SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc

Previous wording

Sales of landscape supplies to contractors serving the residential construction sector represent a significant portion of our business, and demand for our products is highly correlated with residential construction, including repairs and upgrades. Housing starts are dependent upon a number of factors, including housing demand, housing inventory levels, housing affordability and mortgage rates, foreclosure rates, demographic changes, the availability of land, local zoning and permitting processes, the availability of construction financing, and the overall health of the economy. Unfavorable changes in any of these factors could adversely affect consumer spending, result in decreased demand for homes, and adversely affect our business. In the 2023 Fiscal Year, we experienced a softening of the residential construction sector, including as a result of home price inflation and higher mortgage rates, which we anticipate may continue in the 2024 Fiscal Year. If the softening of the residential construction sector continues, the timing and extent of any such reduction in homebuilding activity and the resulting impact on demand for landscape supplies are uncertain.

Current wording

Sales of landscape supplies to contractors serving the residential construction sector represent a significant portion of our business, and demand for our products is highly correlated with residential construction, including repairs and upgrades. Housing starts are dependent upon a number of factors, including housing demand, housing inventory levels, housing affordability and mortgage rates, foreclosure rates, demographic changes, the availability of land, local zoning and permitting processes, the availability of construction financing, and the overall health of the economy. Unfavorable changes in any of these factors could adversely affect consumer spending, result in decreased demand for homes, and adversely affect our business. In the 2024 and 2023 Fiscal Years, we experienced a softening of the residential construction sector, including as a result of home price inflation and higher mortgage rates, which persisted through the 2024 Fiscal Year despite a 50-basis point reduction in interest rates in September 2024 and two additional 25-basis point rate cuts in the fourth quarter of 2024. If the softening of this sector continues to persist, the timing and extent of any such reduction in homebuilding activity and the resulting impact on demand for landscape supplies are uncertain.

Previous wording

Our Net sales also depend, in significant part, on commercial construction, which is cyclical in nature and subject to downturns, which can be severe. Previously, downturns in the commercial construction market have typically lasted about two to three years, resulting in market declines of approximately 20% to 40%, while the “Great Recession” downturn in the commercial construction market lasted over four years, resulting in a market decline of approximately 60%. We cannot predict the duration of the current market conditions, including the impacts that, among others, inflation and rising interest rates may have or the timing or strength of any future recovery of commercial construction activity in our markets.

Current wording

Our Net sales also depend, in significant part, on commercial construction, which is cyclical in nature and subject to downturns, which can be severe. Previously, downturns in the commercial construction market have typically lasted about two to three years, resulting in market declines of approximately 20% to 40%. Current market conditions, including the impacts that, among others, inflation and higher interest rates for prolonged periods may continue to have on the timing or strength of the recovery of commercial construction activity in our markets cannot be predicted.

Previous wording

Our business and results of operations are significantly affected by general business, financial market, and economic conditions. General business, financial market, and economic conditions that could impact the level of activity in the wholesale landscape supply industry include the level of new home sales and construction activity, interest rate fluctuations, inflation, unemployment levels, geopolitics, tax rates, capital spending, bankruptcies, volatility in both the debt and equity capital markets, liquidity of the global financial markets, the availability and cost of credit, investor and consumer confidence, global economic growth, local, state and federal government regulation, and the strength of regional and local economies in which we operate. With respect to the residential construction sector in particular, spending on landscape projects is largely discretionary and lower levels of consumer spending or the decision by homeowners to perform landscape upgrades or maintenance themselves rather than outsource to contractors, or to focus less on outdoor projects may adversely affect our business. For example, in the 2023 Fiscal Year and the 2022 Fiscal Year, we experienced historic levels of inflation, resulting in the Federal Reserve raising benchmark interest rates multiple times. While the rate of inflation has slowed, we cannot predict whether these and adverse economic conditions will continue, the impact that future economic developments will have on consumers, or the manner in which these economic trends will impact consumer demand or preferences over the long term.

Current wording

Our business and results of operations are significantly affected by general business, financial market, and economic conditions. General business, financial market, and economic conditions that could impact the level of activity in the wholesale landscape supply industry include the level of new home sales and construction activity, interest rate fluctuations, inflation, unemployment levels, geopolitics, tax rates, capital spending, bankruptcies, volatility in both the debt and equity capital markets, liquidity of the global financial markets, the availability and cost of credit, investor and consumer confidence, global economic growth, local, state and federal government regulation, and the strength of regional and local economies in which we operate. With respect to the residential construction sector in particular, spending on landscape projects is largely discretionary and lower levels of consumer spending or the decision by homeowners to perform landscape upgrades or maintenance themselves rather than outsource to contractors, or to focus less on outdoor projects may adversely affect our business. While the rate of inflation has stabilized since reaching historic levels in the 2022 and 2023 Fiscal Years, we continued to experience the adverse impact of an inflationary environment in the 2024 Fiscal Year, and we cannot predict whether adverse economic conditions such as these will continue, the impact that future economic developments will have on consumers, or the manner in which negative economic trends will impact consumer demand or preferences over the long term.

Previous wording

Furthermore, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions and/or climate change-related events, such as droughts, severe storms, wildfires, hurricanes, and significant rain or snowfall, can adversely impact the demand for our products, availability of products, timing of product delivery, or our ability to deliver products at all. For example, demand for our products in the first quarter of the 2023 Fiscal Year was limited by unusually cold and rainy weather in our western and northern markets, including unprecedented precipitation in California. Other types of unexpected severe weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold, may result in certain applications in the maintenance product cycle being omitted for a season or damage to or loss of nursery goods, sod, and other green products in our inventory, which could result in losses requiring write-downs. In addition, our business and operating results could be impacted to a greater degree than we previously experienced to the extent that unfavorable weather conditions are exacerbated by global climate change or otherwise.

Current wording

Furthermore, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions and/or climate change-related events, such as droughts, severe storms, wildfires, hurricanes, and significant rain or snowfall, can adversely impact the demand for our products, availability of products, timing of product delivery, or our ability to deliver products at all. For example, during the third and fourth quarters of the 2024 Fiscal Year, demand for our products was negatively impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in our southeastern market. Other types of unexpected severe weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold, may result in certain applications in the maintenance product cycle being omitted for a season or damage to or loss of nursery goods, sod, and other green products in our inventory, which could result in losses requiring write-downs. In addition, our business and operating results could be impacted to a greater degree than we previously experienced to the extent that unfavorable weather conditions are exacerbated by global climate change or otherwise.

Previous wording

We purchase and sell a wide variety of products, the price and availability of which may fluctuate, and may be subject to large and significant price increases, especially in periods of high inflation. For example, certain of our contracts with suppliers include prices for commodities such as grass seed and chemicals used in fertilizer that are not fixed or tied to an index, which allows our suppliers to change the prices of their products as the input prices fluctuate. Conversely, we may experience lower Net sales in a deflationary environment. Our business is exposed to these fluctuations, as well as to fluctuations in our costs for transportation and distribution. Changes in prices for the products that we purchase affect our Net sales and Cost of goods sold, as well as our working capital requirements, levels of debt, and financing costs. We might not always be able to reflect increases in our costs in our own pricing, especially in times of extreme price volatility. Any inability to pass cost increases on to customers may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, if market prices for the products that we sell decline, we may realize reduced profitability levels from selling such products and lower revenues from sales of existing inventory of such products.

Current wording

We purchase and sell a wide variety of products, the price and availability of which may fluctuate, and may be subject to large and significant price increases, especially in periods of high inflation. For example, certain of our contracts with suppliers include prices for commodities such as grass seed and chemicals used in fertilizer that are not fixed or tied to an index, which allows our suppliers to change the prices of their products as the input prices fluctuate. Conversely, we may experience lower Net sales in a deflationary environment, including as a result of the commodity price deflation we experienced in the 2024 Fiscal Year. Our business is exposed to these fluctuations, as well as to fluctuations in our costs for transportation and distribution. Changes in prices for the products that we purchase, including, for example, as a result of changes to trade agreements or policies that result in increased tariffs on goods imported into the United States, affect our Net sales and Cost of goods sold, as well as our working capital requirements, levels of debt, and financing costs. We might not always be able to reflect increases in our costs in our own pricing, especially in times of extreme price volatility. Any inability to pass cost increases on to customers may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, if market prices for the products that we sell decline, we may realize reduced profitability levels from selling such products and lower revenues from sales of existing inventory of such products.

Previous wording

Market variables, such as inflation of product costs, labor and fuel rates, and freight and energy costs, as well as other events outside of our control, such as supply shortages, geopolitical conflicts, trade disputes, or public health emergencies, could adversely impact the management of our Cost of goods sold and operating costs in a manner that would prevent us from leveraging our Net sales growth into higher Net income. For example, the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and unrest in the Middle East, as well as the international response related thereto (e.g., sanctions, export controls, etc.), has and may continue to create economic instability, including, among other things, inflationary pressures causing increases in fuel and other energy costs. In addition, our inability to pass on such increases in costs to customers in a timely manner, or at all, could cause our Cost of goods sold and operating costs to grow, which could result in lower Gross profit and gross margin as well as lower Net income.

Current wording

Market variables, such as inflation of product costs, labor and fuel rates, and freight and energy costs, as well as other events outside of our control, such as supply shortages, geopolitical conflicts, trade disputes, or public health emergencies, could adversely impact the management of our Cost of goods sold and operating costs in a manner that would prevent us from leveraging our Net sales growth into higher Net income. For example, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and other unrest in the Middle East, as well as the international responses related thereto (e.g., sanctions, export controls, etc.), has created and may continue to create, economic instability, including, among other things, inflationary pressures causing increases in fuel and other energy costs. In addition, our inability to pass on such increases in costs to customers in a timely manner, or at all, could cause our Cost of goods sold and operating costs to grow, which could result in lower Gross profit and gross margin as well as lower Net income.

Previous wording

Our financial performance is affected by the level of our operating expenses, such as occupancy costs associated with the leases for our branch locations and costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, equipment, parts, wages and salaries, employee benefits, health care, self-insurance costs and other insurance premiums, as well as various regulatory compliance costs, all of which may be subject to inflationary pressures. In particular, our financial performance is adversely affected by increases in these operating costs. Given the inflation rates over the past few years, we experienced elevated product and logistics costs as well as increased commodity costs.

Current wording

Our financial performance is affected by the level of our operating expenses, such as occupancy costs associated with the leases for our branch locations and costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, equipment, parts, wages and salaries, employee benefits, health care, self-insurance costs and other insurance premiums, as well as various regulatory compliance costs, all of which may be subject to inflationary pressures. In particular, our financial performance is adversely affected by increases in these operating costs. Given the elevated inflation rates over the past few years, we have, and may continue to, experience higher operating costs.

Previous wording

We are subject to federal, state, provincial, and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including laws that regulate the emission or discharge of materials into the environment, govern the use, packaging, labeling, transportation, handling, treatment, storage, disposal, and management of chemicals and hazardous substances and waste, and protect the health and safety of our associates and users of our products. Such laws also impose liability for investigation and remediation failures, and damages resulting from, present and past releases of hazardous substances, including releases at sites we have ever owned, leased or operated, or used as a disposal site. We could be subject to fines, penalties, civil or criminal sanctions, personal injury, property damage, or other third-party claims as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, these laws and regulations. We could also incur significant investigation and cleanup costs for contamination at any currently or formerly owned or operated facilities, including LESCO’s manufacturing and blending facilities. In addition, changes in, or new interpretations of, existing laws, regulations, or enforcement policies as a result of the current presidential administration or otherwise, the discovery of previously unknown contamination, or the imposition of other environmental liabilities or obligations in the future, including obligations with respect to any potential health hazards of our products, may lead to additional compliance or other costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

We are subject to federal, state, provincial, and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including laws that regulate the emission or discharge of materials into the environment, govern the use, packaging, labeling, transportation, handling, treatment, storage, disposal, and management of chemicals and hazardous substances and waste, and protect the health and safety of our associates and users of our products. Such laws also impose liability for investigation and remediation failures, and damages resulting from, present and past releases of hazardous substances, including releases at sites we have ever owned, leased or operated, or used as a disposal site. We could be subject to fines, penalties, civil or criminal sanctions, personal injury, property damage, or other third-party claims as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, these laws and regulations. We could also incur significant investigation and cleanup costs for contamination at any currently or formerly owned or operated facilities, including LESCO’s manufacturing and blending facilities. In addition, changes in, or new interpretations of, existing laws, regulations, or enforcement policies, the discovery of previously unknown contamination, or the imposition of other environmental liabilities or obligations in the future, including obligations with respect to any potential health hazards of our products, may lead to additional compliance or other costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Further, new legislation or regulatory change in response to the perceived effects of climate change has been, or is expected to be, adopted at both the state and federal level. These changes in environmental and climate change laws or regulations, including laws relating to greenhouse gas emissions, could lead to additional operational and compliance burdens, and collecting, measuring, and analyzing information relating to such matters can be costly, time-consuming, dependent on third-party cooperation, and unreliable. Such changes in climate change laws or regulations could further subject us to additional costs and restrictions, including additional investment in product designs and increased energy and raw material costs, as well as increased risk of litigation concerning our disclosures related thereto. We cannot predict how managing our climate change-related reporting obligations, as well as the consumer and retail impacts of climate change, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Current wording

Further, new legislation or regulatory change in response to the perceived effects of climate change has been, or is expected to be, adopted at the state and/or federal level. These changes in environmental and climate change laws or regulations, including laws relating to greenhouse gas emissions, could lead to additional operational and compliance burdens, and collecting, measuring, and analyzing information relating to such matters can be costly, time-consuming, dependent on third-party cooperation, and unreliable. Such changes in climate change laws or regulations could further subject us to additional costs and restrictions, including additional investment in product designs and increased energy and raw material costs, as well as increased risk of litigation concerning our disclosures related thereto. We cannot predict how managing our climate change-related reporting obligations, as well as the consumer and retail impacts of climate change, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Previous wording

Because our business includes the managing, handling, storing, selling and transporting, and disposing of certain hazardous materials, such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and rodenticides, we are exposed to environmental, health, safety, and other risks. We carry insurance to protect us against many accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business and we maintain insurance coverage in accordance with our assessment of the risks involved, the ability to bear those risks, and the cost and availability of insurance. Each of these insurance policies is subject to exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits. We do not insure against all risks and may not be able to insure adequately against certain risks and may not have insurance coverage that will pay any particular claim. We also may be unable to obtain adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future for the risks we currently insure against, and certain risks are or could become completely uninsurable or eligible for coverage only to a reduced extent. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially impaired by environmental, health, safety, and other risks that reduce our revenues, increase our costs, or subject us to other liabilities in excess of available insurance.

Current wording

Because our business includes managing, handling, storing, selling and transporting, and disposing of certain hazardous materials, such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and rodenticides, we are exposed to environmental, health, safety, and other risks. We carry insurance to protect us against many accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business and we maintain insurance coverage in accordance with our assessment of the risks involved, the ability to bear those risks, and the cost and availability of insurance. Each of these insurance policies is subject to exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits. We do not insure against all risks and may not be able to insure adequately against certain risks and may not have insurance coverage that will pay any particular claim. We also may be unable to obtain adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future for the risks we currently insure against, and certain risks are or could become completely uninsurable or eligible for coverage only to a reduced extent. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially impaired by environmental, health, safety, and other risks that reduce our revenues, increase our costs, or subject us to other liabilities in excess of available insurance.

Previous wording

In addition, companies across many industries are facing increasing interest from stakeholders related to their environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) practices, particularly as it relates to perceived effects of climate change. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds and other influential investors are also increasingly focused on ESG practices and have placed increasing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. While we believe that we currently hold a favorable view from stakeholders related to our ESG practices, there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet the future expectations of our stakeholders, which are evolving rapidly. As a result, we may suffer from reputational damage and our business or financial condition could be adversely affected.

Current wording

In addition, companies across many industries are facing increasing interest from stakeholders related to their environmental, social, and governance practices, particularly as it relates to perceived effects of climate change. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds and other influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices and have placed increasing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. While we believe that we currently hold a favorable view from stakeholders related to our practices, there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet the future expectations of our stakeholders, which are evolving rapidly. As a result, we may suffer from reputational damage and our business or financial condition could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our ability to offer a wide variety of products to our customers is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate product supply from manufacturers and other suppliers. Any disruption in our sources of supply, particularly of the most commonly sold items, could result in a loss of revenues, reduced margins, and damage to our relationships with customers. Supply shortages may occur as a result of unanticipated increases in demand or difficulties in production or delivery. In addition, we may be materially adversely impacted by disruptions within our supply chain network. Such disruptions may result from weather-related events, natural disasters, international trade disputes or trade policy changes or restrictions, tariffs or import-related taxes, third-party strikes, lock-outs, work stoppages or slowdowns, shortages of supply chain labor and truck drivers, shipping capacity constraints, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, public health issues (including public health emergencies and related shut-downs, re-openings, or other actions by the government), civil unrest, or other factors beyond our control. For example, in the 2022 Fiscal Year, our supply chains were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with respect to freight and labor availability. Although our supply chains stabilized in the 2023 Fiscal Year, when shortages occur, our suppliers often allocate products among distributors. The loss of, or a substantial decrease in the availability of, products from our suppliers or the loss of key supplier arrangements could adversely impact our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows, as well as our ability to benefit from ongoing supply chain initiatives.

Current wording

Our ability to offer a wide variety of products to our customers is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate product supply from manufacturers and other suppliers. Any disruption in our sources of supply, particularly of the most commonly sold items, could result in a loss of revenues, reduced margins, and damage to our relationships with customers. Supply shortages may occur as a result of unanticipated increases in demand or difficulties in production or delivery. In addition, we may be materially adversely impacted by disruptions within our supply chain network. Such disruptions may result from weather-related events, natural disasters, international trade disputes or trade policy changes or restrictions, tariffs or import-related taxes, third-party strikes, lock-outs, work stoppages or slowdowns, shortages of supply chain labor and truck drivers, shipping capacity constraints, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, public health emergencies, civil unrest, or other factors beyond our control. For example, in the 2022 Fiscal Year, our supply chains were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with respect to freight and labor availability. Although our supply chains have since stabilized, when shortages occur, our suppliers often allocate products among distributors. The loss of, or a substantial decrease in the availability of, products from our suppliers or the loss of key supplier arrangements could adversely impact our financial condition, operating results, and cash flows, as well as our ability to benefit from ongoing supply chain initiatives.

Previous wording

Our ability to continue to identify and develop relationships with qualified suppliers who can comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct and satisfy our high standards for quality and our need to be supplied with products in a timely and efficient manner is a challenge. Our suppliers’ ability to provide us with products can also be adversely affected in the event they become financially unstable, fail to comply with applicable laws, encounter supply disruptions, shipping interruptions, trade restrictions, tariffs or increased costs, or face other factors beyond our control, including, for example, as a result of the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and unrest in the Middle East.

Current wording

Our ability to continue to identify and develop relationships with qualified suppliers who can comply with our Supplier Code of Conduct and satisfy our high standards for quality and our need to be supplied with products in a timely and efficient manner is a challenge. Our suppliers’ ability to provide us with products can also be adversely affected in the event they become financially unstable, fail to comply with applicable laws, encounter supply disruptions, shipping interruptions, trade restrictions, tariffs or increased costs, or face other factors beyond our control, including, for example, as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and other unrest in the Middle East.

Previous wording

We balance the need to maintain inventory levels that are sufficient to ensure competitive lead times against the risk of inventory obsolescence because of changing customer requirements, fluctuating commodity prices, or the life-cycle of nursery goods, sod, and other green products. For example, while we increased our inventory levels in the 2022 Fiscal Year to mitigate the adverse impact of supply chain disruptions, we were able to normalize inventory levels in the 2023 Fiscal Year. In order to successfully manage our inventories, including grass seed, chemicals used in fertilizers, and nursery goods, sod, and other green products, we must estimate demand from our customers and purchase products that substantially correspond to that demand. If we overestimate demand and purchase too much of a particular product, we face a risk that the price of that product will fall, leaving us with inventory that we cannot sell profitably. In addition, we may have to write down such inventory if we are unable to sell it for its recorded value. Contracts with certain suppliers require us to take on additional inventory or pay a penalty, even in circumstances where we have excess inventory. By contrast, if we underestimate demand and purchase insufficient quantities of a product and the price of that product were to rise, we could be forced to purchase that product at a higher price and forego profitability in order to meet customer demand. Insufficient inventory levels may lead to shortages that result in delayed revenue or loss of sales opportunities altogether as potential end-customers turn to competitors’ products that are readily available. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could suffer a material adverse effect if either or both of these situations occur frequently or in large volumes.

Current wording

We balance the need to maintain inventory levels that are sufficient to ensure competitive lead times against the risk of inventory obsolescence because of changing customer requirements, fluctuating commodity prices, or the life-cycle of nursery goods, sod, and other green products. In order to successfully manage our inventories, including grass seed, chemicals used in fertilizers, and nursery goods, sod, and other green products, we must estimate demand from our customers and purchase products that substantially correspond to that demand. If we overestimate demand and purchase too much of a particular product, we face a risk that the price of that product will fall, leaving us with inventory that we cannot sell profitably. In addition, we may have to write down such inventory if we are unable to sell it for its recorded value. Contracts with certain suppliers require us to take on additional inventory or pay a penalty, even in circumstances where we have excess inventory. By contrast, if we underestimate demand and purchase insufficient quantities of a product and the price of that product were to rise, we could be forced to purchase that product at a higher price and forego profitability in order to meet customer demand. Insufficient inventory levels may lead to shortages that result in delayed revenue or loss of sales opportunities altogether as potential end-customers turn to competitors’ products that are readily available. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could suffer a material adverse effect if either or both of these situations occur frequently or in large volumes.

Previous wording

We may not be able to fully implement our business strategies or realize, in whole or in part within the expected time frames, the anticipated benefits of our various growth, or other initiatives, such as our procurement and supply chain management initiatives, as well as our transportation and customer relationship management systems. Our various business strategies and initiatives, including our growth, operational, and management initiatives, are subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. The execution of our business strategy and our financial performance will continue to depend in significant part on our executive management team and other key management personnel, and our executive management team’s ability to execute the operational initiatives that they are undertaking. In addition, we may incur certain costs as we pursue our growth, operational, and management initiatives, and we may not meet anticipated implementation timetables or stay within budgeted costs. As these initiatives are undertaken, we may not fully achieve our expected efficiency improvements or growth rates, or these initiatives could adversely impact our customer retention, supplier relationships, or operations. Also, our business strategies may change from time to time in light of our ability to implement our business initiatives, competitive pressures, economic uncertainties or developments, or other factors.

Current wording

We may not be able to fully implement our business strategies or realize, in whole or in part within the expected time frames, the anticipated benefits of our various growth objectives. Our various business strategies and initiatives, including our category management, supply chain, sales force, marketing, digital and operational initiatives, are subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. The execution of our business strategy and our financial performance will continue to depend in significant part on our executive management team and other key management personnel, and our executive management team’s ability to execute the initiatives that they are undertaking. In addition, we may incur certain costs as we pursue our initiatives, and we may not meet anticipated implementation timetables or stay within budgeted costs. As these initiatives are undertaken, we may not fully achieve our expected efficiency improvements or growth rates, or these initiatives could adversely impact our customer retention, supplier relationships, or operations. Also, our business strategies may change from time to time in light of our ability to implement our business initiatives, competitive pressures, economic uncertainties or developments, or other factors.

Previous wording

Our historical growth has been driven in part by acquisitions, and future acquisitions are an important element of our business strategy. We may be unable to continue to grow our business through acquisitions. We may not be able to continue to identify suitable acquisition targets and may face increased competition for these acquisition targets by both existing competitors as well as new market entrants. In addition, acquired businesses may not perform in accordance with expectations, and our business judgments concerning the value, strengths, and weaknesses of acquired businesses may not prove to be correct. We may also be unable to achieve expected improvements or achievements in businesses that we acquire. At any given time, we may be evaluating or in discussions with one or more acquisition targets, including entering into non-binding letters of intent. Future acquisitions may result in the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities, legal liabilities, goodwill impairments, increased interest and amortization expense, and significant integration costs.

Current wording

Our historical growth has been driven in part by acquisitions, and future acquisitions are an important element of our business strategy. We may be unable to continue to grow our business through acquisitions. We may not be able to continue to identify suitable acquisition targets and may face increased competition for these acquisition targets by both existing competitors as well as new market entrants. In addition, acquired businesses may not perform in accordance with expectations, and our business judgments concerning the value, strengths, and weaknesses of acquired businesses may not prove to be correct. We may also be unable to achieve expected improvements or achievements in businesses that we acquire. Further, systems integration challenges can delay synergy realization and result in margin dilution. These risks are particularly acute with larger acquisitions that operate across multiple markets.

Previous wording

We have an employee base of approximately 7,800 associates. Various federal and state labor laws govern our relationships with our associates and affect our operating costs. These laws include employee classifications as exempt or non-exempt, minimum wage requirements, unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, overtime, family leave, anti-discrimination laws, safety standards, payroll taxes, citizenship requirements, and other wage and benefit requirements for employees classified as non-exempt. As our associates may be paid at rates that relate to the applicable minimum wage, further increases in the minimum wage could increase our labor costs. Associates may make claims against us under federal or state laws, which could result in significant costs. Significant additional government regulations, including the Employee Free Choice Act, the Paycheck Fairness Act, and the Arbitration Fairness Act, could materially affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, we compete with other companies for many of our associates in hourly positions, and we invest significant resources to train and motivate our associates to maintain a high level of job satisfaction. Like many companies in our industry, our hourly employment positions have historically had high turnover rates, which can lead to increased spending on training and retention and, as a result, increased labor costs. If we are unable to effectively retain highly qualified associates in our key positions to deliver the customer experience, particularly our transportation and supply chain associates, it could adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

We have an employee base of approximately 8,300 associates. Various federal and state labor laws govern our relationships with our associates and affect our operating costs. These laws include employee classifications as exempt or non-exempt, minimum wage requirements, unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, overtime, family leave, anti-discrimination laws, safety standards, payroll taxes, citizenship requirements, and other wage and benefit requirements for employees classified as non-exempt. As our associates may be paid at rates that relate to the applicable minimum wage, further increases in the minimum wage could increase our labor costs. Associates may make claims against us under federal or state laws, which could result in significant costs. Significant additional government regulations, including the Employee Free Choice Act, the Paycheck Fairness Act, and the Arbitration Fairness Act, could materially affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Changes in immigration laws and policies could also affect labor market conditions and workforce availability in our operating regions, potentially increasing competition for workers and related labor costs. In addition, we compete with other companies for many of our associates in hourly positions, and we invest significant resources to train and motivate our associates to maintain a high level of job satisfaction. Like many companies in our industry, our hourly employment positions have historically had high turnover rates, which can lead to increased spending on training and retention and, as a result, increased labor costs. If we are unable to effectively retain highly qualified associates in our key positions to deliver the customer experience, particularly our transportation and supply chain associates, it could adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

Further, a large portion of our customers are in the landscape services industry, which is labor intensive. Demand for our products may be impacted by our customers’ ability to attract, train, and retain workers. Restrictive immigration policies, trends in labor migration, and increases in our customers’ personnel costs or the inability of our customers to hire sufficient personnel, which may be amplified in tight labor market conditions, could adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

Further, a large portion of our customers are in the landscape services industry, which is labor intensive. Demand for our products may be impacted by our customers’ ability to attract, train, and retain workers. Changes in immigration laws and regulations, trends in labor migration, and increases in our customers’ personnel costs or the inability of our customers to hire sufficient personnel, which may be amplified in tight labor market conditions, could adversely impact our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Previous wording

We strive to allocate capital in a manner that enhances stockholder value, lowers our cost of capital, or demonstrates our commitment to return excess capital to stockholders, while maintaining our ability to invest in strategic acquisition opportunities. In October 2022, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization for up to $400.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company has, and intends to continue to, purchase shares under the repurchase authorization from time to time on the open market at the discretion of management, subject to strategic considerations, market conditions, and other factors. Repurchases under our share repurchase program will reduce the market liquidity for our stock, potentially affecting its trading volatility and price. Future share repurchases will also diminish our cash reserves, which may impact our ability to pursue attractive strategic opportunities. Therefore, if we do not properly allocate our capital, including with respect to returning value to our stockholders through this share repurchase authorization, we may fail to produce optimal financial results and experience a reduction in stockholder value.

Current wording

We strive to allocate capital in a manner that enhances stockholder value, lowers our cost of capital, and demonstrates our commitment to return excess capital to stockholders, while maintaining our ability to invest in strategic acquisition opportunities. In October 2022, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization for up to $400.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company has, and intends to continue to, purchase shares under the repurchase authorization from time to time on the open market at the discretion of management, subject to strategic considerations, market conditions, and other factors. Repurchases under our share repurchase program will reduce the market liquidity for our stock, potentially affecting its trading volatility and price. Future share repurchases will also diminish our cash reserves, which may impact our ability to pursue attractive strategic opportunities. Therefore, if we do not properly allocate our capital, including with respect to returning value to our stockholders through this share repurchase authorization, we may fail to produce optimal financial results and experience a reduction in stockholder value.

Previous wording

The majority of our Net sales in our 2023 Fiscal Year were derived from the extension of credit to our customers whose ability to pay is dependent, in part, upon the economic strength of the areas where they operate. We offer credit to customers, generally on a short-term basis, either through unsecured credit that is based solely upon the creditworthiness of the customer, or secured credit for materials sold for a specific project where we establish a security interest in the material used in the project. The type of credit we offer depends on the customer’s financial strength. If any of our customers are unable to repay credit that we have extended in a timely manner, or at all, our working capital, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows would be adversely affected. Further, our collections efforts with respect to non-paying or slow-paying customers could negatively impact our customer relations going forward.

Current wording

The majority of our Net sales in our 2024 Fiscal Year were derived from the extension of credit to our customers whose ability to pay is dependent, in part, upon the economic strength of the areas where they operate. We offer credit to customers, generally on a short-term basis, either through unsecured credit that is based solely upon the creditworthiness of the customer, or secured credit for materials sold for a specific project where we establish a security interest in the material used in the project. The type of credit we offer depends on the customer’s financial strength. If any of our customers are unable to repay the credit that we have extended in a timely manner, or at all, our working capital, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows would be adversely affected. Further, our collections efforts with respect to non-paying or slow-paying customers could negatively impact our customer relations going forward.

Previous wording

We operate our business through a network of highly dispersed locations throughout the United States and Canada, supported by executives and services from our headquarters, with local area and branch management retaining responsibility for day-to-day operations and adherence to applicable local laws. Our operating structure could make it difficult for us to coordinate procedures across our operations in a timely manner or at all. We may have difficulty attracting and retaining local personnel. In addition, our branches may require significant oversight and coordination from headquarters to support their growth. Inconsistent implementation of corporate strategy and policies at the local level could materially and adversely affect our overall profitability, prospects, business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, the operating results of an individual branch may differ from that of another branch for a variety of reasons, including market size, management practices, competitive landscape, regulatory requirements, and local economic conditions. As a result, certain of our branches may experience higher or lower levels of growth and profitability than other branches.

Current wording

We operate our business through a network of highly dispersed locations throughout the United States and Canada, supported by executives and services from our headquarters, with local area and branch management retaining responsibility for day-to-day operations and adherence to applicable local laws. Our operating structure could make it difficult for us to coordinate procedures across our operations in a timely manner or at all. We may have difficulty attracting and retaining local personnel. In addition, our branches may require significant oversight and coordination from headquarters to support their growth. From time to time, we may need to consolidate or close branches and other locations, which can result in significant charges and costs. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2024, we consolidated or closed certain branches and other locations, and, based on a long-lived asset impairment test that we performed, recorded impairment and other related charges of approximately $11.4 million. These actions may not achieve their intended benefits and could result in reduced sales, unexpected costs, and disruption to our operations and customer relationships. Inconsistent implementation of corporate strategy and policies at the local level could materially and adversely affect our overall profitability, prospects, business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, the operating results of an individual branch may differ from that of another branch for a variety of reasons, including market size, management practices, competitive landscape, regulatory requirements, and local economic conditions. As a result, certain of our branches may experience higher or lower levels of growth and profitability than other branches.

Previous wording

Additionally, to the extent artificial intelligence capabilities improve and are increasingly adopted, they may be used to identify vulnerabilities and craft increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity attacks. Attachments crafted with artificial intelligence tools could directly attack information systems with greater speed and/or efficiency than a human threat actor or create more effective phishing emails. Vulnerabilities may also be introduced from the use of artificial intelligence by us, our customers, suppliers, and other business partners and third-party providers. Use of artificial intelligence by us or such third parties, whether authorized or unauthorized, increases the risk that our intellectual property and other proprietary information will be unintentionally disclosed.

Current wording

Additionally, to the extent artificial intelligence capabilities continue to evolve and are increasingly adopted, they may be used to identify vulnerabilities and craft increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity attacks. Attachments crafted with artificial intelligence tools could directly attack information systems with greater speed and/or efficiency than a human threat actor or create more effective phishing emails. Vulnerabilities may also be introduced from the use of artificial intelligence by us, our customers, suppliers, and other business partners and third-party providers. Use of artificial intelligence by us or such third parties, whether authorized or unauthorized, increases the risk that our intellectual property and other proprietary information will be unintentionally disclosed.

Previous wording

We are subject to income and other taxes in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, as well as Canada. Changes in applicable U.S. or Canadian tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility of retroactive effect, could impact our tax expense and profitability. There may also be technical corrections or superseding legislation proposed with respect to tax laws, the risk of which may be elevated due to the current presidential administration, and the effect and timing cannot be predicted and may be adverse to us or our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. For example, on August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”), which contains a number of tax-related provisions, including, among others, a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax on book income of certain large corporations effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, and a 1% excise tax on corporate stock repurchases. The 1% excise tax on share repurchases applies to shares repurchased after December 31, 2022, subject to certain exceptions. We are unable to predict the full extent to which the IRA or other potential changes in the tax laws or changes in their interpretation could have a material adverse impact on our operating results. We have filed our tax returns in prior years based upon certain filing positions we believe are appropriate. If the Internal Revenue Service or state taxing authorities disagree with these filing positions, we may owe additional taxes.

Current wording

We are subject to income and other taxes in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, as well as Canada. Changes in applicable U.S. or Canadian tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility of retroactive effect, could impact our tax expense and profitability. There may also be technical corrections or superseding legislation proposed with respect to tax laws, the risk of which is uncertain in light of the 2024 election results, and the effect and timing cannot be predicted and may be adverse to us or our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. We are unable to predict the full extent to which potential changes in the tax laws or changes in their interpretation could have a material adverse impact on our operating results. We have filed our tax returns in prior years based upon certain filing positions we believe are appropriate. If the Internal Revenue Service or state taxing authorities disagree with these filing positions, we may owe additional taxes.

Previous wording

Acts of terrorism or war, public health emergencies, political or civil unrest and uncertainty, public health emergencies, and other catastrophes may disrupt commerce and undermine consumer confidence, which could negatively affect our sales by causing consumer spending to decline. Also, an act of terrorism or war, or the threat thereof, political or civil unrest or uncertainty, public health emergencies (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), and other catastrophes, could negatively affect our business by interfering with our ability to obtain products from our suppliers or distribute products to our customers.

Current wording

Acts of terrorism or war, public health emergencies, political or civil unrest and uncertainty, public health emergencies, and other catastrophes may disrupt commerce and undermine consumer confidence, which could negatively affect our sales by causing consumer spending to decline. Also, an act of terrorism or war, or the threat thereof, political or civil unrest or uncertainty, public health emergencies, and other catastrophes, could negatively affect our business by interfering with our ability to obtain products from our suppliers or distribute products to our customers.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had $379.0 million of total long-term consolidated indebtedness outstanding and $91.6 million of finance lease obligations excluding interest.

Current wording

As of December 29, 2024, we had $393.3 million of total long-term consolidated indebtedness outstanding and $130.6 million of finance lease obligations excluding interest.

Previous wording

SiteOne Landscape Supply Holding, LLC (“Landscape Holding”) and SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC (“Landscape”) are parties to (i) a credit agreement dated December 23, 2013, providing for an asset-based loan facility in the amount of up to $600.0 million, subject to availability under a borrowing base (as so amended, the “ABL Facility”) and (ii) an amended and restated credit agreement dated April 29, 2016, providing for a syndicated senior secured term loan facility, which had an outstanding balance of $369.6 million as of December 31, 2023 (as so amended, “the New Term Loans” and, together with the ABL Facility, the “Credit Facilities”).

Current wording

SiteOne Landscape Supply Holding, LLC (“Landscape Holding”) and SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC (“Landscape”) are parties to (i) a credit agreement dated December 23, 2013, providing for an asset-based loan facility in the amount of up to $600.0 million, subject to availability under a borrowing base (as so amended, the “ABL Facility”) and (ii) a second amended and restated credit agreement dated March 23, 2021, providing for a syndicated senior secured term loan facility, which had an outstanding balance of $392.7 million as of December 29, 2024 (as so amended, “the Tranche B Term Loans” and, together with the ABL Facility, the “Credit Facilities”).

Previous wording

Our indebtedness under the Credit Facilities bears interest at variable rates, and as a result, significant or prolonged periods of higher interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our indebtedness and could materially reduce our profitability and cash flows. The impact of significant or prolonged periods of higher interest rates could be more significant for us than it would be for some other companies because of our current indebtedness. As of December 31, 2023, an increase of one percentage point in interest rates would result in an increase of approximately $1.9 million in projected interest payments for the 2024 Fiscal Year based on the amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility and the New Term Loans that were not covered by our interest rate swap contracts.

Current wording

Our indebtedness under the Credit Facilities bears interest at variable rates, and as a result, significant or prolonged periods of higher interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our indebtedness and could materially reduce our profitability and cash flows. The impact of significant or prolonged periods of higher interest rates could be more significant for us than it would be for some other companies because of our current indebtedness. As of December 29, 2024, an increase of one percentage point in interest rates would result in an increase of approximately $4.0 million in projected interest payments for the 2025 Fiscal Year based on the amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility and the Tranche B Term Loans that were not covered by our interest rate swap contracts.

Previous wording

The final maturity date of the ABL Facility is July 22, 2027. The final maturity date of the New Term Loans is March 23, 2028. We may be unable to refinance any of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing, particularly because of our high levels of indebtedness. Market disruptions, such as those experienced in 2008 and 2020, as well as our significant indebtedness levels, may increase our cost of borrowing or adversely affect our ability to refinance our obligations as they become due. If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness or access additional credit, or if short-term or long-term borrowing costs dramatically increase, our ability to finance current operations and meet our short-term and long-term obligations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

The final maturity date of the ABL Facility is July 22, 2027. The final maturity date of the Tranche B Term Loans is March 22, 2030. We may be unable to refinance any of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing, particularly because of our high levels of indebtedness. Market disruptions, such as those experienced in 2020, as well as our significant indebtedness levels, may increase our cost of borrowing or adversely affect our ability to refinance our obligations as they become due. If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness or access additional credit, or if short-term or long-term borrowing costs dramatically increase, our ability to finance current operations and meet our short-term and long-term obligations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

•war, civil unrest, terrorist acts, and epidemic disease, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and unrest in the Middle East;

Current wording

•war, civil unrest, terrorist acts, and epidemic disease, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and other unrest in the Middle East;

Previous wording

Our third amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Charter”) and third amended and restated by-laws (“By-laws”) include a number of provisions that may discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control over us that stockholders may consider favorable. For example, our Charter and By-laws, collectively:

Current wording

Our fourth amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Charter”) and third amended and restated by-laws (“By-laws”) include a number of provisions that may discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control over us that stockholders may consider favorable. For example, our Charter and By-laws, collectively: