BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.

Previous wording

Our business may be affected by issues that affect consumer spending.

Current wording

Our business may be affected by macroeconomic and other market issues that affect consumer spending.

Previous wording

Our results of operations are affected by the level of consumer spending and, therefore, by changes in the economic factors that impact consumer spending. Certain economic conditions or events, such as a contraction in the financial markets; high rates of inflation or deflation; high unemployment levels; decreases in consumer disposable income; unavailability of consumer credit; higher consumer debt levels; higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws; fluctuations in interest rates; higher fuel, energy and other commodity costs; weakness in the housing market; higher insurance and health care costs; and product cost increases resulting from an increase in commodity prices or supply chain issues, could reduce or shift consumer spending generally, which could cause our customers to spend less or to shift their spending to our competitors. Reduced consumer spending may result in reduced demand for our items and may also require increased selling and promotional expenses. Issues or trends that affect consumer spending broadly could affect spending by our members disproportionately. A reduction or shift in consumer spending could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Our results of operations are affected by the level of consumer spending and, therefore, by changes in the economic factors that impact consumer spending. Certain economic conditions or events, such as a contraction in the financial markets; high rates of inflation or deflation; high unemployment levels; decreases in consumer disposable income; unavailability of consumer credit; higher consumer debt levels; higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws; fluctuations in interest rates; higher fuel, energy and other commodity costs; weakness in the housing market; higher insurance and health care costs; and product cost increases resulting from an increase in commodity prices or supply chain issues, could reduce, and in some cases have reduced, consumer spending generally, which could cause our customers to spend less or to shift their spending to our competitors. Reduced consumer spending may result in reduced demand for our items and may also require increased selling and promotional expenses. Issues or trends that affect consumer spending broadly could affect spending by our members disproportionately. A reduction or shift in consumer spending could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

We depend heavily on our ability to purchase merchandise in sufficient quantities at competitive prices and in a timely fashion. We source our merchandise from a wide variety of domestic and international vendors. Finding qualified vendors who meet our standards and acquiring merchandise in a timely and efficient manner are significant challenges, especially with respect to vendors located and merchandise sourced outside the United States. We have no assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products, and, in general, any vendor could at any time change the terms upon which it sells to us or discontinue selling to us. In addition, member demand may lead to insufficient in-stock quantities of our merchandise.

Current wording

We depend heavily on our ability to purchase merchandise in sufficient quantities at competitive prices and in a timely fashion. We source our merchandise from a wide variety of domestic and international vendors. Finding qualified vendors who meet our standards and acquiring merchandise in a timely and efficient manner are significant challenges, especially with respect to vendors located and merchandise sourced outside the United States. We have no assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products, and, in general, any vendor could at any time change the terms upon which it sells to us or discontinue selling to us. In addition, member demand may lead to insufficient in-stock quantities of our merchandise. Additionally, if a significant vendor, particularly a vendor that supplies high demand products and for which we have limited alternative sources, has a supply chain disruption for any reason that negatively impacts their ability to supply us with the products we need in a timely or cost-effective manner, such disruption could have, and in the past has had, a material impact on our sales and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our business could be severely impacted by natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, or other incidents beyond our control, such as global or regional pandemics, epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases, terrorism, war/conflict, geopolitical tensions or events, riots, acts of violence and other crimes (including looting or vandalism), particularly in locations where our centralized operating systems and administrative personnel are located. For example, our operations are concentrated primarily on the eastern half of the United States, and any adverse weather event or natural disaster, such as a hurricane or heavy snowstorm, could have a material adverse effect on a substantial portion of our operations. Such natural disasters or other incidents beyond our control could result in, among other things, physical damage to one or more of our properties; the temporary closure of one or more of our clubs, Company-operated or contracted distribution centers or our home office facility; the temporary lack of an adequate work force in a market; a temporary or long-term disruption in merchandise distribution, including issues with the transport of goods to or from overseas; the temporary reduction in the availability of products in our clubs and online or a reduction in demand for certain of our products, each of which could have a negative adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Current wording

Our business could be severely impacted by natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires or other incidents beyond our control, such as global or regional pandemics, epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases, terrorism, war/conflict, geopolitical tensions or events, riots, acts of violence and other crimes (including looting or vandalism), particularly in locations where our centralized operating systems and administrative personnel are located. For example, our operations are concentrated primarily on the eastern half of the United States, and any adverse weather event or natural disaster, such as a hurricane or heavy snowstorm, could have a material adverse effect on a substantial portion of our operations. Such natural disasters or catastrophic events beyond our control could result in, among other things: physical damage to one or more of our properties or inventory; the temporary closure of one or more of our clubs, Company-operated or contracted distribution centers or our home office facility; the temporary reduction in the availability of products in our clubs and online or a reduction in demand for certain of our products; the temporary lack of an adequate work force in a market; a temporary or long-term disruption in merchandise distribution, including issues with the transport of goods to or from overseas, each of which could have a negative adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Previous wording

We depend on the orderly operation of our merchandise receiving and distribution process through our Company-operated distribution centers. All of our end-to-end perishable supply chain has been contained in-house since mid-2022. Although we believe that our receiving and distribution process is efficient, unforeseen disruptions in operations due to fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or other catastrophic events, labor issues, war or other civil unrest, or other shipping problems (which may include, but are not limited to, strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages at the ports of entry for the merchandise that we import) may result in delays in the delivery of merchandise to our clubs, which could adversely affect sales and the satisfaction of our members. In addition, increases in distribution costs (including, but not limited to, trucking and freight costs) could adversely affect our expenses, which could adversely affect our operating profit and results of operations.

Current wording

We depend on the orderly operation of our merchandise receiving and distribution process through our Company-operated distribution centers. All of our end-to-end perishable supply chain has been contained in-house since mid-2022. Although we believe that our receiving and distribution process is efficient, unforeseen disruptions in operations due to extreme weather, including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, wildfires, floods, or other catastrophic events, labor issues, war or other civil unrest, or other shipping problems (which may include, but are not limited to, strikes, slowdowns or work stoppages at the ports of entry for the merchandise that we import) may result in delays in the delivery of merchandise to our clubs, which could adversely affect sales and the satisfaction of our members. In addition, increases in distribution costs (including, but not limited to, trucking and freight costs, or otherwise) could adversely affect our expenses, which could adversely affect our operating profit and results of operations.

Previous wording

We accept payments using an increasing variety of methods, including cash, checks, our co-branded credit cards and a variety of other credit and debit cards, as well as Paypal, Apple Pay®, Google Pay, EBT payments and Buy Now, Pay Later financed through Citizens Pay™. Our efficient operation, like that of most retailers, requires the transmission of information permitting cashless payments. As we offer new payment options to our members, we may be subject to additional rules, regulations and compliance requirements, along with the risk of higher fraud losses. For certain payment methods, we pay interchange and other related card acceptance fees, along with additional transaction processing fees. We rely on third parties to provide secure and reliable payment transaction processing services, including the processing of credit and debit cards, and our co-branded credit card, and it could disrupt our business if these companies become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us. We are also subject to payment card association and network operating rules, including data security rules, certification requirements and rules governing electronic funds transfers, which could change over time. For example, we are subject to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, which contain stringent compliance guidelines and standards with regard to our security surrounding the physical and electronic storage, processing and transmission of individual cardholder data. We are also subject to a consent decree entered by the FTC in 2005 in connection with a complaint alleging that we had failed to adequately safeguard members’ personal data. Under the consent decree, we are required to maintain a comprehensive information security program that is reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality, availability and integrity of personal information collected from or about our members. In addition, if our third-party processor systems are breached or compromised, we may be subject to substantial fines, remediation costs, litigation and higher transaction fees and lose our ability to accept credit or debit card payments from our members, and our reputation, business and operating results could also be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

We accept payments using an increasing variety of methods, including cash, checks, our co-branded credit cards and a variety of other credit and debit cards, as well as Paypal, Apple Pay®, Google Pay, and EBT payments. Our efficient operation, like that of most retailers, requires the transmission of information permitting cashless payments. As we offer new payment options to our members, we may be subject to additional rules, regulations and compliance requirements, along with the risk of higher fraud losses. For certain payment methods, we pay interchange and other related card acceptance fees, along with additional transaction processing fees. We rely on third parties to provide secure and reliable payment transaction processing services, including the processing of credit and debit cards, and our co-branded credit card, and it could disrupt our business if these companies become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us. We are also subject to payment card association and network operating rules, including data security rules, certification requirements and rules governing electronic funds transfers, which could change over time. For example, we are subject to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, which contain stringent compliance guidelines and standards with regard to our security surrounding the physical and electronic storage, processing and transmission of individual cardholder data. We are also subject to a consent decree entered by the FTC in 2005 in connection with a complaint alleging that we had failed to adequately safeguard members’ personal data. Under the consent decree, we are required to maintain a comprehensive information security program that is reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality, availability and integrity of personal information collected from or about our members. In addition, if our third-party processor systems are breached or compromised, we may be subject to substantial fines, remediation costs, litigation and higher transaction fees and lose our ability to accept credit or debit card payments from our members, and our reputation, business and operating results could also be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our co-brand credit card program may be affected by economic and regulatory conditions.

Current wording

Our co-branded credit card program may be affected by economic and regulatory conditions.

Previous wording

Deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect our co-brand credit card program, including the volume of new credit accounts, the amount of credit card balances and the ability of credit card holders to pay their balances. These conditions could result in the Company receiving lower payments under the co-branded credit card program. Additionally, new laws or regulations on credit card operations may impose certain requirements and limitations on credit card providers. Compliance with these regulations may negatively impact the operation of our co-branded credit card program, resulting in lower revenue streams derived from our co-branded credit card program.

Current wording

Deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect our co-branded credit card program, including the volume of new credit accounts, the amount of credit card balances and the ability of credit card holders to pay their balances. These conditions could result in the Company receiving lower payments under the co-branded credit card program. Additionally, new laws or regulations on credit card operations may impose certain requirements and limitations on credit card providers. Compliance with these regulations may negatively impact the operation of our co-branded credit card program, resulting in lower revenue streams derived from our co-branded credit card program.

Previous wording

Given the very high volume of transactions we process each year, it is important that we maintain uninterrupted operation of our business-critical computer systems and infrastructure. Our systems, including our back-up systems, are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, internal or external security incidents, including tampering with hardware and breaches of our transaction processing or other systems that could result in the compromise of confidential customer or team member data, ransomware or other malware attacks, social engineering, catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes and errors by our team members. Phishing attacks have emerged as particularly pervasive, including as a means for ransomware attacks, which have increased in both frequency and breadth. If our systems or infrastructure are damaged or cease to function properly, we may have to make significant investments to fix or replace them, and we may suffer serious interruptions in our operations, which might not be short-lived, in the interim. Any material interruption to these systems or infrastructure could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, the cost of securing our systems against failure or attack is considerable, and increases in these costs, particularly in the wake of a security incident, could be material.

Current wording

Given the very high volume of transactions we process each year, it is important that we maintain uninterrupted operation of our business-critical computer systems and infrastructure. Our systems, including our back-up systems, are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, internal or external security incidents, including tampering with hardware and breaches of our transaction processing or other systems that could result in the compromise of confidential customer or team member data, ransomware or other malware attacks, social engineering, catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes and errors by our team members. Phishing attacks have emerged as particularly pervasive, including as a means for ransomware attacks, which have increased in both frequency and breadth. If our systems or infrastructure are damaged or cease to function properly, we may have to make significant investments to fix or replace them, and we may suffer serious interruptions in our operations, which might not be short-lived, in the interim. Any material interruption to these systems or infrastructure could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Additionally, we rely on third party technology and vendors and other service providers for certain of our critical business functions, and any system failures of these third party providers, whether caused by security breaches, fraud or otherwise, and our our inability to find suitable alternatives in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all, could disrupt our operations and subject us to losses or costs to remediate any of these deficiencies. In addition, the cost of securing our systems against failure or attack is considerable, and increases in these costs, particularly in the wake of a security incident, could be material.

Previous wording

The extent to which global or regional pandemics, epidemics or outbreaks of any highly infectious disease, including the emergence of additional COVID-19 variants, impacts our business, operations and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of such pandemic, the actions taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its impact and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and containment measures, among others. Any global or regional pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of any highly infection disease, including the emergence of additional COVID-19 variants, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and may have the effect of heightening many of the risks described in this "Risk Factors" section, including:

Current wording

The extent to which global or regional pandemics, epidemics or outbreaks of any highly infectious disease impacts our business, operations and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of such pandemic, the actions taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its impact and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and containment measures, among others. Any global or regional pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of any highly infectious disease, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and may have the effect of heightening many of the risks described in this "Risk Factors" section, including:

Previous wording

If we do not successfully maintain a relevant omnichannel experience for our members, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.

Current wording

If we do not successfully maintain a relevant digital experience for our members, our results of operations could be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

Omnichannel retailing is rapidly evolving, with the use of digital platforms by consumers continuing to increase, and we must keep pace with changing member expectations and new developments by our competitors. Our members are increasingly using mobile phones, tablets and other devices to shop and to interact with us through social media, with digitally-enabled comparable sales growth of 28.0% as of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. We continue to make technology investments in our website and mobile application. If we are unable to make, improve or develop relevant member-facing technology in a timely manner, our ability to compete and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Digital retailing is rapidly evolving, with the use of digital platforms by consumers continuing to increase, and we must keep pace with changing member expectations and new developments by our competitors. Our members are increasingly using mobile phones, tablets and other devices to shop and to interact with us through social media, with digitally-enabled comparable sales growth of 26.0% as of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. We continue to make technology investments in our website and mobile application. If we are unable to make, improve or develop relevant member-facing technology in a timely manner, our ability to compete and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our financial and operational performance is dependent on our operations in the New York metropolitan area, which accounted for 23% of net sales in fiscal year 2023. The New York metropolitan area is the city and suburbs of New York City, which includes Long Island and the Mid- and Lower Hudson Valley in the state of New York. It also includes north and central New Jersey, three counties in western Connecticut and five counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. We consider 44 of our clubs to be located in the New York metropolitan area. Any substantial slowing or sustained decline in these operations could materially adversely affect our business and financial results. Declines in financial performance of our operations in the New York metropolitan area could arise from, among other things, slower growth or declines in our comparable club sales;

Current wording

Our financial and operational performance is dependent on our operations in the New York metropolitan area, which accounted for 23% of net sales in fiscal year 2024. The New York metropolitan area is the city and suburbs of New York City, which includes Long Island and the Mid- and Lower Hudson Valley in the state of New York. It also includes north and central New Jersey, three counties in western Connecticut and five counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. We consider 44 of our clubs to be located in the New York metropolitan area. Any substantial slowing or sustained decline in these operations could materially adversely affect our business and financial results. Declines in financial performance of our operations in the New York metropolitan area could arise from, among other things, slower growth or declines in our comparable club sales; negative trends in operating expenses, including increased labor, healthcare and energy costs; failing to meet targets for club openings; cannibalization of existing locations by new clubs; shifts in sales mix toward lower gross margin products; changes or uncertainties in economic conditions in this market, including higher levels of unemployment, depressed home values and natural disasters; regional economic problems; changes in local regulations; terrorist attacks; and failure to consistently provide a high quality and well-assorted mix of products to retain our existing member base and attract new members.

Previous wording

We are typically responsible for taxes, utilities, insurance, repairs and maintenance for our leased retail properties. Our net lease cost for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 totaled $372.6 million, $368.0 million and $340.3 million, respectively. Our future minimum rental commitments for all operating leases in existence as of February 3, 2024 was $324.0 million for fiscal year 2024 and a total of $3.2 billion thereafter. We expect that certain new clubs may be leased to us, which will further increase our lease costs and require significant capital expenditures. We depend on cash flows from operations to pay our lease expenses and to fulfill our other cash needs. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities, and sufficient funds are not otherwise available to us from borrowings under our senior secured asset based revolving credit and term facility (the "ABL Revolving Facility") or other sources, we may not be able to service our lease expenses or fund our other liquidity and capital needs, which would materially affect our business.

Current wording

We are typically responsible for taxes, utilities, insurance, repairs and maintenance for our leased retail properties. Our net lease cost for fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022 totaled $392.5 million, $372.6 million and $368.0 million, respectively. Our future minimum rental commitments for all operating leases in existence as of February 1, 2025 was $361.2 million for fiscal year 2025 and a total of $3.1 billion thereafter. We expect that certain new clubs may be leased to us, which will further increase our lease costs and require significant capital expenditures. We depend on cash flows from operations to pay our lease expenses and to fulfill our other cash needs. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities, and sufficient funds are not otherwise available to us from borrowings under our senior secured asset based revolving credit and term facility (the "ABL Revolving Facility") or other sources, we may not be able to service our lease expenses or fund our other liquidity and capital needs, which would materially affect our business.

Previous wording

As our e-commerce business grows, we increasingly encounter the risks and difficulties that internet-based businesses face. The successful operation of our e-commerce business, and our ability to provide a positive shopping experience that will generate orders and drive subsequent visits depend on efficient and uninterrupted operation of our order-taking and fulfillment operations. Risks associated with our e-commerce business include, but are not limited to: uncertainties associated with our website, including changes in required technology interfaces, website downtime and other technical failures, costs and technical issues as we upgrade our website software, inadequate system capacity, computer viruses, human error, security incidents;

Current wording

As our e-commerce business grows, we increasingly encounter the risks and difficulties that internet-based businesses face. The successful operation of our e-commerce business, and our ability to provide a positive shopping experience that will generate orders and drive subsequent visits depend on efficient and uninterrupted operation of our order-taking and fulfillment operations. Risks associated with our e-commerce business include, but are not limited to: uncertainties associated with our website, including changes in required technology interfaces, website downtime and other technical failures, costs and technical issues as we upgrade our website software, inadequate system capacity, computer viruses, human error, security incidents; disruptions in telecommunications service or power outages; reliance on third parties for computer hardware and software and delivery of merchandise to our customers; rapid changes in technology; credit or debit card fraud and other payment processing related issues; changes in applicable federal and state regulations; liability for online content; cybersecurity and consumer privacy concerns and regulation; and reliance on third parties for same-day delivery.

Previous wording

We imported approximately 3% of our merchandise directly from foreign countries such as China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and India during fiscal year 2023. In addition, many of our domestic vendors purchase a portion of their products from foreign sources.

Current wording

We imported approximately 3% of our merchandise directly from overseas countries such as China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and India during fiscal year 2024. In addition, many of the products we purchase from domestic vendors are imported and would be subject to tariffs before reaching our clubs.

Previous wording

As of February 3, 2024, our total outstanding debt was $717.4 million. Our leverage could expose us to interest rate risk associated with our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our ABL Revolving Facility and First Lien Term Loan. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including: limiting our ability to deduct interest in the taxable period in which it is incurred in light of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as substantially all of our borrowings are at variable rates.

Current wording

As of February 1, 2025, our total outstanding debt was $573.8 million. Our leverage could expose us to interest rate risk associated with our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our ABL Revolving Facility and First Lien Term Loan. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including: limiting our ability to deduct interest in the taxable period in which it is incurred in light of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as substantially all of our borrowings are at variable rates.

Previous wording

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance plans to provide for potential liability for workers’ compensation, general liability, property, cyber, trucking liability, fiduciary liability and employee and retiree health care. Liabilities associated with the risk retained by the Company are estimated based on historical claims experience and other actuarial assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our results of operations could be adversely impacted if actual future occurrences and claims differ from our assumptions and historical trends.

Current wording

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance plans to provide for potential liability for workers’ compensation, general liability, property, cyber, trucking liability, fiduciary liability and employee and retiree health care. Liabilities associated with the risk retained by the Company are estimated based on historical claims experience and other actuarial assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, but which are subject to a high degree of variability. To the extent that we are subject to a higher frequency of claims, are subject to more serious claims or insurance coverage is not available, we could have to significantly increase our reserves, and our liquidity and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. It is also possible that some or all of the insurance that is currently available to us from third parties will not be available in the future on economically reasonable terms or at all.

Previous wording

We compute our income tax provision based on enacted federal and state tax rates. As tax rates vary among jurisdictions, a change in earnings attributable to the various jurisdictions in which we operate could result in an unfavorable change in our overall tax provision. Additionally, changes in the enacted tax rates, adverse outcomes in tax audits, including potential future transfer pricing disputes, or any change in the pronouncements relating to accounting for income taxes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We compute our income tax provision based on enacted federal and state tax rates. As tax rates vary among jurisdictions, a change in earnings attributable to the various jurisdictions in which we operate could result in an unfavorable change in our overall tax provision. Additionally, changes in the enacted tax laws, adverse outcomes in tax audits, including potential future transfer pricing disputes, or any change in the pronouncements relating to accounting for income taxes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.