Summary
Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) reported its quarterly results for the period ending August 4, 2001. For the three months ended August 4, 2001, the company achieved sales of $724.6 million, a 10.3% increase over the prior year, driven by both store expansion and a modest 1% comparable store sales increase. However, net earnings saw a slight decrease to $35.4 million from $35.9 million in the same period last year, with earnings per share remaining flat at $0.44. This was attributed to higher costs, including freight and inventory markdowns, along with increased general, selling, and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales. For the six-month period, sales grew 8.4% to $1.4 billion, but net earnings decreased to $70.0 million from $76.8 million in the prior year, and earnings per share fell to $0.87 from $0.90. The company's financial position remains solid, with total assets of $1.05 billion and a healthy inventory balance of $612.4 million. Ross Stores also highlighted its ongoing stock repurchase program and a new $350 million revolving credit facility to support its operations and growth initiatives. The company is also constructing a new distribution center to support its expansion.
Key Highlights
- 1Sales for the third quarter increased by 10.3% to $724.6 million, with comparable store sales up 1%.
- 2Net earnings for the quarter decreased slightly to $35.4 million from $35.9 million in the prior year.
- 3Earnings per diluted share remained steady at $0.44 for the quarter.
- 4For the six-month period, sales grew 8.4% to $1.4 billion, while net earnings declined to $70.0 million.
- 5The company increased its merchandise inventory by 9.4% year-over-year to support its growth.
- 6Ross Stores repurchased approximately $46.9 million of its common stock in the six-month period and entered into a new $350 million revolving credit facility in August 2001.
- 7The company is investing in infrastructure, with a new distribution center under construction in South Carolina.