Summary
Ross Stores, Inc. reported a challenging first quarter for fiscal year 2022, with sales and net earnings declining compared to the prior year. Sales decreased by 4.1% to $4.33 billion, and diluted earnings per share fell to $0.97 from $1.34, impacted by a 7% decline in comparable store sales. This performance was attributed to a difficult macroeconomic environment, including heightened inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased freight and wage costs, which offset the benefits of an 85-store net increase in the store base. Despite the headwinds, the company continues to invest in growth, opening 30 new stores in the quarter and planning for approximately 100 new stores throughout the year. The company also demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns through its stock repurchase program, buying back $239.6 million worth of shares in the quarter, and a regular quarterly dividend payment. Management anticipates these cost pressures will persist throughout fiscal year 2022, but expresses confidence in their ability to navigate these challenges and maintain liquidity.
Financial Highlights
47 data points| Revenue | $4.33B |
| Cost of Revenue | $3.20B |
| Gross Profit | $1.14B |
| SG&A Expenses | $669.50M |
| Operating Expenses | $3.88B |
| Net Income | $338.44M |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.98 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.97 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 347.05M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 348.82M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales for the first quarter decreased by 4.1% to $4.33 billion compared to $4.52 billion in the prior year's first quarter.
- 2Comparable store sales declined by 7% compared to a strong 13% increase in the prior year, reflecting challenging macroeconomic conditions.
- 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) decreased to $0.97 from $1.34 in the same period last year.
- 4Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales increased by 295 basis points, largely due to higher freight and wage costs.
- 5The company opened 30 new stores in the quarter and plans to open approximately 100 new stores for the full fiscal year, expanding its store base to 1,951 locations.
- 6Ross Stores repurchased $239.6 million of common stock in the quarter under its new $1.9 billion repurchase program.
- 7The company ended the quarter with $4.0 billion in unrestricted cash and $1.3 billion available under its revolving credit facility, indicating strong liquidity.