Staples (SPLS)

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and, in particular, the description of our Business set forth in Item 1 and our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in Appendix B contain or incorporate a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding:

·       projected future sales growth, comparable store sales, earnings and earnings per share;

·       expected future revenues, operations, expenditures and cash needs;

·       payment of cash dividends;

·       the projected number, timing and cost of new store openings;

·       estimates of the potential markets for our products and services, including the anticipated drivers for future growth;

·       sales and marketing plans;

·       the potential growth and levels of profitability of our European operations;

·       our assessment of the outcome and financial impact of litigation, including the class action lawsuits that have been brought against us for alleged violations of what is known as California’s “wage and hour” law, and other governmental proceedings and the potential impact of unasserted claims;

·       projected improvements to our infrastructure and impact of such improvements on our business and operations;

·       assessment of competitors and potential competitors;

·       potential mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures; and

·       assessment of the impact of recent tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, including SFAS No. 123R, FIN 48 and SFAS No. 157.

In addition, any statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this report that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,”  “may,” “will,” “would,” “intends,” “estimates” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements made. There are a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those set forth below under the heading “Risk Factors.” We do not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and, in particular, the description of our Business set forth in Item 1 and our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in Appendix B contain or incorporate a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding:

·       projected future sales growth, earnings and earnings per share;

·       expected future revenues, operations, expenditures and cash needs;

·       payment of annual cash dividends;

·       the projected number, timing and cost of new store openings;

·       estimates of the potential markets for our products and services, including the anticipated drivers for future growth;

·       sales and marketing plans;

·       the potential growth and levels of profitability of our European operations;

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·       our assessment of the outcome and financial impact of litigation, including the class action lawsuits that have been brought against us for alleged violations of what is known as California’s “wage and hour” law, and other governmental proceedings and the potential impact of unasserted claims;

·       projected improvements to our infrastructure and impact of such improvements on our business and operations;

·       assessment of competitors and potential competitors;

·       potential mergers or acquisitions; and

·       assessment of the impact of recent tax legislation and accounting pronouncements, including SFAS No. 123R.

In addition, any statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this report that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statement by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,”  “may,” “will,” “would,” “intends,” “estimates” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward looking statements made. There are a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those set forth below under the heading “Risk Factors.” We do not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.