Ross Stores
ROST
#388
Rank
C$83.52 B
Marketcap
C$256.81
Share price
1.15%
Change (1 day)
16.58%
Change (1 year)

Ross Stores - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q


(Mark one)
_X_ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 3, 1997


OR


___ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _______


Commission file number 0-14678


ROSS STORES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware 94-1390387
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)


8333 Central Avenue, Newark, California 94560-3433
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number,
including area code (510) 505-4400

Former name, former address and N/A
former fiscal year, if changed
since last report.


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days.
Yes X No __

The number of shares of Common Stock, with $.01 par value, outstanding
on May 30, 1997 was 49,693,516.
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

($000) May 3, February 1, May 4,
ASSETS 1997 1997 1996

(Unaudited) (Note A) (Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>

CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $26,879 $44,777 $35,036
Accounts receivable 9,583 7,832 11,555
Merchandise inventory 409,014 373,689 332,623
Prepaid expenses and other 13,405 13,289 13,001
__________ __________ __________
Total Current Assets 458,881 439,587 392,215

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land and buildings 24,115 24,115 24,102
Fixtures and equipment 176,756 164,980 152,625
Leasehold improvements 137,714 135,810 122,489
Construction-in-progress 12,654 23,798 17,833
__________ __________ __________
351,239 348,703 317,049
Less accumulated depreciation 157,806 156,056 137,674
and amortization
__________ __________ __________
193,433 192,647 179,375
Other assets 30,842 27,244 22,307
__________ __________ __________
$ 683,156 $ 659,478 $593,897

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 197,926 $184,101 $165,036
Accrued expenses and other 60,540 61,761 42,498
Accrued payroll and benefits 26,772 36,356 23,940
Income taxes payable 19,911 22,567 12,137
__________ __________ __________
Total Current Liabilities 305,149 304,785 243,611
Long-term debt 19,736
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities 29,356 25,850 24,033

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock 496 493 504
Additional paid-in capital 167,361 164,166 148,609
Retained earnings 180,794 164,184 157,404
__________ __________ __________
348,651 328,843 306,517
__________ __________ __________
$ 683,156 $659,478 $593,897
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Three Months Ended

May 3, May 4,
($000 except per share data, unaudited) 1997 1996


SALES $442,841 $370,948

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Cost of goods sold and occupancy 309,513 264,058
General, selling and administrative 86,664 76,219
Depreciation and amortization 7,275 7,261
Interest (200) 184
__________ _________

$403,252 $347,722

Earnings before taxes 39,589 23,226
Provision for taxes on earnings 15,836 9,290
__________ _________

Net earnings $23,753 $13,936

Net earnings per share:

Primary $.47 $.27

Fully diluted $.47 $.27

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Primary 50,486 51,294

Fully diluted 50,510 51,616

Stores open at end of period 315 296

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4

ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


Three Months Ended
May 3, May 4,
($000, unaudited) 1997 1996

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings $23,753 $13,936
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property 7,275 7,261
and equipment
Other amortization 1,832 1,515
Change in current assets and current
liabilities:
Merchandise inventory (35,324) (36,658)
Other current assets - net (1,868) (3,483)
Accounts payable 16,045 29,119
Other current liabilities - net (13,627) 1,076
Other (4) 233
________ ________
Net cash provided by (used in) (1,918) 12,999
operating activities

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property and equipment (10,688) (9,334)

Net cash used in investing activities (10,688) (9,334)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowing under line of credit agreement 2,500 10,000
(Repayment) of long-term debt (47) (110)
Issuance of common stock related to stock 2,754 18,130
plans
Repurchase of common stock (8,286) (18,327)
Dividends paid (2,213) (1,748)
________ ________
Net cash provided by (used in) financing (5,292) 7,945
activities
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH (17,898) 11,610
Cash
Beginning of year 44,777 23,426
________ ________
End of quarter $26,879 $35,036


Interest Paid $40 $267
Income Taxes Paid $18,491 $7,709

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
ROSS STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended May 3, 1997 and May 4, 1996
(Unaudited)



NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
have been prepared from the records of the company without audit and,
in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of
only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the
financial position at May 3, 1997 and May 4, 1996; the interim results
of operations for the three months ended May 3, 1997 and May 4, 1996;
and changes in cash flows for the three months then ended. The
balance sheet at February 1, 1997, presented herein, has been derived
from the audited financial statements of the company for the fiscal
year then ended.

Accounting policies followed by the company are described in Note A to
the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year
ended February 1, 1997. Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or
omitted for purposes of the condensed consolidated interim financial
statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial
statements, including notes thereto, for the year ended February 1,
1997.

The results of operations for the three month periods herein presented
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the
full year.

The condensed consolidated financial statements at May 3, 1997 and May
4, 1996, and for the three months then ended have been reviewed, prior
to filing, by the registrant's independent accountants whose report
covering their review of the financial statements is included in this
report on page 6.

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, (SFAS 128),
Earnings per Share (EPS). SFAS 128 requires dual presentation of
basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of all income statements issued
after December 15, 1997 for all entities with complex capital
structures. Basic EPS is computed as net income divided by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from
common shares issuable through stock options, warrants and other
convertible securities. The pro forma effect assuming adoption of
SFAS 128 at the beginning of each period is presented below.


Three Months Ended
May 3, 1997 May 4, 1996
_______________________________________________

Pro forma EPS:
Basic $.48 $.28
Diluted $.47 $.27
6


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REVIEW REPORT


Board of Directors and Stockholders of Ross Stores, Inc.
Newark, California

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance
sheets of Ross Stores, Inc. (the "Company") as of May 3, 1997 and May
4, 1996, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings
and cash flows for the three-month periods then ended. These
condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of
interim financial information consists principally of applying
analytical procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of
persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is
substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a
whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications
that should be made to such condensed consolidated financial
statements for them to be in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, the consolidated balance sheet of Ross Stores,
Inc. as of February 1, 1997, and the related consolidated statements
of earnings, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then
ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 7, 1997,
we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the
accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 1,
1997 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the
consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.


Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, CA


May 23, 1997
7
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Percentage Of Sales

Three Months Ended

May 3, May 4,
1997 1996
SALES
Sales ($000) $442,841 $370,948
Sales growth 19.4% 24.7%
Comparable store sales growth 11% 14%

COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of goods sold and occupancy 69.9% 71.2%
General, selling and administrative 19.6% 20.5%
Depreciation and amortization 1.6% 2.0%
Interest 0% 0%

NET EARNINGS 5.4% 3.8%



Sales

The results of operations for the three months ended May 3, 1997, over
the same period last year, reflect an increase in comparable store
sales and a greater number of open stores during the current period.

Costs and Expenses

The decline from the comparable period in the prior year in the cost
of goods sold and occupancy percentage for the three months ended May
3, 1997 was due to the combination of (i) leverage on occupancy costs
and (ii) lower markdowns as a percentage of sales.

General, selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales
also declined from the comparable quarter in the prior year. This
improvement was due to the company's continued focus on strict expense
controls and the leverage realized from the strong comparable store
sales gain of 11%.

Net earnings for the three months ended May 3, 1997, totaled $23.8
million, or $.47 per share, compared to net earnings of $13.9 million,
or $.27 per share, for the three months ended May 4, 1996.

Taxes on Earnings

The company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of 1997 and
1996 was 40%. The rate for both periods reflects the applicable
statutory tax rates.
8
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The primary uses of cash, other than for operating expenses, during
the first three months of fiscal 1997 were for (i) purchase of
inventory; (ii) a decrease in other current liabilities primarily
resulting from payments of accrued expenses including incentive
bonuses and income taxes; (iii) capital expenditures for new stores
and improvements to existing locations; and (iv) repurchase of the
company's common stock.

Total consolidated inventories were up 23% at the end of the first
quarter from the same quarter last year driven by (i) a planned
increase in packaway inventories and (ii) a larger number of open
stores over the prior year.

The decline in interest expense reflects a decline in borrowings
resulting primarily from the higher earnings levels.

The company believes it can fund its capital needs for the remainder
of the fiscal year and the current stock repurchase program through
internally generated cash, trade credit, established bank lines and
lease financing.
9
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits

Incorporated herein by reference to the list of Exhibits
contained in the Exhibit Index which begins on page 10 of this
Report.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

None.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




ROSS STORES, INC.
_____________________
Registrant




Date: June 16, 1997 /s/Melvin A. Wilmore
Melvin A. Wilmore, President,
Chief Operating Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer
10
INDEX TO EXHIBITS



Exhibit
Number Exhibit

3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form
8-B (the "Form 8-B") filed September 1, 1989 by Ross Stores,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Ross Stores").

3.2 Amended By-laws, dated August 25, 1994, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores
for its quarter ended July 30, 1994.

10.1 Agreement of Lease, dated November 24, 1986, for Ross Stores'
corporate headquarters and distribution center in Newark, CA,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 8-B.

10.2 Revolving Credit Agreement, dated July 31, 1993, among Ross
Stores, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of
America, National Trust and Savings Association, and Security
Pacific National Bank ("Banks"); and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association ("Wells Fargo"), as agent for Banks,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 on the Form 10-Q
filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 31, 1993.

10.3 First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, effective on
July 31, 1994, by and among Ross Stores, Banks and Wells
Fargo, as agent for Banks, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its
quarter ended July 30, 1994.

10.4 Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, effective on
June 15, 1995, by and among Ross Stores, Banks and Wells
Fargo, as agent for Banks, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its
quarter ended July 29, 1995.

10.5 Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement, effective on
December 2, 1996, by and among Ross Stores, Banks and Wells
Fargo, as agent for Banks, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K405 filed by Ross Stores for its
fiscal year ended February 1, 1997.

10.6 Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 1994, among Ross
Stores, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association
as Agent, the Industrial Bank of Japan as Co-Agent and the
other financial institutions party thereto, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended July 30, 1994.

10.7 First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 20,
1995, among Ross Stores, Bank of America National Trust and
Savings Association as Agent, the Industrial Bank of Japan as
Co-Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 29, 1995.

10.8 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 12,
1996, Ross Stores, Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association as Agent, the Industrial Bank of Japan as Co-
Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form
10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended August 3, 1996.
11
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS AND COMPENSATORY PLANS
(EXHIBITS 10.9 - 10.34)

Exhibit
Number Exhibit

10.9 Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by
reference to the appendix to the Proxy Statement filed by Ross
Stores on April 24, 1995 for its Annual Stockholders Meeting
held May 25, 1995 ("1995 Proxy Statement").

10.10 Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, incorporated by reference to the appendix to the 1995
Proxy Statement.

10.11 Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores 1988 Restricted Stock
Plan, incorporated by reference to the appendix to the Proxy
Statement filed by Ross Stores on April 24, 1996 for its
Annual Stockholders Meeting held May 30, 1996 ("1996 Proxy
Statement").

10.12 1991 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan, incorporated by
reference to the appendix to the 1996 Proxy Statement.

10.13 Ross Stores Executive Medical Plan, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.13 to the 1993 Form 10-K filed by Ross Stores
for its year ended January 29, 1994 ("1993 Form 10-K").

10.14 Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores Executive Supplemental
Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to
the 1993 Form 10-K.

10.15 Ross Stores Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the 1993 Form 10-K.

10.16 Ross Stores Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by
reference to the appendix to the 1996 Proxy Statement.

10.17 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Ross Stores
and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of June 1, 1995,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-Q
filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 28, 1995.

10.18 Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between
Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, entered into July 29, 1996,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Form 10-Q
filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended August 3, 1996.

10.19 Amendment to Amended Restated Employment Agreement between
Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of March 20,
1997.

10.20 Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
between Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of
April 15, 1997.

10.21 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Melvin A.
Wilmore, effective as of March 15, 1994, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended April 30, 1994.
12

Exhibit
Number Exhibit

10.22 Amendment to Employment and Stock Grant Agreements by and
between Ross Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, effective as of
March 16, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to
the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended
October 28, 1995.

10.23 Second Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Ross
Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, effective as of June 1, 1995,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Form 10-Q
filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended October 28, 1995.

10.24 Third Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Ross
Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, entered into July 29, 1996,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Form 10-Q
filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended August 3, 1996.

10.25 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Michael Balmuth,
effective as of February 1, 1995, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its
quarter ended April 29, 1995.

10.26 Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and
Michael Balmuth, effective as of June 1, 1995, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended October 28, 1995.

10.27 Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores
and Michael Balmuth, entered into July 29, 1996, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended August 3, 1996.

10.28 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Barry S. Gluck,
effective as of March 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its
quarter ended May 4, 1996.

10.29 First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores
and Barry S. Gluck, dated September 1, 1996, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended October 2, 1996.

10.30 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Irene A.
Jamieson, effective as of March 1, 1996, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended May 4, 1996.

10.31 First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores
and Irene A. Jamieson, dated September 1, 1996, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended October 2, 1996.

10.32 Employment Agreement between Ross Stores and Barbara Levy,
effective as of March 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.25 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its
quarter ended May 4, 1996.
13
Exhibit
Number Exhibit

10.33 First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross Stores
and Barbara Levy, dated September 1, 1996, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended October 2, 1996.

10.34 Consulting Agreement between Ross Stores and Stuart G. Moldaw,
effective as of April 1, 1997.

11 Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings.

15 Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information.

27 Financial Data Schedules (submitted for SEC use only).