Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 3. Legal proceedings
From time to time, Dole is the subject of a number of legal proceedings and civil and criminal investigations and inquiries by governmental agencies. We are unable to predict how long such proceedings, investigations and inquiries will continue or the full scope of such investigations, but we anticipate that we will continue to incur significant costs in connection with these matters and that these proceedings, investigations and inquiries will result in a substantial distraction of management’s time, regardless of the outcome. These proceedings, investigations and inquiries may result in damages, fines, penalties, consent orders or other administrative action against us and/or certain of our officers, or in changes to our business practices, and any such fines or penalties could be greater than we currently anticipate. Furthermore, publicity surrounding these proceedings, investigations and inquiries or any enforcement action as a result thereof, even if ultimately resolved favorably for us, could result in additional investigations and legal proceedings. As a result, although these proceedings, investigations and inquiries could have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations, we do not expect them to have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on Dole’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
See Note 19 “Contingencies” in the consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for additional information regarding legal proceedings.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
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Table of Contents
PART II
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