Albertsons 2012 Annual Report Download - page 7

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT
Any statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding the outlook for the Company’s
businesses and their respective markets, such as projections of future performance, guidance, statements of the
Company’s plans and objectives, forecasts of market trends and other matters, are forward-looking statements
based on the Company’s assumptions and beliefs. Such statements may be identified by such words or phrases as
“will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “outlook,” “will benefit,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,”
“project,” “management believes” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such statements
and no assurance can be given that the results in any forward-looking statement will be achieved. For these
statements, SUPERVALU INC. claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements
contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as
of the date on which it is made, and we disclaim any obligation to subsequently revise any forward-looking
statement to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or
unanticipated events.
Certain factors could cause the Company’s future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in
any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These factors include the factors
discussed in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors,” the factors
discussed below and any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or referred to in
connection with any such forward-looking statements. Since it is not possible to foresee all such factors, these
factors should not be considered as complete or exhaustive.
Competitive Practices
ŠThe Company’s ability to attract and retain customers
ŠCompetition from other food or drug retail chains, supercenters, non-traditional competitors and
alternative formats in the Company’s markets
ŠCompetition for employees, store sites and products
ŠThe ability of the Company’s Independent business to maintain or increase sales due to wholesaler
competition or increased customer self-distribution
ŠChanges in demographics or consumer preferences that affect consumer spending or buying habits
ŠThe success of the Company’s promotional and sales programs and the Company’s ability to respond
to the promotional and pricing practices of competitors
Execution of Initiatives
ŠThe Company’s ability to execute customer-focused initiatives designed to support the Company’s
vision of becoming “America’s Neighborhood Grocer” and its “8 Plays to Win” strategy
ŠThe effectiveness of cost reduction strategies
ŠThe adequacy of the Company’s capital resources to fund new store growth and remodeling activities
that achieve appropriate returns on capital investment
ŠThe effectiveness of the Company’s price investment strategy
Substantial Indebtedness
ŠThe impact of the Company’s substantial indebtedness on its business and financial flexibility
ŠThe Company’s ability to comply with debt covenants or to refinance the Company’s debt obligations
ŠA downgrade in the Company’s debt ratings, which may increase the cost of borrowing or adversely
affect the Company’s ability to access one or more financial markets
ŠThe availability of favorable credit and trade terms
ŠThe Company’s review of all relevant factors under Delaware law prior to the repurchase of Company
stock or payment of dividends in light of recent changes to the Company’s stockholders’ equity
3