Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

ODP disclosed 34 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. ODP reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2024

Risk Distribution

32% Finance & Corporate

24% Production

15% Legal & Regulatory

12% Tech & Innovation

12% Ability to Sell

6% Macro & Political

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

2022

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

ODP Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q3, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 11 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 11 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Sep 2024

0Risks added

0Risks removed

0Risks changed

Since Sep 2024

Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 2

See the risk highlights of ODP in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 34

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 11/34 (32%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights2 | 5.9%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Our common stock price has been and may continue to be subject to volatility, and shareholders could incur substantial losses of any investment in our common stock.

Our common stock price has experienced volatility over time and this volatility may continue, in part due to factors mentioned in this Item 1A or due to other market-driven events beyond our control. As a result of these and other factors, investors in our common stock may not be able to resell their shares at or above their original purchase price.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Our amended and restated bylaws designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the "Chancery Court"), or, if the Chancery Court does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the district of Delaware or other state courts located in the State of Delaware, as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could discourage lawsuits against us and our directors and officers.

Pursuant to our amended and restated bylaws, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Chancery Court (or, if the Chancery Court does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware or other state courts of the State of Delaware) is the sole and exclusive forum for any shareholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring: (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors, officers or other employees to us or our shareholders, (3) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws, or (4) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except as to each of (1) through (4) above, for any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination). This forum selection provision may limit the ability of our shareholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such shareholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors and officers. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. In addition, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or any other claim for which the federal and state courts have concurrent jurisdiction. CYBERSECURITY Risk Management and Strategy The ODP Corporation maintains a comprehensive process for assessing, identifying and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats including risks relating to disruption of business operations or financial reporting systems, intellectual property theft; fraud; extortion; harm to employees or customers; damage to relationships; violation of privacy laws and other litigation and legal risk; and reputational risk; as part of our overall risk management system and processes. Cybersecurity is a critical component of our Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") process and we have established a cybersecurity and information security framework to help safeguard the confidentiality, integrity and access of our information assets and to ensure regulatory, contractual and operational compliance. This includes protection of customer and employee personally identifiable information ("PII") and company confidential information. We have a cybersecurity governance framework in place which is designed to protect information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. We deploy a multifaceted, in-depth digital security defense program to address digital security risks and vulnerabilities, and to protect company assets. The program is led by our Chief Information Security Officer ("CISO") and implemented by a team of trained cybersecurity professionals comprising associates and third parties that augment the team. Our cybersecurity program consists of controls designed to identify, protect against, detect, respond to and recover from information and cybersecurity incidents. Our CISO oversees the Company's approach to managing cybersecurity and digital risk and is supported by the Company's C-suite, officers and other Company leaders and regularly engages with cross-functional teams including finance, compliance, legal, and internal audit at the Company. We have a cybersecurity and information security framework that includes risk assessment and mitigation through a threat intelligence-driven approach and application of controls. The framework is based on International Organization for Standardizations ("ISO") 27001/27002 standards for general information technology controls. In addition, we utilize Center for Internet Security best practice standards, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cyber Security Framework for measuring overall readiness to respond to cyber threats, and Sarbanes-Oxley for assessment of internal controls. We utilize policies, software, training programs and hardware solutions to protect and monitor our environment, including multifactor authentication, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, vulnerability and penetration testing and identity management systems. Our information security and privacy policies are informed by regulatory requirements and are reviewed periodically for compliance and alignment with current state and federal laws and regulations. We comply with applicable industry security standards, including the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard ("PCI DSS"). As part of our cybersecurity and information security program, we regularly evaluate and audit (with internal audit) our controls and vulnerabilities. Risks are identified from various sources and we monitor our infrastructure and applications to identify evolving cyber threats, and mitigate risks. We maintain a security operations center to monitor our Security Information and Event Management system. Additionally, we maintain a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan, which is reviewed regularly, and provides a framework for handling and escalating cybersecurity incidents based on the severity of the incident and facilitates cross-functional coordination across the Company. We maintain a comprehensive global training and awareness program, provide annual security awareness education and training for employees and consultants, conduct internal "phishing" testing, and publish periodic cybersecurity newsletters providing relevant information on security topics and cybersecurity policies to help our associates and contractors extend our security mission throughout their day-to-day responsibilities and to help them make sound computing decisions. We also periodically conduct simulated cybersecurity incident exercises administered by a third-party cybersecurity consultant. Additionally, we carry industry-standard cybersecurity insurance, which we believe to be commensurate with our size and the nature of our operations, and regularly review our policy and levels of coverage based on current risks. In connection with our cybersecurity risk management processes, we incorporate internal and external expertise. For example, our CISO works in partnership with our internal audit department to review cybersecurity controls in the context of financial reporting as part of the overall internal controls process. We utilize third-party security companies to test for cyber vulnerabilities, to perform penetration tests periodically and to test incident response preparedness. Additionally, we conduct regular information technology reviews based on the SOC 2 audit framework, periodic cybersecurity "tabletop" exercises with the C-suite, the Board, and Company associates and Board cybersecurity education, all of which are administered by independent third parties. We engage outside counsel regarding cybersecurity issues such as regulatory compliance, materiality determinations, disclosure obligations and best practices for oversight, as needed. We also collaborate with our peers and partners in the areas of threat intelligence and vulnerability management. Cybersecurity risks related to third parties are managed as part of our third-party risk management program to assess risk from material vendors and suppliers. Additionally, we have developed information security processes applicable to third parties which are incorporated into our standard form contracts. As previously disclosed, our business strategy, results of operations and financial condition were negatively impacted by a malware incident that affected CompuCom, our previously-owned subsidiary, in March 2021. We sold our CompuCom Division through a single disposal group on December 31, 2021 and the financial impact of the malware incident was reflected within discontinued operations. For additional information, see "Risk Factors" within Other Key Information in this Annual Report. Governance

Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 5.9%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

There can be no assurance that we will resume paying cash dividends.

Decisions regarding dividends depend on a number of factors, including general business and economic conditions, our financial condition, operating results and restrictions imposed by our debt agreements, the emergence of alternative investment or acquisition opportunities, changes in business strategy and other factors. Decisions on dividends are within the discretion of the Board of Directors. In order to preserve liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of the uncertainties as to its duration and economic impact, in May 2020, our Board of Directors suspended the Company's quarterly cash dividend beginning in the second quarter of 2020. Our quarterly cash dividend remains suspended and we do not anticipate declaring cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Changes in or the elimination of dividends could have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

We have incurred significant impairment charges and we continue to incur impairment charges.

We regularly assess past performance and make estimates and projections of future performance at an individual store and reporting unit level. Reduced sales, our shift in strategy to be less price promotional, as well as competitive factors and changes in consumer spending habits resulted in a downward adjustment of anticipated future cash flows for the individual retail stores that resulted in the impairment. We continue to foresee challenges in the market and economy that could adversely impact our operations. To the extent that forward-looking sales and operating assumptions are not achieved and are subsequently reduced, or if we implement an aggressive store downsizing program in the future, additional impairment charges may result. We have also recognized impairment charges on retail store related assets, including operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets, that were deemed unrecoverable based on prior restructuring programs, including the current Maximize B2B program and a goodwill impairment in our Varis Division. In addition, asset impairments may be recognized based on future decisions and conditions as we continually evaluate the performance of our business units. Changes in the numerous variables associated with the judgments, assumptions and estimates we make, in assessing the appropriate valuation of our goodwill and other intangible assets of our reporting units, including changes resulting from macroeconomic, or disposition of components within reporting units, could in the future require a reduction of goodwill and recognition of related non-cash impairment charges. If we were required to further impair our store assets, our goodwill or intangible assets of our reporting units, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, if we experience a decline in our market capitalization in the future, and if the decline becomes sustained or future declines in macroeconomic factors or business conditions occur, we could incur impairment charges in future periods.

Debt & Financing1 | 2.9%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Covenants in our credit facility could adversely impact our operations.

Our asset-based credit facility contains a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant that is operative only when borrowing availability is below 10% of the Borrowing Base (as defined in Note 9. "Debt" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) or prior to a restricted transaction, such as incurring additional indebtedness, acquisitions, dispositions, dividends, or share repurchases if we do not have the required liquidity. The agreement governing our credit facility (the "Third Amended Credit Agreement" as defined in Note 9. "Debt" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) also contains representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and default provisions. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our Third Amended Credit Agreement. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our Third Amended Credit Agreement, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If the lenders were to accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay our asset-based credit facility and our other indebtedness. Also, should there be an event of default, or a need to obtain waivers following an event of default, we may be subject to higher borrowing costs and/or more restrictive covenants in future periods. Acceleration of our obligations under our credit facilities would permit the holders of our other material debt to accelerate their obligations. We were in compliance with all applicable covenants as of December 30, 2023.

Corporate Activity and Growth6 | 17.6%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Management

The cybersecurity risk management processes described above are managed by our CISO and a team of information security professionals. Our CISO has 9 years of experience in the role at the Company and holds a Certified Information Security Manager ("CISM") certification. In addition, our CISO has 10+ years of experience managing secure applications that are PCI DSS compliant and protect PII via application of information security policies/standards and risk management principles, along with 10+ years producing reduced risk, SOX, PCI, CCPA and Internal Audit compliant systems through application of control frameworks and governance structures. Our CISO reports to the Chief Technology Officer ("CTO") who, in partnership with the Chief Information Officer ("CIO"), is responsible for informing executive leadership regarding cybersecurity. The CISO also reports to the independent Audit Committee quarterly, as described below. The CISO leads a team of trained internal cybersecurity professionals addressing digital security risks, vulnerabilities and protecting company assets.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

Board of Directors

The independent Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is primarily responsible for the oversight of risks from cybersecurity and data privacy and is responsible for assessing the Company's business risk management process and policies pursuant to the committee charter. To fulfill this responsibility, the Audit Committee receives quarterly reports about cybersecurity risks from our CISO. These reports include information regarding the implementation and administration of our cybersecurity processes, cybersecurity governance processes, status of projects relating to cybersecurity, cybersecurity matters relating to any particular products or services, summaries of any material cybersecurity threats or incidents and responses thereto, regulatory updates, updates on cybersecurity trends and the results of any assessments performed by internal stakeholders or third-party advisors. Additionally, the Board of Directors retains responsibility for the oversight of our overall risk management systems and processes. The Board reviews the results of the annual Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") assessment and the mitigation of the risks identified, which includes the topic of cybersecurity. The Company's Risk Profile (derived from ERM assessment) is monitored throughout the year, and the Board and/or Audit Committee is updated, as necessary. Additionally, our CTO and CIO provide technology updates to the full Board quarterly, including governance and risk considerations of our information security program.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3

Our failure to effectively manage our real estate portfolio may negatively impact our operating results.

Effective management of our real estate portfolio is critical to our omni-channel strategy. Most of our properties are subject to long-term leases. As such, it is essential that we effectively evaluate a range of factors that may influence the success of our long-term real estate strategy. Such factors include but are not limited to: - changing patterns of customer consumption and behavior, particularly in light of an evolving omni-channel environment;- the appropriate number of retail stores in our portfolio;- the formats and sizes of our retail stores;- the locations of our retail stores;- the interior layouts of our retail stores;- the trade area demographics and economic data of each of our retail stores;- the local competitive positioning in and around our retail stores;- the primary term lease commitment for each retail store;- the long-term lease option coverage for each retail store;- the occupancy cost of our retail stores relative to market rents;- our supply chain network strategy; and - our ongoing network of service locations. The consequences for failure to effectively evaluate these factors or negotiate appropriate terms or anticipate changes could include: - having to close retail stores and abandon the related assets, while retaining the financial commitments of the leases;- incurring significant costs to remodel or transform our retail stores;- having retail stores, supply chain or service locations that no longer meet the needs of our business; and - bearing excessive lease expenses. These consequences could have a materially adverse impact on our profitability, cash flows and liquidity. For leased property, the financial impact of exiting a location varies greatly depending on, among other factors, the terms of the lease, the condition of the local real estate market, demand for the specific property, our relationship with the landlord and the availability of potential sub-lease tenants. It is difficult for us to influence some of these factors, and the costs of exiting a property can be significant. In addition to rent, we are still responsible for the maintenance, taxes, insurance and common area maintenance charges for vacant properties until the lease commitment expires or is terminated. Similarly, when we enter into a contract with a tenant to sub-lease property, we usually retain our obligations as the master lessor. This leaves us at risk for any remaining liability in the event of default by the sub-lease tenant.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4

The re-alignment of our operating and reporting structure into four business units may not result in the anticipated benefits.

The Company has recently undergone a re-alignment of its business to four operating divisions. We may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits and improvements in our operations from our strategic business transformation due to unforeseen difficulties, delays or unexpected costs. If we are not able to effectively execute on our strategic business transformation, we may not be able to offer attractive value-added services to our customers or capture greater market share. We may have limited experience in our newer market segments, and our customers may not adopt our product or service offerings. These offerings, which can present new and difficult technology challenges, may subject us to claims if customers of these offerings experience, or are otherwise impacted by, service disruptions, delays, setbacks, or failures or quality issues. In addition, profitability, if any, in our newer activities may not meet our expectations, and we may not be successful enough in these newer activities to recoup our investments in them, which investments are significant. Failure to realize the benefits of amounts we invest in new technologies, products, or services could result in the value of those investments being written down or written off. In addition, our strategic business transformation may be disruptive to our existing operations and, among other things, implementing our new business plan will require significant managerial attention, which may be diverted from our other operations. If we are unable to realize the expected operational efficiencies and scaling benefits from the re-alignment, our business, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5

If we are unable to successfully refine and execute our business strategies, our operating performance could be significantly impacted.

Our ability to both refine our operating and strategic plans and execute the business activities associated with our refined plans, including cost savings initiatives, could impact our ability to meet our operating performance targets. Our business strategy also includes making acquisitions and investments that complement our existing business as well as strategic divestitures to maximize value. These acquisitions and investments or divestitures could be unsuccessful or consume significant resources, which could adversely affect our operating results. Our ability to achieve the benefits we anticipate from acquisitions we make will depend in large part upon whether we are able to leverage the capabilities of the acquired companies to grow revenue across our combined organization, manage the acquired company's business, execute our strategy in an efficient and effective manner, integrate the acquired business effectively and realize anticipated cost synergies. In addition, private companies recently acquired which were previously not subject to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX"), may lack certain internal controls, which could ultimately affect our ability to ensure compliance with the requirements of SOX. Because our business and the business of acquired companies may differ operationally, we may not be able to effectively manage or oversee the operations of the acquired company's business smoothly or successfully and the process of achieving expected revenue growth and cost synergies may take longer than expected. If we are unable to successfully manage the operations of the acquired company's business, we may be unable to realize the revenue growth, cost synergies and other anticipated benefits we expect to achieve as a result of the acquisition. While our business strategy may contemplate divestitures of certain business units, we may not be able to complete these divestitures on terms favorable to us, on a timely basis, or at all. Furthermore, desired or proposed divestitures of business units may not meet all of our strategic objectives or our growth or profitability targets. Our divestiture activities, or related activities such as reorganizations, restructuring programs and transformation initiatives, may require us to recognize impairment charges or to take action to reduce costs that remain after we complete a divestiture. Gains or losses on the sales of, or lost operating income from those businesses may also affect our profitability.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 6

We may fail to realize the expected benefits of our strategic initiatives, including announced or potential future restructuring and transformation efforts.

In order to operate more efficiently and control costs, we recently announced our plans to make organizational restructuring changes to enhance operating results and increase shareholder returns. These plans include cost improvement actions across our entire enterprise, including our Varis Division, and optimizing our organizational structure to support future growth of our business. In addition, we began a strategic review of our Varis Division, which we expect to conclude by early May 2024. The failure to efficiently execute such initiatives as part of our business strategy could minimize the expected benefits to the organization resulting in potential impacts to ongoing operations and cost overruns. Additionally, our ability to achieve the benefits from these initiatives within the expected time frame is subject to many estimates and assumptions and other factors that we may not be able to control. We may also incur significant charges related to restructuring plans, which would reduce our profitability in the periods such charges are incurred. Due to the complexities inherent in implementing these types of cost reduction and restructuring activities, and the quarterly phasing of related investments, we may fail to realize expected efficiencies and benefits, such as the expected level of annual savings as a result of cost improvement actions, or may experience a delay in realizing such efficiencies and benefits, and our operations and business could be disrupted. Company management may be required to divert their focus to managing these disruptions. Risks associated with these actions and other workforce management issues include delays in implementation of anticipated workforce reductions, additional unexpected costs, changes in restructuring plans that increase or decrease the number of employees affected, adverse effects on employee morale, and the failure to meet operational targets due to the loss of employees, any of which may impair our ability to achieve anticipated cost reductions or may otherwise harm our business, and could have a material adverse effect on our sales growth and other results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, or competitive position.

Production

Total Risks: 8/34 (24%)Above Sector Average

Manufacturing1 | 2.9%

Manufacturing - Risk 1

Product safety and quality concerns could have a material adverse impact on our revenue and profitability.

If the products we sell fail to meet applicable safety standards or our customers' expectations regarding safety and quality, we could be exposed to increased legal risk and our reputation may be damaged. Failure to take appropriate actions in relation to product recalls could lead to breaches in laws and regulations and leave us susceptible to government enforcement actions or private litigation. Recalls of products, particularly when combined with lack of available alternatives or our difficulty in sourcing sufficient volumes of replacement products, could also have a material adverse impact on our revenue and profitability.

Employment / Personnel2 | 5.9%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

Increases in wage and benefit costs, changes in laws and other labor regulations could impact our financial results and cash flow.

Our expenses relating to employee labor, including employee health benefits, are significant. Our ability to control our employee and related labor costs is generally subject to numerous external factors, including prevailing wage rates, legislative and private sector initiatives regarding healthcare reform, and adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations. Recently, various legislative movements have sought to increase the federal minimum wage in the United States and the minimum wage in a number of individual states, some of which have been successful at the state level. As federal or state minimum wage rates increase, we may need to increase not only the wage rates of our minimum wage employees, but also the wages paid to our other employees as well. Further, should we fail to increase our wages competitively in response to increasing wage rates, the quality of our workforce could decline, causing our customer service to suffer. Any increase in the cost of our labor could have an adverse effect on our operating costs, financial condition and results of operations. The potential for unionization has increased nationwide. Although none of our U.S.-based employees are currently covered under a collective bargaining agreement, and our management believes that our employee relations are good, our employees may elect to seek to be represented by labor unions in the future. For example, in May 2023, a union filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to represent certain employees at our Grand Prairie, Texas distribution center. Subsequently, the group of employees voted to not be represented by the union. Additionally, one of our competitors recently faced a union election in another state. Significant union representation would require us to negotiate wages, salaries, benefits and other terms with many of our employees collectively and could adversely affect our results of operations by significantly increasing our labor costs or otherwise restricting our ability to maximize the efficiency of our operations. In addition, our responses to any union organizing efforts or a labor dispute involving some or all of our employees may harm our reputation. We also have employees in Canada and Asia and are required to comply with laws and regulations in those countries that may differ substantially from country to country, requiring significant management attention and cost.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel could have an adverse impact on our business.

Our performance is highly dependent on attracting, retaining and engaging appropriately qualified employees in our retail stores, distribution centers, field and corporate offices. The market for qualified employees, with the right talent and competencies, is highly competitive. Factors that affect our ability to maintain sufficient numbers of qualified employees include employee morale, our reputation, unemployment rates, competition from other employers, availability of qualified personnel and our ability to offer appropriate compensation and benefits packages. We operate in a competitive labor market and there is a risk that market increases in compensation and benefits costs could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. Failure to recruit or retain qualified employees, and the inability to keep our supply of skills and resources in balance with customer demand, may impair our efficiency and effectiveness, our ability to pursue growth opportunities and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, a significant amount of turnover of our executive team or other employees in key positions with specific knowledge relating to us, our operations and our industry, may negatively impact our operations. We depend on our executive management team and other key personnel, and the inability to recruit and retain certain personnel could adversely affect our performance and result in the loss of management continuity and institutional knowledge. From time to time, there may be changes in our senior management team resulting from the termination or departure of executives. In September 2023, we announced that Mr. Smith, our CEO, was taking a medical leave of absence, and Joseph S. Vassalluzzo, non-executive Chairman of our Board of Directors, would assume Mr. Smith's authority and responsibilities until Mr. Smith's return from medical leave. Although Mr. Smith has resumed his duties and responsibilities as of February 1, 2024, the loss of the services of our senior management, particularly Mr. Smith, or other key employees for any reason could significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our development and strategic objectives and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although certain members of our executive team have entered into agreements relating to their employment with us, most of our key personnel are not bound by employment agreements, and those with employment or retention agreements are bound only for a limited period of time and enforceability of the non-compete provisions of those employment agreements is declining. If we are unable to retain our key personnel or restrict the manner in which they may be employed by our competitors, we may be unable to successfully develop and implement our business plans, which may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Supply Chain3 | 8.8%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

Our exclusive brand products are subject to several additional product, supply chain and legal risks that could affect our operating results.

We sell a substantial number of products under our own brands including Office Depot, OfficeMax and other proprietary brands where we are the importer of record. While we have focused on the quality of our proprietary branded products, we rely on third parties to manufacture these products. Such third-party manufacturers may prove to be unreliable, the quality of our globally sourced products may vary from our expectations and standards, such products may not meet applicable regulatory requirements which may require us to recall those products, or such products may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties. The manufacturers and related factories of these products may fail to comply with global social responsibility regulations. As the importer of record and private labeler, there are increased regulatory reporting and compliance risks, including customs compliance, global social responsibilities, country of origin, chemical compliance, product liability, advertising and labeling. Though we seek indemnities from the manufacturers of these products, the uncertainty of realization of any such indemnity and the lack of understanding of U.S. laws in certain foreign jurisdictions make it more likely that we may have to respond to claims or complaints from our customers.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

Our business may be adversely affected by the actions of and risks related to the activities of our third-party vendors.

We purchase products for resale under credit arrangements with our vendors and have been able to negotiate payment terms that are approximately equal in length to the time it takes to sell the vendor's products. When the global economy is experiencing weakness as it has in the past, vendors may seek credit insurance to protect against non-payment of amounts due to them. If we experience declining operating performance and severe liquidity challenges, vendors may demand that we accelerate our payment for their products or require cash on delivery, which could have an adverse impact on our operating cash flow and result in severe stress on our liquidity. Borrowings under our existing credit facility could reach maximum levels under such circumstances, causing us to seek alternative liquidity measures, but we may not be able to meet our obligations as they become due until we secure such alternative measures. We use and resell many manufacturers' branded items and services. We rely on key vendors who may have a large market share of the categories of products and services that we resell in order to provide best in class solutions to our customers. As a result, we are dependent on the availability and pricing of key products and services, including but not limited to ink, toner, paper and technology products and key vendors could change their business strategies or models and no longer offer products or services of value to our customers. As a reseller, we cannot control the supply, design, function, cost or vendor-required conditions of sale of many of the products we offer for sale. Disruptions in the availability of these products or the products and services we provide to our customers coupled with our inability to quickly pivot and find new products and services to our portfolio of offerings may adversely affect our sales and result in customer dissatisfaction. Further, we cannot control the cost of manufacturers' products, and cost increases must either be passed along to our customers or will result in erosion of our earnings. Failure to identify desirable products and make them available to our customers when desired and at attractive prices could have an adverse effect on our business and our results of operations. In addition, a material interruption in service by the carriers that ship goods within our supply chain may adversely affect our sales. Many of our vendors are small or medium-sized businesses which are impacted by current macroeconomic conditions, both in the U.S., Asia and other locations. We may have no warning before a vendor fails, which may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We also engage key third-party business partners to support various functions of our business, including but not limited to, information technology, web hosting and cloud-based services, human resource operations, customer loyalty programs, gift cards, customer warranty, delivery and installation, technical support, transportation and insurance programs. Any material disruption in our relationship with key third-party business partners or any disruption in the services or systems provided or managed by third parties, including as a result of denial-of-service, ransomware or other cyber attacks, could impact our revenues and cost structure and hinder our operations, particularly if a disruption occurs during peak revenue periods.

Supply Chain - Risk 3

Disruption of global sourcing activities, evolving foreign trade policy (including tariffs imposed on certain foreign made goods) could negatively impact the cost and availability of our products and services.

Economic and civil unrest in areas of the world where we source products and services, as well as shipping and dockage issues, could adversely impact the availability or cost of our products and services, or both. Most of our goods imported to the U.S. arrive from Asia through ports located on the U.S. west coast and we are therefore subject to potential disruption due to labor unrest, security issues or natural disasters affecting any or all of these ports. In addition, we purchase and source products from a wide variety of suppliers, including from suppliers overseas, particularly in China where we maintain a global sourcing office to facilitate product sourcing. Diplomatic tensions between China and the U.S. and developments in Hong Kong and Taiwan, alongside other potential areas of tension, may affect us by creating regulatory, reputational and market risks. These and any future measures and countermeasures that may be taken by the U.S. or China may increase our cost of goods sold or reduce the supply of the products available to us. There is no assurance that any such increased costs could be passed on to our customers, or that we could find alternative products from other sources at comparable prices. To the extent that we are subject to more challenging regulatory environments and enhanced legal and regulatory requirements, such exposure could have a material adverse effect on our business, including the added cost of increased compliance measures that we may determine to be necessary. In light of the trade tensions between the U.S. and China, we have incurred incremental costs related to trade tariffs on inventory we purchase from China, but such costs have not had a material impact on our results of operations. We continue to monitor and evaluate the potential impact of the effective and proposed tariffs as well as other recent changes in foreign trade policy on our supply chain, costs, sales and profitability and have implemented strategies to mitigate such impact, including changes to our contracting model, alternative sourcing strategies and selective price increase pass-through efforts. If any of these events continue as described, they could disrupt the movement of products through our supply chain or increase their cost. In addition, we are in the process of diversifying our sourcing options outside Asia and executing this diversification plan introduces risk, including cybersecurity, global social responsibilities, product quality assurance and compliance, operations, and logistics. Further, a larger scale sourcing shift will be time-consuming and difficult or impracticable for many products and may result in an increase in our manufacturing costs. Substantial regulatory uncertainty exists regarding foreign trade and trade policy, both in the United States and abroad. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, retaliatory tariffs, or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for our products, our costs, our customers, our suppliers, and/or the U.S. economy, which in turn could adversely impact our results of operations and business.

Costs2 | 5.9%

Costs - Risk 1

Increases in fuel and other commodity prices could have an adverse impact on our earnings.

We operate a large network of retail stores, distribution centers, and delivery vehicles. As such, we purchase significant amounts of fuel needed to transport products to our retail stores and customers as well as shipping costs to import products from overseas. Additionally, the performance of certain of our divisions is dependent upon market conditions in the transportation and logistics industry, including fluctuations in fuel costs. While we may hedge our anticipated fuel purchases, the underlying commodity costs associated with this transport activity is beyond our control and may be volatile. Recently, the supply and availability of fuel in markets in which we operate have experienced increased volatility and have led to changes in fuel prices. Disruptions in availability of fuel or future increases in the price of fuel could cause our operating costs to rise significantly to the extent not covered by our hedges and could have a negative impact on our ability to operate our transportation networks. Additionally, other commodity prices, such as paper, may increase and we may not be able to pass along such costs to our customers. Fluctuations in the availability or cost of our energy and other commodity prices could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

Costs - Risk 2

Increased transportation costs and changes in the relationships with independent shipping companies may have an adverse effect on our business.

We rely upon third-party carriers for timely delivery of certain product shipments. As a result, we are subject to carrier disruptions and increased costs due to factors that are beyond our control, including employee strikes, labor organization, inclement weather and increased labor and fuel costs. Any failure to deliver products to our customers in a timely and accurate manner may damage our reputation and brand and may cause us to lose customers. If our relationship with any of these third-party carriers is terminated or impaired, or if any of these third parties are unable to ship products for us, we would be required to use alternative, and possibly more expensive, carriers for the shipment of products. We may be unable to engage alternative carriers on a timely basis or on terms favorable to us, if at all, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Changes in shipping terms, or the inability of these third-party shippers to perform effectively (whether as a result of mechanical failure, casualty loss, labor stoppage, insolvency, or any other reason), may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Additionally, deterioration of the financial condition of these third-party carriers may have an adverse effect on our shipping costs. Any future increases in shipping rates may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, particularly if we are unable to pass on these higher costs to our customers.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 5/34 (15%)Below Sector Average

Regulation1 | 2.9%

Regulation - Risk 1

Changes in the regulatory environment and violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws may negatively impact our business.

We are subject to regulations relating to our corporate conduct and the conduct of our business, including securities laws, consumer protection laws, hazardous material regulations, trade regulations, advertising regulations, privacy and cybersecurity laws, regulations relating to climate change and chemical compliance and wage and hour regulations and anti-corruption legislation. Certain jurisdictions have taken a particularly aggressive stance with respect to such matters and have implemented new initiatives and reforms, including more stringent regulations, disclosure and compliance requirements. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in anti-bribery law enforcement activity with more frequent and aggressive investigations and enforcement proceedings by both the Department of Justice and the SEC, increased enforcement activity by non-U.S. regulators and increases in criminal and civil proceedings brought against companies and individuals. Our policies mandate compliance with all anti-bribery laws. However, we operate in certain countries that are recognized as having governmental and commercial corruption. Our internal control policies and procedures may not always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or third-party intermediaries. Violations of these anti-bribery laws may result in criminal or civil sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 5.9%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

We are subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks.

We are involved in various legal proceedings, which from time to time may involve class action lawsuits, state and federal governmental inquiries, audits and investigations, environmental matters, employment, tort, state false claims act, data and privacy laws, consumer litigation and intellectual property litigation. At times, such matters may involve directors and/or executive officers. Additionally, the regulatory environment is more active. Certain of these legal proceedings, including government investigations, may be a significant distraction to management and could expose our Company to significant liability, including settlement expenses, damages, fines, penalties, attorneys' fees and costs, and non-monetary sanctions, including suspensions and debarments from doing business with certain government agencies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. For a description of our legal proceedings, refer to Note 15. "Contingencies" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2

We have retained responsibility for liabilities of acquired companies that may adversely affect our financial results.

OfficeMax sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering certain terminated employees, vested employees, retirees, and some active employees (the "Pension Plans"). The Pension Plans are frozen and do not allow new entrants; however, they are under-funded, and we may be required to make contributions in subsequent years in order to maintain required funding levels. Required future contributions could have an adverse impact on our cash flows and our financial results. Additional future contributions to the Pension Plans, financial market performance and Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") funding requirements could materially change these expected payments. As part of the sale of our business in Europe, we have retained responsibility for the defined benefit plan covering certain employees in the United Kingdom. In July 2023, in accordance with applicable UK pension regulations, Trustees of the UK pension plan entered into an agreement with an insurer for the bulk annuity purchase of the plan, covering 100% of the plan's members. This agreement, or buy-in, resulted in an exchange of plan assets for an annuity that covers the plan's future projected benefit obligations. The benefit obligation was not transferred to the insurer, and we remain responsible for paying pension benefits until a buy-out of the plan is completed, which is expected to occur in 2025. However, should an unexpected issue arise, or the buy-out cannot be completed, there could be consequences which adversely impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In addition, as part of the European business sale transaction, the purchaser shall indemnify and hold us harmless in connection with any guarantees in place as of September 23, 2016, and given by us in respect of the liabilities or obligations of the European business. Further, if the purchaser wishes to terminate any such guarantee or cease to comply with any underlying obligation which is subject to such a guarantee, the purchaser shall obtain an unconditional and irrevocable release of the guarantee. However, we are contingently liable in the event of a breach by the purchaser of any such obligation. In connection with OfficeMax's sale of its paper, forest products and timberland assets in 2004, OfficeMax agreed to assume responsibility for certain liabilities of the businesses sold. These obligations include liabilities related to environmental, asbestos, health and safety, tax, litigation and employee benefit matters. Some of these retained liabilities could turn out to be significant, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Our exposure to these liabilities could harm our ability to compete with other office products distributors who would not typically be subject to similar liabilities.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 2.9%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

Changes in tax laws in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate can cause fluctuations in our overall tax rate impacting our reported earnings.

Our tax rate is derived from a combination of applicable tax rates in the various domestic and international jurisdictions in which we operate. While we have disposed of the majority of our international businesses, we remain subject to international taxes as part of our existing operations. Depending upon the sources of our income, any agreements we may have with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions, and the tax filing positions we take in these jurisdictions, our overall tax rate may fluctuate significantly from other companies or even our own past tax rates. In addition, changes in applicable U.S. or foreign tax laws and regulations, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility of retroactive effect, could affect our tax expense and profitability. At any given point in time, we base our estimate of an annual effective tax rate upon a calculated mix of the tax rates applicable to us and to estimates of the amount of income likely to be generated in any given geography. The loss of or modification to one or more agreements with taxing jurisdictions, whether as a result of a third-party challenge, negotiation, or otherwise, a change in the mix of our business from year to year and from country to country, changes in rules related to accounting for income taxes, changes in tax laws in any of the multiple jurisdictions in which we operate, changes in valuation allowances, or adverse outcomes from the tax audits that regularly are in process in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate could result in substantial volatility, including an unfavorable change in our overall tax rate and/or our effective tax rate. On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the "IR Act") was signed into federal law. Effective January 1, 2023, the 1% U.S. federal excise tax included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 applied to certain repurchases of stock by publicly traded U.S. domestic corporations and certain U.S. domestic subsidiaries of publicly traded foreign corporations. Under the new excise tax requirements, we may be subject to the 1% excise tax (rather than our shareholders) in connection with certain of our repurchases. The foregoing would cause a reduction in our cash available on hand.

Environmental / Social1 | 2.9%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

Legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change, could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

There has been increased focus by federal, international, state and local regulatory and legislative bodies to combat and/or limit the effects of climate change through a variety of means, including regulating greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions (and the establishment of enhanced internal processes or systems to track them), policies mandating or promoting the use of renewable or zero-carbon energy and sustainability initiatives, and additional taxes on fuel and energy. If legislation or regulations are enacted or promulgated in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which we do business that impose more stringent restrictions and requirements than our current legal or regulatory obligations, we and companies in our supply chain may experience increased compliance burdens and costs to meet the regulatory obligations, which could cause disruption in the sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of our products and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, the impacts of climate change and chemical compliance initiatives by our corporate and public sector customers may further influence customer preferences and requirements, such as increased demand for products with lower environmental footprints, compliance with customers' restricted chemical lists and/or beyond restricted substances lists for products they are purchasing, and for companies to produce and demonstrate progress against GHG reduction plans and targets. Failure to provide climate-friendly products, demonstrate GHG reductions, and/or comply with B2B customers' chemical compliance standards could potentially result in loss of market share.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 4/34 (12%)Below Sector Average

Innovation / R&D2 | 5.9%

Innovation / R&D - Risk 1

Our focus on new business offerings exposes us to certain risks and requires significant continued investment that could have a material adverse impact on our revenue and profitability as well as our reputation.

Our transformation into an integrated distribution platform of business services and products, including supply chain, distribution, procurement, global sourcing and our new digital procurement platform can differentiate us from many of our competitors and provide an opportunity to deliver superior customer service while generating additional revenue and profit. However, designing, marketing and executing these services successfully and consistently is subject to risks. These risks include, for example: - increased labor expense to fulfill our customer promises, which may be higher than the related revenue;- intense competition in the marketplace;- lack of brand recognition; and - need for continued investment of our technology and infrastructure. Our ability to compete successfully depends on our ability to ensure a continuing and timely introduction of innovative new products, services and technologies to the marketplace. If we are unable to pivot into a more business services-driven platform and sell innovative new products, our ability to gain a competitive advantage could be adversely affected. These expanded risks increase the complexity of our business and places significant responsibility on our management, employees, operations, systems, technical expertise, financial resources, and internal financial and regulatory control and reporting functions. In addition, new initiatives we test through trials and pilots may not scale or grow effectively or as we expected, which could limit our growth and negatively affect our operating results. In order to continue to grow external sales, we continue to invest significant resources in developing new technology and capabilities to meet customers' needs. The growth of these initiatives may also expose us to laws or regulations that are beyond our current expertise.

Innovation / R&D - Risk 2

If we are unable to successfully maintain a relevant experience for our customers, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

With the increasing use of digital technology to shop in our retail stores and online, we rely on our omni-channel capabilities to provide a seamless shopping experience to our customers and to keep pace with new developments by our competitors. If we are unable to attract and retain team members or contract third parties with the specialized skills needed to support our omni-channel platforms or are unable to implement improvements to our customer-facing technology in a timely manner, our ability to compete and our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, if our website and our other customer-facing technology systems do not function as designed, the customer experience could be negatively affected, resulting in a reduction of the amount of traffic in our stores, a loss of customer confidence and satisfaction, and lost sales, which could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations. Moreover, changes in customer preferences have reduced, and may continue to reduce, demand for our products and services in certain markets. If we fail to manage changes in our relationships with our long-term customers, it may have an adverse effect on our financial results. Many end markets are experiencing changes due to technological progress, an evolving workplace and changes in customer preferences. In order to grow and remain competitive, we will need to continue to adapt to future changes in technology, enhance our existing offerings and introduce new offerings to address the changing demands of customers. If we are unable to continue to utilize new and existing technologies to adapt to new distribution methods and address changing customer preferences, our business may be adversely affected. Technological developments and changing demands of customers may require additional investment in new equipment and technologies. We must monitor changes in markets and develop new solutions to meet customers' needs, otherwise we may not be able to keep or grow our customer base. The development of such solutions may be costly and there is no assurance that these solutions will be accepted by our customers. If we are unable to adapt to technological changes on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost, customers' demand for our products and services may be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that our customers will continue to purchase our products in the same mix or quantities or on the same terms as in the past. The loss of or disruptions related to customers may result in a reduction in sales or change in the mix of products we sell to our customers. This may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Additionally, disputes with significant suppliers, including those related to pricing or performance, may adversely affect our ability to supply products to our customers and also our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Cyber Security1 | 2.9%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

A breach of our information technology systems could adversely affect our reputation, business partner and customer relationships and operations and result in high costs.

Through our sales, marketing activities, and use of third-party information, we collect and store certain personally identifiable information that our customers provide to purchase products or services, enroll in promotional programs, register on our website, or otherwise communicate and interact with us. This may include, but is not limited to, names, addresses, phone numbers, driver license numbers, e-mail addresses, contact preferences, personally identifiable information stored on electronic devices, and payment account information, including credit and debit card information. We also gather and retain information about our employees in the normal course of business. We may share information about such persons with vendors that assist with certain aspects of our business. In addition, our online operations depend upon the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks, such as information permitting cashless payments. Furthermore, the integration of generative artificial intelligence ("AI") capabilities into our business processes and systems may contribute to increased cyber risks. We have instituted safeguards for the protection of such information and invested considerable resources, including insurance to cover cyber liabilities, in protecting our systems. These security measures may be compromised as a result of third-party security breaches, burglaries, cyber-attack, errors by our employees or the employees of third-party vendors, faulty password management, misappropriation of data by employees, vendors or unaffiliated third parties, or other irregularity, and result in persons obtaining unauthorized access to our data or accounts. Despite instituted safeguards for the protection of such information, we cannot be certain that all of our systems and those of our vendors and unaffiliated third parties are entirely free from vulnerability to attack or compromise given that the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently. We have experienced and we expect to continue to experience attempts to breach our systems, none of which has been material to the Company as a whole to date, and we may be unable to protect sensitive data and the integrity of our systems or to prevent fraudulent purchases. We are also subject to data privacy and security laws and regulations, the number and complexity of which are increasing globally, and despite reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that we will not be the subject of enforcement or other legal actions in the event of an incident. The rapid evolution and increased adoption of AI technologies and our obligations to comply with emerging AI laws and regulations may require us to develop additional AI-specific governance programs or negatively impact our ability to use such technologies. Moreover, an alleged or actual security breach that affects our systems or results in the unauthorized release of personally identifiable information could: - materially damage our reputation and brand, negatively affect customer satisfaction and loyalty, expose us to negative publicity, individual claims or consumer class actions, administrative, civil or criminal investigations or actions, and infringe on proprietary information; and - cause us to incur substantial costs, including but not limited to costs associated with remediation for stolen assets or information, payments of customer incentives for the maintenance of business relationships after an attack, litigation costs, lost revenues resulting from unauthorized use of proprietary information or the failure to retain or attract customers following an attack, and increased cyber security protection costs. While we maintain insurance coverage that may, subject to policy terms and conditions, cover certain aspects of our cyber risks, such insurance coverage may be unavailable or insufficient to cover our losses or all types of claims that may arise in the continually evolving area of cyber risk. Although all of our divisions are exposed to these types of security risks, a successful cyber-attack, security breach, disruption or other incident could have a larger impact on divisions launching new product offerings by damaging reputation or brand and negatively affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty at an early stage in the business. Additionally, for divisions with newer technological offerings or new technology integrated into their operations, exposure to security risks may have a greater impact on operations.

Technology1 | 2.9%

Technology - Risk 1

Disruptions of the computer systems we use could adversely affect our operations.

We rely heavily on computer systems to process transactions, including delivery of technology services, manage our inventory and supply-chain and to summarize and analyze our global business. In addition, when our website and our other customer-facing technology systems do not function as designed, our business could be negatively affected, resulting in a loss of customer confidence and satisfaction, and lost sales, which could adversely affect our reputation and result of operations. Various components of our information technology and computer systems, including hardware, networks, and software, are licensed to us and hosted by third-party vendors. Our systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, cyber-attack or other security breaches, catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, acts of war or terrorism, and usage errors by our employees. We carry insurance, including cyber insurance, which we believe to be commensurate with our size and the nature of our operations and expect that a portion of these costs may be covered by insurance. If our computer systems are damaged or cease to function properly in the future, or, if we do not replace or upgrade certain systems, we may incur substantial costs to repair or replace them and may experience an interruption of our normal business activities or loss of critical data. We maintain and periodically upgrade many of these systems that increase productivity and efficiency. If these systems are not properly maintained or enhanced, the attention of our workforce could be diverted and our ability to provide the level of service our customers demand could be constrained for some time. Failure to make such investments could limit our ability to compete against our peers that are investing in these areas. Further, new systems might not properly integrate with existing systems. Also, once implemented, when new systems and technology do not provide the intended efficiencies or anticipated benefits, it could add costs and complications to our ongoing operations.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 4/34 (12%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 2.9%

Competition - Risk 1

Our business is highly competitive and failure to adequately differentiate ourselves or respond to shifting consumer demands could continue to adversely impact our financial performance.

The office products market is highly competitive and we compete locally, domestically and internationally with office supply resellers, including Staples, Internet-based companies such as Amazon.com, mass merchandisers such as Walmart and Target, wholesale clubs such as Costco, Sam's Club and BJs, computer and electronics superstores such as Best Buy, food and drug stores, discount stores, and direct marketing companies. Some competitors may offer a broader assortment of products or have more extensive e-commerce channels, while others have substantially greater financial resources to devote to sourcing, marketing and selling their products. The ability of consumers to compare prices on a real-time basis using digital technology puts additional pressure on us to maintain competitive pricing. In addition, consumers are utilizing more technology and purchasing less paper, ink and toner, physical file storage and general office supplies. In order to achieve and maintain expected profitability levels, we must continue to grow by adding new customers and taking market share from competitors. If we are not able to compete effectively, it could negatively affect our business and results of operations. Consumers and businesses continue to focus on delivery services, with customers increasingly seeking faster, guaranteed delivery times and low-price or free shipping. Our ability to be competitive on delivery times and delivery costs depends on many factors, and our failure to successfully manage these factors and offer competitive delivery options could negatively impact the demand for our products and our profit margins. Because our business strategy is based on offering superior levels of customer service and a full range of services to complement the products we offer, our cost structure might be higher than some of our competitors, and this, in conjunction with price transparency, could put pressure on our margins.

Demand1 | 2.9%

Demand - Risk 1

Our quarterly operating results are subject to fluctuation due to the seasonality of our business.

Our business experiences a certain level of seasonality with sales generally trending lower in the second quarter, following the "back-to-business" sales cycle in the first quarter and preceding the "back-to-school" sales cycle in the third quarter and the holiday sales cycle in the fourth quarter. As a result, our operating results have fluctuated from quarter to quarter in the past, with sales and profitability being generally stronger in the second half of our fiscal year than the first half of our fiscal year. Factors that could also cause these quarterly fluctuations include: the pricing behavior of our competitors; the types and mix of products sold; the level of advertising and promotional expenses; severe weather; global pandemic; macroeconomic factors that affect consumer confidence and spending; and the other risk factors described in this section. Most of our operating expenses, such as occupancy costs and associate salaries, are not variable, and so short-term adjustments to reflect quarterly results are difficult. As a result, if sales in certain quarters are significantly below expectations, we may not be able to proportionately reduce operating expenses for that quarter, and therefore such a sales shortfall would have an adverse effect on our net income for the quarter.

Sales & Marketing1 | 2.9%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

We do a significant amount of business with government entities, various purchasing consortiums, and through sole- or limited- source distribution arrangements, and loss of this business could negatively impact our results.

One of our largest customer groups consists of various governmental entities, government agencies and non-profit organizations, such as purchasing consortiums. Contracting with U.S. state and local governments is highly competitive and complex, subject to federal and state procurement laws, requires more restrictive contract terms and compliance measures, and can be expensive and time-consuming. Violations of these laws and regulations and/or inadvertent non-compliance with complex contractual terms or disagreements regarding interpretations of those terms could result in liabilities, fines, criminal sanctions, the inability to participate in existing or future government contracting and other administrative sanctions. Any such penalties could result in damage to the Company's reputation, increased costs of compliance and/or remediation and could adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, bidding on government contracts often requires that we incur significant upfront time and expense without any assurance that we will win a contract. Our ability to compete successfully for and retain business with federal, state and local governments is highly dependent on cost-effective performance. Our business with governmental entities and agencies is also sensitive to changes in national and international priorities and their respective budgets, which in the current economy continue to decrease. We also service a substantial amount of business through agreements with purchasing consortiums and other sole- or limited-source distribution arrangements. If we are unsuccessful in retaining these customers, or if there is a significant reduction in sales under any of these arrangements, it could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Brand / Reputation1 | 2.9%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

Failure to maintain our reputation and brand at a high level, may adversely impact our financial performance.

Effective marketing efforts play a crucial role in maintaining our reputation to attract new customers and retain existing customers. Failure to execute effective marketing efforts or misjudgment of consumer responses to our existing or future promotional activities, may adversely impact our financial performance. Failure to detect, prevent, or mitigate issues that might give rise to reputational risk or failure to adequately address negative publicity or perceptions could adversely impact our reputation, business, results of operations, and financial condition. Issues that might pose a reputational risk include an inability to achieve our omni-channel goals, including providing an e-commerce and delivery experience that meets the expectations of consumers; failure of our cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches; product liability and product recalls; social media activity; perception of engaging in politicized or controversial issues; failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations; and any of the other risks enumerated in these risk factors. In addition, information concerning us, whether or not true, may be instantly and easily posted on social media platforms at any time, which information may be adverse to our reputation or brand. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction. If our reputation or brand is damaged, our customers may refuse to continue shopping with us, potential employees may be unwilling to work for us, business partners may be discouraged from seeking future business dealings with us and, as a result, our operations and financial results may suffer. Veyer and Varis, as developing business units, have different branding and reputational requirements. The failure to identify and execute effective marketing and branding could adversely affect a new business disproportionately compared to well-known brands in the ability to attract new customers and in turn, drive revenue.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 2/34 (6%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment1 | 2.9%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Macroeconomic conditions have and may continue to adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Our operating results and performance depend significantly on economic conditions and their impact on business and consumer spending. In the past, the decline in business and consumer spending has caused our comparable retail store sales, sales on our eCommerce platform, and ODP BSD sales to decline from prior periods. The global macroeconomic outlook continues to remain uncertain due to a variety of factors, including geopolitical instability, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, fuel costs, and inflation related to increased occupancy, raw materials and other costs, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may continue, all of which may continue to exacerbate many of the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section, any of which could have a material effect on us. Our business and financial performance may continue to be adversely affected by current and future economic conditions, including, without limitation, the level of consumer debt, high levels of unemployment, higher interest rates and the ability of our customers to obtain credit, which may cause a continued or further decline in business and consumer spending. In addition, a weaker U.S. economy, higher unemployment and/or inflation on essential goods will materially impact consumer spending. Decreased foot traffic at our stores and declining financial performance of or product demand from our business customers has and will continue to adversely impact future sales. The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread impacts on global society, economies, financial markets and consumer and business spending. Given that businesses still continue remote and hybrid working arrangements, this has impacted and will continue to impact our business and the demand for our products, particularly for our business units which serve business customers.

Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 2.9%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Catastrophic events could adversely affect our operating results.

The risk or actual occurrence of one or more catastrophic events could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance. Such events may be caused by, for example: - natural disasters or extreme weather events such as climate change, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes;- diseases, epidemics or pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) that may affect our employees, customers or partners;- floods, fire or other catastrophes affecting our properties;- the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the conflict in the Middle East, terrorism or cyberterrorism, geopolitical tensions in China, civil unrest or other conflicts; or - extended power outages. The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may continue to have, a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. Such catastrophic events could result in physical damage to, or complete loss of, one or more of our properties, the closure of one of more stores, the lack of an adequate work force in the market, changes in the purchasing patterns of consumers (including the frequency of visits by consumers to physical retail locations, whether as a result of limitations on large gatherings, travel and movement limitations or otherwise) and in consumers' disposable income, the temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of products from some suppliers, the disruption in the transport of goods from overseas, the disruption or delay in the delivery of goods to our distribution and fulfillment centers or stores within the country, the reduction in the availability of products in our stores and can disrupt or disable portions of our supply chain and distribution network. They can also affect our information systems, resulting in disruption to various aspects of our operations, including our ability to transact with customers and fulfill orders. Furthermore, the long-term impacts of climate change, whether involving physical risks (such as extreme weather conditions) or transition risks (such as regulatory or technology changes) are expected to be widespread and unpredictable. These changes over time could affect, for example, the availability and cost of certain consumer products, commodities and energy (including utilities), which in turn may impact our ability to manufacture or procure certain goods required for the operation of our business at the quantities and levels we require. Additionally, any initiatives to mitigate the effect of climate change may be cost prohibitive. As a consequence of these or other catastrophic events, we may endure interruption to our operations or losses of property, equipment or inventory, which would adversely affect our revenue and profitability. For example, hurricanes can disrupt operations in the southeastern United States and the Gulf Coast region where a heavy concentration of our customers are located, and negatively impact sales in both our ODP Business Solutions and Office Depot Divisions or operations of our Veyer unit. Moreover, current or future insurance arrangements may be subject to deductibles and/or not provide protection for costs that may arise from such events, particularly if such events are catastrophic in nature or occur in combination.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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