NOTE 18 – CONTINGENCIES

From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business including tax assessments. The Company defends itself vigorously against any such claims. When (i) it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and (ii) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company records the estimated loss. The Company provides disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for loss contingencies that do not meet both conditions if there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred that would be material to the financial statements. Significant judgment is required to determine the probability that a liability has been incurred and whether such liability is reasonably estimable. The Company bases accruals on the best information available at the time, which can be highly subjective. The final outcome of these matters could vary significantly from the amounts included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.