rossstores_10q.htm
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 July 31, 2010
     
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 incorporation or   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
organization)    
 
4440 Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton, California   94588-3050
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code   (925) 965-4400
 
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if   N/A
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         
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes    X      No         
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer    X      Accelerated filer            Non-accelerated filer            Smaller reporting company         
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes            No    X   
 
The number of shares of Common Stock, with $.01 par value, outstanding on August 19, 2010 was 120,457,145.
 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
July 31, August 1, July 31, August 1,
($000, except stores and per share data, unaudited)       2010       2009       2010       2009
Sales $  1,911,760 $  1,768,636 $  3,846,538 $  3,460,235
 
Costs and Expenses
     Costs of goods sold 1,395,785 1,311,136 2,801,867 2,579,845
     Selling, general and administrative 303,402 286,158 597,874 558,188
     Interest expense, net 2,436 1,390 4,824 3,046
          Total costs and expenses 1,701,623 1,598,684 3,404,565 3,141,079
 
Earnings before taxes 210,137 169,952 441,973 319,156
Provision for taxes on earnings 80,861 66,545 170,350 124,362
Net earnings $ 129,276 $ 103,407 $ 271,623 $ 194,794
 
Earnings per share
     Basic $ 1.09 $ 0.84 $ 2.28 $ 1.57
     Diluted $ 1.07 $ 0.82 $ 2.24 $ 1.55
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding (000)
     Basic 118,615 123,467 119,222 124,080
     Diluted 120,562 125,658 121,243 126,063
 
 
Dividends
     Cash dividends declared per share $ 0.16 $ 0.11 $ 0.16 $ 0.11
 
 
Stores open at end of period 1,036 990 1,036 990
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.  

2
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
July 31, January 30, August 1,
($000, unaudited)       2010       2010       2009
Assets
Current Assets
     Cash and cash equivalents $ 772,671 $ 768,343 $ 520,424
     Short-term investments   2,491 1,754 1,135
     Accounts receivable 53,079 44,234 49,375
     Merchandise inventory 915,704 872,498 926,244
     Prepaid expenses and other 66,653 58,618 63,926
     Deferred income taxes 4,249 - 13,669
          Total current assets 1,814,847 1,745,447 1,574,773
Property and Equipment
     Land and buildings 240,706 239,688 238,141
     Fixtures and equipment 1,221,915 1,189,538 1,140,501
     Leasehold improvements 548,813 536,979 518,978
     Construction-in-progress 41,143 21,812 20,598
2,052,577 1,988,017 1,918,218
     Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 1,107,242 1,045,018 975,473
          Property and equipment, net 945,335 942,999 942,745
Long-term investments 18,535 16,848 21,752
Other long-term assets 72,146 63,339 61,379
Total assets $  2,850,863 $  2,768,633 $  2,600,649
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
     Accounts payable $ 745,461 $ 658,299 $ 702,977
     Accrued expenses and other 244,460 259,582 219,479
     Accrued payroll and benefits 181,611 218,234 172,913
     Income taxes payable 8,070 51,505 11,268
     Deferred income taxes - 2,894 -
          Total current liabilities 1,179,602 1,190,514 1,106,637
Long-term debt 150,000 150,000 150,000
Other long-term liabilities 184,324 174,543 168,558
Deferred income taxes 80,088 96,283 106,032
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity
     Common stock 1,207 1,229 1,251
     Additional paid-in capital 713,750 681,908 660,896
     Treasury stock (44,306)   (36,864)   (35,366)
     Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 562 170 (188)
     Retained earnings 585,636 510,850 442,829
Total stockholders’ equity 1,256,849 1,157,293 1,069,422
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,850,863 $ 2,768,633 $ 2,600,649
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Six Months Ended
July 31, August 1,
($000, unaudited)       2010       2009
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net earnings $ 271,623 $ 194,794
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided
by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization 80,161 75,502
     Stock-based compensation 18,253 13,017
     Deferred income taxes (23,337) 9,400
     Tax benefit from equity issuance 8,801 5,256
     Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation (8,597) (4,008)
     Change in assets and liabilities:
          Merchandise inventory (43,206) (45,186)
          Other current assets (16,880) (16,890)
          Accounts payable 106,831 180,240
          Other current liabilities (89,771) (678)
          Other long-term, net 959 2,521
          Net cash provided by operating activities 304,837 413,968
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Additions to property and equipment (88,122) (80,731)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment - 10
Purchases of investments (6,842) (2,553)
Proceeds from investments 5,020 19,364
          Net cash used in investing activities (89,944) (63,910)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 8,597 4,008
Issuance of common stock related to stock plans 20,366 31,745
Treasury stock purchased (7,442) (4,546)
Repurchase of common stock (192,982) (154,371)
Dividends paid (39,104) (27,825)
          Net cash used in financing activities  (210,565)  (150,989)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 4,328 199,069
Cash and cash equivalents:
          Beginning of period 768,343 321,355
          End of period $ 772,671 $ 520,424
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid $ 4,834 $ 4,834
Income taxes paid $ 225,628 $ 105,012
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Increase in fair value of investment securities $ 604 $ 886
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4
 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Three and Six Months Ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009
(Unaudited)
 
Note A: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the records of Ross Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) without audit and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of only normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the results of operations for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, and cash flows for the six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 30, 2010, presented herein, has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements 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 30, 2010. Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted for purposes of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including notes thereto, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010.
 
The results of operations for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
 
Total comprehensive income. The components of total comprehensive income for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 are as follows (in $000):
 
 
   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended   
July 31, August 1, July 31, August 1,
      2010       2009       2010       2009
Net income $  129,276 $  103,407 $  271,623 $  194,794
Change in unrealized gain on investments,
net of taxes 364 440 392 576
     Total comprehensive income $ 129,640 $ 103,847 $ 272,015 $ 195,370
 

Estimated fair value of financial instruments. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair value.
 
5
 

Sales Mix. The Company’s sales mix is shown below for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
July 31,       August 1,       July 31,       August 1,
2010 2009 2010 2009
   Ladies 32% 33% 32% 33%   
Home accents and bed and bath 24% 22%   24% 22%
  Shoes 12%   12% 13%   12%
Men's 13% 13% 12% 13%
  Accessories, lingerie, fine jewelry, and fragrances 11% 12% 11% 12%
Children's 8% 8% 8% 8%
     Total 100% 100% 100% 100%
 

Dividends. Dividends included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflect dividends paid during the periods shown. Dividends per share shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings reflect dividends declared during the periods shown. In January and May 2010 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.16 per common share that was paid in March and June 2010, respectively. In January, May, August, and November 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.11 per common share that was paid in March, June, September, and December 2009, respectively.
 
In August 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $.16 per common share, payable on September 30, 2010.
 
Provision for litigation costs and other legal proceedings. Like many California retailers, the Company has been named in class action lawsuits regarding wage and hour claims. Class action litigation involving allegations that hourly associates have missed meal and/or rest break periods, as well as allegations of unpaid overtime wages to store managers and assistant store managers at Company stores under state law, remains pending as of July 31, 2010.
 
The Company is also party to various other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Actions filed against the Company include commercial, product, customer, intellectual property, and labor and employment-related claims, including lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege that the Company violated state or federal laws. Actions against the Company are in various procedural stages. Many of these proceedings raise factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties.
 
In the opinion of management, the resolution of pending class action litigation and other currently pending legal proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
6
 

Note B: Investments
 
The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities as of July 31, 2010 were:
 
     
   Amortized Unrealized Unrealized
  ($000) cost      gains      losses      Fair value         Short-term      Long-term   
Corporate securities $ 8,157 $ 681 $ (54)   $ 8,784 $ 1,009 $ 7,775
U.S. Government and agency
securities 10,572 174 (2)   10,744 352 10,392
Mortgage-backed securities 1,433 65 - 1,498 1,130 368
Total $  20,162 $  920 $  (56)   $  21,026 $  2,491 $  18,535
 

The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities as of January 30, 2010 were:
 
 
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized
   ($000) cost      gains      losses      Fair value         Short-term      Long-term   
Auction-rate securities $ 1,050 $ - $ (158)   $ 892 $ - $ 892
Corporate securities 9,704 567 (67)   10,204 1,073 9,131
U.S. Government and agency
securities 5,247 30 (187)   5,090 - 5,090
Mortgage-backed securities 2,340 79 (3)   2,416 681 1,735
Total $  18,341 $  676 $  (415)   $  18,602 $  1,754 $  16,848
 
 
The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities as of August 1, 2009 were:
 
 
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized
   ($000) cost      gains      losses      Fair value         Short-term      Long-term
Auction-rate securities $ 1,050 $ - $ - $ 1,050 $ - $ 1,050
Asset-backed securities 791 3 (215)   579 195 384
Corporate securities 10,556 459 (224)   10,791 355 10,436
U.S. Government and agency
securities 6,087 46 (199)   5,934 - 5,934
Mortgage-backed securities 4,691 217 (375)   4,533 585 3,948
Total $  23,175 $  725 $  (1,013)   $  22,887 $  1,135 $  21,752   
 
 
At July 31, 2010, $1.2 million of investments had gross unrealized losses of $0.1 million that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months. These unrealized losses on investments were caused primarily by the decline in market values of floating rate corporate securities. The Company does not consider these investments to be other than temporarily impaired at July 31, 2010.
 
7
 

In applying the valuation principles to financial assets and liabilities, a three-tier fair value hierarchy was used to prioritize the inputs used in the valuation methodologies as follows:
 
Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
 
Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
 
Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
 
This fair value hierarchy also requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Corporate, U.S. Government and agency, and mortgage-backed securities are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 because these securities are valued using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs.
 
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 31, 2010 are summarized below:
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
Quoted
Prices in
Active Significant
Markets for Other Significant
Identical Observable Unobservable
   July 31, Assets Inputs Inputs
  ($000)   2010       (Level 1)       (Level 2)       (Level 3)   
Corporate securities $ 8,784 $ - $ 8,784 $ -  
U.S. Government and agency securities 10,744 10,744 -   -
Mortgage-backed securities   1,498     -   1,498     -
Total assets measured at fair value $  21,026 $  10,744 $  10,282 $  -
   

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at January 30, 2010 are summarized below:
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
Quoted
Prices in
Active Significant
Markets for Other Significant  
Identical Observable Unobservable
   January 30, Assets Inputs Inputs
  ($000)       2010       (Level 1)       (Level 2)       (Level 3)   
Auction-rate securities $ 892 $ - $ - $ 892
Corporate securities 10,204 - 10,204   -
U.S. Government and agency securities     5,090   5,090 -   -
Mortgage-backed securities 2,416   -     2,416 -
Total assets measured at fair value $  18,602 $  5,090 $  12,620 $  892
   

8
 

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at August 1, 2009 are summarized below:
 
   
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
Quoted    
Prices in
Active Significant
Markets for Other Significant
Identical Observable Unobservable
August 1, Assets Inputs Inputs
($000)         2009         (Level 1)         (Level 2)         (Level 3)
    Auction-rate securities $ 1,050 $ - $ - $ 1,050
Asset-backed securities 579 - 579 -
Corporate securities 10,791 - 10,791 -
U.S. Government and agency securities 5,934 5,934 - -
Mortgage-backed securities 4,533 - 4,533 -
Total assets measured at fair value $  22,887 $  5,934 $  15,903 $  1,050
 

The maturities of investment securities at July 31, 2010 were:
 
 
Estimated
($000)         Cost Basis         Fair Value    
    Maturing in one year or less $ 2,414 $ 2,491
Maturing after one year through five years 9,707 10,078
Maturing after five years through ten years 8,041 8,457
$  20,162 $  21,026
 

The underlying assets in the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation program totaling $59.2 million as of July 31, 2010 (included in Other long-term assets and in Other long-term liabilities) primarily consist of money market, stable value, stock, and bond funds. The fair value measurement for funds with quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1) totaled $48.4 million as of July 31, 2010. The fair value measurement for funds without quoted market prices in active markets (Level 2) totaled $10.8 million as of July 31, 2010. Fair market value for these Level 2 funds is considered to be the sum of participant funds invested under a group annuity contract plus accrued interest.
 
Note C: Stock-Based Compensation
 
Restricted stock. The Company grants restricted shares to directors, officers and key employees. The market value of restricted shares at the date of grant is amortized to expense ratably over the vesting period of generally three to five years. The unamortized compensation expense at July 31, 2010, January 30, 2010, and August 1, 2009 was $69.9 million, $56.1 million, and $47.3 million, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 2.5 years.
 
9
 

During the quarter ended July 31, 2010, shares purchased by the Company for tax withholding totaled approximately 136,000 shares and are considered treasury shares which are available for reissuance. As of July 31, 2010, shares subject to repurchase related to unvested restricted stock totaled 2.9 million shares.
 
 
Weighted
average
Number of grant date
    (000, except per share data)         shares         fair value    
Unvested at January 30, 2010 2,568 $ 33.83
     Awarded 745 $ 43.27
     Released (364) $ 30.82
     Forfeited (13) $ 31.11
Unvested at July 31, 2010  2,936 $  36.30
 

Performance shares. The Company has a performance share award program for senior executives. A performance share award represents a right to receive shares of common stock on a specified settlement date based on the Company’s attainment of a profitability-based performance goal during a performance period. If attained, the common stock then granted vests over a specified remaining service period, generally two years. For the six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the Company recognized approximately $2.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively, of expense related to performance share awards.
 
Employee stock purchase plan. Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), eligible full-time employees participating in the annual offering period can choose to have up to the lesser of 10% or $21,250 of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase the Company’s common stock. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the closing market price on the date of purchase. In addition, purchases occur on a quarterly basis (on the last trading day of each calendar quarter). The Company recognizes expense for ESPP purchase rights equal to the value of the 15% discount given on the purchase date.
 
Stock option activity. The following table summarizes stock option activity for the six month period ended July 31, 2010:
 
 
Weighted
Weighted average
average remaining Aggregate
Number of exercise contractual intrinsic
 (000, except per share data)         shares         price         term         value
 Outstanding at January 30, 2010 2,773 $ 25.53
     Granted - $ -
     Exercised (696) $ 24.37
     Forfeited (6) $ 21.15
 
 Outstanding at July 31, 2010 2,071 $ 25.93 4.13 $ 55,373
 Vested and Expected to Vest at July 31, 2010 2,066 $ 25.90 4.13 $ 55,268
 Exercisable at July 31, 2010  1,914 $  25.24  3.93 $  52,499
 

10
 

The following table summarizes information about the weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) and the weighted average exercise prices for stock options both outstanding and exercisable as of July 31, 2010 (number of shares in thousands):
 
 
 
Options outstanding Options exercisable
Number Remaining Exercise Number Exercise
Exercise price range             of shares             life             price             of shares             price
$ 7.97 to $ 20.90 445 1.80 $ 16.81 445 $ 16.81  
20.90 to 27.50 430 3.75 24.84   430 24.84
27.54 to 28.61 551 4.95 28.03 551 28.03
  28.62 to 32.77 434 4.66 29.59 434 29.59
32.85 to   34.37   211   6.63 34.37 54 34.35
$  7.97 to $  34.37 2,071 4.13 $  25.93 1,914 $  25.24
 

Stock-based compensation. For the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense as follows:

 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
         July 31,       August 1,       July 31,       August 1,   
  ($000)   2010 2009 2010 2009
Restricted stock and performance awards $ 8,709   $ 5,920   $ 16,975 $ 11,302
ESPP and stock options   634   600 1,278     1,715
     Total $  9,343 $  6,520 $  18,253 $  13,017  
 

Total stock-based compensation recognized in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 is classified as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
July 31, August 1, July 31, August 1,
  Statements of Earnings Classification ($000)       2010       2009       2010       2009  
Cost of goods sold $ 4,124 $ 2,853 $ 8,218 $ 5,849
Selling, general and administrative   5,219   3,667   10,035   7,168
     Total $  9,343 $  6,520 $  18,253 $  13,017
  

11
 

Note D: Earnings Per Share
 
Basic Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the total potential dilution that could occur from outstanding equity plan awards, including unexercised stock options and unvested shares of both performance and non-performance based awards of restricted stock.
 
For the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010, approximately 400 and 600 weighted average shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive in the periods presented. For the three and six month periods ended August 1, 2009, approximately 35,800 and 19,100 weighted average shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive in the periods presented.
 
The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:
 
     
    Three Months Ended Six Months Ended    
Effect of Effect of
Dilutive Dilutive
Common Common
  Basic Stock Diluted Basic Stock Diluted
Shares in (000s)        EPS       Equivalents       EPS         EPS       Equivalents       EPS
July 31, 2010
     Shares  118,615 1,947  120,562  119,222 2,021    121,243  
     Amount $ 1.09 $  (0.02) $ 1.07 $  2.28   $  (0.04) $ 2.24
                       
August 1, 2009
     Shares 123,467   2,191 125,658   124,080  1,983 126,063
     Amount $ 0.84 $ (0.02) $ 0.82 $ 1.57   $ (0.02) $ 1.55
 

12
 

Note E: Debt
 
The Company has a $600 million unsecured revolving credit facility with an expiration date of July 2011 and interest pricing at LIBOR plus 45 basis points. The credit facility contains a $300 million sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit, of which $216.7 million was available at July 31, 2010. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under this facility as of July 31, 2010, January 30, 2010, or August 1, 2009.
 
The Company has two series of unsecured senior notes with various institutional investors for $150 million. The Series A notes, totaling $85 million are due in December 2018 and bear interest at a rate of 6.38%. The Series B notes totaling $65 million are due in December 2021 and bear interest at a rate of 6.53%. The fair value of these notes as of July 31, 2010 of approximately $177 million is estimated by obtaining comparable market quotes. The senior notes are subject to prepayment penalties for early payment of principal.
 
Borrowings under the credit facilities and these notes are subject to certain covenants, including interest coverage and other financial ratios. As of July 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
 
Note F: Taxes on Earnings
 
As of July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits (net of federal tax benefits) were $36.5 million and $28.2 million inclusive of $11.0 million and $7.2 million of related interest, respectively. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a part of its provision for taxes on earnings. If recognized, $29.8 million would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The difference between the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and the amounts that would impact the effective tax rate relates to amounts attributable to deferred income tax assets and liabilities. These amounts are net of federal and state income taxes.
 
During the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the statute of limitations may lapse pertaining to positions taken by the Company in prior year tax returns. If this occurs, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease, reducing the provision for taxes on earnings by up to $1.4 million.
 
The Company is generally open to audit by the Internal Revenue Service under the statute of limitations for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. The Company’s state income tax returns are generally open to audit under the various statutes of limitations for fiscal years 2005 through 2009. Certain state tax returns are currently under audit by state tax authorities. The Company does not expect the results of these audits to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
 
Note G: Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810 (originally issued as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”). Among other items, ASC 810 responds to concerns about the application of certain key provisions of FIN 46(R), including those regarding the transparency of the involvement with variable interest entities. ASC 810 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company adopted the standard for the interim period ended May 1, 2010. Adoption of ASC 810 did not have a material impact on the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.
 
13
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Ross Stores, Inc.
Pleasanton, California
 
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets of Ross Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three-month and six-month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, and cash flows for the six-month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009. These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
 
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Ross Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 30, 2010, 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 25, 2010, 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 30, 2010, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
 
/s/Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
San Francisco, California
September 7, 2010
 
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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
This section and other parts of this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part II, Item 1A (Risk Factors) below. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2009. All information is based on our fiscal calendar.
 
Overview
 
We are the second largest off-price apparel and home goods retailer in the United States. As of July 31, 2010, we operated 979 Ross Dress for Less (“Ross”) locations in 27 states and Guam, and 57 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores in five states. Ross offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions at everyday savings of 20 to 60 percent off department and specialty store regular prices. dd’s DISCOUNTS features a more moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions at everyday savings of 20 to 70 percent off moderate department and discount store regular prices.
 
Results of Operations
 
The following table summarizes the financial results for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009:
 
 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
         July 31,       August 1,       July 31,       August 1,   
2010 2009 2010 2009
Sales
       Sales (millions) $  1,912 $  1,769 $  3,847 $  3,460
       Sales growth 8.1% 7.8% 11.2% 8.2%
       Comparable store sales growth 4% 3% 7% 3%
 
Costs and expenses (as a percent of sales)
       Cost of goods sold 73.0% 74.1% 72.8% 74.6%
       Selling, general and administrative 15.9% 16.2% 15.6% 16.1%
       Interest expense, net 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
 
Earnings before taxes 11.0% 9.6% 11.5% 9.2%
 
  Net earnings     6.8%     5.8%     7.1%     5.6%
 

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Stores. Our expansion strategy is to open additional stores based on market penetration, local demographic characteristics, competition, expected store profitability, and the ability to leverage overhead expenses. We continually evaluate opportunistic real estate acquisitions and opportunities for potential new store locations. We also evaluate our current store locations and determine store closures based on similar criteria.
 
   
   Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
      July 31,       August 1,       July 31,       August 1,   
2010 2009 2010 2009
Stores at the beginning of the period 1,021 974 1,005 956
Stores opened in the period 17 19 34 38
Stores closed in the period (2)   (3)   (3)   (4)  
Stores at the end of the period   1,036   990   1,036   990
 

Sales. Sales for the three month period ended July 31, 2010 increased $143.1 million, or 8%, compared to the three month period ended August 1, 2009, due to the opening of 46 net new stores between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010 and an increase in “comparable” store sales (defined as stores that have been open for more than 14 complete months) of 4% on top of a 3% gain last year. Sales for the six month period ended July 31, 2010 increased $386.3 million, or 11%, compared to the six month period ended August 1, 2009, due to the opening of 46 net new stores between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010 and an increase in comparable store sales of 7% on top of a 3% gain in the prior year.
 
Our sales mix is shown below for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009:
 
 
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
         July 31,       August 1,       July 31,       August 1,   
2010 2009 2010 2009
Ladies 32%   33%   32%   33%  
Home accents and bed and bath 24%   22%   24%   22%  
Shoes 12%   12%   13%   12%  
Men's 13%   13%   12%   13%  
Accessories, lingerie, fine jewelry, and fragrances 11%   12%   11%   12%  
Children's 8%   8%   8%   8%  
         Total   100%   100%   100%   100%  
 

We intend to address the competitive climate for off-price apparel and home goods by pursuing and refining our existing strategies and by continuing to strengthen our organization, to diversify our merchandise mix, and to more fully develop our organization and systems to improve regional and local merchandise offerings. Although our strategies and store expansion program contributed to sales gains for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010, we cannot be sure that they will result in a continuation of sales growth or in an increase in net earnings.
 
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Cost of goods sold. For the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 cost of goods sold increased $84.6 million and $222.0 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year mainly due to increased sales from the opening of 46 net new stores between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010 and a 4% and 7% increase in comparable store sales, for the same respective periods.
 
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales for the three month period ended July 31, 2010 decreased approximately 110 basis points from the same period in the prior year. This improvement was driven primarily by an 80 basis point increase in merchandise gross margin, which included a 25 basis point benefit from a lower shortage accrual. In addition, distribution expenses declined about 40 basis points due in part to the timing of recognition of acquisition, processing, and storage costs related to our packaway balances. Occupancy expense benefited the quarter by about 20 basis points. These favorable comparisons were partially offset by a 20 basis point increase in freight costs and a 10 basis point increase in buying and incentive costs compared to the second quarter of 2009.
 
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales for the six month period ended July 31, 2010 decreased approximately 170 basis points from the same period in the prior year. This improvement was driven primarily by a 110 basis point increase in merchandise gross margin, which included a 25 basis point benefit from a lower shortage accrual. In addition, occupancy expense leveraged by approximately 45 basis points, and distribution costs declined by about 40 basis points compared to the prior year period. These favorable trends were partially offset by a 15 basis point increase in freight costs and a 10 basis point increase in buying and incentive costs compared to the same period in 2009.
 
We cannot be sure that the gross profit margins realized for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 will continue in the future.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses. For the three month and six month periods ended July 31, 2010, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $17.2 million and $39.7 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year, mainly due to increased store operating costs reflecting the opening of 46 net new stores between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the three month period ended July 31, 2010 decreased by approximately 30 basis points over the same period in the prior year primarily due to leverage on corporate expenses from the strong gains in comparable store sales.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the six month period ended July 31, 2010 decreased by approximately 60 basis points over the same period in the prior year primarily due to leverage on both store and corporate expenses from strong gains in comparable store sales.
 
Interest expense, net. Net interest expense increased for the three and six month periods ended July 31, 2010 by approximately $1.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to lower capitalization of construction interest and lower investment yields.
 
Taxes on earnings. Our effective tax rate for the three month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 was approximately 38% and 39%, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 was approximately 39%. These rates represent the applicable combined federal and state statutory rates reduced by the federal benefit of state taxes deductible on federal returns, The effective rate is affected by changes in law, location of new stores, level of earnings, and the resolution of tax positions with various taxing authorities. We anticipate that our effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 will be in the range of 38% to 39%.
 
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Earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share for the three month period ended July 31, 2010 was $1.07 compared to $0.82 in the prior year period. The 30% increase in diluted earnings per share is attributable to a 25% increase in net earnings and a 4% reduction in weighted average diluted shares outstanding largely due to the repurchase of common stock under our stock repurchase program. Diluted earnings per share for the six month period ended July 31, 2010 was $2.24 compared to $1.55 in the prior year period. The 45% increase in diluted earnings per share is attributable to a 39% increase in net earnings and a 4% reduction in weighted average diluted shares outstanding largely due to the repurchase of common stock under our stock repurchase program.
 
Financial Condition
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary sources of funds for our business activities are cash flows from operations and short-term trade credit. Our primary ongoing cash requirements are for merchandise inventory purchases, payroll, taxes, capital expenditures in connection with opening new stores, and investments in distribution centers and information systems. We also use cash to repurchase stock under our stock repurchase program and to pay dividends.
 
 
Six Months Ended
   ($000)       July 31, 2010       August 1, 2009   
Cash flows provided by operating activities $ 304,837 $ 413,968
Cash flows used in investing activities (89,944)   (63,910)  
Cash flows used in financing activities (210,565)   (150,989)  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,328   $ 199,069  
 

Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $304.8 million for the six month period ended July 31, 2010 compared to $414.0 million for the six month period ended August 1, 2009. The primary sources of cash provided by operating activities for the six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 were net earnings plus non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization and accounts payable leverage (defined as accounts payable divided by merchandise inventory). The decrease in cash flow from operating activities for the six month period ended July 31, 2010 primarily resulted from changes in accounts payable leverage and payment of incentive bonuses. Accounts payable leverage increased from 75% as of January 30, 2010 to 81% as of July 31, 2010. Accounts payable leverage increased from 61% as of January 31, 2009 to 76% as of August 1, 2009. The increases in accounts payable leverage were due to faster turns on lower inventory levels.
 
Our primary source of liquidity is the sale of our merchandise inventory. We regularly review the age and condition of our merchandise and are able to maintain current merchandise inventory in our stores through replenishment processes and liquidation of slower-moving merchandise through clearance markdowns.
 
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Investing Activities
 
During the six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, our capital expenditures were approximately $88.1 million and $80.7 million, respectively. Our capital expenditures included fixtures and leasehold improvements to open new stores, information technology systems, building or expanding distribution centers, and various other expenditures related to our stores, buying, and corporate offices. We opened 34 and 38 new stores on a gross basis during the six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, respectively.
 
We are forecasting approximately $215 million in capital expenditures in fiscal year 2010 to fund expenditures for fixtures and leasehold improvements to open new Ross and dd’s DISCOUNTS stores, for the relocation or upgrade of existing stores, for investments in store and merchandising systems, buildings, equipment and systems, and for various buying and corporate office expenditures. We expect to fund these expenditures with available cash and cash flows from operations.
 
Financing Activities
 
During the six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, our liquidity and capital requirements were provided by available cash and cash flows from operations. Our buying offices, our corporate headquarters, one distribution center, one trailer parking lot, three warehouse facilities, and all but two of our store locations are leased and, except for certain leasehold improvements and equipment, do not represent capital investments. We own one distribution center in each of the following cities: Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Moreno Valley, California; and Fort Mill, South Carolina, and one warehouse facility in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
 
In January 2010, our Board of Directors approved a two-year $750 million stock repurchase program for fiscal 2010 and 2011. We repurchased 3.6 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $193 million during the six month period ended July 31, 2010. We repurchased 4.2 million shares of common stock for approximately $154.4 million during the six month period ended August 1, 2009.
 
For the six month periods ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, we paid dividends of $39.1 million and $27.8 million, respectively.
 
Short-term trade credit represents a significant source of financing for merchandise inventory. Trade credit arises from customary payment terms and trade practices with our vendors. We regularly review the adequacy of credit available to us from all sources and expect to be able to maintain adequate trade, bank, and other credit lines to meet our capital and liquidity requirements, including lease payment obligations in 2010.
 
Our $600 million credit facility remains in place and available as of July 31, 2010 and expires in July 2011.
 
We estimate that cash flows from operations, bank credit lines, and trade credit are adequate to meet operating cash needs, fund our planned capital investments, repurchase common stock, and make quarterly dividend payments for at least the next twelve months.
 
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Contractual Obligations
 
The table below presents our significant contractual obligations as of July 31, 2010:
 
                                    
  ($000) Less  
  than 1 1 – 3   3 – 5   After 5  
   Contractual Obligations       Year Years Years Years Total1   
  Senior notes $ --       $ --       $ --       $ 150,000       $ 150,000  
  Interest payment obligations 9,668 19,335 19,335 45,361 93,699  
  Capital leases 98 28   -- -- 126  
  Operating leases:          
       Rent obligations   343,371   678,311 501,555 504,789 2,028,026  
       Synthetic leases   5,802 8,528   -- -- 14,330  
       Other synthetic lease obligations 604 57,607 -- -- 58,211  
  Purchase obligations 1,309,733 7,727 --   --   1,317,460  
  Total contractual obligations $  1,669,276 $  771,536 $  520,890 $  700,150 $  3,661,852  
                                 

1We have a $36.5 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits that is included in Other long-term liabilities on our interim condensed consolidated balance sheet. This liability is excluded from the schedule above as the timing of payments cannot be reasonably estimated.
 
Senior notes. We have two series of unsecured senior notes outstanding with various institutional investors for $150 million. The Series A notes totaling $85 million are due in December 2018 and bear interest at a rate of 6.38%. The Series B notes totaling $65 million are due in December 2021 and bear interest at a rate of 6.53%. Interest on these notes is included in Interest payment obligations in the table above. These notes are subject to prepayment penalties for early payment of principal.
 
Borrowings under these notes are subject to certain operating and financial covenants, including maintaining certain interest coverage and other financial ratios. As of July 31, 2010, we were in compliance with these covenants.
 
Capital leases. The obligations under capital leases relate to distribution center equipment and have terms of two to three years.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Operating leases. We lease our two buying offices, our corporate headquarters, one distribution center, one trailer parking lot, three warehouse facilities, and all but two of our store locations. Except for certain leasehold improvements and equipment, these leased locations do not represent long-term capital investments.
 
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We have lease arrangements for certain equipment in our stores for our point-of-sale (“POS”) hardware and software systems. These leases are accounted for as operating leases for financial reporting purposes. The initial terms of these leases are either two or three years, and we typically have options to renew the leases for two to three one-year periods. Alternatively, we may purchase or return the equipment at the end of the initial or each renewal term. We have guaranteed the value of the equipment of $2.2 million at the end of the respective initial lease terms, which is included in Other synthetic lease obligations in the table above.
 
We lease approximately 181,000 square feet of office space for our corporate headquarters in Pleasanton, California, under several facility leases. The terms for these leases expire between 2011 and 2015 and contain renewal provisions.
 
We lease approximately 197,000 and 26,000 square feet of office space for our New York City and Los Angeles buying offices, respectively. The lease terms for these facilities expire in 2021 and 2014, respectively, and contain renewal provisions.
 
We lease a 1.3 million square foot distribution center in Perris, California. The land and building for this distribution center are financed under a $70 million ten-year synthetic lease that expires in July 2013. Rent expense on this center is payable monthly at a fixed annual rate of 5.8% on the lease balance of $70 million. At the end of the lease term, we have the option to either refinance the $70 million synthetic lease facility, purchase the distribution center at the amount of the then-outstanding lease obligation, or arrange a sale of the distribution center to a third party. If the distribution center is sold to a third party for less than $70 million, we have agreed under a residual value guarantee to pay the lessor any shortfall amount up to $56 million. The agreement includes a prepayment penalty for early payoff of the lease. Our contractual obligation of $56 million is included in Other synthetic lease obligations in the above table.
 
We have recognized a liability and corresponding asset for the inception date estimated fair value of the residual value guarantee in the amount of $8.3 million for our Perris, California distribution center and $0.9 million for our POS leases. These residual value guarantees are amortized on a straight-line basis over the original terms of the leases. The current portion of the related asset and liability is recorded in Prepaid expenses and other and Accrued expenses and other, respectively, and the long-term portion of the related assets and liabilities is recorded in Other long-term assets and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
We lease two warehouses in Carlisle, Pennsylvania with one lease expiring in 2013 and the other expiring in 2014. In January 2009, we exercised a three-year option for a 255,000 square foot warehouse in Fort Mill, South Carolina, extending the lease term to February 2013. We also own a 423,000 square foot warehouse also in Fort Mill, South Carolina. All four of these properties are used to store our packaway inventory. We also lease a 10-acre parcel of land that has been developed for trailer parking adjacent to our Perris distribution center.
 
The Perris, California distribution synthetic lease facility described above, as well as our revolving credit facility and senior notes, have covenant restrictions requiring us to maintain certain interest coverage and other financial ratios. In addition, the interest rates under the revolving credit facility may vary depending on actual interest coverage ratios achieved. As of July 31, 2010 we were in compliance with these covenants.
 
Purchase obligations. As of July 31, 2010 we had purchase obligations of $1,317 million. These purchase obligations primarily consist of merchandise inventory purchase orders, commitments related to store fixtures and supplies, and information technology service and maintenance contracts. Merchandise inventory purchase orders of $1,310 million represent purchase obligations of less than one year as of July 31, 2010.
 
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Commercial Credit Facilities
 
The table below presents our significant available commercial credit facilities at July 31, 2010:
 
              
  Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period Total
  Less than 1 – 3 3 – 5   After 5 amount  
   ($000)         1 year       years       years       years       committed   
   
  Revolving credit facility $ 600,000 $ --   $ --   $ --   $ 600,000  
       Total commercial commitments $  600,000   $  -- $  -- $  -- $  600,000  
   

Revolving credit facility. We have available a $600 million revolving credit facility with our banks, which contains a $300 million sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit, of which $216.7 million was available at July 31, 2010. This credit facility which expires in July 2011 has a LIBOR-based interest rate plus an applicable margin (currently 45 basis points) and is payable upon maturity but not less than quarterly. Our borrowing ability under this credit facility is subject to our maintaining certain financial ratios. As of July 31, 2010 we had no borrowings outstanding under this facility and were in compliance with the covenants.
 
Standby letters of credit. We use standby letters of credit to collateralize certain obligations related to our self-insured workers’ compensation and general liability claims. We had $83.3 million and $72.4 million in standby letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, respectively.
 
Trade letters of credit. We had $47.3 million and $28.9 million in trade letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, respectively.
 
Dividends. In August 2010, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $.16 per common share, payable on September 30, 2010. Our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $.16 per common share in January and May 2010, and $.11 per common share in January, May, August, and November 2009.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and on various other factors that management believes to be reasonable. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, there have been no significant changes to the policies discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010.
 
Effects of inflation or deflation. We do not consider the effects of inflation or deflation to be material to our financial position and results of operations.
 
22
 

New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810 (originally issued as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”). Among other items, ASC 810 responds to concerns about the application of certain key provisions of FIN 46(R), including those regarding the transparency of the involvement with variable interest entities. ASC 810 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this standard during the interim period ended May 1, 2010 did not have a material impact on our interim consolidated financial statements.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This report may contain a number of forward-looking statements regarding, without limitation, planned store growth, new markets, expected sales, projected earnings levels, capital expenditures, and other matters. These forward-looking statements reflect our then current beliefs, projections and estimates with respect to future events and our projected financial performance, operations, and competitive position. The words “plan,” “expect,” “target,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “projected,” “guidance,” “looking ahead” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
 
Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenue, profitability, and growth remain difficult to predict. As a result, our forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements and our previous expectations and projections. Refer to Part II, Item 1A in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a more complete discussion of risk factors. The factors underlying our forecasts are dynamic and subject to change. As a result, any forecasts or forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are given and do not necessarily reflect our outlook at any other point in time. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements.
 
Other risk factors are detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2009.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
We are exposed to market risks, which primarily include changes in interest rates. We do not engage in financial transactions for trading or speculative purposes.
 
We occasionally use forward contracts to hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency prices. We had no material outstanding forward contracts as of July 31, 2010.
 
Interest that is payable on our revolving credit facility is based on variable interest rates and is, therefore, affected by changes in market interest rates. As of July 31, 2010, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. In addition, lease payments under certain of our synthetic lease agreements are determined based on variable interest rates and are, therefore, affected by changes in market interest rates.
 
In addition, we issued unsecured notes to institutional investors in two series: Series A for $85 million accrues interest at 6.38% and Series B for $65 million accrues interest at 6.53%. The amount outstanding under these notes as of July 31, 2010 is $150 million.
 
Interest is receivable on our short- and long-term investments. Changes in interest rates may impact interest income recognized in the future, or the fair value of our investment portfolio.
 
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A hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in prevailing market interest rates would not have materially impacted our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or the fair values of our short- and long-term investments as of and for the three month period ended July 31, 2010. We do not consider the potential losses in future earnings and cash flows from reasonably possible, near term changes in interest rates to be material.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.
 
Quarterly Evaluation of Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any change occurred during the second fiscal quarter of 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that there was no such change during the second fiscal quarter.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
The matters under the caption “Provision for litigation costs and other legal proceedings” in Note A of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our second fiscal quarter of 2010, and information we provide in our press releases, telephonic reports, and other investor communications, including those on our corporate website, may contain forward-looking statements with respect to anticipated future events and our projected financial performance, operations and competitive position that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements and our prior expectations and projections. Refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis for a more complete identification and discussion of “Forward-Looking Statements.”
 
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Our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and the performance of our common stock may be adversely affected by a number of risk factors. Risks and uncertainties that apply to both Ross and dd’s DISCOUNTS include, without limitation, the following:
 
We are subject to the economic and industry risks that affect large retailers operating in the United States.
 
Our business is exposed to the risks of a large, multi-store retailer, which must continually and efficiently obtain and distribute a supply of fresh merchandise throughout a large and growing network of stores. These risk factors include:
We are subject to operating risks as we attempt to execute on our merchandising and growth strategies.
 
The continued success of our business depends, in part, upon our ability to increase sales at our existing store locations, to open new stores, and to operate stores on a profitable basis. Our existing strategies and store expansion programs may not result in a continuation of our anticipated revenue or profit growth. In executing our off-price retail strategies and working to improve efficiencies, expand our store network, and reduce our costs, we face a number of operational risks, including:
25
 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Information regarding shares of common stock we repurchased during the second quarter of fiscal 2010 is as follows:
 
                       
  Maximum number (or  
  Total number of approximate dollar  
  Total shares (or units) value) of shares (or  
  number of Average purchased as part units) that may yet be  
  shares (or price paid of publicly purchased under the  
  units) per share announced plans or plans or programs  
   Period purchased1       (or unit)       programs       ($000)2   
  May       419,184 $ 53.03   413,673 $ 634,000  
  (5/2/2010-5/29/2010)    
   
  June 791,655 $ 55.73 787,093 $ 590,000  
  (5/30/2010-7/3/2010)    
   
  July 613,224 $ 53.81 610,368 $ 557,000  
  (7/4/2010-7/31/2010)    
   
  Total 1,824,063 $ 54.47 1,811,134 $ 557,000  
                          

1We purchased 12,929 of these shares during the quarter ended July 31, 2010 from employees for tax withholding purposes related to vesting of restricted stock grants. All remaining shares were repurchased under our publicly announced stock repurchase program.
 
2In January 2010 our Board of Directors approved a two-year $750 million stock repurchase program for fiscal 2010 and 2011.
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
Incorporated herein by reference to the list of exhibits contained in the Index to Exhibits within this Report.
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
    ROSS STORES, INC.
(Registrant)
  
 
      Date: September 8, 2010 By:   /s/ J. Call
      John G. Call
      Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
      Principal Accounting Officer

27
 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number       Exhibit
   3.1 Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation dated May 21, 2004 and Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation dated June 5, 2002 and Corrected First Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-Q filed by Ross Stores for its quarter ended July 31, 2004.
 
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.
 
15 Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information from Deloitte & Touche LLP dated September 7, 2010
 
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302(a).
 
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302(a).
 
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
101.INS¹ XBRL Instance Document
 
101.SCH¹ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
101.CAL¹ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
101.DEF¹ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
101.LAB¹ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
101.PRE¹ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

¹Furnished, not filed.
 
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