8-KShareholder Matters

ROSS STORES, INC. 8-K Report, Shareholder Vote Results (May 20, 2011)

Filed May 20, 2011For Securities:ROST

Summary

Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) filed an 8-K on May 20, 2011, detailing the outcomes of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 18, 2011. The meeting primarily focused on voting on key corporate governance matters and executive compensation. Investors would find reassurance in the strong shareholder support for the re-election of directors and the ratification of the independent auditor. The company also presented proposals related to its incentive compensation plan and the de-classification of its board of directors, both of which received significant approval from stockholders. Furthermore, the advisory vote on executive compensation was passed, with a clear preference for an annual frequency of such votes, indicating shareholder engagement and alignment with the company's governance practices.

Key Highlights

  • 1Election of two Class I directors, George P. Orban and Donald H. Seiler, was overwhelmingly approved by shareholders.
  • 2The Second Amended and Restated Ross Stores, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code was approved by a substantial majority of shareholders.
  • 3Shareholders approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to adopt annual elections for directors beginning in 2012, effectively de-classifying the board.
  • 4An advisory vote to approve the compensation of named executive officers received a favorable vote.
  • 5Shareholders advised that future advisory votes on executive compensation should be held annually.
  • 6The appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2012, was ratified by shareholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Annual Meeting resulted in the re-election of two directors, approval of the company's incentive compensation plan, de-classification of the board through annual director elections, a favorable advisory vote on executive compensation, a preference for annual compensation votes, and ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent auditor.

Yes, shareholders approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to adopt annual elections for directors starting in 2012, which de-classifies the board and means all directors will be elected annually thereafter.

Shareholders provided a favorable advisory vote on the compensation of named executive officers and clearly indicated a preference for holding these advisory votes on an annual basis, rather than every two or three years.

Shareholders ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for Ross Stores, Inc. for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2012.