NEWARK, Calif., May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today reported record net earnings for the 13 weeks ended April 29, 2000 of $40.8 million, compared to $34.2 million for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 1999. Earnings per share for the same period increased 27% to $.47, compared to $.37 per share in the prior year. Current year first quarter sales totaled $633 million, up 15% from the $551 million in sales for the quarter ended May 1, 1999. Comparable store sales for the same period rose 7%.

In commenting, Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased with the strength of our business during the first quarter. Solid increases in sales were broadbased throughout most geographic regions and merchandise categories. We believe these results show that we remain on track with our value-focused strategies."

Mr. Balmuth continued, "During the first quarter, our focus on more opportunistic buying, as well as ongoing strict controls of both inventories and expenses, enabled Ross to deliver a 44 basis point increase in operating income to 10.6% of sales, compared to 10.2% in the prior year period. As a percent of sales, gross margin increased by 29 basis points while general, selling and administrative expenses declined by 11 basis points."

"Our expansion program also remained on schedule during the quarter. We opened seven new stores, all in existing markets. These locations are the first of approximately 30 net new stores we plan to open in 2000. We currently expect to end the year with about 408 stores in 17 states," said Mr. Balmuth.

In conclusion, Mr. Balmuth said, "Delivering value to stockholders remains a top priority at Ross as evidenced by our share repurchase program. During the first three months of 2000, we repurchased 5.9 million shares of common stock for an aggregate investment of $99.4 million, representing about 33% of the two-year $300 million repurchase program authorization announced early in the year. We ended the quarter with 83.4 million shares of common stock outstanding."

The company will provide additional details concerning its first quarter results and business outlook on a conference call to be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Participants may listen to a real time audio webcast of the conference call by visiting the company's newly renovated web site located at www.rossstores.com. A recorded version of the call will remain available at the same location through Wednesday, May 24, 2000.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from management's current expectations. The words "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Risk factors include obtaining acceptable new store locations, competitive pressures in the apparel industry, changes in the level of consumer spending on or preferences in apparel or home-related merchandise, unseasonable weather trends, and greater than planned operating costs. Other risk factors are detailed in the company's Form 10-K for fiscal 1999. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes indicate that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

Ross Stores, Inc. operates a national chain of off-price retail stores offering first quality, in-season, branded apparel and apparel-related merchandise for the entire family at prices that average 20% to 60% less than department and specialty stores, as well as merchandise for the home at similar savings. The company had 385 stores in operation April 29, 2000, compared to 355 stores at the end of the same period last year.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Ross Stores, Inc. press releases are available on the Internet via the company's home page at http://www.rossstores.com .

                              ROSS STORES, INC.
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                       April 29,      May 1,
    ($000, except per share data, unaudited)                2000        1999

    Sales                                               $633,428    $550,825

    Costs and Expenses
      Cost of goods sold and occupancy                   434,425     379,378
      General, selling and administrative                121,446     106,192
      Depreciation and amortization                       10,478       9,320
      Interest expense (income)                                5       (162)
                                                         566,354     494,728
    Earnings before income taxes                          67,074      56,097

    Provision for taxes on earnings                       26,226      21,934
    Net earnings                                         $40,848     $34,163

    Earnings per share
      Basic                                                $0.48       $0.37
      Diluted                                              $0.47       $0.37

    Weighted average shares outstanding
      Basic                                               85,287      91,928
      Diluted                                             86,177      93,480

    Stores open end of period                                385         355


                              ROSS STORES, INC.
                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                     April 29,         May 1,

    ($000, unaudited)                                     2000           1999

    ASSETS

    Current Assets
      Cash and cash equivalents                        $32,632        $33,307
      Accounts receivable                               17,003         15,199
      Merchandise inventory                            555,619        516,107
      Other current assets                              19,068         16,301
        Total Current Assets                          $624,322       $580,914

      Property and equipment, net                      276,142        249,793
      Lease rights, deferred income taxes
       and other assets                                 63,666         50,439
                                                      $964,130       $881,146

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities

      Accounts payable, accrued expenses
       and other                                      $445,076       $386,051
      Income taxes payable                              24,803         21,233
        Total Current Liabilities                     $469,879       $407,284
      Long-term debt                                    20,000              0
      Other liabilities                                 54,762         45,570

    Stockholders' Equity                               419,489        428,292
                                                      $964,130      $881,146

SOURCE Ross Stores, Inc.

CONTACT: John G. Call, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, 510-505-4315, or Katie Loughnot, Director, Investor Relations, 510-505-4509, or katie.loughnot@ros.com, both of Ross Stores, Inc./