QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

ý	
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934	
For the quarterly period ended November 2, 2002

OR
o	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 incorporation or organization)	 	94-1390387
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)	

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

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

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

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  ý     No  o

The number of shares of Common Stock, with $.01 par value, outstanding on November 29, 2002 was 77,550,108.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	
($000)

	 	November 2,
2002

	 	February 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	
 
	 	(Unaudited)

	 	(Note A)

	 	(Unaudited)

ASSETS	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

CURRENT ASSETS	

 	

 	

 	
 	Cash and cash equivalents	 	$	101,490	 	$	40,351	 	$	36,182	
 	Accounts receivable	 	 	29,238	 	 	20,540	 	 	22,221	
 	Merchandise inventory	 	 	751,845	 	 	623,390	 	 	697,854	
 	Prepaid expenses and other	 	 	46,198	 	 	30,710	 	 	29,837	

	 	

	 	

	
 	 	Total Current Assets	 	 	928,771	 	 	714,991	 	 	786,094	

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	

 	

 	

 	
 	Land and buildings	 	 	54,580	 	 	54,432	 	 	54,329	
 	Fixtures and equipment	 	 	402,291	 	 	351,288	 	 	334,263	
 	Leasehold improvements	 	 	221,421	 	 	209,086	 	 	199,167	
 	Construction-in-progress	 	 	41,524	 	 	24,109	 	 	30,382	

	 	

	 	

	
 	 	 	719,816	 	 	638,915	 	 	618,141	
 	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	 	 	343,073	 	 	307,365	 	 	294,335	

	 	

	 	

	
 	 	 	376,743	 	 	331,550	 	 	323,806	

Deferred income taxes and other long-term assets	

35,735	

36,184	

39,992	

	 	

	 	

	
TOTAL ASSETS	 	$	1,341,249	 	$	1,082,725	 	$	1,149,892	

	

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	

 	

 	

 	

CURRENT LIABILITIES	

 	

 	

 	
 	Accounts payable	 	$	404,880	 	$	314,530	 	$	309,602	
 	Accrued expenses and other	 	 	123,833	 	 	92,760	 	 	95,200	
 	Accrued payroll and benefits	 	 	107,669	 	 	70,413	 	 	64,418	
 	Income taxes payable	 	 	39,265	 	 	11,885	 	 	25,875	
 	Short-term debt	 	 	0	 	 	0	 	 	15,900	

	 	

	 	

	
 	 	Total Current Liabilities	 	 	675,647	 	 	489,588	 	 	510,995	

Long-term debt	

25,000	

0	

75,000	
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	 	 	48,202	 	 	48,682	 	 	39,029	

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	

 	

 	

 	
 	Common stock	 	 	776	 	 	790	 	 	799	
 	Additional paid-in capital	 	 	316,317	 	 	289,734	 	 	268,745	
 	Retained earnings	 	 	275,307	 	 	253,931	 	 	255,324	

	 	

	 	

	
 	 	Total Stockholders' Equity	 	 	592,400	 	 	544,455	 	 	524,868	

	 	

	 	

	
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	 	$	1,341,249	 	$	1,082,725	 	$	1,149,892	

	
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 
	 	Three Months Ended
	 	Nine Months Ended

	
($000, except per share data, unaudited)

	 	November 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	 	November 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	
Sales	 	$	870,196	 	$	739,272	 	$	2,566,738	 	$	2,138,223	

Costs and Expenses	

 	

 	

 	

 	
 	Cost of goods sold and occupancy	 	 	602,181	 	 	508,746	 	 	1,765,871	 	 	1,478,668	
 	General, selling and administrative	 	 	180,230	 	 	159,755	 	 	527,182	 	 	446,981	
 	Depreciation and amortization	 	 	13,681	 	 	12,792	 	 	39,310	 	 	36,869	
 	Interest expense	 	 	85	 	 	463	 	 	493	 	 	3,168	

	 	

	 	

	 	

	
 	 	 	796,177	 	 	681,756	 	 	2,332,856	 	 	1,965,686	

Earnings before taxes	

74,019	

57,516	

233,882	

172,537	
Provision for taxes on earnings	 	 	28,941	 	 	22,489	 	 	91,448	 	 	67,462	

	 	

	 	

	 	

	
Net earnings	 	$	45,078	 	$	35,027	 	$	142,434	 	$	105,075	

	

Net earnings per share:	

 	

 	

 	

 	
 	Basic	 	$	.58	 	$	.44	 	$	1.82	 	$	1.31	
 	Diluted	 	$	.57	 	$	.43	 	$	1.78	 	$	1.29	

	

Weighted average shares outstanding (000):	

 	

 	

 	

 	
 	Basic	 	 	77,714	 	 	79,925	 	 	78,338	 	 	80,059	
 	Diluted	 	 	79,203	 	 	81,479	 	 	79,974	 	 	81,236	

	

Stores open at end of period	

510	

453	

510	

453	

	
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

ROSS STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	 	
 
	 	Nine Months Ended

	 	
($000, unaudited)

	 	November 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	 	
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net earnings	 	$	142,434	 	$	105,075	 	
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	 	 	39,310	 	 	36,869	 	
 	Other amortization	 	 	9,569	 	 	9,553	 	
 	Change in assets and liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Merchandise inventory	 	 	(128,455	)	 	(138,289	)	
 	 	Other current assets—net	 	 	(24,186	)	 	(17,708	)	
 	 	Accounts payable	 	 	94,100	 	 	52,887	 	
 	 	Other current liabilities	 	 	92,062	 	 	50,192	 	
 	 	Other	 	 	6,659	 	 	2,384	 	

	 	

	 	
 	Net cash provided by operating activities	 	 	231,493	 	 	100,963	 	

	 	
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Additions to property and equipment	 	 	(88,012	)	 	(68,700	)	

	 	

	 	
 	Net cash used in investing activities	 	 	(88,012	)	 	(68,700	)	

	 	
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Repayments of lines of credit	 	 	0	 	 	(18,100	)	
Proceeds from long-term debt	 	 	25,000	 	 	45,000	 	
Issuance of common stock related to stock plans	 	 	27,198	 	 	32,328	 	
Repurchase of common stock	 	 	(123,376	)	 	(82,247	)	
Dividends paid	 	 	(11,164	)	 	(10,216	)	

	 	

	 	
 	 	Net cash used in financing activities	 	 	(82,342	)	 	(33,235	)	

	 	

	 	

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	

61,139	

(972	
)	

Cash and cash equivalents:	

 	

 	
 	
 	Beginning of year	 	 	40,351	 	 	37,154	 	

	 	

	 	
 	End of quarter	 	$	101,490	 	$	36,182	 	

	 	
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

ROSS STORES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three Months and Nine Months Ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001
(Unaudited)

A. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited 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 accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position at November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001; the results of operations for the three and nine months ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001; and cash flows for the nine months ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001. The balance sheet at February 2, 2002, presented herein, has been derived from the audited financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year then ended.

Accounting policies followed by the Company are described in Note A to the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2002. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted for purposes of the 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, for the year ended February 2, 2002.

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

The condensed consolidated financial statements at November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001, and for the three months and nine 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 7.

B. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations" (effective July 1, 2001) and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (effective for the Company on February 3, 2002). SFAS No. 141 prohibits pooling-of-interests accounting for acquisitions. SFAS No. 142 specifies that goodwill and certain intangible assets will no longer be amortized but instead will be subject to periodic impairment testing. The adoption of the new standards did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. As of February 2, 2002, goodwill was $2.9 million, and this amount will no longer be amortized. Amortization expense of goodwill during the nine months ended November 3, 2001 was $93,000.

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." This statement supercedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," and the accounting and reporting provisions of Accounting Principals Board ("APB") Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions," for the disposal of a segment of a business. SFAS No. 144 became effective for the Company on February 3, 2002. Since its adoption, this standard has not had a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities," which addresses accounting for restructuring and similar costs. SFAS No. 146 supersedes

5

previous accounting guidance, principally Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3. The Company will adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 146 for restructuring activities, if any, initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS No. 146 requires that the liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under Issue 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of the Company's commitment to an exit plan. SFAS No. 146 also establishes that the liability should initially be measured and recorded at fair value. Accordingly, SFAS No. 146 may affect the timing of recognizing future restructuring costs, if any, as well as the amounts recognized.

C. EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," requires earnings per share to be computed and reported as both basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic 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 (stock awards and stock options) outstanding during the period. Dilutive EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if options to issue common stock were exercised into common stock. For the three months ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001, there were 93,052 and 27,876 shares, respectively; and for the nine months ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001, there were 43,556 and 83,697 shares, respectively, that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future that were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive (option exercise price exceeds average stock price) in the periods presented.

The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted EPS computations (shares in thousands):
 
	 	Three Months Ended
	 	Nine Months Ended

	
 
	 	Basic
EPS
	 	Effect of
Dilutive Stock
Options
	 	Diluted
EPS
	 	Basic
EPS
	 	Effect of
Dilutive Stock
Options
	 	Diluted
EPS

	
November 2, 2002	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Shares	 	 	77,714	 	 	1,489	 	 	79,203	 	 	78,338	 	 	1,636	 	 	79,974	
 	Amount	 	$	.58	 	$	(.01	)	$	.57	 	$	1.82	 	$	(.04	)	$	1.78	

	
November 3, 2001	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Shares	 	 	79,925	 	 	1,554	 	 	81,479	 	 	80,059	 	 	1,177	 	 	81,236	
 	Amount	 	$	.44	 	$	(.01	)	$	.43	 	$	1.31	 	$	(.02	)	$	1.29	
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 subsidiaries (the "Company") as of November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three-month and nine-month periods then ended and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-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 of making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, 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 auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet of Ross Stores, Inc. as of February 2, 2002, 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 12, 2002, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2002 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
November 18, 2002

7

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. The Company's 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 the subsection below entitled "Forward-Looking Statements and Factors Affecting Future Performance." The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the Company's 2001 Form 10-K. All information is based on the Company's fiscal calendar.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

PERCENTAGES OF SALES

	 	
 
	 	Three Months Ended

	 	Nine Months Ended

	 	
 
	 	November 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	 	November 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	 	
SALES	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Sales ($000)	 	$	870,196	 	$	739,272	 	$	2,566,738	 	$	2,138,223	 	
 	Sales growth	 	 	17.7	%	 	15.6	%	 	20.0	%	 	10.8	%	
 	Comparable store sales increase	 	 	7	%	 	5	%	 	9	%	 	1	%	
 	
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	

69.2	
%	
 	
68.8	
%	
 	
68.8	
%	
 	
69.2	
%	
 	General, selling and administrative	 	 	20.7	%	 	21.6	%	 	20.5	%	 	20.9	%	
 	Depreciation and amortization	 	 	1.6	%	 	1.7	%	 	1.5	%	 	1.7	%	
 	Interest expense	 	 	0.0	%	 	0.1	%	 	0.0	%	 	0.2	%	

EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES	

8.5	
%	
 	
7.8	
%	
 	
9.1	
%	
 	
8.1	
%	

PROVISION FOR TAXES ON EARNINGS	

3.3	
%	
 	
3.0	
%	
 	
3.6	
%	
 	
3.2	
%	

NET EARNINGS	

5.2	
%	
 	
4.7	
%	
 	
5.5	
%	
 	
4.9	
%	

	 	
Stores.    Total stores open as of November 2, 2002, and November 3, 2001 were 510 and 453, respectively.
 
	 	Three Months Ended

	 	Nine Months Ended

	 	
 
	 	November 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	 	November 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	 	
Stores at the beginning of the period	 	487	 	431	 	452	 	409	 	
Stores opened in the period	 	23	 	22	 	60	 	45	 	
Stores closed in the period	 	0	 	0	 	(2	)	(1	)	
Stores at the end of the period	 	510	 	453	 	510	 	453	 	

	 	

	 	

	 	

	 	

	 	
Sales.    The 18% total sales increase for the three months ended November 2, 2002 over the prior year reflects a 7% increase in sales from "comparable" stores (defined as stores that have been open for 15 months), the opening of 23 new stores and the three month benefit from sales of "non-comparable" stores that opened in the second half of 2001 and the first six months of 2002. The 16% total sales increase for the three months ended November 3, 2001 over the prior year reflects a 5% increase in sales from comparable stores, the opening of 22 new stores and the three month benefit from sales of non-comparable stores that opened in the second half of 2000 and the first six months of 2001. The 20% total sales increase for the nine months ended November 2, 2002 over the prior year reflects a 9%

8

increase in sales from comparable stores, the opening of 58 net new stores, and the nine month benefit from sales of non-comparable stores that opened in 2001. The 11% total sales increase for the nine months ended November 3, 2001 over the prior year reflects a 1% increase in sales from comparable stores, the opening of 44 net new stores and the nine month benefit from sales of non-comparable stores that opened in 2000. The Company anticipates that the very competitive climate for apparel and off-price retailers will continue in 2002. Management expects to address that challenge by continuing to effectively execute and refine the Company's existing strategies. Although these efforts, along with the Company's ongoing store expansion program, contributed to sales and earnings gains for the three month and nine month periods ended November 2, 2002, there can be no assurance that these strategies will result in a continuation of revenue and profit growth.

Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy.    The increase in the cost of goods sold and occupancy expense ratio for the three months ended November 2, 2002, compared to the same period in the prior year, resulted from a combination of higher occupancy costs as a percentage of sales, due mainly to increased costs associated with the Company's new southeast distribution center, and a slight decline in merchandise gross margins due to more competitive pricing. The decrease in cost of goods sold and occupancy expense ratio for the nine months ended November 2, 2002, compared to the same period in the prior year, resulted mainly from lower markdowns as a percentage of sales combined with leverage on occupancy costs realized from the increase in comparable stores sales. There can be no assurance that the gross profit margins realized for the three month and nine month periods ended November 2, 2002 will continue in the future.

General, Selling and Administrative Expense.    The decrease in general, selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the three and nine months ended November 2, 2002, compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarily reflects leverage on higher comparable store sales and processing efficiencies realized in the new southeast distribution center, which were partially offset by an increase in incentive plan costs.

Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of sales for the three and nine months ended November 2, 2002, compared to the same period in the prior year, decreased primarily due to leverage on higher sales.

Interest Expense.    The decrease in interest expense as a percentage of sales for the three and nine months ended November 2, 2002, compared to the same period in the prior year, is mainly due to lower average borrowings.

Taxes on Earnings.    The Company's effective tax rate for the three month and nine month periods ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001 was 39%, which represents the applicable federal and state statutory rates reduced by the federal benefit received for state taxes. During 2002, the Company expects its effective tax rate to remain at approximately 39%.

Net Earnings.    The increase in net earnings as a percentage of sales for the three months ended November 2, 2002, compared to the same period in the prior year, is primarily due to leverage of fixed expenses realized from the increase in comparable store sales growth partially offset by a modest increase in cost of goods sold. The increase in net earnings as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended November 2, 2002, compared to the same period in the prior year, is primarily due to an improvement in gross margin and leverage of fixed expenses realized from the increase in comparable store sales growth.

9

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

	 	
 
	 	Nine Months Ended

	 	
($ in 000s)

	 	November 2,
2002

	 	November 3,
2001

	 	

Cash Flows from Operating Activities	
 	
$	
231,493	
 	
$	
100,963	

Cash Flows from Investing Activities	

(88,012	
)	
 	
(68,700	
)	

Cash Flows from Financing Activities	

(82,342	
)	
 	
(33,235	
)	

	 	

Net increase (decrease)	
 	
$	
61,139	
 	
$	
(972	
)	

	 	
For the nine months ended November 2, 2002, the primary uses of cash, other than for operating expenditures, were for merchandise inventory, the repurchase in the open market of $123 million of the Company's common stock, property and equipment to open 60 new stores, investments in systems and infrastructure to support future growth, and quarterly cash dividend payments. For the nine months ended November 2, 2002, cash flows increased due to an increase in net earnings, a higher accounts payable balance, an increase in accrued expenses, payroll and income taxes payable, proceeds from long-term debt and increased issuances of common stock related to the Company's stock plans. For the nine months ended November 3, 2001, the primary uses of cash, other than for operating expenditures, were for merchandise inventory, the repurchase in the open market of $82 million of the Company's common stock, property and equipment to open 45 new stores, investments in systems and infrastructure to support future growth, and quarterly cash dividend payments. During the nine month periods ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001, the Company spent approximately $88 million and $69 million, respectively, for capital expenditures (net of leased equipment) that included fixtures and leasehold improvements to open new stores; update management information systems; and various other expenditures for existing stores, distribution centers and the central office.

Working capital was $253 million as of November 2, 2002, compared to $275 million as of November 3, 2001. As of November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001, the Company's current ratios were 1.4:1 and 1.5:1, respectively.

The Company's primary source of liquidity is the sale of its merchandise inventory. Management regularly reviews the age and condition of the merchandise and is able to maintain current inventory in its stores through the replenishment processes and liquidation of slow moving merchandise through clearance markdowns.

For the nine months ended November 2, 2002, liquidity and capital requirements were provided by cash flows from operations, bank credit facilities and trade credit. Substantially all of the Company's store sites, certain warehouses and buying offices are leased and, except for certain leasehold improvements and equipment, do not represent long-term capital investments. The Company also leases a distribution center in South Carolina and the land and building for a distribution center in Southern California, which is currently under construction, under operating leases commonly referred to as synthetic leases. The cost of the South Carolina facility of $87.3 million is being financed under a lease through May 2006, and monthly rent expense is currently payable at 90 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR. The Company expects the Southern California facility to become fully operational during the third quarter of 2003. At that time, the Company plans to transfer its primary west coast distribution capabilities from its Newark, California distribution center to the new Southern California facility. The Company owns its distribution center and corporate headquarters in Newark, California, and its distribution center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Short-term trade credit represents a significant source of financing for investments in merchandise inventory. Trade credit arises from customary payment terms and trade practices with the Company's vendors. Management regularly reviews the adequacy of credit

10

available to the Company from all sources and has been able to maintain adequate lines to meet the capital and liquidity requirements of the Company.

In June 2002, the Company entered into a new $50 million senior unsecured term loan agreement to finance the equipment and information systems for the new Southern California distribution center currently under construction. The Company borrowed $25 million under this term loan in September 2002 and expects to make the final draw of $25 million under this term loan in February 2003. Interest is payable no less than quarterly at the bank's applicable prime rate or at LIBOR plus an applicable margin (currently 150 basis points). All amounts outstanding under the term loan will be due and payable in December 2006. As of November 2, 2002, $25 million was outstanding under this term loan.

The Company had no outstanding borrowings under its $350 million revolving credit facility entered into in August 2001 as of November 2, 2002.

Borrowings under the Company's synthetic leases, term loan and revolving credit facility are subject to the Company maintaining certain interest rate coverage and leverage ratios.

Dividends.    On August 21, 2002, a quarterly cash dividend of $.0475 per common share was declared by the Company's Board of Directors, and paid on October 1, 2002. On November 20, 2002, a quarterly cash dividend of $.0475 per common share was declared by the Company's Board of Directors, payable on or before January 2, 2003. Cash payments for dividends on the Company's common stock totaled $11.2 million and $10.2 million for the nine months ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001, respectively.

Stock Repurchase Program.    In February 2002, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program of up to $300 million over two years. During the nine months ended November 2, 2002, the Company repurchased approximately 3.2 million shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $123 million.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE PERFORMANCE

In this report and from time to time the Company may make 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 position. The words "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "looking ahead," "forecast," "plan" 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.

These forward-looking statements are subject to 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, a general deterioration in economic trends, 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, the Company's ability to successfully extend its geographic reach by entering new domestic markets, unseasonable weather trends, changes in the level of consumer spending on or preferences in apparel or home-related merchandise, the Company's ability to successfully implement various new supply chain, financial and merchandising systems in a timely and cost effective manner, the Company's ability to execute the two-year $300 million common stock repurchase program in 2002 at purchase prices that result in accretion to earnings per share in line with its plan, and greater than planned costs. In addition, the Company's corporate headquarters,

11

one of its distribution centers and 35% of its stores are located in California. Therefore, a downturn in the California economy or a major natural disaster there could significantly affect the Company's operating results and financial condition.

The factors underlying any forecasts or forward-looking statements 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 the Company's outlook at any other point in time. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to market risks, which primarily includes changes in interest rates. The Company does not engage in financial transactions for trading or speculative purposes. Interest that is payable on the Company's credit facilities is based on variable interest rates and is, therefore, affected by changes in market interest rates. In addition, lease payments under the Company's two synthetic lease agreements and interest payments under the unsecured term loan agreement, all of which relate to the financing of our two new distribution centers, are determined based on variable interest rates and are, therefore, affected by changes in market interest rates. The Company began making lease payments on the new South Carolina distribution center in August 2002. Lease payments on the new Southern California distribution center will begin upon completion of construction. As of November 2, 2002, the Company had $25 million of long-term debt outstanding. The Company does not consider the potential losses in future earnings and cash flows from reasonably possible near term changes in interest rates to be material. The Company does not currently use derivative financial instruments in its investment portfolio.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a)
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-14(c) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), was conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report. Based on their evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the existing disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b)
There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation referenced in paragraph (a) above.
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 that begins on page 16 of this Report.(b)
Reports on Form 8-K

On September 13, 2002, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K, reporting under Item 9 that on September 13, 2002 the Company submitted to the SEC sworn statements signed by the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer as required by the SEC in its Order No. 4-460.

12

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: December 16, 2002	
 	
/s/  J. CALL    
John G. Call,
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Principal Accounting Officer and
Corporate Secretary	
13

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Michael Balmuth, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ross Stores, Inc.;

2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: December 16, 2002	 	/s/  MICHAEL BALMUTH    
Michael Balmuth
Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	
14

***********

I, John G. Call, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ross Stores, Inc.;

2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Date: December 16, 2002	 	/s/  J. CALL    
John G. Call
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Principal Accounting Officer and Corporate Secretary	
15

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number

	 	Exhibit

	
3.1	 	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 May 4, 2002.	

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.	

10.29	
 	
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between James C. Peters and Ross Stores, Inc., effective September 20, 2002.	

15	
 	
Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information.	

99.1	
 	
Certification of Chief Executive Officer.	

99.2	
 	
Certification of Chief Financial Officer.	
16

QuickLinks
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ROSS STORES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ROSS STORES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
ROSS STORES, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
ROSS STORES, INC. NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE PERFORMANCE
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATIONS
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
EXHIBIT 10.29

SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

The second Amendment to the Employment Agreement (the "Amendment") is made and entered into this 20th day of September 2002, by Ross Stores, Inc. (the "Company") and Jim Peters (the "Executive"). The Executive and the Company previously entered into an Employment Agreement, effective August 14, 2000 (attached hereto), as amended by the First Amendment to the Employment Agreement of November 1, 2001 (collectively, "the Employment Agreement") and it is now the intention of the Executive and the Company to amend the Agreement as set forth below. Accordingly, the Executive and the Company now enter into this Amendment.
l.	 	The Executive and the Company hereby amend the Employment Agreement by deleting Paragraph 1 of the Agreement in its entirety and replacing it with the following new Paragraph	

 	
1.   The Term .   The employment of the Executive by the Company will commence as of the date hereof and end on July 31, 2006, unless extended or terminated in accordance with this Agreement. During March 2005, and during March every other year thereafter (every two years) for so long as the Executive is employed by the Company, upon the written request of the Executive, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") shall consider extending the Executive's employment with the Company. Such request must be delivered to the Chairman of the Compensation Committee no later than the February 28 th  which precedes the March in which the requested extension will be considered. The Board shall advise the Executive, in writing, on or before the April 1 st  following its consideration of the Executive's written request, whether it approves of such extension. The failure of the Board to provide such written advice shall constitute approval of the Executive's request for extension. If the Executive's request for an extension is approved, this Agreement shall be extended two additional years.	

II.	
 	
The Executive and the Company further amend the Employment Agreement by deleting the first sentence in Paragraph 4(a) in its entirety and replacing it with the following sentence:	

 	
4(a).  Salary.   During his employment, the Company shall pay the Executive a base salary of not less than Eight Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($820,000) per annum.	
Except for the amendments, as set forth above, the Employment Agreement and all of its terms remain in force and in effect.

In Witness Whereof, the parties have executed this Second Amendment to the Agreement as of this 20th day of September, 2002, effective through July 31, 2006.
Ross Stores, Inc.	 	Executive	

/s/  MICHAEL BALMUTH      

Michael Balmuth	
 	
/s/  JIM PETERS      

Jim Peters	

September 20, 2002

Date	
 	
September 20, 2002

Date	

QuickLinks
EXHIBIT 10.29
SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
EXHIBIT 15

December 16, 2002

Ross Stores, Inc.
Newark, California

We have made a review, in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Ross Stores, Inc. for the three-month and nine-month periods ended November 2, 2002 and November 3, 2001, as indicated in our report dated November 18, 2002; because we did not perform an audit, we expressed no opinion on that information.

We are aware that our report referred to above, which is included in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 2, 2002, is incorporated by reference in Registration Statements Nos. 33-61373, 33-51916, 33-51896, 33-51898, 33-41415, 33-41413, 33-29600, 333-56831, 333-06119, 333-34988 and 333-51478 of Ross Stores, Inc. on Form S-8.

We also are aware that the aforementioned report, pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, is not considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by an accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.

Yours truly,

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, California

QuickLinks
EXHIBIT 15

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
EXHIBIT 99.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Ross Stores, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the three month period ended November 2, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Michael Balmuth, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

        (1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        (2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: December 16, 2002	 	/s/  MICHAEL BALMUTH    
Michael Balmuth,
Chief Executive Officer	

QuickLinks
EXHIBIT 99.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
EXHIBIT 99.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Ross Stores, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the three month period ended November 2, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, John G. Call, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

        (1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        (2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: December 16, 2002	 	/s/  J. CALL    
John G. Call,
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer,
Principal Accounting Officer and
Corporate Secretary	

QuickLinks
EXHIBIT 99.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002