Our ability to successfully operate, grow our business and implement our business strategies is largely dependent on our ability to attract, train and retain talented personnel at all levels of our organization. As a result, we offer our employees competitive compensation and benefits, as compared to others in our industry, which include opportunities to participate in profit sharing plans. The loss of employees or our inability to attract, train and retain additional personnel could reduce the competitiveness of our business or otherwise impair our operations or prospects. We also strive to provide our employees with continuous opportunities to learn the skills necessary to maximize their performance, and develop new skills that allow them to maximize their potential.

Item 1A. — Risk Factors

Future results and the market price for Worthington Industries’ common shares are subject to numerous risks, many of which are driven by factors that cannot be controlled or predicted. The following discussion, as well as other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “PART II—Item 7. — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” describe certain business risks. Consideration should be given to the risk factors described below as well as those in the Safe Harbor Statement at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in conjunction with reviewing the forward-looking statements and other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks described below are not the only risks we face. Our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial in our operations.

Risks Related to Our Business

The COVID-19 Pandemic

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the global economy and has had and could continue to have material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, an adverse impact on our business. These impacts include, without limitation, potential significant volatility or continued decreases in the demand for our products, changes in customer and consumer behavior and preferences, disruptions in or additional closures of our manufacturing operations or those of our customers and suppliers, disruptions within our supply chain, limitations on our employees’ ability to work and travel, potential financial difficulties of customers and suppliers, significant changes in economic or political conditions, and related financial and commodity volatility, including volatility in raw material and other input costs. These impacts include, without limitation, potential significant volatility or continued decreases in the demand for our products, changes in customer and consumer behavior and preferences, disruptions in or additional closures of our manufacturing operations or those of our customers and suppliers, disruptions within our supply chain, limitations on our employees’ ability to work and travel, potential financial difficulties of customers and suppliers, significant changes in economic or political conditions, and related financial and commodity volatility, including volatility in raw material and other input costs. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted and are highly uncertain. The situation is changing rapidly and there may be additional impacts of which we are currently unaware. The situation is changing rapidly and there may be additional impacts that we are not currently aware of.

It is also uncertain what the impact of various legislation and other responses being taken in the United States and other countries will have on the economy, international trade, our industries, our businesses and the businesses of our customers and suppliers. Governments around the world have implemented stringent measures to help control the spread of COVID-19, including quarantines, “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions, business

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curtailments, school and childcare closures, and other measures. These actions have caused, and are continuing to cause, business shutdowns or slowdowns and significant disruption in the global economy.

Despite our efforts to manage the impacts, the degree to which COVID-19 and related actions ultimately impact our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows will depend on factors beyond our control including the duration, extent and severity of the outbreak, the actions taken to contain COVID-19 and mitigate its public health effects, the impact on the U.S. and global economies and demand for our products, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions resume. Although there has been an increase in vaccinations throughout the United States at the end of fiscal 2021, vaccinations internationally have progressed at a slower rate. Continued disruption to the global economy, as well as to the end markets our businesses serve, could result in material adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

General Economic or Industry Downturns and Weakness

The automotive and construction industries account for a significant portion of our net sales, and reduced demand from these industries could adversely affect our business. An overall downturn in the general economy, a disruption in capital and credit markets, high unemployment, reduced consumer confidence or other factors, could cause reductions in demand from our end markets in general and, in particular, the automotive and construction end markets. An overall downturn in the general economy, a disruption in capital and credit markets, high unemployment, reduced consumer confidence or other factors, whether due to COVID-19 or otherwise, could cause reductions in demand from our end markets in general and, in particular, the automotive and construction end markets. If demand for the products we sell to the automotive, construction or other end markets which we supply were to be reduced, our sales, financial results and cash flows could be negatively affected.

We face intense competition which may cause decreased demand, decreased market share and/or reduced prices for our products and services. Our businesses operate in industries that are highly competitive and have been subject to increasing consolidation of customers. Because of the range of the products and services we sell and the variety of markets we serve, we encounter a wide variety of competitors. Our failure to compete effectively and/or pricing pressures resulting from competition may adversely impact our businesses and financial results.

Financial difficulties and bankruptcy filings by our customers could have an adverse impact on our businesses. In past years, some customers have experienced, and some continue to experience, whether due to COVID-19 or otherwise, challenging financial conditions. The financial difficulties of certain customers and/or their failure to obtain credit or otherwise improve their overall financial condition could result in changes within the markets we serve, including plant closings, decreased production, reduced demand, changes in product mix, unfavorable changes in the prices, terms or conditions we are able to obtain and other changes that may result in decreased purchases from us and otherwise negatively impact our businesses. These conditions also increase the risk that our customers may delay or default on their payment obligations to us. If the general economy or any of our markets decline, the risk of bankruptcy filings by and financial difficulties of our customers may increase. While we have taken and will continue to take steps intended to mitigate the impact of financial difficulties and potential bankruptcy filings by our customers, these matters could have a negative impact on our businesses.

Raw Material Pricing and Availability

Our operating results may be adversely affected by declining steel prices. Over the past year, steel prices have increased due to supplier consolidation, tight mill orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic and tariffs on foreign steel. However, if steel prices or other raw material prices were to decrease, competitive conditions may impact how quickly we must reduce our prices to our customers, and we could be forced to use higher-priced raw materials then on hand to complete orders for which the selling prices have decreased. If steel prices or other raw material prices decrease, competitive conditions may impact how quickly we must reduce our prices to our customers, and we could be forced to use higher-priced raw materials then on hand to complete orders for which the selling prices have decreased. Decreasing steel prices could also eliminate or reduce arbitrage opportunities, and/or require us to write-down the value of our inventory to reflect current market pricing. Decreasing steel prices could also require us to write-down the value of our inventory to reflect current market pricing.

Our operating results may be affected by fluctuations in raw material prices and our ability to pass on increases in raw material costs to our customers. Our principal raw material is flat-rolled steel, which we purchase from multiple primary steel producers. The steel industry as a whole has been cyclical, and at times availability and pricing can be volatile due to a number of factors beyond our control. These factors include general economic conditions, domestic and worldwide supply and demand, the influence of hedge funds and other investment funds participating in commodity markets, curtailed production from major suppliers due to factors such as the closing or idling of facilities, COVID-19 or other pandemics, accidents or equipment breakdowns, repairs or catastrophic events, labor costs, shortages, strikes or other problems, competition, new laws and regulations, import duties, tariffs, energy costs, availability and cost of steel inputs (e. These factors include general economic conditions, domestic and worldwide supply and demand, the influence of hedge funds and other investment funds participating in commodity markets, curtailed production from major suppliers due to factors such as the closing or idling of facilities, COVID-19 or other pandemics, accidents or equipment breakdowns, repairs or catastrophic events, labor costs or problems, competition, new laws and regulations, import duties, tariffs, energy costs, availability and cost of steel inputs (e. g., ore, scrap, coke and energy), foreign currency exchange rates and other factors described in the immediately following paragraph. This volatility, as well as any increases in raw material costs, could significantly affect our steel costs and adversely impact our financial results. If our suppliers increase the

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prices of our critical raw materials, we may not have alternative sources of supply. In addition, in an environment of increasing prices for steel and other raw materials, competitive conditions may impact how much of the price increases we can pass on to our customers. To the extent we are unable to pass on future price increases in our raw materials to our customers, our financial results could be adversely affected.

The costs of manufacturing our products and our ability to meet our customers’ demands could be negatively impacted if we experience interruptions in deliveries of needed raw materials or supplies. If, for any reason, our supply of flat-rolled steel or other key raw materials, such as aluminum, zinc, copper or helium, or other supplies is curtailed or we are otherwise unable to obtain the quantities we need at competitive prices, our business could suffer and our financial results could be adversely affected. Such interruptions could result from a number of factors, including a shortage of capacity in the supplier base of raw materials, energy or the inputs needed to make steel or other supplies, a failure of suppliers to fulfill their supply or delivery obligations, financial difficulties of suppliers resulting in the closing or idling of supplier facilities, other significant events affecting supplier facilities, significant weather events, those factors listed in the immediately preceding paragraph or other factors beyond our control like pandemics such as COVID-19. Further, the number of suppliers has decreased in recent years due to industry consolidation and the financial difficulties of certain suppliers, and this consolidation may continue.

An increase in the spread between the price of steel and steel scrap prices can have a negative impact on our margins. No matter how efficient, our operations which use steel as a raw material, create some amount of scrap. The expected price of scrap compared to the price of the steel raw material is generally factored into pricing. Generally, as the price of steel increases, the price of scrap increases by a similar amount. When increases in scrap prices do not keep pace with the increases in the price of the steel raw material, it can have a negative impact on our margins.

Inventories

Our businesses could be harmed if we fail to maintain proper inventory levels. We are required to maintain sufficient inventories to accommodate the needs of our customers including, in many cases, short lead times and just-in-time delivery requirements. Although we typically have customer orders in hand prior to placement of our raw material orders for Steel Processing, we anticipate and forecast customer demand for each of our operating segments. We purchase raw materials on a regular basis in an effort to maintain our inventory at levels that we believe are sufficient to satisfy the anticipated needs of our customers based upon orders, customer volume expectations, historic buying practices and market conditions. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in the use of higher-priced inventory to fill orders reflecting lower selling prices, if raw material prices have significantly decreased. For example, if steel prices decrease, we could be forced to use higher-priced steel then on hand to complete orders for which the selling price has decreased. These events could adversely affect our financial results. Conversely, if we underestimate demand for our products or if our suppliers fail to supply quality products in a timely manner, we may experience inventory shortages. Inventory shortages could result in unfilled orders, negatively impacting our customer relationships and resulting in lost revenues, which could harm our businesses and adversely affect our financial results.

Customers and Suppliers

The loss of significant volume from our key customers could adversely affect us. A significant loss of, or decrease in, business from any of our key customers could have an adverse effect on our sales and financial results if we cannot obtain replacement business. Also, due to consolidation in the industries we serve, including the automotive, construction and retail industries, our sales may be increasingly sensitive to deterioration in the financial condition of, or other adverse developments with respect to, one or more of our top customers. In addition, certain of our top customers may be able to exert pricing and other influences on us, requiring us to market, deliver and promote our products in a manner that may be more costly to us. We generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers. As a result, although our customers periodically provide notice of their future product needs and purchases, they generally purchase our products on an order-by-order basis, and the relationship, as well as particular orders, can be terminated at any time.

Many of our key industries, such as automotive and construction, are cyclical in nature. Many of our key industries, such as automotive and construction, are cyclical and can be impacted by both market demand and raw material supply, particularly with respect to steel. The demand for our products is directly related to, and quickly impacted by, customer demand in our industries, which can change as the result of changes in the general U.S. or worldwide economies and other factors beyond our control. Adverse changes in demand or pricing can have a negative effect on our businesses.

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Significant reductions in sales to any of the Detroit Three automakers, or to our automotive-related customers in general, could have a negative impact on our business. More than half of the net sales of Steel Processing and a significant amount of the net sales of certain joint ventures are to automotive-related customers. Although we do sell to the domestic operations of foreign automakers and their suppliers, a significant portion of our automotive sales are to Ford, General Motors, and FCA US (the “Detroit Three automakers”) and their suppliers. A reduction in sales for any of the Detroit Three automakers, as well as additional or prolonged idling of production facilities in response to COVID-19 or related supply chain constraints, has and could continue to negatively impact our business. In addition, certain automakers have begun using greater amounts of aluminum and smaller proportions of steel in some new models, thereby reducing the demand for our products.

The closing or relocation of customer facilities could adversely affect us. Our ability to meet delivery requirements and the overall cost of our products as delivered to customer facilities are important competitive factors. If customers close or move their production facilities further away from our manufacturing facilities which can supply them, it could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet competitive conditions, which could result in the loss of sales. Likewise, if customers move their production facilities outside the United States, it could result in the loss of potential sales for us.

Sales conflicts with our customers and/or suppliers may adversely impact us. In some instances, we may compete with one or more of our customers and/or suppliers in pursuing the same business. Such conflicts may strain our relationships with the parties involved, which could adversely affect our future business with them.

The closing or idling of steel manufacturing facilities could have a negative impact on us. As steel makers have reduced their production capacities by closing or idling production lines, whether due to COVID-19 or otherwise, the number of facilities from which we can purchase steel, in particular certain specialty steels, has decreased. Accordingly, if delivery from a supplier is disrupted, particularly with respect to certain types of specialty steel, it may be more difficult to obtain an alternate supply than in the past. These closures and disruptions could also have an adverse effect on our suppliers’ on-time delivery performance, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet our own delivery commitments and may have other adverse effects on our businesses.

The loss of key supplier relationships could adversely affect us. Over the years, our various manufacturing operations have developed relationships with certain steel and other suppliers which have been beneficial to us by providing more assured delivery and a more favorable all-in cost, which includes price and shipping costs. If any of those relationships were disrupted, it could have an adverse effect on delivery times and the overall cost and quality of our products or raw materials, which could have a negative impact on our businesses. If any of those relationships were disrupted, it could have an adverse effect on delivery times and the overall cost and quality of our raw materials, which could have a negative impact on our businesses. In addition, we do not have long-term contracts with any of our suppliers. If, in the future, we are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of steel and other products at competitive prices and on a timely basis from our traditional suppliers, we may be unable to obtain these products from alternative sources at competitive prices to meet our delivery schedules, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Competition

Our businesses are highly competitive, and increased competition could negatively impact our financial results. Generally, the markets in which we conduct business are highly competitive. Our competitors include a variety of both domestic and foreign companies in all major markets. Competition for most of our products is primarily on the basis of price, product quality and our ability to meet delivery requirements. Depending on a variety of factors, including raw material, energy, labor and capital costs, government control of foreign currency exchange rates and government subsidies of foreign steel producers or competitors, our businesses may be materially adversely affected by competitive forces. In addition, anti-dumping actions we may pursue to counter government subsidiaries to and dumping by foreign competitors may prove to be ineffective. Competition may also increase if suppliers to or customers of our industries begin to more directly compete with our businesses through new facilities, acquisitions or otherwise. As noted above, we can have conflicts with our customers or suppliers who, in some cases, supply the same products and services as we do. Increased competition could cause us to lose market share, increase expenditures, lower our margins or offer additional services at a higher cost to us, which could adversely impact our financial results.

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Material Substitution

If steel prices increase compared to certain substitute materials, the demand for our products could be negatively impacted, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results. In certain applications, steel competes with other materials, such as aluminum (particularly in the automobile industry), cement and wood (particularly in the construction industry), composites, glass and plastic. Prices of all of these materials fluctuate widely, and differences between the prices of these materials and the price of steel may adversely affect demand for our products and/or encourage material substitution, which could adversely affect the prices of and demand for steel products. The higher cost of steel relative to certain other materials may make material substitution more attractive for certain uses.

If increased government mileage standards for automobiles result in the substitution of other materials for steel, demand for our products could be negatively impacted, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results. Due to government requirements that manufacturers increase the fuel efficiency of automobiles, the automobile industry is exploring alternative materials to steel to decrease weight. The substitution of lighter weight material for steel in automobiles could adversely affect prices of and demand for our steel products.

Freight and Energy

Increasing freight and energy costs could increase our operating costs, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results. The availability and cost of freight and energy, such as electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel, are important in the manufacture and transport of our products. Our operations consume substantial amounts of energy, and our operating costs generally increase when energy costs rise. Factors that may affect our energy costs include significant increases in fuel, oil or natural gas prices, unavailability of electrical power or other energy sources due to droughts, hurricanes or other natural causes or due to shortages resulting from insufficient supplies to serve customers, or interruptions in energy supplies due to equipment failure or other causes. During periods of increasing energy and freight costs, we may be unable to fully recover our operating cost increases through price increases without reducing demand for our products. Our financial results could be adversely affected if we are unable to pass all of the cost increases on to our customers or if we are unable to obtain the necessary freight and/or energy. Also, increasing energy costs could put a strain on the transportation of our materials and products if the increased costs force certain transporters to discontinue their operations.

We depend on third parties for freight services, and increases in the costs or the lack of availability of freight services can adversely affect our operations. We rely primarily on third parties for transportation of our products as well as delivery of our raw materials, primarily by truck and container ship. If, due to a lack of freight services, raw materials or products are not delivered to us in a timely manner, we may be unable to manufacture and deliver our products to meet customer demand. If, due to a lack of freight services, raw materials are not delivered to us in a timely manner, we may be unable to manufacture and deliver our products to meet customer demand. Likewise, if due to a lack of freight services, we cannot deliver our products in a timely manner, it could harm our reputation, negatively affect our customer relationships and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, any increase in the cost of the transportation of raw materials or our products, as a result of increases in fuel or labor costs, higher demand for logistics services or otherwise, may adversely affect our results of operations as we may not be able to pass such cost increases on to our customers.

Information Systems

We are subject to information system security risks and systems integration issues that could disrupt our internal operations. We are dependent upon information technology and networks in connection with a variety of business activities including the distribution of information internally and to our customers and suppliers. This information technology is subject to potential damage or interruption from a variety of sources, including, without limitation, computer viruses, security breaches, and natural disasters. We could also be adversely affected by system or network disruptions if new or upgraded business management systems are defective, not installed properly or not properly integrated into operations. In addition, security breaches of our information systems could result in unauthorized disclosure or destruction of confidential or proprietary information and/or loss of the functionality of our systems. These risks may be increased as more employees continue to work from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These risks may be increased as more employees work from home as part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Various measures have been implemented to manage our risks related to information system and network disruptions and to prevent attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information systems. While we undertake mitigating activities to counter these risks, a system failure could negatively impact our operations and financial results and cyber attacks could threaten the integrity of our trade secrets and sensitive intellectual property.

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Business Disruptions

Disruptions to our business or the business of our customers or suppliers could adversely impact our operations and financial results. Business disruptions, including increased costs for, or interruptions in, the supply of energy or raw materials, resulting from pandemic disease such as COVID-19, shortages of supply or transportation, severe weather events (such as hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, tornados, floods and blizzards), casualty events (such as explosions, fires or material equipment breakdown), acts of terrorism, labor disruptions, the idling of facilities due to reduced demand (resulting from a downturn in economic activity or otherwise) or other events (such as required maintenance shutdowns), could cause interruptions to our businesses as well as the operations of our customers and suppliers. While we maintain insurance coverage that can offset some losses relating to certain types of these events, losses from business disruptions could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial results and we could be adversely impacted to the extent any such losses are not covered by insurance or cause some other adverse impact to us.

Foreign Operations

Economic, political and other risks associated with foreign operations could adversely affect our international financial results. Although the substantial majority of our business activity takes place in the United States, we derive a portion of our revenues and earnings from operations in foreign countries, and we are subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. We have wholly-owned facilities in Austria, Germany, Poland and Portugal and joint venture facilities in Brazil, Canada, and Mexico and are active in exploring other foreign opportunities. We have wholly-owned facilities in Austria, Poland and Portugal and joint venture facilities in Brazil, Canada, and Mexico and are active in exploring other foreign opportunities. The risks of doing business in foreign countries include, among other factors: the potential for adverse changes in the local political climate, in diplomatic relations between foreign countries and the United States or in government policies, laws or regulations; terrorist activity that may cause social disruption; logistical and communications challenges; costs of complying with a variety of laws and regulations; difficulty in staffing and managing geographically diverse operations; deterioration of foreign economic conditions; inflation and fluctuations in interest rates; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; foreign exchange restrictions; differing local business practices and cultural considerations; restrictions on imports and exports or sources of supply, including energy and raw materials; changes in duties, quotas, tariffs, taxes or other protectionist measures; and potential issues related to matters covered by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, regulations related to import/export controls, the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions program, anti-boycott provisions or similar laws. We believe that our business activities outside of the United States involve a higher degree of risk than our domestic activities, and any one or more of these factors could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. In addition, global and regional economic conditions and the volatility of worldwide capital and credit markets have significantly impacted and may continue to significantly impact our foreign customers and markets. These factors may result in decreased demand in our foreign operations and have had significant negative impacts on our business. Refer to the General Economic or Industry Downturns and Weakness risk factors herein for additional information concerning the impact of the global economic conditions and the volatility of capital and credit markets on our business.

Joint Ventures and Investments

A change in the relationship between the members of any of our joint ventures may have an adverse effect on that joint venture. We have been successful in the development and operation of various joint ventures, and our equity in net income from our joint ventures, particularly WAVE, has been important to our financial results. We believe an important element in the success of any joint venture is a solid relationship between the members of that joint venture. If there is a change in ownership, a change of control, a change in management or management philosophy, a change in business strategy or another event with respect to a member of a joint venture that adversely impacts the relationship between the joint venture members, it could adversely impact that joint venture. The other members in our joint ventures may also, as a result of financial or other reasons, be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations in the respective joint ventures. In addition, joint ventures necessarily involve special risks. Whether or not we hold a majority interest or maintain operational control in a joint venture, the other members in our joint ventures may have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our interests or goals. For example, the other members in our joint ventures may exercise veto rights to block actions that we believe to be in our best interests, may take action contrary to our policies or objectives with respect to our investments, or may be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations or commitments to the joint venture.

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Acquisitions

We may be unable to successfully consummate, manage or integrate our acquisitions or our acquisitions may not meet our expectations. A portion of our growth has occurred through acquisitions. We may from time to time continue to seek attractive opportunities to acquire businesses, enter into joint ventures and make other investments that are complementary to our existing strengths. There are no assurances, however, that any acquisition opportunities will arise or, if they do, that they will be consummated, or that any needed additional financing for such opportunities will be available on satisfactory terms when required. In addition, acquisitions involve risks that the businesses acquired will not perform in accordance with expectations, that business judgments concerning the value, strengths and weaknesses of businesses acquired will prove incorrect, that we may assume unknown liabilities from the seller, that the acquired businesses may not be integrated successfully and that the acquisitions may strain our management resources or divert management’s attention from other business concerns. International acquisitions may present unique challenges and increase our exposure to the risks associated with foreign operations and countries. Also, failure to successfully integrate any of our acquisitions may cause significant operating inefficiencies and could adversely affect our operations and financial condition. Even if the operations of an acquisition are integrated successfully, we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, including the synergies, cost savings or growth opportunities that we expect. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated timeframe, or at all. Failing to realize the benefits could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Capital Expenditures

Our business requires capital investment and maintenance expenditures, and our capital resources may not be adequate to provide for all of our cash requirements. Many of our operations are capital intensive. For the five-year period ended May 31, 2021, our total capital expenditures, including acquisitions and investment activity, were approximately $862.4 million. Additionally, as of May 31, 2021, we were obligated to make aggregate operating and financing lease payments of $41.0 million and $7.3 million, respectively, under lease agreements. Our businesses also require expenditures for maintenance of our facilities. We currently believe that we have adequate resources (including cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities, and availability under existing credit facilities) to meet our cash needs for normal operating costs, capital expenditures, debt repayments, dividend payments, future acquisitions and working capital for our existing businesses. We currently believe that we have adequate resources (including cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities, availability under existing credit facilities and unused lines of credit) to meet our cash needs for normal operating costs, capital expenditures, debt repayments, dividend payments, future acquisitions and working capital for our existing businesses. However, given the potential for challenges, uncertainty and volatility in the domestic and global economies and financial markets, there can be no assurance that our capital resources will be adequate to provide for all of our cash requirements.

Litigation

We may be subject to legal proceedings or investigations, the resolution of which could negatively affect our results of operations and liquidity in a particular period. Our results of operations or liquidity in a particular period could be affected by an adverse ruling in any legal proceedings or investigations which may be pending against us or filed against us in the future. We are also subject to a variety of legal and compliance risks, including, without limitation, potential claims relating to product liability, product recall, privacy and information security, health and safety, environmental matters, intellectual property rights, taxes and compliance with U.S. and foreign export laws, anti-bribery laws, competition laws and sales and trading practices. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs to address and reduce these risks, the global and diverse nature of our operations means that these risks will continue to exist and additional legal proceedings and contingencies may arise from time to time. An adverse ruling or settlement or an unfavorable change in laws, rules or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or liquidity in a particular period.

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Claims and Insurance

Adverse claims experience, to the extent not covered by insurance, may have an adverse effect on our financial results. We self-insure most of our risks for product recall, cyber liability and pollution liability. We also self-insure a significant portion of our potential liability for workers’ compensation, product liability, general liability, property liability, automobile liability and employee medical claims, and in order to reduce risk for these liabilities, we purchase insurance from highly-rated, licensed insurance carriers that cover most claims in excess of the applicable deductible or retained amounts. We also maintain reserves for the estimated cost to resolve certain open claims that have been made against us (which may include active product recall or replacement programs), as well as an estimate of the cost of claims that have been incurred but not reported. The occurrence of significant claims, our failure to adequately reserve for such claims, a significant cost increase to maintain our insurance or the failure of our insurance providers to perform could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Accounting and Tax-Related Estimates

We are required to make accounting and tax-related estimates, assumptions and judgments in preparing our consolidated financial statements, and actual results may differ materially from the estimates, assumptions and judgments that we use. In preparing our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we are required to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions must be made because certain information that is used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is dependent on future events or cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision from data available to us. In some cases, these estimates and assumptions are particularly difficult to determine and we must exercise significant judgment. Some of the estimates, assumptions and judgments having the greatest amount of uncertainty, subjectivity and complexity are related to our accounting for bad debts, returns and allowances, inventory, self-insurance reserves, derivatives, stock-based compensation, deferred tax assets and liabilities and asset impairments. Our actual results may differ materially from the estimates, assumptions and judgments that we use, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our internal controls could be negatively impacted by COVID-19. As a result of COVID-19, a portion of our workforce will continue to work remotely, so new processes, procedures, and controls could be required due to the changes in our business environment, which could negatively impact our internal control over financial reporting.

Principal Shareholder

Our principal shareholder may have the ability to exert significant influence in matters requiring a shareholder vote and could delay, deter or prevent a change in control of Worthington Industries. Pursuant to our charter documents, certain matters such as those in which a person would attempt to acquire or take control of the Company, must be approved by the vote of the holders of common shares representing at least 75% of Worthington Industries’ outstanding voting power. Approximately 32% of our outstanding common shares are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by John P. McConnell, our Executive Chairman. As a result of his beneficial ownership of our common shares, Mr. McConnell may have the ability to exert significant influence in these matters and other proposals upon which our shareholders may vote.

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Employees

The loss of, or inability to attract and retain, qualified personnel could adversely affect our business. Our ability to successfully operate, grow our business and implement our business strategies is largely dependent on the efforts, abilities and services of our employees. The loss of employees or our inability to attract, train and retain additional personnel could reduce the competitiveness of our business or otherwise impair our operations or prospects. Our future success will also depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including engineers and other skilled technicians, who have experience in the application of our products and are knowledgeable about our business, markets and products. We also face risks associated with the actions taken in response to COVID-19, including those associated with workforce reductions, and may experience difficulties with hiring additional employees or replacing employees following the pandemic, which may be exacerbated by the tight labor market. We also face risks associated with the actions taken in response to COVID-19, including those associated with workforce reductions, and may experience difficulties with hiring additional employees or replacing employees following the pandemic. In addition, COVID-19 has, and may again result in quarantines of our personnel or an inability to access facilities, which could adversely affect our operations.

If we lose senior management or other key employees, our business may be adversely affected. We cannot assure that we will be able to retain our existing senior management personnel or other key employees or attract additional qualified personnel when needed. The loss of any member of our management team could adversely impact our business and operations. We have not entered into any formal employment contracts with or other stand-alone change in control provisions relative to our executive officers. However, we do have certain change in control provisions in our various compensation plans. We may modify our management structure from time to time or reduce our overall workforce, which may create marketing, operational and other business risks.

Credit Ratings

Ratings agencies may downgrade our credit ratings, which may make it more difficult for us to raise capital and could increase our financing costs. Any downgrade in our credit ratings may make raising capital more difficult, may increase the cost and affect the terms of future borrowings, may affect the terms under which we purchase goods and services and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities. In addition, the interest rate on our revolving credit facility is tied to our credit ratings, and any downgrade of our credit ratings would likely result in an increase in the cost of borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

Difficult Financial Markets

If we are required to raise capital in the future, we could face higher borrowing costs, less available capital, more stringent terms and tighter covenants or, in extreme conditions, an inability to raise capital. Although we currently have cash reserves, as well as significant borrowing availability under our existing credit facilities and should be able to access other capital if needed, should those facilities become unavailable due to covenant or other defaults, or should financial markets tighten so that we otherwise cannot raise capital outside our existing facilities, or the terms under which we do so change, we may be negatively impacted. Any adverse change in our access to capital or the terms of our borrowings, including increased costs, could have a negative impact on our financial condition.

Environmental, Health and Safety

We may incur additional costs related to environmental and health and safety matters. Our operations and facilities are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety. Compliance with these laws and regulations and any changes therein may sometimes involve substantial operating costs and capital expenditures, and any failure to maintain or achieve compliance with these laws and regulations or with the permits required for our operations could result in increased costs and capital expenditures and potentially fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, cleanup costs or temporary or permanent discontinuance of operations. Over time, we and predecessor operators of our facilities have generated, used, handled and disposed of hazardous and other regulated wastes. Environmental liabilities, including cleanup obligations, could exist at our facilities or at off-site locations where materials from our operations were disposed of or at facilities we have divested, which could result in future expenditures that cannot be currently quantified and which could reduce our profits and cash flow. We may be held strictly liable for any contamination of these sites, and the amount of any such liability could be material. Under the “joint and several” liability principle of certain environmental laws, we may be held liable for all remediation costs at a particular site, even with respect to contamination for which we are not responsible. Under the “joint and several” liability principle of certain environmental laws, we may be held liable for 17 all remediation costs at a particular site, even with respect to contamination for which we are not responsible. In addition, changes in environmental and human health and safety laws, rules, regulations or enforcement policies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

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Seasonality

Our operations have historically been subject to seasonal fluctuations that may impact our cash flows for a particular period. Although we experienced consistently strong demand in each quarter of fiscal 2021, our sales are generally strongest in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year when all of our business segments are normally operating at seasonal peaks, and our sales are generally weaker in the third quarter of the fiscal year, primarily due to reduced activity in the building and construction industry as a result of the colder, more inclement weather, as well as customer plant shutdowns in the automotive industry due to holidays. Although we experienced weaker demand in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 due to COVID-19, our sales are generally strongest in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year when all of our business segments are normally operating at seasonal peaks, and our sales are generally weaker in the third quarter of the fiscal year, primarily due to reduced activity in the building and construction industry as a result of the colder, more inclement weather, as well as customer plant shutdowns in the automotive industry due to holidays. Our quarterly results may also be affected by the timing of large customer orders. Consequently, our cash flow from operations may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. If, as a result of any such fluctuation, our quarterly cash flows were significantly reduced, we may be unable to service our indebtedness or maintain compliance with certain covenants under our credit facilities. A default under any of the documents governing our indebtedness could prevent us from borrowing additional funds, limit our ability to pay interest or principal and allow our lenders to declare the amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and to exercise certain other remedies.

General Risks

General Economic or Industry Downturns and Weakness

Our industries are cyclical and weakness or downturns in the general economy or certain industries could have an adverse effect on our business. If the domestic or global economies, or certain industry sectors of those economies that are key to our sales, contract or deteriorate, it could result in a corresponding decrease in demand for our products and negatively impact our results of operations and financial conditions. If the domestic or global economies, or certain industry sectors of those economies that are key to our sales, contract or deteriorate, it could result in a corresponding decrease in demand for our products and negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Volatility in the United States and worldwide capital and credit markets could impact our end markets and result in negative impacts on demand, increased credit and collection risks and other adverse effects on our businesses. The domestic and worldwide capital and credit markets have experiences significant volatility, disruptions and dislocations with respect to price and credit availability. These factors caused diminished availability of credit and other capital in our end markets, and for participants in, and the customers of, those markets. These factors caused diminished availability of credit and other capital in our end markets, and for participants in, and the customers of, those markets. Although domestic credit markets have largely stabilized from the height of the financial crisis, the effects of the financial crisis, as well as the concerns over the economic impact of COVID-19, continue to present risks to us, our customers and suppliers. In particular, there is no guarantee that the credit markets or liquidity will not once again be restricted. Additionally, government stimulus programs may not be available to the Company, its customers, or its suppliers, or may prove to be ineffective. Stricter lending standards may make it more difficult and costly for some firms to access the credit markets. Further, uncertainties in Europe regarding the financial sector and sovereign debt and the potential impact on banks in other regions of the world will continue to weigh on global and domestic growth. Although we believe we have adequate access to several sources of contractually committed borrowings and other available credit facilities, these risks could temporarily restrict our ability to borrow money on acceptable terms in the credit markets and potentially could affect our ability to draw on our credit facilities. In addition, restricted access to the credit markets could make it difficult, or in some cases, impossible for customers to borrow money to fund their operations. Lack of, or limited access to, capital would adversely affect our customers’ ability to purchase our products or, in some cases, to pay for our products on a timely basis.

Tax Laws and Regulations

Tax increases or changes in tax laws or regulations could adversely affect our financial results. We are subject to tax and related obligations in the jurisdictions in which we operate or do business, including state, local, federal and foreign taxes. The taxing rules of the various jurisdictions in which we operate or do business often are complex and subject to varying interpretations. Tax authorities may challenge tax positions that we take or historically have taken and may assess taxes where we have not made tax filings or may audit the tax filings we have made and assess additional taxes. Some of these assessments may be substantial, and also may involve the imposition of penalties and interest.

In addition, governments could change their existing tax laws, impose new taxes on us or increase the rates at which we are taxed in the future. The payment of substantial additional taxes, penalties or interest resulting from tax assessments, or the imposition of any new taxes, could materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. For example, on March 31, 2021, President Biden unveiled his infrastructure plan, which includes a proposal to increase the federal corporate income tax rate from 21% to 28% as part of a package of tax reforms to help fund the spending proposals in the plan. The Biden plan is in the early stages of the legislative process.

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If adopted as proposed, the increase in the federal corporate income tax rate would adversely affect our results of operations in future periods.

Legislation and Regulations

Certain proposed legislation and regulations may have an adverse impact on the economy in general and in our markets specifically, which may adversely affect our businesses. Our businesses may be negatively impacted by a variety of new or proposed legislation or regulations. For example, legislation and regulations proposing increases in taxation on, or heightened regulation of, greenhouse gas emissions may result in higher prices for steel, higher prices for utilities required to run our facilities, higher fuel costs for us and our suppliers and distributors, limitations on our ability to use or sell certain products and other adverse impacts. Factors that may affect our energy costs include significant increases in fuel, oil or natural gas prices, unavailability of electrical power or other energy sources due to droughts, hurricanes or other natural causes or due to shortages resulting from insufficient supplies to serve customers, or interruptions in energy supplies due to equipment failure or other causes. To the extent that new legislation or regulations increase our costs, we may not be able to fully pass these costs on to our customers without a resulting decline in sales and adverse impact to our profits. Likewise, to the extent new legislation or regulations would have an adverse effect on the economy, our markets or the ability of domestic businesses to compete against foreign operations, we could also be adversely impacted.

Changes to global data privacy laws and cross-border transfer requirements could adversely affect our businesses and operations. Our businesses depend on the transfer of data between our affiliated entities, to and from our business partners, and with third-party service provides, which may be subject to global data privacy laws and cross-border transfer restrictions. In particular, the European Union has implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which contains numerous requirements that must be complied with in connection with how we handle personal data related to our European-based operations and employees. A number of U.S. states have also recently introduced and passed legislation to expand data breach notification rules and to mirror some of the protections provided by GDPR. While we take steps to comply with these legal requirements, the volatility and changes to the applicability of those laws may impact our ability to effectively transfer data across borders in support of our business operations. Compliance with GDPR, or other regulatory standards, could also increase our cost of doing business and/or force us to change our business practices in a manner adverse to our businesses. In addition, violations of GDPR, or other privacy regulations, may result in significant fines, penalties and damage to our brands and businesses which could, individually or in the aggregate, materially harm our businesses and reputation.

Significant changes to the U.S. federal government’s trade policies, including new tariffs or the renegotiation or termination of existing trade agreements and/or treaties, may adversely affect our financial performance. In recent years, the U.S. federal government has altered U.S. international trade policy and has indicated its intention to renegotiate or terminate certain existing trade agreements and treaties with foreign governments. In the past year, the U.S. federal government has re-negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, replacing it with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”). The U.S. federal government’s decision to implement new trade agreements, and/or withdraw or materially modify other existing trade agreements or treaties may adversely impact our business, customers and/or suppliers by disrupting trade and commercial transactions and/or adversely affecting the U.S. economy or specific portions thereof. Further, it is uncertain what impact COVID-19 and the reactions of governmental authorities and others thereto will have on international trade and what impact any changes in international trade will have on the economy or on the businesses of the Company and those of its customers and its suppliers.

Additionally, the U.S. federal government has imposed tariffs on certain foreign goods. The U.S. federal government has imposed tariffs on certain steel products imported into the United States. Although the new steel tariffs may benefit portions of our business, these tariffs, as well as country-specific or product-specific exemptions, may also lead to steel price fluctuations and retaliatory actions from foreign governments and/or modifications to the purchasing patterns of our customers that could adversely affect our business or the steel industry as a whole. Although the new steel tariffs may benefit portions of our business, these tariffs, as well as country-specific or product-specific exemptions, may also lead to steel prices fluctuations and retaliatory actions from foreign governments and/or modifications to the purchasing patterns of our customers that could adversely affect our business or the steel industry as a whole. In particular, certain foreign governments, including Canada, China and Mexico, as well as the European Union, have instituted or are considering imposing tariffs on certain U.S. goods. Restrictions on trade with foreign countries, imposition of customs duties or further modifications to U.S. international trade policy have the potential to disrupt our supply chain or the supply chains of our customers and to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, customers, suppliers and/or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof, potentially leading to negative effects on our business.

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Impairment Charges

Weakness or instability in the general economy, our markets or our results of operations could result in future asset impairments, which would reduce our reported earnings and net worth. Economic conditions remain fragile in some markets and the possibility remains that the domestic or global economies, or certain industry sectors that are key to our sales, may deteriorate. If certain of our business segments are adversely affected by challenging economic and financial conditions, we may be required to record future impairments, which would negatively impact our results of operations.

Item 1B. — Unresolved Staff Comments

None.