Petco Health & Wellness Company, Inc.

Previous wording

Investing in our securities involves uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors. You should carefully consider the risks described below with all of the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further, the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially affect our business. If any of the following risks were to occur, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. For a summary of these risks, please read “Risk Factors Summary,” which immediately precedes Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current wording

Investing in our securities involves uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors. You should carefully consider the risks described below with all of the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the factors, events, and contingencies discussed below may have occurred in the past, and the disclosures below are not representations as to whether or not the factors, events, or contingencies have occurred in the past, but are provided because future occurrences of such factors, events, or contingencies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or stock price. Further, the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially affect our business. If any of the following risks were to occur, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. For a summary of these risks, please read “Risk Factors Summary,” which immediately precedes Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Our sales depend on consumer spending, which is influenced by factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, disruption or volatility in global financial markets, changes in interest rates, inflation, the availability of discretionary income and credit, weather, consumer confidence, and unemployment levels. We have experienced, and could continue to experience, declines in sales of certain products and changes in the types of products and services purchased during economic downturns. Our business could be harmed by any material decline in the amount of consumer spending, which could reduce our sales, or a decrease in the sales of higher-margin products, which could reduce our profitability and adversely affect our business. For instance, a decline in the amount of discretionary consumer spending due in part to persistent inflation has negatively impacted sales of discretionary items, which has had, and could continue to have, an adverse affect on our profitability.

Current wording

Our sales depend on consumer spending, which is influenced by numerous factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, disruption or volatility in global financial markets, changes in interest rates, inflation, the availability of discretionary income and credit, weather, consumer confidence, and unemployment levels. We have experienced, and could continue to experience, declines in sales of certain products and services and changes in the types of products and services purchased during economic downturns. Our business could be harmed by any material decline in the amount of consumer spending, which could reduce our sales, or a decrease in the sales of higher-margin products and services, which could reduce our profitability and adversely affect our business. For instance, a decline in the amount of discretionary consumer spending due in part to persistent inflation has negatively impacted sales of discretionary items, which has had, and could continue to have, an adverse affect on our profitability.

Previous wording

We have also benefited from increasing pet ownership, discretionary spending on pets, and trends in humanization and premiumization in the pet industry, as well as favorable pet ownership demographics. To the extent these trends continue to slow or reverse, our sales and profitability would continue to be adversely affected. Specifically, though we’ve experienced significant growth in sales of non-discretionary consumables, spending on non-discretionary items has declined due in part to persistent inflation, which has adversely impacted our profitability. Further, in response to shifting consumer demand, in fiscal 2023 we broadened our assortment to include more national brand products, which are typically lower priced and less profitable. If sales of such products are not significant, we do not increase the average basket size of customers purchasing such products, or we are unsuccessful in transitioning such customers into higher margin products over time, then our profitability could be adversely affected. The success of our business depends in part on our ability to identify and respond to evolving trends in demographics and consumer preferences. Failure to timely identify or effectively respond to changing consumer tastes, preferences, spending patterns, and pet care needs could adversely affect our relationship with our customers, the demand for our products and services, our market share, and our profitability.

Current wording

We have also benefited from increasing pet ownership, discretionary spending on pets, and trends in humanization and premiumization in the pet industry, as well as favorable pet ownership demographics. To the extent these trends continue to slow or reverse, our sales and profitability would continue to be adversely affected. Specifically, though we’ve experienced significant growth in sales of non-discretionary consumables, spending on non-discretionary items has declined due in part to persistent inflation, which has adversely impacted our profitability. Further, in response to shifting consumer demand, beginning in fiscal 2023 we broadened our assortment to include more national brand products, which are typically lower priced and less profitable, in addition to taking strategic pricing actions throughout our broader assortment of merchandise. Though sales of such products have been significant, if we do not increase the average basket size of customers purchasing such products, or we are unsuccessful in transitioning such customers into higher margin products over time, then our profitability could be adversely affected. The success of our business depends in part on our ability to identify and respond to evolving trends in demographics and consumer preferences. Failure to timely identify or effectively respond to changing consumer tastes, preferences, spending patterns, and pet care needs could adversely affect our relationship with our customers, the demand for our products and services, our market share, and our profitability.

Previous wording

Our growth depends, in part, on our ability to successfully introduce, improve, and reposition our products and services to meet the requirements of pet parents. This, in turn, depends on our ability to predict and respond to evolving consumer trends, demands, and preferences. For instance, in response to shifting consumer demand, in fiscal 2023 we broadened our assortment to include more national brand products, particularly consumables.

Current wording

Our growth depends, in part, on our ability to successfully introduce, improve, and reposition our products and services to meet the requirements of pet parents. This, in turn, depends on our ability to predict and respond to evolving consumer trends, demands, and preferences. For instance, in response to shifting consumer demand and increased competition, beginning in fiscal 2023 we broadened our assortment to include more national brand products, particularly consumables, and in fiscal 2024 we implemented strategic pricing actions across our assortment.

Previous wording

Our ability to innovate is affected by the technical capability of our product development staff and third-party consultants in developing and testing new products, including complying with governmental regulations, our attractiveness as a partner for outside research and development scientists and entrepreneurs, the success of our management and sales team in introducing and marketing new products and service offerings, and our ability to leverage our digital and data capabilities to gather and respond to consumer feedback. Additionally, the development and introduction of innovative new products and services and expansion into new offerings involves considerable costs. Any new product, service, or offering may not generate sufficient customer interest and sales to become profitable or to cover the costs of its development and promotion and, as a result, may adversely impact our results of operations, including our profitability. Concern about sustainability and climate change might cause consumer preferences to switch away from products or ingredients considered to have high climate change impact and towards products that are more sustainably grown and made, and we may incur additional costs as we potentially evolve our portfolio and engage in due diligence, verification, and reporting in connection with our environmental, social, and governance and sustainability initiatives.

Current wording

Our ability to innovate is affected by the technical capability of our product development staff and third-party consultants in developing and testing new products, including complying with governmental regulations, our attractiveness as a partner for outside research and development scientists and entrepreneurs, the success of our management and sales team in introducing and marketing new products and service offerings, and our ability to leverage our digital and data capabilities to gather and respond to consumer feedback. Additionally, the development and introduction of innovative new products and services and expansion into new offerings involves considerable costs. Any new product, service, or offering may not generate sufficient customer interest and sales to become profitable or to cover the costs of its development and promotion and, as a result, may adversely impact our results of operations, including our profitability.

Previous wording

The pet care industry is highly competitive. We compete with a number of specialty pet store chains and independent pet stores. We also compete with online retailers, supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and mass merchants. The pet care industry has become increasingly competitive due to the expansion of pet-related product offerings by certain supermarkets, warehouse clubs, other retail merchandisers, and online retailers, and the entrance of additional independent pet stores with unique product and service offerings and other pet specialty retailers into the pet food and pet supply market, some of which have developed store formats similar to ours. Some competitors are larger and have access to greater capital and the ability to invest more resources than we do.

Current wording

The pet care industry is highly competitive. We compete with a number of specialty pet store chains and independent pet stores. We also compete with online retailers, supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and mass merchants. The pet care industry has become increasingly competitive due to the expansion of pet-related product and service offerings by certain supermarkets, warehouse clubs, other retail merchandisers, and online retailers, and the entrance of additional independent pet stores with unique product and service offerings and other pet specialty retailers into the pet food and pet supply market, some of which have developed store formats similar to ours. Some competitors are larger and have access to greater capital and the ability to invest more resources than we do.

Previous wording

Our strategies include, among other things, expanding our veterinary service offerings and building out our digital and data capabilities, growing our market share in services like grooming and training, enhancing our owned brand portfolio, growing our brick and mortar footprint in rural communities, and introducing new offerings to better connect with our customers. However, we may not be able to execute on these strategies as effectively as anticipated. Our ability to execute on these strategies depends on a number of factors, including:

Current wording

Our strategies include, among other things, expanding our veterinary service offerings and building out our digital and data capabilities, growing our market share in consumables like fresh/frozen and in services like veterinary care, grooming, and training, enhancing our owned brand portfolio, streamlining floor-level processes and store manager responsibilities in our pet care centers, and introducing new offerings to better connect with our customers. However, we may not be able to execute on these strategies as effectively as anticipated. Our ability to execute on these strategies depends on a number of factors, including:

Previous wording

In some circumstances, increased transactions through our website may result in reduced customer traffic in our pet care centers, particularly as customers take advantage of buy online and pick up in store, curbside pickup, and home delivery services available for online orders when making certain types of purchases, such as for bulk orders or heavy pet products. There is a risk that any such reduced customer traffic may reduce the sales of certain products and services in our pet care centers. The availability of free shipping of online and “extended aisle” orders increases our costs and could adversely affect our profitability.

Current wording

In some circumstances, increased transactions through our website may result in reduced customer traffic in our pet care centers, particularly as customers take advantage of buy online and pick up in store, curbside pickup, and home delivery services available for online orders when making certain types of purchases, such as for bulk orders, repeat deliveries, or heavy pet products. There is a risk that any such reduced customer traffic may reduce the sales of certain products and services in our pet care centers. The availability of free shipping of online and “extended aisle” orders increases our costs and could adversely affect our profitability.

Previous wording

We are dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, including our executive officers. The loss of any of our key personnel could affect our ability to run our business effectively. Our success will depend on our ability to retain our current management and to develop, attract, and retain qualified personnel in the future. Competition for senior management personnel is intense with increasingly aggressive compensation packages, and we cannot assure you that we can retain our key personnel or that our succession planning will prove effective. Furthermore, significant declines in our stock price have reduced the retention value of our outstanding share-based awards, which could impact the competitiveness of our compensation over time. The loss of a member of senior management requires the remaining executive officers and our board of directors to divert immediate and substantial attention to seeking a replacement. The inability to fill vacancies in our key personnel positions, including executive positions, on a timely basis could adversely affect our ability to implement our business strategy and be disruptive to our business, which would negatively impact our results of operations.

Current wording

We are dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel, including our executive officers, and from time to time, there have been, and in the future may be, changes to our management team resulting from the hiring, departure or realignment of executive functions. The departure of any of our key personnel could affect our ability to run our business effectively. Our success will, in part, depend on our ability to retain our current management and to develop, attract, and retain qualified personnel in the future. Competition for senior management personnel is intense with increasingly aggressive compensation packages, and we cannot assure you that we can retain our key personnel or that our succession planning will prove effective. Furthermore, significant declines in our stock price have reduced the retention value of our outstanding share-based awards, which could impact the competitiveness of our compensation over time. The loss of a member of senior management requires the remaining executive officers and our board of directors to divert immediate and substantial attention to seeking a replacement. The inability to fill vacancies in our key personnel positions, including executive positions, on a timely basis could adversely affect our ability to implement our business strategy and be disruptive to our business, which would negatively impact our results of operations.

Previous wording

We purchase significant amounts of products from a number of vendors with limited supply capabilities. There can be no assurance that our current pet food or supply vendors will be able to accommodate our anticipated growth and expansion of our business. As a result of the disruptions resulting from COVID-19, as well as surges in consumer demand for certain products, shortages of raw materials and disruptions to the global supply chain resulting from, among other things, lack of carrier capacity, labor shortages, port congestion and /or closures, and rising fuel prices, some of our vendors were not able to supply us with products in a timely or cost-effective manner. An inability of our existing vendors to provide products or other product supply disruptions that may occur in the future could impair our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

We purchase significant amounts of products from a number of vendors with limited supply capabilities. There can be no assurance that our current pet food or supply vendors will be able to accommodate our anticipated growth and expansion of our business. An inability of our existing vendors to provide products or other product supply disruptions that may occur in the future could impair our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

The pet care industry is highly fragmented. We have completed acquisitions in the past and may pursue expansion and acquisition opportunities in the future, including veterinary hospitals. If we are unable to manage acquisitions, investments, or strategic ventures, or integrate any acquired businesses, services, or technologies effectively, we may not realize the expected benefits from the transaction relative to the consideration paid, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected. To be successful, the integration process requires us to achieve the benefits of combining the companies, including generating operating efficiencies and synergies, successfully integrating personnel, and eliminating or reducing redundant costs. This integration process involves inherent uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions will be fully realized without incurring unanticipated costs or diverting management’s attention from our core operations.

Current wording

The pet care industry is highly fragmented. We have completed acquisitions in the past and may pursue expansion and acquisition opportunities in the future, including veterinary hospitals. If we are unable to manage acquisitions, investments, or strategic ventures, or integrate any acquired businesses, services, or technologies effectively, we may not realize the expected benefits from the transaction relative to the consideration paid, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected. To be successful, the integration process requires us to achieve the benefits of combining the companies, including generating operating efficiencies and synergies, successfully integrating personnel, and eliminating or reducing redundant costs. This integration process involves inherent uncertainties, and we cannot assure you that the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions will be fully realized without incurring unanticipated costs or diverting management’s attention from our core operations. Additionally, acquisitions and other transactions may be subject to regulatory challenges from antitrust or other regulatory authorities that may be lengthy and/or costly and may ultimately block, delay or impose conditions (such as divestitures, ownership or operational restrictions or other structural or behavioral remedies) on the completion of transactions or the integration of acquired operations.

Previous wording

We collect, store, and transmit proprietary or confidential information regarding our customers, employees, job applicants, and others, including credit card information and personally identifiable information. We also collect, store, and transmit employees’ health information in order to administer employee benefits, accommodate disabilities and injuries, and to comply with public health requirements. The protection of customer, employee, and company data in the information technology systems we use (including those maintained by third-party providers) is critical. In the normal course of business, we are and have been the target of malicious cyber-attack attempts and have experienced other security incidents.

Current wording

We collect, store, and/or transmit proprietary or confidential information regarding our customers, employees, job applicants, and others, including credit card information and personally identifiable information. We also collect, store, and transmit employees’ health information in order to administer employee benefits, accommodate disabilities and injuries, and to comply with public health requirements. The protection of customer, employee, and company data in the information technology systems we use (including those maintained by third-party providers) is critical. In the normal course of business, we are and have been the target of malicious cyber-attack attempts and have experienced other cybersecurity incidents.

Previous wording

While to date, we do not believe such identified security events have been material to us, including to our reputation or business operations, or had a material financial impact, we cannot assure you that such incidents or future cyber-attacks will not expose us to material liability. Security could be compromised and confidential information, such as customer credit card numbers or account information, employee information, or other personally identifiable information that we or our vendors collect, transmit, or store, could be misappropriated or system disruptions could occur. In addition, cyber-attacks such as ransomware or phishing attacks could lock us out of our information systems and disrupt our operations. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. Attacks may be targeted at us, our customers, our employees, or others who have entrusted us with information. Actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants. Advances in computer capabilities, new technological discoveries, or other developments may result in the breach or compromise of the technology used by us to protect transactions or other sensitive data. In addition, data and security breaches could also occur as a result of non-technical issues, including intentional or inadvertent breaches by our employees or by persons with whom we have commercial relationships, that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. Any compromise or breach of our or our vendors’ computer network security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, costly investigations, litigation, including class actions, and notification, as well as potential regulatory or other actions by governmental agencies and harm to our brand, business, and results of operations. As a result of any of the foregoing, we could experience adverse publicity, loss of sales, the cost of remedial measures, including substantial legal fees, and significant expenditures to reimburse third parties for damages, each of which could adversely impact our results of operations. Any insurance we maintain against the risk of this type of loss may not be sufficient to cover actual losses, may not apply to the circumstances relating to any particular loss, or may become materially more costly over time.

Current wording

While to date, we do not believe such identified cybersecurity incidents have been material to us, including to our reputation or business operations, or had a material financial impact, we cannot assure you that such incidents or future cyber-incidents will not expose us to material liability. Security could be compromised and confidential information, such as customer credit card numbers or account information, employee information, or other personally identifiable information that we or our vendors collect, transmit, or store, could be misappropriated or system disruptions could occur. In addition, cyber-attacks such as ransomware or phishing attacks could lock us out of our information systems and disrupt our operations. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. Attacks may be targeted at us, our customers, our employees, or others who have entrusted us with information. Actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants. Advances in computer capabilities, including as a result of artificial intelligence, supercomputing, new technological discoveries, or other developments may result in the breach or compromise of the technology used or maintained by us to protect transactions or other sensitive data. In addition, data and security breaches could also occur as a result of non-technical issues, including intentional or inadvertent breaches by our employees or by persons with whom we have commercial relationships, that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. Additionally, it may take considerable time for us to investigate and evaluate the full impact of cybersecurity incidents, particularly for sophisticated or widespread attacks. These factors may inhibit our ability to provide prompt, full, and/or reliable information about the incident to our customers, partners, regulators, and the public. Any compromise or breach of our or our vendors’ computer network security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, costly investigations, litigation, including class actions, and notification, as well as potential regulatory or other actions by governmental agencies and harm to our brand, business, and results of operations. As a result of any of the foregoing, we could experience adverse publicity, loss of sales, the cost of remedial measures, including substantial legal fees, and significant expenditures to reimburse third parties for damages, each of which could adversely impact our results of operations. While we maintain cyber and crime insurance, any such insurance may not be sufficient to cover actual losses, may not apply to the circumstances relating to any particular loss or incident, or may become materially more costly over time.

Previous wording

Our operations also depend on our ability to maintain and protect the computer systems we use to manage our purchase orders, pet care center inventory levels, web applications, accounting functions, and other critical aspects of our business. Our systems and those of our vendors are vulnerable to damage from fire, floods, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures, terrorist and cyber-attacks, and similar events. Our disaster recovery planning and those of our vendors may not be sufficient to adequately respond to any such events. In addition, we may have inadequate insurance coverage to compensate for any related losses and expenses. Any of these events could damage our reputation, disrupt our business, and be expensive to remedy.

Current wording

Our operations also depend on our ability to maintain and protect the computer systems we use to manage our purchase orders, pet care center inventory levels, web applications, accounting functions, and other critical aspects of our business. Our systems and those of our vendors are vulnerable to damage from fire, floods, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures, terrorist and cyber-attacks, employee error, and similar events. Our disaster recovery planning and those of our vendors may not be sufficient to adequately respond to any such events. In addition, we may have inadequate insurance coverage to compensate for any related losses and expenses. Any of these events could damage our reputation, disrupt our business, and be expensive to remedy.

Previous wording

From time to time, we receive claims or complaints alleging that we do not properly care for some of the pets we handle or for companion animals we handle and sell, which may include dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and other small animals. Deaths or injuries sometimes occur while animals are in our care. As a result, we may be subject to claims that our animal care practices, including grooming, training, veterinary, and other services, or the related training of our associates or handling of animals by them, do not provide the proper level of care. Our efforts to establish our reputation as a health and wellness company increase the risk of claims or complaints regarding our practices. Any such claims or complaints, as well as any related news reports or reports on social media, even if inaccurate or untrue, could cause negative publicity, which in turn could harm our business and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Current wording

From time to time, we receive claims or complaints alleging that we do not properly care for some of the pets we handle or for companion animals we handle and sell, which may include dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and other small animals. Deaths or injuries sometimes occur while animals are in our care. As a result, we may be subject to claims that our animal care practices, including grooming, training, veterinary, and other services, or the related training of our associates or handling of animals by them, do not provide the proper level of care. Any such claims or complaints, as well as any related news reports or reports on social media, even if inaccurate or untrue, could cause negative publicity, which in turn could harm our business and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Previous wording

the risk that a health epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak, or natural disaster or extreme weather event causes disruptions in any country where we have significant employee presence, facilities, or critical operations, thereby impairing our ability to manage day-to-day operations and service our customers, increasing our costs of operations, and resulting in potential losses in revenue.

Current wording

the risk that a health epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak, or natural disaster or extreme weather event causes disruptions in any country where we have, or rely on, significant employee presence, facilities, or critical operations, thereby impairing our ability to manage day-to-day operations and service our customers, increasing our costs of operations, and resulting in potential losses in revenue.

Previous wording

Moreover, our products are sourced from a wide variety of vendors, including from vendors overseas, particularly in China. In addition, some of the products that we purchase from vendors in the United States also depend, in whole or in part, on vendors located outside the U.S. There continues to be uncertainty regarding the future of international trade agreements and ultimately the United States’ position on international trade. For example, the U.S. government has previously threatened to undertake a number of actions relating to trade with Mexico, including the closure of the border and the imposition of escalating tariffs on goods imported into the United States from Mexico. In addition, the U.S. government has previously issued sanctions on Chinese companies, raised tariffs, and imposed new tariffs on a wide range of imports of Chinese products. Additional trade restrictions, including sanctions, tariffs, quotas, embargoes, safeguards, border shutdowns, and customs restrictions, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of products available to us and to our vendors based in the United States and may require us to modify our supply chain organization or other current business practices or raise prices, any of which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

Moreover, our products are sourced from a wide variety of vendors, including from vendors overseas, such as China. In addition, some of the products that we purchase from vendors in the United States also depend, in whole or in part, on vendors located outside the U.S. There continues to be significant uncertainty regarding the future of international trade agreements and ultimately the United States’ consistent position on international trade. For example, the U.S. government has threatened to undertake a number of actions relating to trade with Mexico, including the closure of the border and has imposed tariffs on goods imported into the United States from Mexico, and Canada. In addition, the U.S. government has issued sanctions on Chinese companies, raised tariffs, and recently imposed new tariffs on a wide range of imports of Chinese products and may impose additional tariffs in the future. Moreover, 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 additional costs to procure a portion of the merchandise we offer and may require us to raise prices on certain products. Additional trade restrictions, including sanctions, tariffs, quotas, embargoes, safeguards, border shutdowns, and customs restrictions, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of products available to us and to our vendors based in the United States and may require us to modify our supply chain organization or other current business practices or raise prices, any of which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our expansion plans, including the timing of new and remodeled pet care centers and veterinary hospitals, and related pre-opening costs, the amount of net sales contributed by new and existing pet care centers, and the timing of and estimated costs associated with pet care center closings or relocations, may cause our quarterly results of operations to fluctuate. Further, new pet care centers and service offerings tend to experience higher payroll, advertising, and other store-level expenses as a percentage of net sales than more mature pet care centers, and such openings also often contribute to lower pet care center operating margins until those pet care centers become established, which may result in quarterly fluctuations in operating results. Quarterly operating results are not necessarily accurate predictors of long-term performance.

Current wording

Our expansion plans, including the timing of new and remodeled pet care centers and veterinary hospitals, and related pre-opening costs, the amount of net sales contributed by new and existing pet care centers, and the timing of and estimated costs associated with pet care center closings or relocations, may cause our quarterly results of operations to fluctuate. Further, new pet care centers and service offerings tend to experience higher payroll, advertising, and other store-level expenses as a percentage of net sales than more mature pet care centers, and such openings also often contribute to lower pet care center operating margins until those pet care centers mature, which may result in quarterly fluctuations in operating results. Quarterly operating results are not necessarily accurate predictors of long-term performance.

Previous wording

The pet food and supplies industry is subject to risks related to increases in the prices and availability of certain commodities used in the production of certain pet food and other pet-related products, specifically seed, wheat, and rice, as well as other materials that are used in the production of certain pet accessories. Additionally, increased human and/or pet consumption or population increases may potentially limit the supply of or increase prices for certain meat proteins, many of which are used in animal feed. Throughout 2023, costs of certain commodities increased due to increased fuel prices, heightened transportation costs, and general inflationary pressures, and at times we have resultingly observed increases in the costs we pay for certain vendor-supplied products. To help mitigate the impact of these cost increases, we have in the past implemented select price increases, which is consistent with our historical practice. However, our ability to pass on increased purchase costs in the future will be significantly impacted by market conditions and competitive factors. If we are unable to pass on any increased purchase costs to customers, we would experience decreased demand for or products and services and reduced margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

The pet food and supplies industry is subject to risks related to increases in the prices and availability of certain commodities used in the production of certain pet food and other pet-related products, specifically seed, wheat, and rice, as well as other materials that are used in the production of certain pet accessories. Additionally, increased human and/or pet consumption or population increases may potentially limit the supply of or increase prices for certain meat proteins, many of which are used in animal feed. Throughout 2023 and 2024, costs of certain commodities increased due to increased fuel prices, heightened transportation costs, and general inflationary pressures, and at times we have resultingly observed increases in the costs we pay for certain vendor-supplied products. To help mitigate the impact of these cost increases, we have in the past implemented select price increases, which is consistent with our historical practice. However, our ability to pass on increased purchase costs both now and in the future is and will be significantly impacted by market conditions and competitive factors. If we are unable to pass on any increased purchase costs to customers, we would experience decreased demand for or products and services and reduced margins, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our performance depends on recruiting, developing, training, and retaining top talent in our support centers, partners who are capable sales associates in large numbers in our pet care centers, experienced personnel in our distribution centers, and experienced management personnel. Our ability to meet our labor needs while controlling labor costs is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage legislation, inflationary pressures, the availability of qualified persons in the markets where we operate, changing demographics, behavioral changes, health and other insurance costs, and governmental labor and employment requirements. We have in the past faced labor shortages at several of our distribution centers, which adversely affected our operations. We have also faced, and could continue to face, increased wage competition and costs across our business in recruiting and retaining top talent. Recently, various legislative movements have sought to increase the federal minimum wage in the United States and the minimum wage in a number of individual states, some of which have been successful at the state level. As federal or state minimum wage rates increase, or market pressures upwardly impact prevailing competitive wage rates, we may need to increase not only the wage rates of our minimum wage partners but also the wages paid to our other hourly partners. For example, in an effort to retain and attract key talent, in fiscal 2023 we completed the implementation of an increase in every non-trainee partner's base wage to at least $15 an hour. If we fail to offer competitive wages, we could fail to recruit and retain top talent and face labor shortages or staffing issues, and the quality of our workforce could decline, causing our customer service to suffer, while increasing our wages could cause our earnings to decrease. Moreover, failure to achieve and maintain a diverse workforce and leadership team, maintain a safe and inclusive environment or promote the well-being of our employees could affect our reputation and also result in lower performance and an inability to retain valuable employees. If we do not continue to attract, train, and retain quality associates and management personnel, our performance could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Our performance depends on recruiting, developing, training, and retaining top talent in our support centers, partners who are capable sales associates in large numbers in our pet care centers, experienced personnel in our distribution centers, and experienced management personnel. Our ability to meet our labor needs while controlling labor costs is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage legislation, inflationary pressures, the availability of qualified persons in the markets where we operate, changing demographics, behavioral changes, health and other insurance costs, and governmental labor and employment requirements. We have in the past faced labor shortages at several of our distribution centers, which adversely affected our operations. We have also faced, and could continue to face, increased wage competition and costs across our business in recruiting and retaining top talent. In recent years, various legislative movements have sought to increase the federal minimum wage in the United States and the minimum wage in a number of individual states, some of which have been successful at the state level. As federal or state minimum wage rates increase, or market pressures upwardly impact prevailing competitive wage rates, we may need to increase not only the wage rates of our minimum wage partners but also the wages paid to our other hourly partners. If we fail to offer competitive wages, we could fail to recruit and retain top talent and face labor shortages or staffing issues, and the quality of our workforce could decline, causing our customer service to suffer, while increasing our wages could cause our earnings to decrease. Moreover, failure to achieve and maintain a talented workforce and leadership team, maintain a safe and inclusive environment or promote the well-being of our employees could affect our reputation and also result in lower performance and an inability to retain valuable employees. If we do not continue to attract, train, and retain quality associates and management personnel, our performance could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are not currently party to a collective bargaining agreement with any of our employees. We have, however, experienced attempted union organizing campaigns, and may continue to experience union organizing campaigns, which can be disruptive to our operations, increase our labor and operating costs, and decrease our operational flexibility. We cannot assure you that some or all of our employees will not become covered by a collective bargaining agreement or that we will not encounter labor conflicts or strikes. In addition, organized labor may benefit from new legislation or legal interpretations by the current presidential administration, as well as current or future unionization efforts among other large employers. Particularly, in light of current support for changes to federal and state labor laws, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not experience additional and/or successful union organization activity in the future. Any labor disruptions could have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations and could cause us to lose customers. Further, our responses to any union organizing efforts could negatively impact our reputation and have adverse effects on our business, including on our financial results.

Current wording

We are not currently party to a collective bargaining agreement with any of our employees. We have, however, experienced attempted union organizing campaigns, and may continue to experience union organizing campaigns, which can be disruptive to our operations, increase our labor and operating costs, and decrease our operational flexibility. We cannot assure you that some or all of our employees will not become covered by a collective bargaining agreement or that we will not encounter labor conflicts or strikes. In addition, organized labor may benefit from new legislation or legal interpretations, as well as current or future unionization efforts among other large employers. Particularly, in light of current support for changes to federal and state labor laws, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not experience additional and/or successful union organization activity in the future. Any labor disruptions could have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations and could cause us to lose customers. Further, our responses to any union organizing efforts could negatively impact our reputation and have adverse effects on our business, including on our financial results.

Previous wording

Geopolitical events, such as war or civil unrest in a country in which our vendors are located or dependent upon, or terrorist or military activities disrupting transportation, communication, or utility systems, local protests, and unrest and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and other severe weather and climate conditions (including those resulting from climate change), whether occurring in the United States or abroad, particularly during peak seasonal periods, could disrupt our operations or the operations of one or more of our vendors, severely damage or destroy one or more of our pet care centers or distribution centers located in the affected areas, result in temporary or long-term supply chain disruptions, or cause increased transportation costs (whether due to fuel prices, fuel supply, or otherwise). For example, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have resulted, and could continue to result, in volatile commodity markets, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs for transportation, energy, packaging and raw materials and other input costs. As a result of any such events, day-to-day operations, particularly our ability to receive products from our vendors or transport products to our pet care centers, could be adversely affected, or we could be required to close pet care centers or distribution centers in the affected areas or in areas served by the affected distribution center. These factors could also cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the United States and global financial markets and economy. These or other occurrences could significantly impact our operating results and financial performance.

Current wording

Geopolitical events, such as war or civil unrest in a country in which our vendors are located or dependent upon, or terrorist or military activities disrupting transportation, communication, or utility systems, local protests, and unrest and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and other severe weather and climate conditions (including those resulting from climate change), whether occurring in the United States or abroad, particularly during peak seasonal periods, have disrupted and in the future could disrupt our operations or the operations of one or more of our vendors, in the affected areas, and damage or destroy one or more of our pet care centers or distribution centers located in the affected areas. Such events could also result in temporary or long-term supply chain disruptions, or cause increased transportation costs (whether due to fuel prices, fuel supply, or otherwise). For example, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have resulted, and could continue to result, in volatile commodity markets, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs for transportation, energy, packaging and raw materials and other input costs. Further, even if a severe weather event does not ultimately cause damage to any of our pet care centers or distribution centers, we expend significant efforts in anticipation of such event to protect the health and safety of our partners, guests, and the live animals that we sell and/or offer for adoption in the subject area. As a result of any such events, day-to-day operations, particularly our ability to receive products from our vendors or transport products to our pet care centers, could be adversely affected, or we could be required to close pet care centers or distribution centers in the affected areas or in areas served by the affected distribution center. These factors have caused and could in the future cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease or otherwise become less predictable during the particular event. Further, these factors could result in increased volatility in the United States and global financial markets and economy. These or other occurrences could significantly impact our operating results and financial performance.

Previous wording

Inflation in the United States remained elevated throughout fiscal 2023. This is primarily believed to be the result of a multitude of factors, including elevated costs of product inputs and transportation costs, increased labor costs, and spending of excess savings, among other factors. We have experienced inflationary pressures in certain areas of our business, including with respect to employee wages and the cost of merchandise, and it has become increasingly difficult to mitigate such pressures through price increases. We cannot predict any future trends in the rate of inflation or associated increases in our operating costs and how that may impact our business. To the extent we are unable to recover higher operating costs resulting from inflation or otherwise mitigate the impact of such costs on our business, our revenues and gross margins could decrease, and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Inflation in the United States remained elevated throughout fiscal 2024. This is primarily believed to be the result of a multitude of factors, including elevated costs of product inputs and transportation costs, increased labor costs, and spending of excess savings, among other factors. We have experienced inflationary pressures in certain areas of our business, including with respect to employee wages and the cost of merchandise, and it has become increasingly difficult to mitigate such pressures through price increases. We cannot predict any future trends in the rate of inflation or associated increases in our operating costs and how that may impact our business. To the extent we are unable to recover higher operating costs resulting from inflation or otherwise mitigate the impact of such costs on our business, our revenues and gross margins could decrease, and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, inflation has resulted in, and may continue to result in, decreased customer spending on certain discretionary items, such as supplies and companion animal sales, which has adversely impacted our revenues and gross margins.

Previous wording

We are implementing the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions, including machine learning and generative AI tools that collect, aggregate, and analyze data to assist in the development of our services and products and in the use of internal tools that support our business. These applications may become increasingly important in our operations over time. This emerging technology presents a number of risks inherent in its use. AI algorithms are based on machine learning and predictive analytics, which can create accuracy issues, unintended biases, and discriminatory outcomes that could harm our brand, reputation, business, or customers. Additionally, no assurance can be made that the usage of AI will assist us in being more efficient. Further, dependence on AI without adequate safeguards to make certain business decisions may introduce additional operational vulnerabilities by producing inaccurate outcomes, recommendations, or other suggestions based on flaws in the underlying data or other unintended results. Our competitors or other third parties may incorporate AI into their business, services, and products more rapidly or more successfully than us, which could hinder our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. Implementing the use of AI successfully, ethically and as intended, will require significant resources. In addition, the use of AI may increase cybersecurity and data privacy risks, such as intended, unintended, or inadvertent transmission of proprietary or sensitive information. The technologies underlying AI and their use cases are rapidly developing, and it is not possible to predict all of the legal, operational or technological risks related to the use of AI. While new AI initiatives, laws, and regulations are emerging and evolving, what they ultimately will look like remains uncertain, and our obligation to comply with them could entail significant costs, negatively affect our business, or limit our ability to incorporate certain AI capabilities into our business.

Current wording

We are implementing the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions, including machine learning and generative AI tools that collect, aggregate, and analyze data to assist in the development of our services and products and in the use of internal tools that support our business. These applications may become increasingly important in our operations over time. This emerging technology presents a number of risks inherent in its use. AI algorithms are based on machine learning and predictive analytics, which can create accuracy issues, unintended biases, and discriminatory outcomes that could harm our brand, reputation, business, or customers. Additionally, no assurance can be made that the usage of AI will assist us in being more efficient or offset the costs of its implementation. Further, dependence on AI without adequate safeguards to make certain business decisions may introduce additional operational vulnerabilities by producing inaccurate outcomes, recommendations, or other suggestions based on flaws in the underlying data or other unintended results. Our competitors or other third parties may incorporate AI into their business, services, and products more rapidly or more successfully than us, which could hinder our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. Implementing the use of AI successfully, ethically and as intended, will require significant resources. In addition, the use of AI may increase regulatory, cybersecurity, and data privacy risks, such as intended, unintended, or inadvertent transmission of proprietary or sensitive information. The technologies underlying AI and their use cases are rapidly developing, and it is not possible to predict all of the legal, operational or technological risks related to the use of AI. While new AI initiatives, laws, and regulations are emerging and evolving, they have largely been implemented at the state and local level and what they ultimately will look like in the aggregate remains uncertain, and our obligation to comply with them could entail significant costs, negatively affect our business, or limit our ability to incorporate certain AI capabilities into our business.

Previous wording

Our operations, including those of some of our vendors, are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations established by the OSHA, the FDA, the USDA, the DEA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), and by various other federal, state, local, and foreign authorities. These laws and regulations govern, among other things: our relationships with employees, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, terms and conditions of employment, working conditions, and citizenship requirements; the weights and measures of our products; the manufacturing and distribution of foods, drugs, and controlled substances intended for animal use; our businesses that provide veterinary services and pet insurance plans; the transportation, handling, and sale of small pets; emissions to air and water and the generation, handling, storage, discharge, transportation, disposal, and remediation of waste and hazardous materials; the processing, storage, distribution, safety, advertising, labeling, promotion, and import or export of our products; providing services to our customers; contracted services with various third-party providers; credit and debit card processing; the handling, security, protection, and use of customer and associate information; and the licensing and certification of services. For more information regarding laws and regulations that we are subject to, please read “Business—Government Regulation.”

Current wording

Our operations, including those of some of our vendors, are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations established by OSHA, the FDA, the USDA, the DEA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), and by various other federal, state, local, and foreign authorities. These laws and regulations govern, among other things: our relationships with employees, including minimum wage requirements, overtime, terms and conditions of employment, working conditions, and citizenship requirements; the weights and measures of our products; the manufacturing and distribution of foods, drugs, and controlled substances intended for animal use; our businesses that provide veterinary services and pet insurance plans; the transportation, handling, and sale of small pets; emissions to air and water and the generation, handling, storage, discharge, transportation, disposal, and remediation of waste and hazardous materials; the processing, storage, distribution, safety, advertising, labeling, promotion, and import or export of our products; providing services to our customers; contracted services with various third-party providers; credit and debit card processing; the handling, security, protection, and use of personal information; and the licensing and certification of services. For more information regarding laws and regulations that we are subject to, please read “Business—Government Regulation.”

Previous wording

Violations of or liability under applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative, civil or criminal fines, penalties, or sanctions against us, revocation or modification of applicable permits, licenses, or authorizations, environmental, health and safety investigations or remedial activities, voluntary or involuntary product recalls, warning or untitled letters or cease and desist orders against operations that are not in compliance, or third-party liability claims against us, among other things. Such laws and regulations generally have become more stringent over time and may become more so in the future, and we may incur (directly, or indirectly through our outsourced private brand manufacturing partners) material costs to comply with current or future laws and regulations or in any required product recalls. Some of these laws and regulations are subject to varying and uncertain interpretations, application, and enforcement by courts and regulatory authorities with broad discretion, which can mean that our efforts to maintain compliance in all jurisdictions are not always successful. Liabilities under, costs of compliance with, and the impacts on us of any alleged or determined non-compliance with any such laws and regulations could materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, changes in the laws and regulations to which we are subject could impose significant limitations and require changes to our business, which may increase our compliance expenses, make our business costlier and less efficient to conduct, and compromise our growth strategy. Although we routinely obtain broad indemnities from our vendors in respect of their products, we could be adversely affected if we were found not to be in compliance with applicable regulations and we were not made whole by our vendors.

Current wording

Violations of or liability under applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative, civil or criminal fines, penalties, or sanctions against us, revocation or modification of applicable permits, licenses, or authorizations, environmental, health and safety investigations or remedial activities, voluntary or involuntary product recalls, warning or untitled letters or cease and desist orders against operations that are not in compliance, and/or third-party liability claims against us, among other things. Such laws and regulations generally have become more stringent over time and may become more so in the future, and we expect to incur (directly, or indirectly through our outsourced private brand manufacturing partners) significant costs to comply with current or future laws and regulations or in any required product recalls. Some of these laws and regulations are subject to varying and uncertain interpretations, application, and enforcement by courts and regulatory authorities with broad discretion, which can mean that our efforts to maintain compliance in all jurisdictions are not always successful. Liabilities under, costs of compliance with, and the impacts on us of any alleged or determined non-compliance with any such laws and regulations could materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, changes in the laws and regulations to which we are subject could impose significant limitations and require changes to our business, which may increase our compliance expenses, make our business costlier and less efficient to conduct, and compromise our growth strategy. Although we routinely obtain broad indemnities from our vendors in respect of their products, we could be adversely affected if we were found not to be in compliance with applicable regulations and we were not made whole by our vendors.

Previous wording

Among other regulatory requirements, the FDA regulates the inclusion of specific claims in pet product labeling. For example, pet food products that are labeled or marketed with claims that may suggest that they are intended to treat or prevent disease in pets would potentially meet the statutory definitions of both a food and a drug. The FDA has issued guidance containing a list of specific factors it will consider in determining whether to initiate enforcement action against such products if they do not comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to drugs. These factors include, among other things, whether the product is only made available through or under the direction of a veterinarian and does not present a known safety risk when used as labeled. While we believe that we market our products in compliance with the policy articulated in the FDA’s guidance and in other claim-specific guidance, the FDA may disagree or may classify some of our products differently than we do, and may impose more stringent regulations which could lead to alleged regulatory violations, enforcement actions, and/or product recalls. In addition, we may produce new products in the future that may be subject to FDA pre-market review before we can market and sell such products. Our distribution centers are also subject to periodic inspection by the FDA and other governmental authorities.

Current wording

Among other regulatory requirements, the FDA regulates the inclusion of specific claims in pet product labeling. For example, pet food products that are labeled or marketed with claims that may suggest that they are intended to treat or prevent disease in pets would potentially meet the statutory definitions of both a food and a drug. The FDA has issued guidance containing a list of specific factors it will consider in determining whether to initiate an enforcement action against such products if they do not comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to drugs. These factors include, among other things, whether the product is only made available through or under the direction of a veterinarian and does not present a known safety risk when used as labeled. While we believe that we market our products in compliance with the policy articulated in the FDA’s guidance and in other claim-specific guidance, the FDA may disagree or may classify some of our products differently than we do, and may impose more stringent regulations which could lead to alleged regulatory violations, enforcement actions, and/or product recalls. In addition, we may produce new products in the future that may be subject to FDA pre-market review before we can market and sell such products. Our distribution centers are also subject to periodic inspection by the FDA and other governmental authorities.

Previous wording

In addition, certain states have laws, rules, and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care, or directly employing or otherwise exercising control over veterinarians providing such care. We may experience difficulty in expanding our operations into other states or jurisdictions with similar laws, rules, and regulations. Our provision of veterinary services through tele-veterinarian offerings is also subject to an evolving set of laws, rules, and regulations. Although we believe that we have structured our operations to comply with our understanding of the veterinary medicine laws of each state or jurisdiction in which we operate, interpretive legal precedent and regulatory guidance varies by jurisdiction and is often sparse and not fully developed. A determination that we are in violation of applicable restrictions on the practice of veterinary medicine in any jurisdiction in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if we are unable to restructure our operations to comply with the requirements of that jurisdiction.

Current wording

In addition, certain states have laws, rules, and regulations which require that veterinary medical practices be owned by licensed veterinarians and that corporations which are not owned by licensed veterinarians refrain from providing, or holding themselves out as providers of, veterinary medical care, or directly employing or otherwise exercising control over veterinarians providing such care. We may experience difficulty in expanding our operations into other states or jurisdictions with similar laws, rules, and regulations. Although we believe that we have structured our operations to comply with our understanding of the veterinary medicine laws of each state or jurisdiction in which we operate, interpretive legal precedent and regulatory guidance varies by jurisdiction and is sometimes sparse and not fully developed. A determination that we are in violation of applicable restrictions on the practice of veterinary medicine in any jurisdiction in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if we are unable to restructure our operations to comply with the requirements of that jurisdiction.

Previous wording

We currently accept payments using a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Klarna, and gift cards. As we offer new payment options to consumers, we may be subject to additional regulations, compliance requirements, fraud, and other risks. For certain payment methods, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time and raise our operating costs and lower profitability. As a merchant that accepts debit and credit cards for payment, we are subject to PCI DSS, which contains compliance guidelines and standards with regard to our security surrounding the physical administrative and technical storage, processing, and transmission of individual cardholder data. By accepting debit cards for payment, we are also subject to compliance with American National Standards Institute data encryption standards and payment network security operating guidelines.

Current wording

We currently accept payments using a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Klarna, and gift cards. As we offer new payment options to consumers, we may be subject to additional regulations, compliance requirements, fraud, and other risks. For certain payment methods, we pay interchange and other fees, which often increase over time and raise our operating costs and lower profitability. As a merchant that accepts debit and credit cards for payment, we are subject to PCI DSS, which contains compliance guidelines and standards with regard to the physical administrative and technical security requirements for storing, processing, and transmitting of individual cardholder data. By accepting debit cards for payment, we are also subject to compliance with American National Standards Institute data encryption standards and payment network security operating guidelines. Additionally, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act requires systems that print payment card receipts to employ personal account number truncation so that the cardholder’s full account number is not viewable on the slip.

Previous wording

We also occasionally receive orders placed with fraudulent data. Although we have measures in place to detect, reduce, and mitigate the occurrence of such fraudulent activity, those measures are not always effective, and we have incurred, and could in the future incur, financial losses, losses of customers, and reputational harm for such fraudulent transactions, which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

We also occasionally receive orders placed with fraudulent cardholder, customer, or account data. Although we have measures in place to detect, reduce, and mitigate the occurrence of such fraudulent activity, those measures are not always effective, and we have incurred, and could in the future continue to incur, financial losses, losses of customers, and reputational harm for such fraudulent transactions, which could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our marketing programs, e-commerce initiatives, and use of consumer information are governed by an evolving set of laws and enforcement trends, and changes in privacy laws or trends, or our failure to comply with existing or future laws, could substantially harm our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Our marketing programs, e-commerce initiatives, and use of personal information are governed by an evolving set of laws and enforcement trends, and changes in privacy laws or trends, or our failure to comply with existing or future laws, could substantially harm our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

We collect, maintain, use, and share personal information provided to us through online activities and other consumer, employee, and business-to-business interactions in order to provide a better experience for our customers, employees, and vendors. Our current and future marketing programs depend on our ability to collect, maintain, use, and share this personal information with service providers and other vendors, and our ability to do so depends on the trust that our customers place in us and our ability to maintain that trust. Additionally, our use of consumer data is subject to the terms of our privacy policies and certain contractual restrictions in vendor contracts as well as evolving federal, state, and international laws and enforcement trends. While we strive to comply with all such regulatory and contractual obligations and believe that we are good stewards of our customers’ data, this area is rapidly evolving, and it is possible that these requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, may conflict with other rules, or may conflict with our practices. If so, we may suffer damage to our reputation and be subject to proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of this area of the law, we have seen an increase in claims filed against us and others by plaintiffs alleging violations of various data privacy laws. Although we believe many such proceedings are filed without merit, and no such proceeding filed against us has subjected us to material liability to date, any such proceeding or action could hurt our reputation, force us to spend significant amounts to defend our practices, distract our management, increase our costs of doing business, and result in monetary liability.

Current wording

We collect, maintain, use, and share personal information provided to us through online activities and other consumer, employee, and business-to-business interactions in order to provide a better experience for our customers, employees, and vendors. Our current and future marketing programs depend on our ability to collect, maintain, use, and share this personal information with service providers and other vendors, and our ability to do so depends on the trust that our customers place in us and our ability to maintain that trust. Additionally, our use of consumer data is subject to the terms of our privacy policies and certain contractual restrictions in vendor contracts as well as evolving federal, state, and international laws and enforcement trends. While we strive to comply with all such regulatory and contractual obligations and believe that we are good stewards of our customers’ data, this area is rapidly evolving, and these requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, may conflict with other rules, or may conflict with our practices. If we violate privacy laws, we would suffer damage to our reputation and be subject to proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of this area of the law, we have seen an increase in claims filed against us and others by plaintiffs and state regulatory authorities alleging violations of various data privacy laws. Although no such proceeding filed against us has subjected us to material liability to date, any such proceeding or action could hurt our reputation, force us to spend significant amounts to defend our practices, distract our management, increase our costs of doing business, and result in monetary liability and/or injunctive relief impacting our marketing, analytics, and other business operations.

Previous wording

One of the ways we track consumer data and interactions for marketing purposes, as well as advertise certain employment opportunities, is through the use of third-party “cookies” and similar online tracking technologies. Federal and state governmental authorities continue to evaluate the privacy implications inherent in the use of third-party cookies and other methods of online tracking (such as pixels, tags, and beacons) for behavioral advertising and other purposes. The U.S. government and various states have enacted, have considered, or are considering legislation or regulations that significantly restrict the ability of companies and individuals to engage in these activities, such as by regulating the level of consumer notice and consent required before a company can employ cookies or other electronic tracking tools or the use of data gathered with such tools. In addition, private litigants may claim the use of these tracking technologies invades their privacy, violates privacy or other laws, or constitutes an unfair business practice. Additionally, some providers of consumer devices and web browsers have implemented, or announced plans to implement, means to make it easier for internet users to prevent the placement of cookies or to block other tracking technologies, which could, if widely adopted, result in the use of third-party cookies and other methods of online tracking becoming significantly less effective, including for recruiting purposes. The regulation of the use of these cookies and other current online tracking, recruiting, and advertising practices or a loss in our ability to make effective use of services that employ such technologies could increase our costs of operations and/or recruitment, and limit our ability to acquire new customers and/or staff on cost-effective terms and, consequently, materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

One of the ways we track consumer data and interactions for marketing purposes, as well as advertise certain employment or independent contractor opportunities, is through the use of third-party “cookies” and similar online tracking technologies. Federal and state governmental authorities continue to evaluate the privacy implications inherent in the use of third-party cookies and other methods of online tracking (such as pixels, tags, and beacons) for behavioral advertising and other purposes. The U.S. government and various states have enacted, have considered, or are considering legislation or regulations that significantly restrict the ability of companies and individuals to engage in these activities, such as by regulating the level of consumer notice and consent required before a company can employ cookies or other electronic tracking tools or the use of data gathered with such tools. In addition, private litigants have claimed the use of these tracking technologies invades their privacy, violates privacy or other laws, or constitutes an unfair business practice. Additionally, some providers of consumer devices and web browsers have implemented, or announced plans to implement, means to make it easier for internet users to prevent the placement of cookies or to block other tracking technologies, which could, if widely adopted, result in the use of third-party cookies and other methods of online tracking becoming significantly less effective, including for behavioral advertising and recruiting purposes. The regulation of the use of these cookies and other current online tracking, recruiting, and advertising practices or a loss in our ability to make effective use of services that employ such technologies could increase our costs of operations and/or recruitment, and limit our ability to acquire new customers and/or staff on cost-effective terms and, consequently, materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

In addition, various federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies, or self-regulatory organizations, may expand or further enforce current laws or regulations, enact new laws or regulations, or issue revised rules or guidance regarding privacy, data protection, consumer protection, and advertising. For example, in June 2018, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), which took effect on January 1, 2020. The CCPA gave California residents expanded rights to access and delete their personal information, opt out of certain uses of personal information, and receive detailed information about what personal information is collected, how their personal information is used, and how that personal information is shared. The CCPA provided for civil penalties for violations enforced by the California Attorney General, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that has resulted in an increase in data breach litigation. Further, on November 3, 2020, the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”) was voted into law by California residents and went into effect on January 1, 2023. The CPRA significantly amends the CCPA, and imposes additional data protection obligations on companies doing business in California, including additional consumer rights processes and opt outs for certain uses of sensitive data. It also created the California Privacy Protection Agency, a new data protection agency specifically tasked to issue privacy regulations and enforce the law, which is likely to result in increased regulatory scrutiny of California businesses in the areas of data protection and security. Some observers have noted that the CCPA and CPRA could mark the beginning of a trend toward more stringent state privacy legislation in the United States. Similar laws have been passed in several states (including Colorado, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and others), and have been proposed in additional states and at the federal level. Such laws have potentially conflicting requirements that make compliance challenging. We have incurred and may continue to incur costs to adapt our systems and practices to comply with these requirements, and these costs may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the FTC and many state attorneys general are interpreting existing federal and state consumer protection laws to impose evolving standards for the collection, use, dissemination, and security of other personal data. Courts may also adopt the standards for fair information practices promulgated by the FTC, which concern consumer notice, choice, security, and access. Consumer protection laws require us to publish statements that describe how we handle personal data and choices individuals may have about the way we handle their personal data. If such information that we publish is considered untrue, we may be subject to government claims of unfair or deceptive trade practice…

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Current wording

In addition, various federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies, or self-regulatory organizations, continue to expand or further enforce current laws or regulations, enact new laws or regulations, or issue revised rules or guidance regarding privacy, data protection, consumer protection, and advertising. For example, in June 2018, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”), which took effect on January 1, 2020. The CCPA gave California residents expanded rights to access and delete their personal information, opt out of certain uses of personal information, and receive detailed information about what personal information is collected, how their personal information is used, and how that personal information is shared. The CCPA provided for civil penalties for violations enforced by the California Attorney General, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that has resulted in an increase in consumer class actions and other litigation. Further, on November 3, 2020, the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”) was voted into law by California residents and went into effect on January 1, 2023. The CPRA significantly amends the CCPA, and imposes additional data protection obligations on companies doing business in California, including additional consumer rights processes and opt outs for certain uses of sensitive data. It also created the California Privacy Protection Agency, a new data protection agency specifically tasked to issue privacy regulations and enforce the law, which results in increased regulatory scrutiny of California businesses in the areas of data collection, protection, and security. The CCPA and CPRA marked the beginning of a trend toward more stringent state privacy legislation in the United States. Similar laws have been passed in several states (including Colorado, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and others), and have been proposed in additional states and at the federal level. Such laws have conflicting requirements that make compliance challenging. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur costs to adapt our systems and practices to comply with these requirements, and these costs may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, our risk of regulatory enforcement, investigations, fines, and penalties increases with each state that passes similar privacy laws. Further, the FTC and many state attorneys general have interpreted existing federal and state consumer protection laws to impose evolving standards for the collection, use, dissemination, and security of other personal data. Courts may also adopt the standards for fair information practices promulgated by the FTC, which concern consumer notice, choice, security, and access. Consumer protection laws require us to publish statements that describe how we handle personal data and choices individuals may have about the way we handle their personal data. If …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

Each of these privacy, security, and data protection laws and regulations—and others, including the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003, regulating our use of certain electronic mail marketing and state data breach notification laws requiring notifications to state residents in certain instances—and any other such changes or new laws or regulations, could impose significant limitations, require changes to our business, or restrict our use or storage of personal information, which may increase our compliance expenses and make our business costlier or less efficient to conduct. In addition, any such changes could compromise our ability to develop an adequate marketing strategy and pursue our growth strategy effectively, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

Each of these privacy, security, and data protection laws and regulations—and others, including the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003, regulating our use of certain electronic mail marketing and state data breach notification laws requiring notifications to state residents in certain instances—and any other such changes or new laws or regulations, could impose significant limitations, require ongoing changes to our business, or restrict our use or storage of personal information, which would increase our compliance expenses and make our business costlier or less efficient to conduct. In addition, any such changes could compromise our ability to develop an adequate marketing strategy and pursue our growth strategy effectively, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

We send short message service, or SMS, text messages to customers and job candidates, and make outbound telephone calls. The actual or perceived improper sending of text messages or placing of telephone calls may subject us to potential risks, including liabilities or claims relating to consumer protection laws. For example, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, a federal statute that protects consumers from unwanted telephone calls, faxes, and text messages, restricts telemarketing and the use of automated SMS text messages and certain dialing practices without proper consent. Numerous class action suits under federal and state laws have been filed in recent years against companies who conduct SMS texting or outbound calling programs, with many resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements to the plaintiffs. Federal or state regulatory authorities or private litigants may claim that the notices and disclosures we provide, form of consents we obtain, or our SMS texting or calling practices are not adequate or violate applicable law, resulting in civil claims against us. The scope and interpretation of the laws that are or may be applicable to the delivery of text messages and/or outbound calling are continuously evolving and developing. If we do not comply with these laws or regulations or if we become liable under these laws or regulations, we could face direct liability, could be required to change some portions of our business model, or could face negative publicity, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected as a result. Even an unsuccessful challenge of our SMS texting or calling practices by our customers, regulatory authorities, or other third parties could result in negative publicity and could require a costly response from and defense by us.

Current wording

We send short message service, or SMS, text messages to customers and job candidates, and make outbound telephone calls. The actual or perceived improper sending of text messages or placing of telephone calls subjects us to potential risks, including liabilities or claims relating to consumer protection laws. For example, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, a federal statute that protects consumers from unwanted telephone calls, faxes, and text messages, restricts telemarketing and the use of automated SMS text messages and certain dialing practices without proper consent. Numerous class action suits under federal and state laws have been filed in recent years against companies who conduct SMS texting or outbound calling programs, with many resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements to the plaintiffs. Federal or state regulatory authorities or private litigants could claim that the notices and disclosures we provide, form of consents we obtain, or our SMS texting or calling practices are not adequate or violate applicable law, resulting in civil claims against us. The scope and interpretation of the laws that apply to the delivery of text messages and/or outbound calling are continuously evolving and developing. If we do not comply with these laws or regulations or if we become liable under these laws or regulations, we could face direct liability, could be required to change some portions of our business model, or could face negative publicity, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected as a result. Even an unsuccessful challenge of our SMS texting or calling practices by our customers, regulatory authorities, or other third parties could result in negative publicity and could require a costly response from and defense by us.

Previous wording

Our trademarks, such as Bond & Co., EveryYay, Good 2 Go, Good Lovin’, Harmony, Imagitarium, Leaps & Bounds, Pals Rewards, Petco, Petco Love, PetCoach, Reddy, Ruff & Mews, So Phresh, Vetco, Well & Good, WholeHearted, You & Me, Youly, Vital Care Core, and Vital Care Premier, are valuable assets that support our brand and consumers’ perception of our products. We rely on trademark, copyright, trade secret, patent, and other intellectual property laws, as well as nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements and other methods, to protect our trademarks, trade names, proprietary information, technologies, and processes. We might not be able to obtain broad protection in the United States for all of our intellectual property. The protection of our intellectual property rights may require the expenditure of significant financial, managerial, and operational resources. Moreover, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property may not adequately protect our rights or prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our proprietary rights, and we may be unable to broadly enforce all of our trademarks. Any of our patents, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights may be challenged by others or invalidated through administrative process or litigation. Our patent and trademark applications may never be granted. Additionally, the process of obtaining patent protection is expensive and time-consuming, and we may be unable to prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. Even if issued, there can be no assurance that these patents will adequately protect our intellectual property, as the legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability, and scope of protection of patent and other intellectual property rights are uncertain. We also cannot be certain that others will not independently develop or otherwise acquire equivalent or superior technology or intellectual property rights. Further, our nondisclosure agreements and confidentiality agreements may not effectively prevent disclosure of our proprietary information, technologies, and processes and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of such information, which could harm our competitive position. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may be unavailable or limited for some of our trademarks and patents in some foreign countries. We might be required to expend significant resources to monitor and protect our intellectual property rights. For example, we may need to engage in litigation or similar activities to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others. However, we may be unable to discover or determine the extent of any infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of our intellectual property rights and other proprietary rights. Despite our efforts, we may be unable to pr…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Our trademarks, such as Bond & Co., EveryYay, Good 2 Go, Good Lovin’, Harmony, Imagitarium, Leaps & Bounds, Petco, Petco Love, Petco Park, PetCoach, Reddy, Ruff & Mews, So Phresh, Vetco, Well & Good, Where the Pets Go, WholeHearted, You & Me, Youly, Vital Care Core, and Vital Care Premier, are valuable assets that support our brand and consumers’ perception of our products. We rely on trademark, copyright, trade secret, patent, and other intellectual property laws, as well as nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements and other methods, to protect our trademarks, trade names, proprietary information, technologies, and processes. We might not be able to obtain broad protection in the United States for all of our intellectual property. The protection of our intellectual property rights may require the expenditure of significant financial, managerial, and operational resources. Moreover, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property may not adequately protect our rights or prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our proprietary rights, and we may be unable to broadly enforce all of our trademarks. Any of our patents, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights may be challenged by others or invalidated through administrative process or litigation. Our patent and trademark applications may never be granted. Additionally, the process of obtaining patent protection is expensive and time-consuming, and we may be unable to prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. Even if issued, there can be no assurance that these patents will adequately protect our intellectual property, as the legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability, and scope of protection of patent and other intellectual property rights are uncertain. We also cannot be certain that others will not independently develop or otherwise acquire equivalent or superior technology or intellectual property rights. Further, our nondisclosure agreements and confidentiality agreements may not effectively prevent disclosure of our proprietary information, technologies, and processes and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of such information, which could harm our competitive position. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may be unavailable or limited for some of our trademarks and patents in some foreign countries. We might be required to expend significant resources to monitor and protect our intellectual property rights. For example, we may need to engage in litigation or similar activities to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, or to determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others. However, we may be unable to discover or determine the extent of any infringement, misappropriation, or other violation of our intellectual property rights and other proprietary rights. Despite our efforts, we ma…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

We have obligations with respect to the non-use and non-disclosure of third-party intellectual property. The steps we take to prevent misappropriation, infringement, or other violations of the intellectual property of others may not be successful. From time to time, third parties have asserted intellectual property infringement claims against us and may continue to do so in the future. These risks have been amplified by the increase in third parties whose sole or primary business is to assert such claims. While we believe that our products and operations do not infringe in any material respect upon proprietary rights of other parties and/or that meritorious defenses would exist with respect to any assertions to the contrary, we may from time to time be found to infringe on the proprietary rights of others.

Current wording

We have obligations with respect to the non-use and non-disclosure of third-party intellectual property. The steps we take to prevent misappropriation, infringement, or other violations of the intellectual property of others may not be successful. From time to time, third parties have asserted intellectual property infringement claims against us and are likely to continue to do so in the future. These risks have been amplified by the increase in third parties whose sole or primary business is to assert such claims. While we believe that our products and operations do not infringe in any material respect upon proprietary rights of other parties and/or that meritorious defenses would exist with respect to any assertions to the contrary, we may from time to time be found to infringe on the proprietary rights of others.

Previous wording

obtain a license from the third party claiming infringement, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or may not be available at all.

Current wording

obtain a license from the third party claiming infringement, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or may not be available at all, or could result in reduced profitability of the particular product sold that is subject to the license.

Previous wording

We are party to routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business and may become involved in additional litigation, all of which could require time and attention from certain members of management and result in significant legal expenses.

Current wording

We are party to routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business and may become involved in additional litigation, all of which requires time and attention from certain members of management and can result in significant legal expenses.