10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

ROSS STORES, INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Aug 4, 2001

Filed September 14, 2001For Securities:ROST

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the three months ended August 4, 2001, Ross Stores reported sales of $724.6 million, representing a 10.3% increase compared to the same period in the prior year. This growth was driven by both an increase in the number of stores and a 1% increase in comparable store sales.

Net earnings for the three months ended August 4, 2001, were $35.4 million, a slight decrease from $35.9 million in the comparable period of the prior year. Diluted earnings per share remained at $0.44 for both periods. The decline in net earnings as a percentage of sales was attributed to increased cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses, as well as higher general, selling, and administrative expenses.

Ross Stores maintains a solid liquidity position, with cash and cash equivalents of $39.0 million as of August 4, 2001. The company also secured a new $350 million revolving credit facility in August 2001. Management expects cash flows from operations, credit lines, and trade credit to be adequate for operating needs, stock repurchases, dividends, and planned capital expenditures over the next twelve months.

Ross Stores is actively repurchasing its common stock under a multi-year program. Additionally, the company is investing in operational infrastructure by constructing a new 1.3 million square foot distribution center in South Carolina, projected to cost between $90-$100 million, to support its ongoing expansion.