AUTOZONE INC

Previous wording

Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties described below could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and stock price. The following information should be read in conjunction with the other information contained in this report and other filings that we make with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. Our business could also be materially affected by additional factors that are presently unknown to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial to our business.

Current wording

Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. The risk factors described below reflect the Company's beliefs and opinions as to factors that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and stock price or otherwise impact the Company. References to past events are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be a complete listing or a representation as to whether such factors have occurred in the past or their likelihood of occurring in the future. The following information should be read in conjunction with the other information contained in this report and other filings that we make with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. Our business could also be materially affected by additional factors that are presently unknown to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial to our business.

Previous wording

announced, and further changes are expected to be made in the future, including in response to pending litigation, which may include additional sector-based tariffs or other measures. Additionally, the current administration has directed various federal agencies to further evaluate key aspects of U.S. trade policy and amid ongoing discussion and commentary regarding further potentially significant changes to U.S. trade policies, enforcement priorities, sanctions, treaties and tariffs. As a result of these ongoing developments, significant uncertainty continues with respect to the future economic and political relationship between the U.S. and other countries. The ultimate impact of tariffs and other trade policies on the Company’s business will depend on several factors, including whether additional or incremental U.S. tariffs or other measures are announced, revised, or rescinded, to what extent other countries implement tariffs or other measures in response, the overall magnitude and duration of these measures and our ability to mitigate the impacts of such measures more effectively than our competitors. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material effect on global economic conditions, the stability of global financial markets, or global trade, and may impact the Company’s product cost, pricing, or competitive conditions, disrupt supply chains, impact the broader macroeconomic environment and consumer sentiment or otherwise negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

cost, pricing, or competitive conditions, disrupt supply chains, impact the broader macroeconomic environment and consumer sentiment or otherwise negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

If we are unable to compete successfully against other businesses that sell the products that we sell, we could lose customers and our sales and profits may decline.

Current wording

If we are unable to compete successfully against other businesses that sell the products that we sell, we could lose customers and market share and our sales and profits may decline.

Previous wording

Although we believe we compete effectively, our competitors may have greater financial resources allowing them to invest more in their business, greater sourcing capabilities allowing them to sell merchandise at lower prices, larger stores with more merchandise, longer operating histories with deeper customer relationships, more frequent customer visits, more effective advertising and more successful utilization of data analytics, artificial intelligence and other new and emerging technologies. Online and multi-channel retailers often have lower operating costs and focus on delivery services, thereby offering customers faster, guaranteed delivery times and low-price or free shipping. In addition, because our business strategy is based on offering superior levels of customer service to complement the products we offer, our cost structure is higher than some of our competitors, which also puts pressure on our margins.

Current wording

larger stores with more merchandise, longer operating histories with deeper customer relationships, more frequent customer visits, more effective advertising and more successful utilization of data analytics, artificial intelligence (“AI”) and other new and emerging technologies. Online and multi-channel retailers often have lower operating costs and focus on delivery services, thereby offering customers faster, guaranteed delivery times and low-cost or free shipping. In addition, because our business strategy is based on offering superior levels of customer service to complement the products we offer, our cost structure is higher than some of our competitors, which also puts pressure on our margins.

Previous wording

With the increasing use of digital tools, our customers often begin their shopping experience online and are quickly able to compare prices, product assortment, product availability and feedback from other customers before purchasing products. We may be unable to differentiate ourselves or unable to anticipate and adapt to new or enhanced digital experiences offered by other retailers.

Current wording

With the increasing use of digital tools, our customers often begin their shopping experience online and are quickly able to compare prices, product assortment, product availability and feedback from other customers before purchasing products. We may be unable to differentiate ourselves or to anticipate and adapt to new or enhanced digital experiences offered by other retailers.

Previous wording

If we are unable to continue to manage in-stock inventory and costs, provide competitive delivery options, develop successful competitive strategies, including the maintenance of effective promotions, advertising and loyalty programs, develop and execute effective digital and omni-channel strategies or otherwise compete effectively, or if our competitors develop more effective strategies, we could lose customers and our sales and profits may decline.

Current wording

If we are unable to continue to manage in-stock inventory and costs, provide competitive delivery options, develop successful competitive strategies, including the maintenance of effective promotions, advertising and loyalty programs, develop and execute effective digital and omni-channel strategies or otherwise compete effectively, or if our competitors develop more effective strategies, we could lose customers and market share, and our sales and profits may decline.

Previous wording

We have increased annual revenues in the past five fiscal years from $12.6 billion in fiscal 2020 to $18.9 billion in fiscal 2025, with a compounded annual growth rate of approximately eight percent. Annual revenue growth is driven by increases in same store sales, the opening of new stores and the development of new commercial programs. Same store sales are impacted both by customer demand levels and by the prices we are able to charge for our products, which can also be negatively impacted by economic pressures. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion of same store sales.

Current wording

We have increased annual revenues in the past five fiscal years from $14.6 billion in fiscal 2021 to $20.3 billion in fiscal 2026, with a compounded annual growth rate of approximately seven percent. Annual revenue growth is driven by increases in same store sales, the opening of new stores and the development of new commercial programs. Same store sales are impacted both by customer demand levels and by the prices we are able to charge for our products, which can also be negatively impacted by economic pressures. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion of same store sales.

Previous wording

We have increased our store count in the past five fiscal years, growing from 6,549 stores at August 29, 2020 to 7,657 stores at August 30, 2025, a compounded annual growth rate of approximately three percent.

Current wording

We have increased our store count in the past five fiscal years, growing from 6,767 stores at August 28, 2021 to 8,031 stores at August 29, 2026, a compounded annual growth rate of approximately three percent.

Previous wording

If we cannot profitably increase our market share in the commercial auto parts business, our sales growth may be limited.

Current wording

If we cannot profitably increase our market share in the commercial automotive parts business, our sales growth may be limited.

Previous wording

wholesalers, jobbers, repair shops, auto dealers, online retailers and others in order to increase our commercial market share. Although we believe we compete effectively in the commercial market on the basis of customer service, merchandise quality, assortment and availability, price, delivery times, product warranty, distribution locations and the strength of our AutoZone brand, trademarks and service marks, some automotive aftermarket participants have been in business for substantially longer periods of time than we have, and as a result have developed long-term customer relationships, an experienced sales organization, considerable market presence and have large available inventories. If we are unable to profitably grow our sales with existing commercial customers, our sales growth may be limited.

Current wording

Although we are a leading distributor of automotive parts and other products in the commercial market, we must effectively compete against national, regional and local auto parts chains, independently owned parts stores, wholesalers, jobbers, repair shops, auto dealers, online retailers and others in order to increase our commercial market share. Although we believe we compete effectively in the commercial market on the basis of customer service, merchandise quality, assortment and availability, price, delivery times, product warranty, distribution locations and the strength of our AutoZone brand, trademarks and service marks, some automotive aftermarket participants have been in business for substantially longer periods of time than we have, and as a result have developed long-term customer relationships, an experienced sales organization, considerable market presence and have large available inventories. If we are unable to profitably grow our sales with existing commercial customers, our sales growth may be limited.

Previous wording

We believe much of our brand value lies in the quality of the approximately 130,000 AutoZoners employed in our stores, distribution centers, store support centers and ALLDATA. Our workforce costs represent our largest operating expense, and our ability to meet our labor needs while controlling labor costs is subject to numerous external factors, including market pressures with respect to prevailing wage rates and unemployment levels. Our business is also subject to employment laws and regulations, including those related to minimum wage, benefits and scheduling requirements, and these laws are subject to change over time. In addition, the implementation of potential regulatory changes relating to overtime exemptions and benefits for certain employees under federal and state laws could result in increased labor costs to our business and negatively impact our operating results.

Current wording

We believe much of our brand value lies in the quality of the approximately 132,000 AutoZoners employed in our stores, distribution centers, store support centers and ALLDATA. Our workforce costs represent our largest operating expense, and our ability to meet our labor needs while controlling labor costs is subject to numerous external factors, including market pressures with respect to prevailing wage rates and unemployment levels. Our business is also subject to employment laws and regulations, including those related to minimum wage, benefits and scheduling requirements, and these laws are subject to change over time. In addition, the implementation of potential regulatory changes relating to overtime exemptions and benefits for certain employees under federal and state laws could result in increased labor costs to our business and negatively impact our operating results. We also have AutoZoners in Mexico, Brazil and other countries, and are required to comply with differing laws and regulations in each of those countries.

Previous wording

We compete with other retail businesses for many of our associates in hourly positions, and these positions have historically had high turnover rates, which can lead to increased training and retention costs, particularly in a competitive labor market. We cannot be assured that we can continue to hire, train and retain qualified employees at current wage rates since we operate in a competitive labor market, and there are currently significant inflationary and other pressures on wages.

Current wording

We compete with other retail businesses for many of our AutoZoners in hourly positions, and these positions have historically had high turnover rates, which can lead to increased training and retention costs, particularly in a competitive labor market. We cannot be assured that we can continue to hire, train and retain qualified employees at current wage rates since we operate in a competitive labor market, and there are currently significant inflationary and other pressures on wages.

Previous wording

In the U.S., over the last few years there has been an increase in workers exercising their right to form or join a union, both generally and in the retail industry. Further, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued decisions making it easier for employees to organize. Although none of our domestic employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, there can be no assurance that our domestic employees will not elect to be represented by labor unions in the future. If a significant portion of our work force were to become unionized, our culture and operating model could be challenged by inserting a third party into our current relationships between our leaders and hourly AutoZoners. Further, our labor costs could increase, and our business could be negatively affected by other requirements and expectations that could change our company culture, decrease our flexibility and disrupt our business. Further, our responses to any union organizing efforts could negatively impact how our brand is perceived by customers and AutoZoners and have material adverse effects on our business and financial results.

Current wording

In the U.S., over the last few years there has been an increase in workers exercising their right to form or join a union, both generally and in the retail industry. Further, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued decisions making it easier for employees to organize. Although none of our U.S. based AutoZoners are currently covered by collective bargaining agreements, we have been subject to labor unions’ efforts to organize groups of our AutoZoners from time to time. If a significant portion of our work force were to become unionized, our culture and operating model could be challenged by inserting a third party into our current relationships between our supervisors and non-supervisory AutoZoners. Further, our labor costs could increase, and our business could be negatively affected by other requirements and expectations that could change our company culture, decrease our flexibility and disrupt our business. Further, our responses to any union organizing efforts could negatively impact how our brand is perceived by customers and AutoZoners and have material adverse effects on our business, reputation and financial results.

Previous wording

We directly imported approximately 13% of our purchases in fiscal 2025, but many of our domestic vendors directly import their products or components of their products. Changes to the price or flow of these goods for any reason, such as increased import duties or tariffs, foreign trade policies, civil unrest or acts of war, currency fluctuations, disruptions in maritime lanes, port labor disputes and other issues, economic conditions and instability in the countries in which foreign suppliers are located, the financial instability of suppliers, suppliers’ failure to meet our standards, issues with labor practices of our suppliers or labor problems they may experience (such as strikes, stoppages or slowdowns, which could also increase labor costs during and following the disruption), the availability and cost of raw materials to suppliers, merchandise quality or safety issues, shipping and transport availability and cost, increases in wage rates and taxes, transport security, trade sanctions, import limitations on certain types of goods or of goods containing certain materials from other countries, inflation and other factors relating to the suppliers and the countries in which they are located or from which they import, often are beyond our control and could adversely affect our operations and profitability. Furthermore, these risks may be amplified if we or our domestic vendors are unable to diversify our or their supply chains or rely too heavily on a single country to source our or our vendors’ products. These and other factors affecting our suppliers’ and our access to products could materially adversely affect our business and financial performance. As we or our domestic vendors increase the importation of merchandise or components from foreign vendors, these risks are likely to increase.

Current wording

We directly imported approximately 12% of our purchases in fiscal 2026, but many of our domestic vendors directly import their products or components of their products. Changes to the price or flow of these goods for any reason, such as increased import duties or tariffs, foreign trade policies, civil unrest or acts of war, currency fluctuations, disruptions in maritime lanes, port labor disputes and other issues, economic conditions and instability in the countries in which foreign suppliers are located, the financial instability of suppliers, suppliers’ failure to meet our standards, issues with labor practices of our suppliers or labor problems they may experience (such as strikes, stoppages or slowdowns, which could also increase labor costs during and following the disruption), the availability and cost of raw materials to suppliers, merchandise quality or safety issues, shipping and transport availability and cost, increases in wage rates and taxes, transport security, trade sanctions, import limitations on certain types of goods or of goods containing certain materials from other countries, inflation and other factors relating to the suppliers and the countries in which they are located or from which they import, often are beyond our control and could adversely affect our operations and profitability. Furthermore, these risks may be amplified if we or our domestic vendors are unable to diversify our or their supply chains or rely too heavily on a single country to source our or our vendors’ products. These and other factors affecting our suppliers’ and our access to products could materially adversely affect our business and financial performance. As we or our domestic vendors increase the importation of merchandise or components from foreign vendors, these risks are likely to increase.

Previous wording

Disruptions in our supply chain and other factors affecting the distribution of our merchandise could adversely impact our business.

Current wording

Disruptions in our supply chain and other factors affecting the distribution of our merchandise could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, we have made, and plan to continue to make, significant investments in our supply chain, such as the construction of multiple new distribution centers which began operations in fiscal 2025 and the execution of various technology initiatives. These investments seek to improve product availability and assortment, fulfill evolving consumer product demands and keep up with our long-term store expansion goals. If we fail to effectively implement future investments, or if our investments in our supply chain initiatives do not provide the anticipated benefits, we could experience sub-optimal inventory levels in our stores or be required to make further investments, which could adversely affect our sales volume and/or our margins.

Current wording

In addition, we have made, and plan to continue to make, significant investments in our supply chain, such as the construction of multiple new distribution centers and the execution of various technology initiatives. These investments seek to improve product availability and assortment, fulfill evolving consumer product demands and keep up with our long-term store expansion goals. If we fail to effectively implement future investments, or if our investments in our supply chain initiatives do not provide the anticipated benefits, we could experience sub-optimal inventory levels in our stores or be required to make further investments, which could adversely affect our sales volume and/or our margins.

Previous wording

In addition, our information technology systems, infrastructure and personnel require ongoing substantial investments, such as replacing existing systems, some of which are older, legacy systems that are less flexible and efficient, with successor systems; making changes to existing systems, including the migration of applications to the cloud; maintaining or enhancing legacy systems that are not currently being replaced; or designing or cost-effectively acquiring and implementing new systems with new functionality, including artificial intelligence. These efforts can result in significant potential risks, including failure of the systems to operate as designed, potential loss or corruption of data, cost overruns, or implementation delays or errors, and may result in operational challenges, security control failures, reputational harm, and increased costs that could adversely affect our business operations and results of operations.

Current wording

In addition, our information technology systems, infrastructure and personnel require ongoing substantial investments, such as replacing existing systems, some of which are older, legacy systems that are less flexible and efficient, with successor systems; making changes to existing systems, including the migration of applications to the cloud; maintaining or enhancing legacy systems that are not currently being replaced; or designing or cost-effectively acquiring and implementing new systems with new functionality, including AI. These efforts can result in significant potential risks, including failure of the systems to operate as designed, potential loss or corruption of data, cost overruns, or implementation delays or errors, and may result in operational challenges, security control failures, reputational harm, and increased costs that could adversely affect our business operations and results of operations.

Previous wording

While addressing vulnerabilities is a priority for us, the methods used to obtain unauthorized access are constantly evolving and increasing in frequency and sophistication, including through the use of evolving artificial intelligence tools to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Attempts to gain unauthorized access can be difficult to anticipate or promptly detect. We cannot assure you that the security measures we or our third-party service providers and vendors have in place today will be successful in their efforts to prevent or mitigate the impact of a cyber incident or provide us with sufficient visibility to determine if a cyber incident has occurred, and there can be no assurance that such measures we introduce in the future will be sufficiently effective either. Failure to maintain the security of the personal and other confidential information to which we have access could lead to private litigation, regulatory enforcement actions and reputational harm, all of which would require extensive time and financial resources to resolve and could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition.

Current wording

While addressing vulnerabilities is a priority for us, the methods used to obtain unauthorized access are constantly evolving and increasing in frequency and sophistication, including through the use of evolving AI tools to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Attempts to gain unauthorized access can be difficult to anticipate or promptly detect. We cannot provide assurance that the security measures we or our third-party service providers and vendors have in place today will be successful in their efforts to prevent or mitigate the impact of a cyber incident or provide us with sufficient visibility to determine if a cyber incident has occurred, and there can be no assurance that such measures we introduce in the future will be sufficiently effective either. Failure to maintain the security of the personal and other confidential information to which we have access could lead to private litigation, regulatory enforcement actions and reputational harm, all of which would require extensive time and financial resources to resolve and could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our short-term and long-term debt is rated investment grade by the major rating agencies. These investment-grade credit ratings have historically allowed us to take advantage of lower interest rates and other favorable terms on our short-term credit lines, in our senior debt offerings and in the commercial paper markets. To maintain our investment-grade ratings, we are required to meet certain financial performance ratios. A change by the rating agencies in these ratios, an increase in our debt, and/or a decline in our earnings could result in downgrades in our credit ratings. A downgrade in our credit ratings could limit our access to public debt markets, limit the institutions willing to provide credit facilities to us, result in more restrictive financial and other covenants in our public and

Current wording

Our short-term and long-term debt is rated investment grade by the major rating agencies. These investment-grade credit ratings have historically allowed us to take advantage of lower interest rates and other favorable terms on our short-term credit lines, in our senior debt offerings and in the commercial paper markets. To maintain our investment-grade ratings, we are required to meet certain financial performance ratios. A change by the rating agencies in these ratios, an increase in our debt, and/or a decline in our earnings could result in downgrades in our credit ratings. A downgrade in our credit ratings could limit our access to public debt markets, limit the institutions willing to provide credit facilities to us, result in more restrictive financial and other covenants in our public and private debt and would likely significantly increase our overall borrowing costs and adversely affect our earnings. Additionally, a downgrade in our credit or changes in the financial markets may limit financial institutions’ willingness to participate in our supplier financing arrangements, which may result in vendors seeking to renegotiate their payment terms. Moreover, significant deterioration in the financial condition of large financial institutions could result in a severe loss of liquidity and availability of credit in global credit markets and in more stringent borrowing terms. Conditions and events in the global credit markets could have a material adverse effect on our access to short-term and long-term debt and the terms and cost of that debt.

Previous wording

We are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, many of which are complex, frequently revised and subject to varying interpretations. These include laws governing employment and labor, wage and hour, environmental matters, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and waste, employee benefits, data privacy, cybersecurity, safety, the pricing and sale of goods, import and export compliance, transportation and logistics, consumer protection and advertising, among others. These laws may change over time and may differ substantially across the areas where we operate. There is added uncertainty surrounding potential changes to the regulatory environment in the United States. Although we have implemented policies and procedures to help ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no certainty that our AutoZoners and third parties with whom we do business will not take actions in violation of our policies or applicable laws. If we fail to comply with these laws, rules and regulations, or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied, we may be subject to governmental enforcement action or private litigation resulting in restrictions on our business, monetary penalties, reputational harm and increased costs of regulatory compliance. Any changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing laws and regulations or the enactment of any new laws and regulations, including tax legislation, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We may also be subject to investigations or audits by governmental authorities and regulatory agencies as a result of enforcing existing laws and regulations or changes in enforcement priorities, which can occur in the ordinary course of business or may result from increased scrutiny from a particular agency or toward a particular industry.

Current wording

We are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, many of which are complex, frequently revised and subject to varying interpretations. These include laws governing employment and labor, wage and hour, environmental matters, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials and waste, employee benefits, data privacy, cybersecurity, safety, the pricing and sale of goods, import and export compliance, transportation and logistics, consumer protection and advertising, among others. These laws may change over time and may differ substantially across the areas where we operate. There is added uncertainty surrounding potential changes to the regulatory environment in the U.S. Although we have implemented policies and procedures to help ensure compliance with these laws, there can be no certainty that our AutoZoners and third parties with whom we do business will not take actions in violation of our policies or applicable laws. If we fail to comply with these laws, rules and regulations, or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied, we may be subject to governmental enforcement action or private litigation resulting in restrictions on our business, monetary penalties, reputational harm and increased costs of regulatory compliance. Any changes in the enforcement or interpretation of existing laws and regulations or the enactment of any new laws and regulations, including tax legislation, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We may also be subject to investigations or audits by governmental authorities and regulatory agencies as a result of enforcing existing laws and regulations or changes in enforcement priorities, which can occur in the ordinary course of business or may result from increased scrutiny from a particular agency or toward a particular industry.

Previous wording

Climate change resulting from increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could present risks to our operations. For example, we have significant operations in California and other states, where serious drought has made water less available and more costly and has increased the risk of wildfires. Changes in climate patterns leading to extreme heat waves or unusual cold weather at some of our locations can lead to increased energy usage and costs, or otherwise adversely impact our facilities and operations and disrupt our supply chains and distribution systems. Growing concern over climate change has led policy makers in some jurisdictions to consider the enactment of legislative and regulatory proposals that would impose extensive mandatory reporting requirements as well as requirements for reductions of greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions. Such laws, if enacted, are likely to impact our business in a number of ways. For example, significant changes in fuel economy requirements, new federal or state restrictions on emissions of carbon dioxide or new or changing federal or state incentive programs or other regulations that may be imposed on vehicles and automobile fuels could adversely affect demand for vehicles, annual miles driven or the products we sell. We may not be able to accurately predict, prepare for and effectively respond to new kinds of technological innovations with respect to electric vehicles and other technologies that minimize emissions. Compliance with any new or more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws, could require additional expenditures by us or our suppliers. Our inability to appropriately respond to such changes could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Current wording

Climate change resulting from increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could present risks to our operations. For example, we have significant operations in California and other states, where serious drought has made water less available and more costly and has increased the risk of wildfires. Changes in climate patterns leading to extreme heat waves or unusual cold weather at some of our locations can lead to increased energy usage and costs, or otherwise adversely impact our facilities and operations and disrupt our supply chains and distribution systems. Concerns over climate change have led policy makers in some jurisdictions to enact or consider enacting legislative and regulatory proposals that would impose extensive mandatory reporting requirements as well as requirements for reductions of greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions. Such laws, if enacted, may impact our business in a number of ways. For example, significant changes in fuel economy requirements, new federal or state restrictions on emissions of carbon dioxide or new or changing federal or state incentive programs or other regulations that may be imposed on vehicles and automobile fuels could adversely affect demand for vehicles, annual miles driven or the products we sell. We may not be able to accurately predict, prepare for and effectively respond to new kinds of technological innovations with respect to electric vehicles and other technologies that minimize emissions. Compliance with any new laws or regulations, or changes to existing laws or their interpretation, could require additional expenditures by us or our suppliers. Our inability to appropriately respond to such changes could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Previous wording

Governmental and societal attention to corporate responsibility matters, including expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting of GHG emissions and other sustainability metrics, and disclosure topics such as climate change, sustainability, natural resources, waste reduction, energy, human capital, and risk oversight could expand the nature, scope, and complexity of matters that we are required to control, assess, and report. We strive to deliver shared value through our business, and our diverse stakeholders expect us to make progress in certain corporate responsibility priority issue areas. A failure or perceived failure to meet these expectations could adversely affect public perception of our business, employee morale or customer or shareholder support.

Current wording

Governmental and societal attention to corporate responsibility matters, including expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting of GHG emissions and other sustainability metrics, and disclosure topics such as climate change, sustainability, natural resources, waste reduction, energy, human capital, and risk oversight could expand the nature, scope, and complexity of matters that we are required to control, assess, and report. We strive to deliver shared value through our business, and our diverse stakeholders expect us to make progress in certain corporate responsibility priority issue areas. A failure or perceived failure to meet these expectations could adversely affect public perception of our business, employee morale or customer or stockholder support.

Previous wording

We have announced certain aspirations and goals related to corporate responsibility matters, such as our intention to reduce certain GHG emissions over time. Achievement of these aspirations, plans and goals is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully identify and implement relevant strategies on a timely and cost-effective basis; our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits and cost savings of such strategies and actions; and the availability and cost of existing and future technologies, such as alternative fuel vehicles, off-site renewable energy, and other materials and components. It is possible that we may be unsuccessful in the achievement of our corporate responsibility goals, on a timely basis or at all, or that the costs to achieve those goals become prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, our stakeholders may not be satisfied with our efforts or the speed at which we are progressing towards any such aspirations and goals. A delay, failure or perceived failure or delay to meet our goals and aspirations could adversely affect public perception of our business, cause us to lose shareholder support, and subject us to legal claims and liabilities with respect to such matters. Certain challenges we face in the achievement of our corporate responsibility objectives are also captured within our corporate responsibility reporting, which is not incorporated by reference into and does not form any part of this report.

Current wording

We have announced certain aspirations and goals related to corporate responsibility matters, such as our intention to reduce certain GHG emissions over time. Achievement of these aspirations, plans and goals is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully identify and implement relevant strategies on a timely and cost-effective basis; our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits and cost savings of such strategies and actions; and the availability and cost of existing and future technologies, such as alternative fuel vehicles, off-site renewable energy, and other materials and components. It is possible that we may be unsuccessful in the achievement of our corporate responsibility goals, on a timely basis or at all, or that the costs to achieve those goals become prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, our stakeholders may not be satisfied with our efforts or the speed at which we are progressing towards any such aspirations and goals. An actual or perceived failure or delay to meet our goals and aspirations could adversely affect public perception of our business, cause us to lose customer or stockholder support, and subject us to legal claims and liabilities with respect to such matters. Certain challenges we face in the achievement of our corporate responsibility objectives are also captured within our corporate responsibility reporting, which is not incorporated by reference into and does not form any part of this report.

Previous wording

Macroeconomic conditions impact both our customers and our suppliers. Moreover, the U.S. government continues to operate under historically large deficits and debt burden. Continued distress in global credit markets, business failures, civil unrest, inflation, rising interest rates, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, significant geopolitical conflicts, proposed or additional tariffs, continued volatility in energy prices, the impact of a public health crisis or pandemic, constraints on the global supply chain, a sustained government shutdown and other factors continue to affect the global economy. Moreover, rising energy prices could impact our merchandise distribution, commercial delivery, utility and product costs. It is unclear how such factors could impact our business in the short term. Over a longer period of time, these macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions could adversely affect our sales growth, margins and overhead. These could materially adversely affect our financial condition and operations.

Current wording

Macroeconomic conditions impact both our customers and our suppliers. Moreover, the U.S. government continues to operate under historically large deficits and debt burden. Continued distress in global credit markets, business failures, civil unrest, inflation, rising interest rates, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, significant geopolitical conflicts, proposed or additional tariffs, continued volatility in energy prices, the impact of a public health crisis or pandemic, constraints on the global supply chain, a sustained government shutdown and other factors continue to affect the global economy. Moreover, rising energy prices could impact our merchandise distribution, commercial delivery, utility and product costs. While it is unclear how such factors could impact our business in the short term, over a longer period of time these macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions could adversely affect our sales growth, margins and overhead. These could materially adversely affect our financial condition and operations.