- Part 9: For the preceding part double click ID:nRSG7691Yh
Financial Statements from page 156. Financial liabilities arising due to product liability or other litigation, in respect of which we do not have insurance coverage, or if an insurer's denial of coverage is ultimately upheld, could require us to make
significant provisions relating to legal proceedings and could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. For more information, please see the Adverse outcome of litigation and/or governmental investigations risk on page
223. The resolution of tax disputes regarding the profits to be taxed in individual territories can result in a reallocation of profits between jurisdictions and an increase or decrease in related tax costs, and has the potential to affect our cash flows,
EPS and post-tax earnings. Claims, regardless of their merits or their outcome, are costly, divert management attention and may adversely affect our reputation. If any double tax treaties should be withdrawn or amended, especially in a territory where a
member of the AstraZeneca Group is involved in a taxation dispute with a tax authority in relation to cross-border transactions, such withdrawal or amendment could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations, as could a
negative outcome of a tax dispute or a failure by tax authorities to agree through competent authority proceedings. See the Financial risk management policies section of the Financial Review on page 76 for tax risk management policies and Note 28 to the
Financial Statements from page 185 for details of current tax disputes. Changes in tax regimes could result in a material impact on the Company's cash tax liabilities and tax charge, resulting in either an increase or a reduction in financial results
depending upon the nature of the change. We represent views to the OECD, governments and tax authorities through public consultations to ensure international institutions and governments understand the business implications of proposed law changes.
Specific OECD BEPS recommendations that we expect to impact the Company include changes to patent box regimes, restrictions of interest deductibility and revised transfer pricing guidelines. Sustained falls in asset values could reduce pension fund
solvency levels, which may result in requirements for additional cash, restricting the cash available for our business. Changes to funding regulations for defined benefit pensions may also result in a requirement for additional cash contributions by the
Company. If the present value of the liabilities increase due to a sustained low interest rate environment, an increase in expectations of future inflation, or an improvement in member longevity (above that already assumed), this could also reduce pension
fund solvency ratios. The likely increase in the IAS 19 accounting deficitgenerated by any of these factors may cause the credit rating agencies to review our credit rating, with the potential to negatively affect our ability to raise debt and the price of
new debt issuances. See Note 20 to the Financial Statements from page 165 for further details of the Group's pension obligations.
Failure in financial control or the occurrence of fraud
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and are designed to prevent and detect fraud. Lapses in controls and procedures could undermine the ability to prevent fraud or provide accurate disclosure of financial information on a timely basis. Testing of our internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements and may not prevent or detect misstatements or fraud. Significant resources may be required to remediate any lapse or deficiency in internal controls. Any such deficiency may also trigger investigations by a number of organisations, for example, the SEC, the DOJ or the SFO and may result in fines being levied
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