Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
The discussion of our business and operations should be read together with the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 filed with the SEC, which describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. Further, the current coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and actions taken to address the pandemic may exacerbate the risks described in our SEC reports. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies or prospects in a material and adverse manner.
 
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The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted, and poses risks to, our business, the nature and extent of which are highly uncertain and unpredictable. In March 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. This pandemic has resulted in a global health crisis that is adversely affecting broader economies, financial markets, and the business environment worldwide. We are monitoring the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and taking steps to mitigate the accompanying impact on our business by working with our employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. The pandemic is adversely affecting, and is expected to continue to adversely affect, certain elements of our business. Portions of our workforce may be unable to work effectively due to illness and containment measures, including quarantines, illness precautions, travel restrictions, and other restrictions. We experienced volatility in customer demand as their businesses were impacted by the pandemic. If the pandemic continues, recurs, or worsens, we may experience additional adverse impacts on our operational and commercial activities, including rising costs, volatility in customer orders and purchases and declines in our collections of accounts receivable. Furthermore, the pandemic has impacted and may further impact the broader U.S. economy, including negatively impacting economic growth, the proper functioning of financial and capital markets and interest rates, all of which could lead to a decline in our net sales. Due to the speed with which the situation is developing, the breadth of its spread and the range of governmental and community reactions thereto, there is uncertainty around its duration, ultimate impact and the timing of recovery. Therefore, the pandemic could lead to an extended disruption of economic activity and the impact on our stock price, access to capital, consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be material.
 
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