Dell Technologies Inc.
For the period ended Jan 30, 2026. Filed Mar 16, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2026 · Filed Mar 16, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-01-31; filed 2025-03-25.
0001571996-25-000034
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2026-01-30; filed 2026-03-16.
0001571996-26-000008
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 123 previous paragraphs and 126 current paragraphs.
78 unchanged; 45 reworded; 3 added; 0 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (3)
Current report
The amount and frequency of our share repurchases may fluctuate.
Current report
Although our Board of Directors has adopted a stock repurchase program, we are not obligated to repurchase any specific amount of shares of common stock, and the stock repurchase program may be suspended or terminated at any time. The amount, timing, and execution of our stock repurchase program may fluctuate, and changes in cash flows, tax laws, and our stock price could also impact our stock repurchase program.
Reworded paragraphs (45)
Previous wording
As a global company with customers operating in a broad range of businesses and industries, our performance is affected by global and regional economic conditions and the demand for technology products and services in international markets. Adverse economic conditions may negatively affect customer demand, and could result in postponed or decreased spending amid customer concerns over elevated inflation and interest rates or slowing demand for their products, reduced asset values, volatile energy costs, the availability and cost of credit, and the stability of financial institutions, financial markets, businesses, local and state governments, and sovereign nations. In Fiscal 2025, global economic uncertainty adversely affected the demand for our products and services as some of our larger customers exhibited caution in their IT spending.
Current wording
As a global company with customers operating in a broad range of businesses and industries, our performance is affected by global and regional economic conditions and the demand for technology products and services in international markets. Adverse economic conditions may negatively affect customer demand, and could result in postponed or decreased spending amid customer concerns over elevated inflation and interest rates or slowing demand for our products, reduced asset values, volatile energy costs, the availability and cost of credit, and the stability of financial institutions, financial markets, businesses, local and state governments, and sovereign nations.
Previous wording
Factors contributing to weak or unstable global or regional economic conditions, including those attributable to geopolitical volatility (such as ongoing military conflicts and terrorism), extreme weather events (such as wildfires or flooding), international trade protection measures and disputes, or public health issues also could harm our business by contributing to product shortages or delays, supply chain disruptions, insolvency of key suppliers, customers and counterparties, increased product costs and associated price increases, reduced global sales, and other adverse effects on our operations. Any such effects could have a negative impact on our net revenue and profitability.
Current wording
Factors contributing to weak or unstable global or regional economic conditions, including those attributable to geopolitical volatility associated with terrorism, military conflicts (including the Iran conflict), and other events, extreme weather (such as wildfires or flooding), international trade protection measures and disputes, or public health issues, also could harm our business by contributing to product shortages or delays, supply chain disruptions, insolvency of key suppliers, customers and counterparties, increased product costs and associated price increases, reduced global sales, and other adverse effects on our operations. Such effects in the past have had, and in future periods could have, a negative impact on our net revenue and profitability.
Previous wording
We operate in an industry in which there are rapid technological advances in hardware, software, and services offerings, including AI, cloud, and security-related offerings. Our ability to respond to such advances and to develop new or improved offerings is critical to our continued success. We face aggressive competition from a variety of competitors in all areas of our business, including companies that specialize in one or more of our product or service lines. Our competitors may provide offerings that are less costly, perform better, or include additional features. Further, our offering portfolios may quickly become outdated or our market share may quickly erode. Our efforts to balance the mix of products and services to optimize profitability, liquidity, and growth may put pressure on our industry position. If we do not successfully adapt to industry developments and changing demand, and evolve our business to keep pace with the demands of current and prospective customers, we may be unable to develop and maintain a competitive advantage, which would adversely affect our unit share position, revenue, and profitability.
Current wording
We operate in an industry in which there are rapid technological advances in hardware, software, and services offerings, including AI, cloud, and security-related offerings. Our ability to respond to such advances and to develop new or improved offerings is critical to our continued success. We face aggressive competition from a variety of competitors in all areas of our business, including companies that specialize in one or more of our product or service lines. Our competitors may provide offerings that are less costly, perform better, or include additional features. Further, our offering portfolios may quickly become outdated or our market share may rapidly erode. Our efforts to balance the mix of products and services to optimize profitability, liquidity, and growth may put pressure on our industry position. If we do not successfully adapt to industry developments and changing demand, and evolve our business to keep pace with the demands of current and prospective customers, we may be unable to develop and maintain a competitive advantage, which would adversely affect our unit share position, revenue, and profitability.
Previous wording
We obtain many products and all of our components from third-party vendors, many of which are located outside of the United States. In addition, significant portions of our products are assembled by contract manufacturers, primarily in various locations in Asia. A significant concentration of such outsourced manufacturing is performed by only a few contract manufacturers, often in single locations. We sell components to these contract manufacturers and generate large non-trade accounts receivables, an arrangement that would present a risk of uncollectibility if the financial condition of a contract manufacturer should deteriorate.
Current wording
We obtain many products and all of our components from third-party vendors, many of which are located outside of the United States. In addition, significant portions of our products are assembled by contract manufacturers, primarily in locations in Asia. A significant concentration of such outsourced manufacturing is performed by only a few contract manufacturers, often in single locations. We sell components to these contract manufacturers and generate large non-trade accounts receivables, an arrangement that would present a risk of uncollectibility if the financial condition of a contract manufacturer should deteriorate.
Previous wording
We may experience additional supply shortages and price increases caused by changes to raw material availability, manufacturing capacity, labor shortages, public health issues, tariffs, trade disputes and protectionist measures, extreme weather events or effects of climate change, and significant changes in the financial condition of our suppliers. Because we generally maintain minimal levels of component and product inventories, a disruption in component or product availability could harm our ability to fill customer orders on a timely basis and at an acceptable price. The impact of supply constraints on our operations may be more acute during periods of rapid growth in demand for new products and services, such as the current demand for AI-optimized solutions. We are also subject to risks associated with our receipt from vendors of defective parts and products, which could require the replacement of such parts and products and expose us to reputational harm.
Current wording
We may experience additional supply shortages and price increases caused by changes to raw material availability, increased demand, manufacturing capacity, labor shortages, public health issues, tariffs, trade disputes and protectionist measures, extreme weather events or effects of climate change, and significant changes in the financial condition of our suppliers. Because we generally maintain minimal levels of component and product inventories, a disruption in component or product availability could harm our ability to fill customer orders on a timely basis and at an acceptable price. The impact of supply constraints on our operations may be more acute during periods of rapid growth in demand for new products and services, such as the current demand for AI-optimized solutions. We may receive defective parts and products from vendors, which could require the replacement of such parts and products and expose us to reputational harm.
Previous wording
Our profitability is affected by our ability to achieve favorable pricing from vendors and contract manufacturers, including through negotiations for vendor rebates, marketing funds, and other vendor funding received in the normal course of business. Because these supplier negotiations are continual and reflect the evolving competitive environment, the variability in timing and amount of incremental vendor discounts and rebates can affect our profitability. The vendor programs may change periodically, and changes in our business may result in increased reliance of vendors with less favorable pricing terms, potentially resulting in adverse profitability trends if we cannot adjust pricing or variable costs. An inability to establish a cost and product advantage, or determine alternative means to deliver value to customers, may adversely affect our revenue and profitability.
Current wording
Our profitability is affected by our ability to achieve favorable pricing from vendors and contract manufacturers, including through negotiations for vendor rebates, marketing funds, and other vendor funding received in the normal course of business. Because these supplier negotiations are continual and reflect the evolving competitive environment, the variability in timing and amount of incremental vendor discounts and rebates affects our profitability. The vendor programs change periodically, and changes in our business may result in increased reliance on vendors with less favorable pricing terms, potentially resulting in adverse profitability trends if we cannot adjust pricing or variable costs. An inability to establish a cost and product advantage, or determine alternative means to deliver value to customers, may adversely affect our revenue and profitability.
Previous wording
While we expect the buyer base for our AI solutions to continue to expand, to date our AI solutions have been purchased primarily by a small number of larger customers and cloud service providers. If we are not successful in continuing to expand sales to a broader base of customers, our ability to maintain growth in this area may be limited. Sales of AI to large customers may also cause fluctuations in our results of operations, as such large orders may occur in some periods and not others and are generally subject to intense competition and pricing pressure, which can have an impact on our margin and results of operations. Larger orders may also require greater commitments of working capital, such as for purchases of key components, which could adversely affect our cash flow and expose us to the risk of holding excess and obsolete inventory due to delays or cancellations. These transactions may also involve larger amounts of credit or longer payment terms than have been typical for our business, increasing our risks in the event customers do not pay or make timely payment, particularly where our payment terms with major suppliers of underlying components differ from the payment terms of our customers. In addition, the accelerated rate of innovation of components from our suppliers may result in higher defects or failure of our offerings to perform, which could cause us to incur increased warranty costs, inventory provisions or impairments and could impact future sales.
Current wording
While we expect the buyer base for our AI solutions to continue to expand, to date our AI solutions have been purchased primarily by a small number of larger customers and cloud service providers. If we are not successful in continuing to expand sales to a broader base of customers, our ability to maintain growth in this area may be limited. Sales of AI to large customers may also cause fluctuations in our results of operations, as such large orders may occur in some periods and not others and are generally subject to intense competition and pricing pressure, which can have an impact on our gross margins and results of operations. Larger orders may also require greater commitments of working capital, such as for purchases of key components, which could adversely affect our cash flow and expose us to the risk of holding excess and obsolete inventory due to delays or cancellations. These transactions may also involve larger amounts of credit or longer payment terms than have been typical for our business, increasing our risks in the event customers do not pay or make timely payment, particularly where our payment terms with major suppliers of underlying components differ from the payment terms of our customers. In addition, the accelerated rate of innovation of components from our suppliers may result in higher defects or failure of our offerings to perform, which could cause us to incur increased warranty costs, inventory provisions or impairments and could impact future sales.
Previous wording
The use of AI in our products and services presents ethical and legal risks to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If our use of AI becomes controversial, we may experience loss of user trust, as well as brand or reputational harm, competitive injury, or legal liability. The use of AI technologies also could expose us to an increased risk of cybersecurity threats and incidents and claims or other adverse effects from infringements or violations of intellectual property, including claims related to AI technologies considered to have similarities to other AI technologies. Our use of such technologies could increase the risk of exposure of our or other parties’ proprietary confidential information, or other confidential or sensitive information, to unauthorized recipients, including inadvertent disclosure of confidential or sensitive information into publicly available third-party training sets, and may affect our ability to realize the benefit of, or adequately maintain, protect and enforce, our intellectual property or confidential information. Such risks related to the use of AI could, whether directly or indirectly, harm our results of operations, competitive position, and business.
Current wording
The use of AI in our products, services, and internal processes presents ethical and legal risks to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If our use of AI becomes controversial, we may experience loss of user trust, as well as brand or reputational harm, competitive injury, or legal liability. The use of AI technologies also could expose us to an increased risk of cybersecurity threats and incidents and claims or other adverse effects from infringements or violations of intellectual property rights, including claims related to AI technologies considered to have similarities to other AI technologies. Our use of such technologies could increase the risk of exposure of our or other parties’ proprietary confidential information, or other confidential or sensitive information, to unauthorized recipients, including inadvertent disclosure of confidential or sensitive information into publicly available third-party training data, and may affect our ability to realize the benefit of, or adequately maintain, protect and enforce, our intellectual property or confidential information. Such risks related to the use of AI could, whether directly or indirectly, harm our results of operations, competitive position, and business.
Previous wording
AI is the subject of evolving review by various domestic and international governmental and regulatory agencies, including the SEC and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, and laws, rules, directives and regulations governing the use of AI, such as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, are changing and evolving rapidly. We may not always be able to anticipate how to respond to these legal frameworks for AI use and we may have to expend resources to adjust or audit our products and services in certain jurisdictions, especially if the legal frameworks are not consistent across jurisdictions. In particular, use of personal data in foundational models and intellectual property ownership and license rights, including copyright, of generative and other AI output, have not been fully interpreted by courts or regulations. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with laws, rules, directives, and regulations governing the use of AI could have an adverse impact on our business, and we may not be able to claim intellectual property ownership and license rights on content or source code that we create using AI.
Current wording
AI is the subject of evolving review by various domestic and international governmental and regulatory agencies, and laws, rules, directives and regulations governing the use of AI are rapidly proliferating and evolving. We may not always be able to anticipate how to respond to these legal frameworks for AI use and we may have to expend resources to adjust or audit our products, services, and internal use in certain jurisdictions, especially if the legal frameworks are not consistent across jurisdictions. In particular, use of personal data in foundational models and intellectual property ownership and license rights, including copyright, of generative and other AI output, have not been fully interpreted by courts or regulations. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with laws, rules, directives, and regulations governing the use of AI could have an adverse impact on our business, including by impairing our ability to claim intellectual property ownership and license rights on content or source code that we create using AI.
Previous wording
We must identify and address quality issues associated with our products, software, and services, many of which include third-party components. Although quality testing is performed regularly to detect quality problems and implement required solutions, failure to identify and correct significant product quality issues before the sale of such products to customers could result in lower sales, increased warranty or replacement expenses, and reduced customer confidence, which could harm our operating results.
Current wording
We must identify and address quality issues associated with our products, software, and services, many of which include third-party components. Although quality testing is performed regularly to detect quality problems and implement required solutions, failure to identify and correct significant product quality issues before the sale or shipment of such products to customers could result in lower sales, increased warranty or replacement expenses, and reduced customer confidence, which could harm our operating results.
Previous wording
We continue to make significant changes to modernize the way we work and make decisions, improve business outcomes and the customer experience, and reduce costs by leveraging new technology and optimizing business processes. We are pursuing disciplined cost management in coordination with our ongoing business modernization initiatives and will continue to take certain measures to reduce costs, including limitation of external hiring, employee reorganizations, and other actions to align our investments with our strategic priorities and customer needs. As a result of these actions, we may experience a loss of continuity, loss of accumulated knowledge, diminished employee productivity, disruptions to our operations, and operational inefficiencies during transitional periods. These actions could also negatively impact employee retention. We may experience delays or unanticipated costs in implementing our cost efficiency plans, which could prevent the timely or full achievement of expected cost efficiencies and adversely affect our competitive position and results of operations.
Current wording
We continue to make significant changes to modernize the way we work and make decisions, improve business outcomes and the customer experience, and reduce costs by leveraging new technology and optimizing business processes. We are pursuing disciplined cost management in coordination with our ongoing business modernization initiatives and will continue to take certain measures to reduce costs, including employee reorganizations, limitation of external hiring, and other actions to align our investments with our strategic priorities and customer needs. As a result of these actions, we may experience a loss of continuity, loss of accumulated knowledge, diminished employee productivity, disruptions to our operations, and operational inefficiencies during transitional periods. These actions could also negatively impact employee retention. We may experience delays or unanticipated costs in implementing our cost efficiency plans, which could prevent the timely or full achievement of expected cost efficiencies and adversely affect our competitive position and results of operations.
Previous wording
We routinely receive, collect, manage, store, transmit, and process large amounts of proprietary information and confidential data, including personally identifiable and other sensitive information, relating to our operations, products, partners, and customers. We face numerous sophisticated and evolving cyber threats of significant scale, volume, severity, and complexity, including threats specifically designed for or directly targeted at us, making it increasingly difficult to defend against security incidents successfully or to implement adequate preventative measures.
Current wording
We routinely receive, collect, manage, store, transmit, and process large amounts of proprietary information and confidential data, including personally identifiable and other sensitive information, relating to our operations, products, partners, vendors, and customers. We face numerous sophisticated and evolving cyber threats of significant scale, volume, severity, and complexity, including threats specifically designed for or directly targeted at us, making it increasingly difficult to defend against security incidents successfully or to implement adequate preventative measures.
Previous wording
Our cybersecurity program may not always successfully manage or mitigate the effects of these risks. Future cyber-attacks or incidents, such as some of those we have experienced in the past, could persist undetected in our environments for a period of time. Despite our cybersecurity governance and investment in controls and security measures, threat actors, including nation states and state-sponsored organizations, pose a significant risk of penetrating or bypassing our security defenses, including by utilizing insider threat tactics or utilizing AI tools against our defenses, breaching our information technology systems, and misappropriating or compromising confidential and proprietary information of our company, our partners, or our customers, causing system disruptions and shutdowns, introducing ransomware, malware, or vulnerabilities into our products, systems, and networks or those of our customers and partners, or accessing systems and networks of our customers or partners through connectivity to or credentials taken from our network. In some cases these incidents, which are common in our industry for companies of our size, have resulted in successful attacks on our IT environments.
Current wording
Our cybersecurity program may not always successfully manage or mitigate the effects of these risks. Future cyber-attacks or incidents, such as some of those we have experienced in the past, could persist undetected in our environments for a period of time. Despite our cybersecurity governance and investment in controls and security measures, threat actors, including nation states and state-sponsored organizations, pose a significant risk of penetrating or bypassing our security defenses, including by utilizing insider threat tactics, deploying AI tools against our defenses, breaching our information technology systems, and misappropriating or compromising confidential and proprietary information of our company, partners, vendors, or customers, causing system disruptions and shutdowns, introducing ransomware, malware, or vulnerabilities into our products, systems, and networks or those of our customers, partners or vendors, or accessing systems and networks of our customers, partners or vendors through connectivity to or credentials taken from our network. In some cases, these incidents, which are common in our industry for companies of our size, have resulted in successful attacks on our IT environments.
Previous wording
We are targeted by criminal and other threat actors that conduct cyber-attacks of our systems and networks on an ongoing basis. We have experienced cyber-attacks that leveraged compromised credentials of our partners, employees, and customers to gain unauthorized access to Dell Technologies, partner, and vendor systems and confidential information, including information about our customers, employees, and partners. These incidents have caused, and may in the future cause, disruption to parts of our business operations and could result in regulatory, investigative, recovery, remediation, and litigation expenses. We anticipate that our systems and networks will continue to be targeted by criminal and other threat actors with increasing frequency and potential harm. In particular, we expect that attacks by nation state actors and their agents may intensify during periods of geopolitical conflict.
Current wording
We are targeted by criminal and other threat actors that conduct cyber-attacks of our systems and networks on an ongoing basis. We have experienced cyber-attacks that leveraged compromised credentials of our partners, vendors, employees, and customers to gain unauthorized access to Dell Technologies, partner, and vendor systems and confidential information, including information about our customers, employees, and partners. These incidents have caused, and may in the future cause, disruption to parts of our business operations, and to the environments and operations of our partners, vendors, and customers, and such incidents could result in regulatory, investigative, recovery, remediation, contractual, and litigation expenses. We anticipate that our systems, networks, and employees will continue to be targeted by criminal and other threat actors with increasing frequency and potential harm. We expect attacks by nation state actors and their agents to intensify during periods of geopolitical conflict. We also expect threat tactics leveraging AI to increase as AI technology availability and capability expand.
Previous wording
The costs to address cybersecurity risks, both before and after a security incident, could be significant, regardless of whether incidents result from an attack on us directly, on customers we service, or on partners or third-party vendors upon which we rely. The costs associated with cybersecurity tools and infrastructure and competition for scarce cybersecurity and IT resources have at times limited, and may in the future limit, our ability to identify, eliminate, or remediate cybersecurity or other security vulnerabilities or problems or enact changes to minimize the attack surface of our network.
Current wording
The costs to address cybersecurity risks, both before and after a security incident, could be significant, regardless of whether incidents result from an attack on us directly, on customers we service, or on partners or third-party vendors upon which we rely. The costs associated with cybersecurity tools and infrastructure and competition for scarce cybersecurity and IT resources have at times limited, and in the future may limit, our ability to identify, eliminate, or remediate cybersecurity or other security vulnerabilities or problems or enact changes to minimize the attack surface of our network.
Previous wording
Our customers, partners, and third-party vendors continue to experience security incidents of varying severity and differing attack methods. These parties possess or transmit our proprietary information and confidential data, including personal data, personally identifiable information, and other sensitive information, which may be exfiltrated if they are affected by a security incident. Targeted cyber-attacks or those that result from a security incident directed at a partner or third-party vendor create a risk of compromise to our internal systems, products, services, and offerings, as well as the systems of our customers, which could result in interruptions, delays, or cessation of service that could disrupt business operations for us and our customers. Our proactive measures and remediation efforts may not always be successful or timely. In addition, compromises of our security measures, including through the use and the unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive or confidential data about us, our customers, partners or other third parties, could impair our intellectual property rights and expose us, our customers, partners, or such other third parties to a risk of loss or misuse of such information or data. Any such incidents could subject us to government investigations and regulatory enforcement actions, litigation, potential liability, and damage to our brand and reputation, or otherwise harm our business and operations.
Current wording
In addition, our customers, partners, and vendors continue to experience security incidents of varying severity and attack methods. These parties may possess or transmit our proprietary information and confidential data, including personal data, credentials, tokens, access keys, and other sensitive information, which may be exfiltrated if they are affected by a security incident. Targeted cyber-attacks or those that result from a security incident directed at a partner or third-party vendor create a risk of compromise to our internal systems, products, services, and offerings, as well as the systems of our customers, which could result in interruptions, delays, or cessation of service that could disrupt business operations for us, our partners and vendors, and our customers. Our proactive measures and remediation efforts may not always be successful or timely. In addition, compromises of our security measures, including through the use and the unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive or confidential data about us, our customers, partners or other third parties, could impair our intellectual property rights and expose us, our customers, partners, or such other third parties to a risk of loss or misuse of such information or data. Any such incidents could subject us to government investigations and regulatory enforcement actions, litigation, potential liability, and damage to our brand and reputation, or otherwise harm our business and operations.
Previous wording
Hardware, software, and applications that we produce or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other deficiencies, including security vulnerabilities that could interfere with the operation or security of our products, services, and offerings. In the event of a security vulnerability or other flaws in third-party components or software code, we may have to rely on multiple third parties to mitigate vulnerabilities. The mitigation techniques they deploy may be ineffective or result in adverse performance, system instability, or data loss, and may not always be available, or available on a timely basis. Further, our use of AI technologies, including generative AI, may make us susceptible to unanticipated security threats from adversaries as we incorporate such technologies into our internal systems, customer-facing services and products, while our understanding of AI-related security risks and protection methods continues to develop.
Current wording
Hardware, software, and applications that we produce or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other deficiencies, including security vulnerabilities that could interfere with the operation or security of our products, services, and offerings. In the event of a security vulnerability or other flaws in third-party components or software code, we may have to rely on multiple third parties to mitigate vulnerabilities. The mitigation techniques they deploy may be ineffective or result in adverse performance, system instability, or data loss, and may not always be available, or available on a timely basis. Further, our use of AI technologies, including generative and agentic AI, may make us susceptible to unanticipated security threats from adversaries as we incorporate such technologies into our internal systems, customer-facing services and products, while our understanding of AI-related security risks and protection methods continue to develop.
Previous wording
Any actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our products or services, or those of third-party products we sell or in the open-source software we utilize, could lead to loss of existing or potential customers, and may impede our sales, manufacturing, distribution, outsourcing services, information technology solutions, and other critical functions and offerings. Failure to comply with internal security policies and standards, including secure development lifecycle practices, or to prevent or promptly mitigate security vulnerabilities in our products and offerings may adversely affect our brand and reputation, impact our ability to sell products in certain jurisdictions, and subject us to government investigations, regulatory enforcement actions, litigation, and potential liability resulting from our inability to fulfill our contractual obligations to our customers and partners.
Current wording
Any actual or perceived security vulnerabilities in our products or services, or those of third-party products we sell or in the open-source software or AI models we utilize, could lead to loss of existing or potential customers, and may impede our sales, manufacturing, distribution, outsourcing services, information technology solutions, and other critical functions and offerings. Failure to comply with internal security policies and standards, including secure development lifecycle practices, or to prevent or promptly mitigate security vulnerabilities in our products and offerings may adversely affect our brand and reputation, impact our ability to sell products in certain jurisdictions, and subject us to government investigations, regulatory enforcement actions, litigation, and potential liability resulting from our inability to fulfill our contractual obligations to our customers and partners.
Previous wording
Sales outside the United States accounted for approximately half of our consolidated net revenue for Fiscal 2025. Our future growth rates and success are substantially dependent on the continued growth of our business outside of the United States. Our international operations face many risks and uncertainties, including varied local economic and labor conditions; political instability; public health issues; changes in the U.S. and international regulatory environments; the impacts of trade protection measures, including increases in tariffs and trade barriers, and other changes in international trade arrangements that could adversely affect our ability to conduct business in non-U.S. markets; changes in tax laws; potential theft or other compromise, and limited or unfavorable protection, of our technology, data, or intellectual property; copyright levies; and volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. We could incur additional operating costs, or sustain supply chain disruptions, due to any such changes. Any of these factors could negatively affect our international business results and growth prospects.
Current wording
Sales outside the United States accounted for approximately 45% of our consolidated net revenue for Fiscal 2026. Our future growth rates and success are substantially dependent on the continued growth of our business outside of the United States. Our international operations face many risks and uncertainties, including varied local economic and labor conditions; political instability; public health issues; changes in the U.S. and international regulatory environments; the impacts of trade protection measures, including increases in tariffs and trade barriers, and other changes in international trade arrangements that could adversely affect our ability to conduct business in non-U.S. markets; changes in tax laws; potential theft or other compromise, and limited or unfavorable protection, of our technology, data, or intellectual property; copyright levies; and volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. We could incur additional operating costs, or sustain supply chain disruptions, due to any such changes. Any of these factors could negatively affect our international business results and growth prospects.
Previous wording
We have numerous arrangements with financial institutions that include cash and investment deposits, interest rate swap contracts, foreign currency option contracts, and forward contracts. As a result, we are subject to the risk that the counterparty to one or more of these arrangements will default, either voluntarily or involuntarily, on its performance under the terms of the arrangement. In times of market distress, a counterparty may default rapidly and without notice, and we may be unable to take action to cover its exposure, either because of lack of contractual ability to do so or because market conditions make it difficult to take effective action. If one of our counterparties becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, our ability eventually to recover any losses suffered as a result of that counterparty’s default may be limited by the impaired liquidity of the counterparty or the applicable legal regime governing the bankruptcy proceeding. In the event of such a default, we could incur significant losses, which could harm our business and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
We have numerous arrangements with financial institutions that include cash and investment deposits, interest rate swap contracts, foreign currency option contracts, and forward contracts. As a result, we are subject to the risk that the counterparty to one or more of these arrangements will default, either voluntarily or involuntarily, on its performance under the terms of the arrangement. In times of market distress, a counterparty may default rapidly and without notice, and we may be unable to take action to cover our exposure, either because of lack of contractual ability to do so or because market conditions make it difficult to take effective action. If one of our counterparties becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, our ability to eventually recover any losses suffered as a result of that counterparty’s default may be limited by the impaired liquidity of the counterparty or the applicable legal regime governing the bankruptcy proceeding. In the event of such a default, we could incur significant losses, which could harm our business and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
As of January 31, 2025, our goodwill and intangible assets, net had a combined carrying value of $24.1 billion, representing approximately 30% of our total consolidated assets. We periodically evaluate goodwill and intangible assets, net to determine whether all or a portion of their carrying values may be impaired, in which case an impairment charge may be necessary. The value of goodwill may be materially and adversely affected if businesses that we acquire perform in a manner that is inconsistent with our assumptions at the time of acquisition. In addition, from time to time we divest businesses, and any such divestiture could result in significant asset impairment and disposition charges, including those related to goodwill and intangible assets, net. Any future evaluations resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets, net could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition in the period in which the impairment is recognized.
Current wording
As of January 30, 2026, our goodwill and intangible assets, net had a combined carrying value of $24.1 billion, representing approximately 24% of our total consolidated assets. We periodically evaluate goodwill and intangible assets, net to determine whether all or a portion of their carrying values may be impaired, in which case an impairment charge may be necessary. The value of goodwill may be materially and adversely affected if businesses that we acquire perform in a manner that is inconsistent with our assumptions at the time of acquisition. In addition, from time to time we divest businesses, and any such divestiture could result in significant asset impairment and disposition charges, including those related to goodwill and intangible assets, net. Any future evaluations resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets, net could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition in the period in which the impairment is recognized.
Previous wording
We offer our ISG customers a range of consumption models for our services and solutions, including as-a-Service, utility, lease, or immediate pay models, designed to match customers’ consumption preferences. These solutions generally are multiyear agreements that typically result in recurring revenue streams over the term of the arrangement. Our financial results and growth depend, in part, on customers continuing to purchase our services and solutions over the contract life on the agreed terms. The contracts allow customers to take actions that may adversely affect our recurring revenue and profitability. These actions may include terminating a contract if our performance does not meet specified services levels, requesting rate reductions, reducing the use of our services and solutions or terminating a contract early upon payment of agreed fees. In addition, we estimate the costs of delivering the services and solutions at the outset of the contract. If we fail to estimate such costs accurately and actual costs significantly exceed estimates, we may incur losses on the contracts. We also are subject to the risk of loss under the contracts as a result of a default, voluntarily or involuntarily, in payment by the customer, whether because of financial weakness or other reasons.
Current wording
We offer our ISG customers a range of consumption models for our services and solutions, including utility, subscription, as-a-Service, leases, loans, and immediate pay models, designed to match customers’ consumption preferences. These solutions generally are multiyear agreements that typically result in recurring revenue streams over the term of the arrangement. Our financial results and growth depend, in part, on customers continuing to purchase our services and solutions over the contract life on the agreed terms. The contracts allow customers to take actions that may adversely affect our recurring revenue and profitability. These actions may include terminating a contract if our performance does not meet specified services levels, requesting rate reductions, reducing the use of our services and solutions or terminating a contract early upon payment of agreed fees. In addition, we estimate the costs of delivering the services and solutions at the outset of the contract. If we fail to estimate such costs accurately and actual costs significantly exceed estimates, we may incur losses on the contracts. We also are subject to the risk of loss under the contracts as a result of a default, voluntarily or involuntarily, in payment by the customer, whether because of financial weakness or other reasons.
Previous wording
Our contracts with U.S. federal, state, and local governments and with foreign governments represent a significant source of business and are subject to future funding that may affect the extension or termination of programs and to the right of such governments to terminate contracts for convenience or non-appropriation. In addition, there is pressure to reduce spending on governments, both domestically and internationally, notably in recent periods on U.S. federal government agencies. Funding reductions, uncertainties or delays could adversely affect public sector demand for our products and services. In addition, if we violate legal or regulatory requirements, the applicable government could suspend or disbar us as a contractor, which would unfavorably affect our net revenue and profitability.
Current wording
Our contracts with U.S. federal, state, and local governments and with foreign governments represent a significant source of business and are subject to future funding that may affect the extension or termination of programs and to the right of such governments to terminate contracts for convenience or non-appropriation. In addition, there is pressure on governments to reduce spending, both domestically and internationally, notably in recent periods by U.S. federal government agencies. Funding reductions, uncertainties or delays could adversely affect public sector demand for our products and services. In addition, if we violate legal or regulatory requirements, the applicable government could suspend or disbar us as a contractor, which would unfavorably affect our net revenue and profitability.
Previous wording
Failure to hedge effectively our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Failure to effectively hedge our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
We are continually under audit in various tax jurisdictions, including the United States. We may not be successful in resolving potential tax claims that arise from these audits. A final determination of tax audits or disputes may differ from what is reflected in our historical income tax provisions or benefits and accruals. An unfavorable outcome in certain of these matters could result in a substantial increase in our tax expense. Further, our provision for income taxes could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets.
Current wording
We are continually under audit in various tax jurisdictions, including the United States. We may not be successful in resolving potential tax claims that arise from these audits. A final determination of tax audits or disputes may differ from what is reflected in our historical income tax provisions or benefits and accruals. An unfavorable outcome in some of these matters could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. Further, our provision for income taxes could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets.
Previous wording
We invest a portion of our available funds in a portfolio consisting of both equity and debt securities of various types and maturities pending the deployment of these funds in our business. Our equity investments consist of strategic investments in both marketable and non-marketable securities. Investments in marketable securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. We have elected to apply the measurement alternative for non-marketable securities. Under the alternative, we measure investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, adjusted by observable price changes. Our debt securities generally are classified as held to maturity and are recorded in our financial statements at amortized cost. Our earnings performance could suffer from declines in fair value or impairment of our investments.
Current wording
We invest a portion of our available funds in a portfolio consisting of both equity and debt securities of various types and maturities pending the deployment of these funds in our business. Our earnings performance could suffer from declines in fair value or impairment of our investments. Our equity investments consist of strategic investments in both marketable and non-marketable securities. Investments in marketable securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. We have elected to apply the measurement alternative for non-marketable securities. Under the alternative, we measure investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less impairment, adjusted by observable price changes. Our debt securities generally are classified as held to maturity and are recorded in our financial statements at amortized cost.
Previous wording
Evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements with respect to sustainability and ESG activities could harm our reputation, adversely affect our business, and expose us to regulatory proceedings and litigation.
Current wording
Evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements with respect to sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) activities could harm our reputation, adversely affect our business, and expose us to regulatory proceedings and litigation.
Previous wording
Many stakeholders are increasingly focused on ESG considerations with evolving and varied expectations that could expose us to heightened scrutiny and various financial, legal, reputational, operational, compliance, and other risks. We make statements about sustainability and ESG goals and initiatives through our SEC filings, our annual ESG report, our other non-financial reports, information provided on our website, press statements and other communications. Responding to these considerations and successful implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, is not guaranteed, and is subject to numerous conditions, as well as standards, processes, regulations, and methodologies that continue to evolve. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to achieve our sustainability and ESG goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state, or international ESG laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations could harm our reputation, adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, and expose us to liabilities under regulatory proceedings or litigation instituted in the United States or in other countries.
Current wording
Many stakeholders are increasingly focused on ESG considerations with evolving and varied expectations that could expose us to heightened scrutiny and various financial, legal, reputational, operational, compliance, and other risks. We make statements about sustainability and ESG initiatives through our SEC filings, our other non-financial reports, information provided on our website, social media sites, press statements and other communications. Successful implementation of these initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, is not guaranteed, and is subject to numerous conditions, as well as standards, processes, regulations, and methodologies that continue to evolve. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to further our ESG initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state, or international laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations could harm our reputation, adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, and expose us to liabilities under regulatory proceedings or litigation instituted in the United States or in other countries.
Previous wording
In recent periods, regulators in various jurisdictions have increasingly expressed or pursued opposing views, legislation, and expectations with respect to sustainability initiatives. Conflicting regulations and a lack of harmonization of ESG legal and regulatory environments across the jurisdictions in which we operate may create enhanced compliance risks and costs.
Current wording
In recent periods, regulators in various jurisdictions have increasingly expressed or pursued conflicting views, legislation, and expectations with respect to sustainability initiatives. Conflicting regulations and a lack of harmonization of legal and regulatory environments across the jurisdictions in which we operate may create enhanced compliance risks and costs.
Previous wording
Global climate change, and legal, regulatory, or market measures related to climate change, may negatively affect our business, operations, and financial results.
Current wording
Global climate-related risks, and legal, regulatory, or market measures related to climate, may negatively affect our business, operations, and financial results.
Previous wording
We are subject to risks associated with the long-term effects of climate change on the global economy and on the IT industry in particular. The physical risks associated with climate change include the adverse effects of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on global temperatures, weather patterns, and the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Extreme weather and natural disasters within or outside the United States could make it more difficult and costly for us to manufacture and deliver our products to our customers, obtain production materials from our suppliers, or perform other critical corporate functions.
Current wording
We are subject to climate-related risks that could impact the global economy and the IT industry in particular. The physical risks include the adverse effects of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on global temperatures, weather patterns, and the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Extreme weather and natural disasters within or outside the United States could make it more difficult and costly for us to manufacture and deliver our products to our customers, obtain production materials from our suppliers, or perform other critical corporate functions.
Previous wording
Concern over climate change could also result in transition risks such as shifting customer preferences or regulatory changes. Changing customer preferences may result in increased demands regarding our solutions, products, and services, including the use of packaging materials and other components in our products and their environmental impact on sustainability. These demands may cause us to incur additional costs or make other changes to other operations to respond to such demands, which could adversely affect our financial results.
Current wording
Transition risks, such as shifting customer preferences or regulatory changes, may also result in increased demands regarding our solutions, products, and services, including the use of packaging materials and other components in our products and their environmental impact on sustainability. These demands may cause us to incur additional costs or make other changes to other operations to respond to such demands, which could adversely affect our financial results.
Previous wording
Concern over climate change could result in new legal requirements for us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of our operations, improve our energy efficiency, or undertake sustainability measures that exceed those we currently pursue. Any such regulatory requirements could cause disruptions in the manufacture of our products and result in increased procurement, production, and distribution costs.
Current wording
In addition, concern over climate could result in new or more stringent legal requirements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of our operations, improving energy efficiency, or undertaking sustainability measures that exceed those we currently pursue. Any such regulatory requirements could cause disruptions in the manufacture of our products and result in increased procurement, production, and distribution costs.
Previous wording
We are subject to various human rights laws, including provisions of the EU Forced Labor Regulations, US Uniform Forced Labor Protection Act, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act intended to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of minerals originating from the conflict zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining countries. We incur costs to comply with the disclosure requirements of this law and other costs relating to the sourcing and availability of minerals used in our products. Further, we may face reputational harm if our customers or other stakeholders conclude that we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins of the minerals used in our products.
Current wording
We are subject to various human rights laws, including provisions of the EU Forced Labor Regulations, U.S. Uniform Forced Labor Protection Act, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act intended to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of minerals originating from the conflict zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining countries. We incur costs to comply with the disclosure requirements of this last law and other costs relating to the sourcing and availability of minerals used in our products. Further, we may face reputational harm if our customers or other stakeholders conclude that we are unable to verify sufficiently the origins of the minerals used in our products.
Previous wording
We are highly dependent on the services of Michael S. Dell, our founder, Chief Executive Officer, and largest stockholder. Further, we rely on key personnel, including Jeff Clarke and other members of our executive leadership team, to support our business and increasingly complex product and services offerings. Our experienced executives are supported by employees in our U.S. and international operations who are highly skilled in product development, manufacturing, sales, and other functions critical to our future growth and profitability. If we lose the services of Mr. Dell or other key personnel, we may not be able to locate suitable or qualified replacements, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit replacements, which could severely disrupt our business and growth. We face intensive competition, both within and outside of our industry, in retaining and hiring individuals with the requisite expertise. As a result of this competition, we may be unable to continue to attract, retain, and motivate suitably qualified individuals at acceptable compensation levels who have the managerial, operational, and technical knowledge and experience to meet our needs. Failure by us to do so could adversely affect our competitive position and results of operations.
Current wording
We are highly dependent on the services of Michael S. Dell, our founder, Chief Executive Officer, and largest stockholder. Further, we rely on key personnel, including Jeffrey W. Clarke and other members of our executive leadership team, to support our business and increasingly complex product and services offerings. Our experienced executives are supported by employees in our U.S. and international operations who are highly skilled in product development, manufacturing, sales, and other functions critical to our future growth and profitability. If we lose the services of Mr. Dell or other key personnel, we may not be able to locate suitable or qualified replacements, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit replacements, which could severely disrupt our business and growth. We face intensive competition, both within and outside of our industry, in retaining and hiring individuals with the requisite expertise. As a result of this competition, we may be unable to continue to attract, retain, and motivate suitably qualified individuals at acceptable compensation levels who have the managerial, operational, and technical knowledge and experience to meet our needs. Failure by us to do so could adversely affect our competitive position and results of operations.
Previous wording
As of January 31, 2025, we and our subsidiaries had approximately $24.6 billion of indebtedness. As of the same date, we and our subsidiaries may incur up to $5.0 billion of short-term indebtedness under our commercial paper program and up to $6.0 billion of additional indebtedness under our revolving credit facility, which acts as a backstop to provide liquidity for the commercial paper program. Although continued debt paydown is part of our overall capital allocation strategy, a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations is used to make interest and other debt service payments, which reduces funds available to us for other purposes such as working capital, capital expenditures, other general corporate purposes, and potential acquisitions. Our indebtedness could also reduce our flexibility in responding to current and changing industry and financial market conditions. We may be able to incur significant additional secured and unsecured indebtedness under the terms of our existing debt, which generally do not restrict our ability to incur additional unsecured debt and contain significant exceptions to the covenant restricting our ability to incur additional secured debt.
Current wording
As of January 30, 2026, we and our subsidiaries had approximately $31.5 billion of indebtedness. As of the same date, we and our subsidiaries may incur up to $5.0 billion of short-term indebtedness under our commercial paper program and up to $5.9 billion of additional indebtedness under our revolving credit facility, which acts as a backstop to provide liquidity for the commercial paper program. Although continued debt paydown is part of our overall capital allocation strategy, a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations is used to make interest and other debt service payments, which reduces funds available to us for other purposes such as working capital, capital expenditures, other general corporate purposes, and potential acquisitions. Our indebtedness could also reduce our flexibility in responding to current and changing industry and financial market conditions. We may be able to incur significant additional secured and unsecured indebtedness under the terms of our existing debt, which generally do not restrict our ability to incur additional unsecured debt and contain significant exceptions to the covenant restricting our ability to incur additional secured debt.
Previous wording
Each share of our Class A Common Stock and each share of our Class B Common Stock has ten votes, while each share of our Class C Common Stock has one vote. Because of these disparate voting rights, Michael Dell and the Susan Lieberman Dell Separate Property Trust (the “MD stockholders”) and certain investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake Partners (the “SLP stockholders”) collectively held common stock representing approximately 91.4% of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock as of March 17, 2025. The limited ability of unaffiliated holders of the Class C Common Stock to influence matters requiring stockholder approval may adversely affect the trading price of the Class C Common Stock.
Current wording
Each share of our Class A Common Stock and each share of our Class B Common Stock has ten votes, while each share of our Class C Common Stock has one vote. Because of these disparate voting rights, Michael Dell and the Susan Lieberman Dell Separate Property Trust (the “MD stockholders”) and certain investment funds affiliated with Silver Lake Partners (the “SLP stockholders”) collectively held common stock representing approximately 91.7% of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock as of March 9, 2026. The limited ability of unaffiliated holders of the Class C Common Stock to influence matters requiring stockholder approval may adversely affect the trading price of the Class C Common Stock.
Previous wording
Sales of a substantial number of shares of the Class C Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of the Class C Common Stock, which could make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares of Class C Common Stock at a time and price that they consider appropriate. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also could impair our ability to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price we deem appropriate, and our ability to use Class C Common Stock as consideration for acquisitions of other businesses, investments, or other corporate purposes. As of March 17, 2025, we had a total of approximately 359 million shares of Class C Common Stock outstanding.
Current wording
Sales of a substantial number of shares of the Class C Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of the Class C Common Stock, which could make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares of Class C Common Stock at a time and price that they consider appropriate. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also could impair our ability to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price we deem appropriate, as well as our ability to use Class C Common Stock as consideration for acquisitions of other businesses, investments, or other corporate purposes. As of March 9, 2026, we had a total of approximately 318 million shares of Class C Common Stock outstanding.
Previous wording
As of March 17, 2025, the 277 million outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock held by the MD stockholders and the 62 million outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock held by the SLP stockholders are convertible into shares of Class C Common Stock at any time on a one-to-one basis. Such shares, upon any conversion into shares of Class C Common Stock, will be eligible for resale in the public market pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), subject to compliance with conditions of Rule 144.
Current wording
As of March 9, 2026, the 277 million outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock held by the MD stockholders and the 51 million outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock held by the SLP stockholders are convertible into shares of Class C Common Stock at any time on a one-to-one basis. Such shares, upon any conversion into shares of Class C Common Stock, will be eligible for resale in the public market pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, subject to compliance with conditions of Rule 144. From January 31, 2026 to March 9, 2026, the SLP stockholders converted approximately 1 million shares of Class B Common Stock on a one-for-one basis into approximately 1 million shares of Class C Common Stock.
Previous wording
We have entered into a registration rights agreement with holders of substantially all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (which are convertible into the same number of shares of Class C Common Stock), holders of all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock (which are convertible into the same number of shares of Class C Common Stock), and, as of March 17, 2025, holders of approximately 38 million outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock, pursuant to which we granted such holders and their permitted transferees shelf, demand and/or piggyback registration rights with respect to such shares (including the shares of Class C Common Stock into which the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock may be converted). Registration of those shares under the Securities Act would permit such holders to sell the shares into the public market.
Current wording
We are a party to a registration rights agreement with holders of substantially all outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (which are convertible into the same number of shares of Class C Common Stock), holders of all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock (which are convertible into the same number of shares of Class C Common Stock), and, as of March 9, 2026, holders of approximately 20 million outstanding shares of Class C Common Stock, pursuant to which we have granted such holders and their permitted transferees shelf, demand and/or piggyback registration rights with respect to such shares (including the shares of Class C Common Stock into which the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock may be converted). Registration of those shares under the Securities Act would permit such holders to sell the shares into the public market.
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