DOLLAR TREE, INC.

Previous wording

Our profitability is vulnerable to cost pressures from increases in merchandise, shipping, freight and fuel costs, wage and benefit and other operating costs.

Current wording

Our profitability is vulnerable to cost pressures from increases in merchandise, shipping, freight and fuel, wages, benefits and other operating costs.

Previous wording

Future increases in costs such as the cost of merchandise, wage and benefit costs, ocean shipping rates, domestic freight costs, fuel and energy costs, tariffs, duties and other measures that create barriers to or increase the costs associated with international trade, and store occupancy costs, whether due to inflation and economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, or otherwise, would reduce our profitability. For example, recent U.S. tariffs imposed or threatened to be imposed on China, Mexico, Canada, and other countries and any retaliatory actions taken by such countries could result in us incurring substantial additional costs to procure a large portion of the merchandise we offer. In addition, we have experienced increases in wage rates and labor costs and distribution costs in prior years, and we expect further increases in certain cost categories in fiscal 2025. In addition to pressures from a tight labor market, we have incurred additional costs as a result of recent minimum wage increases by certain states and localities, and we expect additional minimum wage increases by states and localities in fiscal 2025. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor finalized a rule in 2024 raising the minimum salary for associates to have exempt status under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Although the rule’s scheduled January 1, 2025 increase to the salary thresholds was recently vacated by a federal court, this or similar future rules could materially impact our wage rates and labor costs. Separately, government or industry actions addressing the impact of climate change, or shifts in customer preferences for more sustainable products, or our adoption of goals or initiatives aligned with related stakeholder expectations may result in increases in our merchandise or operating costs.

Current wording

Future increases in costs such as the cost of merchandise, wage and benefit costs, ocean shipping rates, domestic freight costs, fuel and energy costs, tariffs and other trade-related measures, and store occupancy costs, whether due to inflation and economic conditions, government action, geopolitical tensions, or otherwise, would reduce our profitability. For example, we recently have experienced, and could continue to experience, increased merchandise costs associated with the tariff environment and related mitigation efforts. In addition, we have experienced increases in wage rates and labor costs, distribution costs, and unfavorable development in self-insured general liability claims in prior years, and we expect further increases in certain cost categories in fiscal 2026. In addition to pressures from a tight labor market, we recently have experienced increased labor costs in connection with our multi-price rollout. We also have incurred additional costs as a result of recent minimum wage increases by certain states and localities, and we expect additional minimum wage increases by states and localities in fiscal 2026.

Previous wording

We rely on the timely availability of imported goods at favorable wholesale prices. Merchandise imported directly typically accounts for approximately 40% of our Dollar Tree segment’s total retail value purchases and approximately 12% of Family Dollar’s total retail value purchases. In addition, we believe that a significant portion of our goods purchased from domestic vendors is imported. Imported goods are generally less expensive than domestic goods and result in higher profit margins. Any increase in the cost of our imported merchandise or a disruption in the flow of those goods for any reason could have an adverse impact on our operations and significantly decrease our profits. Disruptions or cost increases may result from factors such as:

Current wording

We rely on the timely availability of imported goods at favorable wholesale prices. Merchandise imported directly typically accounts for approximately 40% of total retail value purchases. In addition, we believe that a significant portion of our goods purchased from domestic vendors is imported. Imported goods are generally less expensive than domestic goods and result in higher profit margins. Any increase in the cost of our imported merchandise or a disruption in the flow of those goods for any reason could have an adverse impact on our operations and significantly decrease our profits. Disruptions or cost increases may result from factors such as:

Previous wording

•geopolitical tensions, international disputes or conflicts, military confrontation, blockade, war, economic sanctions, piracy, acts of terrorism or other factors affecting international shipping traffic; changes in currency exchange rates or government policies and local economic conditions, including inflation (including energy prices and raw material costs) in the country of origin;

Current wording

•changes in currency exchange rates or government policies and local economic conditions, including inflation (including energy prices and raw material costs) in the country of origin;

Previous wording

In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce recently has conducted investigations of anti-dumping and countervailing duties with respect to paper plates and aluminum pans. Based on determinations by the Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission, we accrued $25.0 million related to additional duties on paper plates imported during fiscal 2024. Any additional duties related to these or other goods that we import could increase the cost of our imported merchandise and adversely impact our operations and profit margins. Please see“Our profitability is vulnerable to cost pressures from increases in merchandise, shipping, freight and fuel costs, wage and benefit and other operating costs” for further discussion of the effect of costs on our operations.

Current wording

In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce recently has conducted investigations of anti-dumping and countervailing duties with respect to various goods we import from foreign countries. For example, based on determinations by the Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission, we accrued $25.0 million related to additional duties on paper plates imported during fiscal 2024. Any additional duties related to these or other goods that we import, including any imposed on a retroactive basis, could increase the cost of our imported merchandise and adversely impact our operations and profit margins. Please see “Our profitability is vulnerable to cost pressures from increases in merchandise, shipping, freight and fuel costs, wage and benefit and other operating costs” and Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements under the caption “Contingencies” for further discussion of the effect of costs on our operations.

Previous wording

Higher costs and disruptions in our distribution network could have an adverse impact on our sales and profitability.

Current wording

Higher costs and disruptions in our supply chain could have an adverse impact on our sales and profitability.

Previous wording

Our success is dependent on our ability to import or transport merchandise to our distribution centers and store, pick and ship merchandise to our stores in a safe, timely and cost-effective manner, and we are relying on a number of initiatives to improve upon our logistics execution, including new management systems. In addition to our internal distribution network, we also rely heavily on third parties including ocean carriers and truckers. Some of the factors that have had and could have an adverse effect on our distribution network or costs are:

Current wording

Our success is dependent on our ability to import or transport merchandise to our distribution centers and deliver merchandise to our stores in a safe, timely and cost-effective manner. We are executing on a number of initiatives to modernize our distribution network, expand distribution center capacity, enhance warehouse management systems, and improve transportation systems. These initiatives are expected to increase our costs in the short term. In addition to our internal distribution network, we also rely heavily on third parties including ocean carriers and truckers. Some of the factors that have had and could have an adverse effect on our distribution network or costs are:

Previous wording

•Efficient operations and management. Distribution centers and other aspects of our distribution network are complex and difficult to operate efficiently. If we fail to execute properly, we may not be able to deliver merchandise at the quality and in the quantities and at the times demanded to successfully meet our customers’ demand. We have also experienced and could continue to experience challenges in attracting and retaining an adequate and reliable workforce. Although we have offered enhanced wages in certain markets to address the shortage of labor at our distribution centers, such measures have increased our costs and are expected to continue to increase our costs, which could have an adverse effect on our margins and profitability.

Current wording

•Efficient operations and management. Distribution centers and other aspects of our distribution network are complex and difficult to operate efficiently. If we fail to execute properly, we may not be able to deliver merchandise at the quality and in the quantities and at the times demanded to successfully meet our customers’ demand.

Previous wording

•Distribution center capacity. We recently have experienced capacity pressure in our distribution network and are working to expand our distribution center capacity, including to replace that lost with our Marietta, Oklahoma distribution center. To the extent that we are unable to, or experience delays in, opening new distribution centers or otherwise expanding our capacity, our product availability, product mix, overall sales, and merchandise margins could be impacted, especially at Dollar Tree.

Current wording

•Distribution center capacity. To support our growth initiatives, we are working to expand our distribution center capacity, including to replace that lost following the 2024 tornado that destroyed our Marietta, Oklahoma distribution center. In 2025, we purchased a distribution center outside of Phoenix, Arizona that we plan to open in 2026 and broke ground on a new distribution center in Marietta, Oklahoma that is expected to be fully operational by 2027. To the extent that we are unable to, or experience delays in, opening new distribution centers or otherwise expanding our capacity, our product availability, product mix, overall sales, and merchandise margins could be impacted.

Previous wording

•Shipping costs. We have previously experienced significant changes in freight costs. Ocean shipping and other freight costs could increase because of shocks or disruptions in the global supply chain and as freight contracts terminate or renew. A significant increase in our freight costs could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. A return to more normalized costs/rates may lag a decrease in market rates based on the timing of freight contract terms.

Current wording

•Shipping costs. While we experienced lower domestic and import freight costs in fiscal 2025, we expect those costs to increase in the future. We could experience increased freight costs due to shifts in country of origin to mitigate tariff impacts and increased spot market usage. Ocean shipping and other freight costs could increase because of the macroeconomic environment, armed conflicts and other geopolitical tensions, or other shocks or disruptions in the global supply chain. As freight contracts terminate or renew, our costs or benefits may lag changes in market rates based on the timing of freight contract terms. A significant increase in our freight costs could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

•Shipping disruptions. We have experienced disruptions in the global supply chain, including issues with shipping capacity and port congestion, and could experience disruptions because of geopolitical tensions and other international events such as armed conflict, war, economic sanctions, piracy or acts of terrorism. Tensions in the Red Sea and traffic restrictions through the Panama Canal caused global supply chain disruptions in recent years and may continue, which could increase ocean shipping costs and transit times. Our receipt of imported merchandise has been and may in the future be disrupted or delayed because of these or other factors. Delays could potentially have a material adverse impact on future product availability, product mix, overall sales, and merchandise margins, especially at Dollar Tree.

Current wording

•Shipping disruptions. We have experienced disruptions in the global supply chain, including issues with shipping capacity and port congestion, and could experience disruptions because of geopolitical tensions and other international events such as armed conflict, war, economic sanctions, cyberattacks, piracy or acts of terrorism. Tensions in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea and traffic restrictions through the Panama Canal caused global supply chain disruptions in recent years and may continue, which, along with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, could increase ocean shipping costs, transit times and port congestion. Our receipt of imported merchandise has been and may in the future be disrupted or delayed because of these or other factors. Delays could potentially have a material adverse impact on future product availability, product mix, overall sales, and merchandise margins.

Previous wording

•Vulnerability to natural or man-made disasters, including climate change. A fire, explosion or natural disaster at a port or any of our distribution or store support facilities could result in a loss of merchandise and impair our ability to adequately stock our stores. Some facilities are vulnerable to earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes or floods, and an increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events and patterns may increase our operating costs, disrupt manufacturing or our supply chain, change customer buying patterns, result in closures of our stores or distribution and store support centers and impede physical access to our stores. During 2024, a tornado destroyed our Dollar Tree distribution center in Marietta, Oklahoma. In addition to the loss of inventory in the facility and the facility itself, we incurred additional costs as a result of additional stem miles for product delivery and outside storage for the stores previously serviced by that distribution center, and we expect those costs to continue in 2025.

Current wording

•Vulnerability to natural or man-made disasters, including climate change. A fire, explosion or natural disaster at a port or any of our distribution or store support facilities could result in a loss of merchandise and increased costs and impair our ability to adequately stock our stores. Some of our facilities are in areas that are vulnerable to earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes or floods, such as the tornado that destroyed our Marietta, Oklahoma distribution center in 2024 and resulted in the loss of inventory and the facility itself as well as additional distribution and storage costs. In addition, the potential long-term impacts of a changing climate may be widespread and unpredictable and present the possibility of physical risks (such as extreme weather conditions or rising sea levels) and transition risks (such as regulatory changes and reputational considerations). For example, an increase in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events and patterns may increase our operating costs, disrupt manufacturing or our supply chain, change customer buying patterns, result in closures of our stores or distribution and store support centers and impede physical access to our stores.

Previous wording

Our growth is dependent on our ability to increase sales in existing stores and to expand our square footage profitably.

Current wording

Our growth is dependent on our ability to increase sales in existing stores.

Previous wording

Existing store sales growth is critical to good operating results and is dependent on a variety of factors, including merchandise quality, price, relevance and availability, store operations and customer satisfaction. In addition, increased competition could adversely affect our sales. We have embarked on several initiatives to increase our sales and profitability, some of which remain in the early stages. If these initiatives are unsuccessful or we otherwise are unable to grow our sales in line with our expectations, our margins and profitability would be adversely affected.

Current wording

Our strategic plan includes improvements in store productivity through initiatives to improve store standards and operational consistency, refresh and renovation programs, shelf productivity optimization, and elevated store execution and cleanliness. Our ability to drive traffic and increase sales in our existing stores is critical to our success and is dependent on a variety of factors, including merchandise quality, assortment, price, relevance and availability, marketing efforts, store operations and customer satisfaction. In addition, increased competition could adversely affect our sales. If our initiatives to improve store productivity are unsuccessful, our customers do not respond favorably to these initiatives, or we otherwise are unable to grow our sales or productivity in line with our expectations, our margins and profitability would be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Expanding our square footage profitably depends on a number of uncertainties, including our ability to locate, lease, build out and open or expand stores in suitable locations on a timely basis under favorable economic terms. We also open or expand stores within our established geographic markets, where new or expanded stores may draw sales away from our existing stores. Obtaining an increasing number of profitable stores is an ever-increasing challenge.

Current wording

Expanding our square footage profitably depends on a number of uncertainties, including our ability to locate, lease, build out and open or expand stores in suitable locations on a timely basis under favorable economic terms. We also open or expand stores within our established geographic markets, where new or expanded stores may draw sales away from our existing stores. Obtaining an increasing number of profitable stores is an ever-increasing challenge. In certain cases, we have obtained substantial numbers of leases from other retailers, either by assumption in bankruptcy or by sublease of their closed stores, which may subject us to risks relating to their creditworthiness, such as to the original landlords.

Previous wording

In addition, our expansion is dependent upon the company and its third-party developers’ abilities to acquire land, obtain financing, and secure necessary permits and approvals. We have experienced higher construction, commodity and other costs associated with the build-out of new stores and the renovation of existing stores. We have also experienced delays in new store openings and the renovation of existing stores due to inspection, permitting and contractor delays. In addition, we have experienced delays in new store openings due to limitations on the availability of certain fixtures and equipment. We anticipate these increased costs and delays may continue for the foreseeable future, which could adversely affect our sales and profitability. Further, we may not manage our expansion effectively, and our failure to achieve our expansion plans could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In addition, our expansion is dependent upon the company and its third-party developers’ abilities to acquire land, obtain financing, and secure necessary permits and approvals. We have experienced higher construction, rent, commodity and other costs associated with the build-out of new stores and the renovation of existing stores. We have also experienced delays in new store openings and the renovation of existing stores due to inspection, permitting and contractor delays and limitations on the availability of certain fixtures and equipment. We anticipate these increased costs and delays may continue for the foreseeable future, which could adversely affect our sales and profitability. Further, we may not manage our expansion effectively, and our failure to achieve our expansion plans could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our profitability is affected by the mix of products we sell.

Current wording

Our sales and profitability are affected by our product assortment and customer response to the mix of products we sell.

Previous wording

Our gross profit margin decreases when we increase the proportion of higher cost goods we sell. For example, some of our consumable products carry higher costs than other goods, so our gross profit margin will be negatively impacted as the percentage of our sales from higher cost consumable products increases. Imported merchandise and private label goods generally carry lower costs than domestic goods. Our product mix is affected by the supply of goods, including imported goods, and could be negatively impacted by various factors, including those described under “Risks associated with merchandise supply could adversely affect our financial performance” on page 10 and “Higher costs and disruptions in our distribution network could have an adverse impact on our sales and profitability” on page 11.

Current wording

In addition, our product mix is affected by the supply of goods and could be negatively impacted by various factors, including those described under “Risks associated with merchandise supply could adversely affect our financial performance” and “Higher costs and disruptions in our supply chain could have an adverse impact on our sales and profitability” within this “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Previous wording

Inflation, other changes in economic conditions or consumer spending habits could impact our sales or profitability.

Current wording

Changes in economic conditions or consumer spending habits could impact our sales or profitability.

Previous wording

Furthermore, factors that could adversely affect consumer disposable income could decrease our customers’ spending on products we sell most profitably. In fiscal 2024, we continued to experience a material shift in consumer purchasing from higher-margin discretionary merchandise to lower-margin consumable goods, and we expect this trend could continue in 2025. Factors that could reduce our customers’ disposable income and over which we exercise no influence include inflation in food, housing, fuel or other energy costs, increased unemployment, increases in mortgage and interest rates, lack of available credit, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws, increasing healthcare costs, and changes in government subsidies such as unemployment and food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”). If consumer spending on the goods we sell declines as a result, there could be a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Furthermore, factors that could adversely affect consumer disposable income could decrease our customers’ spending on products we sell most profitably. Over the past several years, we have experienced a shift in consumer purchasing from higher-margin discretionary merchandise to lower-margin consumable goods. Factors that could reduce our customers’ disposable income and over which we exercise no influence include inflation in food, housing, fuel or other energy costs, increased unemployment, increases in mortgage and interest rates, lack of available credit, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws, increasing healthcare costs, and changes in government subsidies such as unemployment and food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”). If consumer spending on the goods we sell declines as a result, there could be a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

The retail industry is highly competitive with respect to price, customers, store locations, merchandise quality, product assortment, service offerings, customer service, shopping experience, product sourcing, labor, and market share. The marketplace is highly fragmented as many different retailers compete for market share by utilizing a variety of sales channels, store formats and merchandising strategies, including mobile and online shopping. To remain competitive, we may be required to change our product offering or lower our prices, but our ability to do so may be limited with the result that we could see lower sales or reduced profitability.

Current wording

The retail industry is highly competitive with respect to price, customers, store locations, merchandise quality, product assortment, service offerings, customer service, shopping experience, product sourcing, labor, and market share. The marketplace is highly fragmented as many different retailers compete for market share by utilizing a variety of sales channels, store formats and merchandising strategies, including mobile and online shopping. Our ability to successfully differentiate ourselves depends on many competitive factors, including customer perceptions regarding our shopping experience, the safety and cleanliness of our stores, our ability to offer attractive products at affordable prices, and our in-stock levels. Further, to remain competitive, we may be required to change our product offerings or lower our prices, but our ability to do so may be limited or delayed with the result that we could see lower traffic or sales or reduced profitability.

Previous wording

We expect competition to increase in the future. There are no significant economic barriers for others to enter our retail sector. We compete with discount stores and many other retailers, including mass merchandise, warehouse club, grocery, drug, convenience, variety, online retailers, and certain specialty stores. Some of our current or potential competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than we do. In addition, the substantial growth in e-commerce and expanded availability of mobile, web-based and other digital technologies has encouraged the entry of many new competitors, new business models, and an increase in competition from established companies looking for ways to create convenient and competitive online shopping alternatives. Some of our current and potential competitors have more significant online shopping platforms than we do, and our reliance on the in-store shopping experience could reduce our competitiveness. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors, and we believe that doing so may require substantial capital expenditures, for example in technology. Our ability to effectively compete will depend upon our ability to successfully develop and execute on our strategic initiatives. Please see “Item 1. Business” for further discussion of the effect of competition on our operations.

Current wording

We expect competition to increase in the future. There are no significant economic barriers for others to enter our retail sector. We compete with discount stores and many other retailers, including mass merchandise, warehouse club, grocery, drug, convenience, variety, online retailers, and certain specialty stores. Some of our current or potential competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than we do. In addition, the substantial growth in e-commerce and expanded availability of mobile, web-based and other digital technologies has encouraged the entry of many new competitors, new business models, and an increase in competition from established companies looking for ways to create convenient and competitive online or mobile shopping alternatives. While we have partnered with online personal shopping providers like Instacart and UberEats, some of our current and potential competitors have more significant online and mobile shopping platforms or other advances in technologies and capabilities (including artificial intelligence) than we currently do. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors, and we believe that doing so may require substantial capital expenditures, for example in technology. Our ability to effectively compete will depend upon our ability to successfully develop and execute on our strategic initiatives and to anticipate or respond effectively to competitive pressures, industry changes that may include mergers and acquisitions, technological advancements and changing customer preferences and shopping habits. If we fail to do so, it could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Please see “Item 1. Business” for further discussion of the effect of competition on our operations.

Previous wording

Our highest sales periods are during the Christmas and Easter seasons, and we generally realize a disproportionate amount of our net sales and our operating and net income during the fourth quarter. In anticipation, we stock extra inventory and hire many temporary employees to prepare our stores and help ship product from our distribution centers. Lead times for seasonal product purchases are longer and could result in inventory markdowns if sales do not meet expectations. A reduction in sales during these periods could adversely affect our operating results, particularly operating and net income, to a greater extent than if a reduction occurred at other times of the year. Untimely merchandise delays due to receiving or distribution problems could have a similar effect. When Easter is observed earlier in the year, the selling season is shorter and, as a result, our sales could be adversely affected. Easter was observed on March 31, 2024, and will be observed on April 20, 2025.

Current wording

Our highest sales periods are during the Christmas and Easter seasons, and we generally realize a disproportionate amount of our net sales and our operating and net income during the fourth quarter. In anticipation, we stock extra inventory and hire many temporary employees to prepare our stores and help ship product from our distribution centers. Lead times for seasonal product purchases are longer and could result in inventory markdowns if sales do not meet expectations. Adverse events such as inclement weather or unfavorable economic conditions during the fourth quarter could cause a reduction in sales during these periods, which in turn could adversely affect our operating results, particularly operating and net income, to a greater extent than if a reduction occurred at other times of the year. Untimely merchandise delays due to receiving or distribution problems could have a similar effect. When Easter is observed earlier in the year, the selling season is shorter and, as a result, our sales could be adversely affected. Easter was observed on April 20, 2025, and will be observed on April 5, 2026.

Previous wording

We could experience a decline in consumer confidence and spending if our customers become concerned about the quality and safety of the products we sell. The sale of private brand items has been an important component of our sales growth and gross profit rate enhancement plans. The sale and expansion of these offerings also subjects us to or increases certain risks, such as: product liability claims and product recalls; disruptions in raw material and finished product supply and distribution chains; supplier labor and human rights issues, and other risks generally encountered by entities that source, sell and market exclusive branded offerings for retail. Failure to appropriately address these risks could materially and adversely affect our private brand initiatives, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We could experience a decline in consumer confidence and spending if our customers become concerned about the quality and safety of the products we sell. Our privately sourced and control brand items are an important component of our product mix and our sales and profitability growth plans. Broad market acceptance of our private brands depends on many factors, including pricing, quality, customer perception, and timely development and introduction of new products. The sale and expansion of these offerings also subjects us to or increases certain risks, such as: product liability claims and product recalls; disruptions in raw material and finished product supply and distribution chains; supplier labor and human rights issues, and other risks generally encountered by entities that source, sell and market exclusive branded offerings for retail. Failure to appropriately address these risks could materially and adversely affect our private brand initiatives, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Successful execution of our plans and strategies also depends on the efforts of key management personnel. The labor market for these executives and other key personnel is nationwide in scope and intensely competitive. The loss of such personnel, or the inability to hire, train, motivate and retain them, or to manage changes to our organizational structure and capacity, could, at least temporarily, have an adverse effect on the company’s operating results and financial condition. In addition, failure to develop an adequate succession plan for senior positions could reduce our organizational capabilities and competitive advantage during a transition. We recently have experienced turnover in senior positions, which, in addition to organizational changes related to our pending sale of the Family Dollar business, can disrupt progress in implementing business strategies, result in a loss of institutional knowledge, cause greater workload demands for remaining team members and divert attention away from key areas of the business, or otherwise negatively impact the company’s growth prospects or future operating results.

Current wording

Successful execution of our plans and strategies also depends on the efforts of key management personnel. The labor market for these executives and other key personnel is nationwide in scope and intensely competitive. The loss of such personnel, or the inability to hire, train, motivate and retain them, or to manage changes to our organizational structure and capacity, could, at least temporarily, have an adverse effect on the company’s operating results and financial condition. In addition, failure to develop an adequate succession plan for senior positions could reduce our organizational capabilities and competitive advantage during a transition. We recently have experienced turnover in senior positions, which, in addition to organizational changes related to our sale of the Family Dollar business, can disrupt progress in implementing business strategies, result in a loss of institutional knowledge, cause greater workload demands for remaining team members and divert attention away from key areas of the business, or otherwise negatively impact the company’s growth prospects or future operating results.

Previous wording

We may not be successful in implementing or in anticipating the impact of important strategic initiatives, which may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.

Current wording

We may not be successful in executing important strategic initiatives, which may have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.

Previous wording

The implementation, timing and results of these complex strategic initiatives are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may require that we make significant estimates and assumptions in our planning. These initiatives place significant demands on our accounting, financial, information technology, and other systems, and on our business overall. We are dependent on our management’s ability to oversee these initiatives effectively and implement them successfully. If our estimates and assumptions about our initiatives are incorrect, or if we miscalculate the resources or time we need to complete them or fail to execute on them effectively, our pursuit of these initiatives may increase our costs and reduce our margins and profitability.

Current wording

These initiatives also place significant demands on our accounting, financial, information technology, and other systems, and on our business overall. We are dependent on our management’s ability to oversee these initiatives effectively and implement them successfully. If our estimates and assumptions about our initiatives are incorrect, or if we miscalculate or misalign the resources or time we need to complete them or fail to execute on them effectively, our pursuit of these initiatives may increase our costs and reduce our margins and profitability.

Previous wording

To be effective, our strategies have and will continue to require significant investment in cross-functional operations and management focus, along with supporting investments. For example, we experienced increased expenses from temporary labor on the Dollar Tree segment during 2024 to support our multi-price rollout. If we are unable to attract and retain employees or contract with third parties having the specialized skills needed to support our efforts, implement improvements to systems in a timely manner, our ability to compete and our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, if initiatives related to our multi-priced merchandise at Dollar Tree and improved customer experience do not appeal to our customers or if we are unable to consistently meet our brand execution promises in a cost-effective manner, we may experience a loss of customer confidence or lost sales, which could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.

Current wording

To be effective, our strategies have and will continue to require significant investment in cross-functional operations and management focus, along with supporting investments. Our strategies include managing operating expenses and reducing corporate SG&A as a percentage of sales, while also implementing other initiatives to invest in our business. We may incur implementation or other costs associated with these initiatives before the benefits from those efforts can materialize. If we are unable to attract and retain employees or contract with third parties having the specialized skills needed to support our efforts, or implement our strategic initiatives and improvements to systems in a timely and cost-effective manner, our ability to compete and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

If the pending sale of the Family Dollar business is completed, we may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction, and the transaction may expose us to new risks.

Current wording

We may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the sale of the Family Dollar business.

Previous wording

If the pending sale of the Family Dollar business is completed, our operational and financial profile will change significantly, with the Dollar Tree banner comprising substantially all of our retail operations. Our company following the sale would be smaller and less diversified than exists today, and our exposure to the risks inherent in our remaining business would increase. Our diversification of revenues, costs and cash flows would diminish, such that our results of operations, cash flows, working capital, and financing requirements may be subject to increased volatility and vulnerability to changing market conditions. Further, there can be no assurance that our credit ratings, access to financial markets and potential sources of liquidity and/or cost of financing would not be adversely impacted following the sale. As a result, our ability to fund capital expenditures and investments, pay dividends and meet debt obligations and other liabilities may be diminished. Until the market has fully analyzed the value of the Dollar Tree banner as a separate company, the price of our common stock also may experience volatility.

Current wording

Following the sale of the Family Dollar business, our operational and financial profile changed significantly, with the Dollar Tree banner comprising substantially all of our retail operations. Accordingly, our company following the sale is smaller and less diversified, such that our results of operations, cash flows, working capital, and financing requirements may be subject to increased volatility and vulnerability to changing market conditions.

Previous wording

In addition, the sale of our Family Dollar business and other recent strategic initiatives entail significant changes across our organizational structure, senior leadership, culture, functional alignment, outsourcing and other areas. These changes have been and could continue to be disruptive to our business operations. Further, there can also be no assurance that the stranded costs or dis-synergies of such a transaction will not exceed the anticipated amounts. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows, and we cannot assure you that the Dollar Tree banner, as an independent company, will be successful.

Current wording

The sale of our Family Dollar business and other recent strategic initiatives have also entailed significant changes across our organizational structure, senior leadership, culture, functional alignment, outsourcing and other areas. These changes have been and could continue to be disruptive to our business operations. Further, there can also be no assurance that unbudgeted or stranded costs or dis-synergies of the Family Dollar sale will not exceed our expectations or the anticipated benefits of the transaction. In addition, we agreed to indemnify the purchaser for losses arising from certain liabilities of the Family Dollar business arising before the sale. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

Previous wording

Further, we expect to have continuing obligations to Family Dollar pursuant to transition services or other agreements in connection with the sale of the Family Dollar business, which could require significant management and operational resources or reduce our ability to fully realize cost savings and efficiency initiatives that we would otherwise be able to implement following such a disposition. While we anticipate receiving payment for the transition services that we provide, we may not be able to recoup all of the underlying costs.

Current wording

We also have continuing obligations to Family Dollar pursuant to transition services or other agreements through which we continue to provide certain services to Family Dollar for 18 months following the date of sale. This has required, and could continue to require, significant management and operational resources which could reduce our ability to fully realize cost savings and efficiency initiatives that we would otherwise be able to implement. While we are receiving payment for the transition services that we provide, we may not be able to recoup all of the underlying costs.

Previous wording

We have incurred losses due to impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets.

Current wording

We could incur losses due to impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets.

Previous wording

Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, we review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever economic events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Identifiable intangible assets with an indefinite useful life, including goodwill, are not amortized but are evaluated annually for impairment. An evaluation is also performed if events or circumstances indicate that impairment could have occurred.

Current wording

Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, we review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever economic events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Identifiable intangible assets with an indefinite useful life, such as goodwill, are not amortized but are evaluated annually for impairment. An evaluation is also performed if events or circumstances indicate that impairment could have occurred.

Previous wording

Should we experience business challenges or significant negative industry or general economic trends, we could recognize additional impairments to our goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. We monitor key assumptions and other factors utilized in our impairment analysis, and if business or other market conditions develop that are materially different than we currently anticipate, we will conduct an additional impairment evaluation. Any reduction in or impairment of assets will result in a charge against earnings, which could have a material adverse impact on our reported results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Should we experience business challenges or significant negative industry or general economic trends, we could recognize impairments to our goodwill and other long-lived assets. We monitor key assumptions and other factors utilized in our impairment analysis, and if business or other market conditions develop that are materially different than we currently anticipate, we will conduct an additional impairment evaluation. Any reduction in or impairment of assets will result in a charge against earnings, which could have a material adverse impact on our reported results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

For example, our liabilities related to our self-insurance programs, which include general liability claims, are estimates that require judgment and the use of assumptions. As a result of unfavorable developments due to the rising costs to reimburse, settle, or litigate claims related to customer accidents and other incidents at our stores, our actuarially determined liabilities were increased during 2024, contributing to a $20.4 million increase in our general liability claim expenses compared to the prior year. Should these or any other estimates and assumptions change or prove to have been incorrect, it could adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

For example, our liabilities related to our self-insurance programs, which include general liability claims, are estimates that require judgment and the use of assumptions. As a result of unfavorable developments due to the rising costs to reimburse, settle, or litigate claims related to customer accidents and other incidents at our stores, our actuarially determined liabilities were increased during 2024 and 2025, contributing to increases in our general liability claim expenses of $20.4 million and $33.6 million, respectively, compared to the prior year. Should these or any other estimates and assumptions change, it could adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

We rely on computer and technology systems in our operations, and any material failure, inadequacy, interruption or security failure of those systems, including because of a cyberattack, could harm our ability to effectively operate and grow our business and could adversely affect our financial results.

Current wording

We rely on computer and technology systems in our operations, and any material failure, inadequacy, or interruption of those systems, including because of a cyberattack, could harm our ability to effectively operate and grow our business and could adversely affect our financial results.

Previous wording

Although we have operational safeguards in place, they may not be effective in preventing the failure of these systems or platforms to operate effectively and be available to us. This may be as the result of deliberate breach in the security of these systems or platforms by bad actors, including through malicious software, ransomware and other cyberattacks, which may originate from state actors and may increase during times of international tensions. Failures may also be caused by various other factors, including power outages, catastrophic events, physical theft, computer and network failures, inadequate or ineffective redundancy, obsolescence or failure of vendor support, flaws in third-party software or services, errors or improper use by our employees or third-party service providers.

Current wording

Although we have operational safeguards in place, they may not be effective in preventing the failure of these systems or platforms to operate effectively and be available to us. This may be as the result of deliberate breach in the security of these systems or platforms by bad actors, including through malicious software, ransomware and other cyberattacks, which may originate from state actors and may increase during times of international tensions. Such incidents have occurred, including with respect to our third-party vendors, although without material impact to date. Failures may also be caused by various other factors, including power outages, catastrophic events, physical theft, computer and network failures, inadequate or ineffective redundancy, obsolescence or failure of vendor support, flaws in third-party software or services, errors or improper use by our employees or third-party service providers.

Previous wording

To support the growth of our business, we are making substantial investments in our information technology systems. Transitioning to these new or upgraded processes and systems requires significant capital investments and personnel resources. Implementation is also highly dependent on the coordination of numerous associates, contractors and software and system providers. While these efforts have resulted in improvements to our operational systems, we expect to continue to incur expenses to implement additional improvements and upgrades to our systems. Many of these expenditures have been and may continue to be incurred in advance of the realization of any direct benefits to our business. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful at improving our operational systems, or that our efforts will result in the anticipated benefits to us. We may also experience difficulties in implementing or operating our new or upgraded operational or IT systems, including, but not limited to, ineffective or inefficient operations, significant system failures, system outages, delayed implementation and loss of system availability, which could lead to increased implementation and/or operational costs, loss or corruption of data, delayed shipments, excess inventory and interruptions of operations resulting in lost sales and/or profits. If our information technology systems, upgrades and associated change management are not adequate to support our business and our strategic initiatives, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected, and our business may become less competitive.

Current wording

To support the growth of our business, we are making substantial investments in our information technology systems, including updating or replacing legacy systems. Certain of our existing infrastructure is comprised of complex legacy technologies with limited flexibility, inconsistencies, manual workarounds and other inefficiencies. These systems require time and investment to upgrade without material disruptions to our business. Further, transitioning to these new or upgraded processes and systems requires significant capital investments and personnel resources. Implementation is also highly dependent on the coordination of numerous associates, contractors and software and system providers. While these efforts have resulted in improvements to our operational systems, we expect to continue to incur expenses to implement additional improvements and upgrades to our systems. Many of these expenditures have been and may continue to be incurred in advance of the realization of any direct benefits to our business. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful at improving our operational systems, or that our efforts will result in the anticipated benefits to us. We may also experience difficulties in implementing or operating our new or upgraded operational or technology systems, including, but not limited to, ineffective or inefficient operations, significant system failures, system outages, delayed implementation and loss of system availability, which could lead to increased implementation and/or operational costs, loss or corruption of data, delayed shipments, excess inventory and interruptions of operations resulting in lost sales and/or profits. If our information technology systems, upgrades and associated change management are not adequate to support our business and our strategic initiatives, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected, and our business may become less competitive.

Previous wording

We are exposed to persistent and substantial risks from cybersecurity threats, as the number of cyberattacks targeting retailers and corporate networks grows, and the volume, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks, intrusions and threats from around the world increase daily. Both we and our vendors have experienced data security incidents; however, to date, these incidents have not been material to our results of operations. The security measures that we and/or our third-party partners put in place cannot provide absolute security to prevent harm to our systems or safeguard our customers’ personal information (including debit and credit card information), our associates’ private data, suppliers’ data, and our business records and intellectual property and other sensitive information.

Current wording

We are exposed to persistent and substantial risks from cybersecurity threats, as the number of cyberattacks targeting retailers and corporate networks grows, and the volume, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks, intrusions and threats from around the world increase daily. The continued evolution and increased usage of artificial intelligence technologies may further increase these risks. Both we and our vendors have experienced data security incidents; however, to date, these incidents have not been material to our results of operations. The security measures that we and/or our third-party partners put in place cannot provide absolute security to prevent harm to our systems or safeguard our customers’ personal information (including debit and credit card information), our associates’ private data, suppliers’ data, and our business records and intellectual property and other sensitive information.