effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences of governmental and other measures designed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, actions taken by governmental authorities, customers, lenders, contract counterparties, vendors and other parties with whom we have business relations and the timing and extent to which normal economic and operating conditions resume.
Public health crises, such as COVID-19, may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operations.
Just Energy’s business, operations, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as the outbreak of the COVID-19. Such public health crises can result in operational and supply chain delays and disruptions, global stock market and financial market volatility, declining trade and market sentiment, reduced movement of people and labor shortages, and travel and shipping disruption and shutdowns, including as a result of government regulation and prevention measures, or a fear of any of the foregoing, all of which could affect commodity prices, interest rates, credit ratings, credit risk and inflation.
Just Energy may experience business and operational interruptions relating to COVID-19 and other such events outside of the Company’s control, which could have a material adverse impact on the business, financial condition, operating results and the market for the securities.
In addition, Just Energy has certain back-office operations conducted by its affiliate located in India. The COVID-19 pandemic in India and resulting government measures have impacted Just Energy’s business and operations and may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business if such operations are unable to run at full capacity.
The loss of the services of key management and personnel could adversely affect the Company’s ability to successfully operate its businesses.
Just Energy’s future success depends on, among other things, its ability to keep the services of its executives and to hire other highly qualified employees at all levels. Just Energy competes with other potential employers for employees and may not be successful in hiring and keeping the services of executives and other employees that it needs. The loss of the services of, or the inability to hire, executives or key employees could hinder Just Energy’s business operations and growth and adversely affect Just Energy’s ability to successfully operate its business.
Additionally, while the Company has modified or restricted certain business and workforce practices (including employee travel, presence at employee work locations, and physical participation in meetings, events, and conferences) to protect the health and safety of the Company’s workforce, and to conform to government orders and best practices encouraged by governmental and regulatory authorities, Just Energy depends on its workforce to operate its business and deliver products and services to its customers. If a large portion of the Company’s operational workforce were to contract COVID-19 or otherwise become unavailable, it could adversely affect the Company’s ability to successfully operate its business.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the related disruptions to the global economy could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
The global economy has been negatively impacted by the recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Governments in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union have imposed sanctions on certain products, industry sectors, and parties in Russia. Although we do not have any operations in Russia or Ukraine, we have experienced and may continue to experience increased costs for commodities due in part to the negative impact of the conflict on the global economy. If the conflict continues for an extended period of time, it could result in cyberattacks, supply chain disruptions, lower consumer demand, changes in foreign exchange rates, and other impacts, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.