Trane Technologies(TT) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report

Business Operations and Geopolitical Risks - The company has exited all business activities in Russia and Belarus as of December 31, 2022, due to the ongoing conflict, which has not materially affected its financial performance to date [84]. - The ongoing geopolitical conflict, particularly the Russia-Ukraine situation, has created uncertainties that could adversely affect the company's operations and financial condition [83]. - Changes in trade policies and geopolitical tensions could disrupt supply chains and increase product costs, potentially reducing demand [82]. - The company is exposed to risks from natural disasters and pandemics, which could disrupt operations and adversely affect financial performance [110]. Financial Performance and Legal Risks - Legal proceedings related to asbestos claims could have a material adverse effect on the company's financial condition and results of operations [88]. - The company is involved in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases for subsidiaries Aldrich and Murray, which may impact its financial obligations and future prospects [89]. - The company faces uncertainties regarding the outcome of its bankruptcy cases, which could affect its financial condition and operational strategies [93]. Risk Management and Compliance - The company is exposed to risks from currency exchange rate fluctuations, which can impact reported results depending on the strength of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies [79]. - The company utilizes derivative instruments for risk management to hedge against material exposures that cannot be naturally offset [80]. - Cybersecurity risks remain a concern, with the company investing in measures to enhance protection against potential cyber attacks [96]. - The company faces risks related to cybersecurity, including potential litigation and penalties from data breaches, which could materially impact financial results [102]. - The regulatory environment surrounding data privacy and protection is increasingly demanding, leading to higher compliance costs and potential fines [99]. - The company may incur additional costs to comply with increasing cybersecurity standards mandated by customers [104]. - The company is subject to significant expenditures to comply with environmental laws and regulations, which could affect product offerings and operational costs [103]. Strategic Initiatives and Goals - The company is committed to reducing one gigaton (one billion metric tons) of carbon emissions (CO2e) from its customers' footprint by 2030 [105]. - The company plans to offer a full line of next-generation products by 2030 without compromising safety or energy efficiency [105]. - The company continues to evaluate acquisitions and divestitures to strengthen its market position and enhance product offerings, but these transactions carry risks [106]. Taxation and Shareholder Implications - Changes in tax laws, including the introduction of a global minimum tax rate, could materially increase the company's tax burden and effective tax rate [114]. - If the Distribution is deemed taxable for Irish tax purposes, significant Irish tax liabilities may arise for Spin-off Shareholders, potentially impacting the company's financial condition [119]. - The company received a legal opinion indicating that the Distribution and related transactions would qualify as tax-free under U.S. federal income tax laws, preventing recognition of gain or loss for Spin-off Shareholders [121]. - A change in ownership of 50% or greater could trigger tax liabilities under Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, although the merger alone should not cause such tax implications [122]. - The company received opinions from legal counsel that the merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, allowing U.S. holders of Ingersoll Rand Industrial common stock to avoid recognizing gain or loss [123]. - Irish law allows for less protection for shareholders compared to U.S. laws, potentially complicating the enforcement of rights for holders of the company's securities [124]. - Dividends paid to shareholders may be subject to a 25% Irish dividend withholding tax, although many U.S. shareholders may be exempt from this tax [127]. - Shareholders receiving dividends subject to Irish withholding tax generally will not face further Irish income tax unless they have additional connections to Ireland [129]. Human Resources and Talent Management - The company is focused on attracting and retaining qualified talent, as competition for skilled employees is high [111].