Ross Stores
ROST
#388
Rank
NZ$101.87 B
Marketcap
NZ$313.23
Share price
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Ross Stores - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
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 2, 1998


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




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

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

Former name, former address and former N/A
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
29, 1998 was 47,579,988.
2
<TABLE>

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
<CAPTION>
ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

($000) May 2, January 31, May 3,
ASSETS 1998 1998 1997

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

CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 29,725 $ 56,369 $ 26,879
Accounts receivable 10,513 8,122 9,583
Merchandise inventory 460,578 418,825 409,014
Prepaid expenses and other 15,304 15,108 13,405
__________ __________ __________
Total Current Assets 516,120 498,424 458,881

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land and buildings 24,183 24,115 24,115
Fixtures and equipment 196,609 190,186 176,756
Leasehold improvements 145,849 144,247 137,714
Construction-in-progress 24,563 25,763 12,654
__________ __________ __________
391,204 384,311 351,239
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 186,951 179,590 157,806
__________ __________ __________
204,253 204,721 193,433
Other assets 40,934 34,808 30,842
__________ __________ __________
$ 761,307 $ 737,953 $ 683,156

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 216,013 $ 201,998 $ 197,926
Accrued expenses and other 93,164 82,290 80,451
Accrued payroll and benefits 27,773 39,458 26,772
__________ __________ __________
Total Current Liabilities 336,950 323,746 305,149

Long-term liabilities 40,085 33,526 29,356

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock 478 479 496
Additional paid-in capital 199,008 195,562 167,361
Retained earnings 184,786 184,640 180,794
__________ __________ __________
384,272 380,681 348,651
__________ __________ __________
$ 761,307 $ 737,953 $ 683,156
</TABLE>

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3

ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

Three Months Ended

May 2, May 3,
($000 except per share data, unaudited) 1998 1997


SALES $ 484,276 $ 442,841

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Cost of goods sold and occupancy 336,816 309,513
General, selling and administrative 94,057 86,664
Depreciation and amortization 7,882 7,275
Interest income (135) (200)
___________ __________
$ 438,620 $ 403,252


Earnings before taxes 45,656 39,589
Provision for taxes on earnings 17,806 15,836
__________ __________
Net earnings $ 27,850 $ 23,753

====================================================================

Net earnings per share:

Basic $ .58 $ .48

Diluted $ .57 $ .47
=====================================================================
Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic 47,849 49,399

Diluted 48,814 50,486
====================================================================
Stores open at end of period 331 315
=====================================================================
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4

<TABLE>
ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


Three Months Ended

May 2, May 3,
($000, unaudited) 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C>

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings $ 27,850 $ 23,753
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment 7,882 7,275
Other amortization 2,412 1,832
Change in assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventory (41,753) (35,324)
Other current assets - net (2,587) (1,868)
Accounts payable 16,651 16,045
Other current liabilities - net (3,698) (13,627)
Other 1,582 (4)
__________ __________
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 8,339 (1,918)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property and equipment (11,519) (10,688)
__________ __________
Net cash used in investing activities (11,519) (10,688)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowing under line of credit agreement 5,700 2,500
Repayment of long-term debt (63) (47)
Issuance of common stock related to stock plans 3,937 2,754
Repurchase of common stock (30,418) (8,286)
Dividends paid (2,620) (2,213)
__________ __________
Net cash used in financing activities (23,464) (5,292)
__________ __________
NET DECREASE IN CASH (26,644) (17,898)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year 56,369 44,777
__________ ________
End of quarter $ 29,725 $ 26,879


SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
Interest paid $ 55 $ 40
Income taxes paid $ 3,934 $ 18,491
</TABLE>

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

ROSS STORES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months Ended May 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997
(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 2, 1998 and
May 3, 1997; the interim results of operations for the three months ended May 2,
1998 and May 3, 1997; and changes in cash flows for the three months then ended.
The balance sheet at January 31, 1998, 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 January 31,
1998. 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 January 31, 1998.

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 2, 1998 and May 3, 1997,
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.
6


INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' 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. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of May 2, 1998 and May 3,
1997, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the
three-month period then ended and condensed consolidated statements of 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 January 31,
1998, 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 17, 1998, 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 January 31, 1998 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 22, 1998
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 2, May 3,
1998 1997
SALES
Sales ($000) $484,276 $442,841
Sales growth (quarter to quarter) 9.4% 19.4%
Comparable store sales growth 4% 11%
Stores open at end of period 331 315

COSTS AND EXPENSES
(as a percentage of sales)
Cost of goods sold and occupancy 69.6% 69.9%
General, selling and administrative 19.4% 19.6%
Depreciation and amortization 1.6% 1.6%
Interest income (0%) (0%)

NET EARNINGS 5.8% 5.4%



Sales

The results of operations for the three months ended May 2, 1998, 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 2, 1998 was due
mainly to the combination of leverage on occupancy costs and slightly higher
initial markups as a percentage of sales.

General, selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales declined
modestly 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 comparable store sales gain of 4%.

Net earnings for the three months ended May 2, 1998, totaled $27.9 million, or
$.57 per diluted share. These results include $732,000 pre-tax, or $.01 per
diluted share, in expenses related to the company's year 2000 compliance
program. Excluding these costs, net earnings for the first quarter of 1998
totaled $28.3 million, compared to $23.8 million in the prior year, while
earnings per diluted share grew 23% to $.58, compared to $.47 per diluted share
for the three months ended May 3, 1997.
8

Information Systems and the Year 2000

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, the company retained an outside
consultant to help the company develop and implement a year 2000 compliance
program consisting of assessment, remediation and testing. The company expects
that its systems and software will be year 2000 compliant by mid-1999.
Aggregate costs for work related to year 2000 efforts in fiscal 1998 and 1999
currently are anticipated to total approximately $12.0 million, which includes
about $6.0 million for capital investments in systems. Approximately $4.0
million of this capital outlay will be incurred in fiscal 1998, with another
$2.0 million in capital expenditures planned for fiscal 1999. The $6.0 million
in anticipated expense related to year 2000 compliance will be incurred over the
next several quarters and includes $732,000, pre-tax, reported in fiscal 1998
first quarter results, with an estimated $3.3 million expected in the balance of
fiscal 1998 and approximately $2.0 million expected in fiscal 1999.

Taxes on Earnings

The company paid $3.9 million in income taxes in the quarter ended May 2, 1998
versus $18.5 million paid in the quarter ended May 3, 1997. This $14.6 million
decline in income taxes paid during the first fiscal quarter of 1998 compared to
the same period in the prior year resulted from timing of tax deductions taken
by the company primarily related to the company's stock option plans. The
company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of 1998 was 39% and the first
quarter of 1997 was 40%. The rate for both periods reflects the applicable
statutory tax rates.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The primary uses of cash, other than for operating expenses, during the first
three months of fiscal 1998 were for (i) purchase of inventory; (ii) repurchase
of the company's common stock; and (iii) capital expenditures for new stores and
improvements to existing locations.

On a comparable store basis, average in-store inventories for the quarter ended
May 2, 1998 were down slightly from the same period in the prior year. Total
consolidated inventories increased 13% at the end of the first quarter in fiscal
1998 over the same quarter last year as a result of new store expansion and the
planned increase in packaway inventories.

In January 1998, the company announced a $110 million common stock repurchase
program. For the first quarter ended May 2, 1998, the company spent $30.4
million to repurchase approximately 740,000 shares of common stock compared to
the $8.3 million spent for 355,000 shares of common stock for the quarter ended
May 3, 1997.

The company exercised its right to purchase its Newark, California distribution
center and corporate headquarters for $24.6 million. The company closed this
transaction on June 3, 1998 with funding provided by internally generated cash
and bank borrowings under the existing credit agreement.

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

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE PERFORMANCE

This report includes a number of forward looking statements, which reflect the
company's current beliefs and estimates with respect to future events and the
company's future financial performance, operations and competitive strengths.
The words "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe" and similar expressions
identify forward looking statements.

The company's continued success depends, in part, upon its ability to increase
sales at existing locations, to open new stores and to operate stores on a
profitable basis. There can be no assurance that the company's existing
strategies and store expansion program will result in a continuation of revenue
and profit growth. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially
impact revenue and profitability remain difficult to predict.

As a result, the forward looking statements that are contained herein are
subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual
results to differ materially from historical results or current expectations.
These factors include, without limitation, ongoing competitive pressures in the
apparel industry, obtaining acceptable store locations, the company's ability to
continue to purchase attractive name brand merchandise at desirable discounts,
unseasonable weather trends, especially in California, changes in the level of
consumer spending on or preferences in apparel or home related merchandise and
larger than planned costs that could be related to necessary modifications to
the company's computer hardware and software systems to enable them to process
information with dates or date ranges spanning the year 2000 and beyond. The
company presently believes that, with modifications to existing software and
conversions to new software, the year 2000 issue will not pose significant
operational problems for the company's computer systems as so modified and
converted. However, if unforeseen difficulties arise or such modifications and
conversions are not completed timely, or if the company's vendors' or suppliers'
systems are not modified to become year 2000 compliant, then the year 2000 issue
may have a material impact on the operations of the company. In addition, the
company's corporate headquarters, one distribution center and 45% of its stores
are located in California. Therefore, a downturn in the California economy or a
major natural disaster could significantly impact the company's operating
results and financial condition.

In addition to the above factors, the apparel industry is highly seasonal. The
combined sales of the company for the third and fourth (holiday) fiscal quarters
are higher than the combined sales for the first two fiscal quarters. The
company has realized a significant portion of its profits in each fiscal year
during the fourth quarter. Intensified price competition, lower than
anticipated consumer demand or other seasonal factors, if they were to occur
during the last six months, and in particular during the fourth quarter, could
adversely affect the company's fiscal year results.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.
10
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 11 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 12, 1998 /s/John G. Call
John G. Call, Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer
11
INDEX TO EXHIBITS



Exhibit
Number Exhibit

3.1 First Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated May 28,
1998, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June
4, 1998 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 Credit Agreement, dated September 15, 1997, among Ross
Stores, Bank of America, National Trust and Savings
Association ("Bank of America") as Agent and the other
financial institutions party thereto, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended November 1, 1997.

10.3 Letter of Credit Agreement, dated September 15, 1997,
between Ross Stores and Bank of America, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended November 1, 1997.

10.4 Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 7,
1997 between Ross Stores and Bank of America,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-
Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended November 1,
1997.

10.5 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of
January 30, 1998 between Ross Stores and Bank of
America, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to
the Form 10-K filed by Ross Stores for its year ended
January 31, 1998 ("1997 Form 10-K").

MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS AND COMPENSATORY PLANS
(EXHIBITS 10.6 - 10.37)

10.6 Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan,
incorporated by reference to the appendix to the Proxy
Statement filed by Ross Stores on April 24, 1998 for its
Annual Stockholders Meeting held May 28, 1998.

10.7 Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores Employee Stock
Purchase 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.

10.8 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").
12

Exhibit
Number Exhibit

10.9 1991 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan, incorporated by
reference to the appendix to the 1996 Proxy Statement.

10.10 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").

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

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

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

10.14 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.

10.15 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.

10.16 Amendment to Amended Restated Employment Agreement between
Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of March 20,
1997 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Form
10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended May 3, 1997.

10.17 Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
between Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of
April 15, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to
the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended May
3, 1997.

10.18 Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
between Ross Stores and Norman A. Ferber, effective as of
November 20, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18
to the 1997 Form 10-K.

10.19 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.
13
Exhibit
Number Exhibit

10.20 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.

10.21 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.

10.22 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.

10.23 Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between
Ross Stores and Melvin A. Wilmore, entered into May 19,
1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the
Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended
August 2, 1997.

10.24 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.

10.25 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.

10.26 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.

10.27 Third Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross
Stores and Michael Balmuth, entered into May 19, 1997,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Form 10-
Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended August 2,
1997.

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 Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross
Stores and Barry S. Gluck, effective as of March 1, 1998.

10.31 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.
14

Exhibit
Number Exhibit

10.32 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.

10.33 Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross
Stores and Irene A. Jamieson, effective as of March 1,
1998.

10.34 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.

10.35 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.

10.36 Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Ross
Stores and Barbara Levy, effective as of March 1, 1998.

10.37 Consulting Agreement between Ross Stores and Stuart G.
Moldaw, effective as of April 1, 1997 incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross
Stores for its quarter ended May 3, 1997.

15 Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information.

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