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 April 30, 2011	
 	 	 	
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 May 19, 2011 was 116,956,306.

1

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
 
 	Three Months Ended	
 	April 30,	    	May 1,	
($000, except stores and per share data, unaudited)	2011	 	2010	
Sales	$	 2,074,576	 	$	 1,934,778	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Costs and Expenses	 	 	 	 	 	
     Costs of goods sold	 	1,481,206	 	 	1,406,082	
     Selling, general and administrative	 	309,160	 	 	294,472	
     Interest expense, net	 	2,495	 	 	2,388	
          Total costs and expenses	 	1,792,861	 	 	1,702,942	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Earnings before taxes	 	281,715	 	 	231,836	
Provision for taxes on earnings	 	108,742	 	 	89,489	
Net earnings	$	172,973	 	$	142,347	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Earnings per share	 	 	 	 	 	
     Basic	$	1.51	 	$	1.19	
     Diluted	$	1.48	 	$	1.16	

Weighted average shares outstanding (000)	 	 	 	 	 	
     Basic	 	114,764	 	 	119,829	
     Diluted	 	116,773	 	 	122,332	

Dividends	 	 	 	 	 	
     Cash dividends declared per share	$	-	 	$	-	

Stores open at end of period	 	1,068	 	 	1,021	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
2

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 	April 30,	 	January 29,	 	May 1,	
($000, unaudited)	2011	    	2011	    	2010	
Assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Current Assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
     Cash and cash equivalents	 $	671,005	 	 	 $	833,924	 	 	 $	823,652	 	
     Short-term investments	 	3,275	 	 	 	3,204	 	 	 	1,941	 	
     Accounts receivable	 	61,683	 	 	 	45,384	 	 	 	54,268	 	
     Merchandise inventory	 	 1,172,716	 	 	 	1,086,917	 	 	 	908,065	 	
     Prepaid expenses and other	 	72,900	 	 	 	63,807	 	 	 	67,895	 	
     Current deferred income taxes, net	 	15,662	 	 	 	10,003	 	 	 	3,923	 	
          Total current assets	 	1,997,241	 	 	 	 2,043,239	 	 	 	 1,859,744	 	
Property and Equipment	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
     Land and buildings	 	241,184	 	 	 	241,138	 	 	 	240,381	 	
     Fixtures and equipment	 	1,281,902	 	 	 	1,258,707	 	 	 	1,205,234	 	
     Leasehold improvements	 	595,050	 	 	 	584,306	 	 	 	541,906	 	
     Construction-in-progress	 	85,609	 	 	 	69,237	 	 	 	21,345	 	
          Property at cost	 	2,203,745	 	 	 	2,153,388	 	 	 	2,008,866	 	
     Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	 	1,198,071	 	 	 	1,169,612	 	 	 	1,075,212	 	
          Property and equipment, net	 	1,005,674	 	 	 	983,776	 	 	 	933,654	 	
Long-term investments	 	12,191	 	 	 	14,082	 	 	 	15,857	 	
Other long-term assets	 	86,888	 	 	 	75,107	 	 	 	73,352	 	
Total assets	$	3,101,994	 	 	$	3,116,204	 	 	$	2,882,607	 	
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Current Liabilities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
     Accounts payable	$	742,600	 	 	$	767,455	 	 	$	748,779	 	
     Accrued expenses and other	 	265,586	 	 	 	292,174	 	 	 	231,927	 	
     Accrued payroll and benefits	 	141,268	 	 	 	235,030	 	 	 	148,913	 	
     Income taxes payable	 	89,340	 	 	 	57,661	 	 	 	99,932	 	
          Total current liabilities	 	1,238,794	 	 	 	1,352,320	 	 	 	1,229,551	 	
Long-term debt	 	150,000	 	 	 	150,000	 	 	 	150,000	 	
Other long-term liabilities	 	200,575	 	 	 	189,989	 	 	 	185,375	 	
Long-term deferred income taxes, net	 	106,519	 	 	 	91,203	 	 	 	88,328	 	
Commitments and contingencies	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Stockholders’ Equity	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
     Common stock	 	1,171	 	 	 	1,181	 	 	 	1,223	 	
     Additional paid-in capital	 	759,048	 	 	 	740,726	 	 	 	704,982	 	
     Treasury stock	 	(59,245	)	 	 	(46,408	)	 	 	(43,640	)	
     Accumulated other comprehensive income	 	485	 	 	 	488	 	 	 	198	 	
     Retained earnings	 	704,647	 	 	 	636,705	 	 	 	566,590	 	
Total stockholders’ equity	 	1,406,106	 	 	 	1,332,692	 	 	 	1,229,353	 	
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,101,994	 	 	$	3,116,204	 	 	$	2,882,607	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 	Three Months Ended	
 	April 30,	 	May 1,	
($000, unaudited)	2011	    	2010	
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net earnings	$	172,973	 	 	$	142,347	 	
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
by operating activities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
     Depreciation and amortization	 	39,934	 	 	 	39,844	 	
     Stock-based compensation	 	9,894	 	 	 	8,910	 	
     Deferred income taxes	 	9,657	 	 	 	(14,772	)	
     Tax benefit from equity issuance	 	10,021	 	 	 	6,810	 	
     Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	 	(9,727	)	 	 	(6,482	)	
     Change in assets and liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
          Merchandise inventory	 	(85,799	)	 	 	(35,567	)	
          Other current assets	 	(25,392	)	 	 	(19,311	)	
          Accounts payable	 	1,120	 	 	 	110,149	 	
          Other current liabilities	 	(80,429	)	 	 	(43,557	)	
          Other long-term, net	 	(1,201	)	 	 	810	 	
          Net cash provided by operating activities	 	41,051	 	 	 	189,181	 	
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Additions to property and equipment	 	(70,096	)	 	 	(35,519	)	
Proceeds from investments	 	1,814	 	 	 	848	 	
          Net cash used in investing activities	 	(68,282	)	 	 	(34,671	)	
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	 	9,727	 	 	 	6,482	 	
Proceeds from issuance of common stock related to stock plans	 	5,827	 	 	 	15,004	 	
Treasury stock purchased	 	(12,837	)	 	 	(6,776	)	
Repurchase of common stock	 	(112,500	)	 	 	(94,298	)	
Dividends paid	 	(25,905	)	 	 	(19,613	)	
          Net cash used in financing activities	 	(135,688	)	 	 	(99,201	)	
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	 	 (162,919	)	 	 	55,309	 	
Cash and cash equivalents:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
          Beginning of period	 	833,924	 	 	 	768,343	 	
          End of period	 $	671,005	 	 	 $	 823,652	 	
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Interest paid	$	-	 	 	$	-	 	
Income taxes paid	$	54,705	 	 	$	47,250	 	
Non-Cash Investing Activities	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
(Decrease) increase in fair value of investment securities	$	(4	)	 	$	44	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Three months ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010
(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 April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, and the results of operations and cash flows for the three month periods then ended. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 29, 2011, 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 29, 2011. 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 29, 2011.
 
The results of operations for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 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 month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 are as follows (in $000):
 
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	
  	 	April30, 2011	 	    	May 1, 2010	  	
 	Net earnings	$	 172,973	 	 	$	 142,347	 	
 	Change in unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of taxes	 	(3	)	 	 	28	 	
 	Total comprehensive income	$	172,970	 	 	$	142,375	 	

Estimated fair value of financial instruments.The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments, accounts receivable, other long-term assets, accounts payable, and other long-term liabilities approximates their estimated fair value.
 
Sales Mix.The Company’s sales mix is shown below for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010:
 
 	 	 	Three Months Ended	 	
 	 	    	April 30, 2011	    	May 1, 2010	  	
  	Ladies	 	31%	 	31%	 	
 	Home accents and bed and bath	 	24%	 	23%	 	
 	Shoes	 	14%	 	13%	 	
 	Accessories, lingerie, fine jewelry, and fragrances	 	12%	 	12%	 	
 	Men's	 	11%	 	12%	 	
 	Children's	 	8%	 	9%	 	
 	Total	 	100%	 	100%	  	

5

 

Dividends. Dividends included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows reflect dividends paid during the periods shown. Dividends per share reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings reflect dividends declared during the periods shown. In January 2011 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.22 per common share that was paid in March 2011. In January 2010 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.16 per common share that was paid in March 2010.
 
In May 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $.22 per common share, payable on June 30, 2011.
 
Revenue recognition.The Company recognizes revenue at the point of sale and maintains an allowance for estimated future returns. Sales of gift cards are deferred until they are redeemed for the purchase of Company merchandise. The Company’s gift cards do not have expiration dates. Based upon historical redemption rates, a small percentage of gift cards will never be redeemed, which represents breakage. The Company recognizes income from gift card breakage as a reduction of operating expenses when redemption by a customer is considered to be remote. Income recognized from breakage was not significant for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010. Sales tax collected is not recognized as revenue and is included in accrued expenses and other.
 
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 April 30, 2011.
 
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.
 
Note B: Investments
 
The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities as of April 30, 2011 were:
 
 	 	 	Amortized	 	Unrealized	 	Unrealized	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
  	($000)	    	cost	    	gains	    	losses	    	Fair value	   	   	Short-term	    	Long-term	  	
 	Corporate securities	 	$	7,170	 	$	608	 	$	(33	)	 	$	7,745	 	 	$	 -	 	$	7,745	 	
 	U.S. Government and agency	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	securities	 	 	6,589	 	 	80	 	 	-	 	 	 	6,669	 	 	 	2,809	 	 	3,860	 	
 	Mortgage-backed securities	 	 	961	 	 	91	 	 	-	 	 	 	1,052	 	 	 	466	 	 	586	 	
 	Total	 	$	 14,720	 	$	 779	 	$	 (33	)	 	$	 15,466	 	 	$	 3,275	 	$	 12,191	 	

6

 

The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities as of January 29, 2011 were:
 
 	 	 	Amortized	 	Unrealized	 	Unrealized	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	($000)	    	cost	    	gains	    	losses	    	Fair value	  	  	Short-term	    	Long-term	 	
  	Corporate securities	 	$	7,465	 	$	634	 	        $	(37	)	 	$	8,062	 	 	$	300	 	$	7,762	  	
 	U.S. government and agency	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	securities	 	 	7,959	 	 	77	 	 	(5	)	 	 	8,031	 	 	 	2,366	 	 	5,665	 	
 	Mortgage-backed securities	 	 	1,111	 	 	82	 	 	-	 	 	 	1,193	 	 	 	538	 	 	655	 	
 	Total	 	$	 16,535	 	$	 793	 	$	 (42	)	 	$	 17,286	 	 	$	 3,204	 	$	 14,082	 	

The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities as of May 1, 2010 were:
 
 	 	 	Amortized	 	Unrealized	 	Unrealized	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
  	($000)	    	cost	    	gains	    	losses	    	Fair value	  	  	Short-term	    	Long-term	  	
 	Auction-rate securities	 	$	1,050	 	$	-	 	$	(150	)	 	$	900	 	 	$	 -	 	$	900	 	
 	Corporate securities	 	 	9,352	 	 	583	 	 	(54	)	 	 	9,881	 	 	 	1,016	 	 	8,865	 	
 	U.S. Government and agency	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	securities	 	 	5,243	 	 	31	 	 	(178	)	 	 	5,096	 	 	 	353	 	 	4,743	 	
 	Mortgage-backed securities	 	 	1,849	 	 	75	 	 	(3	)	 	 	1,921	 	 	 	572	 	 	1,349	 	
 	Total	 	$	 17,494	 	$	 689	 	$	 (385	)	 	$	 17,798	 	 	$	 1,941	 	$	 15,857	 	

Accounting standards pertaining to fair value measurements establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. 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 at April 30, 2011 are summarized below:
 
 	 	 	 	 	 	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Quoted	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	prices in	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	active	 	Significant	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	markets for	 	other	 	Significant	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	identical	 	observable	 	unobservable	 	
  	 	 	April 30,	 	assets	 	inputs	 	inputs	 	
 	($000)	    	2011	    	(Level 1)	    	(Level 2)	    	(Level 3)	  	
 	Corporate securities	 	$	7,745	 	$	-	 	$	7,745	 	$	-	 	
 	U.S. Government and agency securities	 	 	6,669	 	 	6,669	 	 	-	 	 	-	 	
 	Mortgage-backed securities	 	 	1,052	 	 	-	 	 	1,052	 	 	      -	 	
 	Total assets measured at fair value	 	$	 15,466	 	$	 6,669	 	$	 8,797	 	$	 -	 	

7

 

Assets measured at fair value at January 29, 2011 are summarized below:

 	 	 	 	 	 	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date	  	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Quoted	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	prices in	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	active	 	Significant	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	markets for	 	other	 	Significant	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	identical	 	observable	 	unobservable	 	
  	 	     	January 29,	     	assets	     	inputs	     	inputs	  	
 	($000)	 	2011	 	(Level 1)	 	(Level 2)	 	(Level 3)	 	
 	Corporate securities	 	$	8,062	 	$	-	 	$	8,062	 	$	      -	 	
 	U.S. government and agency securities	 	 	8,031	 	 	8,031	 	 	-	 	 	-	 	
 	Mortgage-backed securities	 	 	1,193	 	 	-	 	 	1,193	 	 	-	 	
 	Total assets measured at fair value	 	     $	 17,286	 	$	 8,031	 	$	 9,255	 	$	-	 	

Assets measured at fair value at May 1, 2010 are summarized below:

 	 	 	 	 	 	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Quoted	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	prices in	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	active	 	Significant	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	markets for	 	other	 	Significant	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	identical	 	observable	 	unobservable	 	
 	 	     	May 1,	     	assets	     	inputs	     	inputs	 	
  	($000)	 	2010	 	(Level 1)	 	(Level 2)	 	(Level 3)	  	
 	Auction-rate securities	 	$	900	 	$	-	 	$	-	 	$	900	 	
 	Corporate securities	 	 	9,881	 	 	-	 	 	9,881	 	 	-	 	
 	U.S. Government and agency securities	 	 	5,096	 	 	5,096	 	 	-	 	 	-	 	
 	Mortgage-backed securities	 	 	1,921	 	 	-	 	 	1,921	 	 	-	 	
 	Total assets measured at fair value	 	$	 17,798	 	$	 5,096	 	$	 11,802	 	$	 900	 	

The maturities of investment securities at April 30, 2011 were:

 	 	 	 	 	 	Estimated	 	
 	($000)	     	Cost basis	     	fair value	 	
  	Maturing in one year or less	 	$ 	3,212	 	$ 	3,275	  	
 	Maturing after one year through five years	 	 	5,070	 	 	5,408	 	
 	Maturing after five years through ten years	 	 	6,438	 	 	6,783	 	
 	 	 	$ 	14,720	 	$ 	15,466	 	

The underlying assets in the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation program totaling $72.7 million as of April 30, 2011 (included in other long-term assets and in other long-term liabilities) primarily consist of participant directed money market, stable value, stock, and bond funds. The fair value measurement for funds with quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1) totaled $62.9 million as of April 30, 2011. The fair value measurement for funds without quoted market prices in active markets (Level 2) totaled $9.8 million as of April 30, 2011. 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.
 
8

 

Note C: Stock-Based Compensation
 
Stock-based compensation. For the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense as follows:

 	 	 	Three Months Ended	 	
 	 	 	April 30,	 	May 1,	 	
  	($000)	     	2011	     	2010	  	
 	Performance awards	 	$ 	4,074	 	$ 	3,286	 	
 	Restricted stock	 	 	5,478	 	 	4,979	 	
 	Employee stock purchase plan and stock options	 	 	342	 	 	645	 	
 	Total	 	$ 	9,894	 	$ 	8,910	 	

Total stock-based compensation recognized in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 is as follows:

 	 	Three Months Ended	  	
  	 	April 30,	     	May 1,	 	
 	Statements of Earnings Classification ($000)	2011	 	2010	 	
 	Cost of goods sold	$ 	4,529	 	$ 	4,094	 	
 	Selling, general and administrative	 	5,365	 	 	4,816	 	
 	Total	$ 	9,894	 	$ 	8,910	 	

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.
 
During the quarter ended April 30, 2011, shares purchased by the Company for tax withholding totaled approximately 183,000 shares and are considered treasury shares which are available for reissuance. As of April 30, 2011, shares subject to repurchase related to unvested restricted stock totaled 2.8 million shares.

 	 	 	 	 	 	Weighted	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	average	 	
 	 	 	Number of	 	grant date	 	
  	(000, except per share data)	     	shares	     	fair value	  	
 	Unvested at January 29, 2011	 	2,835	 	 	$	 36.99	 	
 	     Awarded	 	600	 	 	 	60.90	 	
 	     Released	 	(594	)	 	 	34.03	 	
 	     Forfeited	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	
 	Unvested at April 30, 2011	 	         2,841	 	 	$	 42.66	 	

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 issued vests over the service period, generally three years from the date the performance award was granted.
 
The unamortized compensation expense for all plans at April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 was $80.0 million and $75.8 million, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of 2.4 years.
 
9

 

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 three month period ended April 30, 2011:

 	 	     	 	 	     	 	 	     	Weighted	     	 	 	  	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Weighted	 	average	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	average	 	remaining	 	Aggregate	 	
  	 	 	Number of	 	 	exercise	 	contractual	 	intrinsic	 	
 	(000, except per share data)	 	shares	 	 	price	 	term	 	value	 	
 	Outstanding at January 29, 2011	 	1,609	 	 	$ 	25.53	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	     Granted	 	-	 	 	 	-	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	     Exercised	 	(171	)	 	 	22.66	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	     Forfeited	 	(2	)	 	 	19.54	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Outstanding at April 30, 2011, all vested	 	1,436	 	 	$ 	25.88	 	3.34	 	$ 	68,658	 	

No stock options were granted during the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010.
 
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 April 30, 2011 (number of shares in thousands):

  	 	 	 	 	 	 	Options outstanding	     	Options exercisable	  	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Number	     	Remaining	     	Exercise	 	Number	     	Exercise	 	 	 	
 	Exercise price range	 	of shares	 	life	 	price	 	of shares	 	price	 	 	 	
 	$ 	11.71	   to   	$ 	24.47	 	466	 	1.97	 	$ 	20.77	 	466	 	$ 	20.77	 	 	 	
 	 	24.54	to	 	27.81	 	404	 	4.16	 	 	27.04	 	404	 	 	27.04	 	 	 	
 	 	27.84	to	 	29.42	 	475	 	3.63	 	 	28.84	 	475	 	 	28.84	 	 	 	
 	 	29.60	to	 	32.85	 	91	 	5.25	 	 	31.41	 	91	 	 	31.41	 	 	 	
 	$ 	11.71	to	$ 	32.85	 	1,436	 	3.34	 	$ 	25.88	 	1,436	 	$ 	25.88	 	 	 	

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 month period ended April 30, 2011 no shares were anti-dilutive. For the three month period ended May 1, 2010, approximately 82,400 weighted average shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive in the period presented.
 
The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:

 	 	Three Months Ended	 	
 	 	 	 	     	Effect of	 	     	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	dilutive	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	common	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Basic	 	stock	 	 	Diluted	 	
 	Shares in (000s)	EPS	 	equivalents	 	 	EPS	 	
 	April 30, 2011	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	     Shares	 	114,764	 	 	 2,009	 	 	 	116,773	 	
 	     Amount	$	1.51	 	$	(0.03	)	 	$	1.48	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	May 1, 2010	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	     Shares	 	 119,829	 	 	2,503	 	 	 	 122,332	 	
 	     Amount	$	1.19	 	$	(0.03	)	 	$	1.16	 	

Note E: Debt
 
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 April 30, 2011 of approximately $173 million is estimated by obtaining comparable market quotes. The senior notes are subject to prepayment penalties for early payment of principal.
 
In March 2011, the Company entered into a new $600 million unsecured, revolving credit facility. This credit facility, which replaced the Company’s previous $600 million revolving credit facility, expires in March 2016 and contains a $300 million sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit, of which $219.4 million was available at April 30, 2011. Interest on this facility is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin (currently 150 basis points) and is payable upon maturity but not less than quarterly. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under this facility as of April 30, 2011.
 
Borrowings under the credit facility and the senior notes are subject to certain covenants, including 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 April 30, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
 
12

 

Note F: Taxes on Earnings
 
As of April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits (net of federal tax benefits) were $44.5 million and $35.4 million inclusive of $12.5 million and $10.8 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, $37.7 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 $1.3 million.
 
The Company is generally open to audit by the Internal Revenue Service under the statute of limitations for fiscal years 2007 through 2010. The Company’s state income tax returns are generally open to audit under the various statutes of limitations for fiscal years 2006 through 2010. 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: Warehouse Purchase
 
In April 2011, the Company purchased a 449,000 square foot warehouse for packaway storage in Riverside, California for $20.5 million.
 
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 April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for the three-month periods then ended. These condensed consolidated interim 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 AccountingOversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Ross Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 29, 2011, 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 29, 2011, 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 29, 2011, 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
June 8, 2011
 
14

 

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 2010. 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 April 30, 2011, we operated 998 Ross Dress for Less® (“Ross”) locations in 27 states and Guam, and 70 dd’s DISCOUNTS® stores in six 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 month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010:

 	 	Three Months Ended	 	
 	 	April 30, 2011	     	May 1, 2010	 	
 	Sales	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	     Sales (millions)	$	2,075	 	$	1,935	 	
 	     Sales growth	 	7.2%	 	 	14.4%	 	
 	     Comparable store sales growth	 	3%	 	 	10%	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Costs and expenses(as a percent of sales)	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	     Cost of goods sold	 	 71.4%	 	 	 72.7%	 	
 	     Selling, general and administrative	 	14.9%	 	 	15.2%	 	
 	     Interest expense, net	 	0.1%	 	 	0.1%	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Earnings before taxes(as a percent of sales)	 	13.6%	 	 	12.0%	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Net earnings(as a percent of sales)	 	8.3%	 	 	7.4%	 	

15

 

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	 	
 	 	  April 30, 2011	 	     	May 1, 2010	 	 	
 	Stores at the beginning of the period	1,055	 	 	1,005	 	 	
 	Stores opened in the period	16	 	 	17	 	 	
 	Stores closed in the period	(3	)	 	(1	)	 	
 	Stores at the end of the period	1,068	 	 	1,021	 	 	

Sales.Sales for the three month period ended April 30, 2011 increased $139.8 million, or 7%, compared to the three month period ended May 1, 2010, due to the opening of 47 net new stores between May 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011 and a 3% increase in “comparable” store sales (defined as stores that have been open for more than 14 complete months).
 
Our sales mix is shown below for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010:

 	 	Three Months Ended	 	
 	 	  April 30, 2011	     	May 1, 2010	 	
 	Ladies	31%	 	31%	 	
 	Home accents and bed and bath	24%	 	23%	 	
 	Shoes	14%	 	13%	 	
 	Accessories, lingerie, fine jewelry, and fragrances	12%	 	12%	 	
 	Men's	11%	 	12%	 	
 	Children's	8%	 	9%	 	
 	Total	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 processes and systems to improve regional and local merchandise offerings. Although our strategies and store expansion program contributed to sales gains for the three month period ended April 30, 2011, we cannot be sure that they will result in a continuation of sales growth or in an increase in net earnings.
 
Cost of goods sold.Cost of goods sold for the three month period ended April 30, 2011 increased $75.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year mainly due to increased sales from the opening of 47 net new stores between May 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011 and a 3% increase in comparable store sales.
 
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales for the three month period ended April 30, 2011 decreased approximately 130 basis points from the same period in the prior year. This improvement was driven primarily by a 95 basis point increase in merchandise gross margin, which included a 15 basis point benefit from a lower shortage accrual. In addition, occupancy expense improved by approximately 25 basis points, distribution costs declined by about 20 basis points, and buying and incentive costs decreased by approximately 15 basis points compared to the prior year period. These favorable trends were partially offset by a 25 basis point increase in freight costs.
 
16

 

We cannot be sure that the gross profit margins realized for the three month period ended April 30, 2011 will continue in the future.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses.For the three month period ended April 30, 2011, selling, general and administrative expenses increased $14.7 million compared to the same period in the prior year, mainly due to increased store operating costs reflecting the opening of 47 net new stores between May 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the three month period ended April 30, 2011 decreased by approximately 30 basis points over the same period in the prior year primarily due to leverage on both store operating costs and general and administrative expenses from increases in comparable store sales.
 
Interest expense, net.Net interest expense increased for the three month period ended April 30, 2011 by approximately $0.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to lower investment income.
 
Taxes on earnings.Our effective tax rate for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 wasapproximately39%, which represents 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 2011 will be approximately 38%.
 
Earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share for the three month period ended April 30, 2011 was $1.48 compared to $1.16 in the prior year period. The 28% increase in diluted earnings per share is attributable to a 22% increase in net earnings and a 5% reduction in weighted average diluted shares outstanding largely due to the stock buyback program.
 
Financial Condition
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary sources of funds for our business activities are existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, and short-term trade credit. Our primary ongoing cash requirements are for merchandise inventory purchases, payroll, rent, 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 buyback program and to pay dividends.

 	 	 	Three Months Ended	 	
 	($000)	 	April 30, 2011	 	     	May 1, 2010	 	 	
 	Cash flows provided by operating activities	 	$	41,051	 	 	$	 189,181	 	 	
 	Cash flows used in investing activities	 	 	(68,282	)	 	 	(34,671	)	 	
 	Cash flows used in financing activities	 	 	(135,688	)	 	 	(99,201	)	 	
 	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	 	$	 (162,919	)	 	$	55,309	 	 	

Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $41.1 million for the three month period ended April 30, 2011 compared to $189.2 million for the three month period ended May 1, 2010. The primary sources of cash provided by operating activities for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 were net earnings plus non-cash expenses for depreciation and amortization. Our primary source of operating cash flow 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.
 
17

 

The decrease in cash flow from operating activities for the three month period ended April 30, 2011, compared to the prior year, was primarily due to cash used to purchase additional packaway inventory.
 
Packaway merchandise is purchased with the intent that it will be stored in our warehouses until a later date. The aging of packaway varies by merchandise category and seasonality of purchase, but typically packaway remains in storage less than a semi-annual selling season.
 
We expect to continue to take advantage of packaway inventory opportunities to deliver bargains to our customers. As a regular part of our business, packaway inventory levels will vary over time based on availability of compelling opportunities in the marketplace. Changes in packaway inventory levels impact our operating cash flow. At the end of the 2011 first quarter, packaway inventory increased to 48% of total inventory from 47% at the end of fiscal 2010. At the end of the 2010 first quarter, packaway inventory decreased to 33% of inventory from 38% at the end of fiscal 2009.
 
We do not believe that fluctuations in our packaway inventory levels will have a material impact on our overall liquidity.
 
Accounts payable leverage (defined as accounts payable divided by merchandise inventory) decreased from 71% as of January 29, 2011 to 63% as of April 30, 2011 as a result of higher packaway inventory.
 
The change in total merchandise inventory, net of the related change in accounts payable, resulted in a use of cash of approximately $85 million for the three months ended April 30, 2011 compared to a source of cash of approximately $75 million for the three months ended May 1, 2010.
 
Investing Activities
 
Our capital expenditures were approximately $70.1 million and $35.5 million, for the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, respectively. Our capital expenditures included costs of fixtures and leasehold improvements to open new stores and costs to implement information technology systems, build or expand distribution centers, and various other expenditures related to our stores, buying, and corporate offices. We opened 16 and 17 new stores during the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, respectively.
 
In April 2011, we purchased a 449,000 square foot warehouse for packaway storage in Riverside, California for $20.5 million.
 
We are forecasting approximately $380 million to $390 million in capital expenditures in fiscal year 2011 to fund expenditures for fixtures and leasehold improvements to open both 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
 
For the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, 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 two warehouse facilities, one in Fort Mill, South Carolina and the other in Riverside, California.
 
18

 

In January 2011, our Board of Directors approved a new two-year $900 million stock repurchase program for fiscal 2011 and 2012, replacing the $375 million remaining under the prior two-year $750 million stock repurchase program approved in January 2010. We repurchased 1.6 million shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $112.5 million during the three month period ended April 30, 2011. We repurchased 1.8 million shares of common stock for approximately $94.3 million during the three month period ended May 1, 2010.
 
For the three month periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, we paid dividends of $25.9 million and $19.6 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 2011.
 
In March 2011 we entered into a new $600 million unsecured, revolving credit facility. This credit facility, which replaced our previous $600 million revolving credit facility, expires in March 2016. Interest on this facility is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin (currently 150 basis points) and is payable upon maturity but not less than quarterly. As of April 30, 2011, our $600 million credit facility remains in place and available.
 
We estimate that existing cash balances, cash flows from operations, bank credit lines, and trade credit are adequate to meet our operating cash needs and to fund our planned capital investments, common stock repurchases, and quarterly dividend payments for at least the next twelve months.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
The table below presents our significant contractual obligations as of April 30, 2011:

 	 	Less than	     	1 - 3	     	3 - 5	     	After 5	     	 	 	 	
 	($000)	One Year	 	Years	 	Years	 	Years	 	Total¹	 	
 	Senior notes	$	-	 	$	-	 	$	-	 	$	150,000	 	$	150,000	 	
 	Interest payment obligations	 	9,667	 	 	19,335	 	 	19,335	 	 	40,528	 	 	88,865	 	
 	Operating leases:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	     Rent obligations	 	352,233	 	 	691,156	 	 	487,291	 	 	453,358	 	 	1,984,038	 	
 	     Synthetic leases	 	5,291	 	 	4,941	 	 	-	 	 	-	 	 	10,232	 	
 	     Other synthetic lease obligations	 	1,322	 	 	56,499	 	 	-	 	 	-	 	 	57,821	 	
 	Purchase obligations	 	1,376,478	 	 	7,453	 	 	-	 	 	-	 	 	1,383,931	 	
 	Total contractual obligations	$	 1,744,991	 	$	 779,384	 	$	 506,626	 	$	 643,886	 	$	 3,674,887	 	

1We have a $44.5 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 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.
 
19

 

Borrowings under these notes are subject to certain operating and financial covenants, including interest coverage and other financial ratios. As of April 30, 2011, we were in compliance with these covenants.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Operating leases.We lease our 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.
 
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 $1.8 million at the end of the respective initial lease terms, which is included in Other synthetic lease obligations in the table above.
 
We lease a 1.3 million square foot distribution center in Perris, California. The land and building for this distribution center are financed by the lessor 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. As of April 30, 2011, we have accrued approximately $4.6 million related to an estimated shortfall in the residual value guarantee recorded in accrued expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The synthetic lease 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 also recognized a liability and corresponding asset for the inception date estimated fair values of the distribution center and POS synthetic lease residual value guarantees. As of April 30, 2011, we have approximately $2.2 million of residual value guarantee asset and liability. 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 accrued expenses, 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 three warehouses. Two of the warehouses are in Carlisle, Pennsylvania with leases expiring in 2013 and 2014. The third warehouse is in Fort Mill, South Carolina, with a lease expiring in 2013. We also own a 423,000 square foot warehouse in Fort Mill, South Carolina and a 449,000 square foot warehouse in Riverside, California. All five of these warehouses are used to store our packaway inventory. We also lease a 10-acre parcel that has been developed for trailer parking adjacent to our Perris distribution center.
 
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 2014 and 2015 and contain renewal provisions.
 
We lease approximately 201,000 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.
 
Purchase obligations.As of April 30, 2011 we had purchase obligations of approximately $1,384 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 $1,317 million represent purchase obligations of less than one year as of April 30, 2011.
 
20

 

Commercial Credit Facilities
 
The table below presents our significant available commercial credit facilities at April 30, 2011:

 	 	 	Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Less than 1	     	 	 	     	 	 	     	 	 	     	Total amount	 	
 	($000)	 	year	 	1 - 3 years	 	3 - 5 years	 	After 5 years	 	committed	 	
 	Revolving credit facility	 	$	-	 	$	-	 	$	 600,000	 	$	-	 	$	 600,000	 	
 	Total commercial commitments	 	$	-	 	$	-	 	$	600,000	 	$	-	 	$	600,000	 	
 	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	For additional information relating to this credit facility, refer to note E of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.	 	

Revolving credit facility.In March 2011 we entered into a new $600 million unsecured, revolving credit facility replacing our previous $600 million revolving credit facility. This new facility with our banks, expires in March 2016 and contains a $300 million sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit, of which $219.4 million was available at April 30, 2011. Interest on this facility is based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin (currently 150 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 April 30, 2011 we had no borrowings outstanding under this facility and were in compliance with the covenants.

21

 
 
The synthetic lease facilities 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 April 30, 2011 we were in compliance with these covenants.
 
Standby letters of credit.We use standby letters of credit to collateralize certain self-insured obligations. We had $80.6 million and $83.3 million in standby letters of credit outstanding at April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, respectively.
 
Trade letters of credit.We had $41.3 million and $40.1 million in trade letters of credit outstanding at April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, respectively.
 
Dividends.In May 2011, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $.22 per common share, payable on June 30, 2011.
 
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 first quarter of fiscal 2011, there have been no significant changes to the policies discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2011.
 
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.
 
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 those 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 for Ross and dd’s DISCOUNTS. 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.
 
22

 

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 2010.
 
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 outstanding forward contracts as of April 30, 2011.
 
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 April 30, 2011, 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 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 April 30, 2011 was $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.
 
A hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in prevailing market interest rates would not materially impact 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 April 30, 2011. 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. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. 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 first fiscal quarter of 2011 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 first fiscal quarter.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
23

 

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 first fiscal quarter of 2011, 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.”
 
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:
An increase in the level of competitive pressures in the apparel or home-related merchandise industry. 
Changes in the level of consumer spending on or preferences for apparel or home-related merchandise. 
The impact from the macro-economic environment and financial and credit markets including but not limited to interest rates, recession, inflation, deflation, energy costs, tax rates and policy, unemployment trends, and fluctuating commodity costs. 
Changes in geopolitical conditions. 
Unseasonable weather trends that could affect consumer demand for seasonal apparel and apparel-related products. 
A change in the availability, quantity, or quality of attractive brand-name merchandise at desirable discounts that could impact our ability to purchase product and continue to offer customers a wide assortment of merchandise at competitive prices. 
Potential disruptions in the supply chain that could impact our ability to deliver product to our stores in a timely and cost-effective manner. 
A change in the availability, quality, or cost of new store real estate locations. 
A downturn in the economy or a natural disaster in California or in another region where we have a concentration of stores or a distribution center. Our corporate headquarters, Los Angeles buying office, two distribution centers, and 26% of our stores are located in California.
24

 

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:
Our ability to attract and retain personnel with the retail talent necessary to execute our strategies. 
Our ability to effectively operate our various supply chain, core merchandising, and other information systems. 
Our ability to improve our merchandising capabilities through the recent implementation of new processes and systems enhancements. 
Our ability to improve new store sales and profitability, especially in newer regions and markets. 
Our ability to achieve and maintain targeted levels of productivity and efficiency in our distribution centers. 
Our ability to lease or acquire acceptable new store sites with favorable demographics and long term financial returns. 
Our ability to identify and to successfully enter new geographic markets.
Our ability to achieve planned gross margins, by effectively managing inventories, markdowns, and shrink. 
Our ability to effectively manage all operating costs of the business, the largest of which are payroll and benefit costs for store and distribution center employees.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Information regarding shares of common stock we repurchased during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 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	 	 	
 	 	February	 	520,779	 	      $	70.68	 	518,136	 	                      $	 863,400	 	 	
 	 	(1/30/2011-2/26/2011)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	
 	 	March	 	639,444	 	$	70.13	 	557,740	 	$	824,100	 	 	
 	 	(2/27/2011-4/2/2011)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	
 	 	April	 	609,005	 	$	71.73	 	509,997	 	$	787,500	 	 	
 	 	(4/3/2011-4/30/2011)	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	
 	 	Total	 	1,769,228	 	$	70.84	 	1,585,873	 	$	787,500	 	 	

1We purchased 183,355 of these shares during the quarter ended April 30, 2011 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 2011 our Board of Directors approved a new two-year $900 million stock repurchase program for fiscal 2011 and 2012.
 
25

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
Incorporated herein by reference to the list of exhibits contained in the Index to Exhibits within this Report.
 
26

 

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:     June 8, 2011	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.	
 	 	 	 	
 	10.1	 	Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 3, 2011.	
 	 	 	 	
 	10.2	 	Forms of Executive Employment Agreement between Ross Stores, Inc. and Executives.	
 	 	 	 	
 	10.3	 	Executive Employment Agreement effective March 16, 2011 between Barbara Rentler and Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	 	
 	10.4	 	Executive Employment Agreement effective March 16, 2011 between James Fassio and Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	 	
 	10.5	 	Executive Employment Agreement effective March 16, 2011 between Michael O’Sullivan and Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	 	
 	10.6	 	Executive Employment Agreement effective March 16, 2011 between John Call and Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	 	
 	10.7	 	Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective December 31, 2008.	
 	 	 	 	
 	15	 	Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information from Deloitte & Touche LLP dated June 8, 2011.	
 	 	 	 	
 	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.	

28

EXECUTION VERSION

Published CUSIP Number: 77829RAA5

CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
Dated as of March 3, 2011
 
among
 
ROSS STORES, INC.,
as the Borrower,
 
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer,
 
and
 
The Other Lenders Party Hereto
 
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC, and
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC,
as Joint Arrangers and Joint Book Managers
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Syndication Agents
 
UNION BANK, N.A. and
U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Documentation Agents
 
BANK OF THE WEST and
FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK,
as Senior Managing Agents

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ARTICLE I.DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS	1	
         	1.01	      	Defined Terms	1	
 	1.02	 	Other Interpretive Provisions	23	
 	1.03	 	Accounting Terms	24	
 	1.04	 	Rounding	25	
 	1.05	 	Times of Day	25	
 	1.06	 	Letter of Credit Amounts	25	
 	 	 	 	 	
ARTICLE II.THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS	25	
 	2.01	 	Committed Loans	25	
 	2.02	 	Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans	26	
 	2.03	 	[Intentionally omitted]	27	
 	2.04	 	Letters of Credit	27	
 	2.05	 	Swing Line Loans	36	
 	2.06	 	Prepayments	39	
 	2.07	 	Termination or Reduction of Commitments	40	
 	2.08	 	Repayment of Loans	40	
 	2.09	 	Interest	40	
 	2.10	 	Fees	41	
 	2.11	 	Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate	42	
 	2.12	 	Evidence of Debt	42	
 	2.13	 	Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback	43	
 	2.14	 	Sharing of Payments by Lenders	45	
 	2.15	 	[Intentionally omitted]	45	
 	2.16	 	Increase in Commitments	45	
 	2.17	 	Cash Collateral	47	
 	2.18	 	Defaulting Lenders	48	
 	 	 	 	 	
ARTICLE III.TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY	49	
 	3.01	 	Taxes	49	
 	3.02	 	Illegality	54	
 	3.03	 	Inability to Determine Rates	54	
 	3.04	 	Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans	55	
 	3.05	 	Compensation for Losses	56	
 	3.06	 	Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders	57	
 	3.07	 	Survival	58	
 	 	 	 	 	
ARTICLE IV.CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING DATE AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS	58	
 	4.01	 	Conditions of Initial Credit Extension	58	
 	4.02	 	Conditions to all Credit Extensions	59	
 	 	 	
ARTICLE V.REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES	60	
 	5.01	 	Existence, Qualification and Power	60	
 	5.02	 	Authorization; No Contravention	60	

i

 

         	5.03	     	Valid Obligations; Binding Effect	61	
 	5.04	 	Governmental Authorization; Other Consents	61	
 	5.05	 	Ownership of Property; Liens	61	
 	5.06	 	Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc	61	
 	5.07	 	Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect	62	
 	5.08	 	Defaults	62	
 	5.09	 	Taxes	62	
 	5.10	 	Litigation	62	
 	5.11	 	Subsidiaries	63	
 	5.12	 	Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act	63	
 	5.13	 	ERISA Compliance	63	
 	5.14	 	Environmental Compliance	63	
 	5.15	 	Disclosure	63	
 	5.16	 	Compliance with Laws	63	
 	5.17	 	Labor Relations	63	
 	5.18	 	Certain Transactions	64	
 	5.19	 	Restrictions on the Borrower and Subsidiaries	64	
 	5.20	 	Insurance	64	
 	 	
ARTICLE VI. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS	64	
 	6.01	 	Financial Statements	64	
 	6.02	 	Certificates; Other Information	65	
 	6.03	 	Notices	66	
 	6.04	 	Conduct of Business; Compliance with Law	67	
 	6.05	 	Maintenance of Properties	68	
 	6.06	 	Insurance	68	
 	6.07	 	Payment of Taxes	68	
 	6.08	 	Inspection Rights	68	
 	6.09	 	Maintenance of Books and Records	69	
 	6.10	 	Use of Proceeds	69	
 	6.11	 	Pension Plans	69	
 	6.12	 	Fiscal Year	69	
 	6.13	 	Additional Guarantors	69	
 	6.14	 	Further Assurances	70	
 	 	 	
ARTICLE VII.NEGATIVE COVENANTS	70	
 	7.01	 	Indebtedness	70	
 	7.02	 	Liens	71	
 	7.03	 	Fundamental Changes; Dispositions; Acquisitions	72	
 	7.04	 	Financial Covenants	73	
 	7.05	 	Restricted Payments	73	
 	7.06	 	Investments	73	
 	7.07	 	ERISA	73	
 	7.08	 	Transactions with Affiliates	74	
 	7.09	 	Loans	74	
 	7.10	 	Use of Proceeds	74	

ii

 

ARTICLE VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES	74	
           	8.01	     	Events of Default	74	
 	8.02	 	Remedies Upon Event of Default	77	
 	8.03	 	Application of Funds	78	
 	 	 	 	 	
ARTICLE IX. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT	79	
 	9.01	 	Appointment and Authority	79	
 	9.02	 	Rights as a Lender	79	
 	9.03	 	Exculpatory Provisions	79	
 	9.04	 	Reliance by Administrative Agent	80	
 	9.05	 	Delegation of Duties	80	
 	9.06	 	Resignation of Administrative Agent	81	
 	9.07	 	Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders	81	
 	9.08	 	No Other Duties, Etc	82	
 	9.09	 	Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim	82	
 	9.10	 	Guaranty Matters	82	

ARTICLE X.MISCELLANEOUS	83	
           	10.01	     	Amendments, Etc	83	
 	10.02	 	Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication	84	
 	10.03	 	No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement	86	
 	10.04	 	Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver	87	
 	10.05	 	Payments Set Aside	89	
 	10.06	 	Successors and Assigns	89	
 	10.07	 	Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality	94	
 	10.08	 	Right of Setoff	95	
 	10.09	 	Interest Rate Limitation	95	
 	10.10	 	Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness	95	
 	10.11	 	Survival of Representations and Warranties	96	
 	10.12	 	Severability	96	
 	10.13	 	Replacement of Lenders	96	
 	10.14	 	Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc	97	
 	10.15	 	Waiver of Jury Trial	98	
 	10.16	 	California Judicial Reference	98	
 	10.17	 	No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility	99	
 	10.18	 	Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents	99	
 	10.19	 	USA PATRIOT Act	99	

iii

 

EXHIBITS
 
          	 	      	Form of	
 	A	 	Committed Loan Notice	
 	B	 	Swing Line Loan Notice	
 	C	 	Note	
 	D	 	Compliance Certificate	
 	E-1	 	Assignment and Assumption	
 	E-2	 	Administrative Questionnaire	
 	F	 	Guaranty	
 	G	 	Opinion Matters	

iv

 

EXECUTION VERSION
 
CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
     This CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of March 3, 2011, among Ross Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “ Lenders ” and individually, a “ Lender ”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.
 
     The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit facility, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
 
     In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
 
ARTICLE I.DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
 
     1.01Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
 
     “Acquisition” is defined inSection 7.03.
 
     “Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
 
     “Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02 , or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from        time to time notify to the Borrower and the Lenders.
 
     “Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form ofExhibit E-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
 
     “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
 
     “Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders. As of the Closing Date, the Aggregate Commitments are $600,000,000.
 
     “Agreement” means this Credit Agreement.
 
     “Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment at such time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.18 . If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02  or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on  Schedule 2.01  or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.
 
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     “Applicable Rate” for Eurodollar Rate Loans, Base Rate Loans, standby Letters of Credit, documentary (or commercial) Letters of Credit, and Commitment Fees means, from time to time, the following percentages per annum in the table set forth below (the “ Pricing Grid ”), based upon the following two pricing levels: (i) the Level applicable to the Borrower under the heading “Rating” and (ii) the Level applicable to the Borrower under the heading Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio. If at any time two different pricing Levels apply, then the pricing shall be based on the higher Level (i.e., the Level with the lower pricing). The “ Rating ” shall be the long term unsecured senior, non-credit enhanced rating of the Borrower by S&P. If at any time the Borrower does not have a Rating, then the pricing shall be set at the Level applicable to the Borrower’s Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio.
 
Level	     	Rating	     	Consolidated	     	Applicable	     	Applicable	     	Applicable	     	Applicable	
 	 	 	 	Adjusted	 	Rate for	 	Rate for	 	Rate for	 	Rate for	
 	 	 	 	Interest	 	Eurodollar	 	Base Rate	 	Commitment	 	Documentary	
 	 	 	 	Coverage	 	Rate Loans	 	Loans	 	Fees	 	Letters of	
 	 	 	 	Ratio	 	and	 	 	 	 	 	Credit	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Standby	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Letters of	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Credit	 	 	 	 	 	 	
I)	 	<BBB-	 	< 2.50 to 1.00	 	2.500%	 	1.500%	 	0.375%	 	1.250%	
II)	 	BBB-	 	≥ 2.50 to 1.00	 	2.000%	 	1.000%	 	0.300%	 	1.000%	
 	 	 	 	but < 3.00 to	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	1.00	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
III)	 	BBB	 	≥ 3.00 to 1.00	 	1.750%	 	0.750%	 	0.250%	 	0.875%	
 	 	 	 	but < 3.75  to	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	1.00	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
IV)	 	BBB+	 	≥ 3.75 to 1.00	 	1.500%	 	0.500%	 	0.200%	 	0.750%	
 	 	 	 	but < 5.00  to	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	1.00	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
V)	 	>A-	 	≥ 5.00 to 1.00	 	1.250%	 	0.250%	 	0.150%	 	0.625%	

     Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) ; provided , however , that if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered when due in accordance with such Section, then the Borrower shall be provided one Business Day to cure such failure, and at any time thereafter, if not so cured, upon the request of the Required Lenders Pricing Level I shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and shall remain in effect until the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered. Initially, the Applicable Rate shall be set at Level IV from the Closing Date until the date of the first quarterly Compliance Certificate delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 6.02(a) .
 
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     Each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a publicly announced change in the Rating shall be effective, in the case of an upgrade, during the period commencing on the date of delivery by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent of notice thereof pursuant to Section 6.03(g)  and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change and, in the case of a downgrade, during the period commencing on the date of the public announcement thereof and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change.
 
     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, the determination of the Applicable Rate for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.11(b) .
 
     “Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
 
     “Arranger” means any of the Joint Arrangers individually.
 
     “Assignee Group” means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor.
 
     “Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.06(b)) , and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E-1  or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
 
     “Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any capital lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease were accounted for as a capital lease.
 
     “Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.
 
     “Auto-Extension Letter of Credit” has the meaning gives in Section 2.04(b)(iii).
 
     “Auto-Reinstatement Letter of Credit” has the meaning gives inSection 2.04(b)(iv).
 
     “Availability Period” means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.07 , and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to  Section 8.02 .
 
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     “Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.
 
     “Bank of America Fee Letter” means the Fee Letter among the Borrower, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
 
     “Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate,” and (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%. The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such prime rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.
 
     “Base Rate Committed Loan” means a Committed Loan that is a Base Rate Loan.
 
     “Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
 
     “Borrower” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
 
     “Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified inSection 6.02.
 
     “Borrowing” means a Committed Borrowing or a Swing Line Borrowing, as the context may require.
 
     “Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, either the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located or the state of California and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day that is also a London Banking Day.
 
     “Capitalized Lease” means any lease of real property by the Borrower or any Subsidiary as lessee which is shown as a liability on the Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower in accordance with GAAP.
 
     “Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender (as applicable) and the Lenders, as collateral for L/C Obligations, Obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans, or obligations of Lenders to fund participations in respect of either thereof (as the context may require), cash or deposit account balances or, if the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender benefiting from such collateral shall agree in its reasonable discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to (a) the Administrative Agent and (b) the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender (as applicable). “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any contrary provision herein or in any other Loan Document, Cash Collateral shall not include assets of an Excluded Foreign Subsidiary.
 
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     “Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith shall be deemed to be a “Change of Law” regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.
 
     “Change of Control” means an event or series of events by which:
 
     (a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (such right, an “ option right ”)), directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the equity securities of the Borrower entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right);
 
     (b) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Borrower cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii) and clause (iii), any individual whose initial nomination for, or assumption of office as, a member of that board or equivalent governing body occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more directors by any person or group other than a solicitation for the election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the board of directors); or
 
     (c) any change in equity ownership of any Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower, except as may be expressly permitted bySection 7.03  hereof.
 
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     “Closing Date” means the first date all the conditions precedent inSection 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 10.01 .
 
     “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
 
     “Committed Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Committed Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01 .
 
     “Committed Loan” has the meaning specified inSection 2.01.
 
     “Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Committed Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a) , which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A .
 
     “Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Committed Loans to the Borrower pursuant toSection 2.01 , (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations, and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01  or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
 
     “Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form ofExhibit D.
 
     “Consolidated” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term under GAAP.
 
     “Consolidated Adjusted Debt” means, as at any date of determination, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, all Indebtedness of the Borrower on a Consolidated basis for borrowed money (including, without limitation but without duplication, (i) Indebtedness arising under Capitalized Leases, (ii) Synthetic Lease Obligations, (iii) liabilities under Guarantees, and (iv) liabilities under standby letters of credit (but excluding liabilities under documentary letters of credit)), plus  an amount equal to six times Consolidated Rent Expense for the twelve-month period ending on such date of determination.
 
     “Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, the ratio of (i) Consolidated EBITDAR for such period, to (ii) Consolidated Total Interest Expense plus Consolidated Rent Expense for such period.
 
     “Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income for such period plus the following to the extent deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income for such period: (i) Consolidated Total Interest Expense for such period, (ii) Consolidated taxes on income for such period, (iii) Consolidated depreciation for such period, (iv) Consolidated amortization for such period, and (v) extraordinary non-cash losses to the extent such losses have not been and will not become cash losses in a later fiscal period.
 
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     “Consolidated EBITDAR” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, an amount equal to Consolidated EBITDA for such period, plus Consolidated Rent Expense for such period.
 
     “Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, the net income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP (excluding extraordinary gains and extraordinary losses) for such period.
 
     “Consolidated Rent Expense” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, the aggregate rental expenses payable by the Borrower on a Consolidated basis for such period (including percentage rent) under any operating Lease classified as such under GAAP but not including any amount included in the definition of “Consolidated Total Interest Expense.”
 
     “Consolidated Tangible Net Worth” means, as at any date of determination, Stockholders’ Equity less any intangible assets, with intangible assets defined as goodwill, patents, trademarks, tradenames, lease rights, capitalized pre-opening costs, franchises, organization costs and property rights.
 
     “Consolidated Total Interest Expense” means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, all interest and all amortization of debt discount and expense (including commitment fees, letter of credit fees, balance deficiency fees and similar expenses) on all Indebtedness of the Borrower on a Consolidated basis (including outstanding letters of credit), all as determined in accordance with GAAP, together with all interest expense of the Borrower on a Consolidated basis under Synthetic Leases.
 
     “Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
 
     “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “ Controlling ” and “ Controlled ” have meanings correlative thereto.
 
     “Credit Extension” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.
 
     “Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
 
     “Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
 
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     “Default Rate” means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus  (ii) the Applicable Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided , however , that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum, and (b) when used with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Rate applicable to documentary Letters of Credit or standby Letters of Credit, as the case may be, plus 2% per annum.
 
     “Defaulting Lender” means, subject toSection 2.18(b), any Lender that, as determined by the Administrative Agent, (a) has failed to perform any of its funding obligations hereunder, including in respect of its Loans or participations in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans, within three Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) has notified the Borrower, or the Administrative Agent that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to its funding obligations hereunder or under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent, to confirm in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that it will comply with its funding obligations, or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or a custodian appointed for it, or (iii) taken any action in furtherance of, or indicated its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment; provided  that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority.
 
     “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.
 
     “Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.
 
     “Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States.
 
     “Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee underSection 10.06(b)(iii), and(v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii) ).
 
     “Environmental Claims” means all claims, however asserted, alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of any Environmental Law or for release of Hazardous Materials or injury to the environment.
 
     “Environmental Laws” means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.
 
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     “Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
 
     “Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.
 
     “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor statute thereto, as interpreted by the rules and regulations thereunder, all as the same may be in effect from time to time.
 
     “ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 4001(a) of ERISA or which is treated as a single employer with the Borrower under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).
 
     “ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA; (e) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan; (f) any event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (g) the determination that any Pension Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 and 432 of the Code or Sections 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA; or (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.
 
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     “Eurodollar Rate” means:
 
     (a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to (i) the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“ BBA LIBOR ”), as published by Reuters (or such other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period or, (ii) if such rate is not available at such time for any reason, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan being made, continued or converted and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; and
 
     (b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to (i) BBA LIBOR, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time determined two London Banking Days prior to such date for Dollar deposits being delivered in the London interbank market for a term of one month commencing that day or (ii) if such published rate is not available at such time for any reason, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the date of determination in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Base Rate Loan being made or maintained and with a term equal to one month would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market at their request at the date and time of determination.
 
     “Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan” and “Eurodollar Rate Loan” each means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Eurodollar Rate.
 
     “Event of Default” has the meaning specified inSection 8.01.
 
     “Excluded Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower if, in the good faith reasonable judgment of the Borrower, such Subsidiary becoming a Guarantor could reasonably be expected to implicate Reg. 1.956-2(c), in each case in respect of which such Subsidiary incurring Guarantee obligations with respect to any Obligation of the Borrower could, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, be reasonably expected to result in the present or reasonably foreseeable future incremental adverse income tax consequences to the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, under section 956 of the Code taking into account actual anticipated repatriation of funds, foreign tax credits and all relevant factors.
 
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     “Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income or receipts (however denominated), and franchise or similar Taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income Taxes), by (i) the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the Laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, or (ii) by any Governmental Authority as a result of a present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction of such Governmental Authority, (b) any branch profits Taxes imposed by the United States or any similar Tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, (c) any backup withholding Tax that is required by the Code to be withheld from amounts payable to a Lender that has failed to comply with Section 3.01(e) , (d) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 10.13 ), any United States withholding Tax that (i) is required to be imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender pursuant to the Laws in force at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office) or (ii) is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with Section 3.01(e) , except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(ii) or (c), and (e) in the case of any non-Foreign Lender which changes its Lending Office to an office outside the United States, any resulting United States withholding Taxes that are in effect and would apply to a payment to such Lender as of the date of the change of the Lending Office.
 
     “Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2004 and amended as of July 28, 2006, among the Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders.
 
     “Existing Letters of Credit” means the Letters of Credit listed on Schedule 1.01 hereto.
 
     “FASB ASC” means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
 
     “Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided  that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.
 
     “Fee Letters” means the respective letter agreements, each dated as of February 8, 2011, among (a) the Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, (b) the Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and (c) the Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
 
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     “Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is organized under the Laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes (including such a Lender when acting in the capacity of the L/C Issuer). For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
 
     “Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
 
     “FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
 
     “Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the L/C Issuer, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding L/C Obligations other than L/C Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) with respect to the Swing Line Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of Swing Line Loans other than Swing Line Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.
 
     “Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.
 
     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.
 
     “Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
 
     “Guarantee” means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
 
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     “Guarantors” means, collectively, Ross Dress For Less, Inc., a Virginia corporation, and Ross Procurement, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any contrary provision herein or in any other Loan Document, Guarantors shall not include any Excluded Foreign Subsidiary.
 
     “Guaranty” means the Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, substantially in the form of Exhibit F .
 
     “Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
 
     “Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:
 
     (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
 
     (b) all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under standby letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments;
 
     (c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
 
     (d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business);
 
     (e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse, provided that the amount of such Indebtedness shall be limited to the value of the property subject to such Lien if such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such obligation;
 
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     (f) capital leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations;
 
     (g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Equity Interest in such Person or any other Person, valued, in the case of a redeemable preferred interest, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and
 
     (h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
 
     For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of any capital lease or Synthetic Lease Obligation as of any date shall be deemed to be the amount of Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof as of such date.
 
     “Indemnified Taxes” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
 
     “Indemnitees” has the meaning specified inSection 10.04(b).
 
     “Information” has the meaning specified inSection 10.07.
 
     “Insurance Trust Investments” means cash held in insurance trusts to collateralize insurance obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
 
     “Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided , however , that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan (including a Swing Line Loan), the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date.
 
     “Interest Period” means as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided  that:
 
     (i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Loan, such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day; 
 
     (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and
 
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     (iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.
 
     “Internal Control Event” means a determination, either by the Borrower or its independent accounting firm, of the occurrence or existence of any material weakness in, or fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in, the Borrower’s internal controls over financial reporting.
 
     “Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of capital stock or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person and any arrangement pursuant to which the investor Guarantees Indebtedness of such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute a business unit. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
 
     “IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
 
     “ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).
 
     “Issuer Documents” means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower (or any Subsidiary) or in favor of the L/C Issuer and relating to such Letter of Credit.
 
     “Joint Arrangers” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC in their respective capacities as joint arrangers and joint book managers.
 
     “Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, provided, however, that with respect to Taxes, “Laws” shall also include guidelines, whether or not having the force of law.
 
     “L/C Advance” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.
 
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     “L/C Borrowing” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Committed Borrowing.
 
     “L/C Credit Extension” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the amount thereof.
 
     “L/C Issuer” means (a) Bank of America in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or (b) any other Lender selected by the Borrower from time to time with the written agreement of such Lender and the written consent of the Administrative Agent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
 
     “L/C Obligations” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.
 
     “Leases orLease” means agreement granting a Person the right to occupy space in a structure or real estate for any period of time, and any Capitalized Lease, Synthetic Lease, or other lease of or agreement to use personal property including, but not limited to, machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, whether evidenced by written or oral lease, contract or other agreement no matter how characterized.
 
     “Lender” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto and, as the context requires, includes the Swing Line Lender.
 
     “Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
 
     “Letter of Credit” means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder and any commercial or documentary letter of credit issued hereunder, and shall include the Existing Letters of Credit.
 
     “Letter of Credit Application” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the L/C Issuer.
 
     “Letter of Credit Expiration Date” means the day that is seven days prior to the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).
 
     “Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified inSection 2.04(h).
 
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     “Letter of Credit Sublimit” means an amount equal to 50% of the Aggregate Commitments as in effect from time to time. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.
 
     “Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
 
     “Loan” means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower underArticle II in the form of a Committed Loan or a Swing Line Loan.
 
     “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, each Note, the Guaranty, each Issuer Document, any agreement creating or perfecting rights in Cash Collateral pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17  of this Agreement, and the Fee Letters.
 
     “Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.
 
     “London Banking Day” means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.
 
     “Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document, or of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.
 
     “Maturity Date” means March 2, 2016;provided,however, that if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.
 
     “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. and any successor thereto.
 
     “Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
 
     “Multiple Employer Plan” means a Plan covered by Title IV of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) which has two or more contributing sponsors (including the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate) at least two of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described in Section 4064 of ERISA.
 
     “Non-Extension Notice Date” has the meaning gives in Section 2.04(b)(iii).
 
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     “Non-Reinstatement Deadline” has the meaning gives inSection 2.04(b)(iv).
 
     “Note” means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit C .
 
     “Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.
 
     “Organization Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
 
     “Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, excluding, however, such Taxes imposed as a result of an assignment or transfer (other than an assignment that occurs as a result of a Borrower’s request pursuant to Section 10.13).
 
     “Outstanding Amount” means (i) with respect to Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (ii) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the Borrower of Unreimbursed Amounts.
 
     “Participant” has the meaning specified inSection 10.06(d).
 
     “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
 
     “Pension Act” means the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
 
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     “Pension Funding Rules” means the rules of the Code and ERISA regarding minimum required contributions (including any installment payment thereof) to Pension Plans and set forth in, with respect to plan years ending prior to the effective date of the Pension Act, Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, each as in effect prior to the Pension Act and, thereafter, Section 412, 430, 431, 432 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302, 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA.
 
     “Pension Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (including a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan) that is maintained or is contributed to by the Borrower and any ERISA Affiliate and is either covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code.
 
     “Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary that meets each of the following criteria: (i) the Equity Interests or assets acquired in such Acquisition relates to a line of business similar to the business in which the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are engaged on the Closing Date, (ii) the board of directors (or other comparable governing body) of the Person whose capital stock (or other equity interests) or assets are being acquired has duly approved such Acquisition, (iii) in the case of an Acquisition of the Equity Interests of another Person, such Person shall become a wholly-owned direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower or, in the case of a merger, the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower shall be the surviving entity of the merger with the acquired Person, (iv) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of each such Acquisition, and (v) no Default or Event of Default shall exist, in each case both before and after giving effect to such Acquisition, as certified in a pro forma compliance certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto demonstrating compliance with the covenants contained in  Section 7.04  both before and after giving effect to the contemplated Acquisition and delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent within 5 days prior to completion of the contemplated Acquisition.
 
     “Permitted Lien” means Liens permitted bySection 7.02.
 
     “Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
 
     “Plan” means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (including a Pension Plan), maintained for employees of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or any such Plan to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute on behalf of any of its employees.
 
     “Platform” has the meaning specified inSection 6.02.
 
     “Prohibited Transaction” means a transaction prohibited by Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA, for which no statutory or administrative exemption applies.
 
     “Public Lender” has the meaning specified inSection 6.02.
 
     “Qualified Investments” means, as applied to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries:
 
     (a) Investments in wholly-owned Subsidiaries that have executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent the Guaranty;
 
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     (b) Investments in Subsidiaries of the Borrower that have not executed and delivered the Guaranty in an aggregate amount outstanding not in excess of fifteen percent (15%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated Tangible Net Worth determined as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of the Borrower;
 
     (c) marketable direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States of America and agencies thereof;
 
     (d) demand deposits, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and time deposits of (i) United States or Canadian banks having total assets in excess of $2,000,000,000 or (ii) commercial banks organized under the laws of any other country which is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”), or is a political subdivision of such country, and having total assets in excess of $2,000,000,000, provided, that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the country in which it is organized or another country which is a member of the OECD;
 
     (e) (i) securities commonly known as “commercial paper” denominated in Dollars which at the time of purchase have been rated and the ratings for which are not less than “P1” if rated by Moody’s ,  and not less than A1 if rated by S&P, and (ii) securities commonly known as “short-term bank notes” issued by any bank denominated in Dollars which at the time of purchase have been rated and the ranges for which are not less than “P2” if rated by Moody’s, and not less than “A2” if rated by S&P;
 
     (f) taxable or tax exempt securities which at the time of purchase have been rated and the ratings for which are not less than A3 if rated by Moody’s, and not less than A- if rated by S&P; and
 
     (g) guaranties by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions effected in the ordinary course of business.
 
     “Rating” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Applicable Rate.”
 
     “Real Property” means, collectively, those parcels of land together with the improvements now or hereafter located thereon which are owned or leased by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower.
 
     “Register” has the meaning specified inSection 10.06(c).
 
     “Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.
 
     “Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.
 
     “Request for Credit Extension” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of Committed Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application, and (c) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, a Swing Line Loan Notice.
 
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     “Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, at least two Lenders having more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 , at least two Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided  that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
 
     “Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of a Loan Party, and solely for purposes of the delivery of incumbency certificates pursuant to Section 4.01 , the secretary or any assistant secretary of a Loan Party. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.
 
     “Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any capital stock or other Equity Interest of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such capital stock or other Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrower’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Person thereof).
 
     “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.
 
     “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
 
     “Significant Subsidiary” means any Domestic Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower, including a subsidiary of such Subsidiary, which meets any of the following conditions:
 
     (a) The Borrower’s and its other Subsidiaries’ investments in and advances to the Subsidiary exceed 10 percent of the Borrower’s Consolidated total assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; or
 
     (b) The Borrower’s and its other Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of the total assets (after intercompany eliminations) of the Subsidiary exceeds 10 percent of the Borrower’s Consolidated total assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; or
 
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     (c) The Borrower’s and its other Subsidiaries’ income (or right to income) resulting from the income from continuing operations of such Subsidiary before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of any change in accounting principle of the Subsidiary exceeds 10 percent of such income of the Borrower on a Consolidated basis for the most recently completed fiscal year;
 
provided, however, that the foregoing shall be computed in accordance with the guidance provided by the definition of “Significant Subsidiary” under Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
     “Stockholders’ Equity” means, as of any date of determination, the amount reported as “stockholders’ equity” on the Borrower’s Consolidated balance sheet and determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
     “Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.
 
     “Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “ Master Agreement ”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
 
     “Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
 
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     “Swing Line Borrowing” means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant toSection2.05.
 
     “Swing Line Lender” means Bank of America in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans, or any successor swing line lender hereunder.
 
     “Swing Line Loan” has the meaning specified inSection 2.05(a).
 
     “Swing Line Loan Notice” means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant toSection 2.05(b), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B .
 
     “Swing Line Sublimit” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $60,000,000 and (b) the Aggregate Commitments. The amount of the Swing Line Sublimit shall be increased pro rata in connection with any increase in the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.16 . The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.
 
     “Synthetic Lease” means any (a) synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing product or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment), and including the lease for the distribution facility located in Perris, California regardless of how such lease may from time to time be classified under GAAP.
 
     “Synthetic Lease Obligations” means the monetary obligations of a Person under any Synthetic Lease.
 
     “Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
 
     “Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations.
 
     “Type” means, with respect to a Committed Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.
 
     “United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.
 
     “Unreimbursed Amount” has the meaning specified inSection 2.04(c)(i).
 
     1.02Other Interpretive Provisions. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:  
 
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     (a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “ include ,” “ includes ” and “ including ” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “ will ” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “ shall .” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “ hereto ,” “ herein ,” “ hereof ” and “ hereunder ,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “ asset ” and “ property ” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
 
     (b)In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “ from and including ;” the words “ to ” and “ until ” each mean “ to but excluding ;” and the word “ through ” means “ to and including .”
 
     (c)Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
 
     1.03Accounting Terms.
 
     (a)Generally. All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except  as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.
 
     (b)Changes in GAAP. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that , until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall, for the four fiscal quarters following such change, provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.
 
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     (c)Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. All references herein to consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or to the determination of any amount for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or any similar reference shall, in each case, be deemed to include each variable interest entity that the Borrower is required to consolidate pursuant to FASB ASC 810 as if such variable interest entity were a Subsidiary as defined herein. Without limiting the generality of this Section 1.03 , Synthetic Lease Obligations will be included in the definition of Indebtedness and the calculation of the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.04 regardless of any changes in GAAP or FASB.
 
     1.04Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).
 
     1.05Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
 
     1.06Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Issuer Document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.
 
ARTICLE II.THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
 
     2.01Committed Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “ Committed Loan ”) to the Borrower from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided , however , that after giving effect to any Committed Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus  such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus  such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01 , prepay under Section 2.06 , and reborrow under this Section 2.01 . Committed Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, as further provided herein.
 
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     2.02Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans.
 
     (a)Each Committed Borrowing, each conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans to Base Rate Committed Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Committed Loans. Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a)  must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Sections 2.04(c)  and 2.05(c) , each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Committed Borrowing, a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Committed Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Committed Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Committed Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Committed Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Committed Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.
 
     (b)Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Committed Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection. In the case of a Committed Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Committed Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 3:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02  (and, if such Borrowing is occurring on the Closing Date, Section 4.01 ), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower; provided , however , that if, on the date the Committed Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by the Borrower, there are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing,  first , shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and  second , shall be made available to the Borrower as provided above.
 
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     (c)Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders.
 
     (d)The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.
 
     (e)After giving effect to all Committed Borrowings, all conversions of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Committed Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect with respect to Committed Loans.
 
     2.03[Intentionally omitted].
 
     2.04Letters of Credit.
 
     (a)The Letter of Credit Commitment.
 
     (i)Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Section 2.04 , (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and to amend or extend Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with subsection (b) below, and (2) to honor drawings under the Letters of Credit; and (B) the Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Borrower and any drawings thereunder; provided that after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, (x) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (y) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. Each request by the Borrower for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by the Borrower that the L/C Credit Extension so requested complies with the conditions set forth in the proviso to the preceding sentence. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower’s ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed. All Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to have been issued pursuant hereto, and from and after the Closing Date shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions hereof.
 
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     (ii)The L/C Issuer shall not issue any Letter of Credit if the expiry date of the requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiry date. The stated expiration date of a Letter of Credit may be after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided , however , that all of the Lenders approve such expiry date, and further provided , that for any Letter of Credit outstanding on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, the Borrower must, on such date, Cash Collateralize such Letters of Credit in an amount equal to 102% of the aggregate stated amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding on such date, and also provided  that, on the Maturity Date all unreimbursed draws under all Letters of Credit outstanding on the Maturity Date shall be immediately due and payable.
 
     (iii)The L/C Issuer shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:
 
     (A)any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the L/C Issuer from issuing the Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to the L/C Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or request that the L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it;
 
     (B)the issuance of the Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the L/C Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally;
 
     (C)the Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars; or
 
     (D)any Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless the L/C Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (in its sole discretion) with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the L/C Issuer’s actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.18(a)(iv))  with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other L/C Obligations as to which the L/C Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its sole discretion.
 
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     (iv)The L/C Issuer shall not amend any Letter of Credit if the L/C Issuer would not be permitted at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof.
 
     (v)The L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) the L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to the Letter of Credit.
 
     (vi)The L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and the L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX  with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and Issuer Documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX  included the L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to the L/C Issuer.
 
     (b)Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto-Extension Letters of Credit.
 
     (i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. at least two Business Days (or such later date and time as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer: (A) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (B) the amount thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (G) the purpose and nature of the requested Letter of Credit; and (H) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (A) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (B) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (C) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (D) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. Additionally, the Borrower shall furnish to the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent such other documents and information pertaining to such requested Letter of Credit issuance or amendment, including any Issuer Documents, as the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent may require.
 
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     (ii)Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, the L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Unless the L/C Issuer has received written notice from any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Loan Party, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of issuance or amendment of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or more applicable conditions contained in Article IV  shall not then be satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be, in each case in accordance with the L/C Issuer’s usual and customary business practices. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit.
 
     (iii)If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “ Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “ Non-Extension Notice Date ”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided , however , that the L/C Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (A) the L/C Issuer has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.04(a)  or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02  is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such extension.
 
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     (iv) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that permits the automatic reinstatement of all or a portion of the stated amount thereof after any drawing thereunder (each, an “ Auto-Reinstatement Letter of Credit ”). Unless otherwise directed by the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the L/C Issuer to permit such reinstatement. Once an Auto-Reinstatement Letter of Credit has been issued, except as provided in the following sentence, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to reinstate all or a portion of the stated amount thereof in accordance with the provisions of such Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such Auto-Reinstatement Letter of Credit permits the L/C Issuer to decline to reinstate all or any portion of the stated amount thereof after a drawing thereunder by giving notice of such non-reinstatement within a specified number of days after such drawing (the “ Non-Reinstatement Deadline ”), the L/C Issuer shall not permit such reinstatement if it has received a notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Reinstatement Deadline (A) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such reinstatement or (B) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02  is not then satisfied (treating such reinstatement as an L/C Credit Extension for purposes of this clause) and, in each case, directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such reinstatement.
 
     (v)Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to the beneficiary thereof, the L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.
 
     (c)Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations.
 
     (i)Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. Not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date, an “ Honor Date ”), the Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing. If the Borrower fails to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the “ Unreimbursed Amount ”), and the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02  (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice), and the Borrower’s failure to have reimbursed the L/C Issuer on the Honor Date shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement provided that such Committed Borrowing of a Base Rate Loan is deemed to be disbursed and that the making of such Loan is otherwise permitted by this Agreement. Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.04(c)(i)  may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided  that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.
 
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     (ii)Each Lender shall upon any notice pursuant toSection 2.04(c)(i) make funds available (and the Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral provided for this purpose) for the account of the L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent’s Office in an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 3:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.04(c)(iii) , each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Committed Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C Issuer.
 
     (iii)With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02  cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall, upon the request of the Required Lenders, bear interest at the Default Rate. In such event, each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(ii)  shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.04 .
 
     (iv)Until each Lender funds its Committed Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to thisSection 2.04(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer.
 
     (v)Each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.04(c) , shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided , however , that each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c)  is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02  (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.
 
     (vi)If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c)  by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(ii) , then, without limiting the other provisions of this Agreement, the L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or L/C Advance in respect of the relevant L/C Borrowing, as the case may be. A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
 
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     (d)Repayment of Participations.
 
     (i)At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Lender such Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.04(c) , if the Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.
 
     (ii)If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant toSection 2.04(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05  (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
 
     (e)Obligations Absolute. The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:
 
     (i)any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document;
 
     (ii)the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that the Borrower or any Subsidiary may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;
 
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     (iii)any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;
 
     (iv)any payment by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law; or
 
     (v)any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Borrower or any Subsidiary.
 
     The Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with the Borrower’s instructions or other irregularity, the Borrower will immediately notify the L/C Issuer. The Borrower shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against the L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid.
 
     (f)Role of L/C Issuer. Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document. The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided , however , that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrower’s pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (v) of Section 2.04(e) ; provided , however , that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against the L/C Issuer, and the L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by the L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or the L/C Issuer’s willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason , except to the extent that any errors with respect to the foregoing are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the L/C Issuer.
 
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     (g)Applicability of ISP and UCP. Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued (including any such agreement applicable to an Existing Letter of Credit), (i) the rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time of issuance shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.
 
     (h)Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage a Letter of Credit fee (the “ Letter of Credit Fee ”), (i) for each commercial or documentary Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Rate applicable to documentary Letters of Credit times  the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit, and (ii) for each standby Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Rate applicable to standby Letters of Credit times  the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit, and the Letter of Credit Fees described above shall continue to be payable with respect to any Letters of Credit that remain outstanding after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided , however, any Letter of Credit Fees otherwise payable for the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided Cash Collateral satisfactory to the L/C Issuer pursuant to this Section 2.04  shall be payable, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, to the other Lenders in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Applicable Percentages allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.18(a)(iv) , with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to the L/C Issuer for its own account. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . Letter of Credit Fees shall be (i) due and payable on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand and (ii) computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. If there is any change in the Applicable Rate for documentary Letters of Credit during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each documentary Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate therefor separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. If there is any change in the Applicable Rate for standby Letters of Credit during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each standby Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate therefor separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
 
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     (i)Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuer. The Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee (i) with respect to each commercial or documentary Letter of Credit as to which Bank of America is the L/C Issuer, at the rate specified in the Bank of America Fee Letter, computed on the amount of such Letter of Credit, and payable upon the issuance thereof, and with respect to each commercial or documentary Letter of Credit as to which any other Lender is the L/C Issuer, at the rate mutually agreed by the Borrower and such Lender, (ii) with respect to any amendment of a commercial or documentary Letter of Credit increasing the amount of such Letter of Credit, at a rate separately agreed between the Borrower and the L/C Issuer, computed on the amount of such increase, and payable upon the effectiveness of such amendment, and (iii) with respect to each standby Letter of Credit as to which Bank of America is the L/C Issuer, at the rate per annum specified in the Bank of America Fee Letter, computed on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit on a quarterly basis in arrears, and with respect to each standby Letter of Credit as to which any other Lender is the L/C Issuer, at the rate mutually agreed by the Borrower and such Lender. Such fronting fee shall be due and payable on the tenth Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December in respect of the most recently-ended quarterly period (or portion thereof, in the case of the first payment), commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06 . In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.
 
     (j)Conflict with Issuer Documents. In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof shall control.
 
     2.05Swing Line Loans.
 
     (a)The Swing Line. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swing Line Lender, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.05 , may in its sole discretion make loans (each such loan, a “ Swing Line Loan ”) to the Borrower from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, may exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided , however , that after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus  such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus  such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and provided , further , that the Borrower shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.05 , prepay under Section 2.06 , and reborrow under this  Section 2.05 . Each Swing Line Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.
 
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     (b)Borrowing Procedures. Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested borrowing date, and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum of $500,000, and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day. Each such telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any telephonic Swing Line Loan Notice, the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof. Unless the Swing Line Lender has received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.05(a) , or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Article IV  is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Borrower either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Swing Line Lender by the Borrower.
 
     (c)Refinancing of Swing Line Loans.
 
     (i)The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole discretion may request, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes the Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Lender make a Base Rate Committed Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02 , without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 . The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent. Each Lender shall make an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds (and the Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral available with respect to the applicable Swing Line Loan) for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 3:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to  Section 2.05(c)(ii) , each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Committed Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.
 
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     (ii)If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Committed Borrowing in accordance withSection 2.05(c)(i) , the request for Base Rate Committed Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.05(c)(i)  shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.
 
     (iii)If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.05(c)  by the time specified in Section 2.05(c)(i) , the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or funded participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan, as the case may be. A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
 
     (iv)Each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(c)  shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided , however , that each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(c)  is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 . No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.
 
(d)Repayment of Participations.
 
     (i)At any time after any Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, the Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Swing Line Lender.
 
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     (ii)If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05  (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate. The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
 
     (e)Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender. The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Lender funds its Base Rate Committed Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.05  to refinance such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Applicable Percentage shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.
 
     (f)Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender. The Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to the Swing Line Lender.
 
     2.06Prepayments.
 
     (a)The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Committed Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided  that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Committed Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Committed Loans to be prepaid and, if Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05 . Subject to Section 2.18 , each such prepayment shall be applied to the Committed Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.
 
     (b)The Borrower may, upon notice to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty;  provided  that (i) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of the prepayment, and (ii) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $500,000. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.
 
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     (c)If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall immediately prepay Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided , however , that the Borrower shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)  unless after the prepayment in full of the Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans the Total Outstandings exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect.
 
     2.07Termination or Reduction of Commitments. The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. five Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $1,000,000 or any whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (iv) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments, the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, such Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess, and (v) any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall automatically result in a pro rata reduction in the Letter of Credit Sublimit. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage. All fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.
 
     2.08Repayment of Loans.
 
     (a)The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of Committed Loans outstanding on such date.
 
     (b)The Borrower shall repay each Swing Line Loan on the earlier to occur of (i) the date ten Business Days after such Loan is made and (ii) the Maturity Date.
 
     2.09Interest.
 
     (a)Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus  the Applicable Rate; (ii) each Base Rate Committed Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate  plus  the Applicable Rate; and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate  plus  the Applicable Rate applicable to Base Rate Loans.
 
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     (b)(i) Upon the request of the Required Lenders, during the continuance of any Event of Default arising underSection 8.01(a), or under Section 8.01(b)  with respect to Borrower’s failure to comply with its obligations under  Section 7.04 , the Borrower shall (x) pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Loans at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws and (y) accrue and be obligated to pay Letter of Credit Fees at the rates specified in the definition of “Default Rate” to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
 
     (ii)Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
 
     (c)Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
 
     2.10Fees. In addition to certain fees described in subsections (h) and (i) ofSection2.04:
 
     (a)Commitment Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate applicable to Commitment Fees times  the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the sum of (i) the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans and (ii) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.18 . The commitment fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV  is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the last day of the Availability Period. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
 
     (b)Other Fees. (i) The Borrower shall pay to the Joint Arrangers and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letters. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
 
     (ii)The Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
 
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     2.11Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate.
 
     (a)All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate) shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided  that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.13(a) , bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
 
     (b)If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Borrower or for any other reason, the Borrower or the Lenders determine that (i) the Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio as calculated by the Borrower as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrower shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period. This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under Section 2.04(c)(iii) , 2.04(h)  or 2.09(b)  or under Article VIII . The Borrower’s obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
 
     2.12Evidence of Debt.
 
     (a)The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
 
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     (b)In addition to the accounts and records referred to in subsection (a), each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.
 
     2.13Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback.
 
     (a)General. All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
 
     (b)(i)Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Committed Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans (or, in the case of any Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Committed Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Committed Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02  (or, in the case of a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02 ) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in such Committed Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.
 
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     (ii)Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
 
     A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
 
     (c)Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II , and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV  are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall promptly return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
 
     (d)Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Committed Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c)  are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Committed Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 10.04(c)  on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Committed Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 10.04(c) .
 
     (e)Funding Source. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
 
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     2.14Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Committed Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations or in Swing Line Loans held by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Committed Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Committed Loans and subparticipations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Committed Loans and other amounts owing them, provided  that:
 
     (i)if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and
 
     (ii)the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by or on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), (y) the application of Cash Collateral provided for in Section 2.17 , or (z) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Committed Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).
 
     Each Loan Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the amount of such participation.
 
     2.15[Intentionally omitted].
 
     2.16Increase in Commitments.
 
     (a)Request for Increase. Provided there exists no Default or Event of Default, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Borrower may from time to time, request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments by an amount (for all such requests) not exceeding $200,000,000; provided  that the Borrower may make a maximum of three such requests. At the time of sending such notice, the Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders).
 
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     (b)Lender Elections to Increase. Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Commitment and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Applicable Percentage of such requested increase. Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitment.
 
     (c)Notification by Administrative Agent; Additional Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and each Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder. To achieve the full amount of a requested increase and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld), the Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
 
     (d)Effective Date and Allocations. If the Aggregate Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall determine the effective date (the “ Increase Effective Date ”) and the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the Increase Effective Date.
 
     (e)Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase. As a condition precedent to such increase, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Increase Effective Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (x) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (y) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Article V  and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.16 , the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.07 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 , and (B) no Default or Event of Default exists. The Borrower shall prepay any Committed Loans outstanding on the Increase Effective Date (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05 ) to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Committed Loans ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section.
 
     (f)Conflicting Provisions. This Section shall supersede any provisions inSection2.14 or10.01 to the contrary.
 
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     2.17 Cash Collateral.
 
     (a)Certain Credit Support Events. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer (i) if the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, or (ii) if, as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, the Borrower shall, in each case, immediately Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations. At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, immediately upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.18(a)(iv)  and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).
 
     (b)Grant of Security Interest. All Cash Collateral (other than credit support not constituting funds subject to deposit) shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America. The Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Lender, such Lender, hereby grants to (and subjects to the control of) the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders (including the Swing Line Lender), and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein, and all other property so provided as collateral pursuant hereto, and in all proceeds of the foregoing, all as security for the obligations to which such Cash Collateral may be applied pursuant to Section 2.17(c) . If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the applicable Fronting Exposure and other obligations secured thereby, the Borrower or the relevant Defaulting Lender will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency.
 
     (c)Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under any of thisSection 2.17  or Sections 2.04 , 2.05 , 2.06 , 2.18  or 8.02  in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans shall be held and applied to the satisfaction of the specific L/C Obligations, Swing Line Loans, obligations to fund participations therein (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) and other obligations for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may be provided for herein.
 
     (d)Release. Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce Fronting Exposure or other obligations shall be released promptly following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure or other obligations giving rise thereto (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender (or, as appropriate, its assignee following compliance with Section 10.06(b)(vi)))  or (ii) the Administrative Agent’s good faith determination that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided , however, (x) that Cash Collateral furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party shall not be released during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default (and following application as provided in this Section 2.17  may be otherwise applied in accordance with Section 8.03 ), and (y) the Person providing Cash Collateral and the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as applicable, may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.
 
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     2.18Defaulting Lenders.
 
     (a)Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
 
     (i)Waivers and Amendments. That Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 10.01 .
 
     (ii)Reallocation of Payments. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII  or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 10.08 ), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first , to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second , to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; third , if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, to be held as Cash Collateral for future funding obligations of that Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swing Line Loan or Letter of Credit; fourth , as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth , if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; sixth , to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh , so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth , to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided  that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or L/C Borrowings in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans or L/C Borrowings were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02  were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and L/C Borrowings owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or L/C Borrowings owed to, that Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.18(a)(ii)  shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
 
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     (iii)Certain Fees. That Defaulting Lender (A) shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant toSection 2.10(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender) and (B) shall be limited in its right to receive Letter of Credit Fees as provided in Section 2.04(h) .
 
     (iv)Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure. During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, for purposes of computing the amount of the obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans pursuant to Sections 2.04  and 2.05 , the “Applicable Percentage” of each non-Defaulting Lender shall be computed without giving effect to the Commitment of that Defaulting Lender; provided , that, (i) each such reallocation shall be given effect only if, at the date the applicable Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, no Default or Event of Default exists; and (ii) the aggregate obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, of (1) the Commitment of that non-Defaulting Lender minus (2) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of that Lender.
 
     (b)Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuer agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Committed Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.18(a)(iv)) , whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided  that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided , further , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.
 
ARTICLE III.TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY
 
     3.01Taxes.
 
     (a)Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes. (i) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall to the extent permitted by applicable Laws be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Taxes. If, however, applicable Laws require the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to withhold or deduct any Tax, such Tax shall be withheld or deducted in accordance with such Laws as determined by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, upon the basis of the information and documentation to be delivered pursuant to subsection (e) below.
 
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     (ii)If the Borrower or the Administrative Agent shall be required by the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes, including both United States Federal backup withholding and withholding taxes, from any payment, then (A) the Administrative Agent shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by the Administrative Agent to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) the Administrative Agent shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with the Code, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, the sum payable by the Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.
 
     (b)Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Borrower shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws.
 
     (c)Tax Indemnifications. (i) Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) above, the Borrower shall, and does hereby, indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the L/C Issuer, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) withheld or deducted by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent or paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority; provided however, that the Borrower shall not be obligated to make payment to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or L/C Issuer (as the case may be) pursuant to this Section 3.01 in respect of penalties, interest and other similar liabilities attributable to any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, if (i) written demand therefor has not been made by such Administrative Agent, Lender or L/C Issuer within 180 days from the date on which such Administrative Agent, Lender or L/C Issuer received written notice of the imposition of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the relevant taxing or Governmental Authority, but only to the extent such penalties, interest and other similar liabilities are attributable to such failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, Lender or L/C Issuer in making such written demand, or (ii) such penalties, interest and other similar liabilities are attributable to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent, Lender or L/C Issuer or their Affiliates. The Borrower shall also, and does hereby, indemnify the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for any amount which a Lender or the L/C Issuer (that is not the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent) for any reason fails to pay indefeasibly to the Administrative Agent as required by clause (ii) of this subsection. A certificate as to the amount of any such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender or the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
 
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     (ii)Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) above, each Lender and the L/C Issuer shall, and does hereby, indemnify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, against any and all Taxes and any and all related losses, claims, liabilities, penalties, interest and expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) incurred by or asserted against the Borrower or the Administrative Agent by any Governmental Authority as a result of the failure by such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to deliver, or as a result of the inaccuracy, inadequacy or deficiency of, any documentation required to be delivered by such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (e). Each Lender and the L/C Issuer hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii). The agreements in this clause (ii) shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.
 
     (d)Evidence of Payments. Upon request by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower or by the Administrative Agent to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01 , the Borrower shall make reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Administrative Agent shall make reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to the Borrower, as the case may be, the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by Laws to report such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.
 
     (e)Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation. (i) Each Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and to the Administrative Agent, at the time or times prescribed by applicable Laws or when reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable Laws or by the taxing authorities of any jurisdiction and such other reasonably requested information as will permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, to determine (A) whether or not payments made hereunder or under any other Loan Document are subject to Taxes, (B) if applicable, the required rate of withholding or deduction, (C) such Lender’s entitlement to any available exemption from, or reduction of, applicable Taxes in respect of all payments to be made to such Lender by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise to establish such Lender’s status for withholding tax purposes in the applicable jurisdiction, and (D) whether or not any Lender is subject to information reporting requirements.
 
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     (ii)Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States,
 
     (A)any Lender that is a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter as prescribed by applicable law or upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or any successor form) or such other documentation or information prescribed by applicable Laws or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements; and
 
     (B)each Foreign Lender that is entitled under the Code or any applicable treaty to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter as prescribed by applicable law or upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:
 
     (I)executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or any successor form) claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,
 
     (II)executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or any successor form),
 
     (III)executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY (or any successor form) and all required supporting documentation,
 
     (IV)in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (y) executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN (or any successor form), or
 
     (V)executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable Laws as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding Tax together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable Laws to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.
 
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     (iii)Each Lender shall promptly (A) notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction, and (B) take such steps as shall not be materially disadvantageous to it, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, and as may be reasonably necessary (including the re-designation of its Lending Office) to avoid any requirement of applicable Laws of any jurisdiction that the Borrower or the Administrative Agent make any withholding or deduction for taxes from amounts payable to such Lender.
 
     (iv)In addition, each Foreign Lender agrees to comply with the requirements of Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (and any official pronouncements thereunder) to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of any withholding tax on amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement under such Sections of the Code.
 
     (v)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, a Participant shall not be entitled to the benefits of thisSection 3.01 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant (at such time as the Participant seeks the benefits of this Section 3.01 ) and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with this Section 3.01(e)  as though it were a Lender.
 
     (f)Treatment of Certain Refunds. Unless required by applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender or the L/C Issuer, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be. If the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund or credit of any Taxes or Other Taxes (each, a “ Tax Benefit ”) as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such Tax Benefit (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such Tax Benefit), net of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided  that the Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer in the event the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer within a reasonable time after receipt of written notice that the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer is required to repay such Tax Benefit to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.
 
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     (g)Tax Contests. If the Borrower determines in good faith that a reasonable basis exists for contesting Taxes or Other Taxes with respect to which the Borrower has paid an additional or indemnification amount under this Section 3.01 that, on advice of counsel, the Borrower reasonably believes were not correctly or legally asserted by the relevant Government Authority, the Administrative Agent, the applicable Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, shall use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower at the Borrower’s expense if requested by the Borrower with a view to obtaining a refund, credit or benefit in respect of any Tax or Other Taxes to which the Borrower has paid any amounts pursuant to Section 3.01; provided, however, that in so cooperating, no Lender shall be required to expend material amounts of administrative time nor shall it be required to make available its tax returns or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential.
 
     3.02Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Committed Loans to Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.
 
     3.03Inability to Determine Rates. If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (c) the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Eurodollar Rate component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.
 
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     3.04Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.
 
     (a)Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:
 
     (i)impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement contemplated by Section 3.04(e))  or the L/C Issuer;
 
     (ii)subject any Lender or the L/C Issuer to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit or any Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender or the L/C Issuer in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01  and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer); or
 
     (iii)impose on any Lender or the L/C Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Rate Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;
 
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the L/C Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
 
     (b)Capital Requirements. If any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or the L/C Issuer or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the L/C Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
 
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     (c)Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender or the L/C Issuer setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
 
     (d)Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided  that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).
 
     (e)Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans. The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits (currently known as “Eurocurrency liabilities”), additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive), which shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided  the Borrower shall have received at least 10 days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice 10 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest shall be due and payable 10 days from receipt of such notice.
 
     3.05Compensation for Losses. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:
 
     (a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);
 
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     (b)any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or
 
     (c)any assignment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 10.13 ;
 
including any loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.
 
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under thisSection3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan made by it at the Eurodollar Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan was in fact so funded.
 
A certificate of any Lender setting forth in reasonable detail any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 3.05  shall be delivered to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within five Business Days after receipt thereof.
 
     3.06Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
 
     (a)Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation underSection 3.04, or the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender, the L/C Issuer, or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 3.01 , or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to  Section 3.02 , then such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall, as applicable, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender or the L/C Issuer in connection with any such designation or assignment.
 
     (b)Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 or gives a notice under Section 3.02, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 , the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with  Section 10.13 .
 
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     3.07Survival. All of the Borrower’s obligations under thisArticle III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder, and resignation of the Administrative Agent.
 
ARTICLE IV.CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING DATE AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
 
     4.01Conditions of Initial Credit Extension. The occurrence of the Closing Date is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent (except to the extent waived pursuant to Section 10.01):
 
     (a)The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or electronic transmissions (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:
 
     (i)executed counterparts of this Agreement and the Guaranty, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Borrower;
 
     (ii)a Note executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender requesting a Note;
 
     (iii)such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party;
 
     (iv)such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each of the Borrower and each other Loan Party is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
     (v)a favorable opinion of (i) Latham & Watkins LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, as to the matters set forth in Exhibit G , and (ii) local counsel for Ross Dress For Less, Inc. as to due authorization, execution and delivery of the Guaranty;
 
     (vi) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;
 
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     (vii)a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying (A) that the conditions specified inSections 4.02(a) and (b)  have been satisfied, and (B) that there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;
 
     (viii)evidence that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect;
 
     (ix)such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or the Required Lenders reasonably may require.
 
     (b)Any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid.
 
     (c)Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall have paid all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings ( provided  that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent).
 
     (d)All Obligations under (and as defined in) the Existing Credit Agreement shall have been paid in full (other than inchoate contingent obligations not then due or payable) and all commitments thereunder shall have been terminated.
 
     (e)The Closing Date shall have occurred on or before March 15, 2011.
 
     Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph ofSection 9.03, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01 , each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter received by it (or deemed to be received by such Lender by having been posted on IntraLinks) required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
 
     4.02Conditions to all Credit Extensions. The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent:
 
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     (a)The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained inArticle V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, if such representation or warranty is by its terms qualified by concepts of materiality, such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 4.02 , the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.07  shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 .
 
     (b)No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
 
     (c)The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.
 
     Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a)  and (b)  have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.
 
ARTICLE V.REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     The Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:
 
     5.01Existence, Qualification and Power. Each Loan Party (a) is duly incorporated, organized or formed, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or other formation, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation, foreign limited liability company, foreign limited partnership or other entity and is duly authorized to do business in or licensed under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c), to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     5.02Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance of each of the Loan Documents to which the Borrower or any other Loan Party is or is to become a party and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby are within the power and authority of the Borrower and each such Loan Party and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) require any consent or approval of any creditors, trustees for creditors, shareholders or Subsidiaries (other than any such consent that has been obtained prior to the Closing Date and delivered to the Administrative Agent), (b) contravene any provisions of the Organizational Documents of the Borrower or such Loan Party, (c) violate any Law applicable to the Borrower or such Loan Party, (d) contravene any provision of, or constitute an event of default or event that, but for the requirement that time elapse or notice be given, or both, would constitute an event of default under, any other agreement, instrument, order or undertaking binding on the Borrower or any Loan Party, (e) result in the creation of any Lien (other than Liens permitted by  Section 7.02) ) or (f) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which the Borrower or such Loan Party or any of their property is subject.
 
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     5.03Valid Obligations; Binding Effect. Each of the Loan Documents to which any Loan Party is or is to become a party and all of their respective terms and provisions are, and when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto and, when so delivered, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of each such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and except as the remedy of specific performance or of injunctive relief is subject to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
 
     5.04Governmental Authorization; Other Consents. The execution, delivery and performance of each of the Loan Documents to which the Borrower or any Loan Party is or is to become a party and the transactions contemplated herein and therein do not require any approval or consent of, or filing or registration with, any Governmental Authority or other Person other than the SEC.
 
     5.05Ownership of Property; Liens. Each of the Borrower and each other Loan Party has good and marketable title to all of the properties, assets and rights of every name and nature now purported to be owned by it, including, without limitation, such properties, assets and rights as are reflected in the Audited Financial Statements (except such properties, assets or rights as have been disposed of in the ordinary course of business since the date thereof), free from all Liens except Permitted Liens, and, except as so disclosed, free from all defects of title as would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The rights, properties and other assets presently owned, leased or licensed by the Borrower and each other Loan Party include all rights, properties and other assets necessary to permit the Borrower and such Loan Party to conduct its businesses in all material respects in the same manner as its businesses have been conducted prior to the date hereof.
 
     5.06Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. Except as set forth onSchedule 5.06, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries possess, license or otherwise have rights in or to all franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks, tradenames, service marks, licenses and permits material to the conduct of their business as substantially now conducted without known conflict with any rights of others and, in each case, free of any Lien that is not a Permitted Lien. Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.06 , no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
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     5.07Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.
 
     (a)The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.
 
     (b)The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries dated October 30, 2010 and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments.
 
     (c)Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     5.08Defaults. As of the date of this Agreement and immediately prior thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists, or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document. Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     5.09Taxes. Each of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all material Federal, state and other tax returns and reports required to be filed, and has paid all material Federal, state and other Taxes levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. There is no proposed tax assessment against the Borrower or any Subsidiary that would, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is party to any material tax sharing agreement.
 
     5.10Litigation. There is no litigation, arbitration, claim, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, threatened against the Borrower or any Subsidiary (a) that, except as disclosed in Schedule 5.10 , would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, whether through a judgment not fully covered by insurance, forfeiture of property, or otherwise, or (b) that purports to affect or pertains to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
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     5.11Subsidiaries. As of the date of this Agreement, the Borrower has no direct or indirect Significant Subsidiaries except as disclosed on Schedule 5.11  hereto.
 
     5.12Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.
 
     (a)The Borrower is not engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB) other than stock in the Borrower, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock. Less than 25% of the Borrower’s total assets consist of margin stock.
 
     (b)None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower, or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
 
     5.13ERISA Compliance. The Borrower, each Significant Subsidiary and ERISA Affiliate have materially fulfilled their obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan, if applicable, and are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code, and have not incurred any material liability to the PBGC or a Plan under Title IV of ERISA; and no Prohibited Transaction or Reportable Event has occurred that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     5.14Environmental Compliance. Except as specifically disclosed inSchedule 5.14 hereto, there are no violations by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Environmental Law and no Environmental Claims that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     5.15Disclosure. No report, financial statement, certificate or other information prepared and furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided  that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.
 
     5.16Compliance with Laws. The Borrower and each Subsidiary is in compliance with all requirements of all applicable Laws, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all Governmental Authorities, in respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership of its property, except for such non-compliances as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     5.17Labor Relations. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is engaged in any unfair labor practice in violation of any applicable Law or order of any Governmental Authority. There is (i) no unfair labor practice complaint pending or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, threatened against the Borrower or any Subsidiary before the National Labor Relations Board, and no grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or under any collective bargaining agreement is so pending against the Borrower or any Subsidiary or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against any of them, and (ii) no labor dispute, slowdown or stoppage pending against the Borrower or any Subsidiary or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, that in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Borrower, no union representation question exists with respect to the employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and no union organizing activities are taking place.
 
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     5.18Certain Transactions. Except as set forth onSchedule 5.18, none of the officers, partners, directors, or employees of any member of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is presently a party to any transaction with the Borrower or any other Subsidiary (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer, partner, director or such employee or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any officer, partner, director, or any such employee or natural person related to such officer, partner, director or employee or other Person in which such officer, partner, director or employee has a direct or indirect beneficial interest, has a substantial direct or indirect beneficial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner.
 
     5.19Restrictions on the Borrower and Subsidiaries. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party to or bound by any contract, agreement or instrument, or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction, that is likely to cause a Material Adverse Effect.
 
     5.20Insurance. The properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Borrower, in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance compatible with the following standards), with such deductibles and covering such risks as the officers of the Borrower in the exercise of their reasonable judgment deem to be adequate.
 
ARTICLE VI.AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
 
     So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied (other than any unasserted contingent obligations), or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01 , 6.02 , and 6.03 ) cause each Subsidiary to:
 
     6.01Financial Statements.Deliver to the Administrative Agent:
 
     (a)as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of, and a related Consolidated statement of income, Consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for, such year, prepared in accordance with GAAP and audited and certified without qualification by Deloitte LLP or another “Big Four” accounting firm, which audited financial statements shall, in form and detail, be consistent with the Audited Financial Statements; and
 
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     (b)as soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, (i) a Consolidated balance sheet as of the end of, and a related Consolidated statement of income, Consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for, the fiscal quarter then ended, prepared in accordance with GAAP (without footnotes) and certified by the chief financial officer or treasurer of the Borrower, but subject, however, to normal, recurring year-end adjustments, and which financial statements shall, in form and detail, be consistent with the unaudited financial statements dated October 30, 2010;
 
As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(b), the Borrower shall not be separately required to furnish such information under clause (a) or (b) above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of the Borrower to furnish the information and materials described in clauses (a) and (b) above at the times specified therein.
 
     6.02Certificates; Other Information. Deliver to the Administrative Agent:
 
     (a)concurrently with the delivery of each financial statement pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) ofSection 6.01, a report in substantially the form of Exhibit D  hereto signed on behalf of the Borrower by the chief financial officer or treasurer of the Borrower, and including, without limitation, computations in reasonable detail evidencing compliance for such fiscal year and quarter with the covenants contained in Section 7.04  hereof;
 
     (b)as soon as available, (i) copies of the Borrower’s filed Securities and Exchange Commission Forms 10-K and 10-Q, (ii) copies of all financial statements, proxy material, and reports as the Borrower shall send to its stockholders, (iii) copies of all other filings the Borrower makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (iv) a copy of any opinion required by applicable Law or otherwise delivered, by the independent accounting firm providing the certifications referenced in Section 6.01(a) , to the Board of Directors of the Borrower assessing the Borrower’s internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Item 308 of SEC Regulations S-K, PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 5 and Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and (v) notice of any amendment to the charter or by-laws of the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary; and
 
     (c)from time to time, with reasonable promptness, and in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, such other financial data and other information or documents (financial or non-financial) about the Borrower and each Subsidiary (including accountants’ management letters and annual budgets) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.
 
     Documents required to be delivered pursuant toSection 6.01(a) or(b) orSection 6.02(b) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02 ; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent);  provided  that the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender upon its request to the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.
 
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      The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Joint Arrangers will make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “ Borrower Materials ”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “ Platform ”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “ Public Lender ”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Borrower hereby agrees that (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Joint Arrangers, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws ( provided , however , that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 10.07 ); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Joint Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall be under no obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC.”
 
      6.03Notices. Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender:
 
      (a)immediately upon becoming aware of the existence of any condition or event (i) that constitutes a Default or Event of Default, written notice thereof specifying the nature and duration thereof and the action being or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, or (ii) affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, written notice thereof specifying the nature thereof and the action being or proposed to be taken with respect thereto; and (iii) immediately upon receipt thereof, copies of any notice (whether formal or informal) of any cancellation or termination in any insurance maintained by any Loan Party;
 
      (b)if and when the Borrower or any Subsidiary gives or is required to give notice to the PBGC of any Reportable Event that might constitute grounds for a termination of such Plan under Title IV of ERISA, or knows that any ERISA Affiliate has given or is required to give notice of any such Reportable Event, a copy of the notice of such Reportable Event given or required to be given to the PBGC or, if such notice is not given to the PBGC, a description of the content of the notice that would be required to be given;
 
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      (c)promptly upon becoming aware of any litigation or any investigative proceedings by any Person, including, without limitation, any Governmental Authority, commenced or threatened against the Borrower or any Subsidiary of which it has notice, or of a material change in any such existing litigation or proceedings, the outcome of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, notice thereof and a statement of the nature and status of such litigation or proceedings;
 
      (d)promptly upon becoming aware of (i) any investigative proceedings by a Governmental Authority commenced or threatened against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary regarding any Environmental Claim, (ii) any spill, release, discharge or disposal of any Hazardous Material on any Real Property owned or leased by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or (iii) any violation of any Environmental Law by the Borrower or any Subsidiary that (with respect to any of the foregoing) could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, written notice thereof, copies of all correspondence, reports and other materials furnished to or prepared by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (or its representatives) in connection therewith and the action being or proposed to be taken with respect thereto;
 
      (e)of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, including any determination by the Borrower referred to in Section 2.11(b) ;
 
      (f)immediately (i) upon the Borrower’s determination at any time of the occurrence or existence of any Internal Control Event, or (ii) upon the Borrower’s obtaining knowledge of the determination by the independent accounting firm providing the certification referenced in Section 6.01(a)  (in connection with its preparation of such certification), of the occurrence or existence of any Internal Control Event; and
 
      (g)of any announcement by S&P of any change or possible change in a Rating.
 
      Each notice pursuant to thisSection 6.03 (other thanSection 6.03(g)) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a)  shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.
 
      6.04Conduct of Business; Compliance with Law.
 
      (a)Duly observe and comply in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, and all requirements of any Governmental Authorities relative to its corporate existence, rights and franchises, to the conduct of its business and to its property and assets (including without limitation all Environmental Laws and ERISA), and with the material provisions of all material Leases and all other material contracts and agreements, and maintain and keep in full force and effect all licenses and permits necessary in any material respect to the proper conduct of its business, except, with respect to the foregoing, in such instances where such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
 
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      (b)subject toSection 7.03(b), maintain its corporate existence (except that immaterial Subsidiaries may be dissolved so long as any remaining assets are transferred to another Subsidiary); and
 
      (c)remain engaged in substantially the same lines of business as those in which it is now engaged, except that the Borrower or any Subsidiary may withdraw from any business activity which its Board of Directors reasonably deems unprofitable or unsound, provided  that promptly after such withdrawal, the Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent with written notice thereof.
 
      6.05Maintenance of Properties. (a) Maintain its properties in good repair, working order and condition (normal wear and tear excepted) as required for the normal conduct of its business, and from time to time the Borrower will make or cause to be made, and cause each Subsidiary to make or cause to be made, all necessary and proper repairs, renewals, replacements, additions and improvements thereto so that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may conduct their business substantially as conducted on the Closing Date, and shall maintain or cause to be maintained all material Leases as may be required for the conduct of the Borrower’s and each Subsidiary’s business.
 
      6.06Insurance. Maintain liability and casualty insurance with financially sound and reputable insurers in such amounts as the officers of the Borrower and such Subsidiary in the exercise of their reasonable judgment deem to be adequate.
 
      6.07Payment of Taxes. Pay or cause to be paid as the same shall become due and payable all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrower or such Subsidiary.
 
      6.08Inspection Rights. Permit the Lenders, through the Administrative Agent or the Administrative Agent’s designee, at such reasonable times during normal business hours, upon reasonable advance notice to such Person, to visit and inspect the properties and books and records of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, provided  that (i) when an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent’s designee or such Lender’s other designee) may do any of the foregoing at any time during normal business hours and with reasonable advance notice, (ii) except during the existence of an Event of Default, any such inspections shall be made no more frequently than once per year, and (iii) unless the Administrative Agent believes that a Default or Event of Default is reasonably likely to occur based upon information obtained by or provided to the Administrative Agent, if no Default or Event of Default exists at the time of any such inspection, any such inspection shall be at the expense of the Lenders.
 
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     6.09Maintenance of Books and Records. Keep adequate books and records of account, in which true and complete entries will be made reflecting all of its business and financial transactions, and such entries will be made in accordance with GAAP and applicable Law.
 
     6.10Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of Credit Extensions solely to fund capital expenditures, to fund repurchases of the Borrower’s stock (such stock to be retired upon its repurchase), to provide working capital for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and for general corporate purposes for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. No portion of any Credit Extension shall be used in contravention of any Law and, without limiting the foregoing, no portion of any Credit Extension shall be used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any “margin security” or “margin stock” (other than stock of the Borrower) as such terms are used in Regulations U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
 
     6.11Pension Plans. With respect to any Plan, cause itself, each Significant Subsidiary and each ERISA Affiliate to, (a) fund each Plan as required by the provisions of Section 412 of the Code; (b) cause each Plan to pay all benefits when due; and (c) furnish the Administrative Agent (i) promptly with a copy of any notice of each Plan’s termination sent to the PBGC and (ii) no later than the date of submission to the Department of Labor or to the IRS, as the case may be, a copy of any request for a material waiver from the funding standards or extension of the amortization periods required by Section 412 of the Code.
 
     6.12Fiscal Year. The Borrower and each Subsidiary shall have a fiscal year running concurrently with the National Retail Federation calendar and shall notify the Administrative Agent of any change in such fiscal year (whereupon, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10.01 , the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders shall have the right to modify the timing of the financial covenants hereunder accordingly in order to correspond to any such change in fiscal year).
 
     6.13Additional Guarantors. Notify the Administrative Agent at the time that any Person becomes a Significant Subsidiary, and promptly thereafter (and in any event within 30 days), cause each Significant Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Foreign Subsidiary) to (a) become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent a counterpart of the Guaranty or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, and (b) deliver to the Administrative Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (iii) and (iv) of Section 4.01(a)  and favorable opinions of counsel to such Person (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to in clause (a)), all in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; provided , however, that in the event that the Borrower forms or acquires a Foreign Subsidiary that qualifies as a Significant Subsidiary, the Borrower shall have ninety (90) days thereafter to determine whether, in the good faith, reasonable judgment of the Borrower, such Subsidiary is an Excluded Foreign Subsidiary.
 
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     6.14Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, execute and deliver such further instruments and take such further action as may reasonably be requested by the Administrative Agent to effect the purposes of the Loan Documents.
 
ARTICLE VII.NEGATIVE COVENANTS
 
     So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied (other than any unasserted contingent Obligations), or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:
 
     7.01Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
 
     (a)Indebtedness of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under any Loan Document;
 
     (b)Indebtedness in respect of accounts payable and accrued expenses for normal recurring operating items, other than for borrowed money, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;
 
     (c)Indebtedness for borrowed money (which shall include all Indebtedness referenced in clauses (a), (b), (e) and (f) of the definition of Indebtedness and any guarantees thereof), so long as the material terms of such Indebtedness are no more restrictive with respect to covenants and events of default or other material provisions than the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, provided  that at the time the Borrower or any Subsidiary incurs such Indebtedness, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists (it being agreed that upon the incurrence of any such Indebtedness in excess of $50,000,000 in one or a series of transactions, the Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent a compliance certificate demonstrating compliance with Section 7.04  after giving effect to such Indebtedness); and
 
     (d)Indebtedness existing on the date of this Agreement and disclosed onSchedule7.01 hereto and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; provided  that (i) the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to a reasonable premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such refinancing and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, and (ii) the terms relating to principal amount, amortization, maturity, collateral (if any) and subordination (if any), and other material terms taken as a whole, of any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness, and of any agreement entered into and of any instrument issued in connection therewith, are no less favorable in any material respect to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms of any agreement or instrument governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended and the interest rate applicable to any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness does not exceed the then applicable market interest rate.
 
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    7.02Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:
 
     (a)Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;
 
     (b)Liens existing on the date hereof and listed onSchedule 7.02 and any renewals or extensions thereof, provided that (i) the property covered thereby is not changed, (ii) the amount secured or benefited thereby is not increased except as contemplated by  Section 7.01(d) , (iii) the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed, and (iv) any renewal or extension of the obligations secured or benefited thereby is permitted by Section 7.01(d) ;
 
     (c)Liens for Taxes not yet due or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;
 
     (d)Landlords’ and lessors’ Liens in respect of rent not in default; Liens in respect of pledges or deposits under worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, social security laws, or similar legislation (other than ERISA) or in connection with appeal and similar bonds incidental to litigation; mechanics’, laborers’, carriers’, warehousemans’, materialmen’s and similar Liens, if the obligations secured by such Liens are not then delinquent; Liens securing the performance of bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of money); and statutory obligations incidental to the conduct of its business and that do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of its property or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of its business;
 
     (e)Judgment Liens that shall not have been in existence for a period longer than 30 days after the creation thereof or, if a stay of execution shall have been obtained, for a period longer than 30 days after the expiration of such stay;
 
     (f)Easements, rights of way, restrictions, encroachments, covenants running with the land and other similar charges or encumbrances relating to real property and not interfering in a material way with the ordinary conduct of its business;
 
     (g)Purchase money Liens and Liens on real property securing construction or permanent real estate financing where:
 
     (i)with respect to Liens on real property under Synthetic Leases, any such Lien does not exceed an amount equal to 100% of the lessor’s (or the lessor’s lender’s) contribution to the costs of the real property and improvements under Synthetic Lease agreements, including amounts incurred under such Synthetic Leases on account of bank fees, closing expenses, capitalized interest and other similar obligations; and
 
     (ii)in all other cases, the Lien does not exceed 100% of the cost of the real property and all improvements thereon and does not extend beyond the property purchased or constructed and does not extend to any other property other than the property purchased or constructed;
 
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     (h)Security interests in favor of the issuer of any documentary letters of credit for the account of the Borrower covering any documents presented in connection with a drawing under any such letter of credit; all goods which are described in such documents or any such letter of credit; and the proceeds thereof;
 
     (i)Liens not to exceed $75,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any time (i) on cash that is cash collateral securing letters of credit not issued pursuant to the Loan Documents or (ii) on Insurance Trust Investments; and
 
     (j)Security interests and Liens securing charges or obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in amounts not to exceed $50,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any time in addition to those Liens permitted under subsections (a) through (i) of this Section 7.02 , provided , however , that with respect to purchase money Liens securing the purchase price of capital assets (including rights of lessors under capital leases), (A) each such Lien is given solely to secure the purchase price of, or the lease obligations relating to, such asset, does not extend to any other property and is given at the time or within 30 days of the acquisition of such asset, and (B) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the lesser of the cost of such asset or its fair market value at the time such security interest attaches.
 
     7.03Fundamental Changes; Dispositions; Acquisitions.
 
     (a)Sell, lease or otherwise Dispose of assets or properties (valued at the lower of cost or fair market value), other than (i) sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the disposition of scrap, waste and obsolete items in the ordinary course of business, (iii) transfers of assets among the Borrower and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries that constitute Qualified Investments, and (iv) sales of assets not in the ordinary course of business so long as the net book value of all of such assets sold or otherwise disposed of by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in all such transactions after the Closing Date shall not exceed an aggregate amount equal to fifteen percent (15.0%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of the Borrower; or
 
     (b)liquidate, merge or consolidate into or with any other Person or enter into or undertake any plan or agreement of liquidation, merger or consolidation with any other Person, provided  that the Borrower may merge with another entity in connection with a Permitted Acquisition if the Borrower is the surviving company, and any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower may merge or consolidate into or with (i) the Borrower if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such merger and if the Borrower is the surviving company, (ii) any other wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower (provided, however, that if a Subsidiary that is a Guarantor merges into a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, the Guarantor shall be the surviving entity or the non-Guarantor Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor simultaneously with the effectiveness of such merger); or (iii) a merger of a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower with another entity in connection with a Permitted Acquisition if the Subsidiary is the surviving entity; or
 
     (c)make any acquisition of all or substantially all of the capital stock (or other Equity Interests) or all or substantially all of the assets of another Person, or of a division or business unit of a Person, whether or not involving a merger or consolidation with such Person (an “ Acquisition ”), except for Permitted Acquisitions.
 
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    7.04Financial Covenants.
 
     (a)Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio. The Borrower shall not permit the Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio of the Borrower as at the last day of any fiscal quarter, calculated for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending, to be less than 2.0 to 1.0.
 
     (b)Consolidated Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR Ratio. The Borrower shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated Adjusted Debt of the Borrower to Consolidated EBITDAR, as at the last day of any fiscal quarter, calculated for the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending, to be greater than 3.0 to 1.0.
 
     7.05Restricted Payments. Pay, make or declare, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to pay, make or declare any Restricted Payment prior to the Maturity Date, other than (a) dividends or distributions (i) by the Borrower’s Subsidiaries to the Borrower or to a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower that has provided a Guaranty, or (ii) by a wholly-owned Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to another wholly-owned Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, (b) redemptions and repurchases by the Borrower of its stock, and (c) dividends paid by the Borrower to its stockholders; and provided, however, that with respect to the foregoing clauses (a), (b) and (c), such payment or action shall be taken or made only if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or is continuing or would occur, both before and after giving effect to any such distributions, dividends, redemptions and repurchases. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will enter into any agreement, contract or arrangement (other than the Loan Documents) restricting the ability of any Subsidiary of the Borrower to pay or make dividends or distributions in cash or kind, to guaranty the Obligations of, to make loans, advances or other payments of any nature or to make transfers or distributions of all or any part of its assets to, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower.
 
     7.06Investments. Make any Investments, except:
 
     (a)Qualified Investments;
 
     (b)Insurance Trust Investments not exceeding $75,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any time;
 
     (c)Loans permitted bySection 7.09; and
 
     (d)Investments in addition to those Investments permitted under subsections (a), (b) and (c) of thisSection 7.06 that do not in the aggregate at any time exceed five percent (5.0%) of the Borrower’s Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined as of the date of its most recently completed fiscal quarter.
 
     7.07ERISA. Neither the Borrower, nor any Significant Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate, shall permit any Plan maintained by it to (a) engage in any Prohibited Transaction that could reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a liability to the United States Internal Revenue Service in excess of $25,000,000, (b) incur any material “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA) whether or not waived, or (c) terminate any Plan in a manner that could result in the imposition of a lien or encumbrance on the assets of the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA.
 
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     7.08Transactions with Affiliates. Enter into or participate in any agreements or transactions of any kind with any Affiliate, except (i) agreements or transactions contemplated, required or allowed by any Loan Document; (ii) agreements or transactions (in each case) in the ordinary course of business and on an arms-length basis which (A) include only terms which are fair and equitable to the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary, (B) do not violate or otherwise conflict with any of the terms of any of the Loan Documents, and (C) involve terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than would be the terms of a similar agreement or transaction with any Person other than an Affiliate; and (iii) the loans permitted by Section 7.09 . Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will enter into any agreement containing any provision which would be violated or breached by the performance by the Borrower or such Subsidiary of its obligations hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents.
 
     7.09Loans. Make to any Person any loan, advance or other transfer with the anticipation of repayment, except as may be otherwise expressly permitted hereunder and except for loans and advances to employees of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries that are (a) made in the ordinary course of business, (b) consistent with past practices, and (c) permitted under then-applicable Law.
 
     7.10Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) other than stock of the Borrower or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose.
 
ARTICLE VIII.EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
 
     8.01Events of Default. Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:
 
     (a)Non-Payment. The Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or any L/C Obligation, or (ii) within five (5) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or on any L/C Obligation, or any scheduled fee due hereunder, or (iii) within five (5) Business Days after notice from the Administrative Agent that the same is due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or
 
     (b)Specific Covenants. The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall (i) fail to deliver the reports required bySection 6.02(a) within five (5) Business Days of the date due or (ii) fail to perform, comply with or observe or shall otherwise breach any one or more of the terms, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in any of Sections 6.01 , 6.03(a) , 6.03(b) , 6.04(b) , 6.04(c) , 6.08 , 6.10 , 6.11(c) , 6.12 , 6.13 , or Section 7  (other than clauses (a) or (b) of Section 7.07 ), provided, however, that with respect to the covenants contained in Section 6.01 , the failure to deliver such financial statements shall not constitute an Event of Default hereunder if such financial statements have been posted on the Borrower’s website; or
 
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     (c)Other Defaults. The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall fail to perform, comply with or observe or shall otherwise breach any one or more of the terms, covenants, obligations or agreements (other than in respect of Section 8.01(a)  and 8.01(b)  hereof) contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document and such failure shall continue for 30 days after notice thereof by the Administrative Agent; or
 
     (d)Representations and Warranties. Any representation or warranty of the Borrower or any Subsidiary made in any Loan Document or any other documents or agreements executed in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or in any certificate delivered hereunder shall prove to have been false in any material respect upon the date when made or deemed to have been made; or
 
     (e)Cross-Default. (i) The Borrower or any Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise, and after giving effect to any applicable grace period) in respect of any Indebtedness (including for purposes hereof obligations under commercial or documentary letters of credit) or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than $50,000,000, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, Guarantee or commercial or documentary letter of credit or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which failure to pay, default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or other obligations or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness or other obligations to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by the Borrower or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than $50,000,000; or
 
     (f)Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. The Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
 
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     (g)Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) The Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 30 days after its issue or levy; or
 
     (h)Judgments. There is entered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary (i) one or more judgments or orders for the payment of money by any court, or a warrant of attachment or execution or similar process shall be issued or levied against property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (the foregoing, collectively, “ Judgments ”), that in the aggregate exceed $50,000,000 in value (to the extent not covered by independent third party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage) and such Judgments shall continue undischarged or unstayed for 60 days, or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments by any court or arbitrator that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect ( provided , however , that if such undischarged or unstayed Judgments under the foregoing clause (i) in the aggregate exceed $50,000,000 but do not in the aggregate exceed $75,000,000, such entry of such Judgments shall not constitute an Event of Default hereunder so long as the Borrower or such Subsidiary could pay all of such undischarged or unstayed Judgments without breaching Section 7.04  hereof after giving effect to such payment); or
 
     (i)ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of $25,000,000, or (ii) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of $25,000,000; or
 
     (j)Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control without the express prior written consent of the Required Lenders.
 
     (k)Injunction; Indictment. The Borrower or any Subsidiary shall be enjoined, restrained or in any way prevented by the order of any court or any administrative or regulatory agency from conducting any material part of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and such order shall continue in effect for more than 60 days, or the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall be indicted for a state or federal crime, or any criminal action shall otherwise have been brought or threatened against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, a punishment for which in any such case could include forfeiture of any assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries having a fair market value in excess of $25,000,000; or
 
     (l)Loss of Licenses or Permits. There shall occur the loss, suspension or revocation of, or failure to renew, any license or permit now held or hereafter acquired by Borrower or any Subsidiary if such loss, suspension, revocation or failure to renew would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or
 
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     (m)Termination of Guaranty, Etc. (A) any material covenant, agreement or obligation of the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary contained in or evidenced by any Loan Document to which the Borrower or such Significant Subsidiary is a party shall, prior to the date on which such document shall terminate in accordance with its terms, cease in any material respect to be legal, valid, binding or enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof, or (B) the Guaranty shall be terminated with respect to any Guarantor without the consent of the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders prior to payment in full of all Obligations; or
 
     (n)Cancellation, Termination, Revocation or Rescission of Loan Document. Any Loan Document shall be canceled, terminated, revoked or rescinded (or any notice of such cancellation, termination, revocation or rescission given) otherwise than with the express prior written agreement, consent or approval of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders; or any action at law, suit in equity or other legal proceeding to cancel, revoke, or rescind any Loan Document shall be commenced by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or by any court or any other governmental or regulatory authority or agency of competent jurisdiction; or any court or any other governmental or regulatory authority or agency of competent jurisdiction shall make a determination that, or shall issue a judgment, order, decree or ruling to the effect that, any one or more of the Loan Documents or any one or more of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary under any one or more of the Loan Documents are illegal, invalid or unenforceable in accordance with the terms thereof to such an extent that the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are unable to enforce, in whole or in part, any material provisions of the Loan Documents, as determined by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in their sole discretion.
 
     8.02Remedies Upon Event of Default. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:
 
     (a)declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;
 
     (b)declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;
 
     (c)require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and
 
     (d)exercise on behalf of itself, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer all rights and remedies available to it, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under the Loan Documents;
 
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provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
 
     8.03Application of Funds. After the exercise of remedies provided for inSection8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02 ), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.17 and 2.18 , be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:
 
     First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under  Article III ) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;
 
     Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees) payable to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and the L/C Issuer (including, to the extent permitted by  Section 10.04(a) , fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of any Lender or the L/C Issuer) and amounts payable under Article III ), ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second  payable to them;
 
     Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees and interest on the Loans, L/C Borrowings and other Obligations, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause  Third payable to them;
 
     Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;
 
     Fifth, to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer, to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit to the extent not otherwise Cash Collateralized by the Borrower pursuant to Sections 2.04 and 2.17 ; and
 
     Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.
 
Subject toSections 2.04(c) and 2.17, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth  above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above.
 
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ARTICLE IX.ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
 
     9.01Appointment and Authority. Each of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and neither the Borrower (except as expressly provided in Section 9.06 ) nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
 
     9.02Rights as a Lender. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
 
     9.03Exculpatory Provisions. The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:
 
     (a)shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;
 
     (b)shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided  that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and
 
     (c)shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.
 
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     The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01  and 8.02 ) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or the L/C Issuer.
 
     The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV  or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
 
     9.04Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or the L/C Issuer unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or the L/C Issuer prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
 
     9.05Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.
 
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     9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent(a) The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States that is reasonably acceptable to the Borrower. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided  that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and the L/C Issuer directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.
 
     (b) Any resignation by Bank of America as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall, unless Bank of America gives notice to the contrary, also constitute its resignation as L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender. Absent such contrary notice, upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, (b) the retiring L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender shall be discharged from all of their respective duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and (c) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring L/C Issuer (such as by delivering back-to-back letters of credit or receipt of Cash Collateral from the Borrower) to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring L/C Issuer with respect to such Letters of Credit.
 
     9.07Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
 
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     9.08No Other Duties, Etc. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Bookrunners, Arrangers or Joint Book Managers listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder.
 
     9.09Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
 
     (a)to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.04(i) and (j), 2.10 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
 
     (b)to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
 
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and the L/C Issuer to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.10  and  10.04 .
 
     Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or the L/C Issuer any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or the L/C Issuer in any such proceeding.
 
     9.10Guaranty Matters. The Lenders and the L/C Issuer irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder. Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this  Section 9.10 .
 
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ARTICLE X.MISCELLANEOUS
 
    10.01Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided , however , that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
 
     (a)waive any condition set forth inSection 4.01(a) without the written consent of each Lender;
 
    (b)extend or increase the Commitment or Applicable Percentage of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 ) without the written consent of such Lender;
 
     (c)postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest or fees due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;
 
     (d)reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iv) of the second proviso to this Section 10.01 ) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided , however , that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate or (ii) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the rate of interest on any Loan or L/C Borrowing or to reduce any fee payable hereunder;
 
     (e)changeSection 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender;
 
    (f)change any provision of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; or
 
     (g)release any Guarantor from the Guaranty without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of any Guarantor is permitted pursuant to Section 9.10  (in which case such release may be made by the Administrative Agent acting alone);
 
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and, providedfurther, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender under this Agreement; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (iv) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender more adversely than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.
 
     If any Lender does not consent to a proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release with respect to any Loan Document that requires the consent of each Lender and that has been approved by the Required Lenders, the Borrower may replace such non-consenting Lender in accordance with Section 10.13 ; provided  that such amendment, waiver, consent or release can be effected as a result of the assignment contemplated by such Section together with all other such assignments required by the Borrower to be made pursuant to this paragraph.
 
     10.02Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication.
 
     (a)Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
 
     (i)if to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 ; and
 
     (ii)if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire (including, as appropriate, notices delivered solely to the Person designated by a Lender on its Administrative Questionnaire then in effect for the delivery of notices that may contain material non-public information relating to the Borrower).
 
     Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).
 
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     (b)Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided  that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II  if such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided  that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
 
     Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided  that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.
 
     (c)The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “ Agent Parties ”) have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided , however , that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).
 
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     (d)Change of Address, Etc. Each of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, telecopier number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender. Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.
 
     (e)Reliance by Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Lenders. The Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
 
     10.03No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement. No failure by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.
 
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     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with  Section 8.02  for the benefit of all the Lenders and the L/C Issuer;  provided ,  however , that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (c) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 10.08  (subject to the terms of Section 2.14 ), or (d) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided , further , that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02  and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.14 , any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders.
 
     10.04Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.
 
     (a)Costs and Expenses. The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by the L/C Issuer in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer (including the fees, charges and disbursements of counsel, which shall be one common counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer unless more than one counsel is appropriate due to the existence of conflicting interests among any such parties), and shall pay all fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer utilized during the existence of any Event of Default, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out of pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.
 
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     (b) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Arranger, each Lender and the L/C Issuer, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “ Indemnitee ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel (including attorneys who may be employees of any Indemnitee) for any Indemnitee, which counsel shall be one common counsel unless more than one counsel is appropriate due to the existence of conflicting interests among the Indemnitees), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including in respect of any matters addressed in Section 3.01), (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided  that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by the Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrower or such other Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
 
     (c)Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the L/C Issuer or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or the L/C Issuer in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or L/C Issuer in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.13(d) .
 
     (d)Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
 
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     (e)Payments. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than ten Business Days after demand therefor.
 
     (f)Survival. The agreements in this Section shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.
 
     10.05Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender and the L/C Issuer severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
 
     10.06Successors and Assigns.
 
     (a)Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
 
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     (b)Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this subsection (b), participations in L/C Obligations and in Swing Line Loans) at the time owing to it); provided  that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:
 
          (i)Minimum Amounts.
 
     (A)in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and
 
     (B)in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided , however , that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single Eligible Assignee (or to an Eligible Assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met.
 
     (ii)Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned, except that this clause (ii) shall not apply to the Swing Line Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans;
 
     (iii)Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required bysubsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:
 
     (A)the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender (other than an Approved Fund); provided  that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof;
 
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     (B)the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender; and
 
     (C)the consent of the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment.
 
     (iv)Assignment and Assumption. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500; provided , however , that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.
 
     (v)No Assignment to Certain Persons. No such assignment shall be made (A) to the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries, or (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B), or (C) to a natural person.
 
     (vi)Certain Additional Payments. In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.
 
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Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01 , 3.04 , 3.05 , and 10.04  with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.
 
     (c)Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower (and such agency being solely for tax purposes), shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Loans and L/C Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. In addition, the Administrative Agent shall maintain on the Register information regarding the designation, and revocation of designation, of any Lender as a Defaulting Lender. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
 
     (d)Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person, a Defaulting Lender or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “ Participant ”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided  that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.
 
     Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided  that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01  that affects such Participant, but such Participant shall be subject to the last paragraph of Section 10.01  and Section 10.13 . Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of  Sections 3.01 , 3.04  and 3.05  and subject to the obligations under Section 3.06 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of  Section 10.08  as though it were a Lender,  provided  such Participant agrees to be subject to  Section 2.14  as though it were a Lender.
 
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     (e)Limitations upon Participant Rights. A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment underSection 3.01 or3.04 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01  unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 3.01(e)  as though it were a Lender.
 
     (f)Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided  that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
 
     (g)Resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender after Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above, Bank of America may, (i) upon 30 days’ notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as L/C Issuer and/or (ii) upon 30 days’ notice to the Borrower, resign as Swing Line Lender. In the event of any such resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided , however , that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Bank of America as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be. If Bank of America resigns as L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Committed Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.04(c) ). If Bank of America resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Committed Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(c) . Upon the appointment of a successor L/C Issuer and/or Swing Line Lender, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be, and (b) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to Bank of America to effectively assume the obligations of Bank of America with respect to such Letters of Credit.
 
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     10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, advisors and representatives (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or any Eligible Assignee invited to be a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16(c) or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. For purposes of this Section, “ Information ” means all information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
 
     Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws.
 
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     10.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party may be unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or the L/C Issuer different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided, that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.18 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender, the L/C Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided  that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
 
     10.09Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “ Maximum Rate ”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
 
     10.10Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement terminates the Existing Credit Agreement and all commitments thereunder; provided, however, that the provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement that are intended to survive termination of the Existing Credit Agreement, including without limitation as to indemnification, shall survive. Except as provided in Section 4.01 , this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or other electronic imaging means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
 
95

 

    10.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.
 
     10.12 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this  Section 10.12 , if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.
 
     10.13 Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 or provides a notice under Section 3.02, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, or if the Borrower wishes to replace a Lender pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 10.01 , then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.06), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:
 
    (a) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 10.06(b);
 
     (b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to 100% of the outstanding principal of its Loans and L/C Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under  Section 3.05 ) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);
 
     (c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to  Section 3.01 , such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and
 
     (d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws.
 
96

 

     A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
 
     10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.
 
     (a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
 
     (b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT ANY PARTY HERETO MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.
 
     (c) WAIVER OF VENUE. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
 
     (d) SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN  SECTION 10.02 . NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
 
97

 

     10.15 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
 
     10.16 California Judicial Reference. If any action or proceeding is filed in a court of the State of California by or against any party hereto in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (a) the court shall, and is hereby directed to, make a general reference pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 to a referee (who shall be a single active or retired judge) to hear and determine all of the issues in such action or proceeding (whether of fact or of law) and to report a statement of decision,  provided  that at the option of any party to such proceeding, any such issues pertaining to a “provisional remedy” as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281.8 shall be heard and determined by the court, and (b) without limiting the generality of  Section 10.04 , the Borrower shall be solely responsible to pay all fees and expenses of any referee appointed in such action or proceeding unless the referee determines that the other party exhibited gross negligence or willful misconduct.
 
98

 

     10.17 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), the Borrower and each other Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent and the Joint Arrangers, are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower, each other Loan Party and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Joint Arrangers, on the other hand, (B) each of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) the Borrower and each other Loan Party is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Administrative Agent and each of the Joint Arrangers is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither the Administrative Agent nor any Arranger has any obligation to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) each of the Administrative Agent and each of the Joint Arrangers and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent nor any Arranger has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent and the Joint Arrangers with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.
 
     10.18 Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption or in any amendment or other modification hereof (including waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
 
     10.19 USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Act. The Borrower shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act.
 
99

 

EXECUTION VERSION
 
100

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
 
 	ROSS STORES, INC.	

 	By:	 	
 	Name:	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,as	
 	Administrative Agent	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender, L/C	
 	Issuer and Swing Line Lender	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL	
 	ASSOCIATION	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	UNION BANK, N.A.	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	BANK OF THE WEST	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	SUNTRUST BANK	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	FIFTH THIRD BANK	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

 	THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON	

 	By:	 	
 	Name: 	 	
 	Title:	 	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CREDIT AGREEMENT]

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
 
     The headings in the Disclosure Schedule are for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of the Credit Agreement or the Disclosure Schedule. The Disclosure Schedule sets forth by sectional reference to the Credit Agreement the exceptions to the representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and certain other information called for by the Credit Agreement. Nothing in the Disclosure Schedule is intended to broaden the scope of any representation or warranty of any of the Loan Parties contained in the Credit Agreement.
 
     Nothing in the Disclosure Schedule shall constitute an admission of any liability or obligation of the Loan Parties to any third party, nor an admission to any third party against any Loan Party’s interests. The Disclosure Schedule is qualified in its entirety by reference to specific provisions of the Credit Agreement, and is not intended to constitute, and shall not be construed as constituting, representations or warranties of any of the Loan Parties except as and to the extent provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

SCHEDULE 1.01
 
EXISTINGLETTERS OFCREDIT
 
L/C Number:	     	Expiry:	     	Beneficiary Name:	     	Curr	     	Liab USD Amt	
00000001371482	 	1/14/2012	 	THE BANK OF N.T. BUTTERFIELD	 	USD	 	$188,572.00	
00000001390357	 	5/5/2011	 	ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE	 	USD	 	$75,000.00	
00000064127202	 	4/6/2011	 	OLD REPUBLIC INSURANCE	 	USD	 	$16,400,000.00	
00000064128533	 	5/7/2011	 	LUMBERMENS MUTUAL CA	 	USD	 	$8,000.00	
00000068011162	 	1/31/2012	 	XL SPECIALTY INSURANCE	 	USD	 	$4,950,000.00	
00000068017286	 	1/31/2012	 	XL SPECIALTY INSURANCE	 	USD	 	$17,975,000.00	
00000068033108	 	2/1/2012	 	ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE	 	USD	 	$20,400,000.00	
00000068048056	 	2/1/2012	 	ARCH INSURANCE COMPANY	 	USD	 	$20,629,000.00	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	Total	 	$80,625,572.00	

 

SCHEDULE 2.01
 
COMMITMENTS
AND APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES
 
Lender	     	Commitment	     	Applicable	
 	 	 	 	Percentage	
Bank of America, N.A.	 	$105,000,000	 	17.5000000000%	
 	 	 	 	 	
Wells Fargo Bank, National	 	$105,000,000	 	17.5000000000%	
Association	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.	 	$105,000,000	 	17.5000000000%	
 	 	 	 	 	
Union Bank, N.A.	 	$65,000,000	 	10.8333333333%	
 	 	 	 	 	
U.S. Bank National Association	 	$65,000,000	 	10.8333333333%	
 	 	 	 	 	
Bank of the West	 	$40,000,000	 	6.6666666667%	
 	 	 	 	 	
First Hawaiian Bank	 	$20,000,000	 	3.3333333333%	
 	 	 	 	 	
SunTrust Bank	 	$50,000,000	 	8.3333333333%	
 	 	 	 	 	
Fifth Third Bank	 	$25,000,000	 	4.1666666667%	
 	 	 	 	 	
The Bank of New York Mellon	 	$20,000,000	 	3.3333333333%	
 	 	 	 	 	
Total	 	$600,000,000	 	100.0000000000%	

 

SCHEDULE 5 .06
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DISCLOSURES
 
None.

 

SCHEDULE 5.10
 
LITIGATION
 
None.

 

SCHEDULE 5.11
 
SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES
 
1.Ross Dress for Less, Inc., a Virginia corporation
 
2.Ross Procurement, Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

SCHEDULE 5.14
 
ENVIRONMENTAL
 
None.

 

SCHEDULE 5.18
 
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
The Company has a consulting agreement with its Chairman of the Board of Directors, under which the Company pays him an annual consulting fee of $1.1 million in monthly installments through January 2012. In addition, the agreement provides for administrative support and health and other benefits for the individual and his dependents, which totals approximately $0.2 million per year, along with amounts to cover premiums through January 2012 on a life insurance policy with a death benefit of $2 million. On termination of Mr. Ferber’s consultancy with the Company, the Company will pay Mr. Ferber $75,000 per year for a period of 10 years.

 

SCHEDULE 7.01
 
INDEBTEDNESS
 
1.$85 million 6.38% Series A Senior Notes due December 14, 2018
2.$65 million 6.53% Series B Senior Notes due December 14, 2021
3.$70 million obligation under ten year synthetic lease agreement, expiring July 2013
4.$3.7 million obligations under various synthetic leases, related to POS equipment, expiring from September 2011 to February 2015

 

SCHEDULE 7.02
 
LIENS
 
Ross Stores, Inc.
 
Jurisdiction	Lien/Filing Type	 	Result	 	Collateral	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	     	U.S. Bancorp	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Oliver Allen	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	 	 	Technology	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	Leasing	 	(Pursuant to Certain	
 	 	 	File No:	 	2074895 8	 	Master Lease)	
 	 	 	Date:	 	03/04/2002	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	2074895 8	 	Adds Specific Schedule of	
of State	Amendment	 	File No:	 	2176139 8	 	Collateral	
 	 	 	Date:	 	06/20/2002	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-3	 	Contin:	 	2074895 8	 	Continuation	
of State	Continuation	 	File No:	 	6412785 8	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	11/28/2006	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	Sun Microsystems	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Finance, a Sun	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	 	 	Microsystems, Inc.	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	Business	 	(Pursuant to a Certain	
 	 	 	File No:	 	5170889 1	 	Master Lease)	
 	 	 	Date:	 	05/25/2005	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-3	 	Contin:	 	5170889 1	 	Continuation	
of State	Continuation	 	File No:	 	2010 0517866	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	02/17/2010	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	CIT Technologies	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	612327 1
06/21/2006	 	(Computer Hardware, 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Software and Related	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	CIT Technologies	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	6393652 3
11/10/2006	 	
(IBM, Compaq, HP, Dell	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	and Toshiba Computer	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	CIT Technologies	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	2007 0422310
02/01/2007	 	 
(Computer Hardware,	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Software and Related	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	

 

Jurisdiction	Lien/Filing Type	Result	Collateral	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-3	 	Amends:	     	20070422310	 	Restates Collateral to:	
of State	Amendment	 	File No:
Date:	 	20070654144
02/20/2007	 	 
Specific Leased	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
(IBM, Compaq, HP, Dell	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	and Toshiba Computer	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	CIT Technologies	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	20072914744
08/01/2007	 	
(Video Equipment,	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cameras, and Related	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	CIT Technologies	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	20073507141
09/17/2007	 	 
(IBM, Compaq, HP, Dell	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	and Toshiba Computer	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	CIT Technologies	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	20073867099
10/15/2007	 	 
(IBM, Compaq, HP, Dell	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	and Toshiba Computer	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	CSI Leasing, Inc.	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	File No:	 	20080913390	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	Date:	 	03/14/2008	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(Computer Equipment)	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	20080913390	 	Adds More Specific	
of State	Amendment	 	File No:	 	20082823399	 	Schedule of Equipment	
 	 	 	Date:	 	08/19/2008	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	CSI Leasing, Inc.	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	File No:	 	20082182655	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	Date:	 	06/25/2008	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(Computer Equipment)	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-3	 	Assigns:	 	20082182655	 	Assignment to First Bank	
of State	Assignment	 	File No:	 	20082614426	 	of Highland Park	
 	 	 	Date:	 	07/25/2008	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	Macquarie	 	Specific Leased	
of State	 	 	 	 	Equipment	 	Equipment	
 	 	 	 	 	Finance, LLC	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	20082507935	 	(Dell Computer	
 	 	 	Date:	 	07/22/2008	 	Equipment)	

 

Jurisdiction	Lien/Filing Type	Result	Collateral	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	     	Macquarie	 	Specific Leased
Equipment
 
(Dell Computer
Equipment)	 	
of State	 	 	 	 	Equipment	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	Finance, LLC	 	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	2008 3732177	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	11/06/2008	 	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	Macquarie	 	Specific Leased
Equipment

(Dell Computer
Equipment)	 	
of State	 	 	 	 	Equipment	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	Finance, LLC	 	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	2009 0719747	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	03/06/2009	 	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary
of State	UCC-1	 	Secured:

File No:
Date:	 	ACC Capital
Corporation
2009 1145777
04/09/2009	 	Specific Leased
Equipment
  
(Digital Video Recorders
and Related Equipment)	 	

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-3	 	Assigns:	 	2009 1145777	 	Assignment to Vanguard
Leasing, Inc.	 	 	 	
of State	Assignment	 	File No:	 	2009 2654959	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	07/31/2009	 	 	 	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	UCC-1	 	Specific Equipment

(Surveillance System)	 	 	 	
of State	 	 	Secured:	 	Commerce	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	National Bank	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	2009 2010954	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	06/23/2009	 	 	 	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	Macquarie	 	Specific Leased
Equipment

(Dell Computer
Equipment)	 	 	 	
of State	 	 	 	 	Equipment	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	Finance, LLC	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	2009 2755467	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	08/27/2009	 	 	 	 	 	
   Delaware Secretary  	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	Macquarie	 	Specific Leased
Equipment
 
(Dell Computer
Equipment)	 	 	 	
of State	 	 	 	 	Equipment	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	Finance, LLC	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	2009 3989669	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	12/14/2009	 	 	 	 	 	
   Cumberland  	UCC-1 Fixture	 	UCC-1 FIXTURE	 	Specific Leased
Equipment Located on
Property in Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania

(Digital Video Recorders)	 	 	 	
County,	Filings	 	Secured:	 	ACC Capital	 	 	 	 	 	
   Pennsylvania  	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	200911535	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	04/14/2009	 	 	 	 	 	

 

   Jurisdiction  	Lien/Filing Type	Result	Collateral	
Cumberland	Mechanic’s Lien	 	Secured:      	Kamand	 	$119,852.04	
County,	 	 	 	Construction Inc.	 	 	
Pennsylvania	 	 	File No:	2003-05784	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	11/03/2003	 	 	

Ross Dress for Less, Inc.
 
   Jurisdiction  	Lien/Filing Type	Result	Collateral	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	     	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	06-05-31-7065-0
05/31/2006	 	 
(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	06-06-21-7194-4
06/21/2006	 	 
(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	06-07-05-7166-3
07/05/2006	 	
(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	Wachovia Bank,	 	All Assets used in	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	National	 	connection with a certain	
Commission	 	 	 	 	Association;	 	Facility located in	
 	 	 	 	 	Wachovia	 	Riverside County,	
 	 	 	 	 	Development	 	California1	
 	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	06-07-26-7196-0	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	07/26/2006	 	 	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	Wachovia Bank,	 	All Assets used in	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	National	 	connection with a certain	
Commission	 	 	 	 	Association	 	Facility located in	
 	 	 	File No:	 	06-07-26-7197-2	 	Riverside County,	
 	 	 	Date:	 	07/26/2006	 	California2	
 ____________________

1	    	Lien securing the Indebtedness listed in item 3 of Schedule 7.01 .	
 	
2	 	Lien securing the Indebtedness listed in item 3 of Schedule 7.01 .	

 

   Jurisdiction  	Lien/Filing Type	Result	Collateral	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	     	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	04-08-01-7021-1
08/01/2006	 	 
(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	06-11-01-7182-8
11/01/2006	 	
(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	06-11-02-7148-8
11/02/2006	 	
(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:	 	06-1103-7203-8	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	11/03/2006	 	(No Schedules Attached)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:	 	06-11-27-7242-0	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	11/27/2004	 	(No Schedules Attached)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	06-11-27-7242-0	 	Adds Schedule of Specific	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	06-12-20-7074-1	 	Leased Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	12/20/2006	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(Computer Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Assigns:	 	06-11-27-7242-0	 	Assignment to Banc of	
Corporations	Assignment	 	File No:	 	10-01-08-7114-7	 	America Leasing &	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	01/08/2010	 	Capital, LLC	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:
Date:	 	07-04-26-7307-3
04/26/2007	 	
(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	07-04-26-7307-3	 	Adds Additional Specific	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	07-07-12-7205-4	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	07/12/2007	 	 	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	07-04-26-7307-3	 	Adds Additional Specific	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	07-07-13-7218-3	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	07/13/2007	 	 	

 

   Jurisdiction  	Lien/Filing Type	Result	Collateral	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	     	07-04-26-7307-3	 	Adds Additional Specific	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	07-08-09-7063-7	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	08/09/2007	 	 	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Assigns:	 	07-04-26-7307	 	Assignment to Banc of	
Corporations	Assignment	 	File No:	 	10-01-08-7115-9	 	America Leasing and	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	01/08/2010	 	Capital, LLC	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	AEL Financial,	 	Specific Equipment	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	LLC; Pure Health	 	 	
Commission	 	 	 	 	Solutions, Inc.	 	(Water Purification	
 	 	 	File No:	 	07-08-28-7183-1	 	System)	
 	 	 	Date:	 	08/28/2007	 	 	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust Leasing	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Corporation	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	File No:	 	07-09-05-7153-2	 	 	
 	 	 	Date:	 	09/05/2007	 	(One Windows Server)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	07-09-05-7153-2	 	Adds Additional Specific	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	07-10-14-7224-9	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	10/14/2007	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(Cash Registers and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Software)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	07-09-05-7153-2	 	Adds Schedule of Specific	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	07-12-03-7288-0	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	12/03/2007	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(Cash Registers,	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Software, Computer	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	07-09-05-7153-2	 	Adds Additional Schedule	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	07-12-06-7099-5	 	of Specific Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	12/06/2007	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(POS Computer	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	07-09-05-7153-2	 	Adds Additional Specific	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	08-01-31-7208-0	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	01/31/2008	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(POS and Cash Register	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	AEL Financial, LLC	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	File No:	 	08-02-5-7129-9	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	02/05/2008	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(Water Purification	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Systems)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Equipment Finance	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	 	 	& Leasing Corp.	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	08-03-24-7141-7	 	(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	Date:	 	03/24/2008	 	Cash Register Equipment)	

 

   Jurisdiction  	Lien/Filing Type	Result	Collateral	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Assigns:	     	08-03-24-7141-7	 	Assignment to Banc of	
Corporations	Assignment	 	File No:	 	10-01-08-7117-3	 	America Leasing &	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	01/08/2010	 	Capital, LLC	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Equipment Finance	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	 	 	& Leasing Corp.	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	08-03-28-7200-1	 	(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	Date:	 	03/28/2008	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	08-03-28-7200-1	 	Adds Specific Equipment	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	08-04-28-7021-3	 	 	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	04/28/2008	 	(By Serial Number)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Equipment Finance	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	 	 	& Leasing Corp.	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	08-10-02-7103-6	 	(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	Date:	 	10/02/2008	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	08-10-02-7103-6	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	08-10-21-7144-2	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	10/21/2008	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	08-10-02-7103-6	 	Adds Specific Equipment	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	08-12-29-7378-7	 	 	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	12/29/2008	 	(POS and Cash Register	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	SunTrust	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Equipment Finance	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	 	 	& Leasing Corp.	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	09-03-23-7199-8	 	(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	Date:	 	03/23/2009	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	09-03-23-7199-8	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	09-08-19-7101-4	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	08/19/2009	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	 	Commerce	 	Specific Equipment	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	National Bank	 	 	
Commission	 	 	File No:	 	09-06-24-7242-9	 	(Surveillance System)	
 	 	 	Date:	 	06/24/2009	 	 	

 

   Jurisdiction  	Lien/Filing Type	Result	Collateral	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	Secured:	     	SunTrust	 	Specific Leased	
Corporations	 	 	 	 	Equipment Finance	 	Equipment	
Commission	 	 	 	 	& Leasing Corp.	 	 	
 	 	 	File No:	 	09-11-02-7003-8	 	(Computer, POS and	
 	 	 	Date:	 	11/02/2009	 	Cash Register Equipment)	
Virginia	UCC-1	 	UCC-3 AMENDMENT	 	Adds Specific Equipment	
Corporations	 	 	Amends:	 	09-11-02-7003-8	 	 	
Commission	 	 	File No:	 	09-11-23-7043-6	 	(By Serial Number)	
 	 	 	Date:	 	11/23/2009	 	 	
Virginia	UCC-3	 	Amends:	 	09-11-02-7003-8	 	Adds Specific Equipment	
Corporations	Amendment	 	File No:	 	10-02-18-7096-0	 	 	
Commission	 	 	Date:	 	02/18/2010	 	(POS and Cash Register	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Equipment)	

 

SCHEDULE 10.02
 
NOTICE ADDRESSES
 
BORROWER:
Ross Stores, Inc.
4440 Rosewood Drive, Building 4
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Attention: John Call
Telephone: 925-965-4400
Telecopier: 925-965-4441
Electronic Mail: john.call@ros.com
Website Address: www.rossstores.com
 
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
 
Administrative Agent’s Office
(for payments and Requests for Credit Extensions):
Bank of America, N.A.
2001 Clayton Road
Mail Code: CA4-702-02-25
Concord, CA 94520
Attention:Faizan Hafeez
Telephone: (925) 675-8815
Telecopier: (866) 540-7550
Electronic Mail: faizan.hafeez@baml.com
Account No.: 3750836479
Ref: Ross Stores, Inc.
ABA# 026009593
 
Other Notices as Administrative Agent:
Bank of America, N.A.
Agency Management
335 Madison Avenue
Mail Code: NY-503-04-03
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Steven Gazzillo
Telephone: (646) 556-0328
Telecopier: (212) 901-7842
Electronic Mail: steven.gazzillo@baml.com

 

L/C ISSUER:
 
(for Standby Letters of Credit)
 
Bank of America, N.A.
Trade Operations
1 Fleet Way
Mail Code: PA6-580-02-30
Scranton, PA 18507
Attention: John Yzeik
Telephone: (570) 330-4315
Telecopier: (570) 330-4186
Electronic Mail: john.p.yzeik@baml.com
 
(for Commercial or Documentary Letters of Credit)
 
Bank of America, N.A.
Trade Operations
1 Fleet Way
Mail Code: PA6-580-02-30
Scranton, PA 18507
Attention: Ted Georgiades
Telephone: (570) 330-4219
Telecopier: (570) 330-4290
Electronic Mail: theodore.t.georgiades@baml.com
 
SWING LINE LENDER:
 
Bank of America, N.A.
2001 Clayton Road
Mail Code: CA4-702-02-25
Concord, CA 94520
Attention:Faizan Hafeez
Telephone: (925) 675-8815
Telecopier: (866) 540-7550
Electronic Mail: faizan.hafeez@baml.com
Account No.: 3750836479
Ref: Ross Stores, Inc.
ABA# 026009593

 

EXHIBIT A
 
FORM OF COMMITTED LOAN NOTICE
 
Date: ___________, _____
 
To:    	Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent	

Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March[__],2011 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Ross Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.
 
     The undersigned hereby requests (select one):  
 
    	c     A Borrowing of Committed Loans	c     A conversion or continuation of Loans	

    	1.    	On 	 	 (a Business Day).	

    	2.    	In the amount of $ 	 	.	

    	3.    	Comprised of 	 	.	
 	[Type of Committed Loan requested]	

    	4.    	For Eurodollar Rate Loans:with an Interest Period of _____ months.	

     The Committed Borrowing, if any, requested herein complies with the proviso to the first sentence ofSection 2.01 of the Agreement.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	
 	
By: 	 	
Name: 	 	
Title: 	 	

A-1
 
Form of Committed Loan Notice

 

EXHIBIT B
 
FORM OF SWING LINE LOAN NOTICE
 
Date: ___________, _____
 
To:    	Bank of America, N.A., as Swing Line Lender	
 	Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent	

Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March [__], 2011 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Ross Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.
 
     The undersigned hereby requests a Swing Line Loan:
 
    	1.    	On 	 	(a Business Day).	

    	2.    	In the amount of $	 	.	

     The Swing Line Borrowing requested herein complies with the requirements of the provisos to the first sentence ofSection 2.05(a) of the Agreement.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	
 	
By: 	 	
Name: 	 	
Title: 	 	

B- 1
 
Form of Swing Line Loan Notice

 

EXHIBIT C
 
FORM OF NOTE
 
_____________________
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to _____________________ or registered assigns (the “ Lender ”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Loan from time to time made by the Lender to the Borrower under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March [__], 2011 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.
 
     The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.
 
     This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. This Note is also entitled to the benefits of the Guaranty. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
 
     The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.
 
C -1
 
Form of Note

 

     THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	
 	
By: 	 	
Name: 	 	
Title: 	 	

C -2
 
Form of Note

 

LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO
 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Amount of	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Principal or	 	Outstanding	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	End of	 	Interest	 	Principal	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Type of	 	Amount of	 	Interest	 	Paid This	 	Balance	 	Notation	 	
      	Date	      	Loan Made	      	Loan Made	      	Period	      	Date	      	This Date	      	Made By	      	

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

C -3
 
Form of Note

 

EXHIBIT D
 
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
 
Financial Statement Date: _____,
 
To:    	Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent	

Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March [__], 2011 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Ross Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.
 
     The undersigned Responsible Officer hereby certifies as of the date hereof that he/she is the ________________________________________ of the Borrower, and that, as such, he/she is authorized to execute and deliver this Certificate to the Administrative Agent on the behalf of the Borrower, and that:
 
[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscalyear-end financial statements]
 
     1. The Borrower has delivered or made available the year-end audited financial statements required bySection 6.01(a) of the Agreement for the fiscal year of the Borrower ended as of the above date, together with the report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant required by such section.
 
[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscalquarter-end financial statements for the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year]
 
     1. The Borrower has delivered or made available the unaudited financial statements required bySection 6.01(b) of the Agreement for the fiscal quarter of the Borrower ended as of the above date. Such financial statements fairly present the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP as at such date and for such period, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
 
     2. The undersigned has reviewed and is familiar with the terms of the Agreement and has made, or has caused to be made under his/her supervision, a detailed review of the transactions and condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower during the accounting period covered by such financial statements.
 
D -1
 
Form of Compliance Certificate

 

     3. A review of the activities of the Borrower during such fiscal period has been made under the supervision of the undersigned with a view to determining whether during such fiscal period the Borrower performed and observed all its Obligations under the Loan Documents, and
 
[select one:]
     [to the best knowledge of the undersigned, during such fiscal period the Borrower performed and observed each covenant and condition of the Loan Documents applicable to it, and no Default has occurred and is continuing.]
 
--or--
     [to the best knowledge of the undersigned, during such fiscal period the following covenants or conditions have not been performed or observed and the following is a list of each such Default and its nature and status:]
 
     4. The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained inArticle V of theAgreement, and any representations and warranties of any Loan Party that are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection with the Loan Documents, are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Compliance Certificate, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05  of the Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01  of the Agreement, including the statements in connection with which this Compliance Certificate is delivered .
 
     5. The financial covenant analyses and information set forth onSchedules 1 and2 attached hereto are true and accurate on and as of the date of this Certificate.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate as of __________, _______.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	
 	
By: 	 	
Name: 	 	
Title: 	 	

D -2
 
Form of Compliance Certificate

 

For the Quarter/Year ended ___________________(“Statement Date”)
 
SCHEDULE 1
to the Compliance Certificate
($ in 000’s)
 
I.     	Section 7.04 (a) – Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio.	           	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	A.     	Consolidated EBITDAR for four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on above date (“Subject Period ”):	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	1.	     	Consolidated Net Income for Subject Period:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	2.	 	Consolidated Total Interest Expense for Subject Period:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	3.	 	Consolidated taxes on income for Subject Period:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	4.	 	Consolidated depreciation for Subject Period:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	5.	 	Consolidated amortization for Subject Period:	 	$___________	
   	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	6.	 	Extraordinary non-cash losses to the extent such losses have not been and will not become cash losses in a later fiscal period:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	7.	 	Consolidated Rent Expense for Subject Period	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	8.	 	Consolidated EBITDAR (Lines I.A.1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7):	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	B.	Consolidated Total Interest Expense plus Consolidated Rent Expense for Subject Period:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	1.	 	Consolidated Total Interest Expense for Subject Period:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	2.	 	Consolidated Rent Expense for Subject Period (Line I.A.7 above):	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	3.	 	Total (Lines I.B.1 + 2)	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	C.	Consolidated Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio (Line I.A.8 ÷ Line I.B.3):	 	_______ to 1.0	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	D.	Minimum required:	 	        2.0 to 1.0	

D -3
 
Form of Compliance Certificate

 

II.     	Section 7.04 (b) – Consolidated Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR Ratio.	          	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	A.     	Consolidated Adjusted Debt at Statement Date:	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	1.	     	All Indebtedness for borrowed money on a Consolidated basis at Statement Date:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	2.	 	Consolidated Rent Expense for the twelve-month Period ending on the Statement Date multiplied by 6:	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	3.	 	Total Consolidated Adjusted Debt at Statement Date (Line II.A.1 + 2):	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	B.	Consolidated EBITDAR for Subject Period (Line I.A.8 above):	 	$___________	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	C.	Consolidated Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR Ratio (Line II.A.3 ÷ Line II.B):	 	_______ to 1.0	
 	 	 	 	 	
 	D.	Maximum permitted:	 	        3.0 to 1.0	

D -4
 
Form of Compliance Certificate

 

For the Quarter/Year ended ___________________(“Statement Date”)
 
SCHEDULE 2
to the Compliance Certificate
($ in 000’s)
 
Consolidated EBITDAR
(in accordance with the definition of Consolidated EBITDAR
as set forth in the Agreement)
 
 	 	 	 	 	Twelve	
 	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Months	
Consolidated	Ended	Ended	Ended	Ended	Ended	
EBITDAR	_________	_________	_________	_________	_________	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Consolidated	 	 	 	 	 	
Net Income
 	 	 	 	 	 	
+ Consolidated Total	 	 	 	 	 	
   Interest Expense
 	 	 	 	 	 	
+ income taxes
 	 	 	 	 	 	
+ depreciation
 	 	 	 	 	 	
+ amortization
 	 	 	 	 	 	
+ extraordinary non-cash 	 	 	 	 	 	
   losses
 	 	 	 	 	 	
= Consolidated EBITDA
 	 	 	 	 	 	
+ Consolidated Rent	 	 	 	 	 	
   Expense
 	 	 	 	 	 	
= Consolidated	 	 	 	 	 	
   EBITDAR

D -5
 
Form of Compliance Certificate

 

EXHIBIT E
 
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
 
     This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each] 1  Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignor ”) and [the][each] 2  Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “ Assignee ”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees] 3  hereunder are several and not joint.] 4  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “ Credit Agreement ”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
 
     For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including, without limitation, the Letters of Credit and the Swing Line Loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to
 
____________________
 
     1For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.
 
     2For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.
 
     3Select as appropriate.
 
     4Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.
 
E-1 - 1
 
Form of Assignment and Assumption

 

[the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “Assigned Interest”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.
 
1.    	Assignor[s]:	 	 	

2.	Assignee[s]:	 	 	
 	 	 	 	
 	[for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [identify Lender]]	
 	 	 	
3.	Borrower(s):	 	 	
 	  	
4.	Administrative Agent: Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit	
 	Agreement	 	
 	 	 	
5.	Credit Agreement:      [Credit Agreement, dated as of March [__], 2011, among Ross Stores, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer, and Swing Line Lender	
 	 	
6.	Assigned Interest[s]:	

 	 	Aggregate	 	 	 	
 	 	Amount of	Amount of	Percentage	 	
 	 	Commitments	Commitment	Assigned of	CUSIP	
Assignor[s]5	Assignee[s]6	for all Lenders7	Assigned	Commitments8	Number	
 	 	$________________	$_________	___________%	 	
 	 	$________________	$_________	___________%	 	
 	 	$________________	$_________	___________%	 	

[7.	     	Trade Date:    	__________________]	9	
____________________
 
     5List each Assignor, as appropriate.
 
     6List each Assignee, as appropriate.
 
     7Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.
 
     8Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.
 
E-1 - 2
 
Form of Assignment and Assumption

 

Effective Date: __________________, 20__ [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]
 
     The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
 
ASSIGNOR	
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]	
  	
By: 	 	 	
 	Title:	
 	
ASSIGNEE	
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]	
 	
By:	 	 	
 	Title:	

Consented to and Accepted:	
 	
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as	
    Administrative Agent	
 	 	
By: 	 	
 	Title:	
  	
Consented to:	
 	
ROSS STORES, INC.	
 	 	
By:	 	
 	Title:	
 ____________________

      9To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.
 
E-1 - 3
 
Form of Assignment and Assumption

 

ANNEX 1 TO ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
 
ROSS STORES, INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
 
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
 
     1.Representations and Warranties.
 
     1.1.Assignor. [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][[the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.
 
     1.2.Assignee. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii)  and (v)  of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii)  of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
 
E-1 - 4
 
Form of Assignment and Assumption

 

     2.Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.
 
     3.General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.
 
E-1 - 5
 
Form of Assignment and Assumption

 

EXHIBIT E-2
 
FORM OF ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE
 
1.	    	FAX ALONG WITH COMMITMENT LETTER TO: 	 	
 	 	FAX # 	 	

I. Borrower Name:    	Ross Stores, Inc.	 	 	
 	$	 	 Type of Credit Facility 	 	

II. Legal Name of Lender of Record for Signature Page:	

    	•  Signing Credit Agreement	        	_____YES	        	_____NO	
 	•  Coming in via Assignment	 	_____YES	 	_____NO	

III. Type of Lender:	 	
(Bank, Asset Manager, Broker/Dealer, CLO/CDO, Finance Company, Hedge Fund, Insurance, Mutual Fund, Pension Fund, Other Regulated Investment Fund, Special Purpose Vehicle, Other – please specify)	

IV. Domestic Address:	       	V. Eurodollar Address:	

 	 	 	

2. VI.Contact Information:
 
Syndicate level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower and its related parties or their respective securities will be made available to the Credit Contact(s). The Credit Contacts identified must be able to receive such information in accordance with his/her institution's compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
 
 	 	Primary	
Secondary	 	 	 	 	
 	      	Credit Contact	      	Operations Contact	      	Operations Contact	
Name:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Title:	 	 	 	 	 	 	

E-2 - 1
 
Form of Administrative Questionnaire

 

Address:	      	 	      	 	      	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Telephone:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Facsimile:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
E Mail Address:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
IntraLinks E Mail	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Address:	 	 	 	 	 	 	

Does Secondary Operations Contact need copy of notices? ___YES ___ NO
 
 	      	Letter of Credit	      	Draft Documentation	      	 	
 	 	Contact	 	Contact	 	Legal Counsel	
Name:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Title:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Address:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Telephone:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Facsimile:	 	 	 	 	 	 	
E Mail Address:	 	 	 	 	 	 	

VII. Lender’s Standby Letter of Credit, Commercial Letter of Credit, and Bankers’ Acceptance Fed Wire Payment Instructions (if applicable):
 
Pay to:  	 	
 	(Bank Name)	
 	 	
 	(ABA #)	
 	 	
 	(Account #)	
 	 	
 	(Attention)	

E-2 - 2
 
Form of Administrative Questionnaire

 

VIII. Lender’s Fed Wire Payment Instructions:
 
Pay to:     	 	
 	(Bank Name)	
 	 	 	
 	(ABA#)	(City/State)	
 	 	 	
 	(Account #)	(Account Name)	
 	 	 	
 	(Attention)	 	

IX. Organizational Structure and Tax Status
 
Please refer to the enclosed withholding tax instructions below and then complete this section accordingly:
 
Lender Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN):	___  ___ - ___  ___  ___  ___  ___  ___	

Tax Withholding Form Delivered to Bank of America*:
 
         	   	W-9	
 	 	W-8BEN	
 	 	W-8ECI	
 	 	W-8EXP	
 	 	W-8IMY	

 	 	Tax Contact	
Name:	 	 	
Title:	 	 	
Address:	 	 	
Telephone:	 	 	
Facsimile:	 	 	
E Mail Address:	      	 	

E-2 - 3
 
Form of Administrative Questionnaire

 

NON–U.S. LENDER INSTITUTIONS
 
1. Corporations:
 
If your institution is incorporated outside of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and is the beneficial owner of the interest and other income it receives, you must complete one of the following three tax forms, as applicable to your institution: a.) Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner), b.) Form W-8ECI (Income Effectively Connected to a U.S. Trade or Business), or c.) Form W-8EXP (Certificate of Foreign Government or Governmental Agency).
 
A U.S. taxpayer identification number is required for any institution submitting a Form W-8 ECI. It is also required on Form W-8BEN for certain institutions claiming the benefits of a tax treaty with the U.S. Please refer to the instructions when completing the form applicable to your institution. In addition, please be advised that U.S. tax regulations do not permit the acceptance of faxed forms. An original tax form must be submitted.

 
2. Flow-Through Entities
 
If your institution is organized outside the U.S., and is classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as either a Partnership, Trust, Qualified or Non-Qualified Intermediary, or other non-U.S. flow-through entity, an original Form W-8IMY (Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. branches for United States Tax Withholding) must be completed by the intermediary together with a withholding statement. Flow-through entities other than Qualified Intermediaries are required to include tax forms for each of the underlying beneficial owners.
 
Please refer to the instructions when completing this form. In addition, please be advised that U.S. tax regulations do not permit the acceptance of faxed forms. Original tax form(s) must be submitted .
 
U.S. LENDER INSTITUTIONS:
 
If your institution is incorporated or organized within the United States, you must complete and return Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). Please be advised that we require an original form W-9 .
 
Pursuant to the language contained in the tax section of the Credit Agreement, the applicable tax form for your institution must be completed and returned on or prior to the date on which your institution becomes a lender under this Credit Agreement. Failure to provide the proper tax form when requested will subject your institution to U.S. tax withholding.
 
E-2 - 4
 
Form of Administrative Questionnaire

 

X. Bank of America Payment Instructions:
 
Pay to:     	Bank of America, N.A.	
 	ABA # 026009593	
 	New York, NY	
 	Acct. # 3750836479	
 	Attn: Credit Services #5596	
 	Ref: Ross Stores	

E-2 - 5
 
Form of Administrative Questionnaire

 

EXHIBIT F
 
FORM OF GUARANTY

 
CONTINUING GUARANTY
 
     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and in consideration of credit and/or financial accommodation heretofore or hereafter from time to time made or granted to ROSS STORES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”) by the Lender Parties (as hereinafter defined), the undersigned Guarantor (whether one or more, the “ Guarantor ”, and if more than one, jointly and severally) hereby furnishes its guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations (as hereinafter defined) as follows:
 
     1.Credit Agreement. The “Obligations” and all other capitalized terms not specifically defined herein shall have the respective meanings provided therefor in that certain Credit Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated and in effect from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), by and among the Borrower, each Lender which is or may become a party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.
 
     2.Guaranty. The Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, as a guaranty of payment and performance and not merely as a guaranty of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, upon acceleration, demand or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all of the Obligations, whether for principal, interest, premiums, fees, indemnities, damages, costs, expenses or otherwise, of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Swing Line Lender, the L/C Issuer, each co-agent or subagent appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and all other Persons to whom Obligations are owing (collectively, and together with their successors and assigns, the “ Lender Parties ”), and whether arising under the Credit Agreement or under any other Loan Document (including all renewals, extensions, amendments, refinancings and other modifications thereof, and whether recovery upon the Obligations may be or hereafter become unenforceable or shall be an allowed or disallowed claim under any Debtor Relief Laws, and including interest that accrues after the commencement by or against the Borrower of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws (collectively, the “ Guaranteed Obligations ”). To the extent applicable, the Administrative Agent’s books and records showing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be admissible in evidence in any action or proceeding, and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be binding upon the Guarantor and conclusive for the purpose of establishing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations. This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Guaranteed Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, non-perfection or extent of any collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Guaranteed Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of the Guarantor under this Guaranty, and to the extent permitted by applicable law the Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now have or hereafter acquire in any way relating to any or all of the foregoing. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder at any time shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its obligations hereunder subject to avoidance as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States or any comparable provisions of any similar federal or state law.
 
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    3.No Setoff or Deductions; Taxes; Payments.[The Guarantor represents and warrants that it is organized and resident in the United States of America.] [To be deleted if Guarantor is a Foreign Subsidiary.] With respect to any payment by the Guarantor to the Lender Parties, and any obligations as to delivery of certificates or vouchers with respect to Taxes or other charges deducted from or paid with respect thereto, Section 3.01 of the Credit Agreement shall apply as though the Guarantor were the Borrower. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.
 
     4.Rights of Lender Parties.The Guarantor consents and agrees that the Lender Parties may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof: (a) amend, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Guaranteed Obligations; (c) apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as any Lender Party in its sole discretion may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of the Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of the Guarantor.
 
     5.Certain Waivers. The Guarantor waives (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the Borrower or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Lender Party) of the liability of the Borrower; (b) any defense based on any claim that the Guarantor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of the Borrower; (c) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the Guarantor’s liability hereunder; (d) any right to proceed against the Borrower, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Guaranteed Obligations, or pursue any other remedy in any Lender Party’s power whatsoever; (e) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by any Lender Party; and (f) to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties. The Guarantor expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Guaranteed Obligations.
 
     6.Obligations Independent. The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against the Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty whether or not the Borrower or any other person or entity is joined as a party. 
 
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     7. Subrogation. The Guarantor shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this Guaranty until all of the Guaranteed Obligations (other than unasserted contingent claims) and any amounts payable under this Guaranty have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full and the all of the Commitments of the Lender Parties are terminated. If any amounts are paid to the Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Lender Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Lender Parties to reduce the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.
 
     8.Termination; Reinstatement.This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Guaranteed Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until all Guaranteed Obligations and any other amounts payable under this Guaranty (other than unasserted contingent claims) are paid in full in cash and all of the Commitments are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or the Guarantor is made, or any Lender Party exercises its right of setoff, in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by any Lender Party in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not the Lender Parties are in possession of or have released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty.
 
     9.Subordination.The Guarantor hereby subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of the Borrower owing to the Guarantor, whether now existing or hereafter arising, including but not limited to any obligation of the Borrower to the Guarantor as subrogee of the Lender Parties or resulting from the Guarantor’s performance under this Guaranty, to the payment in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations. If the Lender Parties so request, any such obligation or indebtedness of the Borrower to the Guarantor shall be enforced and performance received by the Guarantor as trustee for the Lender Parties and the proceeds thereof shall be paid over to the Lender Parties on account of the Guaranteed Obligations, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of the Guarantor under this Guaranty.
 
     10.Stay of Acceleration.In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed, in connection with any case commenced by or against the Guarantor or the Borrower under any Debtor Relief Laws, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by the Guarantor immediately upon demand by the Lender Parties.
 
     11.Expenses. The Guarantor shall pay on demand all out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys’ fees,charges and disbursements of counsel, which shall be one common counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer unless more than one counsel is appropriate due to the existence of conflicting interests among any such parties, and which counsel may include and the allocated cost and disbursements of internal legal counsel) in any way relating to the enforcement or protection of the Lender Parties’ rights under this Guaranty or in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, including any incurred during any “workout” or restructuring in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and any incurred in the preservation, protection or enforcement of any rights of the Lender Parties in any proceeding any Debtor Relief Laws. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.
 
-3-

 

     12.Miscellaneous.No provision of this Guaranty may be waived, amended, supplemented or modified, except by a written instrument executed by the Administrative Agent and the Guarantor. No failure by the Lender Parties to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or in equity. The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Guaranty shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein. This Guaranty supersedes the Guarantee of Ross Dress For Less, Inc. and the Guarantee of Ross Procurement, Inc., each dated as of July 20, 2006.
 
     13.Condition of Borrower. The Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from the Borrower and any other guarantor such information concerning the financial condition, business and operations of the Borrower and any such other guarantor as the Guarantor requires, and that no Lender Party has any duty, and the Guarantor is not relying on the Lender Parties at any time, to disclose to the Guarantor any information relating to the business, operations or financial condition of the Borrower or any other guarantor (the Guarantor waiving any duty on the part of the Lender Parties to disclose such information and any defense relating to the failure to provide the same).
 
     14.Setoff.If and to the extent any payment is not made when due hereunder, the Lender Parties may setoff and charge from time to time any amount so due against any or all of the Guarantor’s accounts or deposits with the Lender Parties.
 
     15.Representations and Warranties.The Guarantor represents and warrants that (a) it is duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has full capacity and right to make and perform this Guaranty, and all necessary authority has been obtained; (b) this Guaranty constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms; (c) the making and performance of this Guaranty does not and will not violate the provisions of any applicable law, regulation or order, and does not and will not result in the breach of, or constitute a default or require any consent under, any material agreement, instrument, or document to which it is a party or by which it or any of its property may be bound or affected; and (d) all consents, approvals, licenses and authorizations of, and filings and registrations with, any governmental authority required under applicable law and regulations for the making and performance of this Guaranty have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.
 
     16.Indemnification and Survival.Without limitation on any other obligations of the Guarantor or remedies of the Lender Parties under this Guaranty, the Guarantor shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify, defend and save and hold harmless the Lender Parties from and against, and shall pay on demand, any and all damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including attorneys’ fees, charges and disbursements of counsel, which shall be one common counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer unless more than one counsel is appropriate due to the existence of conflicting interests among any such parties, and which counsel may include and the allocated cost and disbursements of internal legal counsel) that may be suffered or incurred by the Lender Parties in connection with or as a result of any failure of any Guaranteed Obligations to be the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their terms. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.
 
-4-

 

     17.GOVERNING LAW; Assignment; Jurisdiction; Notices. THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.  This Guaranty shall (a) bind the Guarantor and its successors and assigns, provided that the Guarantor may not assign its rights or obligations under this Guaranty without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be void), and (b) inure to the benefit of the Lender Parties and their successors and assigns and the Lender Parties may, without notice to the Guarantor and without affecting the Guarantor’s obligations hereunder, assign, sell or grant participations in the Guaranteed Obligations and this Guaranty, in whole or in part in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Guarantor hereby irrevocably (i) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any United States Federal or State court sitting in New York, New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Guaranty, and (ii) waives to the fullest extent permitted by law any defense asserting an inconvenient forum in connection therewith. Service of process by any Lender Party in connection with such action or proceeding shall be binding on the Guarantor if sent to the Guarantor by registered or certified mail at its address specified below or such other address as from time to time notified by the Guarantor. The Guarantor agrees that any Lender Party may, subject to the confidentiality requirements of the Credit Agreement, disclose to any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee of or participant in, any of its rights or obligations of all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations any and all information in such Lender Party’s possession concerning the Guarantor, this Guaranty and any security for this Guaranty. All notices and other communications to the Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier to the Guarantor at its address set forth below or at such other address in the United States as may be specified by the Guarantor in a written notice delivered to the Administrative Agent at such office as the Administrative Agent may designate for such purpose from time to time in a written notice to the Guarantor.
 
     18.WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; FINAL AGREEMENT. TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE GUARANTOR AND EACH LENDER PARTY EACH IRREVOCABLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION, CLAIM, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR THE GUARANTEED OBLIGATIONS. THIS GUARANTY REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
 
[Signatures follow]
 
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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto have caused this Guaranty to be duly executed as of this ___ day of March, 2011.
 
GUARANTORS:	

ROSS DRESS FOR LESS, INC.,	
a Virginia corporation	

By:	 	
Name: 	 	
Title:	 	

ROSS PROCUREMENT INC.,	
a Delaware corporation	

By:	 	
Name:	 	
Title:	 	

Address:	
 	
c/o Ross Stores, Inc.	
4440 Rosewood Drive	
Pleasanton, CA 94588	
Attn:    	John G. Call, Senior Vice President and Chief	
 	Financial Officer	

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO CONTINUING GUARANTY]

 

Accepted and Agreed:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
 
By:	 	
Name:  	 	
Title:	 	

 

Exhibit F
 
Form of Guaranty

 

EXHIBIT G
 
OPINION MATTERS
 
FORM OF LEGAL OPINION
 
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent
100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
 
The Lenders listed onSchedule A hereto
 
    	Re:    	Credit Agreement dated as of March [ •], 2011	

Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     We have acted as special counsel to Ross Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), in connection with that certain Credit Agreement dated as of March [  •  ], 2011 (the “ Credit Agreement ”) among Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”), Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the other Lenders party thereto. We have also acted as special counsel to Ross Procurement Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ RPI ”), and Ross Dress for Less, Inc., a Virginia corporation (“ RDFL ” and together with RPI, the “ Guarantors ”), in connection with that certain Continuing Guaranty dated as of March [  •  ], 2011 (the “ Continuing Guaranty ”) made by the Guarantors in favor of the Lender Parties (as defined therein).
 
     This letter is furnished pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(v) of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement, used herein and not otherwise defined herein, shall have the meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
 
     As such counsel, we have examined such matters of fact and questions of law as we have considered appropriate for purposes of this letter, except where a specified fact confirmation procedure is stated to have been performed (in which case we have with your consent performed the stated procedure). We have examined, among other things, the following:
 
    	(a)    	the Credit Agreement;	
 	(b)	the Continuing Guaranty;	
 	(c)	the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Borrower (the “Borrower Governing Documents”); and	
 	(d)	the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of RPI (the “RPI Governing Documents”);	
 
2

 

     The documents described in subsections (a) – (b) above are referred to herein collectively as the “Loan Documents ”. Except as otherwise stated herein, as to factual matters we have, with your consent, relied upon the foregoing, and upon oral and written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Borrower, the Guarantors, and others, including the representations and warranties of the Borrower and the Guarantors in the Loan Documents. We have not independently verified such factual matters.
 
     Whenever a statement herein is qualified by “to our knowledge,” or a similar phrase, it is intended to indicate that those attorneys in this firm who have rendered legal services in connection with the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents do not have current actual knowledge of the inaccuracy of any such statement. However, except as otherwise expressly indicated, we have not undertaken any independent inquiry to determine the accuracy of any such statement.
 
     We are opining herein as to the effect on the subject transaction only of the federal laws of the United States, the internal laws of the State of New York and, with respect to our opinions set forth in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this letter, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”). We express no opinion with respect to the applicability to the opinions expressed herein, or the effect thereon, of the laws of any other jurisdiction or, in the case of Delaware, any other laws, or as to any matters of municipal law or the laws of any local agencies within any state.
 
     Except as otherwise stated herein, our opinions herein are based upon our consideration of only those statutes, rules and regulations which, in our experience, are normally applicable to borrowers and guarantors in unsecured revolving loan transactions. We express no opinion as to any state or federal laws or regulations applicable to the subject transactions because of the legal or regulatory status of any parties to the Loan Documents or the legal or regulatory status of any of their affiliates. Various issues pertaining to RDFL are addressed in the opinion of DLA Piper LLP, separately provided to you. We express no opinion with respect to those matters herein, and to the extent elements of those opinions are necessary to the conclusions expressed herein, we have, with your consent, assumed such matters.
 
     Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, we express the following opinions as of the date hereof:
 
          1.(a) The Borrower is a corporation under the DGCL with corporate power and authority to enter into the Credit Agreement and perform its obligations thereunder. With your consent, based solely on certificates from public officials, we confirm that the Borrower is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
 
               (b) RPI is a corporation under the DGCL with corporate power and authority to enter into the Continuing Guaranty and perform its obligations thereunder. With your consent, based solely on certificates from public officials, we confirm that RPI is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
 
          2.(a) The execution, delivery and performance of the Credit Agreement by theBorrower have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Borrower, and the Credit Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower.
 
3

 

               (b) The execution, delivery and performance of the Continuing Guaranty by RPI have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of RPI, and the Continuing Guaranty has been duly executed and delivered by RPI.
 
          3.(a) The Credit Agreement constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.
 
               (b) The Continuing Guaranty constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of each Guarantor, enforceable against each Guarantor in accordance with its terms.
 
          4.The execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement by the Borrower and theContinuing Guaranty by RPI and the borrowing, repayment, and guarantee of loans thereunder, on the date hereof do not:
 
         	(i)	violate the provisions of the Borrower Governing Documents or the RPI Governing Documents,	
 	 	 	
 	(ii)	violate any federal or New York statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Borrower or RPI, or	
 	 	 	
 	(iii)    	require any consents, approvals, or authorizations to be obtained by the Borrower or RPI, or any registrations, declarations or filings to be made by the Borrower or RPI with, any governmental authority under any federal or New York statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Borrower or RPI on or prior to the date hereof that have not been obtained or made.	
 
          5.The Borrower is not required to be registered as an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
 
     Our opinions are subject to:
 
     (a) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights or remedies of creditors;
 
     (b) the effects of general principles of equity, whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law (including the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief), concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith, fair dealing and the discretion of the court before which a proceeding is brought;
 
     (c) the invalidity under certain circumstances under law or court decisions of provisions for the indemnification of or contribution to a party with respect to a liability where such indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy; and
 
4

 

     (d) we express no opinion with respect to (i) consents to, or restrictions upon, governing law, jurisdiction (except for the validity under the laws of the State of New York, but subject to mandatory jurisdiction rules and constitutional limitations, of provisions in the Loan Documents which expressly provide for submission to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of New York state courts), venue, service of process, arbitration, remedies or judicial relief; (ii) advance waivers of claims, defenses, rights granted by law, or notice, opportunity for hearing, evidentiary requirements, statutes of limitation, trial by jury or at law, or other procedural rights; (iii) waivers of broadly or vaguely stated rights; (iv) covenants not to compete; (v) provisions for exclusivity, election or cumulation of rights or remedies; (vi) provisions authorizing or validating conclusive or discretionary determinations; (vii) grants of setoff rights; (viii) provisions to the effect that a guarantor is liable as a primary obligor, and not as a surety and provisions purporting to waive modifications of any guaranteed obligation to the extent such modification constitutes a novation; (ix) provisions for the payment of attorneys’ fees where such payment is contrary to law or public policy; (x) proxies, powers and trusts; (xi) provisions prohibiting, restricting, or requiring consent to assignment or transfer of any right or property; (xii) provisions for liquidated damages, default interest, late charges, monetary penalties, prepayment or make-whole premiums or other economic remedies to the extent such provisions are deemed to constitute a penalty; (xiii) provisions permitting, upon acceleration of any indebtedness, collection of that portion of the stated principal amount thereof which might be determined to constitute unearned interest thereon; and (xiv) the severability, if invalid, of provisions to the foregoing effect.
 
     We express no opinion or confirmation as to federal or state securities laws (except as set forth in paragraph 3 of this letter), tax laws, antitrust or trade regulation laws, insolvency or fraudulent transfer laws, antifraud laws, compliance with fiduciary duty requirements, pension or employee benefit laws, environmental laws, margin regulations, FINRA rules or stock exchange rules (without limiting other laws excluded by customary practice).
 
     With your consent, we have assumed (a) that the Loan Documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto other than the Borrower and RPI, (b) that the Loan Documents constitute legally valid and binding obligations of the parties thereto other than the Borrower and the Guarantors, enforceable against each of them in accordance with their respective terms, and (c) that the status of the Loan Documents as legally valid and binding obligations of the parties is not affected by any (i) breaches of, or defaults under, agreements or instruments, (ii) violations of statutes, rules, regulations or court or governmental orders, or (iii) failures to obtain required consents, approvals or authorizations from, or make required registrations, declarations or filings with, governmental authorities, provided that we make no such assumption to the extent we have opined as to such matters with respect to the Borrower and RPI herein.
 
     This letter is furnished only to you and is solely for your benefit in connection with the transactions referenced in the first paragraph. This letter may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose, or furnished to, assigned to, quoted to or relied upon by any other person, firm or entity for any purpose, without our prior written consent, which may be granted or withheld in our discretion. At your request, we hereby consent to reliance hereon by any future assignee of your interest in the loans under the Credit Agreement pursuant to an assignment that is made and consented to (to the extent consent is required) in accordance with the express provisions of Section 10.06 of the Credit Agreement, on the condition and understanding that (i) this letter speaks only as of the date hereof, (ii) we have no responsibility or obligation to update this letter, to consider its applicability or correctness to other than its addressee, or to take into account changes in law, facts or any other developments of which we may later become aware, and (iii) any such reliance by a future assignee must be actual and reasonable under the circumstances existing at the time of assignment, including any changes in law, facts or any other developments known to or reasonably knowable by the assignee at such time.
 
 	Very truly yours,	
 
5

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
    THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made effective ____ (the “Effective Date ”) by and between Ross Stores, Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Delaware corporation, and _____________ (the “ Executive ”).
 
RECITALS
 
    A.The Company wishes to employ the Executive, and the Executive is willing to accept such employment, as _____________________________________.
 
    B.It is now the mutual desire of the Company and the Executive to enter into a written employment agreement to govern the terms of the Executive’s employment by the Company as of and following the Effective Date on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
    In consideration for the promises of the parties set forth below, the Company and theExecutive hereby agree as follows:
 
    1.Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, the term of employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement (the “ Term of Employment ”) shall be as follows:
 
       (a)Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and end on ________ (the “ Initial Term ”), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.
 
       (b)Renewal Term. Upon the timely written request of the Executive to extend the Term of Employment, the Compensation Committee (the “ Committee ”) of the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of the Company shall consider extending the Executive’s employment with the Company under this Agreement. To be timely, such request must be delivered to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then effective Initial Term or Renewal Term and, in any case, while the Executive remains an employee of the Company. Such request must contain no proposed modification to the provisions of this Agreement other than an extension of the Term of Employment as then in effect for an additional two (2) years. Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of such notice, the Chief Executive Officer will discuss such request with the Committee and advise the Executive, in writing, within thirty (30) days following its consideration of the Executive’s written request, of the approval or disapproval of such extension request. The failure to provide such written advice shall constitute a denial of the Executive’s request for extension. If the Executive’s request for an extension is approved, the Term of Employment shall be extended for two (2) additional years commencing on the date immediately following the date of expiration of the Term of Employment in effect at the time of the Executive’s written request. Such additional two-year period is referred to herein as a “ Renewal Term .”

 

    2.Position and Duties. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall serve as ________________. As used in this Agreement, the term “Company” includes Ross Stores, Inc. and each and any of its divisions, affiliates or subsidiaries (except that, where the term relates to stock, stockholders, stock options or other stock-based awards or the Board, it means Ross Stores, Inc.). The Executive’s employment may be transferred, assigned, or re-assigned to Ross Stores, Inc. or a division, affiliate or subsidiary of Ross Stores, Inc., and such transfer, assignment, or re-assignment will not constitute a termination of employment or “Good Reason” for the Executive’s termination of employment under this Agreement. During the Term of Employment, the Executive may engage in outside activities provided those activities (including but not limited to membership on boards of directors of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations) do not conflict with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, and provided further that the Executive gives written notice to the Board of any significant outside business activity in which the Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit.
 
    3.Principal Place of Employment. The Executive shall be employed at theCompany’s offices in Pleasanton, California, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with present business travel obligations of the Executive’s position.
 
    4.Compensation and Related Matters.
 
       (a)Salary. During the Term of Employment, the Company shall pay to the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than _____________________________ Dollars ($________) per annum. The Executive’s salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices applicable to senior executives. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 4(a), the Executive’s salary may be adjusted from time to time by the Committee in accordance with normal business practices of the Company.
 
       (b)Bonus.During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus paid under the Company’s existing incentive bonus plan under which the Executive is eligible (which is currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plan that may subsequently be established and in effect during the Term of Employment. The current target annual bonus the Executive is eligible to earn upon achievement of 100% of all applicable performance targets under such incentive bonus plan is __% of the Executive’s then effective annual salary rate. The Executive’s termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination (as described in Sections 6(c) and 6(f), respectively) prior to the Company’s payment of the bonus for a fiscal year of the Company will cause the Executive to be ineligible for any annual bonus for that fiscal year or any pro-rata portion of such bonus.
 
       (c) Expenses. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all other reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services hereunder, including all reasonable expenses of travel and living while away from home, provided that such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Company.
 
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       (d)Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit plans and arrangements in which senior executives of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company shall not make any changes in such plans or arrangements which would adversely affect the Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, unless such change occurs pursuant to a program applicable to all senior executives of the Company and does not result in a proportionately greater reduction in the rights or benefits of the Executive as compared with any other similarly situated senior executive of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Company in the future to its senior executives, subject to, and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing paid to the Executive under any plan or arrangement presently in effect or made available in the future shall be in lieu of the salary or bonus otherwise payable under this Agreement.
 
       (e) Vacations. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to _______ (__) vacation days in each calendar year, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, determined in accordance with the Company’s vacation plan. The Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executives. Unused vacation days shall not be forfeited once they have been earned and, if still unused at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, shall be promptly paid to the Executive at their then-current value, based on the Executive’s daily salary rate at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment.
 
       (f) Services Furnished. The Company shall furnish the Executive with office space and such services as are suitable to the Executive’s position and adequate for the performance of the Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment.
 
    5.Confidential Information and Intellectual Property.
 
       (a)Other than in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive agrees not to use in any manner or disclose, distribute, publish, communicate or in any way cause to be used, disclosed, distributed, published, or communicated in any way or at any time, either while in the Company's employ or at any time thereafter, to any person not employed by the Company, or not engaged to render services to the Company, any Confidential Information (as defined below) obtained while in the employ of the Company.
 
       (b)Confidential Information includes any written or unwritten information which relates to and/or is used by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, including, without limitation (i) the names, addresses, buying habits and other special information regarding past, present and potential customers, employees and suppliers of the Company, (ii) customer and supplier contracts and transactions or price lists of the Company and suppliers, (iii) methods of distribution, (iv) all agreements, files, books, logs, charts, records, studies, reports, processes, schedules and statistical information, (v) data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, (vi) supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, sales information, and property information, (vii) information regarding the present or future phases of business, (viii) ideas, inventions, trademarks, business information, know-how, processes, techniques, improvements, designs, redesigns, creations, discoveries, trade secrets, and developments, (ix) all computer software licensed or developed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, computer programs, computer-based and web-based training programs, and systems, and (x) finances and financial information, but Confidential Information will not include information of the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions that (1) became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, (2) has been or is disclosed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions without restriction on its use, or (3) has been or is required or specifically permitted to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Company’s Chief Executive Officer confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge.
 
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       (c)The provisions of this Section 5 shall not preclude the Executive from disclosing such information to the Executive's professional tax advisor or legal counsel solely to the extent necessary to the rendering of their professional services to the Executive if such individuals agree to keep such information confidential.
 
       (d)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company’s employ the Executive will remain reasonably available to answer questions from Company officers regarding the Executive’s former duties and responsibilities and the knowledge the Executive obtained in connection therewith.
 
       (e)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company's employ the Executive will not communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television, or radio or social media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatening lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information) as a result of employment with the Company. The Executive further agrees to notify the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
 
       (f)The Executive agrees that all information, inventions, and discoveries, whether or not patented or patentable, made or conceived by the Executive, either alone or with others, at any time while employed by the Company, which arises out of such employment or is pertinent to any field of business or research in which, during such employment, the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions is engaged or (if such is known to or ascertainable by the Executive) is considering engaging (“ Intellectual Property ”) shall (i) be and remain the sole property of the Company and the Executive shall not seek a patent with respect to such Intellectual Property without the prior consent of an authorized representative of the Company and (ii) be disclosed promptly to an authorized representative of the Company along with all information the Executive possesses with regard to possible applications and uses. Further, at the request of the Company, and without expense or additional compensation to the Executive, the Executive agrees to execute such documents and perform such other acts as the Company deems necessary to obtain patents on such Intellectual Property in a jurisdiction or jurisdictions designated by the Company, and to assign to the Company or its designee such Intellectual Property and all patent applications and patents relating thereto.
 
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       (g)The Executive and the Company agree that the Executive intends all original works of authorship within the purview of the copyright laws of the United States authored or created by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company will be works for hire within the meaning of such copyright law.
 
       (h)Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, or at any time upon request of the Company, the Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information and Intellectual Property, in any form, including but not limited to letters, memoranda, reports, notes, notebooks, books of account, drawings, prints, specifications, formulae, data printouts, microfilms, magnetic tapes, disks, recordings, documents, and all copies thereof.
 
    6.Termination. The Executive’s employment may be terminated during the Term of Employment only as follows:
 
       (a)Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.
 
       (b)Disability. If, as a result of the Executive’s Disability (as defined below), the Executive shall have been absent from the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis for the entire period of six consecutive months, and, within thirty days after written notice of termination is given by the Company (which may occur before or after the end of such six-month period), the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis, the Executive’s employment shall terminate. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental illness, impairment or condition reasonably determined by the Board that prevents the Executive from performing the duties of the Executive’s position under this Agreement.
 
       (c)For Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause. For this purpose, “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) the Executive’s continuous failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder (unless such failure is a result of a Disability as defined in Section 6(b)), (ii) the Executive’s theft, dishonesty, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit or falsification of any documents of the Company, (iii) the Executive’s material failure to abide by the applicable code(s) of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct) of the Company, (iv) knowing or intentional misconduct by the Executive as a result of which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement, (v) the Executive’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company (including, without limitation, the Executive’s improper use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company), (vi) any intentional misconduct or illegal or grossly negligent conduct by the Executive which is materially injurious to the Company monetarily or otherwise, (vii) any material breach by the Executive of the provisions of Section 9 [Certain Employment Obligations] of this Agreement, or (viii) the Executive’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which materially impairs the Executive’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company. A termination for Cause shall not take effect unless: (1) the Executive is given written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Executive for Cause; (2) the notice specifically identifies the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act which are the basis for such termination; (3) where practicable, the notice is given within sixty (60) days of the Company’s learning of such act or acts or failure or failures to act; and (4) only in the case of clause (i), (iii), (v), (vi) or (vii) of the second sentence of this Section 6(c), the Executive fails to substantially cure such breach, to the extent such cure is possible, within sixty (60) days after the date that such written notice is given to the Executive.
 
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       (d)Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause. A termination “ Without Cause ” is a termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reasons other than the death or Disability of the Executive or the termination by the Company of the Executive for Cause as described in Section 6(c).
 
       (e)Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for “ Good Reason ,” which shall be deemed to occur if, within sixty (60) business days after receipt of written notice to the Company by the Executive of the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions, any of the following condition(s) have not been cured: (1) a failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of this Agreement (including but not limited to the reduction of the Executive’s salary or the target annual bonus opportunity set forth in Section 4(b)), (2) a significant diminishment in the nature or scope of the authority, power, function or duty attached to the position which the Executive currently maintains without the express written consent of the Executive, or (3) the relocation of the Executive’s Principal Place of Employment as described in Section 3 to a location that increases the regular one-way commute distance between the Executive’s residence and Principal Place of Employment by more than 25 miles without the Executive’s prior written consent. In order to constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the condition giving rise to the Good Reason termination within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the condition, and in the event such condition is timely cured by the Company, the termination shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason .
 
       (f)Voluntary Termination. The Executive may voluntarily resign from the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time (a “ Voluntary Termination ”). A voluntary resignation from employment by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(e) shall not be deemed a Voluntary Termination.
 
       (g)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Executive fails to request an extension of the Term of Employment in accordance with Section 1(b) or if the Committee fails to approve such request, this Agreement shall automatically expire at the end of the then current Term of Employment (a “ Non-Renewal Termination ”).
 
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    7.Notice and Effective Date of Termination
 
       (a)Notice. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive during the Term of Employment (other than as a result of the death of the Executive or a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g)) shall be communicated by written notice of termination to the other party hereto. Such notice shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under that provision.
 
       (b)Date of Termination. The date of termination of the Executive’s employment shall be:
 
           (i)if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death;
 
          (ii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to Disability pursuant to Section 6(b), the date of termination shall be the last to occur of the 31st day following delivery of the notice of termination to the Executive by the Company or the end of the consecutive six-month period referred to in Section 6(b).
 
          (iii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason by either party, the date on which a notice of termination is delivered to the other party; and
 
          (iv)if the Agreement expires pursuant to a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g), the parties’ employment relationship shall terminate on the last day of the then current Term of Employment without any notice.
 
    8.Compensation and Benefits Upon Termination.
 
       (a)Termination Due To Disability, Without Cause or For Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(b) [Disability], Section 6(d) [Without Cause], or Section 6(e) [Termination by Executive for Good Reason], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
          (i)Salary. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive the Executive’s salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior to such termination of employment, through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
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          (ii)Bonus. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive an annual bonus through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect; provided, however, that the amount of the annual bonus determined in accordance with this Section 8(a) (ii) for the fiscal year of the Company in which such Term of Employment ends shall be prorated on the basis of the number of days of such Term of Employment occurring within such fiscal year. The amount of each annual bonus payable pursuant to this Section 8(a)(ii), prior to any proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned had no such termination under Section 8(a)(i) occurred, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the respective year having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonuses shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
          (iii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested in full upon such termination of employment.
 
          (iv)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of termination shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of termination, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
          (v)Other Equity Awards. Except as set forth in Sections 8(a)(iii), 8(a)(iv) and 8(c), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
          (vi)Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for the amount equivalent to the Company’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed the lesser of [A] eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, or [B] the remainder of the Term of Employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
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    The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(a) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
       (b)Termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(c) [For Cause] or Section 6(f) [Voluntary Termination], the Executive shall be entitled to receive only the salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. The Executive shall not be entitled to any bonus not paid prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive shall not be entitled to any prorated bonus payment for the year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Any stock options granted to the Executive by the Company shall continue to vest only through the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates, and unless otherwise provided by their terms, any restricted stock, performance share awards or other equity awards that were granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such awards. The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(b) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
       (c)Death.If the Executive’ employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(a) [Death], (i) the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive only the salary, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) at the time payable under the applicable Company bonus plan, an annual bonus shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate for the fiscal year of the Executive’s death based on the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for such fiscal year had the Executive not died, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for said year having been obtained, capped at 100% of the Executive’s target bonus for such fiscal year and pro-rated for the number of days the Executive is employed during such fiscal year until the Executive’s death; (iii) any restricted stock previously granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date of the Executive’s death shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such restricted stock; and (iv) the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to the Executive’s death.
 
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       (d)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Agreement expires as set forth in Section 6(g) [Non-Renewal Termination], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
          (i)Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the date of the Executive’s termination of employment occurs, which shall be prorated for the number of days of such fiscal year that the Executive is employed by the Company. The amount of such annual bonus, prior to proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs had the Executive remained in its employment, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the year in which Executive terminates having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonus shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
          (ii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall be vested and exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
          (iii)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of non-renewal shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of non-renewal, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
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          (iv)Other Equity Awards.Except as set forth in Sections 8(d)(ii) and 8(d)(iii), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
    The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(d) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
       (e)Special Change in Control Provisions.
 
          (i) Change in Control Benefits.
 
             (1)Without Regard to Termination of Employment.In the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), all shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company shall become vested in full immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control. Except as set forth in this Section 8(e)(i)(1) or Section 8(e)(i)(2) below, the treatment of stock options, performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of such Change in Control shall be determined in accordance with their terms.
 
             (2)Upon Certain Termination of Employment.In addition to the benefits provided by Section 8(e)(i)(1) above, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either by the Company Without Cause (as defined in Section 6(d)) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6(e)), in either case within a period commencing one (1) month prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], the Executive shall be entitled to the following (in addition to any other payments or benefits provided under this Agreement), provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
                a.Salary. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s then-current annual base salary. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(i) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(i) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a).
 
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                b.Bonus. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s target annual bonus for the Company’s fiscal year then in effect on the date termination of employment occurs. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(ii) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(ii) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b).
 
                c.Estate Planning.The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of the Executive’s estate planning expenses (including attorneys’ fees) on the same basis, if any, as to which the Executive was entitled to such reimbursements immediately prior to such termination of employment for the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
                d. Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for Executive’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage available to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
          (ii)Change in Control Defined. A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall acquire during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or group, in one or a series of transactions, whether through sale of stock or merger, ownership of stock of the Company that constitutes 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or any successor to the Company; (2) a merger in which the Company is a party pursuant to which any person or such group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, or (3) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale, exchange, or transfer to one or more corporations where the stockholders of the Company before and after such sale, exchange, or transfer, directly or indirectly, are the beneficial owners of at least a majority of the voting stock of the corporation(s) to which the assets were transferred).
 
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          (iii)Excise Tax - Best After-Tax Result. In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payments”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this section, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, any successor provisions, or any comparable federal, state, local or foreign excise tax (“Excise Tax”), then, subject to the provisions of Section 8(e)(iv), such Payments shall be either (1) provided in full pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other applicable agreement, or (2) provided as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (“Reduced Amount”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes and the Excise Tax (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties on such taxes), results in the receipt by Executive, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of payments and benefits provided for hereunder or otherwise, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made by an independent advisor designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Independent Advisor”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required under this Section, Independent Advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code; provided that Independent Advisor shall assume that Executive pays all taxes at the highest marginal rate. The Company and Executive shall furnish to Independent Advisor such information and documents as Independent Advisor may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs that Independent Advisor may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section. In the event that Section 8(e)(iii)(b)(2) above applies, then based on the information provided to Executive and the Company by Independent Advisor, Executive may, in Executive’s sole discretion and within 30 days of the date on which Executive is provided with the information prepared by Independent Advisor, determine which and how much of the Payments (including the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards) to be otherwise received by Executive shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such determination the value (as calculated by Independent Advisor in accordance with the provisions of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code) of the amounts payable or distributable to Executive equals the Reduced Amount). If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) determines that any Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, then Section 8(e)(iv) hereof shall apply, and the enforcement of Section 8(e)(iv) shall be the exclusive remedy to the Company.
 
          (iv)Adjustments. If, notwithstanding any reduction described in Section 8(e)(iii) (or in the absence of any such reduction), the IRS determines that Executive is liable for the Excise Tax as a result of the receipt of one or more Payments, then Executive shall be obligated to surrender or pay back to the Company, within 120 days after a final IRS determination, an amount of such payments or benefits equal to the “Repayment Amount.” The Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be the smallest such amount, if any, as shall be required to be surrendered or paid to the Company so that Executive’s net proceeds with respect to such Payments (after taking into account the payment of the excise tax imposed on such Payments) shall be maximized. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be zero if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not eliminate the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments or if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not maximize the net amount received by Executive from the Payments. If the Excise Tax is not eliminated pursuant to this Section, Executive shall pay the Excise Tax.
 
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    9.Certain Employment Obligations.
 
       (a)Employee Acknowledgement. The Company and the Executive acknowledge that (i) the Company has a special interest in and derives significant benefit from the unique skills and experience of the Executive; (ii) as a result of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Executive will use and have access to some of the Company’s proprietary and valuable Confidential Information during the course of the Executive’s employment; (iii) the Confidential Information has been developed and created by the Company at substantial expense and constitutes valuable proprietary assets of the Company, and the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if, during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter, the Executive should disclose or improperly use such Confidential Information in violation of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if the Executive competes with the company in violation of this Agreement; (v) the Company will suffer substantial damage which will be difficult to compute if, the Executive solicits or interferes with the Company’s employees, clients, or customers; (vi) the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business of the Company; and (vii) the provisions of this Agreement will not preclude the Executive from obtaining other gainful employment or service.
 
       (b)Non-Compete.
 
          (i)During the Term of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Executive's termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, control, be employed by, consult with, participate in, or be connected in any manner with the ownership, management, operation, control of, or otherwise become involved with, any Competing Business, nor shall the Executive undertake any planning to engage in any such activity.
 
    For purposes of this Agreement, a Competing Business shall mean any of the following: (1) any off-price retailer or retailer of discount merchandise, including without limitation, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, TJX Companies Inc., Stein Mart, Inc., (2) Macy’s, Inc. and Kohl’s Corporation, and (3) any affiliates, subsidiaries or successors of businesses identified above.
 
          (ii)The foregoing restrictions in Section 9(b)(i) shall have no force or effect in the event that: (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated either by the Company pursuant to Section 6(d) [Without Cause] or by the Executive pursuant to Section 6(e) [Termination by the Executive for Good Reason]; or (ii) the Company fails to approve or grant an extension of this Agreement in accordance with Section 1 hereof.
 
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          (iii)Section 9(b)(i) shall not prohibit the Executive from making any investment of 1% or less of the equity securities of any publicly-traded corporation which is considered to be a Competing Business.
 
       (c)Non-Solicitation of Employees.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of that employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the written permission of the Company or an affected affiliate, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, employ or retain, or have or cause any other person or entity to solicit, employ or retain, any person who is employed by the Company or was employed by the Company during the 6-month period prior to such solicitation, employment, or retainer, (ii) encourage any such person not to devote his or her full business time to the Company, or (iii) agree to hire or employ any such person.
 
       (d)Non-Solicitation of Third Parties.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or otherwise influence any entity with a business arrangement with the Company, including, without limitation, suppliers, sales representatives, lenders, lessors, and lessees, to discontinue, reduce, or otherwise materially or adversely affect such relationship.
 
       (e)Non-Disparagement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive will not defame or criticize the services, business, integrity, veracity, or personal or professional reputation of the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents of any of the foregoing in either a professional or personal manner either during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter.
 
    10.Company Remedies for Executive’s Breach of Certain Obligations.
 
       (a)The Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event that the Executive breaches or threatens to breach Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement, all compensation and benefits otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement and the vesting and/or exercisability of all stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation previously awarded to the Executive, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing any such award to the contrary, shall immediately cease.
 
       (b)The Company shall give prompt notice to the Executive of its discovery of a breach by the Executive of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If it is determined by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board that the Executive has breached Section 9 of this Agreement and has not cured such breach within ten (10) business days of such notice, then:
 
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          (i)the Executive shall forfeit to the Company (A) all stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding and unexercised or unpaid as of the date of such determination by the Board (the “ Breach Determination Date ”) and (B) all shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company which continue to be held by the Executive as of the Breach Determination Date to the extent that such awards vested during the Forfeiture Period (as defined below); and
 
          (ii)the Executive shall pay to the Company all gains realized by the Executive upon (A) the exercise by or payment in settlement to the Executive on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company and (B) the sale on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company and which vested during the Forfeiture Period.
 
       (c)For purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the exercise or payment in settlement of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards shall be equal to (A) the closing sale price on the date of exercise or settlement (as reported on the stock exchange or market system constituting the principal market for the shares subject to the applicable award) of the number of vested shares issued to the Executive upon such exercise or settlement, reduced by the purchase price, if any, paid by the Executive to acquire such shares, or (B) if any such award was settled by payment in cash to the Executive, the gain realized by the Executive shall be equal to the amount of cash paid to the Executive. Further, for purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the sale of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sale realized by the Executive. Gains determined for purposes of this Section shall be determined without regard to any subsequent increase or decrease in the market price of the Company’s stock or taxes paid by or withheld from the Executive with respect to such transactions.
 
       (d)For the purposes of this Section, the “Forfeiture Period” shall be the period ending on the Breach Determination Date and beginning on the earlier of (A) the date six months prior to the Breach Determination Date or (B) the business day immediately preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.
 
       (e)The Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) to deduct from any amounts payable from time to time to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (including wages or other compensation, vacation pay or other benefits, and any other amounts owed to the Executive by the Company) any and all amounts the Executive is required to pay to the Company pursuant to this Section. The Executive agrees to pay to the Company immediately upon the Breach Determination Date the amount payable by the Executive to the Company pursuant to this Section which the Company has not recovered by means of such deductions.
 
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       (f)The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Company for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement and that the Company will not have any adequate remedy at law. For this reason, such breach or threatened breach will not be subject to the arbitration clause in Section 19; rather, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief, and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain such breach or threatened breach. The Company may obtain such relief from (1) any court of competent jurisdiction, (2) an arbitrator pursuant to Section 19 hereof, or (3) a combination of the two (e.g., by simultaneously seeking arbitration under Section 19 and a temporary injunction from a court pending the outcome of the arbitration). It shall be the Company’s sole and exclusive right to elect which approach to use to vindicate its rights. The Executive further agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach, without posting a bond or having to prove irreparable harm or damages, and to obtain all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition, the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement.
 
       (g)Recoupment: Executive hereby understands and agrees that the Executive is subject to the Company’s recoupment policy. Under the current policy applicable to the Company’s senior executives, subject to the discretion and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Company may, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of any cash payments and reimbursement and/or cancellation of any Performance Share or Common Shares issued in settlement of a Performance Share to the Executive where all of the following factors are present: (1) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement, (2) the Board determines that the Executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (3) a lower award would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each instance, the Company may seek to recover the Executive’s entire gain received by the Executive within the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest.
 
    11.Exercise of Stock Options Following Termination.If the Executive's employment terminates, Executive (or the Executive's estate) may exercise the Executive's right to purchase any vested stock under the stock options granted to Executive by the Company as provided in the applicable stock option agreement or Company plan. All such purchases must be made by the Executive in accordance with the applicable stock option plans and agreements between the parties.
 
    12.Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to the Executive hereunder, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable law to the Executive’s beneficiary pursuant to a written designation of beneficiary ,  or, if there is no effective written designation of beneficiary by the Executive, to the Executive’s estate.
 
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    13.Insurance and Indemnity. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Executive during the Term of Employment under any directors and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained for its directors and officers, with coverage at least as favorable to the Executive in amount and each other material respect as the coverage of other officers covered thereby. The Company’s obligation to provide insurance and indemnify the Executive shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions of the Executive occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company. Such obligations shall be binding upon the Company’s successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.
 
    14.Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices, demands and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
            	If to the Executive:	       	 	
 	 	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	 	 	
 	If to the Company:	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	 	Attention: General Counsel	

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
 
    15.Complete Agreement; Modification, Waiver; Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with any stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, represents the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, promises or representations of the parties, except those relating to repayment of signing and related bonuses, or relocation expense reimbursements. To the extent that the bonus payment provisions (i.e., post-termination bonus payments) provided in this Agreement differ from the provisions of the Company’s incentive bonus plans (currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plans, such bonus payments shall be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement except to the extent expressly prohibited by law. Except as provided by Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], no provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except in a document signed by the Executive and the chairman of the Committee or such other person as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by the Executive or the Company of any breach of, or lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or the same condition or provision at another time. To the extent that this Agreement is in any way deemed to be inconsistent with any prior or contemporaneous stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, or term sheet referencing such specific awards, the terms of this Agreement shall control. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
 
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    16.Governing Law - Severability. The validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Executive’s principle place of employment described in Section 3 is located without reference to that state’s choice of law rules. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, for any reason, the invalidity of that provision shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question unenforceable in any other jurisdiction or in any other case or of rendering any other provisions herein unenforceable, but the invalid provision shall be substituted with a valid provision which most closely approximates the intent and the economic effect of the invalid provision and which would be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted in such jurisdiction or in such case.
 
    17.Mitigation Not Required. In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment following such termination. However, any amounts due the Executive under Sections 8(a)(i); 8(a)(ii); 8(e)(i)(2)(a),(b),(c) or (d); and/or any additional salary provided under Section 8(e)(i)(1) of this Agreement shall be offset by any cash remuneration, health care coverage and/or estate planning reimbursements attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain during the period of payment of compensation under this Agreement following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
    18.Withholding.All payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law. To the extent permitted, the Executive may provide all or any part of any necessary withholding by contributing Company stock with value, determined on the date such withholding is due, equal to the number of shares contributed multiplied by the closing price per share as reported on the securities exchange constituting the primary market for the Company’s stock on the date preceding the date the withholding is determined.
 
    19.Arbitration. In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of the parties’ employment relationship or this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, wrongful termination, or age, race, sex, disability or other discrimination), all such disputes shall be fully, finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association in the city in which the Executive’s principal place of employment is located by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that this arbitration provision shall not apply, unless the Company elects otherwise, to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the Executive’s breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If either the Company or the Executive shall request, arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. The Company shall pay all costs of any arbitration; provided, however, that each party shall pay its own attorney and advisor fees.
 
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    If there is termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company followed by a dispute as to whether the Executive is entitled to the benefits provided under this Agreement, then, during the period of that dispute the Company shall pay the Executive fifty percent (50%) of the amount specified in Section 8 hereof (except that the Company shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of any insurance premiums provided for in Section 8), if, and only if, the Executive agrees in writing that if the dispute is resolved against the Executive, the Executive shall promptly refund to the Company all such payments received by, or made by the Company on behalf of, the Executive. If the dispute is resolved in the Executive’s favor, promptly after resolution of the dispute the Company shall pay the Executive the sum that was withheld during the period of the dispute plus interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(d) of the Code, compounded quarterly.
 
    20.Attorney’s Fees. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in any action or dispute arising out of this Agreement.
 
    21.Miscellaneous. No right or interest to, or in, any payments shall be assignable by the Executive; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be precluded from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and the legal representative of the Executive’s estate shall not be precluded from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and, the Company and its successors.
 
    22.Compliance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this Agreement that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Code Section 409A (“ Section 409A Deferred Compensation ”) shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such Section (such Section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “ Section 409A ”), including the following:
 
       (a)Separation from Service. Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Executive’s termination of employment shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of the Executive’s employment which constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “ Separation from Service ” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
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       (b)Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees.If, at the time of a Separation from Service of the Executive, the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B(i) (a “ Specified Employee ”), then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Separation from Service of the Executive shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of death of the Executive (in either case, the “ Delayed Payment Date ”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with Section 8. All such amounts that would, but for this Section 22(b), become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.
 
       (c)Health Care and Estate Planning Benefits.In the event that all or any of the health care or estate planning benefits to be provided pursuant to Sections 8(e)(i)(2)(c) or 8(e)(i)(2)(d) as a result of a Participant’s Separation from Service constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation, the Company shall provide for such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation in a manner that complies with Section 409A. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, the Company shall determine the health care premium cost necessary to provide such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation for the applicable coverage period and shall pay such premium cost which becomes due and payable during the applicable coverage period on the applicable due date for such premiums; provided, however, that if the Executive is a Specified Employee, the Company shall not pay any such premium cost until the Delayed Payment Date. If the Company’s payment pursuant to the previous sentence is subject to a Delayed Payment Date, the Executive shall pay the premium cost otherwise payable by the Company prior to the Delayed Payment Date, and on the Delayed Payment Date the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such Company premium cost paid by the Executive and shall pay the balance of the Company’s premium cost necessary to provide such benefit coverage for the remainder of the applicable coverage period as and when it becomes due and payable over the applicable period.
 
       (d)Stock-Based Awards. The vesting of any stock-based compensation awards which constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation and are held by the Executive, if the Executive is a Specified Employee, shall be accelerated in accordance with this Agreement to the extent applicable; provided, however, that the payment in settlement of any such awards shall occur on the Delayed Payment Date. Any stock-based compensation which vests and becomes payable upon a Change in Control in accordance with Section 8(e)(i)(1) shall not be subject to this Section 22(d).
 
       (e)Installments. Executive’s right to receive any installment payments payable hereunder shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.
 
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       (f)Reimbursements. To the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, such reimbursements shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the cost was incurred, the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
 
       (g)Rights of the Company; Release of Liability.It is the mutual intention of the Executive and the Company that the provision of all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. To the extent that the provision of any such payment or benefit pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement would fail to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of the Executive, make such modifications to the timing or manner of providing such payment and/or benefit to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to make any such modifications. Any such modifications made by the Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, preserve the aggregate monetary face value of such payments and/or benefits provided by this Agreement in the absence of such modification; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be obligated to pay any interest or other compensation in respect of any delay in the provision of such payments or benefits in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that (i) the provisions of this Section 22 may result in a delay in the time at which payments would otherwise be made pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the Company is authorized to amend the this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by the Executive under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by the Company, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to comply with Section 409A (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder) without prior notice to or consent of the Executive. The Executive hereby releases and holds harmless the Company, its directors, officers and stockholders from any and all claims that may arise from or relate to any tax liability, penalties, interest, costs, fees or other liability incurred by the Executive as a result of the application of Code Section 409A.
 
    23.Future Equity Compensation.The Executive understands and acknowledges that all awards, if any, of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation by the Company are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof. The Executive further understands and acknowledges, however, that unless the Executive has executed this Agreement and each successive amendment extending the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term of the Agreement as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive, it is the intention of the Board of Directors and the Executive that, notwithstanding any continued employment with the Company, (a) the Company shall have no obligation to grant any award of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or any other form of equity compensation which might otherwise have been granted to the Executive on or after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or such successive Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign the Agreement or the applicable Term of Employment extension amendment and (b) any such award which is nevertheless granted to the Executive after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign such Agreement or applicable extension amendment shall not vest unless and until the Executive has executed the Agreement or applicable extension amendment, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing such award to the contrary.
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Executive Employment Agreement effective as of the date and year first above written.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	        	EXECUTIVE	

 	 	 	
By: Michael Balmuth	 	  	 	
Vice Chairman and Chief	 	 	
Executive Officer	 	 	

23

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
 
This is an Agreement between ______________ (“Executive”) and Ross Stores, Inc. (“Ross”). The parties agree to the following terms and conditions:
 
1.	     	Executive ______________ employment with Ross effective ______________ (the “Separation Date”).	
 	
2.	 	Any inquiries by prospective employers or others should be referred to Ross’ third party provider The Work Number, phone number 1-800-367-5690 or http://www.theworknumber.com.	
 	
3.	 	Executive understands that the Executive Employment Agreement, effective _______ (“Executive Agreement”), requires Executive to execute this General Release as a condition to receiving cash payments, benefits and equity as may be provided under the terms of the Executive Agreement.	
 	
4.	 	In consideration for Ross’ promises herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges Ross, and all parent corporations, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assignees, as well as the current and former employees, attorneys, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “Releases”), of and from any and all claims, judgments, promises, agreements, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or liabilities of whatever kind and character, known and unknown, which Executive may now have, has ever had, or may in the future have, arising from or in any way connected with any and all matters from the beginning of time to the date hereof, including but not limited to any alleged causes of action for:	
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
The Civil Rights Act of 1991
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended
The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
California Family Rights Act – Cal. Govt. Code § 12945.2 et seq.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act – Cal. Gov’t Code § 12900 et seq.
Statutory Provision Regarding Retaliation/Discrimination for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim – Cal. Lab. Code §132a (1) to (4)
Statutory Provision Regarding Representations and Relocation of Employment (Cal. Lab. Code §970 et seq.)
 
Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	

1

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
California Unruh Civil Rights Act – Civ. Code § 51 et seq.
California Sexual Orientation Bias Law – Cal. Lab. Code §1101 et seq.
California AIDS Testing and Confidentiality Law – Cal. Health & Safety Code §199.20 et seq.
California Confidentiality of Medical Information – Cal. Civ. Code §56 et seq.
California Smokers’ Rights Law – Cal. Lab. Code §96
California Parental Leave Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230.7 et seq.
California Apprenticeship Program Bias Law – Cal. Lab. Code §3070 et seq.
California Wage Payment Act, as amended
California Equal Pay Law – Cal. Lab. Code §1197.5 et seq.
California Whistleblower Protection Law – Cal. Lab. Code § 1102-5(a) to (c)
California Military Personnel Bias Law – Cal. Mil. & Vet. Code §394 et seq.
California Family and Medical Leave – Cal. Lab. Code §233
California Parental Leave for School Visits Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230.7 et seq.
California Electronic Monitoring of Employees – Cal. Lab. Code §435 et seq.
Cal/OSHA law, as amended
California Consumer Reports: Discrimination Law – Cal. Civ. Code §1786.10 et seq.
California Political Activities of Employees Act – Cal. Lab. Code §1101 et seq.
California Domestic Violence Victim Employment Leave Act – Cal. Lab. Code §230.1
California Voting Leave Law – Cal. Elec. Code §14350 et seq.
California Court Leave Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230
California Labor Code sections 2698 and 2699
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance
Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law, or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters
5.	     	Claims Excluded from this Release: However, notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to waive any right that is not subject to waiver by private agreement, including, without limitation, any claims arising under state unemployment insurance or workers compensation laws or California Labor Code section 2802. Executive understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq .) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived. Likewise, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from filing a charge or complaint challenging the validity of this Agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.	
  	
6.	 	Subject to the continuing viability of the Claims Excluded from this Agreement, as described in the paragraph above, Executive expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits of section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, and Executive does so understanding and acknowledging the significance and consequence of specifically waiving section 1542. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California states as follows:	

Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	

2

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.
 
 	 	Executive warrants he or she has read this Agreement, including this waiver of California Civil Code section 1542, and that Executive has consulted counsel or has had the opportunity to consult counsel about this Agreement and specifically about the waiver of section 1542. Executive understands this Agreement and the section 1542 waiver, and so Executive freely and knowingly enters into this Agreement. Executive acknowledges he or she may later discover facts different from or in addition to those he or she now knows or believes to be true regarding the matters released or described in this Agreement, and even so Executive agrees the releases and agreements contained in this Agreement shall remain effective in all respects notwithstanding any later discovery of any different or additional facts. Executive assumes any and all risk of mistake in connection with the true facts involved in the matters, disputes, or controversies described in this Agreement or with regard to any facts now unknown to Executive relating to those matters.	
 	
7.	     	Executive affirms that he or she has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he or she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to him or her, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that he or she has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested, including any under the Family and Medical Leave Act or any other leaves authorized by federal or state law, and that Executive has not reported any purported improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities to any supervisor, manager, executive human resources representative or agent of Ross Stores and has no knowledge of any such improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities. Executive additionally represents and affirms that during the course of employment at Ross, Executive has taken no actions contrary to or inconsistent with Executive’s job responsibilities or the best interests of Ross’ business.	
 	
8.	 	During the course of employment at Ross, Executive has become aware of a variety of confidential information related to Ross business and competitive position. Executive acknowledges that this confidential information includes information regarding Ross associate compensation, performance, and other terms of employment as to Ross associates. Executive agrees not to use or disclose in any manner such confidential, or trade secret information (which includes but is not limited to, marketing and profit information, potential site location, or other concepts or materials of Ross).	
 	
 	 	In furtherance of maintaining the confidentiality of such information, and in consideration for the payments and benefits provided by Ross under this Agreement, Executive also agrees to not directly or indirectly solicit any other employee of Ross for a competing business or induce or attempt to induce any other employee of Ross to terminate his or her employment with Ross for a period of twelve (12) months following Separation Date.	

Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	

3

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
 	 	The parties agree that any violation of the provisions in this paragraph and the below provisions regarding confidentiality and non-disparagement would cause Ross significant, immediate and irreparable harm, entitling Ross to injunctive relief in an appropriate court of law. Further, the parties agree that in event of Executive’s violation of such provisions, Ross will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing such provisions.	
 	
9.	   	Executive agrees that this is a private agreement and that he or she will not discuss the fact that it exists or its terms with anyone else except with his or her spouse, attorney, accountant, or as required by law. Further, Executive agrees not to defame, disparage or demean Ross in any way (excluding actions or communications expressly required or permitted by law	
 	
10.	 	Any party to this Agreement may bring an action in law or equity for its breach. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, only the provisions of this Agreement alleged to have been breached shall be disclosed.	
 	
11.	 	This Agreement has been made in the State of California and the law of said State shall apply to it. If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remaining parts of the Agreement will remain in effect as if no invalid part existed.	
 	
12.	 	Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and fully cooperate with Ross in defending any anticipated, threatened, or actual litigation that currently exists, or may arise subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. Such cooperation includes, but is not limited to, meeting with internal Ross employees to discuss and review issues which Executive was directly or indirectly involved with during employment with Ross, participating in any investigation conducted by Ross either internally or by outside counsel or consultants, signing declarations or witness statements, preparing for and serving as a witness in any civil or administrative proceeding by both depositions or a witness at trial, reviewing documents and similar activities that Ross deems necessary. Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and cooperate in answering questions regarding any previous or current project Executive worked on while employed by Ross so as to insure a smooth transition of responsibilities and to minimize any adverse consequences of Executive’s departure.	
 	
13.	 	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties, except for any confidentiality, trade secrets and inventions agreements previously entered into with the company (which will remain in full force and effect), and may not be modified except in a writing agreed to and signed by both parties, providing however that Employer may modify this form of agreement from time to time solely as needed to comply with federal, state or local laws in effect that the time this Agreement is to be executed. Executive acknowledges that he or she has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to him or her in connection with his or her decision to accept this Agreement except for those set forth in this Agreement.	

Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	

4

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
FOR 40+
14.Waiver: By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that he or she:
 
(a)	     	Has carefully read and understands this Agreement;	
 	
(b)	 	Has been given a full twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the terms of this Agreement and consult with an attorney of his or her choice, and to the extent he or she executes this Agreement prior to expiration of the full twenty-one (21) days, knowingly and voluntarily waives that period following consultation with an attorney of his or her choice;	
 	
(c)	 	Is, through this Agreement, releasing Ross from any and all claims he or she may have against it that have arisen as of the date of this Agreement, including but not limited to, rights or claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. §62l, et seq .);	
 	
(d)	 	Knowingly and voluntarily agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;	
 	
(e)	 	Knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the same;	
 	
(f)	 	Is hereby advised in writing to consider the terms of this Agreement and to consult with an attorney of his or her choice prior to executing this Agreement;	
 	
(g)	 	Has consulted with an attorney of his or her choosing prior to signing this Agreement;	
 	
(h)	 	Understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621,et seq.) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived;	
 	
(i)	 	Has a full seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement ("the Revocation Period") in writing and hereby is advised that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has expired.	
 
Executive fully understands the final and binding effect of the Agreement. Executive acknowledges that he or she signs this Agreement voluntarily of his or her own free will.
 
The parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below:
 
Dated:  	 	                     	By: 	 	
 	 	 	 	(“Executive”)	

 	 	 	 	 	
Dated:	 	 	By:	 	
 	 	 	 	ROSS STORES, INC. (“Ross”)	

Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	

5

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
     THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made effective ________ (the “Effective Date ”) by and between Ross Stores, Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Delaware corporation, and ________ (the “ Executive ”).
 
RECITALS
 
     A.The Company wishes to employ the Executive, and the Executive is willing to accept such employment, as ________.

     B.It is now the mutual desire of the Company and the Executive to enter into a written employment agreement to govern the terms of the Executive’s employment by the Company as of and following the Effective Date on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
     In consideration for the promises of the parties set forth below, the Company and theExecutive hereby agree as follows:
 
     1.Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, the term of employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement (the “ Term of Employment ”) shall be as follows:
 
          (a)Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and end on ________ (the “ Initial Term ”), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.
 
          (b)Renewal Term. Upon the timely written request of the Executive to extend the Term of Employment, the Compensation Committee (the “ Committee ”) of the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of the Company shall consider extending the Executive’s employment with the Company under this Agreement. To be timely, such request must be delivered to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then effective Initial Term or Renewal Term and, in any case, while the Executive remains an employee of the Company. Such request must contain no proposed modification to the provisions of this Agreement other than an extension of the Term of Employment as then in effect for an additional two (2) years. Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of such notice, the Chief Executive Officer will discuss such request with the Committee and advise the Executive, in writing, within thirty (30) days following its consideration of the Executive’s written request, of the approval or disapproval of such extension request. The failure to provide such written advice shall constitute a denial of the Executive’s request for extension. If the Executive’s request for an extension is approved, the Term of Employment shall be extended for two (2) additional years commencing on the date immediately following the date of expiration of the Term of Employment in effect at the time of the Executive’s written request. Such additional two-year period is referred to herein as a “ Renewal Term .”

 

     2.Position and Duties. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall serve as ________. As used in this Agreement, the term “Company” includes Ross Stores, Inc. and each and any of its divisions, affiliates or subsidiaries (except that, where the term relates to stock, stockholders, stock options or other stock-based awards or the Board, it means Ross Stores, Inc.). The Executive’s employment may be transferred, assigned, or re-assigned to Ross Stores, Inc. or a division, affiliate or subsidiary of Ross Stores, Inc., and such transfer, assignment, or re-assignment will not constitute a termination of employment or “Good Reason” for the Executive’s termination of employment under this Agreement. During the Term of Employment, the Executive may engage in outside activities provided those activities (including but not limited to membership on boards of directors of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations) do not conflict with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, and provided further that the Executive gives written notice to the Board of any significant outside business activity in which the Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit.
 
     3.Principal Place of Employment. The Executive shall be employed at theCompany’s offices in Fort Mill, South Carolina, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with present business travel obligations of the Executive’s position.
 
     4.Compensation and Related Matters.
 
          (a)Salary. During the Term of Employment, the Company shall pay to the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than ________ Dollars ($________) per annum. The Executive’s salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices applicable to senior executives. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 4(a), the Executive’s salary may be adjusted from time to time by the Committee in accordance with normal business practices of the Company.
 
          (b)Bonus.During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus paid under the Company’s existing incentive bonus plan under which the Executive is eligible (which is currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plan that may subsequently be established and in effect during the Term of Employment. The current target annual bonus the Executive is eligible to earn upon achievement of 100% of all applicable performance targets under such incentive bonus plan is __% of the Executive’s then effective annual salary rate. The Executive’s termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination (as described in Sections 6(c) and 6(f), respectively) prior to the Company’s payment of the bonus for a fiscal year of the Company will cause the Executive to be ineligible for any annual bonus for that fiscal year or any pro-rata portion of such bonus.
 
          (c) Expenses. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all other reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services hereunder, including all reasonable expenses of travel and living while away from home, provided that such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Company.
 
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          (d)Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit plans and arrangements in which senior executives of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company shall not make any changes in such plans or arrangements which would adversely affect the Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, unless such change occurs pursuant to a program applicable to all senior executives of the Company and does not result in a proportionately greater reduction in the rights or benefits of the Executive as compared with any other similarly situated senior executive of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Company in the future to its senior executives, subject to, and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing paid to the Executive under any plan or arrangement presently in effect or made available in the future shall be in lieu of the salary or bonus otherwise payable under this Agreement.
 
          (e) Vacations. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to ________ (___) vacation days in each calendar year, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, determined in accordance with the Company’s vacation plan. The Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executives. Unused vacation days shall not be forfeited once they have been earned and, if still unused at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, shall be promptly paid to the Executive at their then-current value, based on the Executive’s daily salary rate at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment.
 
          (f) Services Furnished. The Company shall furnish the Executive with office space and such services as are suitable to the Executive’s position and adequate for the performance of the Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment.
 
     5.Confidential Information and Intellectual Property.
 
          (a)Other than in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive agrees not to use in any manner or disclose, distribute, publish, communicate or in any way cause to be used, disclosed, distributed, published, or communicated in any way or at any time, either while in the Company's employ or at any time thereafter, to any person not employed by the Company, or not engaged to render services to the Company, any Confidential Information (as defined below) obtained while in the employ of the Company.
 
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          (b) Confidential Information includes any written or unwritten information which relates to and/or is used by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, including, without limitation (i) the names, addresses, buying habits and other special information regarding past, present and potential customers, employees and suppliers of the Company, (ii) customer and supplier contracts and transactions or price lists of the Company and suppliers, (iii) methods of distribution, (iv) all agreements, files, books, logs, charts, records, studies, reports, processes, schedules and statistical information, (v) data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, (vi) supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, sales information, and property information, (vii) information regarding the present or future phases of business, (viii) ideas, inventions, trademarks, business information, know-how, processes, techniques, improvements, designs, redesigns, creations, discoveries, trade secrets, and developments, (ix) all computer software licensed or developed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, computer programs, computer-based and web-based training programs, and systems, and (x) finances and financial information, but Confidential Information will not include information of the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions that (1) became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, (2) has been or is disclosed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions without restriction on its use, or (3) has been or is required or specifically permitted to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Company’s Chief Executive Officer confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge.
 
          (c)The provisions of this Section 5 shall not preclude the Executive from disclosing such information to the Executive's professional tax advisor or legal counsel solely to the extent necessary to the rendering of their professional services to the Executive if such individuals agree to keep such information confidential.
 
          (d)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company’s employ the Executive will remain reasonably available to answer questions from Company officers regarding the Executive’s former duties and responsibilities and the knowledge the Executive obtained in connection therewith.
 
          (e)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company's employ the Executive will not communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television, or radio or social media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatening lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information) as a result of employment with the Company. The Executive further agrees to notify the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
 
          (f)The Executive agrees that all information, inventions, and discoveries, whether or not patented or patentable, made or conceived by the Executive, either alone or with others, at any time while employed by the Company, which arises out of such employment or is pertinent to any field of business or research in which, during such employment, the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions is engaged or (if such is known to or ascertainable by the Executive) is considering engaging (“ Intellectual Property ”) shall (i) be and remain the sole property of the Company and the Executive shall not seek a patent with respect to such Intellectual Property without the prior consent of an authorized representative of the Company and (ii) be disclosed promptly to an authorized representative of the Company along with all information the Executive possesses with regard to possible applications and uses. Further, at the request of the Company, and without expense or additional compensation to the Executive, the Executive agrees to execute such documents and perform such other acts as the Company deems necessary to obtain patents on such Intellectual Property in a jurisdiction or jurisdictions designated by the Company, and to assign to the Company or its designee such Intellectual Property and all patent applications and patents relating thereto.
 
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          (g)The Executive and the Company agree that the Executive intends all original works of authorship within the purview of the copyright laws of the United States authored or created by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company will be works for hire within the meaning of such copyright law.
 
          (h)Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, or at any time upon request of the Company, the Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information and Intellectual Property, in any form, including but not limited to letters, memoranda, reports, notes, notebooks, books of account, drawings, prints, specifications, formulae, data printouts, microfilms, magnetic tapes, disks, recordings, documents, and all copies thereof.
 
     6.Termination. The Executive’s employment may be terminated during the Term of Employment only as follows:
 
          (a)Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.
 
          (b)Disability. If, as a result of the Executive’s Disability (as defined below), the Executive shall have been absent from the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis for the entire period of six consecutive months, and, within thirty days after written notice of termination is given by the Company (which may occur before or after the end of such six-month period), the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis, the Executive’s employment shall terminate. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental illness, impairment or condition reasonably determined by the Board that prevents the Executive from performing the duties of the Executive’s position under this Agreement.
 
          (c)For Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause. For this purpose, “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) the Executive’s continuous failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder (unless such failure is a result of a Disability as defined in Section 6(b)), (ii) the Executive’s theft, dishonesty, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit or falsification of any documents of the Company, (iii) the Executive’s material failure to abide by the applicable code(s) of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct) of the Company, (iv) knowing or intentional misconduct by the Executive as a result of which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement, (v) the Executive’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company (including, without limitation, the Executive’s improper use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company), (vi) any intentional misconduct or illegal or grossly negligent conduct by the Executive which is materially injurious to the Company monetarily or otherwise, (vii) any material breach by the Executive of the provisions of Section 9 [Certain Employment Obligations] of this Agreement, or (viii) the Executive’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which materially impairs the Executive’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company. A termination for Cause shall not take effect unless: (1) the Executive is given written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Executive for Cause; (2) the notice specifically identifies the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act which are the basis for such termination; (3) where practicable, the notice is given within sixty (60) days of the Company’s learning of such act or acts or failure or failures to act; and (4) only in the case of clause (i), (iii), (v), (vi) or (vii) of the second sentence of this Section 6(c), the Executive fails to substantially cure such breach, to the extent such cure is possible, within sixty (60) days after the date that such written notice is given to the Executive.
 
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          (d)Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause. A termination “ Without Cause ” is a termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reasons other than the death or Disability of the Executive or the termination by the Company of the Executive for Cause as described in Section 6(c).
 
          (e)Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for “ Good Reason ,” which shall be deemed to occur if, within sixty (60) business days after receipt of written notice to the Company by the Executive of the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions, any of the following condition(s) have not been cured: (1) a failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of this Agreement (including but not limited to the reduction of the Executive’s salary or the target annual bonus opportunity set forth in Section 4(b)), (2) a significant diminishment in the nature or scope of the authority, power, function or duty attached to the position which the Executive currently maintains without the express written consent of the Executive, or (3) the relocation of the Executive’s Principal Place of Employment as described in Section 3 to a location that increases the regular one-way commute distance between the Executive’s residence and Principal Place of Employment by more than 25 miles without the Executive’s prior written consent. In order to constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the condition giving rise to the Good Reason termination within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the condition, and in the event such condition is timely cured by the Company, the termination shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason .
 
          (f)Voluntary Termination. The Executive may voluntarily resign from the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time (a “ Voluntary Termination ”). A voluntary resignation from employment by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(e) shall not be deemed a Voluntary Termination.
 
          (g)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Executive fails to request an extension of the Term of Employment in accordance with Section 1(b) or if the Committee fails to approve such request, this Agreement shall automatically expire at the end of the then current Term of Employment (a “ Non-Renewal Termination ”).
 
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     7.Notice and Effective Date of Termination
 
          (a)Notice. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive during the Term of Employment (other than as a result of the death of the Executive or a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g)) shall be communicated by written notice of termination to the other party hereto. Such notice shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under that provision.
 
          (b)Date of Termination. The date of termination of the Executive’s employment shall be:
 
                (i)if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death;
 
               (ii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to Disability pursuant to Section 6(b), the date of termination shall be the last to occur of the 31st day following delivery of the notice of termination to the Executive by the Company or the end of the consecutive six-month period referred to in Section 6(b).
 
               (iii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason by either party, the date on which a notice of termination is delivered to the other party; and
 
               (iv)if the Agreement expires pursuant to a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g), the parties’ employment relationship shall terminate on the last day of the then current Term of Employment without any notice.
 
     8.Compensation and Benefits Upon Termination.
 
          (a)Termination Due To Disability, Without Cause or For Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(b) [Disability], Section 6(d) [Without Cause], or Section 6(e) [Termination by Executive for Good Reason], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Salary. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive the Executive’s salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior to such termination of employment, through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
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               (ii)Bonus. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive an annual bonus through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect; provided, however, that the amount of the annual bonus determined in accordance with this Section 8(a) (ii) for the fiscal year of the Company in which such Term of Employment ends shall be prorated on the basis of the number of days of such Term of Employment occurring within such fiscal year. The amount of each annual bonus payable pursuant to this Section 8(a)(ii), prior to any proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned had no such termination under Section 8(a)(i) occurred, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the respective year having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonuses shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (iii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested in full upon such termination of employment.
 
               (iv)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of termination shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of termination, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
               (v)Other Equity Awards. Except as set forth in Sections 8(a)(iii), 8(a)(iv) and 8(c), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
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               (vi) Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for the amount equivalent to the Company’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed the lesser of [A] eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, or [B] the remainder of the Term of Employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(a) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (b)Termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(c) [For Cause] or Section 6(f) [Voluntary Termination], the Executive shall be entitled to receive only the salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. The Executive shall not be entitled to any bonus not paid prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive shall not be entitled to any prorated bonus payment for the year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Any stock options granted to the Executive by the Company shall continue to vest only through the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates, and unless otherwise provided by their terms, any restricted stock, performance share awards or other equity awards that were granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such awards. The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(b) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (c)Death.If the Executive’ employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(a) [Death], (i) the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive only the salary, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) at the time payable under the applicable Company bonus plan, an annual bonus shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate for the fiscal year of the Executive’s death based on the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for such fiscal year had the Executive not died, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for said year having been obtained, capped at 100% of the Executive’s target bonus for such fiscal year and pro-rated for the number of days the Executive is employed during such fiscal year until the Executive’s death; (iii) any restricted stock previously granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date of the Executive’s death shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such restricted stock; and (iv) the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to the Executive’s death.
 
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          (d)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Agreement expires as set forth in Section 6(g) [Non-Renewal Termination], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the date of the Executive’s termination of employment occurs, which shall be prorated for the number of days of such fiscal year that the Executive is employed by the Company. The amount of such annual bonus, prior to proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs had the Executive remained in its employment, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the year in which Executive terminates having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonus shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (ii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall be vested and exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
               (iii)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of non-renewal shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of non-renewal, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
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               (iv)Other Equity Awards.Except as set forth in Sections 8(d)(ii) and 8(d)(iii), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(d) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (e)Special Change in Control Provisions.
 
               (i) Change in Control Benefits.
 
                    (1)Without Regard to Termination of Employment.In the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), all shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company shall become vested in full immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control. Except as set forth in this Section 8(e)(i)(1) or Section 8(e)(i)(2) below, the treatment of stock options, performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of such Change in Control shall be determined in accordance with their terms.
 
                    (2)Upon Certain Termination of Employment.In addition to the benefits provided by Section 8(e)(i)(1) above, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either by the Company Without Cause (as defined in Section 6(d)) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6(e)), in either case within a period commencing one (1) month prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], the Executive shall be entitled to the following (in addition to any other payments or benefits provided under this Agreement), provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
                         a.Salary. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s then-current annual base salary. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(i) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(i) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a).
 
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                         b.Bonus. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s target annual bonus for the Company’s fiscal year then in effect on the date termination of employment occurs. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(ii) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(ii) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b).
 
                         c.Estate Planning.The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of the Executive’s estate planning expenses (including attorneys’ fees) on the same basis, if any, as to which the Executive was entitled to such reimbursements immediately prior to such termination of employment for the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
                         d. Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for Executive’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage available to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
               (ii)Change in Control Defined. A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall acquire during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or group, in one or a series of transactions, whether through sale of stock or merger, ownership of stock of the Company that constitutes 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or any successor to the Company; (2) a merger in which the Company is a party pursuant to which any person or such group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, or (3) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale, exchange, or transfer to one or more corporations where the stockholders of the Company before and after such sale, exchange, or transfer, directly or indirectly, are the beneficial owners of at least a majority of the voting stock of the corporation(s) to which the assets were transferred).
 
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               (iii)Excise Tax - Best After-Tax Result. In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payments”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this section, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, any successor provisions, or any comparable federal, state, local or foreign excise tax (“Excise Tax”), then, subject to the provisions of Section 8(e)(iv), such Payments shall be either (1) provided in full pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other applicable agreement, or (2) provided as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (“Reduced Amount”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes and the Excise Tax (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties on such taxes), results in the receipt by Executive, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of payments and benefits provided for hereunder or otherwise, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made by an independent advisor designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Independent Advisor”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required under this Section, Independent Advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code; provided that Independent Advisor shall assume that Executive pays all taxes at the highest marginal rate. The Company and Executive shall furnish to Independent Advisor such information and documents as Independent Advisor may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs that Independent Advisor may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section. In the event that Section 8(e)(iii)(b)(2) above applies, then based on the information provided to Executive and the Company by Independent Advisor, Executive may, in Executive’s sole discretion and within 30 days of the date on which Executive is provided with the information prepared by Independent Advisor, determine which and how much of the Payments (including the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards) to be otherwise received by Executive shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such determination the value (as calculated by Independent Advisor in accordance with the provisions of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code) of the amounts payable or distributable to Executive equals the Reduced Amount). If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) determines that any Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, then Section 8(e)(iv) hereof shall apply, and the enforcement of Section 8(e)(iv) shall be the exclusive remedy to the Company.
 
               (iv)Adjustments. If, notwithstanding any reduction described in Section 8(e)(iii) (or in the absence of any such reduction), the IRS determines that Executive is liable for the Excise Tax as a result of the receipt of one or more Payments, then Executive shall be obligated to surrender or pay back to the Company, within 120 days after a final IRS determination, an amount of such payments or benefits equal to the “Repayment Amount.” The Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be the smallest such amount, if any, as shall be required to be surrendered or paid to the Company so that Executive’s net proceeds with respect to such Payments (after taking into account the payment of the excise tax imposed on such Payments) shall be maximized. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be zero if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not eliminate the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments or if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not maximize the net amount received by Executive from the Payments. If the Excise Tax is not eliminated pursuant to this Section, Executive shall pay the Excise Tax.
 
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     9.Certain Employment Obligations.
 
          (a)Employee Acknowledgement. The Company and the Executive acknowledge that (i) the Company has a special interest in and derives significant benefit from the unique skills and experience of the Executive; (ii) as a result of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Executive will use and have access to some of the Company’s proprietary and valuable Confidential Information during the course of the Executive’s employment; (iii) the Confidential Information has been developed and created by the Company at substantial expense and constitutes valuable proprietary assets of the Company, and the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if, during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter, the Executive should disclose or improperly use such Confidential Information in violation of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if the Executive competes with the company in violation of this Agreement; (v) the Company will suffer substantial damage which will be difficult to compute if, the Executive solicits or interferes with the Company’s employees, clients, or customers; (vi) the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business of the Company; and (vii) the provisions of this Agreement will not preclude the Executive from obtaining other gainful employment or service.
 
          (b)Non-Compete.
 
               (i)During the Term of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Executive's termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, control, be employed by, consult with, participate in, or be connected in any manner with the ownership, management, operation, control of, or otherwise become involved with, any Competing Business, nor shall the Executive undertake any planning to engage in any such activity.
 
     For purposes of this Agreement, a Competing Business shall mean any of the following: (1) any off-price retailer or retailer of discount merchandise, including without limitation, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, TJX Companies Inc., Stein Mart, Inc., (2) Macy’s, Inc. and Kohl’s Corporation, and (3) any affiliates, subsidiaries or successors of businesses identified above.
 
               (ii)The foregoing restrictions in Section 9(b)(i) shall have no force or effect in the event that: (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated either by the Company pursuant to Section 6(d) [Without Cause] or by the Executive pursuant to Section 6(e) [Termination by the Executive for Good Reason]; or (ii) the Company fails to approve or grant an extension of this Agreement in accordance with Section 1 hereof.
 
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               (iii)Section 9(b)(i) shall not prohibit the Executive from making any investment of 1% or less of the equity securities of any publicly-traded corporation which is considered to be a Competing Business.
 
          (c)Non-Solicitation of Employees.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of that employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the written permission of the Company or an affected affiliate, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, employ or retain, or have or cause any other person or entity to solicit, employ or retain, any person who is employed by the Company or was employed by the Company during the 6-month period prior to such solicitation, employment, or retainer, (ii) encourage any such person not to devote his or her full business time to the Company, or (iii) agree to hire or employ any such person.
 
          (d)Non-Solicitation of Third Parties.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or otherwise influence any entity with a business arrangement with the Company, including, without limitation, suppliers, sales representatives, lenders, lessors, and lessees, to discontinue, reduce, or otherwise materially or adversely affect such relationship.
 
          (e)Non-Disparagement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive will not defame or criticize the services, business, integrity, veracity, or personal or professional reputation of the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents of any of the foregoing in either a professional or personal manner either during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter.
 
     10.Company Remedies for Executive’s Breach of Certain Obligations.
 
          (a)The Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event that the Executive breaches or threatens to breach Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement, all compensation and benefits otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement and the vesting and/or exercisability of all stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation previously awarded to the Executive, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing any such award to the contrary, shall immediately cease.
 
          (b)The Company shall give prompt notice to the Executive of its discovery of a breach by the Executive of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If it is determined by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board that the Executive has breached Section 9 of this Agreement and has not cured such breach within ten (10) business days of such notice, then:
 
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               (i)the Executive shall forfeit to the Company (A) all stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding and unexercised or unpaid as of the date of such determination by the Board (the “ Breach Determination Date ”) and (B) all shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company which continue to be held by the Executive as of the Breach Determination Date to the extent that such awards vested during the Forfeiture Period (as defined below); and
 
               (ii)the Executive shall pay to the Company all gains realized by the Executive upon (A) the exercise by or payment in settlement to the Executive on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company and (B) the sale on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company and which vested during the Forfeiture Period.
 
          (c)For purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the exercise or payment in settlement of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards shall be equal to (A) the closing sale price on the date of exercise or settlement (as reported on the stock exchange or market system constituting the principal market for the shares subject to the applicable award) of the number of vested shares issued to the Executive upon such exercise or settlement, reduced by the purchase price, if any, paid by the Executive to acquire such shares, or (B) if any such award was settled by payment in cash to the Executive, the gain realized by the Executive shall be equal to the amount of cash paid to the Executive. Further, for purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the sale of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sale realized by the Executive. Gains determined for purposes of this Section shall be determined without regard to any subsequent increase or decrease in the market price of the Company’s stock or taxes paid by or withheld from the Executive with respect to such transactions.
 
          (d)For the purposes of this Section, the “Forfeiture Period” shall be the period ending on the Breach Determination Date and beginning on the earlier of (A) the date six months prior to the Breach Determination Date or (B) the business day immediately preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.
 
          (e)The Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) to deduct from any amounts payable from time to time to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (including wages or other compensation, vacation pay or other benefits, and any other amounts owed to the Executive by the Company) any and all amounts the Executive is required to pay to the Company pursuant to this Section. The Executive agrees to pay to the Company immediately upon the Breach Determination Date the amount payable by the Executive to the Company pursuant to this Section which the Company has not recovered by means of such deductions.
 
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          (f)The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Company for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement and that the Company will not have any adequate remedy at law. For this reason, such breach or threatened breach will not be subject to the arbitration clause in Section 19; rather, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief, and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain such breach or threatened breach. The Company may obtain such relief from (1) any court of competent jurisdiction, (2) an arbitrator pursuant to Section 19 hereof, or (3) a combination of the two (e.g., by simultaneously seeking arbitration under Section 19 and a temporary injunction from a court pending the outcome of the arbitration). It shall be the Company’s sole and exclusive right to elect which approach to use to vindicate its rights. The Executive further agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach, without posting a bond or having to prove irreparable harm or damages, and to obtain all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition, the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement.
 
          (g)Recoupment: Executive hereby understands and agrees that the Executive is subject to the Company’s recoupment policy. Under the current policy applicable to the Company’s senior executives, subject to the discretion and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Company may, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of any cash payments and reimbursement and/or cancellation of any Performance Share or Common Shares issued in settlement of a Performance Share to the Executive where all of the following factors are present: (1) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement, (2) the Board determines that the Executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (3) a lower award would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each instance, the Company may seek to recover the Executive’s entire gain received by the Executive within the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest.
 
     11.Exercise of Stock Options Following Termination.If the Executive's employment terminates, Executive (or the Executive's estate) may exercise the Executive's right to purchase any vested stock under the stock options granted to Executive by the Company as provided in the applicable stock option agreement or Company plan. All such purchases must be made by the Executive in accordance with the applicable stock option plans and agreements between the parties.
 
     12.Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to the Executive hereunder, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable law to the Executive’s beneficiary pursuant to a written designation of beneficiary ,  or, if there is no effective written designation of beneficiary by the Executive, to the Executive’s estate.
 
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     13.Insurance and Indemnity. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Executive during the Term of Employment under any directors and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained for its directors and officers, with coverage at least as favorable to the Executive in amount and each other material respect as the coverage of other officers covered thereby. The Company’s obligation to provide insurance and indemnify the Executive shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions of the Executive occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company. Such obligations shall be binding upon the Company’s successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.
 
     14.Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices, demands and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
 	If to the Executive:	          	 	 	
 	 	 	Ross Stores, Inc. South East Distribution Center	
 	 	 	1000 Retail Drive	
 	 	 	Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715	
 	 	 	 	
 	If to the Company:	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
          	 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	 	Attention: General Counsel	

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
 
     15.Complete Agreement; Modification, Waiver; Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with any stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, represents the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, promises or representations of the parties, except those relating to repayment of signing and related bonuses, or relocation expense reimbursements. To the extent that the bonus payment provisions (i.e., post-termination bonus payments) provided in this Agreement differ from the provisions of the Company’s incentive bonus plans (currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plans, such bonus payments shall be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement except to the extent expressly prohibited by law. Except as provided by Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], no provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except in a document signed by the Executive and the chairman of the Committee or such other person as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by the Executive or the Company of any breach of, or lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or the same condition or provision at another time. To the extent that this Agreement is in any way deemed to be inconsistent with any prior or contemporaneous stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, or term sheet referencing such specific awards, the terms of this Agreement shall control. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
 
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     16.Governing Law - Severability. The validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Executive’s principle place of employment described in Section 3 is located without reference to that state’s choice of law rules. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, for any reason, the invalidity of that provision shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question unenforceable in any other jurisdiction or in any other case or of rendering any other provisions herein unenforceable, but the invalid provision shall be substituted with a valid provision which most closely approximates the intent and the economic effect of the invalid provision and which would be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted in such jurisdiction or in such case.
 
     17.Mitigation Not Required. In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment following such termination. However, any amounts due the Executive under Sections 8(a)(i); 8(a)(ii); 8(e)(i)(2)(a),(b),(c) or (d); and/or any additional salary provided under Section 8(e)(i)(1) of this Agreement shall be offset by any cash remuneration, health care coverage and/or estate planning reimbursements attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain during the period of payment of compensation under this Agreement following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
     18.Withholding.All payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law. To the extent permitted, the Executive may provide all or any part of any necessary withholding by contributing Company stock with value, determined on the date such withholding is due, equal to the number of shares contributed multiplied by the closing price per share as reported on the securities exchange constituting the primary market for the Company’s stock on the date preceding the date the withholding is determined.
 
     19.Arbitration. In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of the parties’ employment relationship or this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, wrongful termination, or age, race, sex, disability or other discrimination), all such disputes shall be fully, finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association in the city in which the Executive’s principal place of employment is located by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that this arbitration provision shall not apply, unless the Company elects otherwise, to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the Executive’s breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If either the Company or the Executive shall request, arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. The Company shall pay all costs of any arbitration; provided, however, that each party shall pay its own attorney and advisor fees.
 
19

 

     If there is termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company followed by a dispute as to whether the Executive is entitled to the benefits provided under this Agreement, then, during the period of that dispute the Company shall pay the Executive fifty percent (50%) of the amount specified in Section 8 hereof (except that the Company shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of any insurance premiums provided for in Section 8), if, and only if, the Executive agrees in writing that if the dispute is resolved against the Executive, the Executive shall promptly refund to the Company all such payments received by, or made by the Company on behalf of, the Executive. If the dispute is resolved in the Executive’s favor, promptly after resolution of the dispute the Company shall pay the Executive the sum that was withheld during the period of the dispute plus interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(d) of the Code, compounded quarterly.
 
     20.Attorney’s Fees. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in any action or dispute arising out of this Agreement.
 
     21.Miscellaneous. No right or interest to, or in, any payments shall be assignable by the Executive; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be precluded from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and the legal representative of the Executive’s estate shall not be precluded from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and, the Company and its successors.
 
     22.Compliance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this Agreement that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Code Section 409A (“ Section 409A Deferred Compensation ”) shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such Section (such Section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “ Section 409A ”), including the following:
 
          (a)Separation from Service. Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Executive’s termination of employment shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of the Executive’s employment which constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “ Separation from Service ” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
20

 

          (b)Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees.If, at the time of a Separation from Service of the Executive, the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B(i) (a “ Specified Employee ”), then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Separation from Service of the Executive shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of death of the Executive (in either case, the “ Delayed Payment Date ”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with Section 8. All such amounts that would, but for this Section 22(b), become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.
 
          (c)Health Care and Estate Planning Benefits.In the event that all or any of the health care or estate planning benefits to be provided pursuant to Sections 8(e)(i)(2)(c) or 8(e)(i)(2)(d) as a result of a Participant’s Separation from Service constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation, the Company shall provide for such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation in a manner that complies with Section 409A. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, the Company shall determine the health care premium cost necessary to provide such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation for the applicable coverage period and shall pay such premium cost which becomes due and payable during the applicable coverage period on the applicable due date for such premiums; provided, however, that if the Executive is a Specified Employee, the Company shall not pay any such premium cost until the Delayed Payment Date. If the Company’s payment pursuant to the previous sentence is subject to a Delayed Payment Date, the Executive shall pay the premium cost otherwise payable by the Company prior to the Delayed Payment Date, and on the Delayed Payment Date the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such Company premium cost paid by the Executive and shall pay the balance of the Company’s premium cost necessary to provide such benefit coverage for the remainder of the applicable coverage period as and when it becomes due and payable over the applicable period.
 
          (d)Stock-Based Awards. The vesting of any stock-based compensation awards which constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation and are held by the Executive, if the Executive is a Specified Employee, shall be accelerated in accordance with this Agreement to the extent applicable; provided, however, that the payment in settlement of any such awards shall occur on the Delayed Payment Date. Any stock-based compensation which vests and becomes payable upon a Change in Control in accordance with Section 8(e)(i)(1) shall not be subject to this Section 22(d).
 
          (e)Installments. Executive’s right to receive any installment payments payable hereunder shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.
 
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          (f)Reimbursements. To the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, such reimbursements shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the cost was incurred, the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
 
          (g)Rights of the Company; Release of Liability.It is the mutual intention of the Executive and the Company that the provision of all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. To the extent that the provision of any such payment or benefit pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement would fail to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of the Executive, make such modifications to the timing or manner of providing such payment and/or benefit to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to make any such modifications. Any such modifications made by the Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, preserve the aggregate monetary face value of such payments and/or benefits provided by this Agreement in the absence of such modification; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be obligated to pay any interest or other compensation in respect of any delay in the provision of such payments or benefits in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that (i) the provisions of this Section 22 may result in a delay in the time at which payments would otherwise be made pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the Company is authorized to amend the this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by the Executive under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by the Company, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to comply with Section 409A (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder) without prior notice to or consent of the Executive. The Executive hereby releases and holds harmless the Company, its directors, officers and stockholders from any and all claims that may arise from or relate to any tax liability, penalties, interest, costs, fees or other liability incurred by the Executive as a result of the application of Code Section 409A.
 
     23.Future Equity Compensation.The Executive understands and acknowledges that all awards, if any, of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation by the Company are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof. The Executive further understands and acknowledges, however, that unless the Executive has executed this Agreement and each successive amendment extending the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term of the Agreement as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive, it is the intention of the Board of Directors and the Executive that, notwithstanding any continued employment with the Company, (a) the Company shall have no obligation to grant any award of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or any other form of equity compensation which might otherwise have been granted to the Executive on or after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or such successive Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign the Agreement or the applicable Term of Employment extension amendment and (b) any such award which is nevertheless granted to the Executive after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign such Agreement or applicable extension amendment shall not vest unless and until the Executive has executed the Agreement or applicable extension amendment, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing such award to the contrary.
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Executive Employment Agreement effective as of the date and year first above written.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	               	EXECUTIVE	

 	 	 	
By: Michael Balmuth	 	  	 	
Vice Chairman and Chief	 	 	
Executive Officer	 	 	
 
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Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
 
This is an Agreement between ______________ (“Executive”) and Ross Stores, Inc. (“Ross”). The parties agree to the following terms and conditions:
 
1.	 	Executive ______________ employment with Ross effective ______________ (the “Separation Date”).	
 	
2.	 	Any inquiries by prospective employers or others should be referred to Ross’ third party provider The Work Number, phone number 1-800-367-5690 or http://www.theworknumber.com.	
 	
3.	 	Executive understands that the Executive Employment Agreement, effective _______ (“Executive Agreement”), requires Executive to execute this General Release as a condition to receiving cash payments, benefits and equity as may be provided under the terms of the Executive Agreement.	
 	
4.	     	In consideration for Ross’ promises herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges Ross, and all parent corporations, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assignees, as well as the current and former employees, attorneys, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “Releases”), of and from any and all claims, judgments, promises, agreements, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or liabilities of whatever kind and character, known and unknown, which Executive may now have, has ever had, or may in the future have, arising from or in any way connected with any and all matters from the beginning of time to the date hereof, including but not limited to any alleged causes of action for:	
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
The National Labor Relations Act, as amended
The Civil Rights Act of 1991
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The United States Equal pay Act of 1963
North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act,
North Carolina Gen. Stat. §§ 143-422.1 to 143-422.3,
North Carolina Handicapped Persons Protection Act.,
North Carolina Gen. Stat. §§ 168A-1 to 168A-12,
North Carolina Wage and Hour Act,
 
Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	

1

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
North Carolina Gen. Stat. §§ 95-25.1 to 95-25.25,
North Carolina Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act,
North Carolina Gen. Stat §§ 95-240 to 95-245,
South Carolina Human Affairs Law,
South Carolina Code Ann. § 1-13-10, et seq.,
South Carolina Wage Payment Law,
South Carolina Code Ann. § 41-10-10
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance
Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law, or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters
5.	 	This Agreement does not prevent Executive from filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, although by signing this Agreement Executive waives his or her right to recover any damages or other relief in any claim or suit brought by or through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other state or local agency on his or her behalf under any federal or state discrimination law, except where prohibited by law. Executive agrees to release and discharge Ross not only from any and all claims which he or she could make on his or her own behalf but also specifically waive any right to become, and promise not to become, a member of any class in any proceeding or case in which a claim or claims against Ross may arise, in whole or in part, from any event which occurred as of the date of this Agreement. Executive agrees to pay for any legal fees or costs incurred by Ross as a result of any breach of the promises in this paragraph. The parties agree that if Executive, by no action of his or her own, becomes a mandatory member of any class from which he or she cannot, by operation of law or order of court, opt out, Executive shall not be required to pay for any legal fees or costs incurred by Ross as a result.	
 	
6.	 	Executive affirms that he or she has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he or she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to him or her, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that he or she has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested, including any under the Family and Medical Leave Act or any other leaves authorized by federal or state law, and that Executive has not reported any purported improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities to any supervisor, manager, executive human resources representative or agent of Ross Stores and has no knowledge of any such improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities. Executive additionally represents and affirms that during the course of employment at Ross, Executive has taken no actions contrary to or inconsistent with Executive’s job responsibilities or the best interests of Ross’ business.	
 	
7.	     	The parties expressly acknowledge that those certain employment obligations set forth in the Executive Agreement, including but not limited to all obligations set forth in Paragraph 9 of the Executive Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect for the time period(s) specified in the Executive Agreement.	

Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
2

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
8.	 	Executive agrees that this is a private agreement and that he or she will not discuss the fact that it exists or its terms with anyone else except with his or her spouse, attorney, accountant, or as required by law. Further, Executive agrees not to defame, disparage or demean Ross in any way (excluding actions or communications expressly required or permitted by law	
 	
9.	 	Any party to this Agreement may bring an action in law or equity for its breach. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, only the provisions of this Agreement alleged to have been breached shall be disclosed.	
 	
10.	 	This Agreement has been made in the State of South Carolina and the law of said State shall apply to it. If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remaining parts of the Agreement will remain in effect as if no invalid part existed.	
 	
11.	 	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties, except for any confidentiality, trade secrets and inventions agreements previously entered into with the company (which will remain in full force and effect), and may not be modified except in a writing agreed to and signed by both parties, providing however that Employer may modify this form of agreement from time to time solely as needed to comply with federal, state or local laws in effect that the time this Agreement is to be executed. Executive acknowledges that he or she has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to him or her in connection with his or her decision to accept this Agreement except for those set forth in this Agreement.	
 	
12.	     	Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and fully cooperate with Ross in defending any anticipated, threatened, or actual litigation that currently exists, or may arise subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. Such cooperation includes, but is not limited to, meeting with internal Ross employees to discuss and review issues which Executive was directly or indirectly involved with during employment with Ross, participating in any investigation conducted by Ross either internally or by outside counsel or consultants, signing declarations or witness statements, preparing for and serving as a witness in any civil or administrative proceeding by both depositions or a witness at trial, reviewing documents and similar activities that Ross deems necessary. Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and cooperate in answering questions regarding any previous or current project Executive worked on while employed by Ross so as to insure a smooth transition of responsibilities and to minimize any adverse consequences of Executive’s departure.	

Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
3

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
FOR 40+
 
13.	 	Waiver: By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that he or she:	
 	
 	 	(a)	 	Has carefully read and understands this Agreement;	
 	
 	 	(b)	 	Has been given a full twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the terms of this Agreement and consult with an attorney of his or her choice, and to the extent he or she executes this Agreement prior to expiration of the full twenty-one (21) days, knowingly and voluntarily waives that period following consultation with an attorney of his or her choice;	
 	
 	 	(c)	 	Is, through this Agreement, releasing Ross from any and all claims he or she may have against it that have arisen as of the date of this Agreement, including but not limited to, rights or claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. §62l,  et seq .);	
 	
 	     	(d)	     	Knowingly and voluntarily agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;	
 	
 	 	(e)	 	Knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the same;	
 	
 	 	(f)	 	Is hereby advised in writing to consider the terms of this Agreement and to consult with an attorney of his or her choice prior to executing this Agreement;	
 	
 	 	(g)	 	Has consulted with an attorney of his or her choosing prior to signing this Agreement;	
 	
 	 	(h)	 	Understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq.) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived;	
 	
 	 	(i)	 	Has a full seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement ("the Revocation Period") in writing and hereby is advised that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has expired.	
 	
14.	 	Executive fully understands the final and binding effect of the Agreement. Executive acknowledges that he or she signs this Agreement voluntarily of his or her own free will.	
 
The parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below:
 
Dated:	 	     	By: 	 	
 	 	 	 	     (“Executive”)	

Dated:	 	 	By:	 	
 	 	 	 	     ROSS STORES, INC. (“Ross”)	

Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
4

 

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
     THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made effective _______ (the “Effective Date ”) by and between Ross Stores, Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Delaware corporation, and _____________ (the “ Executive ”).
 
RECITALS
 
     A.The Company wishes to employ the Executive, and the Executive is willing to accept such employment, as _____________________________________.
 
     B.It is now the mutual desire of the Company and the Executive to enter into a written employment agreement to govern the terms of the Executive’s employment by the Company as of and following the Effective Date on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
     In consideration for the promises of the parties set forth below, the Company and theExecutive hereby agree as follows:
 
     1.Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, the term of employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement (the “ Term of Employment ”) shall be as follows:
 
          (a)Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and end on ________ (the “ Initial Term ”), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.
 
          (b)Renewal Term. Upon the timely written request of the Executive to extend the Term of Employment, the Compensation Committee (the “ Committee ”) of the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of the Company shall consider extending the Executive’s employment with the Company under this Agreement. To be timely, such request must be delivered to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then effective Initial Term or Renewal Term and, in any case, while the Executive remains an employee of the Company. Such request must contain no proposed modification to the provisions of this Agreement other than an extension of the Term of Employment as then in effect for an additional two (2) years. Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of such notice, the Chief Executive Officer will discuss such request with the Committee and advise the Executive, in writing, within thirty (30) days following its consideration of the Executive’s written request, of the approval or disapproval of such extension request. The failure to provide such written advice shall constitute a denial of the Executive’s request for extension. If the Executive’s request for an extension is approved, the Term of Employment shall be extended for two (2) additional years commencing on the date immediately following the date of expiration of the Term of Employment in effect at the time of the Executive’s written request. Such additional two-year period is referred to herein as a “ Renewal Term .”

 

     2.Position and Duties. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall serve as ________________. As used in this Agreement, the term “Company” includes Ross Stores, Inc. and each and any of its divisions, affiliates or subsidiaries (except that, where the term relates to stock, stockholders, stock options or other stock-based awards or the Board, it means Ross Stores, Inc.). The Executive’s employment may be transferred, assigned, or re-assigned to Ross Stores, Inc. or a division, affiliate or subsidiary of Ross Stores, Inc., and such transfer, assignment, or re-assignment will not constitute a termination of employment or “Good Reason” for the Executive’s termination of employment under this Agreement. During the Term of Employment, the Executive may engage in outside activities provided those activities (including but not limited to membership on boards of directors of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations) do not conflict with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, and provided further that the Executive gives written notice to the Board of any significant outside business activity in which the Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit.
 
     3.Principal Place of Employment. The Executive shall be employed at theCompany’s offices in New York, New York, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with present business travel obligations of the Executive’s position.
 
     4.Compensation and Related Matters.
 
          (a)Salary. During the Term of Employment, the Company shall pay to the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than _____________________________ Dollars ($________) per annum. The Executive’s salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices applicable to senior executives. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 4(a), the Executive’s salary may be adjusted from time to time by the Committee in accordance with normal business practices of the Company.
 
          (b)Bonus.During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus paid under the Company’s existing incentive bonus plan under which the Executive is eligible (which is currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plan that may subsequently be established and in effect during the Term of Employment. The current target annual bonus the Executive is eligible to earn upon achievement of 100% of all applicable performance targets under such incentive bonus plan is __% of the Executive’s then effective annual salary rate. The Executive’s termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination (as described in Sections 6(c) and 6(f), respectively) prior to the Company’s payment of the bonus for a fiscal year of the Company will cause the Executive to be ineligible for any annual bonus for that fiscal year or any pro-rata portion of such bonus.
 
          (c) Expenses. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all other reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services hereunder, including all reasonable expenses of travel and living while away from home, provided that such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Company.
 
2

 

          (d)Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit plans and arrangements in which senior executives of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company shall not make any changes in such plans or arrangements which would adversely affect the Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, unless such change occurs pursuant to a program applicable to all senior executives of the Company and does not result in a proportionately greater reduction in the rights or benefits of the Executive as compared with any other similarly situated senior executive of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Company in the future to its senior executives, subject to, and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing paid to the Executive under any plan or arrangement presently in effect or made available in the future shall be in lieu of the salary or bonus otherwise payable under this Agreement.
 
          (e) Vacations. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to _______ (__) vacation days in each calendar year, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, determined in accordance with the Company’s vacation plan. The Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executives. Unused vacation days shall not be forfeited once they have been earned and, if still unused at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, shall be promptly paid to the Executive at their then-current value, based on the Executive’s daily salary rate at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment.
 
          (f) Services Furnished. The Company shall furnish the Executive with office space and such services as are suitable to the Executive’s position and adequate for the performance of the Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment.
 
     5.Confidential Information and Intellectual Property.
 
          (a)Other than in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive agrees not to use in any manner or disclose, distribute, publish, communicate or in any way cause to be used, disclosed, distributed, published, or communicated in any way or at any time, either while in the Company's employ or at any time thereafter, to any person not employed by the Company, or not engaged to render services to the Company, any Confidential Information (as defined below) obtained while in the employ of the Company.
 
          (b)Confidential Information includes any written or unwritten information which relates to and/or is used by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, including, without limitation (i) the names, addresses, buying habits and other special information regarding past, present and potential customers, employees and suppliers of the Company, (ii) customer and supplier contracts and transactions or price lists of the Company and suppliers, (iii) methods of distribution, (iv) all agreements, files, books, logs, charts, records, studies, reports, processes, schedules and statistical information, (v) data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, (vi) supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, sales information, and property information, (vii) information regarding the present or future phases of business, (viii) ideas, inventions, trademarks, business information, know-how, processes, techniques, improvements, designs, redesigns, creations, discoveries, trade secrets, and developments, (ix) all computer software licensed or developed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, computer programs, computer-based and web-based training programs, and systems, and (x) finances and financial information, but Confidential Information will not include information of the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions that (1) became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, (2) has been or is disclosed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions without restriction on its use, or (3) has been or is required or specifically permitted to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Company’s Chief Executive Officer confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge.
 
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          (c)The provisions of this Section 5 shall not preclude the Executive from disclosing such information to the Executive's professional tax advisor or legal counsel solely to the extent necessary to the rendering of their professional services to the Executive if such individuals agree to keep such information confidential.
 
          (d)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company’s employ the Executive will remain reasonably available to answer questions from Company officers regarding the Executive’s former duties and responsibilities and the knowledge the Executive obtained in connection therewith.
 
          (e)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company's employ the Executive will not communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television, or radio or social media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatening lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information) as a result of employment with the Company. The Executive further agrees to notify the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
 
          (f)The Executive agrees that all information, inventions, and discoveries, whether or not patented or patentable, made or conceived by the Executive, either alone or with others, at any time while employed by the Company, which arises out of such employment or is pertinent to any field of business or research in which, during such employment, the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions is engaged or (if such is known to or ascertainable by the Executive) is considering engaging (“ Intellectual Property ”) shall (i) be and remain the sole property of the Company and the Executive shall not seek a patent with respect to such Intellectual Property without the prior consent of an authorized representative of the Company and (ii) be disclosed promptly to an authorized representative of the Company along with all information the Executive possesses with regard to possible applications and uses. Further, at the request of the Company, and without expense or additional compensation to the Executive, the Executive agrees to execute such documents and perform such other acts as the Company deems necessary to obtain patents on such Intellectual Property in a jurisdiction or jurisdictions designated by the Company, and to assign to the Company or its designee such Intellectual Property and all patent applications and patents relating thereto.
 
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          (g)The Executive and the Company agree that the Executive intends all original works of authorship within the purview of the copyright laws of the United States authored or created by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company will be works for hire within the meaning of such copyright law.
 
          (h)Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, or at any time upon request of the Company, the Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information and Intellectual Property, in any form, including but not limited to letters, memoranda, reports, notes, notebooks, books of account, drawings, prints, specifications, formulae, data printouts, microfilms, magnetic tapes, disks, recordings, documents, and all copies thereof.
 
     6.Termination. The Executive’s employment may be terminated during the Term of Employment only as follows:
 
          (a)Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.
 
          (b)Disability. If, as a result of the Executive’s Disability (as defined below), the Executive shall have been absent from the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis for the entire period of six consecutive months, and, within thirty days after written notice of termination is given by the Company (which may occur before or after the end of such six-month period), the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis, the Executive’s employment shall terminate. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental illness, impairment or condition reasonably determined by the Board that prevents the Executive from performing the duties of the Executive’s position under this Agreement.
 
          (c)For Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause. For this purpose, “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) the Executive’s continuous failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder (unless such failure is a result of a Disability as defined in Section 6(b)), (ii) the Executive’s theft, dishonesty, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit or falsification of any documents of the Company, (iii) the Executive’s material failure to abide by the applicable code(s) of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct) of the Company, (iv) knowing or intentional misconduct by the Executive as a result of which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement, (v) the Executive’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company (including, without limitation, the Executive’s improper use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company), (vi) any intentional misconduct or illegal or grossly negligent conduct by the Executive which is materially injurious to the Company monetarily or otherwise, (vii) any material breach by the Executive of the provisions of Section 9 [Certain Employment Obligations] of this Agreement, or (viii) the Executive’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which materially impairs the Executive’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company. A termination for Cause shall not take effect unless: (1) the Executive is given written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Executive for Cause; (2) the notice specifically identifies the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act which are the basis for such termination; (3) where practicable, the notice is given within sixty (60) days of the Company’s learning of such act or acts or failure or failures to act; and (4) only in the case of clause (i), (iii), (v), (vi) or (vii) of the second sentence of this Section 6(c), the Executive fails to substantially cure such breach, to the extent such cure is possible, within sixty (60) days after the date that such written notice is given to the Executive.
 
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          (d)Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause. A termination “ Without Cause ” is a termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reasons other than the death or Disability of the Executive or the termination by the Company of the Executive for Cause as described in Section 6(c).
 
          (e)Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for “ Good Reason ,” which shall be deemed to occur if, within sixty (60) business days after receipt of written notice to the Company by the Executive of the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions, any of the following condition(s) have not been cured: (1) a failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of this Agreement (including but not limited to the reduction of the Executive’s salary or the target annual bonus opportunity set forth in Section 4(b)), (2) a significant diminishment in the nature or scope of the authority, power, function or duty attached to the position which the Executive currently maintains without the express written consent of the Executive, or (3) the relocation of the Executive’s Principal Place of Employment as described in Section 3 to a location that increases the regular one-way commute distance between the Executive’s residence and Principal Place of Employment by more than 25 miles without the Executive’s prior written consent. In order to constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the condition giving rise to the Good Reason termination within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the condition, and in the event such condition is timely cured by the Company, the termination shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason .
 
          (f)Voluntary Termination. The Executive may voluntarily resign from the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time (a “ Voluntary Termination ”). A voluntary resignation from employment by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(e) shall not be deemed a Voluntary Termination.
 
          (g)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Executive fails to request an extension of the Term of Employment in accordance with Section 1(b) or if the Committee fails to approve such request, this Agreement shall automatically expire at the end of the then current Term of Employment (a “ Non-Renewal Termination ”).
 
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     7.Notice and Effective Date of Termination
 
          (a)Notice. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive during the Term of Employment (other than as a result of the death of the Executive or a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g)) shall be communicated by written notice of termination to the other party hereto. Such notice shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under that provision.
 
          (b)Date of Termination. The date of termination of the Executive’s employment shall be:
 
                (i)if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death;
 
               (ii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to Disability pursuant to Section 6(b), the date of termination shall be the last to occur of the 31st day following delivery of the notice of termination to the Executive by the Company or the end of the consecutive six-month period referred to in Section 6(b).
 
               (iii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason by either party, the date on which a notice of termination is delivered to the other party; and
 
               (iv)if the Agreement expires pursuant to a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g), the parties’ employment relationship shall terminate on the last day of the then current Term of Employment without any notice.
 
     8.Compensation and Benefits Upon Termination.
 
          (a)Termination Due To Disability, Without Cause or For Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(b) [Disability], Section 6(d) [Without Cause], or Section 6(e) [Termination by Executive for Good Reason], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Salary. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive the Executive’s salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior to such termination of employment, through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
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               (ii)Bonus. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive an annual bonus through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect; provided, however, that the amount of the annual bonus determined in accordance with this Section 8(a) (ii) for the fiscal year of the Company in which such Term of Employment ends shall be prorated on the basis of the number of days of such Term of Employment occurring within such fiscal year. The amount of each annual bonus payable pursuant to this Section 8(a)(ii), prior to any proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned had no such termination under Section 8(a)(i) occurred, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the respective year having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonuses shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (iii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested in full upon such termination of employment.
 
               (iv)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of termination shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of termination, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
               (v)Other Equity Awards. Except as set forth in Sections 8(a)(iii), 8(a)(iv) and 8(c), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
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               (vi) Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for the amount equivalent to the Company’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed the lesser of [A] eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, or [B] the remainder of the Term of Employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(a) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (b)Termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(c) [For Cause] or Section 6(f) [Voluntary Termination], the Executive shall be entitled to receive only the salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. The Executive shall not be entitled to any bonus not paid prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive shall not be entitled to any prorated bonus payment for the year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Any stock options granted to the Executive by the Company shall continue to vest only through the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates, and unless otherwise provided by their terms, any restricted stock, performance share awards or other equity awards that were granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such awards. The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(b) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (c)Death.If the Executive’ employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(a) [Death], (i) the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive only the salary, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) at the time payable under the applicable Company bonus plan, an annual bonus shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate for the fiscal year of the Executive’s death based on the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for such fiscal year had the Executive not died, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for said year having been obtained, capped at 100% of the Executive’s target bonus for such fiscal year and pro-rated for the number of days the Executive is employed during such fiscal year until the Executive’s death; (iii) any restricted stock previously granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date of the Executive’s death shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such restricted stock; and (iv) the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to the Executive’s death.
 
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          (d)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Agreement expires as set forth in Section 6(g) [Non-Renewal Termination], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the date of the Executive’s termination of employment occurs, which shall be prorated for the number of days of such fiscal year that the Executive is employed by the Company. The amount of such annual bonus, prior to proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs had the Executive remained in its employment, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the year in which Executive terminates having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonus shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (ii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall be vested and exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
               (iii)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of non-renewal shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of non-renewal, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
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               (iv)Other Equity Awards.Except as set forth in Sections 8(d)(ii) and 8(d)(iii), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(d) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (e)Special Change in Control Provisions.
 
               (i) Change in Control Benefits.
 
                    (1)Without Regard to Termination of Employment.In the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), all shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company shall become vested in full immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control. Except as set forth in this Section 8(e)(i)(1) or Section 8(e)(i)(2) below, the treatment of stock options, performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of such Change in Control shall be determined in accordance with their terms.
 
                    (2)Upon Certain Termination of Employment.In addition to the benefits provided by Section 8(e)(i)(1) above, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either by the Company Without Cause (as defined in Section 6(d)) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6(e)), in either case within a period commencing one (1) month prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], the Executive shall be entitled to the following (in addition to any other payments or benefits provided under this Agreement), provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
                         a.Salary. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s then-current annual base salary. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(i) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(i) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a).
 
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                         b.Bonus. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s target annual bonus for the Company’s fiscal year then in effect on the date termination of employment occurs. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(ii) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(ii) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b).
 
                         c.Estate Planning.The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of the Executive’s estate planning expenses (including attorneys’ fees) on the same basis, if any, as to which the Executive was entitled to such reimbursements immediately prior to such termination of employment for the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
                         d. Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for Executive’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage available to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
               (ii)Change in Control Defined. A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall acquire during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or group, in one or a series of transactions, whether through sale of stock or merger, ownership of stock of the Company that constitutes 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or any successor to the Company; (2) a merger in which the Company is a party pursuant to which any person or such group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, or (3) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale, exchange, or transfer to one or more corporations where the stockholders of the Company before and after such sale, exchange, or transfer, directly or indirectly, are the beneficial owners of at least a majority of the voting stock of the corporation(s) to which the assets were transferred).
 
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               (iii)Excise Tax - Best After-Tax Result. In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payments”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this section, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, any successor provisions, or any comparable federal, state, local or foreign excise tax (“Excise Tax”), then, subject to the provisions of Section 8(e)(iv), such Payments shall be either (1) provided in full pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other applicable agreement, or (2) provided as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (“Reduced Amount”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes and the Excise Tax (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties on such taxes), results in the receipt by Executive, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of payments and benefits provided for hereunder or otherwise, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made by an independent advisor designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Independent Advisor”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required under this Section, Independent Advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code; provided that Independent Advisor shall assume that Executive pays all taxes at the highest marginal rate. The Company and Executive shall furnish to Independent Advisor such information and documents as Independent Advisor may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs that Independent Advisor may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section. In the event that Section 8(e)(iii)(b)(2) above applies, then based on the information provided to Executive and the Company by Independent Advisor, Executive may, in Executive’s sole discretion and within 30 days of the date on which Executive is provided with the information prepared by Independent Advisor, determine which and how much of the Payments (including the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards) to be otherwise received by Executive shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such determination the value (as calculated by Independent Advisor in accordance with the provisions of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code) of the amounts payable or distributable to Executive equals the Reduced Amount). If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) determines that any Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, then Section 8(e)(iv) hereof shall apply, and the enforcement of Section 8(e)(iv) shall be the exclusive remedy to the Company.
 
               (iv)Adjustments. If, notwithstanding any reduction described in Section 8(e)(iii) (or in the absence of any such reduction), the IRS determines that Executive is liable for the Excise Tax as a result of the receipt of one or more Payments, then Executive shall be obligated to surrender or pay back to the Company, within 120 days after a final IRS determination, an amount of such payments or benefits equal to the “Repayment Amount.” The Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be the smallest such amount, if any, as shall be required to be surrendered or paid to the Company so that Executive’s net proceeds with respect to such Payments (after taking into account the payment of the excise tax imposed on such Payments) shall be maximized. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be zero if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not eliminate the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments or if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not maximize the net amount received by Executive from the Payments. If the Excise Tax is not eliminated pursuant to this Section, Executive shall pay the Excise Tax.
 
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     9.Certain Employment Obligations.
 
          (a)Employee Acknowledgement. The Company and the Executive acknowledge that (i) the Company has a special interest in and derives significant benefit from the unique skills and experience of the Executive; (ii) as a result of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Executive will use and have access to some of the Company’s proprietary and valuable Confidential Information during the course of the Executive’s employment; (iii) the Confidential Information has been developed and created by the Company at substantial expense and constitutes valuable proprietary assets of the Company, and the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if, during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter, the Executive should disclose or improperly use such Confidential Information in violation of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if the Executive competes with the company in violation of this Agreement; (v) the Company will suffer substantial damage which will be difficult to compute if, the Executive solicits or interferes with the Company’s employees, clients, or customers; (vi) the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business of the Company; and (vii) the provisions of this Agreement will not preclude the Executive from obtaining other gainful employment or service.
 
          (b)Non-Compete.
 
               (i)During the Term of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Executive's termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, control, be employed by, consult with, participate in, or be connected in any manner with the ownership, management, operation, control of, or otherwise become involved with, any Competing Business, nor shall the Executive undertake any planning to engage in any such activity.
 
     For purposes of this Agreement, a Competing Business shall mean any of the following: (1) any off-price retailer or retailer of discount merchandise, including without limitation, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, TJX Companies Inc., Stein Mart, Inc., (2) Macy’s, Inc. and Kohl’s Corporation, and (3) any affiliates, subsidiaries or successors of businesses identified above.
 
          (ii)The foregoing restrictions in Section 9(b)(i) shall have no force or effect in the event that: (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated either by the Company pursuant to Section 6(d) [Without Cause] or by the Executive pursuant to Section 6(e) [Termination by the Executive for Good Reason]; or (ii) the Company fails to approve or grant an extension of this Agreement in accordance with Section 1 hereof.
 
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               (iii)Section 9(b)(i) shall not prohibit the Executive from making any investment of 1% or less of the equity securities of any publicly-traded corporation which is considered to be a Competing Business.
 
          (c)Non-Solicitation of Employees.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of that employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the written permission of the Company or an affected affiliate, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, employ or retain, or have or cause any other person or entity to solicit, employ or retain, any person who is employed by the Company or was employed by the Company during the 6-month period prior to such solicitation, employment, or retainer, (ii) encourage any such person not to devote his or her full business time to the Company, or (iii) agree to hire or employ any such person.
 
          (d)Non-Solicitation of Third Parties.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or otherwise influence any entity with a business arrangement with the Company, including, without limitation, suppliers, sales representatives, lenders, lessors, and lessees, to discontinue, reduce, or otherwise materially or adversely affect such relationship.
 
          (e)Non-Disparagement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive will not defame or criticize the services, business, integrity, veracity, or personal or professional reputation of the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents of any of the foregoing in either a professional or personal manner either during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter.
 
     10.Company Remedies for Executive’s Breach of Certain Obligations.
 
          (a)The Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event that the Executive breaches or threatens to breach Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement, all compensation and benefits otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement and the vesting and/or exercisability of all stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation previously awarded to the Executive, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing any such award to the contrary, shall immediately cease.
 
          (b)The Company shall give prompt notice to the Executive of its discovery of a breach by the Executive of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If it is determined by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board that the Executive has breached Section 9 of this Agreement and has not cured such breach within ten (10) business days of such notice, then:
 
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               (i)the Executive shall forfeit to the Company (A) all stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding and unexercised or unpaid as of the date of such determination by the Board (the “ Breach Determination Date ”) and (B) all shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company which continue to be held by the Executive as of the Breach Determination Date to the extent that such awards vested during the Forfeiture Period (as defined below); and
 
               (ii)the Executive shall pay to the Company all gains realized by the Executive upon (A) the exercise by or payment in settlement to the Executive on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company and (B) the sale on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company and which vested during the Forfeiture Period.
 
          (c)For purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the exercise or payment in settlement of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards shall be equal to (A) the closing sale price on the date of exercise or settlement (as reported on the stock exchange or market system constituting the principal market for the shares subject to the applicable award) of the number of vested shares issued to the Executive upon such exercise or settlement, reduced by the purchase price, if any, paid by the Executive to acquire such shares, or (B) if any such award was settled by payment in cash to the Executive, the gain realized by the Executive shall be equal to the amount of cash paid to the Executive. Further, for purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the sale of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sale realized by the Executive. Gains determined for purposes of this Section shall be determined without regard to any subsequent increase or decrease in the market price of the Company’s stock or taxes paid by or withheld from the Executive with respect to such transactions.
 
          (d)For the purposes of this Section, the “Forfeiture Period” shall be the period ending on the Breach Determination Date and beginning on the earlier of (A) the date six months prior to the Breach Determination Date or (B) the business day immediately preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.
 
          (e)The Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) to deduct from any amounts payable from time to time to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (including wages or other compensation, vacation pay or other benefits, and any other amounts owed to the Executive by the Company) any and all amounts the Executive is required to pay to the Company pursuant to this Section. The Executive agrees to pay to the Company immediately upon the Breach Determination Date the amount payable by the Executive to the Company pursuant to this Section which the Company has not recovered by means of such deductions.
 
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          (f)The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Company for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement and that the Company will not have any adequate remedy at law. For this reason, such breach or threatened breach will not be subject to the arbitration clause in Section 19; rather, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief, and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain such breach or threatened breach. The Company may obtain such relief from (1) any court of competent jurisdiction, (2) an arbitrator pursuant to Section 19 hereof, or (3) a combination of the two (e.g., by simultaneously seeking arbitration under Section 19 and a temporary injunction from a court pending the outcome of the arbitration). It shall be the Company’s sole and exclusive right to elect which approach to use to vindicate its rights. The Executive further agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach, without posting a bond or having to prove irreparable harm or damages, and to obtain all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition, the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement.
 
          (g)Recoupment: Executive hereby understands and agrees that the Executive is subject to the Company’s recoupment policy. Under the current policy applicable to the Company’s senior executives, subject to the discretion and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Company may, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of any cash payments and reimbursement and/or cancellation of any Performance Share or Common Shares issued in settlement of a Performance Share to the Executive where all of the following factors are present: (1) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement, (2) the Board determines that the Executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (3) a lower award would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each instance, the Company may seek to recover the Executive’s entire gain received by the Executive within the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest.
 
     11.Exercise of Stock Options Following Termination.If the Executive's employment terminates, Executive (or the Executive's estate) may exercise the Executive's right to purchase any vested stock under the stock options granted to Executive by the Company as provided in the applicable stock option agreement or Company plan. All such purchases must be made by the Executive in accordance with the applicable stock option plans and agreements between the parties.
 
     12.Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to the Executive hereunder, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable law to the Executive’s beneficiary pursuant to a written designation of beneficiary ,  or, if there is no effective written designation of beneficiary by the Executive, to the Executive’s estate.
 
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     13.Insurance and Indemnity. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Executive during the Term of Employment under any directors and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained for its directors and officers, with coverage at least as favorable to the Executive in amount and each other material respect as the coverage of other officers covered thereby. The Company’s obligation to provide insurance and indemnify the Executive shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions of the Executive occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company. Such obligations shall be binding upon the Company’s successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.
 
     14.Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices, demands and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
           	If to the Executive:	      	 	
 	 	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	1372 Broadway, 10th Floor	
 	 	 	New York, NY 10018	
 	 	
 	If to the Company:	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	 	Attention: General Counsel	

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
 
     15.Complete Agreement; Modification, Waiver; Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with any stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, represents the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, promises or representations of the parties, except those relating to repayment of signing and related bonuses, or relocation expense reimbursements. To the extent that the bonus payment provisions (i.e., post-termination bonus payments) provided in this Agreement differ from the provisions of the Company’s incentive bonus plans (currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plans, such bonus payments shall be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement except to the extent expressly prohibited by law. Except as provided by Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], no provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except in a document signed by the Executive and the chairman of the Committee or such other person as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by the Executive or the Company of any breach of, or lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or the same condition or provision at another time. To the extent that this Agreement is in any way deemed to be inconsistent with any prior or contemporaneous stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, or term sheet referencing such specific awards, the terms of this Agreement shall control. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
 
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     16.Governing Law - Severability. The validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Executive’s principle place of employment described in Section 3 is located without reference to that state’s choice of law rules. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, for any reason, the invalidity of that provision shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question unenforceable in any other jurisdiction or in any other case or of rendering any other provisions herein unenforceable, but the invalid provision shall be substituted with a valid provision which most closely approximates the intent and the economic effect of the invalid provision and which would be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted in such jurisdiction or in such case.
 
     17.Mitigation Not Required. In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment following such termination. However, any amounts due the Executive under Sections 8(a)(i); 8(a)(ii); 8(e)(i)(2)(a),(b),(c) or (d); and/or any additional salary provided under Section 8(e)(i)(1) of this Agreement shall be offset by any cash remuneration, health care coverage and/or estate planning reimbursements attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain during the period of payment of compensation under this Agreement following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
     18.Withholding.All payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law. To the extent permitted, the Executive may provide all or any part of any necessary withholding by contributing Company stock with value, determined on the date such withholding is due, equal to the number of shares contributed multiplied by the closing price per share as reported on the securities exchange constituting the primary market for the Company’s stock on the date preceding the date the withholding is determined.
 
     19.Arbitration. In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of the parties’ employment relationship or this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, wrongful termination, or age, race, sex, disability or other discrimination), all such disputes shall be fully, finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association in the city in which the Executive’s principal place of employment is located by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that this arbitration provision shall not apply, unless the Company elects otherwise, to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the Executive’s breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If either the Company or the Executive shall request, arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. The Company shall pay all costs of any arbitration; provided, however, that each party shall pay its own attorney and advisor fees.
 
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     If there is termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company followed by a dispute as to whether the Executive is entitled to the benefits provided under this Agreement, then, during the period of that dispute the Company shall pay the Executive fifty percent (50%) of the amount specified in Section 8 hereof (except that the Company shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of any insurance premiums provided for in Section 8), if, and only if, the Executive agrees in writing that if the dispute is resolved against the Executive, the Executive shall promptly refund to the Company all such payments received by, or made by the Company on behalf of, the Executive. If the dispute is resolved in the Executive’s favor, promptly after resolution of the dispute the Company shall pay the Executive the sum that was withheld during the period of the dispute plus interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(d) of the Code, compounded quarterly.
 
     20.Attorney’s Fees. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in any action or dispute arising out of this Agreement.
 
     21.Miscellaneous. No right or interest to, or in, any payments shall be assignable by the Executive; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be precluded from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and the legal representative of the Executive’s estate shall not be precluded from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and, the Company and its successors.
 
     22.Compliance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this Agreement that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Code Section 409A (“ Section 409A Deferred Compensation ”) shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such Section (such Section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “ Section 409A ”), including the following:
 
          (a)Separation from Service. Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Executive’s termination of employment shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of the Executive’s employment which constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “ Separation from Service ” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
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          (b)Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees.If, at the time of a Separation from Service of the Executive, the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B(i) (a “ Specified Employee ”), then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Separation from Service of the Executive shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of death of the Executive (in either case, the “ Delayed Payment Date ”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with Section 8. All such amounts that would, but for this Section 22(b), become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.
 
          (c)Health Care and Estate Planning Benefits.In the event that all or any of the health care or estate planning benefits to be provided pursuant to Sections 8(e)(i)(2)(c) or 8(e)(i)(2)(d) as a result of a Participant’s Separation from Service constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation, the Company shall provide for such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation in a manner that complies with Section 409A. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, the Company shall determine the health care premium cost necessary to provide such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation for the applicable coverage period and shall pay such premium cost which becomes due and payable during the applicable coverage period on the applicable due date for such premiums; provided, however, that if the Executive is a Specified Employee, the Company shall not pay any such premium cost until the Delayed Payment Date. If the Company’s payment pursuant to the previous sentence is subject to a Delayed Payment Date, the Executive shall pay the premium cost otherwise payable by the Company prior to the Delayed Payment Date, and on the Delayed Payment Date the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such Company premium cost paid by the Executive and shall pay the balance of the Company’s premium cost necessary to provide such benefit coverage for the remainder of the applicable coverage period as and when it becomes due and payable over the applicable period.
 
          (d)Stock-Based Awards. The vesting of any stock-based compensation awards which constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation and are held by the Executive, if the Executive is a Specified Employee, shall be accelerated in accordance with this Agreement to the extent applicable; provided, however, that the payment in settlement of any such awards shall occur on the Delayed Payment Date. Any stock-based compensation which vests and becomes payable upon a Change in Control in accordance with Section 8(e)(i)(1) shall not be subject to this Section 22(d).
 
          (e)Installments. Executive’s right to receive any installment payments payable hereunder shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.
 
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          (f)Reimbursements. To the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, such reimbursements shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the cost was incurred, the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
 
          (g)Rights of the Company; Release of Liability.It is the mutual intention of the Executive and the Company that the provision of all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. To the extent that the provision of any such payment or benefit pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement would fail to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of the Executive, make such modifications to the timing or manner of providing such payment and/or benefit to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to make any such modifications. Any such modifications made by the Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, preserve the aggregate monetary face value of such payments and/or benefits provided by this Agreement in the absence of such modification; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be obligated to pay any interest or other compensation in respect of any delay in the provision of such payments or benefits in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that (i) the provisions of this Section 22 may result in a delay in the time at which payments would otherwise be made pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the Company is authorized to amend the this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by the Executive under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by the Company, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to comply with Section 409A (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder) without prior notice to or consent of the Executive. The Executive hereby releases and holds harmless the Company, its directors, officers and stockholders from any and all claims that may arise from or relate to any tax liability, penalties, interest, costs, fees or other liability incurred by the Executive as a result of the application of Code Section 409A.
 
     23.Future Equity Compensation.The Executive understands and acknowledges that all awards, if any, of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation by the Company are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof. The Executive further understands and acknowledges, however, that unless the Executive has executed this Agreement and each successive amendment extending the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term of the Agreement as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive, it is the intention of the Board of Directors and the Executive that, notwithstanding any continued employment with the Company, (a) the Company shall have no obligation to grant any award of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or any other form of equity compensation which might otherwise have been granted to the Executive on or after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or such successive Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign the Agreement or the applicable Term of Employment extension amendment and (b) any such award which is nevertheless granted to the Executive after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign such Agreement or applicable extension amendment shall not vest unless and until the Executive has executed the Agreement or applicable extension amendment, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing such award to the contrary.
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Executive Employment Agreement effective as of the date and year first above written.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	           	EXECUTIVE	

 	
 	 	 	
By: Michael Balmuth	 	 	 	
Vice Chairman and Chief	 	 	
Executive Officer	 	 	

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Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
 
This is an Agreement between ______________ (“Executive”) and Ross Stores, Inc. (“Ross”). The parties agree to the following terms and conditions:
 
1.	    	Executive ______________ employment with Ross effective ______________ (the “Separation Date”).	
 	
2.	 	Any inquiries by prospective employers or others should be referred to Ross’ third party provider The Work Number, phone number 1-800-367-5690 or http://www.theworknumber.com.	
 	
3.	 	Executive understands that the Executive Employment Agreement, effective ______________ (“Executive Agreement”), requires Executive to execute this General Release as a condition to receiving cash payments, benefits and equity as may be provided under the terms of the Executive Agreement.	
 	
4.	 	In consideration for Ross’ promises herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges Ross, and all parent corporations, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assignees, as well as the current and former employees, attorneys, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “Releasees”), of and from any and all claims, judgments, promises, agreements, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or liabilities of whatever kind and character, known and unknown, which Executive may now have, has ever had, or may in the future have, arising from or in any way connected with any and all matters from the beginning of time to the date hereof, including but not limited to any alleged causes of action for:	

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
The National Labor Relations Act, as amended
The Civil Rights Act of 1991
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The United States Equal pay Act of 1963
The New York State Civil Rights Act, as amended;
The New York Equal Pay Law, as amended;
The New York State Human Rights Law, as amended;
The New York City Administrative Code and Charter, as amended;
The New York State Labor Law, as amended;
 	 	 	
Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
1

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
The Retaliation Provisions of the New York State Workers Compensation Law and the New York State Disability Benefits Law, as amended;
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance
Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law, or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters
5.	    	This Agreement does not prevent Executive from filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, although by signing this Agreement Executive waives his or her right to recover any damages or other relief in any claim or suit brought by or through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other state or local agency on his or her behalf under any federal or state discrimination law, except where prohibited by law. Executive agrees to release and discharge Ross not only from any and all claims which he or she could make on his or her own behalf but also specifically waive any right to become, and promise not to become, a member of any class in any proceeding or case in which a claim or claims against Ross may arise, in whole or in part, from any event which occurred as of the date of this Agreement. Executive agrees to pay for any legal fees or costs incurred by Ross as a result of any breach of the promises in this paragraph. The parties agree that if Executive, by no action of his or her own, becomes a mandatory member of any class from which he or she cannot, by operation of law or order of court, opt out, Executive shall not be required to pay for any legal fees or costs incurred by Ross as a result.	
 	
6.	 	Executive affirms that he or she has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he or she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to him or her, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that he or she has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested, including any under the Family and Medical Leave Act or any other leaves authorized by federal or state law, and that Executive has not reported any purported improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities to any supervisor, manager, executive human resources representative or agent of Ross Stores and has no knowledge of any such improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities. Executive additionally represents and affirms that during the course of employment at Ross, Executive has taken no actions contrary to or inconsistent with Executive’s job responsibilities or the best interests of Ross’ business.	
 	
7.	 	The parties expressly acknowledge that those certain employment obligations set forth in the Executive Agreement, including but not limited to all obligations set forth in Paragraph 9 of the Executive Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect for the time period(s) specified in the Executive Agreement.	

Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
2

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
8.	    	Executive agrees that this is a private agreement and that he or she will not discuss the fact that it exists or its terms with anyone else except with his or her spouse, attorney, accountant, or as required by law. Further, Executive agrees not to defame, disparage or demean Ross in any way (excluding actions or communications expressly required or permitted by law	
 	
9.	 	Any party to this Agreement may bring an action in law or equity for its breach. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, only the provisions of this Agreement alleged to have been breached shall be disclosed.	
 	
10.	 	This Agreement has been made in the State of New York and the law of said State shall apply to it. If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remaining parts of the Agreement will remain in effect as if no invalid part existed.	
 	
11.	 	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties, except for any confidentiality, trade secrets and inventions agreements previously entered into with the company (which will remain in full force and effect), and may not be modified except in a writing agreed to and signed by both parties, providing however that Employer may modify this form of agreement from time to time solely as needed to comply with federal, state or local laws in effect that the time this Agreement is to be executed. Executive acknowledges that he or she has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to him or her in connection with his or her decision to accept this Agreement except for those set forth in this Agreement.	
 	
12.	 	Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and fully cooperate with Ross in defending any anticipated, threatened, or actual litigation that currently exists, or may arise subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. Such cooperation includes, but is not limited to, meeting with internal Ross employees to discuss and review issues which Executive was directly or indirectly involved with during employment with Ross, participating in any investigation conducted by Ross either internally or by outside counsel or consultants, signing declarations or witness statements, preparing for and serving as a witness in any civil or administrative proceeding by both depositions or a witness at trial, reviewing documents and similar activities that Ross deems necessary. Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and cooperate in answering questions regarding any previous or current project Executive worked on while employed by Ross so as to insure a smooth transition of responsibilities and to minimize any adverse consequences of Executive’s departure.	

 	    	FOR 40+	
13.	 	Waiver: By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that he or she:	
 	
 	 	(a) Has carefully read and understands this Agreement;	

 	 	 	
Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
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Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
 	    	(b) Has been given a full twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the terms of this Agreement and consult with an attorney of his or her choice, and to the extent he or she executes this Agreement prior to expiration of the full twenty-one (21) days, knowingly and voluntarily waives that period following consultation with an attorney of his or her choice;
 
(c) Is, through this Agreement, releasing Ross from any and all claims he or she may have against it that have arisen as of the date of this Agreement, including but not limited to, rights or claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. §62l,  et seq .);
 
(d) Knowingly and voluntarily agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;
 
(e) Knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the same;
 
(f) Is hereby advised in writing to consider the terms of this Agreement and to consult with an attorney of his or her choice prior to executing this Agreement;
 
(g) Has consulted with an attorney of his or her choosing prior to signing this Agreement;
 
(h) Understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq.) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived;
 
(i) Has a full seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement ("the Revocation Period") in writing and hereby is advised that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has expired.	
 	 	 	
14.	 	Executive fully understands the final and binding effect of the Agreement. Executive acknowledges that he or she signs this Agreement voluntarily of his or her own free will.	
 	
 	 	The parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below:	
 
Dated: 	 	 	By:	 	
 	 	 	(“Executive”)	

 	 	
Dated:	 	 	By:	 	
 	 	 	ROSS STORES, INC. (“Ross”)	

 	 	 	
Executive’s Initials	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
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EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
     THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made effective March 16, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between Ross Stores, Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Delaware corporation, and Barbara Rentler (the “ Executive ”).
 
RECITALS
 
     A.The Company wishes to employ the Executive, and the Executive is willing to accept such employment, as President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Ross Dress for Less.
 
     B.It is now the mutual desire of the Company and the Executive to enter into a written employment agreement to govern the terms of the Executive’s employment by the Company as of and following the Effective Date on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
     In consideration for the promises of the parties set forth below, the Company and theExecutive hereby agree as follows:
 
     1.Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, the term of employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement (the “ Term of Employment ”) shall be as follows:
 
          (a)Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and end on March 31, 2015 (the “ Initial Term ”), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.
 
          (b)Renewal Term. Upon the timely written request of the Executive to extend the Term of Employment, the Compensation Committee (the “ Committee ”) of the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of the Company shall consider extending the Executive’s employment with the Company under this Agreement. To be timely, such request must be delivered to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then effective Initial Term or Renewal Term and, in any case, while the Executive remains an employee of the Company. Such request must contain no proposed modification to the provisions of this Agreement other than an extension of the Term of Employment as then in effect for an additional two (2) years. Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of such notice, the Chief Executive Officer will discuss such request with the Committee and advise the Executive, in writing, within thirty (30) days following its consideration of the Executive’s written request, of the approval or disapproval of such extension request. The failure to provide such written advice shall constitute a denial of the Executive’s request for extension. If the Executive’s request for an extension is approved, the Term of Employment shall be extended for two (2) additional years commencing on the date immediately following the date of expiration of the Term of Employment in effect at the time of the Executive’s written request. Such additional two-year period is referred to herein as a “ Renewal Term .”

 

     2.Position and Duties. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall serve as President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Ross Dress for Less. As used in this Agreement, the term “Company” includes Ross Stores, Inc. and each and any of its divisions, affiliates or subsidiaries (except that, where the term relates to stock, stockholders, stock options or other stock-based awards or the Board, it means Ross Stores, Inc.). The Executive’s employment may be transferred, assigned, or re-assigned to Ross Stores, Inc. or a division, affiliate or subsidiary of Ross Stores, Inc., and such transfer, assignment, or re-assignment will not constitute a termination of employment or “Good Reason” for the Executive’s termination of employment under this Agreement. During the Term of Employment, the Executive may engage in outside activities provided those activities (including but not limited to membership on boards of directors of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations) do not conflict with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, and provided further that the Executive gives written notice to the Board of any significant outside business activity in which the Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit.
 
     3.Principal Place of Employment. The Executive shall be employed at theCompany’s offices in New York, New York, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with present business travel obligations of the Executive’s position.
 
     4.Compensation and Related Matters.
 
          (a)Salary. During the Term of Employment, the Company shall pay to the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than Nine Hundred Seventy-one Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($971,500) per annum. The Executive’s salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices applicable to senior executives. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 4(a), the Executive’s salary may be adjusted from time to time by the Committee in accordance with normal business practices of the Company.
 
          (b)Bonus.During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus paid under the Company’s existing incentive bonus plan under which the Executive is eligible (which is currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plan that may subsequently be established and in effect during the Term of Employment. The current target annual bonus the Executive is eligible to earn upon achievement of 100% of all applicable performance targets under such incentive bonus plan is 85% of the Executive’s then effective annual salary rate. The Executive’s termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination (as described in Sections 6(c) and 6(f), respectively) prior to the Company’s payment of the bonus for a fiscal year of the Company will cause the Executive to be ineligible for any annual bonus for that fiscal year or any pro-rata portion of such bonus.
 
          (c) Expenses. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all other reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services hereunder, including all reasonable expenses of travel and living while away from home, provided that such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Company.
 
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          (d)Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit plans and arrangements in which senior executives of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company shall not make any changes in such plans or arrangements which would adversely affect the Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, unless such change occurs pursuant to a program applicable to all senior executives of the Company and does not result in a proportionately greater reduction in the rights or benefits of the Executive as compared with any other similarly situated senior executive of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Company in the future to its senior executives, subject to, and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing paid to the Executive under any plan or arrangement presently in effect or made available in the future shall be in lieu of the salary or bonus otherwise payable under this Agreement.
 
          (e) Vacations. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to Twenty-five (25) vacation days in each calendar year, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, determined in accordance with the Company’s vacation plan. The Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executives. Unused vacation days shall not be forfeited once they have been earned and, if still unused at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, shall be promptly paid to the Executive at their then-current value, based on the Executive’s daily salary rate at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment.
 
          (f) Services Furnished. The Company shall furnish the Executive with office space and such services as are suitable to the Executive’s position and adequate for the performance of the Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment.
 
     5.Confidential Information and Intellectual Property.
 
          (a)Other than in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive agrees not to use in any manner or disclose, distribute, publish, communicate or in any way cause to be used, disclosed, distributed, published, or communicated in any way or at any time, either while in the Company's employ or at any time thereafter, to any person not employed by the Company, or not engaged to render services to the Company, any Confidential Information (as defined below) obtained while in the employ of the Company.
 
          (b)Confidential Information includes any written or unwritten information which relates to and/or is used by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, including, without limitation (i) the names, addresses, buying habits and other special information regarding past, present and potential customers, employees and suppliers of the Company, (ii) customer and supplier contracts and transactions or price lists of the Company and suppliers, (iii) methods of distribution, (iv) all agreements, files, books, logs, charts, records, studies, reports, processes, schedules and statistical information, (v) data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, (vi) supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, sales information, and property information, (vii) information regarding the present or future phases of business, (viii) ideas, inventions, trademarks, business information, know-how, processes, techniques, improvements, designs, redesigns, creations, discoveries, trade secrets, and developments, (ix) all computer software licensed or developed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, computer programs, computer-based and web-based training programs, and systems, and (x) finances and financial information, but Confidential Information will not include information of the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions that (1) became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, (2) has been or is disclosed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions without restriction on its use, or (3) has been or is required or specifically permitted to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Company’s Chief Executive Officer confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge.  
 
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          (c)The provisions of this Section 5 shall not preclude the Executive from disclosing such information to the Executive's professional tax advisor or legal counsel solely to the extent necessary to the rendering of their professional services to the Executive if such individuals agree to keep such information confidential.
 
          (d)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company’s employ the Executive will remain reasonably available to answer questions from Company officers regarding the Executive’s former duties and responsibilities and the knowledge the Executive obtained in connection therewith.
 
          (e)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company's employ the Executive will not communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television, or radio or social media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatening lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information) as a result of employment with the Company. The Executive further agrees to notify the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
 
          (f)The Executive agrees that all information, inventions, and discoveries, whether or not patented or patentable, made or conceived by the Executive, either alone or with others, at any time while employed by the Company, which arises out of such employment or is pertinent to any field of business or research in which, during such employment, the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions is engaged or (if such is known to or ascertainable by the Executive) is considering engaging (“ Intellectual Property ”) shall (i) be and remain the sole property of the Company and the Executive shall not seek a patent with respect to such Intellectual Property without the prior consent of an authorized representative of the Company and (ii) be disclosed promptly to an authorized representative of the Company along with all information the Executive possesses with regard to possible applications and uses. Further, at the request of the Company, and without expense or additional compensation to the Executive, the Executive agrees to execute such documents and perform such other acts as the Company deems necessary to obtain patents on such Intellectual Property in a jurisdiction or jurisdictions designated by the Company, and to assign to the Company or its designee such Intellectual Property and all patent applications and patents relating thereto. 
 
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          (g)The Executive and the Company agree that the Executive intends all original works of authorship within the purview of the copyright laws of the United States authored or created by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company will be works for hire within the meaning of such copyright law.
 
          (h)Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, or at any time upon request of the Company, the Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information and Intellectual Property, in any form, including but not limited to letters, memoranda, reports, notes, notebooks, books of account, drawings, prints, specifications, formulae, data printouts, microfilms, magnetic tapes, disks, recordings, documents, and all copies thereof.
 
     6.Termination. The Executive’s employment may be terminated during the Term of Employment only as follows:
 
          (a)Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.
 
          (b)Disability. If, as a result of the Executive’s Disability (as defined below), the Executive shall have been absent from the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis for the entire period of six consecutive months, and, within thirty days after written notice of termination is given by the Company (which may occur before or after the end of such six-month period), the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis, the Executive’s employment shall terminate. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental illness, impairment or condition reasonably determined by the Board that prevents the Executive from performing the duties of the Executive’s position under this Agreement.
 
          (c)For Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause. For this purpose, “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) the Executive’s continuous failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder (unless such failure is a result of a Disability as defined in Section 6(b)), (ii) the Executive’s theft, dishonesty, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit or falsification of any documents of the Company, (iii) the Executive’s material failure to abide by the applicable code(s) of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct) of the Company, (iv) knowing or intentional misconduct by the Executive as a result of which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement, (v) the Executive’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company (including, without limitation, the Executive’s improper use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company), (vi) any intentional misconduct or illegal or grossly negligent conduct by the Executive which is materially injurious to the Company monetarily or otherwise, (vii) any material breach by the Executive of the provisions of Section 9 [Certain Employment Obligations] of this Agreement, or (viii) the Executive’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which materially impairs the Executive’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company. A termination for Cause shall not take effect unless: (1) the Executive is given written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Executive for Cause; (2) the notice specifically identifies the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act which are the basis for such termination; (3) where practicable, the notice is given within sixty (60) days of the Company’s learning of such act or acts or failure or failures to act; and (4) only in the case of clause (i), (iii), (v), (vi) or (vii) of the second sentence of this Section 6(c), the Executive fails to substantially cure such breach, to the extent such cure is possible, within sixty (60) days after the date that such written notice is given to the Executive. 
 
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          (d)Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause. A termination “ Without Cause ” is a termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reasons other than the death or Disability of the Executive or the termination by the Company of the Executive for Cause as described in Section 6(c).
 
          (e)Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for “ Good Reason ,” which shall be deemed to occur if, within sixty (60) business days after receipt of written notice to the Company by the Executive of the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions, any of the following condition(s) have not been cured: (1) a failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of this Agreement (including but not limited to the reduction of the Executive’s salary or the target annual bonus opportunity set forth in Section 4(b)), (2) a significant diminishment in the nature or scope of the authority, power, function or duty attached to the position which the Executive currently maintains without the express written consent of the Executive, or (3) the relocation of the Executive’s Principal Place of Employment as described in Section 3 to a location that increases the regular one-way commute distance between the Executive’s residence and Principal Place of Employment by more than 25 miles without the Executive’s prior written consent. In order to constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the condition giving rise to the Good Reason termination within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the condition, and in the event such condition is timely cured by the Company, the termination shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason .
 
          (f)Voluntary Termination. The Executive may voluntarily resign from the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time (a “ Voluntary Termination ”). A voluntary resignation from employment by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(e) shall not be deemed a Voluntary Termination.
 
          (g)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Executive fails to request an extension of the Term of Employment in accordance with Section 1(b) or if the Committee fails to approve such request, this Agreement shall automatically expire at the end of the then current Term of Employment (a “ Non-Renewal Termination ”).
 
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     7.Notice and Effective Date of Termination
 
          (a)Notice. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive during the Term of Employment (other than as a result of the death of the Executive or a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g)) shall be communicated by written notice of termination to the other party hereto. Such notice shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under that provision.
 
          (b)Date of Termination. The date of termination of the Executive’s employment shall be:
 
          (i)if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death;
 
          (ii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to Disability pursuant to Section 6(b), the date of termination shall be the last to occur of the 31st day following delivery of the notice of termination to the Executive by the Company or the end of the consecutive six-month period referred to in Section 6(b).
 
          (iii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason by either party, the date on which a notice of termination is delivered to the other party; and
 
          (iv)if the Agreement expires pursuant to a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g), the parties’ employment relationship shall terminate on the last day of the then current Term of Employment without any notice.
 
     8.Compensation and Benefits Upon Termination.
 
          (a)Termination Due To Disability, Without Cause or For Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(b) [Disability], Section 6(d) [Without Cause], or Section 6(e) [Termination by Executive for Good Reason], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Salary. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive the Executive’s salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior to such termination of employment, through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
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               (ii)Bonus. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive an annual bonus through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect; provided, however, that the amount of the annual bonus determined in accordance with this Section 8(a) (ii) for the fiscal year of the Company in which such Term of Employment ends shall be prorated on the basis of the number of days of such Term of Employment occurring within such fiscal year. The amount of each annual bonus payable pursuant to this Section 8(a)(ii), prior to any proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned had no such termination under Section 8(a)(i) occurred, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the respective year having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonuses shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (iii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested in full upon such termination of employment.
 
               (iv)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of termination shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of termination, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
               (v)Other Equity Awards. Except as set forth in Sections 8(a)(iii), 8(a)(iv) and 8(c), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
               (vi)Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for the amount equivalent to the Company’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed the lesser of [A] eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, or [B] the remainder of the Term of Employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
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     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(a) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (b)Termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(c) [For Cause] or Section 6(f) [Voluntary Termination], the Executive shall be entitled to receive only the salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. The Executive shall not be entitled to any bonus not paid prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive shall not be entitled to any prorated bonus payment for the year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Any stock options granted to the Executive by the Company shall continue to vest only through the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates, and unless otherwise provided by their terms, any restricted stock, performance share awards or other equity awards that were granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such awards. The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(b) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (c)Death.If the Executive’ employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(a) [Death], (i) the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive only the salary, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) at the time payable under the applicable Company bonus plan, an annual bonus shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate for the fiscal year of the Executive’s death based on the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for such fiscal year had the Executive not died, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for said year having been obtained, capped at 100% of the Executive’s target bonus for such fiscal year and pro-rated for the number of days the Executive is employed during such fiscal year until the Executive’s death; (iii) any restricted stock previously granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date of the Executive’s death shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such restricted stock; and (iv) the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to the Executive’s death.
 
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          (d)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Agreement expires as set forth in Section 6(g) [Non-Renewal Termination], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the date of the Executive’s termination of employment occurs, which shall be prorated for the number of days of such fiscal year that the Executive is employed by the Company. The amount of such annual bonus, prior to proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs had the Executive remained in its employment, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the year in which Executive terminates having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonus shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (ii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall be vested and exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
               (iii)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of non-renewal shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of non-renewal, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment. 
 
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               (iv)Other Equity Awards.Except as set forth in Sections 8(d)(ii) and 8(d)(iii), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(d) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (e)Special Change in Control Provisions.
 
               (i) Change in Control Benefits.
 
                    (1)Without Regard to Termination of Employment.In the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), all shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company shall become vested in full immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control. Except as set forth in this Section 8(e)(i)(1) or Section 8(e)(i)(2) below, the treatment of stock options, performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of such Change in Control shall be determined in accordance with their terms.
 
                    (2)Upon Certain Termination of Employment.In addition to the benefits provided by Section 8(e)(i)(1) above, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either by the Company Without Cause (as defined in Section 6(d)) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6(e)), in either case within a period commencing one (1) month prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], the Executive shall be entitled to the following (in addition to any other payments or benefits provided under this Agreement), provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
                         a.Salary. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s then-current annual base salary. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(i) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(i) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a).
 
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                         b.Bonus. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s target annual bonus for the Company’s fiscal year then in effect on the date termination of employment occurs. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(ii) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(ii) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b).
 
                         c.Estate Planning.The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of the Executive’s estate planning expenses (including attorneys’ fees) on the same basis, if any, as to which the Executive was entitled to such reimbursements immediately prior to such termination of employment for the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
                         d. Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for Executive’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage available to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
               (ii)Change in Control Defined. A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall acquire during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or group, in one or a series of transactions, whether through sale of stock or merger, ownership of stock of the Company that constitutes 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or any successor to the Company; (2) a merger in which the Company is a party pursuant to which any person or such group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, or (3) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale, exchange, or transfer to one or more corporations where the stockholders of the Company before and after such sale, exchange, or transfer, directly or indirectly, are the beneficial owners of at least a majority of the voting stock of the corporation(s) to which the assets were transferred). 
 
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               (iii)Excise Tax - Best After-Tax Result. In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payments”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this section, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, any successor provisions, or any comparable federal, state, local or foreign excise tax (“Excise Tax”), then, subject to the provisions of Section 8(e)(iv), such Payments shall be either (1) provided in full pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other applicable agreement, or (2) provided as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (“Reduced Amount”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes and the Excise Tax (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties on such taxes), results in the receipt by Executive, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of payments and benefits provided for hereunder or otherwise, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made by an independent advisor designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Independent Advisor”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required under this Section, Independent Advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code; provided that Independent Advisor shall assume that Executive pays all taxes at the highest marginal rate. The Company and Executive shall furnish to Independent Advisor such information and documents as Independent Advisor may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs that Independent Advisor may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section. In the event that Section 8(e)(iii)(b)(2) above applies, then based on the information provided to Executive and the Company by Independent Advisor, Executive may, in Executive’s sole discretion and within 30 days of the date on which Executive is provided with the information prepared by Independent Advisor, determine which and how much of the Payments (including the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards) to be otherwise received by Executive shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such determination the value (as calculated by Independent Advisor in accordance with the provisions of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code) of the amounts payable or distributable to Executive equals the Reduced Amount). If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) determines that any Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, then Section 8(e)(iv) hereof shall apply, and the enforcement of Section 8(e)(iv) shall be the exclusive remedy to the Company.
 
               (iii)Adjustments. If, notwithstanding any reduction described in Section 8(e)(iii) (or in the absence of any such reduction), the IRS determines that Executive is liable for the Excise Tax as a result of the receipt of one or more Payments, then Executive shall be obligated to surrender or pay back to the Company, within 120 days after a final IRS determination, an amount of such payments or benefits equal to the “Repayment Amount.” The Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be the smallest such amount, if any, as shall be required to be surrendered or paid to the Company so that Executive’s net proceeds with respect to such Payments (after taking into account the payment of the excise tax imposed on such Payments) shall be maximized. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be zero if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not eliminate the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments or if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not maximize the net amount received by Executive from the Payments. If the Excise Tax is not eliminated pursuant to this Section, Executive shall pay the Excise Tax.
 
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     9.Certain Employment Obligations.
 
          (a)Employee Acknowledgement. The Company and the Executive acknowledge that (i) the Company has a special interest in and derives significant benefit from the unique skills and experience of the Executive; (ii) as a result of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Executive will use and have access to some of the Company’s proprietary and valuable Confidential Information during the course of the Executive’s employment; (iii) the Confidential Information has been developed and created by the Company at substantial expense and constitutes valuable proprietary assets of the Company, and the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if, during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter, the Executive should disclose or improperly use such Confidential Information in violation of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if the Executive competes with the company in violation of this Agreement; (v) the Company will suffer substantial damage which will be difficult to compute if, the Executive solicits or interferes with the Company’s employees, clients, or customers; (vi) the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business of the Company; and (vii) the provisions of this Agreement will not preclude the Executive from obtaining other gainful employment or service.
 
          (b)Non-Compete.
 
               (i)During the Term of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Executive's termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, control, be employed by, consult with, participate in, or be connected in any manner with the ownership, management, operation, control of, or otherwise become involved with, any Competing Business, nor shall the Executive undertake any planning to engage in any such activity.
 
     For purposes of this Agreement, a Competing Business shall mean any of the following: (1) any off-price retailer or retailer of discount merchandise, including without limitation, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, TJX Companies Inc., Stein Mart, Inc., (2) Macy’s, Inc. and Kohl’s Corporation, and (3) any affiliates, subsidiaries or successors of businesses identified above.
 
               (ii)The foregoing restrictions in Section 9(b)(i) shall have no force or effect in the event that: (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated either by the Company pursuant to Section 6(d) [Without Cause] or by the Executive pursuant to Section 6(e) [Termination by the Executive for Good Reason]; or (ii) the Company fails to approve or grant an extension of this Agreement in accordance with Section 1 hereof. 
 
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               (iii)Section 9(b)(i) shall not prohibit the Executive from making any investment of 1% or less of the equity securities of any publicly-traded corporation which is considered to be a Competing Business.
 
          (c)Non-Solicitation of Employees.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of that employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the written permission of the Company or an affected affiliate, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, employ or retain, or have or cause any other person or entity to solicit, employ or retain, any person who is employed by the Company or was employed by the Company during the 6-month period prior to such solicitation, employment, or retainer, (ii) encourage any such person not to devote his or her full business time to the Company, or (iii) agree to hire or employ any such person.
 
          (d)Non-Solicitation of Third Parties.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or otherwise influence any entity with a business arrangement with the Company, including, without limitation, suppliers, sales representatives, lenders, lessors, and lessees, to discontinue, reduce, or otherwise materially or adversely affect such relationship.
 
          (e)Non-Disparagement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive will not defame or criticize the services, business, integrity, veracity, or personal or professional reputation of the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents of any of the foregoing in either a professional or personal manner either during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter.
 
     10.Company Remedies for Executive’s Breach of Certain Obligations.
 
          (a)The Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event that the Executive breaches or threatens to breach Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement, all compensation and benefits otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement and the vesting and/or exercisability of all stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation previously awarded to the Executive, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing any such award to the contrary, shall immediately cease.
 
          (b)The Company shall give prompt notice to the Executive of its discovery of a breach by the Executive of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If it is determined by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board that the Executive has breached Section 9 of this Agreement and has not cured such breach within ten (10) business days of such notice, then:
 
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               (i)the Executive shall forfeit to the Company (A) all stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding and unexercised or unpaid as of the date of such determination by the Board (the “ Breach Determination Date ”) and (B) all shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company which continue to be held by the Executive as of the Breach Determination Date to the extent that such awards vested during the Forfeiture Period (as defined below); and
 
               (ii)the Executive shall pay to the Company all gains realized by the Executive upon (A) the exercise by or payment in settlement to the Executive on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company and (B) the sale on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company and which vested during the Forfeiture Period.
 
          (c)For purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the exercise or payment in settlement of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards shall be equal to (A) the closing sale price on the date of exercise or settlement (as reported on the stock exchange or market system constituting the principal market for the shares subject to the applicable award) of the number of vested shares issued to the Executive upon such exercise or settlement, reduced by the purchase price, if any, paid by the Executive to acquire such shares, or (B) if any such award was settled by payment in cash to the Executive, the gain realized by the Executive shall be equal to the amount of cash paid to the Executive. Further, for purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the sale of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sale realized by the Executive. Gains determined for purposes of this Section shall be determined without regard to any subsequent increase or decrease in the market price of the Company’s stock or taxes paid by or withheld from the Executive with respect to such transactions.
 
          (d)For the purposes of this Section, the “Forfeiture Period” shall be the period ending on the Breach Determination Date and beginning on the earlier of (A) the date six months prior to the Breach Determination Date or (B) the business day immediately preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.
 
          (e)The Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) to deduct from any amounts payable from time to time to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (including wages or other compensation, vacation pay or other benefits, and any other amounts owed to the Executive by the Company) any and all amounts the Executive is required to pay to the Company pursuant to this Section. The Executive agrees to pay to the Company immediately upon the Breach Determination Date the amount payable by the Executive to the Company pursuant to this Section which the Company has not recovered by means of such deductions. 
 
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          (f)The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Company for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement and that the Company will not have any adequate remedy at law. For this reason, such breach or threatened breach will not be subject to the arbitration clause in Section 19; rather, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief, and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain such breach or threatened breach. The Company may obtain such relief from (1) any court of competent jurisdiction, (2) an arbitrator pursuant to Section 19 hereof, or (3) a combination of the two (e.g., by simultaneously seeking arbitration under Section 19 and a temporary injunction from a court pending the outcome of the arbitration). It shall be the Company’s sole and exclusive right to elect which approach to use to vindicate its rights. The Executive further agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach, without posting a bond or having to prove irreparable harm or damages, and to obtain all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition, the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement.
 
          (g)Recoupment: Executive hereby understands and agrees that the Executive is subject to the Company’s recoupment policy. Under the current policy applicable to the Company’s senior executives, subject to the discretion and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Company may, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of any cash payments and reimbursement and/or cancellation of any Performance Share or Common Shares issued in settlement of a Performance Share to the Executive where all of the following factors are present: (1) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement, (2) the Board determines that the Executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (3) a lower award would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each instance, the Company may seek to recover the Executive’s entire gain received by the Executive within the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest.
 
     11.Exercise of Stock Options Following Termination.If the Executive's employment terminates, Executive (or the Executive's estate) may exercise the Executive's right to purchase any vested stock under the stock options granted to Executive by the Company as provided in the applicable stock option agreement or Company plan. All such purchases must be made by the Executive in accordance with the applicable stock option plans and agreements between the parties.
 
     12.Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to the Executive hereunder, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable law to the Executive’s beneficiary pursuant to a written designation of beneficiary, or, if there is no effective written designation of beneficiary by the Executive, to the Executive’s estate.
 
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     13.Insurance and Indemnity. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Executive during the Term of Employment under any directors and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained for its directors and officers, with coverage at least as favorable to the Executive in amount and each other material respect as the coverage of other officers covered thereby. The Company’s obligation to provide insurance and indemnify the Executive shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions of the Executive occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company. Such obligations shall be binding upon the Company’s successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.
 
     14.Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices, demands and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
           	If to the Executive:	Barbara Rentler	
 	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	1372 Broadway, 10th Floor	
 	 	New York, NY 10018	
 	 	 	
 	If to the Company:      	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	Attention: General Counsel	

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
 
     15.Complete Agreement; Modification, Waiver; Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with any stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, represents the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, promises or representations of the parties, except those relating to repayment of signing and related bonuses, or relocation expense reimbursements. To the extent that the bonus payment provisions (i.e., post-termination bonus payments) provided in this Agreement differ from the provisions of the Company’s incentive bonus plans (currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plans, such bonus payments shall be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement except to the extent expressly prohibited by law. Except as provided by Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], no provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except in a document signed by the Executive and the chairman of the Committee or such other person as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by the Executive or the Company of any breach of, or lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or the same condition or provision at another time. To the extent that this Agreement is in any way deemed to be inconsistent with any prior or contemporaneous stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, or term sheet referencing such specific awards, the terms of this Agreement shall control. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. 
 
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     16.Governing Law - Severability. The validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Executive’s principle place of employment described in Section 3 is located without reference to that state’s choice of law rules. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, for any reason, the invalidity of that provision shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question unenforceable in any other jurisdiction or in any other case or of rendering any other provisions herein unenforceable, but the invalid provision shall be substituted with a valid provision which most closely approximates the intent and the economic effect of the invalid provision and which would be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted in such jurisdiction or in such case.
 
     17.Mitigation Not Required. In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment following such termination. However, any amounts due the Executive under Sections 8(a)(i); 8(a)(ii); 8(e)(i)(2)(a),(b),(c) or (d); and/or any additional salary provided under Section 8(e)(i)(1) of this Agreement shall be offset by any cash remuneration, health care coverage and/or estate planning reimbursements attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain during the period of payment of compensation under this Agreement following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
     18.Withholding.All payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law. To the extent permitted, the Executive may provide all or any part of any necessary withholding by contributing Company stock with value, determined on the date such withholding is due, equal to the number of shares contributed multiplied by the closing price per share as reported on the securities exchange constituting the primary market for the Company’s stock on the date preceding the date the withholding is determined.
 
     19.Arbitration. In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of the parties’ employment relationship or this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, wrongful termination, or age, race, sex, disability or other discrimination), all such disputes shall be fully, finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association in the city in which the Executive’s principal place of employment is located by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that this arbitration provision shall not apply, unless the Company elects otherwise, to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the Executive’s breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If either the Company or the Executive shall request, arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. The Company shall pay all costs of any arbitration; provided, however, that each party shall pay its own attorney and advisor fees.
 
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     If there is termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company followed by a dispute as to whether the Executive is entitled to the benefits provided under this Agreement, then, during the period of that dispute the Company shall pay the Executive fifty percent (50%) of the amount specified in Section 8 hereof (except that the Company shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of any insurance premiums provided for in Section 8), if, and only if, the Executive agrees in writing that if the dispute is resolved against the Executive, the Executive shall promptly refund to the Company all such payments received by, or made by the Company on behalf of, the Executive. If the dispute is resolved in the Executive’s favor, promptly after resolution of the dispute the Company shall pay the Executive the sum that was withheld during the period of the dispute plus interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(d) of the Code, compounded quarterly.
 
     20.Attorney’s Fees. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in any action or dispute arising out of this Agreement.
 
     21.Miscellaneous. No right or interest to, or in, any payments shall be assignable by the Executive; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be precluded from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and the legal representative of the Executive’s estate shall not be precluded from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and, the Company and its successors.
 
     22.Compliance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this Agreement that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Code Section 409A (“ Section 409A Deferred Compensation ”) shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such Section (such Section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “ Section 409A ”), including the following:
 
          (a)Separation from Service. Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Executive’s termination of employment shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of the Executive’s employment which constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “ Separation from Service ” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
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          (b)Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees.If, at the time of a Separation from Service of the Executive, the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B(i) (a “ Specified Employee ”), then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Separation from Service of the Executive shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of death of the Executive (in either case, the “ Delayed Payment Date ”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with Section 8. All such amounts that would, but for this Section 22(b), become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.
 
          (c)Health Care and Estate Planning Benefits.In the event that all or any of the health care or estate planning benefits to be provided pursuant to Sections 8(e)(i)(2)(c) or 8(e)(i)(2)(d) as a result of a Participant’s Separation from Service constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation, the Company shall provide for such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation in a manner that complies with Section 409A. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, the Company shall determine the health care premium cost necessary to provide such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation for the applicable coverage period and shall pay such premium cost which becomes due and payable during the applicable coverage period on the applicable due date for such premiums; provided, however, that if the Executive is a Specified Employee, the Company shall not pay any such premium cost until the Delayed Payment Date. If the Company’s payment pursuant to the previous sentence is subject to a Delayed Payment Date, the Executive shall pay the premium cost otherwise payable by the Company prior to the Delayed Payment Date, and on the Delayed Payment Date the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such Company premium cost paid by the Executive and shall pay the balance of the Company’s premium cost necessary to provide such benefit coverage for the remainder of the applicable coverage period as and when it becomes due and payable over the applicable period.
 
          (d)Stock-Based Awards. The vesting of any stock-based compensation awards which constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation and are held by the Executive, if the Executive is a Specified Employee, shall be accelerated in accordance with this Agreement to the extent applicable; provided, however, that the payment in settlement of any such awards shall occur on the Delayed Payment Date. Any stock-based compensation which vests and becomes payable upon a Change in Control in accordance with Section 8(e)(i)(1) shall not be subject to this Section 22(d).
 
          (e)Installments. Executive’s right to receive any installment payments payable hereunder shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.
 
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          (f)Reimbursements. To the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, such reimbursements shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the cost was incurred, the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
 
          (g)Rights of the Company; Release of Liability.It is the mutual intention of the Executive and the Company that the provision of all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. To the extent that the provision of any such payment or benefit pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement would fail to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of the Executive, make such modifications to the timing or manner of providing such payment and/or benefit to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to make any such modifications. Any such modifications made by the Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, preserve the aggregate monetary face value of such payments and/or benefits provided by this Agreement in the absence of such modification; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be obligated to pay any interest or other compensation in respect of any delay in the provision of such payments or benefits in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that (i) the provisions of this Section 22 may result in a delay in the time at which payments would otherwise be made pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the Company is authorized to amend the this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by the Executive under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by the Company, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to comply with Section 409A (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder) without prior notice to or consent of the Executive. The Executive hereby releases and holds harmless the Company, its directors, officers and stockholders from any and all claims that may arise from or relate to any tax liability, penalties, interest, costs, fees or other liability incurred by the Executive as a result of the application of Code Section 409A.
 
     23.Future Equity Compensation.The Executive understands and acknowledges that all awards, if any, of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation by the Company are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof. The Executive further understands and acknowledges, however, that unless the Executive has executed this Agreement and each successive amendment extending the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term of the Agreement as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive, it is the intention of the Board of Directors and the Executive that, notwithstanding any continued employment with the Company, (a) the Company shall have no obligation to grant any award of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or any other form of equity compensation which might otherwise have been granted to the Executive on or after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or such successive Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign the Agreement or the applicable Term of Employment extension amendment and (b) any such award which is nevertheless granted to the Executive after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign such Agreement or applicable extension amendment shall not vest unless and until the Executive has executed the Agreement or applicable extension amendment, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing such award to the contrary.
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Executive Employment Agreement effective as of the date and year first above written.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	 	EXECUTIVE	

By: Michael Balmuth	 	Barbara Rentler	
Vice Chairman and Chief	 	President and Chief Merchandising Officer,	
Executive Officer	           	Ross Dress for Less	

23

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
 
This is an Agreement between ______________ (“Executive”) and Ross Stores, Inc. (“Ross”). The parties agree to the following terms and conditions:
 
1.	 	Executive ______________ employment with Ross effective ______________ (the “Separation Date”).	
 	
2.	 	Any inquiries by prospective employers or others should be referred to Ross’ third party provider The Work Number, phone number 1-800-367-5690 or http://www.theworknumber.com.	
 	
3.	     	Executive understands that the Executive Employment Agreement, effective _______ (“Executive Agreement”), requires Executive to execute this General Release as a condition to receiving cash payments, benefits and equity as may be provided under the terms of the Executive Agreement.	
 	
4.	 	In consideration for Ross’ promises herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges Ross, and all parent corporations, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assignees, as well as the current and former employees, attorneys, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “Releasees”), of and from any and all claims, judgments, promises, agreements, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or liabilities of whatever kind and character, known and unknown, which Executive may now have, has ever had, or may in the future have, arising from or in any way connected with any and all matters from the beginning of time to the date hereof, including but not limited to any alleged causes of action for:	
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended 
The National Labor Relations Act, as amended  
The Civil Rights Act of 1991 
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended  
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended 
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended  
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended 
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended  
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The United States Equal pay Act of 1963
The New York State Civil Rights Act, as amended;
The New York Equal Pay Law, as amended;
The New York State Human Rights Law, as amended;
The New York City Administrative Code and Charter, as amended;
The New York State Labor Law, as amended;
 	 	 	 	 	
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
1

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
The Retaliation Provisions of the New York State Workers Compensation Law and the New York State Disability Benefits Law, as amended;
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance
Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law, or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters
5.	     	This Agreement does not prevent Executive from filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, although by signing this Agreement Executive waives his or her right to recover any damages or other relief in any claim or suit brought by or through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other state or local agency on his or her behalf under any federal or state discrimination law, except where prohibited by law. Executive agrees to release and discharge Ross not only from any and all claims which he or she could make on his or her own behalf but also specifically waive any right to become, and promise not to become, a member of any class in any proceeding or case in which a claim or claims against Ross may arise, in whole or in part, from any event which occurred as of the date of this Agreement. Executive agrees to pay for any legal fees or costs incurred by Ross as a result of any breach of the promises in this paragraph. The parties agree that if Executive, by no action of his or her own, becomes a mandatory member of any class from which he or she cannot, by operation of law or order of court, opt out, Executive shall not be required to pay for any legal fees or costs incurred by Ross as a result.	
 	
6.	 	Executive affirms that he or she has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he or she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to him or her, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that he or she has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested, including any under the Family and Medical Leave Act or any other leaves authorized by federal or state law, and that Executive has not reported any purported improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities to any supervisor, manager, executive human resources representative or agent of Ross Stores and has no knowledge of any such improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities. Executive additionally represents and affirms that during the course of employment at Ross, Executive has taken no actions contrary to or inconsistent with Executive’s job responsibilities or the best interests of Ross’ business.	
 	
7.	 	The parties expressly acknowledge that those certain employment obligations set forth in the Executive Agreement, including but not limited to all obligations set forth in Paragraph 9 of the Executive Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect for the time period(s) specified in the Executive Agreement.	

 	 	 	 	 	
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

2

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
8.	    	Executive agrees that this is a private agreement and that he or she will not discuss the fact that it exists or its terms with anyone else except with his or her spouse, attorney, accountant, or as required by law. Further, Executive agrees not to defame, disparage or demean Ross in any way (excluding actions or communications expressly required or permitted by law	
 	
9.	 	Any party to this Agreement may bring an action in law or equity for its breach. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, only the provisions of this Agreement alleged to have been breached shall be disclosed.	
 	
10.	 	This Agreement has been made in the State of New York and the law of said State shall apply to it. If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remaining parts of the Agreement will remain in effect as if no invalid part existed.	
 	
11.	 	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties, except for any confidentiality, trade secrets and inventions agreements previously entered into with the company (which will remain in full force and effect), and may not be modified except in a writing agreed to and signed by both parties, providing however that Employer may modify this form of agreement from time to time solely as needed to comply with federal, state or local laws in effect that the time this Agreement is to be executed. Executive acknowledges that he or she has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to him or her in connection with his or her decision to accept this Agreement except for those set forth in this Agreement.	
 	
12.	 	Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and fully cooperate with Ross in defending any anticipated, threatened, or actual litigation that currently exists, or may arise subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. Such cooperation includes, but is not limited to, meeting with internal Ross employees to discuss and review issues which Executive was directly or indirectly involved with during employment with Ross, participating in any investigation conducted by Ross either internally or by outside counsel or consultants, signing declarations or witness statements, preparing for and serving as a witness in any civil or administrative proceeding by both depositions or a witness at trial, reviewing documents and similar activities that Ross deems necessary. Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and cooperate in answering questions regarding any previous or current project Executive worked on while employed by Ross so as to insure a smooth transition of responsibilities and to minimize any adverse consequences of Executive’s departure.	
 	
 	 	FOR 40+	
13.	 	Waiver: By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that he or she:	
 	
 	 	(a) Has carefully read and understands this Agreement;	

 	 	 	 	
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

3

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
 	    	(b) Has been given a full twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the terms of this Agreement and consult with an attorney of his or her choice, and to the extent he or she executes this Agreement prior to expiration of the full twenty-one (21) days, knowingly and voluntarily waives that period following consultation with an attorney of his or her choice;	
 	
 	 	(c) Is, through this Agreement, releasing Ross from any and all claims he or she may have against it that have arisen as of the date of this Agreement, including but not limited to, rights or claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. §62l, et seq .);	
 	
 	 	(d) Knowingly and voluntarily agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;	
 	
 	 	(e) Knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the same;	
 	
 	 	(f) Is hereby advised in writing to consider the terms of this Agreement and to consult with an attorney of his or her choice prior to executing this Agreement;	
 	
 	 	(g) Has consulted with an attorney of his or her choosing prior to signing this Agreement;	
 	
 	 	(h) Understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621,et seq.) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived;	
 	
 	 	(i) Has a full seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement ("the Revocation Period") in writing and hereby is advised that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has expired.	
 	
14.	 	Executive fully understands the final and binding effect of the Agreement. Executive acknowledges that he or she signs this Agreement voluntarily of his or her own free will.	
 	
 	 	The parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below:	

Dated: 	 	 	By: 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	(“Executive”)	 	

Dated:	 	 	By:	 	 	
 	 	 	 	ROSS STORES, INC. (“Ross”)	 	

 	 	 	 	
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
4

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
     THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made effective March 16, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between Ross Stores, Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Delaware corporation, and James Fassio (the “ Executive ”).
 
RECITALS
 
     A.The Company wishes to employ the Executive, and the Executive is willing to accept such employment, as President and Chief Development Officer.
 
     B.It is now the mutual desire of the Company and the Executive to enter into a written employment agreement to govern the terms of the Executive’s employment by the Company as of and following the Effective Date on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
     In consideration for the promises of the parties set forth below, the Company and theExecutive hereby agree as follows:
 
     1.Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, the term of employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement (the “ Term of Employment ”) shall be as follows:
 
          (a)Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and end on March 31, 2015 (the “ Initial Term ”), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.
 
          (b)Renewal Term. Upon the timely written request of the Executive to extend the Term of Employment, the Compensation Committee (the “ Committee ”) of the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of the Company shall consider extending the Executive’s employment with the Company under this Agreement. To be timely, such request must be delivered to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then effective Initial Term or Renewal Term and, in any case, while the Executive remains an employee of the Company. Such request must contain no proposed modification to the provisions of this Agreement other than an extension of the Term of Employment as then in effect for an additional two (2) years. Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of such notice, the Chief Executive Officer will discuss such request with the Committee and advise the Executive, in writing, within thirty (30) days following its consideration of the Executive’s written request, of the approval or disapproval of such extension request. The failure to provide such written advice shall constitute a denial of the Executive’s request for extension. If the Executive’s request for an extension is approved, the Term of Employment shall be extended for two (2) additional years commencing on the date immediately following the date of expiration of the Term of Employment in effect at the time of the Executive’s written request. Such additional two-year period is referred to herein as a “ Renewal Term .”

 

     2.Position and Duties. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall serve as President and Chief Development Officer. As used in this Agreement, the term “Company” includes Ross Stores, Inc. and each and any of its divisions, affiliates or subsidiaries (except that, where the term relates to stock, stockholders, stock options or other stock-based awards or the Board, it means Ross Stores, Inc.). The Executive’s employment may be transferred, assigned, or re-assigned to Ross Stores, Inc. or a division, affiliate or subsidiary of Ross Stores, Inc., and such transfer, assignment, or re-assignment will not constitute a termination of employment or “Good Reason” for the Executive’s termination of employment under this Agreement. During the Term of Employment, the Executive may engage in outside activities provided those activities (including but not limited to membership on boards of directors of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations) do not conflict with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, and provided further that the Executive gives written notice to the Board of any significant outside business activity in which the Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit.
 
     3.Principal Place of Employment. The Executive shall be employed at theCompany’s offices in Pleasanton, California, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with present business travel obligations of the Executive’s position.
 
     4.Compensation and Related Matters.
 
          (a)Salary. During the Term of Employment, the Company shall pay to the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than Seven Hundred Ninety-two Thousand Dollars ($792,000) per annum. The Executive’s salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices applicable to senior executives. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 4(a), the Executive’s salary may be adjusted from time to time by the Committee in accordance with normal business practices of the Company.
 
          (b)Bonus.During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus paid under the Company’s existing incentive bonus plan under which the Executive is eligible (which is currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plan that may subsequently be established and in effect during the Term of Employment. The current target annual bonus the Executive is eligible to earn upon achievement of 100% of all applicable performance targets under such incentive bonus plan is 85% of the Executive’s then effective annual salary rate. The Executive’s termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination (as described in Sections 6(c) and 6(f), respectively) prior to the Company’s payment of the bonus for a fiscal year of the Company will cause the Executive to be ineligible for any annual bonus for that fiscal year or any pro-rata portion of such bonus.
 
          (c) Expenses. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all other reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services hereunder, including all reasonable expenses of travel and living while away from home, provided that such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Company.
 
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          (d)Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit plans and arrangements in which senior executives of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company shall not make any changes in such plans or arrangements which would adversely affect the Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, unless such change occurs pursuant to a program applicable to all senior executives of the Company and does not result in a proportionately greater reduction in the rights or benefits of the Executive as compared with any other similarly situated senior executive of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Company in the future to its senior executives, subject to, and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing paid to the Executive under any plan or arrangement presently in effect or made available in the future shall be in lieu of the salary or bonus otherwise payable under this Agreement.
 
          (e) Vacations. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to Twenty-five (25) vacation days in each calendar year (with a maximum total accrual of 820.035 hours), and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, determined in accordance with the Company’s vacation plan. The Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executives. Unused vacation days shall not be forfeited once they have been earned and, if still unused at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, shall be promptly paid to the Executive at their then-current value, based on the Executive’s daily salary rate at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment.
 
          (f) Services Furnished. The Company shall furnish the Executive with office space and such services as are suitable to the Executive’s position and adequate for the performance of the Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment.
 
     5.Confidential Information and Intellectual Property.
 
          (a)Other than in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive agrees not to use in any manner or disclose, distribute, publish, communicate or in any way cause to be used, disclosed, distributed, published, or communicated in any way or at any time, either while in the Company's employ or at any time thereafter, to any person not employed by the Company, or not engaged to render services to the Company, any Confidential Information (as defined below) obtained while in the employ of the Company.
 
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          (b) Confidential Information includes any written or unwritten information which relates to and/or is used by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, including, without limitation (i) the names, addresses, buying habits and other special information regarding past, present and potential customers, employees and suppliers of the Company, (ii) customer and supplier contracts and transactions or price lists of the Company and suppliers, (iii) methods of distribution, (iv) all agreements, files, books, logs, charts, records, studies, reports, processes, schedules and statistical information, (v) data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, (vi) supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, sales information, and property information, (vii) information regarding the present or future phases of business, (viii) ideas, inventions, trademarks, business information, know-how, processes, techniques, improvements, designs, redesigns, creations, discoveries, trade secrets, and developments, (ix) all computer software licensed or developed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, computer programs, computer-based and web-based training programs, and systems, and (x) finances and financial information, but Confidential Information will not include information of the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions that (1) became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, (2) has been or is disclosed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions without restriction on its use, or (3) has been or is required or specifically permitted to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Company’s Chief Executive Officer confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge.
 
          (c)The provisions of this Section 5 shall not preclude the Executive from disclosing such information to the Executive's professional tax advisor or legal counsel solely to the extent necessary to the rendering of their professional services to the Executive if such individuals agree to keep such information confidential.
 
          (d)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company’s employ the Executive will remain reasonably available to answer questions from Company officers regarding the Executive’s former duties and responsibilities and the knowledge the Executive obtained in connection therewith.
 
          (e)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company's employ the Executive will not communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television, or radio or social media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatening lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information) as a result of employment with the Company. The Executive further agrees to notify the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
 
          (f)The Executive agrees that all information, inventions, and discoveries, whether or not patented or patentable, made or conceived by the Executive, either alone or with others, at any time while employed by the Company, which arises out of such employment or is pertinent to any field of business or research in which, during such employment, the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions is engaged or (if such is known to or ascertainable by the Executive) is considering engaging (“ Intellectual Property ”) shall (i) be and remain the sole property of the Company and the Executive shall not seek a patent with respect to such Intellectual Property without the prior consent of an authorized representative of the Company and (ii) be disclosed promptly to an authorized representative of the Company along with all information the Executive possesses with regard to possible applications and uses. Further, at the request of the Company, and without expense or additional compensation to the Executive, the Executive agrees to execute such documents and perform such other acts as the Company deems necessary to obtain patents on such Intellectual Property in a jurisdiction or jurisdictions designated by the Company, and to assign to the Company or its designee such Intellectual Property and all patent applications and patents relating thereto.
 
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          (g)The Executive and the Company agree that the Executive intends all original works of authorship within the purview of the copyright laws of the United States authored or created by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company will be works for hire within the meaning of such copyright law.
 
          (h)Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, or at any time upon request of the Company, the Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information and Intellectual Property, in any form, including but not limited to letters, memoranda, reports, notes, notebooks, books of account, drawings, prints, specifications, formulae, data printouts, microfilms, magnetic tapes, disks, recordings, documents, and all copies thereof.
 
     6.Termination. The Executive’s employment may be terminated during the Term of Employment only as follows:
 
          (a)Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.
 
          (b)Disability. If, as a result of the Executive’s Disability (as defined below), the Executive shall have been absent from the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis for the entire period of six consecutive months, and, within thirty days after written notice of termination is given by the Company (which may occur before or after the end of such six-month period), the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis, the Executive’s employment shall terminate. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental illness, impairment or condition reasonably determined by the Board that prevents the Executive from performing the duties of the Executive’s position under this Agreement.
 
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          (c) For Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause. For this purpose, “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) the Executive’s continuous failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder (unless such failure is a result of a Disability as defined in Section 6(b)), (ii) the Executive’s theft, dishonesty, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit or falsification of any documents of the Company, (iii) the Executive’s material failure to abide by the applicable code(s) of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct) of the Company, (iv) knowing or intentional misconduct by the Executive as a result of which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement, (v) the Executive’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company (including, without limitation, the Executive’s improper use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company), (vi) any intentional misconduct or illegal or grossly negligent conduct by the Executive which is materially injurious to the Company monetarily or otherwise, (vii) any material breach by the Executive of the provisions of Section 9 [Certain Employment Obligations] of this Agreement, or (viii) the Executive’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which materially impairs the Executive’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company. A termination for Cause shall not take effect unless: (1) the Executive is given written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Executive for Cause; (2) the notice specifically identifies the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act which are the basis for such termination; (3) where practicable, the notice is given within sixty (60) days of the Company’s learning of such act or acts or failure or failures to act; and (4) only in the case of clause (i), (iii), (v), (vi) or (vii) of the second sentence of this Section 6(c), the Executive fails to substantially cure such breach, to the extent such cure is possible, within sixty (60) days after the date that such written notice is given to the Executive.
 
          (d)Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause. A termination “ Without Cause ” is a termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reasons other than the death or Disability of the Executive or the termination by the Company of the Executive for Cause as described in Section 6(c).
 
          (e)Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for “ Good Reason ,” which shall be deemed to occur if, within sixty (60) business days after receipt of written notice to the Company by the Executive of the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions, any of the following condition(s) have not been cured: (1) a failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of this Agreement (including but not limited to the reduction of the Executive’s salary or the target annual bonus opportunity set forth in Section 4(b)), (2) a significant diminishment in the nature or scope of the authority, power, function or duty attached to the position which the Executive currently maintains without the express written consent of the Executive, or (3) the relocation of the Executive’s Principal Place of Employment as described in Section 3 to a location that increases the regular one-way commute distance between the Executive’s residence and Principal Place of Employment by more than 25 miles without the Executive’s prior written consent. In order to constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the condition giving rise to the Good Reason termination within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the condition, and in the event such condition is timely cured by the Company, the termination shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason.
 
          (f)Voluntary Termination. The Executive may voluntarily resign from the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time (a “ Voluntary Termination ”). A voluntary resignation from employment by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(e) shall not be deemed a Voluntary Termination.
 
          (g)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Executive fails to request an extension of the Term of Employment in accordance with Section 1(b) or if the Committee fails to approve such request, this Agreement shall automatically expire at the end of the then current Term of Employment (a “ Non-Renewal Termination ”).
 
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     7.Notice and Effective Date of Termination
 
          (a)Notice. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive during the Term of Employment (other than as a result of the death of the Executive or a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g)) shall be communicated by written notice of termination to the other party hereto. Such notice shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under that provision.
 
          (b)Date of Termination. The date of termination of the Executive’s employment shall be:
 
               (i)if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death;
 
               (ii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to Disability pursuant to Section 6(b), the date of termination shall be the last to occur of the 31st day following delivery of the notice of termination to the Executive by the Company or the end of the consecutive six-month period referred to in Section 6(b).
 
               (iii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason by either party, the date on which a notice of termination is delivered to the other party; and
 
               (iv)if the Agreement expires pursuant to a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g), the parties’ employment relationship shall terminate on the last day of the then current Term of Employment without any notice.
 
     8.Compensation and Benefits Upon Termination.
 
          (a)Termination Due To Disability, Without Cause or For Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(b) [Disability], Section 6(d) [Without Cause], or Section 6(e) [Termination by Executive for Good Reason], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
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               (i)Salary. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive the Executive’s salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior to such termination of employment, through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
               (ii)Bonus. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive an annual bonus through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect; provided, however, that the amount of the annual bonus determined in accordance with this Section 8(a) (ii) for the fiscal year of the Company in which such Term of Employment ends shall be prorated on the basis of the number of days of such Term of Employment occurring within such fiscal year. The amount of each annual bonus payable pursuant to this Section 8(a)(ii), prior to any proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned had no such termination under Section 8(a)(i) occurred, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the respective year having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonuses shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (iii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested in full upon such termination of employment.
 
               (iv)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of termination shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of termination, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
               (v)Other Equity Awards. Except as set forth in Sections 8(a)(iii), 8(a)(iv) and 8(c), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
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               (vi)Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for the amount equivalent to the Company’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed the lesser of [A] eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, or [B] the remainder of the Term of Employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(a) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (b)Termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(c) [For Cause] or Section 6(f) [Voluntary Termination], the Executive shall be entitled to receive only the salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. The Executive shall not be entitled to any bonus not paid prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive shall not be entitled to any prorated bonus payment for the year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Any stock options granted to the Executive by the Company shall continue to vest only through the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates, and unless otherwise provided by their terms, any restricted stock, performance share awards or other equity awards that were granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such awards. The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(b) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (c)Death.If the Executive’ employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(a) [Death], (i) the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive only the salary, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) at the time payable under the applicable Company bonus plan, an annual bonus shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate for the fiscal year of the Executive’s death based on the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for such fiscal year had the Executive not died, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for said year having been obtained, capped at 100% of the Executive’s target bonus for such fiscal year and pro-rated for the number of days the Executive is employed during such fiscal year until the Executive’s death; (iii) any restricted stock previously granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date of the Executive’s death shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such restricted stock; and (iv) the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to the Executive’s death.
 
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          (d)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Agreement expires as set forth in Section 6(g) [Non-Renewal Termination], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the date of the Executive’s termination of employment occurs, which shall be prorated for the number of days of such fiscal year that the Executive is employed by the Company. The amount of such annual bonus, prior to proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs had the Executive remained in its employment, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the year in which Executive terminates having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonus shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (ii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall be vested and exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
               (iii)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of non-renewal shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of non-renewal, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
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               (iv)Other Equity Awards.Except as set forth in Sections 8(d)(ii) and 8(d)(iii), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(d) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (e)Special Change in Control Provisions.
 
               (i) Change in Control Benefits.
 
                    (1)Without Regard to Termination of Employment.In the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), all shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company shall become vested in full immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control. Except as set forth in this Section 8(e)(i)(1) or Section 8(e)(i)(2) below, the treatment of stock options, performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of such Change in Control shall be determined in accordance with their terms.
 
                    (2)Upon Certain Termination of Employment.In addition to the benefits provided by Section 8(e)(i)(1) above, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either by the Company Without Cause (as defined in Section 6(d)) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6(e)), in either case within a period commencing one (1) month prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], the Executive shall be entitled to the following (in addition to any other payments or benefits provided under this Agreement), provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
                         a.Salary. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s then-current annual base salary. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(i) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(i) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a).
 
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                         b.Bonus. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s target annual bonus for the Company’s fiscal year then in effect on the date termination of employment occurs. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(ii) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(ii) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b).
 
                         c.Estate Planning.The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of the Executive’s estate planning expenses (including attorneys’ fees) on the same basis, if any, as to which the Executive was entitled to such reimbursements immediately prior to such termination of employment for the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
                         d. Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for Executive’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage available to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
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               (ii) Change in Control Defined. A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall acquire during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or group, in one or a series of transactions, whether through sale of stock or merger, ownership of stock of the Company that constitutes 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or any successor to the Company; (2) a merger in which the Company is a party pursuant to which any person or such group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, or (3) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale, exchange, or transfer to one or more corporations where the stockholders of the Company before and after such sale, exchange, or transfer, directly or indirectly, are the beneficial owners of at least a majority of the voting stock of the corporation(s) to which the assets were transferred).
 
               (iii)Excise Tax - Best After-Tax Result. In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payments”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this section, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, any successor provisions, or any comparable federal, state, local or foreign excise tax (“Excise Tax”), then, subject to the provisions of Section 8(e)(iv), such Payments shall be either (1) provided in full pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other applicable agreement, or (2) provided as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (“Reduced Amount”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes and the Excise Tax (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties on such taxes), results in the receipt by Executive, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of payments and benefits provided for hereunder or otherwise, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made by an independent advisor designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Independent Advisor”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required under this Section, Independent Advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code; provided that Independent Advisor shall assume that Executive pays all taxes at the highest marginal rate. The Company and Executive shall furnish to Independent Advisor such information and documents as Independent Advisor may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs that Independent Advisor may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section. In the event that Section 8(e)(iii)(b)(2) above applies, then based on the information provided to Executive and the Company by Independent Advisor, Executive may, in Executive’s sole discretion and within 30 days of the date on which Executive is provided with the information prepared by Independent Advisor, determine which and how much of the Payments (including the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards) to be otherwise received by Executive shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such determination the value (as calculated by Independent Advisor in accordance with the provisions of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code) of the amounts payable or distributable to Executive equals the Reduced Amount). If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) determines that any Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, then Section 8(e)(iv) hereof shall apply, and the enforcement of Section 8(e)(iv) shall be the exclusive remedy to the Company.
 
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               (iii)Adjustments. If, notwithstanding any reduction described in Section 8(e)(iii) (or in the absence of any such reduction), the IRS determines that Executive is liable for the Excise Tax as a result of the receipt of one or more Payments, then Executive shall be obligated to surrender or pay back to the Company, within 120 days after a final IRS determination, an amount of such payments or benefits equal to the “Repayment Amount.” The Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be the smallest such amount, if any, as shall be required to be surrendered or paid to the Company so that Executive’s net proceeds with respect to such Payments (after taking into account the payment of the excise tax imposed on such Payments) shall be maximized. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be zero if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not eliminate the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments or if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not maximize the net amount received by Executive from the Payments. If the Excise Tax is not eliminated pursuant to this Section, Executive shall pay the Excise Tax.
 
     9.Certain Employment Obligations.
 
          (a)Employee Acknowledgement. The Company and the Executive acknowledge that (i) the Company has a special interest in and derives significant benefit from the unique skills and experience of the Executive; (ii) as a result of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Executive will use and have access to some of the Company’s proprietary and valuable Confidential Information during the course of the Executive’s employment; (iii) the Confidential Information has been developed and created by the Company at substantial expense and constitutes valuable proprietary assets of the Company, and the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if, during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter, the Executive should disclose or improperly use such Confidential Information in violation of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if the Executive competes with the company in violation of this Agreement; (v) the Company will suffer substantial damage which will be difficult to compute if, the Executive solicits or interferes with the Company’s employees, clients, or customers; (vi) the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business of the Company; and (vii) the provisions of this Agreement will not preclude the Executive from obtaining other gainful employment or service.
 
          (b)Non-Compete.
 
               (i)During the Term of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Executive's termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, control, be employed by, consult with, participate in, or be connected in any manner with the ownership, management, operation, control of, or otherwise become involved with, any Competing Business, nor shall the Executive undertake any planning to engage in any such activity.
 
     For purposes of this Agreement, a Competing Business shall mean any of the following: (1) any off-price retailer or retailer of discount merchandise, including without limitation, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, TJX Companies Inc., Stein Mart, Inc., (2) Macy’s, Inc. and Kohl’s Corporation, and (3) any affiliates, subsidiaries or successors of businesses identified above.
 
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               (ii)The foregoing restrictions in Section 9(b)(i) shall have no force or effect in the event that: (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated either by the Company pursuant to Section 6(d) [Without Cause] or by the Executive pursuant to Section 6(e) [Termination by the Executive for Good Reason]; or (ii) the Company fails to approve or grant an extension of this Agreement in accordance with Section 1 hereof.
 
               (iii)Section 9(b)(i) shall not prohibit the Executive from making any investment of 1% or less of the equity securities of any publicly-traded corporation which is considered to be a Competing Business.
 
          (c)Non-Solicitation of Employees.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of that employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the written permission of the Company or an affected affiliate, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, employ or retain, or have or cause any other person or entity to solicit, employ or retain, any person who is employed by the Company or was employed by the Company during the 6-month period prior to such solicitation, employment, or retainer, (ii) encourage any such person not to devote his or her full business time to the Company, or (iii) agree to hire or employ any such person.
 
          (d)Non-Solicitation of Third Parties.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or otherwise influence any entity with a business arrangement with the Company, including, without limitation, suppliers, sales representatives, lenders, lessors, and lessees, to discontinue, reduce, or otherwise materially or adversely affect such relationship.
 
          (e)Non-Disparagement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive will not defame or criticize the services, business, integrity, veracity, or personal or professional reputation of the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents of any of the foregoing in either a professional or personal manner either during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter.
 
     10.Company Remedies for Executive’s Breach of Certain Obligations.
 
          (a)The Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event that the Executive breaches or threatens to breach Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement, all compensation and benefits otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement and the vesting and/or exercisability of all stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation previously awarded to the Executive, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing any such award to the contrary, shall immediately cease.
 
          (b)The Company shall give prompt notice to the Executive of its discovery of a breach by the Executive of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If it is determined by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board that the Executive has breached Section 9 of this Agreement and has not cured such breach within ten (10) business days of such notice, then:
 
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               (i)the Executive shall forfeit to the Company (A) all stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding and unexercised or unpaid as of the date of such determination by the Board (the “ Breach Determination Date ”) and (B) all shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company which continue to be held by the Executive as of the Breach Determination Date to the extent that such awards vested during the Forfeiture Period (as defined below); and
 
               (ii)the Executive shall pay to the Company all gains realized by the Executive upon (A) the exercise by or payment in settlement to the Executive on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company and (B) the sale on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company and which vested during the Forfeiture Period.
 
          (c)For purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the exercise or payment in settlement of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards shall be equal to (A) the closing sale price on the date of exercise or settlement (as reported on the stock exchange or market system constituting the principal market for the shares subject to the applicable award) of the number of vested shares issued to the Executive upon such exercise or settlement, reduced by the purchase price, if any, paid by the Executive to acquire such shares, or (B) if any such award was settled by payment in cash to the Executive, the gain realized by the Executive shall be equal to the amount of cash paid to the Executive. Further, for purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the sale of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sale realized by the Executive. Gains determined for purposes of this Section shall be determined without regard to any subsequent increase or decrease in the market price of the Company’s stock or taxes paid by or withheld from the Executive with respect to such transactions.
 
          (d)For the purposes of this Section, the “Forfeiture Period” shall be the period ending on the Breach Determination Date and beginning on the earlier of (A) the date six months prior to the Breach Determination Date or (B) the business day immediately preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.
 
          (e)The Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) to deduct from any amounts payable from time to time to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (including wages or other compensation, vacation pay or other benefits, and any other amounts owed to the Executive by the Company) any and all amounts the Executive is required to pay to the Company pursuant to this Section. The Executive agrees to pay to the Company immediately upon the Breach Determination Date the amount payable by the Executive to the Company pursuant to this Section which the Company has not recovered by means of such deductions.
 
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          (f)The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Company for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement and that the Company will not have any adequate remedy at law. For this reason, such breach or threatened breach will not be subject to the arbitration clause in Section 19; rather, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief, and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain such breach or threatened breach. The Company may obtain such relief from (1) any court of competent jurisdiction, (2) an arbitrator pursuant to Section 19 hereof, or (3) a combination of the two (e.g., by simultaneously seeking arbitration under Section 19 and a temporary injunction from a court pending the outcome of the arbitration). It shall be the Company’s sole and exclusive right to elect which approach to use to vindicate its rights. The Executive further agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach, without posting a bond or having to prove irreparable harm or damages, and to obtain all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition, the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement.
 
          (g)Recoupment: Executive hereby understands and agrees that the Executive is subject to the Company’s recoupment policy. Under the current policy applicable to the Company’s senior executives, subject to the discretion and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Company may, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of any cash payments and reimbursement and/or cancellation of any Performance Share or Common Shares issued in settlement of a Performance Share to the Executive where all of the following factors are present: (1) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement, (2) the Board determines that the Executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (3) a lower award would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each instance, the Company may seek to recover the Executive’s entire gain received by the Executive within the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest.
 
     11.Exercise of Stock Options Following Termination.If the Executive's employment terminates, Executive (or the Executive's estate) may exercise the Executive's right to purchase any vested stock under the stock options granted to Executive by the Company as provided in the applicable stock option agreement or Company plan. All such purchases must be made by the Executive in accordance with the applicable stock option plans and agreements between the parties.
 
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     12.Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to the Executive hereunder, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable law to the Executive’s beneficiary pursuant to a written designation of beneficiary ,  or, if there is no effective written designation of beneficiary by the Executive, to the Executive’s estate.
 
     13.Insurance and Indemnity. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Executive during the Term of Employment under any directors and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained for its directors and officers, with coverage at least as favorable to the Executive in amount and each other material respect as the coverage of other officers covered thereby. The Company’s obligation to provide insurance and indemnify the Executive shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions of the Executive occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company. Such obligations shall be binding upon the Company’s successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.
 
     14.Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices, demands and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
          	If to the Executive:      	James Fassio	
 	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	 	
 	If to the Company:	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	Attention: General Counsel	

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
 
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     15. Complete Agreement; Modification, Waiver; Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with any stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, represents the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, promises or representations of the parties, except those relating to repayment of signing and related bonuses, or relocation expense reimbursements. To the extent that the bonus payment provisions (i.e., post-termination bonus payments) provided in this Agreement differ from the provisions of the Company’s incentive bonus plans (currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plans, such bonus payments shall be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement except to the extent expressly prohibited by law. Except as provided by Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], no provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except in a document signed by the Executive and the chairman of the Committee or such other person as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by the Executive or the Company of any breach of, or lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or the same condition or provision at another time. To the extent that this Agreement is in any way deemed to be inconsistent with any prior or contemporaneous stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, or term sheet referencing such specific awards, the terms of this Agreement shall control. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
 
     16.Governing Law - Severability. The validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Executive’s principle place of employment described in Section 3 is located without reference to that state’s choice of law rules. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, for any reason, the invalidity of that provision shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question unenforceable in any other jurisdiction or in any other case or of rendering any other provisions herein unenforceable, but the invalid provision shall be substituted with a valid provision which most closely approximates the intent and the economic effect of the invalid provision and which would be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted in such jurisdiction or in such case.
 
     17.Mitigation Not Required. In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment following such termination. However, any amounts due the Executive under Sections 8(a)(i); 8(a)(ii); 8(e)(i)(2)(a),(b),(c) or (d); and/or any additional salary provided under Section 8(e)(i)(1) of this Agreement shall be offset by any cash remuneration, health care coverage and/or estate planning reimbursements attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain during the period of payment of compensation under this Agreement following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
     18.Withholding.All payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law. To the extent permitted, the Executive may provide all or any part of any necessary withholding by contributing Company stock with value, determined on the date such withholding is due, equal to the number of shares contributed multiplied by the closing price per share as reported on the securities exchange constituting the primary market for the Company’s stock on the date preceding the date the withholding is determined.
 
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     19. Arbitration. In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of the parties’ employment relationship or this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, wrongful termination, or age, race, sex, disability or other discrimination), all such disputes shall be fully, finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association in the city in which the Executive’s principal place of employment is located by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that this arbitration provision shall not apply, unless the Company elects otherwise, to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the Executive’s breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If either the Company or the Executive shall request, arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. The Company shall pay all costs of any arbitration; provided, however, that each party shall pay its own attorney and advisor fees.
 
     If there is termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company followed by a dispute as to whether the Executive is entitled to the benefits provided under this Agreement, then, during the period of that dispute the Company shall pay the Executive fifty percent (50%) of the amount specified in Section 8 hereof (except that the Company shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of any insurance premiums provided for in Section 8), if, and only if, the Executive agrees in writing that if the dispute is resolved against the Executive, the Executive shall promptly refund to the Company all such payments received by, or made by the Company on behalf of, the Executive. If the dispute is resolved in the Executive’s favor, promptly after resolution of the dispute the Company shall pay the Executive the sum that was withheld during the period of the dispute plus interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(d) of the Code, compounded quarterly.
 
     20.Attorney’s Fees. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in any action or dispute arising out of this Agreement.
 
     21.Miscellaneous. No right or interest to, or in, any payments shall be assignable by the Executive; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be precluded from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and the legal representative of the Executive’s estate shall not be precluded from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and, the Company and its successors.
 
     22.Compliance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this Agreement that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Code Section 409A (“ Section 409A Deferred Compensation ”) shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such Section (such Section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “ Section 409A ”), including the following:
 
-20-

 

          (a) Separation from Service. Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Executive’s termination of employment shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of the Executive’s employment which constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “ Separation from Service ” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
          (b)Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees.If, at the time of a Separation from Service of the Executive, the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B(i) (a “ Specified Employee ”), then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Separation from Service of the Executive shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of death of the Executive (in either case, the “ Delayed Payment Date ”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with Section 8. All such amounts that would, but for this Section 22(b), become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.
 
          (c)Health Care and Estate Planning Benefits.In the event that all or any of the health care or estate planning benefits to be provided pursuant to Sections 8(e)(i)(2)(c) or 8(e)(i)(2)(d) as a result of a Participant’s Separation from Service constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation, the Company shall provide for such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation in a manner that complies with Section 409A. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, the Company shall determine the health care premium cost necessary to provide such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation for the applicable coverage period and shall pay such premium cost which becomes due and payable during the applicable coverage period on the applicable due date for such premiums; provided, however, that if the Executive is a Specified Employee, the Company shall not pay any such premium cost until the Delayed Payment Date. If the Company’s payment pursuant to the previous sentence is subject to a Delayed Payment Date, the Executive shall pay the premium cost otherwise payable by the Company prior to the Delayed Payment Date, and on the Delayed Payment Date the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such Company premium cost paid by the Executive and shall pay the balance of the Company’s premium cost necessary to provide such benefit coverage for the remainder of the applicable coverage period as and when it becomes due and payable over the applicable period.
 
          (d)Stock-Based Awards. The vesting of any stock-based compensation awards which constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation and are held by the Executive, if the Executive is a Specified Employee, shall be accelerated in accordance with this Agreement to the extent applicable; provided, however, that the payment in settlement of any such awards shall occur on the Delayed Payment Date. Any stock-based compensation which vests and becomes payable upon a Change in Control in accordance with Section 8(e)(i)(1) shall not be subject to this Section 22(d).
 
          (e)Installments. Executive’s right to receive any installment payments payable hereunder shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.
 
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          (f)Reimbursements. To the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, such reimbursements shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the cost was incurred, the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
 
          (g)Rights of the Company; Release of Liability.It is the mutual intention of the Executive and the Company that the provision of all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. To the extent that the provision of any such payment or benefit pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement would fail to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of the Executive, make such modifications to the timing or manner of providing such payment and/or benefit to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to make any such modifications. Any such modifications made by the Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, preserve the aggregate monetary face value of such payments and/or benefits provided by this Agreement in the absence of such modification; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be obligated to pay any interest or other compensation in respect of any delay in the provision of such payments or benefits in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that (i) the provisions of this Section 22 may result in a delay in the time at which payments would otherwise be made pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the Company is authorized to amend the this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by the Executive under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by the Company, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to comply with Section 409A (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder) without prior notice to or consent of the Executive. The Executive hereby releases and holds harmless the Company, its directors, officers and stockholders from any and all claims that may arise from or relate to any tax liability, penalties, interest, costs, fees or other liability incurred by the Executive as a result of the application of Code Section 409A.
 
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     23. Future Equity Compensation. The Executive understands and acknowledges that all awards, if any, of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation by the Company are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof. The Executive further understands and acknowledges, however, that unless the Executive has executed this Agreement and each successive amendment extending the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term of the Agreement as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive, it is the intention of the Board of Directors and the Executive that, notwithstanding any continued employment with the Company, (a) the Company shall have no obligation to grant any award of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or any other form of equity compensation which might otherwise have been granted to the Executive on or after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or such successive Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign the Agreement or the applicable Term of Employment extension amendment and (b) any such award which is nevertheless granted to the Executive after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign such Agreement or applicable extension amendment shall not vest unless and until the Executive has executed the Agreement or applicable extension amendment, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing such award to the contrary.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Executive Employment Agreement effective as of the date and year first above written.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	          	EXECUTIVE	

By: Michael Balmuth	 	James Fassio	
Vice Chairman and Chief	 	President and Chief Development Officer	
Executive Officer	 	 	

-23-

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
 
This is an Agreement between ______________ (“Executive”) and Ross Stores, Inc. (“Ross”). The parties agree to the following terms and conditions:
 
1.    	Executive ______________ employment with Ross effective ______________ (the “Separation Date”).	
 	
2.	Any inquiries by prospective employers or others should be referred to Ross’ third party provider The Work Number, phone number 1-800-367-5690 or http://www.theworknumber.com.	
 	
3.	Executive understands that the Executive Employment Agreement, effective _______ (“Executive Agreement”), requires Executive to execute this General Release as a condition to receiving cash payments, benefits and equity as may be provided under the terms of the Executive Agreement.	
 	
4.	In consideration for Ross’ promises herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges Ross, and all parent corporations, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assignees, as well as the current and former employees, attorneys, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “Releases”), of and from any and all claims, judgments, promises, agreements, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or liabilities of whatever kind and character, known and unknown, which Executive may now have, has ever had, or may in the future have, arising from or in any way connected with any and all matters from the beginning of time to the date hereof, including but not limited to any alleged causes of action for:	
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
The Civil Rights Act of 1991
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended
The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
California Family Rights Act – Cal. Govt. Code § 12945.2 et seq.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act – Cal. Gov’t Code § 12900 et seq.
Statutory Provision Regarding Retaliation/Discrimination for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim – Cal. Lab. Code §132a (1) to (4)
Statutory Provision Regarding Representations and Relocation of Employment (Cal. Lab. Code §970 et seq.)
 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
1

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
California Unruh Civil Rights Act – Civ. Code § 51 et seq.
California Sexual Orientation Bias Law – Cal. Lab. Code §1101 et seq.
California AIDS Testing and Confidentiality Law – Cal. Health & Safety Code §199.20 et seq.
California Confidentiality of Medical Information – Cal. Civ. Code §56 et seq.
California Smokers’ Rights Law – Cal. Lab. Code §96
California Parental Leave Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230.7 et seq.
California Apprenticeship Program Bias Law – Cal. Lab. Code §3070 et seq.
California Wage Payment Act, as amended
California Equal Pay Law – Cal. Lab. Code §1197.5 et seq.
California Whistleblower Protection Law – Cal. Lab. Code § 1102-5(a) to (c)
California Military Personnel Bias Law – Cal. Mil. & Vet. Code §394 et seq.
California Family and Medical Leave – Cal. Lab. Code §233
California Parental Leave for School Visits Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230.7 et seq.
California Electronic Monitoring of Employees – Cal. Lab. Code §435 et seq.
Cal/OSHA law, as amended
California Consumer Reports: Discrimination Law – Cal. Civ. Code §1786.10 et seq.
California Political Activities of Employees Act – Cal. Lab. Code §1101 et seq.
California Domestic Violence Victim Employment Leave Act – Cal. Lab. Code §230.1
California Voting Leave Law – Cal. Elec. Code §14350 et seq.
California Court Leave Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230
California Labor Code sections 2698 and 2699
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance
Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law, or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters
5.    	Claims Excluded from this Release:However, notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to waive any right that is not subject to waiver by private agreement, including, without limitation, any claims arising under state unemployment insurance or workers compensation laws or California Labor Code section 2802. Executive understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq .) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived. Likewise, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from filing a charge or complaint challenging the validity of this Agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.	
 	
6.	Subject to the continuing viability of the Claims Excluded from this Agreement, as described in the paragraph above, Executive expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits of section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, and Executive does so understanding and acknowledging the significance and consequence of specifically waiving section 1542. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California states as follows:	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

2

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.   
 
 	Executive warrants he or she has read this Agreement, including this waiver of California Civil Code section 1542, and that Executive has consulted counsel or has had the opportunity to consult counsel about this Agreement and specifically about the waiver of section 1542. Executive understands this Agreement and the section 1542 waiver, and so Executive freely and knowingly enters into this Agreement. Executive acknowledges he or she may later discover facts different from or in addition to those he or she now knows or believes to be true regarding the matters released or described in this Agreement, and even so Executive agrees the releases and agreements contained in this Agreement shall remain effective in all respects notwithstanding any later discovery of any different or additional facts. Executive assumes any and all risk of mistake in connection with the true facts involved in the matters, disputes, or controversies described in this Agreement or with regard to any facts now unknown to Executive relating to those matters.	
       	 	
7.	Executive affirms that he or she has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he or she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to him or her, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that he or she has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested, including any under the Family and Medical Leave Act or any other leaves authorized by federal or state law, and that Executive has not reported any purported improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities to any supervisor, manager, executive human resources representative or agent of Ross Stores and has no knowledge of any such improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities. Executive additionally represents and affirms that during the course of employment at Ross, Executive has taken no actions contrary to or inconsistent with Executive’s job responsibilities or the best interests of Ross’ business.	
 	
8.	During the course of employment at Ross, Executive has become aware of a variety of confidential information related to Ross business and competitive position. Executive acknowledges that this confidential information includes information regarding Ross associate compensation, performance, and other terms of employment as to Ross associates. Executive agrees not to use or disclose in any manner such confidential, or trade secret information (which includes but is not limited to, marketing and profit information, potential site location, or other concepts or materials of Ross).	
 	
 	In furtherance of maintaining the confidentiality of such information, and in consideration for the payments and benefits provided by Ross under this Agreement, Executive also agrees to not directly or indirectly solicit any other employee of Ross for a competing business or induce or attempt to induce any other employee of Ross to terminate his or her employment with Ross for a period of twelve (12) months following Separation Date.	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

3

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
 	The parties agree that any violation of the provisions in this paragraph and the below provisions regarding confidentiality and non-disparagement would cause Ross significant, immediate and irreparable harm, entitling Ross to injunctive relief in an appropriate court of law. Further, the parties agree that in event of Executive’s violation of such provisions, Ross will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing such provisions.	
 	 	
9.	Executive agrees that this is a private agreement and that he or she will not discuss the fact that it exists or its terms with anyone else except with his or her spouse, attorney, accountant, or as required by law. Further, Executive agrees not to defame, disparage or demean Ross in any way (excluding actions or communications expressly required or permitted by law	
 	
10.    	Any party to this Agreement may bring an action in law or equity for its breach. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, only the provisions of this Agreement alleged to have been breached shall be disclosed.	
 	
11.	This Agreement has been made in the State of California and the law of said State shall apply to it. If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remaining parts of the Agreement will remain in effect as if no invalid part existed.	
 	
12.	Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and fully cooperate with Ross in defending any anticipated, threatened, or actual litigation that currently exists, or may arise subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. Such cooperation includes, but is not limited to, meeting with internal Ross employees to discuss and review issues which Executive was directly or indirectly involved with during employment with Ross, participating in any investigation conducted by Ross either internally or by outside counsel or consultants, signing declarations or witness statements, preparing for and serving as a witness in any civil or administrative proceeding by both depositions or a witness at trial, reviewing documents and similar activities that Ross deems necessary. Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and cooperate in answering questions regarding any previous or current project Executive worked on while employed by Ross so as to insure a smooth transition of responsibilities and to minimize any adverse consequences of Executive’s departure.	
 	
13.	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties, except for any confidentiality, trade secrets and inventions agreements previously entered into with the company (which will remain in full force and effect), and may not be modified except in a writing agreed to and signed by both parties, providing however that Employer may modify this form of agreement from time to time solely as needed to comply with federal, state or local laws in effect that the time this Agreement is to be executed. Executive acknowledges that he or she has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to him or her in connection with his or her decision to accept this Agreement except for those set forth in this Agreement.	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

4

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
FOR 40+
14. Waiver : By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that he or she:
 
(a)    	Has carefully read and understands this Agreement;	
 	
(b)	Has been given a full twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the terms of this Agreement and consult with an attorney of his or her choice, and to the extent he or she executes this Agreement prior to expiration of the full twenty-one (21) days, knowingly and voluntarily waives that period following consultation with an attorney of his or her choice;	
 	
(c)	Is, through this Agreement, releasing Ross from any and all claims he or she may have against it that have arisen as of the date of this Agreement, including but not limited to, rights or claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. §62l, et seq .);	
 	
(d)	Knowingly and voluntarily agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;	
 	
(e)	Knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the same;	
 	
(f)	Is hereby advised in writing to consider the terms of this Agreement and to consult with an attorney of his or her choice prior to executing this Agreement;	
 	
(g)	Has consulted with an attorney of his or her choosing prior to signing this Agreement;	
 	
(h)	Understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621,et seq.) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived;	
 	
(i)	Has a full seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement ("the Revocation Period") in writing and hereby is advised that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has expired.	
 
Executive fully understands the final and binding effect of the Agreement. Executive acknowledges that he or she signs this Agreement voluntarily of his or her own free will.
 
The parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below:
 
Dated: 	 	 	                   	By: 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	(“Executive”)	 	

Dated:	 	 	 	By:	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	ROSS STORES, INC. (“Ross”)	 	

Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

5

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
    THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made effective March 16, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between Ross Stores, Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Delaware corporation, and Michael O’Sullivan (the “ Executive ”).
 
RECITALS
 
    A.The Company wishes to employ the Executive, and the Executive is willing to accept such employment, as President and Chief Operating Officer.
 
    B.It is now the mutual desire of the Company and the Executive to enter into a written employment agreement to govern the terms of the Executive’s employment by the Company as of and following the Effective Date on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
    In consideration for the promises of the parties set forth below, the Company and theExecutive hereby agree as follows:
 
    1.Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, the term of employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement (the “ Term of Employment ”) shall be as follows:
 
       (a)Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and end on March 31, 2015 (the “ Initial Term ”), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.
 
       (b)Renewal Term. Upon the timely written request of the Executive to extend the Term of Employment, the Compensation Committee (the “ Committee ”) of the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of the Company shall consider extending the Executive’s employment with the Company under this Agreement. To be timely, such request must be delivered to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then effective Initial Term or Renewal Term and, in any case, while the Executive remains an employee of the Company. Such request must contain no proposed modification to the provisions of this Agreement other than an extension of the Term of Employment as then in effect for an additional two (2) years. Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of such notice, the Chief Executive Officer will discuss such request with the Committee and advise the Executive, in writing, within thirty (30) days following its consideration of the Executive’s written request, of the approval or disapproval of such extension request. The failure to provide such written advice shall constitute a denial of the Executive’s request for extension. If the Executive’s request for an extension is approved, the Term of Employment shall be extended for two (2) additional years commencing on the date immediately following the date of expiration of the Term of Employment in effect at the time of the Executive’s written request. Such additional two-year period is referred to herein as a “ Renewal Term .”

 

    2.Position and Duties. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall serve as President and Chief Operating Officer. As used in this Agreement, the term “Company” includes Ross Stores, Inc. and each and any of its divisions, affiliates or subsidiaries (except that, where the term relates to stock, stockholders, stock options or other stock-based awards or the Board, it means Ross Stores, Inc.). The Executive’s employment may be transferred, assigned, or re-assigned to Ross Stores, Inc. or a division, affiliate or subsidiary of Ross Stores, Inc., and such transfer, assignment, or re-assignment will not constitute a termination of employment or “Good Reason” for the Executive’s termination of employment under this Agreement. During the Term of Employment, the Executive may engage in outside activities provided those activities (including but not limited to membership on boards of directors of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations) do not conflict with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, and provided further that the Executive gives written notice to the Board of any significant outside business activity in which the Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit.
 
    3.Principal Place of Employment. The Executive shall be employed at theCompany’s offices in Pleasanton, California, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with present business travel obligations of the Executive’s position.
 
    4.Compensation and Related Matters.
 
       (a)Salary. During the Term of Employment, the Company shall pay to the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than Eight Hundred Sixty-two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($862,500) per annum. The Executive’s salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices applicable to senior executives. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 4(a), the Executive’s salary may be adjusted from time to time by the Committee in accordance with normal business practices of the Company.
 
       (b)Bonus.During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus paid under the Company’s existing incentive bonus plan under which the Executive is eligible (which is currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plan that may subsequently be established and in effect during the Term of Employment. The current target annual bonus the Executive is eligible to earn upon achievement of 100% of all applicable performance targets under such incentive bonus plan is 85% of the Executive’s then effective annual salary rate. The Executive’s termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination (as described in Sections 6(c) and 6(f), respectively) prior to the Company’s payment of the bonus for a fiscal year of the Company will cause the Executive to be ineligible for any annual bonus for that fiscal year or any pro-rata portion of such bonus.
 
       (c) Expenses. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all other reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services hereunder, including all reasonable expenses of travel and living while away from home, provided that such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Company.
 
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       (d)Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit plans and arrangements in which senior executives of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company shall not make any changes in such plans or arrangements which would adversely affect the Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, unless such change occurs pursuant to a program applicable to all senior executives of the Company and does not result in a proportionately greater reduction in the rights or benefits of the Executive as compared with any other similarly situated senior executive of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Company in the future to its senior executives, subject to, and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing paid to the Executive under any plan or arrangement presently in effect or made available in the future shall be in lieu of the salary or bonus otherwise payable under this Agreement.
 
       (e) Vacations. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to Twenty (20) vacation days in each calendar year, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, determined in accordance with the Company’s vacation plan. The Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executives. Unused vacation days shall not be forfeited once they have been earned and, if still unused at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, shall be promptly paid to the Executive at their then-current value, based on the Executive’s daily salary rate at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment.
 
       (f) Services Furnished. The Company shall furnish the Executive with office space and such services as are suitable to the Executive’s position and adequate for the performance of the Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment.
 
    5.Confidential Information and Intellectual Property.
 
       (a)Other than in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive agrees not to use in any manner or disclose, distribute, publish, communicate or in any way cause to be used, disclosed, distributed, published, or communicated in any way or at any time, either while in the Company's employ or at any time thereafter, to any person not employed by the Company, or not engaged to render services to the Company, any Confidential Information (as defined below) obtained while in the employ of the Company.
 
       (b)Confidential Information includes any written or unwritten information which relates to and/or is used by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, including, without limitation (i) the names, addresses, buying habits and other special information regarding past, present and potential customers, employees and suppliers of the Company, (ii) customer and supplier contracts and transactions or price lists of the Company and suppliers, (iii) methods of distribution, (iv) all agreements, files, books, logs, charts, records, studies, reports, processes, schedules and statistical information, (v) data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, (vi) supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, sales information, and property information, (vii) information regarding the present or future phases of business, (viii) ideas, inventions, trademarks, business information, know-how, processes, techniques, improvements, designs, redesigns, creations, discoveries, trade secrets, and developments, (ix) all computer software licensed or developed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, computer programs, computer-based and web-based training programs, and systems, and (x) finances and financial information, but Confidential Information will not include information of the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions that (1) became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, (2) has been or is disclosed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions without restriction on its use, or (3) has been or is required or specifically permitted to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Company’s Chief Executive Officer confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge.
 
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       (c)The provisions of this Section 5 shall not preclude the Executive from disclosing such information to the Executive's professional tax advisor or legal counsel solely to the extent necessary to the rendering of their professional services to the Executive if such individuals agree to keep such information confidential.
 
       (d)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company’s employ the Executive will remain reasonably available to answer questions from Company officers regarding the Executive’s former duties and responsibilities and the knowledge the Executive obtained in connection therewith.
 
       (e)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company's employ the Executive will not communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television, or radio or social media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatening lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information) as a result of employment with the Company. The Executive further agrees to notify the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
 
       (f)The Executive agrees that all information, inventions, and discoveries, whether or not patented or patentable, made or conceived by the Executive, either alone or with others, at any time while employed by the Company, which arises out of such employment or is pertinent to any field of business or research in which, during such employment, the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions is engaged or (if such is known to or ascertainable by the Executive) is considering engaging (“ Intellectual Property ”) shall (i) be and remain the sole property of the Company and the Executive shall not seek a patent with respect to such Intellectual Property without the prior consent of an authorized representative of the Company and (ii) be disclosed promptly to an authorized representative of the Company along with all information the Executive possesses with regard to possible applications and uses. Further, at the request of the Company, and without expense or additional compensation to the Executive, the Executive agrees to execute such documents and perform such other acts as the Company deems necessary to obtain patents on such Intellectual Property in a jurisdiction or jurisdictions designated by the Company, and to assign to the Company or its designee such Intellectual Property and all patent applications and patents relating thereto.
 
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       (g)The Executive and the Company agree that the Executive intends all original works of authorship within the purview of the copyright laws of the United States authored or created by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company will be works for hire within the meaning of such copyright law.
 
       (h)Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, or at any time upon request of the Company, the Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information and Intellectual Property, in any form, including but not limited to letters, memoranda, reports, notes, notebooks, books of account, drawings, prints, specifications, formulae, data printouts, microfilms, magnetic tapes, disks, recordings, documents, and all copies thereof.
 
    6.Termination. The Executive’s employment may be terminated during the Term of Employment only as follows:
 
       (a)Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.
 
       (b)Disability. If, as a result of the Executive’s Disability (as defined below), the Executive shall have been absent from the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis for the entire period of six consecutive months, and, within thirty days after written notice of termination is given by the Company (which may occur before or after the end of such six-month period), the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis, the Executive’s employment shall terminate. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental illness, impairment or condition reasonably determined by the Board that prevents the Executive from performing the duties of the Executive’s position under this Agreement.
 
       (c)For Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause. For this purpose, “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) the Executive’s continuous failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder (unless such failure is a result of a Disability as defined in Section 6(b)), (ii) the Executive’s theft, dishonesty, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit or falsification of any documents of the Company, (iii) the Executive’s material failure to abide by the applicable code(s) of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct) of the Company, (iv) knowing or intentional misconduct by the Executive as a result of which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement, (v) the Executive’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company (including, without limitation, the Executive’s improper use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company), (vi) any intentional misconduct or illegal or grossly negligent conduct by the Executive which is materially injurious to the Company monetarily or otherwise, (vii) any material breach by the Executive of the provisions of Section 9 [Certain Employment Obligations] of this Agreement, or (viii) the Executive’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which materially impairs the Executive’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company. A termination for Cause shall not take effect unless: (1) the Executive is given written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Executive for Cause; (2) the notice specifically identifies the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act which are the basis for such termination; (3) where practicable, the notice is given within sixty (60) days of the Company’s learning of such act or acts or failure or failures to act; and (4) only in the case of clause (i), (iii), (v), (vi) or (vii) of the second sentence of this Section 6(c), the Executive fails to substantially cure such breach, to the extent such cure is possible, within sixty (60) days after the date that such written notice is given to the Executive.
 
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       (d)Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause. A termination “ Without Cause ” is a termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reasons other than the death or Disability of the Executive or the termination by the Company of the Executive for Cause as described in Section 6(c).
 
       (e)Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for “ Good Reason ,” which shall be deemed to occur if, within sixty (60) business days after receipt of written notice to the Company by the Executive of the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions, any of the following condition(s) have not been cured: (1) a failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of this Agreement (including but not limited to the reduction of the Executive’s salary or the target annual bonus opportunity set forth in Section 4(b)), (2) a significant diminishment in the nature or scope of the authority, power, function or duty attached to the position which the Executive currently maintains without the express written consent of the Executive, or (3) the relocation of the Executive’s Principal Place of Employment as described in Section 3 to a location that increases the regular one-way commute distance between the Executive’s residence and Principal Place of Employment by more than 25 miles without the Executive’s prior written consent. In order to constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the condition giving rise to the Good Reason termination within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the condition, and in the event such condition is timely cured by the Company, the termination shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason .
 
       (f)Voluntary Termination. The Executive may voluntarily resign from the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time (a “ Voluntary Termination ”). A voluntary resignation from employment by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(e) shall not be deemed a Voluntary Termination.
 
       (g)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Executive fails to request an extension of the Term of Employment in accordance with Section 1(b) or if the Committee fails to approve such request, this Agreement shall automatically expire at the end of the then current Term of Employment (a “ Non-Renewal Termination ”).
 
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     7.Notice and Effective Date of Termination
 
          (a)Notice. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive during the Term of Employment (other than as a result of the death of the Executive or a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g)) shall be communicated by written notice of termination to the other party hereto. Such notice shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under that provision.
 
          (b)Date of Termination. The date of termination of the Executive’s employment shall be:
 
                (i)if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death;
 
               (ii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to Disability pursuant to Section 6(b), the date of termination shall be the last to occur of the 31st day following delivery of the notice of termination to the Executive by the Company or the end of the consecutive six-month period referred to in Section 6(b).
 
               (iii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason by either party, the date on which a notice of termination is delivered to the other party; and
 
               (iv)if the Agreement expires pursuant to a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g), the parties’ employment relationship shall terminate on the last day of the then current Term of Employment without any notice.
 
     8.Compensation and Benefits Upon Termination.
 
          (a)Termination Due To Disability, Without Cause or For Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(b) [Disability], Section 6(d) [Without Cause], or Section 6(e) [Termination by Executive for Good Reason], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Salary. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive the Executive’s salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior to such termination of employment, through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
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          (ii)Bonus. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive an annual bonus through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect; provided, however, that the amount of the annual bonus determined in accordance with this Section 8(a)(ii) for the fiscal year of the Company in which such Term of Employment ends shall be prorated on the basis of the number of days of such Term of Employment occurring within such fiscal year. The amount of each annual bonus payable pursuant to this Section 8(a)(ii), prior to any proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned had no such termination under Section 8(a)(i) occurred, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the respective year having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonuses shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
          (iii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested in full upon such termination of employment.
 
          (iv)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of termination shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of termination, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
          (v)Other Equity Awards. Except as set forth in Sections 8(a)(iii), 8(a)(iv) and 8(c), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
          (vi)Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for the amount equivalent to the Company’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed the lesser of [A] eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, or [B] the remainder of the Term of Employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
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    The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(a) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
       (b)Termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(c) [For Cause] or Section 6(f) [Voluntary Termination], the Executive shall be entitled to receive only the salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. The Executive shall not be entitled to any bonus not paid prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive shall not be entitled to any prorated bonus payment for the year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Any stock options granted to the Executive by the Company shall continue to vest only through the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates, and unless otherwise provided by their terms, any restricted stock, performance share awards or other equity awards that were granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such awards. The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(b) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
       (c)Death.If the Executive’ employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(a) [Death], (i) the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive only the salary, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) at the time payable under the applicable Company bonus plan, an annual bonus shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate for the fiscal year of the Executive’s death based on the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for such fiscal year had the Executive not died, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for said year having been obtained, capped at 100% of the Executive’s target bonus for such fiscal year and pro-rated for the number of days the Executive is employed during such fiscal year until the Executive’s death; (iii) any restricted stock previously granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date of the Executive’s death shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such restricted stock; and (iv) the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to the Executive’s death.
 
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       (d)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Agreement expires as set forth in Section 6(g) [Non-Renewal Termination], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
          (i)Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the date of the Executive’s termination of employment occurs, which shall be prorated for the number of days of such fiscal year that the Executive is employed by the Company. The amount of such annual bonus, prior to proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs had the Executive remained in its employment, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the year in which Executive terminates having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonus shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
          (ii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall be vested and exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
          (iii)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of non-renewal shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of non-renewal, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
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          (iv)Other Equity Awards.Except as set forth in Sections 8(d)(ii) and 8(d)(iii), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
    The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(d) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
       (e)Special Change in Control Provisions.
 
          (i) Change in Control Benefits.
 
             (1)Without Regard to Termination of Employment.In the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), all shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company shall become vested in full immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control. Except as set forth in this Section 8(e)(i)(1) or Section 8(e)(i)(2) below, the treatment of stock options, performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of such Change in Control shall be determined in accordance with their terms.
 
             (2)Upon Certain Termination of Employment.In addition to the benefits provided by Section 8(e)(i)(1) above, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either by the Company Without Cause (as defined in Section 6(d)) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6(e)), in either case within a period commencing one (1) month prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], the Executive shall be entitled to the following (in addition to any other payments or benefits provided under this Agreement), provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
                a.Salary. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s then-current annual base salary. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(i) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(i) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a).
 
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                b.Bonus. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s target annual bonus for the Company’s fiscal year then in effect on the date termination of employment occurs. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(ii) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(ii) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b).
 
                c.Estate Planning.The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of the Executive’s estate planning expenses (including attorneys’ fees) on the same basis, if any, as to which the Executive was entitled to such reimbursements immediately prior to such termination of employment for the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
                d. Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for Executive’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage available to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
          (ii)Change in Control Defined. A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall acquire during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or group, in one or a series of transactions, whether through sale of stock or merger, ownership of stock of the Company that constitutes 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or any successor to the Company; (2) a merger in which the Company is a party pursuant to which any person or such group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, or (3) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale, exchange, or transfer to one or more corporations where the stockholders of the Company before and after such sale, exchange, or transfer, directly or indirectly, are the beneficial owners of at least a majority of the voting stock of the corporation(s) to which the assets were transferred).
 
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          (iii)Excise Tax - Best After-Tax Result. In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payments”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this section, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, any successor provisions, or any comparable federal, state, local or foreign excise tax (“Excise Tax”), then, subject to the provisions of Section 8(e)(iv), such Payments shall be either (1) provided in full pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other applicable agreement, or (2) provided as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (“Reduced Amount”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes and the Excise Tax (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties on such taxes), results in the receipt by Executive, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of payments and benefits provided for hereunder or otherwise, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made by an independent advisor designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Independent Advisor”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required under this Section, Independent Advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code; provided that Independent Advisor shall assume that Executive pays all taxes at the highest marginal rate. The Company and Executive shall furnish to Independent Advisor such information and documents as Independent Advisor may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs that Independent Advisor may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section. In the event that Section 8(e)(iii)(b)(2) above applies, then based on the information provided to Executive and the Company by Independent Advisor, Executive may, in Executive’s sole discretion and within 30 days of the date on which Executive is provided with the information prepared by Independent Advisor, determine which and how much of the Payments (including the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards) to be otherwise received by Executive shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such determination the value (as calculated by Independent Advisor in accordance with the provisions of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code) of the amounts payable or distributable to Executive equals the Reduced Amount). If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) determines that any Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, then Section 8(e)(iv) hereof shall apply, and the enforcement of Section 8(e)(iv) shall be the exclusive remedy to the Company.
 
          (iii)Adjustments. If, notwithstanding any reduction described in Section 8(e)(iii) (or in the absence of any such reduction), the IRS determines that Executive is liable for the Excise Tax as a result of the receipt of one or more Payments, then Executive shall be obligated to surrender or pay back to the Company, within 120 days after a final IRS determination, an amount of such payments or benefits equal to the “Repayment Amount.” The Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be the smallest such amount, if any, as shall be required to be surrendered or paid to the Company so that Executive’s net proceeds with respect to such Payments (after taking into account the payment of the excise tax imposed on such Payments) shall be maximized. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be zero if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not eliminate the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments or if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not maximize the net amount received by Executive from the Payments. If the Excise Tax is not eliminated pursuant to this Section, Executive shall pay the Excise Tax.
 
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    9.Certain Employment Obligations.
 
       (a)Employee Acknowledgement. The Company and the Executive acknowledge that (i) the Company has a special interest in and derives significant benefit from the unique skills and experience of the Executive; (ii) as a result of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Executive will use and have access to some of the Company’s proprietary and valuable Confidential Information during the course of the Executive’s employment; (iii) the Confidential Information has been developed and created by the Company at substantial expense and constitutes valuable proprietary assets of the Company, and the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if, during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter, the Executive should disclose or improperly use such Confidential Information in violation of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if the Executive competes with the company in violation of this Agreement; (v) the Company will suffer substantial damage which will be difficult to compute if, the Executive solicits or interferes with the Company’s employees, clients, or customers; (vi) the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business of the Company; and (vii) the provisions of this Agreement will not preclude the Executive from obtaining other gainful employment or service.
 
       (b)Non-Compete.
 
          (i)During the Term of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Executive's termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, control, be employed by, consult with, participate in, or be connected in any manner with the ownership, management, operation, control of, or otherwise become involved with, any Competing Business, nor shall the Executive undertake any planning to engage in any such activity.
 
    For purposes of this Agreement, a Competing Business shall mean any of the following: (1) any off-price retailer or retailer of discount merchandise, including without limitation, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, TJX Companies Inc., Stein Mart, Inc., (2) Macy’s, Inc. and Kohl’s Corporation, and (3) any affiliates, subsidiaries or successors of businesses identified above.
 
          (ii)The foregoing restrictions in Section 9(b)(i) shall have no force or effect in the event that: (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated either by the Company pursuant to Section 6(d) [Without Cause] or by the Executive pursuant to Section 6(e) [Termination by the Executive for Good Reason]; or (ii) the Company fails to approve or grant an extension of this Agreement in accordance with Section 1 hereof.
 
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          (iii)Section 9(b)(i) shall not prohibit the Executive from making any investment of 1% or less of the equity securities of any publicly-traded corporation which is considered to be a Competing Business.
 
       (c)Non-Solicitation of Employees.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of that employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the written permission of the Company or an affected affiliate, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, employ or retain, or have or cause any other person or entity to solicit, employ or retain, any person who is employed by the Company or was employed by the Company during the 6-month period prior to such solicitation, employment, or retainer, (ii) encourage any such person not to devote his or her full business time to the Company, or (iii) agree to hire or employ any such person.
 
       (d)Non-Solicitation of Third Parties.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or otherwise influence any entity with a business arrangement with the Company, including, without limitation, suppliers, sales representatives, lenders, lessors, and lessees, to discontinue, reduce, or otherwise materially or adversely affect such relationship.
 
       (e)Non-Disparagement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive will not defame or criticize the services, business, integrity, veracity, or personal or professional reputation of the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents of any of the foregoing in either a professional or personal manner either during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter.
 
    10.Company Remedies for Executive’s Breach of Certain Obligations.
 
       (a)The Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event that the Executive breaches or threatens to breach Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement, all compensation and benefits otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement and the vesting and/or exercisability of all stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation previously awarded to the Executive, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing any such award to the contrary, shall immediately cease.
 
       (b)The Company shall give prompt notice to the Executive of its discovery of a breach by the Executive of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If it is determined by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board that the Executive has breached Section 9 of this Agreement and has not cured such breach within ten (10) business days of such notice, then:
 
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          (i)the Executive shall forfeit to the Company (A) all stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding and unexercised or unpaid as of the date of such determination by the Board (the “ Breach Determination Date ”) and (B) all shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company which continue to be held by the Executive as of the Breach Determination Date to the extent that such awards vested during the Forfeiture Period (as defined below); and
 
          (ii)the Executive shall pay to the Company all gains realized by the Executive upon (A) the exercise by or payment in settlement to the Executive on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company and (B) the sale on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company and which vested during the Forfeiture Period.
 
       (c)For purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the exercise or payment in settlement of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards shall be equal to (A) the closing sale price on the date of exercise or settlement (as reported on the stock exchange or market system constituting the principal market for the shares subject to the applicable award) of the number of vested shares issued to the Executive upon such exercise or settlement, reduced by the purchase price, if any, paid by the Executive to acquire such shares, or (B) if any such award was settled by payment in cash to the Executive, the gain realized by the Executive shall be equal to the amount of cash paid to the Executive. Further, for purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the sale of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sale realized by the Executive. Gains determined for purposes of this Section shall be determined without regard to any subsequent increase or decrease in the market price of the Company’s stock or taxes paid by or withheld from the Executive with respect to such transactions.
 
       (d)For the purposes of this Section, the “Forfeiture Period” shall be the period ending on the Breach Determination Date and beginning on the earlier of (A) the date six months prior to the Breach Determination Date or (B) the business day immediately preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.
 
       (e)The Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) to deduct from any amounts payable from time to time to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (including wages or other compensation, vacation pay or other benefits, and any other amounts owed to the Executive by the Company) any and all amounts the Executive is required to pay to the Company pursuant to this Section. The Executive agrees to pay to the Company immediately upon the Breach Determination Date the amount payable by the Executive to the Company pursuant to this Section which the Company has not recovered by means of such deductions.
 
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       (f)The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Company for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement and that the Company will not have any adequate remedy at law. For this reason, such breach or threatened breach will not be subject to the arbitration clause in Section 19; rather, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief, and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain such breach or threatened breach. The Company may obtain such relief from (1) any court of competent jurisdiction, (2) an arbitrator pursuant to Section 19 hereof, or (3) a combination of the two (e.g., by simultaneously seeking arbitration under Section 19 and a temporary injunction from a court pending the outcome of the arbitration). It shall be the Company’s sole and exclusive right to elect which approach to use to vindicate its rights. The Executive further agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach, without posting a bond or having to prove irreparable harm or damages, and to obtain all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition, the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement.
 
       (g)Recoupment: Executive hereby understands and agrees that the Executive is subject to the Company’s recoupment policy. Under the current policy applicable to the Company’s senior executives, subject to the discretion and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Company may, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of any cash payments and reimbursement and/or cancellation of any Performance Share or Common Shares issued in settlement of a Performance Share to the Executive where all of the following factors are present: (1) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement, (2) the Board determines that the Executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (3) a lower award would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each instance, the Company may seek to recover the Executive’s entire gain received by the Executive within the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest.
 
    11.Exercise of Stock Options Following Termination.If the Executive's employment terminates, Executive (or the Executive's estate) may exercise the Executive's right to purchase any vested stock under the stock options granted to Executive by the Company as provided in the applicable stock option agreement or Company plan. All such purchases must be made by the Executive in accordance with the applicable stock option plans and agreements between the parties.
 
    12.Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to the Executive hereunder, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable law to the Executive’s beneficiary pursuant to a written designation of beneficiary ,  or, if there is no effective written designation of beneficiary by the Executive, to the Executive’s estate.
 
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    13.Insurance and Indemnity. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Executive during the Term of Employment under any directors and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained for its directors and officers, with coverage at least as favorable to the Executive in amount and each other material respect as the coverage of other officers covered thereby. The Company’s obligation to provide insurance and indemnify the Executive shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions of the Executive occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company. Such obligations shall be binding upon the Company’s successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.
 
    14.Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices, demands and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
If to the Executive:	      	Michael O’Sullivan	
 	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	   	
If to the Company:	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	Attention: General Counsel	

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
 
    15.Complete Agreement; Modification, Waiver; Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with any stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, represents the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, promises or representations of the parties, except those relating to repayment of signing and related bonuses, or relocation expense reimbursements. To the extent that the bonus payment provisions (i.e., post-termination bonus payments) provided in this Agreement differ from the provisions of the Company’s incentive bonus plans (currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plans, such bonus payments shall be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement except to the extent expressly prohibited by law. Except as provided by Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], no provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except in a document signed by the Executive and the chairman of the Committee or such other person as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by the Executive or the Company of any breach of, or lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or the same condition or provision at another time. To the extent that this Agreement is in any way deemed to be inconsistent with any prior or contemporaneous stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, or term sheet referencing such specific awards, the terms of this Agreement shall control. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
 
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    16.Governing Law - Severability. The validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Executive’s principle place of employment described in Section 3 is located without reference to that state’s choice of law rules. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, for any reason, the invalidity of that provision shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question unenforceable in any other jurisdiction or in any other case or of rendering any other provisions herein unenforceable, but the invalid provision shall be substituted with a valid provision which most closely approximates the intent and the economic effect of the invalid provision and which would be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted in such jurisdiction or in such case.
 
    17.Mitigation Not Required. In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment following such termination. However, any amounts due the Executive under Sections 8(a)(i); 8(a)(ii); 8(e)(i)(2)(a),(b),(c) or (d); and/or any additional salary provided under Section 8(e)(i)(1) of this Agreement shall be offset by any cash remuneration, health care coverage and/or estate planning reimbursements attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain during the period of payment of compensation under this Agreement following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
    18.Withholding.All payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law. To the extent permitted, the Executive may provide all or any part of any necessary withholding by contributing Company stock with value, determined on the date such withholding is due, equal to the number of shares contributed multiplied by the closing price per share as reported on the securities exchange constituting the primary market for the Company’s stock on the date preceding the date the withholding is determined.
 
    19.Arbitration. In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of the parties’ employment relationship or this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, wrongful termination, or age, race, sex, disability or other discrimination), all such disputes shall be fully, finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association in the city in which the Executive’s principal place of employment is located by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that this arbitration provision shall not apply, unless the Company elects otherwise, to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the Executive’s breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If either the Company or the Executive shall request, arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. The Company shall pay all costs of any arbitration; provided, however, that each party shall pay its own attorney and advisor fees.
 
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    If there is termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company followed by a dispute as to whether the Executive is entitled to the benefits provided under this Agreement, then, during the period of that dispute the Company shall pay the Executive fifty percent (50%) of the amount specified in Section 8 hereof (except that the Company shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of any insurance premiums provided for in Section 8), if, and only if, the Executive agrees in writing that if the dispute is resolved against the Executive, the Executive shall promptly refund to the Company all such payments received by, or made by the Company on behalf of, the Executive. If the dispute is resolved in the Executive’s favor, promptly after resolution of the dispute the Company shall pay the Executive the sum that was withheld during the period of the dispute plus interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(d) of the Code, compounded quarterly.
 
    20.Attorney’s Fees. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in any action or dispute arising out of this Agreement.
 
    21.Miscellaneous. No right or interest to, or in, any payments shall be assignable by the Executive; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be precluded from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and the legal representative of the Executive’s estate shall not be precluded from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and, the Company and its successors.
 
    22.Compliance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this Agreement that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Code Section 409A (“ Section 409A Deferred Compensation ”) shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such Section (such Section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “ Section 409A ”), including the following:
 
       (a)Separation from Service. Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Executive’s termination of employment shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of the Executive’s employment which constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “ Separation from Service ” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
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       (b)Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees.If, at the time of a Separation from Service of the Executive, the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B(i) (a “ Specified Employee ”), then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Separation from Service of the Executive shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of death of the Executive (in either case, the “ Delayed Payment Date ”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with Section 8. All such amounts that would, but for this Section 22(b), become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.
 
       (c)Health Care and Estate Planning Benefits.In the event that all or any of the health care or estate planning benefits to be provided pursuant to Sections 8(e)(i)(2)(c) or 8(e)(i)(2)(d) as a result of a Participant’s Separation from Service constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation, the Company shall provide for such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation in a manner that complies with Section 409A. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, the Company shall determine the health care premium cost necessary to provide such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation for the applicable coverage period and shall pay such premium cost which becomes due and payable during the applicable coverage period on the applicable due date for such premiums; provided, however, that if the Executive is a Specified Employee, the Company shall not pay any such premium cost until the Delayed Payment Date. If the Company’s payment pursuant to the previous sentence is subject to a Delayed Payment Date, the Executive shall pay the premium cost otherwise payable by the Company prior to the Delayed Payment Date, and on the Delayed Payment Date the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such Company premium cost paid by the Executive and shall pay the balance of the Company’s premium cost necessary to provide such benefit coverage for the remainder of the applicable coverage period as and when it becomes due and payable over the applicable period.
 
       (d)Stock-Based Awards. The vesting of any stock-based compensation awards which constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation and are held by the Executive, if the Executive is a Specified Employee, shall be accelerated in accordance with this Agreement to the extent applicable; provided, however, that the payment in settlement of any such awards shall occur on the Delayed Payment Date. Any stock-based compensation which vests and becomes payable upon a Change in Control in accordance with Section 8(e)(i)(1) shall not be subject to this Section 22(d).
 
       (e)Installments. Executive’s right to receive any installment payments payable hereunder shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.
 
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       (f)Reimbursements. To the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, such reimbursements shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the cost was incurred, the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
 
       (g)Rights of the Company; Release of Liability.It is the mutual intention of the Executive and the Company that the provision of all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. To the extent that the provision of any such payment or benefit pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement would fail to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of the Executive, make such modifications to the timing or manner of providing such payment and/or benefit to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to make any such modifications. Any such modifications made by the Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, preserve the aggregate monetary face value of such payments and/or benefits provided by this Agreement in the absence of such modification; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be obligated to pay any interest or other compensation in respect of any delay in the provision of such payments or benefits in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that (i) the provisions of this Section 22 may result in a delay in the time at which payments would otherwise be made pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the Company is authorized to amend the this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by the Executive under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by the Company, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to comply with Section 409A (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder) without prior notice to or consent of the Executive. The Executive hereby releases and holds harmless the Company, its directors, officers and stockholders from any and all claims that may arise from or relate to any tax liability, penalties, interest, costs, fees or other liability incurred by the Executive as a result of the application of Code Section 409A.
 
    23.Future Equity Compensation.The Executive understands and acknowledges that all awards, if any, of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation by the Company are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof. The Executive further understands and acknowledges, however, that unless the Executive has executed this Agreement and each successive amendment extending the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term of the Agreement as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive, it is the intention of the Board of Directors and the Executive that, notwithstanding any continued employment with the Company, (a) the Company shall have no obligation to grant any award of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or any other form of equity compensation which might otherwise have been granted to the Executive on or after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or such successive Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign the Agreement or the applicable Term of Employment extension amendment and (b) any such award which is nevertheless granted to the Executive after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign such Agreement or applicable extension amendment shall not vest unless and until the Executive has executed the Agreement or applicable extension amendment, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing such award to the contrary.
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Executive Employment Agreement effective as of the date and year first above written.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	       	EXECUTIVE	

 	 	 	
By: Michael Balmuth	 	Michael O’Sullivan	
Vice Chairman and Chief	 	President and Chief Operating Officer	
Executive Officer	 	 	

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Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
 
This is an Agreement between ______________ (“Executive”) and Ross Stores, Inc. (“Ross”). The parties agree to the following terms and conditions:
 
1.    	Executive ______________ employment with Ross effective ______________ (the “Separation Date”).	
 	
2.	Any inquiries by prospective employers or others should be referred to Ross’ third party provider The Work Number, phone number 1-800-367-5690 or http://www.theworknumber.com.	
 	
3.	Executive understands that the Executive Employment Agreement, effective _______ (“Executive Agreement”), requires Executive to execute this General Release as a condition to receiving cash payments, benefits and equity as may be provided under the terms of the Executive Agreement.	
 	
4.	In consideration for Ross’ promises herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges Ross, and all parent corporations, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assignees, as well as the current and former employees, attorneys, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “Releases”), of and from any and all claims, judgments, promises, agreements, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or liabilities of whatever kind and character, known and unknown, which Executive may now have, has ever had, or may in the future have, arising from or in any way connected with any and all matters from the beginning of time to the date hereof, including but not limited to any alleged causes of action for:	
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
The Civil Rights Act of 1991
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended
The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
California Family Rights Act – Cal. Govt. Code § 12945.2 et seq.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act – Cal. Gov’t Code § 12900 et seq.
Statutory Provision Regarding Retaliation/Discrimination for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim – Cal. Lab. Code §132a (1) to (4)
Statutory Provision Regarding Representations and Relocation of Employment (Cal. Lab. Code §970 et seq.)
 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
1

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
California Unruh Civil Rights Act – Civ. Code § 51 et seq.
California Sexual Orientation Bias Law – Cal. Lab. Code §1101 et seq.
California AIDS Testing and Confidentiality Law – Cal. Health & Safety Code §199.20 et seq.
California Confidentiality of Medical Information – Cal. Civ. Code §56 et seq.
California Smokers’ Rights Law – Cal. Lab. Code §96
California Parental Leave Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230.7 et seq.
California Apprenticeship Program Bias Law – Cal. Lab. Code §3070 et seq.
California Wage Payment Act, as amended
California Equal Pay Law – Cal. Lab. Code §1197.5 et seq.
California Whistleblower Protection Law – Cal. Lab. Code § 1102-5(a) to (c)
California Military Personnel Bias Law – Cal. Mil. & Vet. Code §394 et seq.
California Family and Medical Leave – Cal. Lab. Code §233
California Parental Leave for School Visits Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230.7 et seq.
California Electronic Monitoring of Employees – Cal. Lab. Code §435 et seq.
Cal/OSHA law, as amended
California Consumer Reports: Discrimination Law – Cal. Civ. Code §1786.10 et seq.
California Political Activities of Employees Act – Cal. Lab. Code §1101 et seq.
California Domestic Violence Victim Employment Leave Act – Cal. Lab. Code §230.1
California Voting Leave Law – Cal. Elec. Code §14350 et seq.
California Court Leave Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230
California Labor Code sections 2698 and 2699
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance
Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law, or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters
5.    	Claims Excluded from this Release:However, notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to waive any right that is not subject to waiver by private agreement, including, without limitation, any claims arising under state unemployment insurance or workers compensation laws or California Labor Code section 2802. Executive understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq .) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived. Likewise, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from filing a charge or complaint challenging the validity of this Agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.	
 	
6.	Subject to the continuing viability of the Claims Excluded from this Agreement, as described in the paragraph above, Executive expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits of section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, and Executive does so understanding and acknowledging the significance and consequence of specifically waiving section 1542. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California states as follows:	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

2

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.   
 
 	Executive warrants he or she has read this Agreement, including this waiver of California Civil Code section 1542, and that Executive has consulted counsel or has had the opportunity to consult counsel about this Agreement and specifically about the waiver of section 1542. Executive understands this Agreement and the section 1542 waiver, and so Executive freely and knowingly enters into this Agreement. Executive acknowledges he or she may later discover facts different from or in addition to those he or she now knows or believes to be true regarding the matters released or described in this Agreement, and even so Executive agrees the releases and agreements contained in this Agreement shall remain effective in all respects notwithstanding any later discovery of any different or additional facts. Executive assumes any and all risk of mistake in connection with the true facts involved in the matters, disputes, or controversies described in this Agreement or with regard to any facts now unknown to Executive relating to those matters.	
       	 	
7.	Executive affirms that he or she has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he or she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to him or her, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that he or she has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested, including any under the Family and Medical Leave Act or any other leaves authorized by federal or state law, and that Executive has not reported any purported improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities to any supervisor, manager, executive human resources representative or agent of Ross Stores and has no knowledge of any such improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities. Executive additionally represents and affirms that during the course of employment at Ross, Executive has taken no actions contrary to or inconsistent with Executive’s job responsibilities or the best interests of Ross’ business.	
 	
8.	During the course of employment at Ross, Executive has become aware of a variety of confidential information related to Ross business and competitive position. Executive acknowledges that this confidential information includes information regarding Ross associate compensation, performance, and other terms of employment as to Ross associates. Executive agrees not to use or disclose in any manner such confidential, or trade secret information (which includes but is not limited to, marketing and profit information, potential site location, or other concepts or materials of Ross).	
 	
 	In furtherance of maintaining the confidentiality of such information, and in consideration for the payments and benefits provided by Ross under this Agreement, Executive also agrees to not directly or indirectly solicit any other employee of Ross for a competing business or induce or attempt to induce any other employee of Ross to terminate his or her employment with Ross for a period of twelve (12) months following Separation Date.	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

3

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
 	The parties agree that any violation of the provisions in this paragraph and the below provisions regarding confidentiality and non-disparagement would cause Ross significant, immediate and irreparable harm, entitling Ross to injunctive relief in an appropriate court of law. Further, the parties agree that in event of Executive’s violation of such provisions, Ross will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing such provisions.	
 	 	
9.	Executive agrees that this is a private agreement and that he or she will not discuss the fact that it exists or its terms with anyone else except with his or her spouse, attorney, accountant, or as required by law. Further, Executive agrees not to defame, disparage or demean Ross in any way (excluding actions or communications expressly required or permitted by law	
 	
10.    	Any party to this Agreement may bring an action in law or equity for its breach. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, only the provisions of this Agreement alleged to have been breached shall be disclosed.	
 	
11.	This Agreement has been made in the State of California and the law of said State shall apply to it. If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remaining parts of the Agreement will remain in effect as if no invalid part existed.	
 	
12.	Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and fully cooperate with Ross in defending any anticipated, threatened, or actual litigation that currently exists, or may arise subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. Such cooperation includes, but is not limited to, meeting with internal Ross employees to discuss and review issues which Executive was directly or indirectly involved with during employment with Ross, participating in any investigation conducted by Ross either internally or by outside counsel or consultants, signing declarations or witness statements, preparing for and serving as a witness in any civil or administrative proceeding by both depositions or a witness at trial, reviewing documents and similar activities that Ross deems necessary. Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and cooperate in answering questions regarding any previous or current project Executive worked on while employed by Ross so as to insure a smooth transition of responsibilities and to minimize any adverse consequences of Executive’s departure.	
 	
13.	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties, except for any confidentiality, trade secrets and inventions agreements previously entered into with the company (which will remain in full force and effect), and may not be modified except in a writing agreed to and signed by both parties, providing however that Employer may modify this form of agreement from time to time solely as needed to comply with federal, state or local laws in effect that the time this Agreement is to be executed. Executive acknowledges that he or she has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to him or her in connection with his or her decision to accept this Agreement except for those set forth in this Agreement.	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

4

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
FOR 40+
14. Waiver : By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that he or she:
 
(a)    	Has carefully read and understands this Agreement;	
 	
(b)	Has been given a full twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the terms of this Agreement and consult with an attorney of his or her choice, and to the extent he or she executes this Agreement prior to expiration of the full twenty-one (21) days, knowingly and voluntarily waives that period following consultation with an attorney of his or her choice;	
 	
(c)	Is, through this Agreement, releasing Ross from any and all claims he or she may have against it that have arisen as of the date of this Agreement, including but not limited to, rights or claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. §62l, et seq .);	
 	
(d)	Knowingly and voluntarily agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;	
 	
(e)	Knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the same;	
 	
(f)	Is hereby advised in writing to consider the terms of this Agreement and to consult with an attorney of his or her choice prior to executing this Agreement;	
 	
(g)	Has consulted with an attorney of his or her choosing prior to signing this Agreement;	
 	
(h)	Understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621,et seq.) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived;	
 	
(i)	Has a full seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement ("the Revocation Period") in writing and hereby is advised that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has expired.	
 
Executive fully understands the final and binding effect of the Agreement. Executive acknowledges that he or she signs this Agreement voluntarily of his or her own free will.
 
The parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below:
 
Dated: 	 	 	                   	By: 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	(“Executive”)	 	

Dated:	 	 	 	By:	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	ROSS STORES, INC. (“Ross”)	 	

Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

5

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
     THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made effective March 16, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between Ross Stores, Inc. (the “ Company ”), a Delaware corporation, and John Call (the “ Executive ”).
 
RECITALS
 
     A.The Company wishes to employ the Executive, and the Executive is willing to accept such employment, as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.
 
     B.It is now the mutual desire of the Company and the Executive to enter into a written employment agreement to govern the terms of the Executive’s employment by the Company as of and following the Effective Date on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
     In consideration for the promises of the parties set forth below, the Company and theExecutive hereby agree as follows:
 
     1.Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this Agreement, the term of employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement (the “ Term of Employment ”) shall be as follows:
 
          (a)Initial Term. The initial Term of Employment of the Executive by the Company under this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and end on March 31, 2014 (the “ Initial Term ”), unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.
 
          (b)Renewal Term. Upon the timely written request of the Executive to extend the Term of Employment, the Compensation Committee (the “ Committee ”) of the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of the Company shall consider extending the Executive’s employment with the Company under this Agreement. To be timely, such request must be delivered to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer not earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the end of the then effective Initial Term or Renewal Term and, in any case, while the Executive remains an employee of the Company. Such request must contain no proposed modification to the provisions of this Agreement other than an extension of the Term of Employment as then in effect for an additional two (2) years. Within thirty (30) days following the receipt of such notice, the Chief Executive Officer will discuss such request with the Committee and advise the Executive, in writing, within thirty (30) days following its consideration of the Executive’s written request, of the approval or disapproval of such extension request. The failure to provide such written advice shall constitute a denial of the Executive’s request for extension. If the Executive’s request for an extension is approved, the Term of Employment shall be extended for two (2) additional years commencing on the date immediately following the date of expiration of the Term of Employment in effect at the time of the Executive’s written request. Such additional two-year period is referred to herein as a “ Renewal Term .”

 

     2.Position and Duties. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall serve as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. As used in this Agreement, the term “Company” includes Ross Stores, Inc. and each and any of its divisions, affiliates or subsidiaries (except that, where the term relates to stock, stockholders, stock options or other stock-based awards or the Board, it means Ross Stores, Inc.). The Executive’s employment may be transferred, assigned, or re-assigned to Ross Stores, Inc. or a division, affiliate or subsidiary of Ross Stores, Inc., and such transfer, assignment, or re-assignment will not constitute a termination of employment or “Good Reason” for the Executive’s termination of employment under this Agreement. During the Term of Employment, the Executive may engage in outside activities provided those activities (including but not limited to membership on boards of directors of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations) do not conflict with the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, and provided further that the Executive gives written notice to the Board of any significant outside business activity in which the Executive plans to become involved, whether or not such activity is pursued for profit.
 
     3.Principal Place of Employment. The Executive shall be employed at theCompany’s offices in Pleasanton, California, except for required travel on the Company’s business to an extent substantially consistent with present business travel obligations of the Executive’s position.
 
     4.Compensation and Related Matters.
 
          (a)Salary. During the Term of Employment, the Company shall pay to the Executive a salary at a rate of not less than Five Hundred Twenty-eight Thousand Dollars ($528,000) per annum. The Executive’s salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices applicable to senior executives. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 4(a), the Executive’s salary may be adjusted from time to time by the Committee in accordance with normal business practices of the Company.
 
          (b)Bonus.During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus paid under the Company’s existing incentive bonus plan under which the Executive is eligible (which is currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plan that may subsequently be established and in effect during the Term of Employment. The current target annual bonus the Executive is eligible to earn upon achievement of 100% of all applicable performance targets under such incentive bonus plan is 55% of the Executive’s then effective annual salary rate. The Executive’s termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination (as described in Sections 6(c) and 6(f), respectively) prior to the Company’s payment of the bonus for a fiscal year of the Company will cause the Executive to be ineligible for any annual bonus for that fiscal year or any pro-rata portion of such bonus.
 
          (c) Expenses. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all other reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services hereunder, including all reasonable expenses of travel and living while away from home, provided that such expenses are incurred and accounted for in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Company.
 
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          (d)Benefits. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the Company’s employee benefit plans and arrangements in which senior executives of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company shall not make any changes in such plans or arrangements which would adversely affect the Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, unless such change occurs pursuant to a program applicable to all senior executives of the Company and does not result in a proportionately greater reduction in the rights or benefits of the Executive as compared with any other similarly situated senior executive of the Company. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Company in the future to its senior executives, subject to, and on a basis consistent with, the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing paid to the Executive under any plan or arrangement presently in effect or made available in the future shall be in lieu of the salary or bonus otherwise payable under this Agreement.
 
          (e) Vacations. During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to Twenty-five (25) vacation days in each calendar year, and to compensation in respect of earned but unused vacation days, determined in accordance with the Company’s vacation plan. The Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays given by the Company to its senior executives. Unused vacation days shall not be forfeited once they have been earned and, if still unused at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, shall be promptly paid to the Executive at their then-current value, based on the Executive’s daily salary rate at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment.
 
          (f) Services Furnished. The Company shall furnish the Executive with office space and such services as are suitable to the Executive’s position and adequate for the performance of the Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment.
 
     5.Confidential Information and Intellectual Property.
 
          (a)Other than in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder, the Executive agrees not to use in any manner or disclose, distribute, publish, communicate or in any way cause to be used, disclosed, distributed, published, or communicated in any way or at any time, either while in the Company's employ or at any time thereafter, to any person not employed by the Company, or not engaged to render services to the Company, any Confidential Information (as defined below) obtained while in the employ of the Company.
 
          (b)Confidential Information includes any written or unwritten information which relates to and/or is used by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, including, without limitation (i) the names, addresses, buying habits and other special information regarding past, present and potential customers, employees and suppliers of the Company, (ii) customer and supplier contracts and transactions or price lists of the Company and suppliers, (iii) methods of distribution, (iv) all agreements, files, books, logs, charts, records, studies, reports, processes, schedules and statistical information, (v) data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, (vi) supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, sales information, and property information, (vii) information regarding the present or future phases of business, (viii) ideas, inventions, trademarks, business information, know-how, processes, techniques, improvements, designs, redesigns, creations, discoveries, trade secrets, and developments, (ix) all computer software licensed or developed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions, computer programs, computer-based and web-based training programs, and systems, and (x) finances and financial information, but Confidential Information will not include information of the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions that (1) became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, (2) has been or is disclosed by the Company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions without restriction on its use, or (3) has been or is required or specifically permitted to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Company’s Chief Executive Officer confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge.
 
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          (c)The provisions of this Section 5 shall not preclude the Executive from disclosing such information to the Executive's professional tax advisor or legal counsel solely to the extent necessary to the rendering of their professional services to the Executive if such individuals agree to keep such information confidential.
 
          (d)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company’s employ the Executive will remain reasonably available to answer questions from Company officers regarding the Executive’s former duties and responsibilities and the knowledge the Executive obtained in connection therewith.
 
          (e)The Executive agrees that upon leaving the Company's employ the Executive will not communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television, or radio or social media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatening lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information) as a result of employment with the Company. The Executive further agrees to notify the Chief Executive Officer or his or her designee immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
 
          (f)The Executive agrees that all information, inventions, and discoveries, whether or not patented or patentable, made or conceived by the Executive, either alone or with others, at any time while employed by the Company, which arises out of such employment or is pertinent to any field of business or research in which, during such employment, the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions is engaged or (if such is known to or ascertainable by the Executive) is considering engaging (“ Intellectual Property ”) shall (i) be and remain the sole property of the Company and the Executive shall not seek a patent with respect to such Intellectual Property without the prior consent of an authorized representative of the Company and (ii) be disclosed promptly to an authorized representative of the Company along with all information the Executive possesses with regard to possible applications and uses. Further, at the request of the Company, and without expense or additional compensation to the Executive, the Executive agrees to execute such documents and perform such other acts as the Company deems necessary to obtain patents on such Intellectual Property in a jurisdiction or jurisdictions designated by the Company, and to assign to the Company or its designee such Intellectual Property and all patent applications and patents relating thereto.
 
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          (g)The Executive and the Company agree that the Executive intends all original works of authorship within the purview of the copyright laws of the United States authored or created by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment with the Company will be works for hire within the meaning of such copyright law.
 
          (h)Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, or at any time upon request of the Company, the Executive will return to the Company all Confidential Information and Intellectual Property, in any form, including but not limited to letters, memoranda, reports, notes, notebooks, books of account, drawings, prints, specifications, formulae, data printouts, microfilms, magnetic tapes, disks, recordings, documents, and all copies thereof.
 
     6.Termination. The Executive’s employment may be terminated during the Term of Employment only as follows:
 
          (a)Death. The Executive’s employment shall terminate upon the Executive’s death.
 
          (b)Disability. If, as a result of the Executive’s Disability (as defined below), the Executive shall have been absent from the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis for the entire period of six consecutive months, and, within thirty days after written notice of termination is given by the Company (which may occur before or after the end of such six-month period), the Executive shall not have returned to the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder on a full-time basis, the Executive’s employment shall terminate. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Disability ” shall mean a physical or mental illness, impairment or condition reasonably determined by the Board that prevents the Executive from performing the duties of the Executive’s position under this Agreement.
 
          (c)For Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment for Cause. For this purpose, “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) the Executive’s continuous failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties hereunder (unless such failure is a result of a Disability as defined in Section 6(b)), (ii) the Executive’s theft, dishonesty, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit or falsification of any documents of the Company, (iii) the Executive’s material failure to abide by the applicable code(s) of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct) of the Company, (iv) knowing or intentional misconduct by the Executive as a result of which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement, (v) the Executive’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company (including, without limitation, the Executive’s improper use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company), (vi) any intentional misconduct or illegal or grossly negligent conduct by the Executive which is materially injurious to the Company monetarily or otherwise, (vii) any material breach by the Executive of the provisions of Section 9 [Certain Employment Obligations] of this Agreement, or (viii) the Executive’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which materially impairs the Executive’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company. A termination for Cause shall not take effect unless: (1) the Executive is given written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate the Executive for Cause; (2) the notice specifically identifies the particular act or acts or failure or failures to act which are the basis for such termination; (3) where practicable, the notice is given within sixty (60) days of the Company’s learning of such act or acts or failure or failures to act; and (4) only in the case of clause (i), (iii), (v), (vi) or (vii) of the second sentence of this Section 6(c), the Executive fails to substantially cure such breach, to the extent such cure is possible, within sixty (60) days after the date that such written notice is given to the Executive.
 
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          (d)Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause. A termination “ Without Cause ” is a termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reasons other than the death or Disability of the Executive or the termination by the Company of the Executive for Cause as described in Section 6(c).
 
          (e)Termination by the Executive for Good Reason. The Executive may terminate the Executive’s employment with the Company for “ Good Reason ,” which shall be deemed to occur if, within sixty (60) business days after receipt of written notice to the Company by the Executive of the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions, any of the following condition(s) have not been cured: (1) a failure by the Company to comply with any material provision of this Agreement (including but not limited to the reduction of the Executive’s salary or the target annual bonus opportunity set forth in Section 4(b)), (2) a significant diminishment in the nature or scope of the authority, power, function or duty attached to the position which the Executive currently maintains without the express written consent of the Executive, or (3) the relocation of the Executive’s Principal Place of Employment as described in Section 3 to a location that increases the regular one-way commute distance between the Executive’s residence and Principal Place of Employment by more than 25 miles without the Executive’s prior written consent. In order to constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason, the Executive must provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the condition giving rise to the Good Reason termination within sixty (60) days of the initial existence of the condition, and in the event such condition is timely cured by the Company, the termination shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason.
 
          (f)Voluntary Termination. The Executive may voluntarily resign from the Executive’s employment with the Company at any time (a “ Voluntary Termination ”). A voluntary resignation from employment by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 6(e) shall not be deemed a Voluntary Termination.
 
          (g)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Executive fails to request an extension of the Term of Employment in accordance with Section 1(b) or if the Committee fails to approve such request, this Agreement shall automatically expire at the end of the then current Term of Employment (a “ Non-Renewal Termination ”).
 
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     7.Notice and Effective Date of Termination
 
          (a)Notice. Any termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company or by the Executive during the Term of Employment (other than as a result of the death of the Executive or a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g)) shall be communicated by written notice of termination to the other party hereto. Such notice shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under that provision.
 
          (b)Date of Termination. The date of termination of the Executive’s employment shall be:
 
               (i)if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death;
 
               (ii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated due to Disability pursuant to Section 6(b), the date of termination shall be the last to occur of the 31st day following delivery of the notice of termination to the Executive by the Company or the end of the consecutive six-month period referred to in Section 6(b).
 
               (iii)if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason by either party, the date on which a notice of termination is delivered to the other party; and
 
               (iv)if the Agreement expires pursuant to a Non-Renewal Termination described in Section 6(g), the parties’ employment relationship shall terminate on the last day of the then current Term of Employment without any notice.
 
     8.Compensation and Benefits Upon Termination.
 
          (a)Termination Due To Disability, Without Cause or For Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(b) [Disability], Section 6(d) [Without Cause], or Section 6(e) [Termination by Executive for Good Reason], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Salary. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive the Executive’s salary, at the rate in effect immediately prior to such termination of employment, through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
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               (ii)Bonus. The Company shall continue to pay to the Executive an annual bonus through the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect; provided, however, that the amount of the annual bonus determined in accordance with this Section 8(a) (ii) for the fiscal year of the Company in which such Term of Employment ends shall be prorated on the basis of the number of days of such Term of Employment occurring within such fiscal year. The amount of each annual bonus payable pursuant to this Section 8(a)(ii), prior to any proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned had no such termination under Section 8(a)(i) occurred, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the respective year having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonuses shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (iii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested in full upon such termination of employment.
 
               (iv)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of termination shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of termination, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
               (v)Other Equity Awards. Except as set forth in Sections 8(a)(iii), 8(a)(iv) and 8(c), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
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               (vi) Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for the amount equivalent to the Company’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed the lesser of [A] eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, or [B] the remainder of the Term of Employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(a) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (b)Termination for Cause or Voluntary Termination. If the Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(c) [For Cause] or Section 6(f) [Voluntary Termination], the Executive shall be entitled to receive only the salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment. The Executive shall not be entitled to any bonus not paid prior to the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive shall not be entitled to any prorated bonus payment for the year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Any stock options granted to the Executive by the Company shall continue to vest only through the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates, and unless otherwise provided by their terms, any restricted stock, performance share awards or other equity awards that were granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date on which the Executive’s employment terminates shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such awards. The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(b) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (c)Death.If the Executive’ employment terminates pursuant to Section 6(a) [Death], (i) the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive only the salary, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s death; (ii) at the time payable under the applicable Company bonus plan, an annual bonus shall be paid to the Executive’s designated beneficiary or the Executive’s estate for the fiscal year of the Executive’s death based on the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for such fiscal year had the Executive not died, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for said year having been obtained, capped at 100% of the Executive’s target bonus for such fiscal year and pro-rated for the number of days the Executive is employed during such fiscal year until the Executive’s death; (iii) any restricted stock previously granted to the Executive by the Company that remain unvested as of the date of the Executive’s death shall automatically be forfeited and the Executive shall have no further rights with respect to such restricted stock; and (iv) the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to the Executive’s death.
 
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          (d)Non-Renewal Termination. If the Agreement expires as set forth in Section 6(g) [Non-Renewal Termination], then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], in addition to all salary, annual bonuses, expense reimbursements, benefits and accrued vacation days earned by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 through the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, the Executive shall be entitled to the following, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
               (i)Bonus. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the date of the Executive’s termination of employment occurs, which shall be prorated for the number of days of such fiscal year that the Executive is employed by the Company. The amount of such annual bonus, prior to proration, shall be equal to the annual bonus that the Executive would have earned under the Company’s bonus plan for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs had the Executive remained in its employment, contingent on the relevant annual bonus plan performance goals for the year in which Executive terminates having been obtained. However, in no case shall any such post-termination annual bonus exceed 100% of the Executive's target bonus for the fiscal year of the Company in which the Executive's termination of employment occurs. Such bonus shall not be paid until due under the applicable Company bonus plan.
 
               (ii)Stock Options. Stock options granted to the Executive by the Company and which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall be vested and exercisable in accordance with their terms.
 
               (iii)Restricted Stock. Shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company which have not become vested as of the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall immediately become vested on a pro rata basis. The number of such additional shares of restricted stock that shall become vested as of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment shall be that number of additional shares that would have become vested through the date of such termination of employment at the rate(s) determined under the vesting schedule applicable to such shares had such vesting schedule provided for the accrual of vesting on a daily basis (based on a 365 day year). The pro rata amount of shares vesting through the date of non-renewal shall be calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares scheduled to vest in each respective vesting year by the ratio of the number of days from the date of grant through the date of non-renewal, and the number of days from the date of grant through the original vesting date of the respective vesting tranche. Any shares of restricted stock remaining unvested after such pro rata acceleration of vesting shall automatically be reacquired by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the applicable restricted stock agreement, and the Executive shall have no further rights in such unvested portion of the restricted stock. In addition, the Company shall waive any reacquisition or repayment rights for dividends paid on restricted stock prior to Executive’s termination of employment.
 
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               (iv)Other Equity Awards.Except as set forth in Sections 8(d)(ii) and 8(d)(iii), performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of termination of the Executive’s employment, as provided in Section 7(b), shall vest and be settled in accordance with their terms.
 
     The Company shall have no further obligations to the Executive as a result of termination of employment described in this Section 8(d) except as set forth in Section 12.
 
          (e)Special Change in Control Provisions.
 
               (i) Change in Control Benefits.
 
                    (1)Without Regard to Termination of Employment.In the event of a Change in Control (as defined below), all shares of restricted stock granted to the Executive by the Company shall become vested in full immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control. Except as set forth in this Section 8(e)(i)(1) or Section 8(e)(i)(2) below, the treatment of stock options, performance share awards and all other equity awards granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding immediately prior to the date of such Change in Control shall be determined in accordance with their terms.
 
                    (2)Upon Certain Termination of Employment.In addition to the benefits provided by Section 8(e)(i)(1) above, if the Executive’s employment is terminated either by the Company Without Cause (as defined in Section 6(d)) or by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Section 6(e)), in either case within a period commencing one (1) month prior to and ending twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, then, subject to Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], the Executive shall be entitled to the following (in addition to any other payments or benefits provided under this Agreement), provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes the Release and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked:
 
                         a.Salary. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s then-current annual base salary. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(i) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(i) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(e)(i)(2)(a).
 
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                         b.Bonus. The Executive shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to 2.99 times the Executive’s target annual bonus for the Company’s fiscal year then in effect on the date termination of employment occurs. Such payment shall be payable in full to Executive within sixty (60) days following such termination of employment, provided that within sixty (60) days following the Executive’s termination of employment the Executive executes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns in the current form approved by the Company and attached as Exhibit A (subject to any amendments required by law or regulation) (the “ Release ”) and the period for revocation, if any, of such Release has expired without the Release having been revoked. The payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b) shall take the place of any payment under Section 8(a)(ii) and the Executive shall not be entitled to receive a payment under Section 8(a)(ii) if the Executive is entitled to a payment under this Section 8(d)(i)(2)(b).
 
                         c.Estate Planning.The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement of the Executive’s estate planning expenses (including attorneys’ fees) on the same basis, if any, as to which the Executive was entitled to such reimbursements immediately prior to such termination of employment for the remainder of the Term of Employment then in effect.
 
                         d. Health Care Coverage. The Company shall continue to provide Executive with health care coverage (including medical, dental, vision and mental coverage) at or equivalent to the level of coverage which the Executive had at the time of the termination of employment (including coverage for the Executive’s dependents to the extent such dependents were covered immediately prior to such termination of employment) for the remainder of the Term of Employment, provided however  that in the event such coverage may no longer be extended to Executive following termination of Executive’s employment either by the terms of the Company’s heath care plans or under then applicable law, the Company shall instead reimburse Executive for Executive’s cost of substantially equivalent heath care coverage available to Executive under ERISA Section 601 and thereafter and Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code (“COBRA coverage”) for a period not to exceed eighteen (18) months after the termination of Executive’s employment, and provided further  that any such health care coverage or reimbursement for health care coverage shall cease at such time that Executive becomes eligible for health care coverage through another employer.
 
               (ii)Change in Control Defined. A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall acquire during the twelve-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or group, in one or a series of transactions, whether through sale of stock or merger, ownership of stock of the Company that constitutes 35% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or any successor to the Company; (2) a merger in which the Company is a party pursuant to which any person or such group acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, or (3) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (other than a sale, exchange, or transfer to one or more corporations where the stockholders of the Company before and after such sale, exchange, or transfer, directly or indirectly, are the beneficial owners of at least a majority of the voting stock of the corporation(s) to which the assets were transferred).
 
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               (iii)Excise Tax - Best After-Tax Result. In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (“Payments”) would (a) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (b) but for this section, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, any successor provisions, or any comparable federal, state, local or foreign excise tax (“Excise Tax”), then, subject to the provisions of Section 8(e)(iv), such Payments shall be either (1) provided in full pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other applicable agreement, or (2) provided as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (“Reduced Amount”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes and the Excise Tax (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties on such taxes), results in the receipt by Executive, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of payments and benefits provided for hereunder or otherwise, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made by an independent advisor designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive (“Independent Advisor”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required under this Section, Independent Advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code; provided that Independent Advisor shall assume that Executive pays all taxes at the highest marginal rate. The Company and Executive shall furnish to Independent Advisor such information and documents as Independent Advisor may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs that Independent Advisor may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section. In the event that Section 8(e)(iii)(b)(2) above applies, then based on the information provided to Executive and the Company by Independent Advisor, Executive may, in Executive’s sole discretion and within 30 days of the date on which Executive is provided with the information prepared by Independent Advisor, determine which and how much of the Payments (including the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards) to be otherwise received by Executive shall be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such determination the value (as calculated by Independent Advisor in accordance with the provisions of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code) of the amounts payable or distributable to Executive equals the Reduced Amount). If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) determines that any Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, then Section 8(e)(iv) hereof shall apply, and the enforcement of Section 8(e)(iv) shall be the exclusive remedy to the Company.
 
               (iii)Adjustments. If, notwithstanding any reduction described in Section 8(e)(iii) (or in the absence of any such reduction), the IRS determines that Executive is liable for the Excise Tax as a result of the receipt of one or more Payments, then Executive shall be obligated to surrender or pay back to the Company, within 120 days after a final IRS determination, an amount of such payments or benefits equal to the “Repayment Amount.” The Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be the smallest such amount, if any, as shall be required to be surrendered or paid to the Company so that Executive’s net proceeds with respect to such Payments (after taking into account the payment of the excise tax imposed on such Payments) shall be maximized. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments shall be zero if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not eliminate the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments or if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not maximize the net amount received by Executive from the Payments. If the Excise Tax is not eliminated pursuant to this Section, Executive shall pay the Excise Tax.
 
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     9.Certain Employment Obligations.
 
          (a)Employee Acknowledgement. The Company and the Executive acknowledge that (i) the Company has a special interest in and derives significant benefit from the unique skills and experience of the Executive; (ii) as a result of the Executive’s service with the Company, the Executive will use and have access to some of the Company’s proprietary and valuable Confidential Information during the course of the Executive’s employment; (iii) the Confidential Information has been developed and created by the Company at substantial expense and constitutes valuable proprietary assets of the Company, and the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if, during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter, the Executive should disclose or improperly use such Confidential Information in violation of the provisions of this Agreement; (iv) the Company will suffer substantial damage and irreparable harm which will be difficult to compute if the Executive competes with the company in violation of this Agreement; (v) the Company will suffer substantial damage which will be difficult to compute if, the Executive solicits or interferes with the Company’s employees, clients, or customers; (vi) the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the business of the Company; and (vii) the provisions of this Agreement will not preclude the Executive from obtaining other gainful employment or service.
 
          (b)Non-Compete.
 
               (i)During the Term of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Executive's termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, control, be employed by, consult with, participate in, or be connected in any manner with the ownership, management, operation, control of, or otherwise become involved with, any Competing Business, nor shall the Executive undertake any planning to engage in any such activity.
 
     For purposes of this Agreement, a Competing Business shall mean any of the following: (1) any off-price retailer or retailer of discount merchandise, including without limitation, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corporation, TJX Companies Inc., Stein Mart, Inc., (2) Macy’s, Inc. and Kohl’s Corporation, and (3) any affiliates, subsidiaries or successors of businesses identified above.
 
               (ii)The foregoing restrictions in Section 9(b)(i) shall have no force or effect in the event that: (i) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated either by the Company pursuant to Section 6(d) [Without Cause] or by the Executive pursuant to Section 6(e) [Termination by the Executive for Good Reason]; or (ii) the Company fails to approve or grant an extension of this Agreement in accordance with Section 1 hereof.
 
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               (iii)Section 9(b)(i) shall not prohibit the Executive from making any investment of 1% or less of the equity securities of any publicly-traded corporation which is considered to be a Competing Business.
 
          (c)Non-Solicitation of Employees.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of that employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the written permission of the Company or an affected affiliate, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, employ or retain, or have or cause any other person or entity to solicit, employ or retain, any person who is employed by the Company or was employed by the Company during the 6-month period prior to such solicitation, employment, or retainer, (ii) encourage any such person not to devote his or her full business time to the Company, or (iii) agree to hire or employ any such person.
 
          (d)Non-Solicitation of Third Parties.During the Term of Employment and for a period of 24 months following the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit or otherwise influence any entity with a business arrangement with the Company, including, without limitation, suppliers, sales representatives, lenders, lessors, and lessees, to discontinue, reduce, or otherwise materially or adversely affect such relationship.
 
          (e)Non-Disparagement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive will not defame or criticize the services, business, integrity, veracity, or personal or professional reputation of the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents of any of the foregoing in either a professional or personal manner either during the term of the Executive’s employment or thereafter.
 
     10.Company Remedies for Executive’s Breach of Certain Obligations.
 
          (a)The Executive acknowledges and agrees that in the event that the Executive breaches or threatens to breach Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement, all compensation and benefits otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement and the vesting and/or exercisability of all stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation previously awarded to the Executive, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing any such award to the contrary, shall immediately cease.
 
          (b)The Company shall give prompt notice to the Executive of its discovery of a breach by the Executive of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If it is determined by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board that the Executive has breached Section 9 of this Agreement and has not cured such breach within ten (10) business days of such notice, then:
 
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               (i)the Executive shall forfeit to the Company (A) all stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company which remain outstanding and unexercised or unpaid as of the date of such determination by the Board (the “ Breach Determination Date ”) and (B) all shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company which continue to be held by the Executive as of the Breach Determination Date to the extent that such awards vested during the Forfeiture Period (as defined below); and
 
               (ii)the Executive shall pay to the Company all gains realized by the Executive upon (A) the exercise by or payment in settlement to the Executive on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards (other than shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards) granted to the Executive by the Company and (B) the sale on and after the commencement of the Forfeiture Period of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards granted to the Executive by the Company and which vested during the Forfeiture Period.
 
          (c)For purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the exercise or payment in settlement of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and other equity compensation awards shall be equal to (A) the closing sale price on the date of exercise or settlement (as reported on the stock exchange or market system constituting the principal market for the shares subject to the applicable award) of the number of vested shares issued to the Executive upon such exercise or settlement, reduced by the purchase price, if any, paid by the Executive to acquire such shares, or (B) if any such award was settled by payment in cash to the Executive, the gain realized by the Executive shall be equal to the amount of cash paid to the Executive. Further, for purposes of this Section, the gain realized by the Executive upon the sale of shares or other property received by the Executive pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or similar awards shall be equal to the gross proceeds of such sale realized by the Executive. Gains determined for purposes of this Section shall be determined without regard to any subsequent increase or decrease in the market price of the Company’s stock or taxes paid by or withheld from the Executive with respect to such transactions.
 
          (d)For the purposes of this Section, the “Forfeiture Period” shall be the period ending on the Breach Determination Date and beginning on the earlier of (A) the date six months prior to the Breach Determination Date or (B) the business day immediately preceding the date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.
 
          (e)The Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) to deduct from any amounts payable from time to time to the Executive by the Company pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise (including wages or other compensation, vacation pay or other benefits, and any other amounts owed to the Executive by the Company) any and all amounts the Executive is required to pay to the Company pursuant to this Section. The Executive agrees to pay to the Company immediately upon the Breach Determination Date the amount payable by the Executive to the Company pursuant to this Section which the Company has not recovered by means of such deductions.
 
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          (f)The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Company for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement and that the Company will not have any adequate remedy at law. For this reason, such breach or threatened breach will not be subject to the arbitration clause in Section 19; rather, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief, and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain such breach or threatened breach. The Company may obtain such relief from (1) any court of competent jurisdiction, (2) an arbitrator pursuant to Section 19 hereof, or (3) a combination of the two (e.g., by simultaneously seeking arbitration under Section 19 and a temporary injunction from a court pending the outcome of the arbitration). It shall be the Company’s sole and exclusive right to elect which approach to use to vindicate its rights. The Executive further agrees that in the event of a breach or threatened breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain an immediate injunction and restraining order to prevent such breach and/or threatened breach and/or continued breach, without posting a bond or having to prove irreparable harm or damages, and to obtain all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. In addition, the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the restrictive covenants in this Agreement.
 
          (g)Recoupment: Executive hereby understands and agrees that the Executive is subject to the Company’s recoupment policy. Under the current policy applicable to the Company’s senior executives, subject to the discretion and approval of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Company may, to the extent permitted by governing law, require reimbursement of any cash payments and reimbursement and/or cancellation of any Performance Share or Common Shares issued in settlement of a Performance Share to the Executive where all of the following factors are present: (1) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement, (2) the Board determines that the Executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (3) a lower award would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each instance, the Company may seek to recover the Executive’s entire gain received by the Executive within the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest.
 
     11.Exercise of Stock Options Following Termination.If the Executive's employment terminates, Executive (or the Executive's estate) may exercise the Executive's right to purchase any vested stock under the stock options granted to Executive by the Company as provided in the applicable stock option agreement or Company plan. All such purchases must be made by the Executive in accordance with the applicable stock option plans and agreements between the parties.
 
     12.Successors; Binding Agreement. This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to the Executive hereunder, all such amounts shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable law to the Executive’s beneficiary pursuant to a written designation of beneficiary ,  or, if there is no effective written designation of beneficiary by the Executive, to the Executive’s estate.
 
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     13.Insurance and Indemnity. The Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, include the Executive during the Term of Employment under any directors and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained for its directors and officers, with coverage at least as favorable to the Executive in amount and each other material respect as the coverage of other officers covered thereby. The Company’s obligation to provide insurance and indemnify the Executive shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions of the Executive occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company. Such obligations shall be binding upon the Company’s successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.
 
     14.Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices, demands and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or (unless otherwise specified) mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
             	If to the Executive:	      	John Call	
 	 	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	 	 	
 	If to the Company:	 	Ross Stores, Inc.	
 	 	 	4440 Rosewood Drive	
 	 	 	Pleasanton, CA 94588	
 	 	 	Attention: General Counsel	

or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
 
     15.Complete Agreement; Modification, Waiver; Entire Agreement. This Agreement, along with any stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, represents the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, promises or representations of the parties, except those relating to repayment of signing and related bonuses, or relocation expense reimbursements. To the extent that the bonus payment provisions (i.e., post-termination bonus payments) provided in this Agreement differ from the provisions of the Company’s incentive bonus plans (currently the Incentive Compensation Plan) or any replacement plans, such bonus payments shall be paid pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement except to the extent expressly prohibited by law. Except as provided by Section 22 [Compliance with Section 409A], no provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except in a document signed by the Executive and the chairman of the Committee or such other person as may be designated by the Board. No waiver by the Executive or the Company of any breach of, or lack of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or the same condition or provision at another time. To the extent that this Agreement is in any way deemed to be inconsistent with any prior or contemporaneous stock option, restricted stock, performance share or other equity compensation award agreements between the parties, or term sheet referencing such specific awards, the terms of this Agreement shall control. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
 
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     16.Governing Law - Severability. The validity, interpretation, construction, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Executive’s principle place of employment described in Section 3 is located without reference to that state’s choice of law rules. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, for any reason, the invalidity of that provision shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question unenforceable in any other jurisdiction or in any other case or of rendering any other provisions herein unenforceable, but the invalid provision shall be substituted with a valid provision which most closely approximates the intent and the economic effect of the invalid provision and which would be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted in such jurisdiction or in such case.
 
     17.Mitigation Not Required. In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Executive shall not be obligated to seek other employment following such termination. However, any amounts due the Executive under Sections 8(a)(i); 8(a)(ii); 8(e)(i)(2)(a),(b),(c) or (d); and/or any additional salary provided under Section 8(e)(i)(1) of this Agreement shall be offset by any cash remuneration, health care coverage and/or estate planning reimbursements attributable to any subsequent employment that the Executive may obtain during the period of payment of compensation under this Agreement following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company.
 
     18.Withholding.All payments required to be made by the Company hereunder to the Executive or the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts as the Company may reasonably determine it should withhold pursuant to any applicable law. To the extent permitted, the Executive may provide all or any part of any necessary withholding by contributing Company stock with value, determined on the date such withholding is due, equal to the number of shares contributed multiplied by the closing price per share as reported on the securities exchange constituting the primary market for the Company’s stock on the date preceding the date the withholding is determined.
 
     19.Arbitration. In the event of any dispute or claim relating to or arising out of the parties’ employment relationship or this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any claims of breach of contract, wrongful termination, or age, race, sex, disability or other discrimination), all such disputes shall be fully, finally and exclusively resolved by binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association in the city in which the Executive’s principal place of employment is located by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that this arbitration provision shall not apply, unless the Company elects otherwise, to any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the Executive’s breach of Sections 5 or 9 of this Agreement. If either the Company or the Executive shall request, arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company, one selected by the Executive, and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. The Company shall pay all costs of any arbitration; provided, however, that each party shall pay its own attorney and advisor fees.
 
19

 

     If there is termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company followed by a dispute as to whether the Executive is entitled to the benefits provided under this Agreement, then, during the period of that dispute the Company shall pay the Executive fifty percent (50%) of the amount specified in Section 8 hereof (except that the Company shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of any insurance premiums provided for in Section 8), if, and only if, the Executive agrees in writing that if the dispute is resolved against the Executive, the Executive shall promptly refund to the Company all such payments received by, or made by the Company on behalf of, the Executive. If the dispute is resolved in the Executive’s favor, promptly after resolution of the dispute the Company shall pay the Executive the sum that was withheld during the period of the dispute plus interest at the rate provided in Section 1274(d) of the Code, compounded quarterly.
 
     20.Attorney’s Fees. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in any action or dispute arising out of this Agreement.
 
     21.Miscellaneous. No right or interest to, or in, any payments shall be assignable by the Executive; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be precluded from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and the legal representative of the Executive’s estate shall not be precluded from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and, the Company and its successors.
 
     22.Compliance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the provision, time and manner of payment or distribution of all compensation and benefits provided by this Agreement that constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Code Section 409A (“ Section 409A Deferred Compensation ”) shall be subject to, limited by and construed in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A and all regulations and other guidance promulgated by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to such Section (such Section, regulations and other guidance being referred to herein as “ Section 409A ”), including the following:
 
          (a)Separation from Service. Payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation otherwise payable or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Executive’s termination of employment shall be paid or provided only at the time of a termination of the Executive’s employment which constitutes a Separation from Service. For the purposes of this Agreement, a “ Separation from Service ” is a separation from service within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
20

 

          (b)Six-Month Delay Applicable to Specified Employees.If, at the time of a Separation from Service of the Executive, the Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B(i) (a “ Specified Employee ”), then any payments and benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation to be paid or provided pursuant to Section 8 upon the Separation from Service of the Executive shall be paid or provided commencing on the later of (i) the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Separation from Service or, if earlier, the date of death of the Executive (in either case, the “ Delayed Payment Date ”), or (ii) the date or dates on which such Section 409A Deferred Compensation would otherwise be paid or provided in accordance with Section 8. All such amounts that would, but for this Section 22(b), become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.
 
          (c)Health Care and Estate Planning Benefits.In the event that all or any of the health care or estate planning benefits to be provided pursuant to Sections 8(e)(i)(2)(c) or 8(e)(i)(2)(d) as a result of a Participant’s Separation from Service constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation, the Company shall provide for such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation in a manner that complies with Section 409A. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A, the Company shall determine the health care premium cost necessary to provide such benefits constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation for the applicable coverage period and shall pay such premium cost which becomes due and payable during the applicable coverage period on the applicable due date for such premiums; provided, however, that if the Executive is a Specified Employee, the Company shall not pay any such premium cost until the Delayed Payment Date. If the Company’s payment pursuant to the previous sentence is subject to a Delayed Payment Date, the Executive shall pay the premium cost otherwise payable by the Company prior to the Delayed Payment Date, and on the Delayed Payment Date the Company shall reimburse the Executive for such Company premium cost paid by the Executive and shall pay the balance of the Company’s premium cost necessary to provide such benefit coverage for the remainder of the applicable coverage period as and when it becomes due and payable over the applicable period.
 
          (d)Stock-Based Awards. The vesting of any stock-based compensation awards which constitute Section 409A Deferred Compensation and are held by the Executive, if the Executive is a Specified Employee, shall be accelerated in accordance with this Agreement to the extent applicable; provided, however, that the payment in settlement of any such awards shall occur on the Delayed Payment Date. Any stock-based compensation which vests and becomes payable upon a Change in Control in accordance with Section 8(e)(i)(1) shall not be subject to this Section 22(d).
 
          (e)Installments. Executive’s right to receive any installment payments payable hereunder shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each such installment payment shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment for purposes of Section 409A.
 
21

 

          (f)Reimbursements. To the extent that any reimbursements payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, such reimbursements shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the cost was incurred, the amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year, and Executive’s right to reimbursement under this Agreement will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
 
          (g)Rights of the Company; Release of Liability.It is the mutual intention of the Executive and the Company that the provision of all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. To the extent that the provision of any such payment or benefit pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement would fail to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of the Executive, make such modifications to the timing or manner of providing such payment and/or benefit to the extent it determines necessary or advisable to comply with the requirements of Section 409A; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to make any such modifications. Any such modifications made by the Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A, preserve the aggregate monetary face value of such payments and/or benefits provided by this Agreement in the absence of such modification; provided, however, that the Company shall in no event be obligated to pay any interest or other compensation in respect of any delay in the provision of such payments or benefits in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A. The Executive acknowledges that (i) the provisions of this Section 22 may result in a delay in the time at which payments would otherwise be made pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the Company is authorized to amend the this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by the Executive under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by the Company, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to comply with Section 409A (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder) without prior notice to or consent of the Executive. The Executive hereby releases and holds harmless the Company, its directors, officers and stockholders from any and all claims that may arise from or relate to any tax liability, penalties, interest, costs, fees or other liability incurred by the Executive as a result of the application of Code Section 409A.
 
22

 

     23. Future Equity Compensation. The Executive understands and acknowledges that all awards, if any, of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and other forms of equity compensation by the Company are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof. The Executive further understands and acknowledges, however, that unless the Executive has executed this Agreement and each successive amendment extending the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term of the Agreement as may be agreed to by the Company and the Executive, it is the intention of the Board of Directors and the Executive that, notwithstanding any continued employment with the Company, (a) the Company shall have no obligation to grant any award of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares or any other form of equity compensation which might otherwise have been granted to the Executive on or after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or such successive Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign the Agreement or the applicable Term of Employment extension amendment and (b) any such award which is nevertheless granted to the Executive after the intended commencement of the Initial Term or Renewal Term for which the Executive has failed to sign such Agreement or applicable extension amendment shall not vest unless and until the Executive has executed the Agreement or applicable extension amendment, notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement evidencing such award to the contrary.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Executive Employment Agreement effective as of the date and year first above written.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.	          	EXECUTIVE	

 	 	 	
By: Michael Balmuth	 	John Call	
Vice Chairman and Chief	 	Senior Vice President,	
Executive Officer	 	Chief Financial Officer	

23

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
CONFIDENTIAL SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
 
This is an Agreement between ______________ (“Executive”) and Ross Stores, Inc. (“Ross”). The parties agree to the following terms and conditions:
 
1.    	Executive ______________ employment with Ross effective ______________ (the “Separation Date”).	
 	
2.	Any inquiries by prospective employers or others should be referred to Ross’ third party provider The Work Number, phone number 1-800-367-5690 or http://www.theworknumber.com.	
 	
3.	Executive understands that the Executive Employment Agreement, effective _______ (“Executive Agreement”), requires Executive to execute this General Release as a condition to receiving cash payments, benefits and equity as may be provided under the terms of the Executive Agreement.	
 	
4.	In consideration for Ross’ promises herein, Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges Ross, and all parent corporations, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, successors and assignees, as well as the current and former employees, attorneys, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “Releases”), of and from any and all claims, judgments, promises, agreements, obligations, damages, losses, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or liabilities of whatever kind and character, known and unknown, which Executive may now have, has ever had, or may in the future have, arising from or in any way connected with any and all matters from the beginning of time to the date hereof, including but not limited to any alleged causes of action for:	
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
The Civil Rights Act of 1991
Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended
The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
California Family Rights Act – Cal. Govt. Code § 12945.2 et seq.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act – Cal. Gov’t Code § 12900 et seq.
Statutory Provision Regarding Retaliation/Discrimination for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim – Cal. Lab. Code §132a (1) to (4)
Statutory Provision Regarding Representations and Relocation of Employment (Cal. Lab. Code §970 et seq.)
 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	
 
1

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
California Unruh Civil Rights Act – Civ. Code § 51 et seq.
California Sexual Orientation Bias Law – Cal. Lab. Code §1101 et seq.
California AIDS Testing and Confidentiality Law – Cal. Health & Safety Code §199.20 et seq.
California Confidentiality of Medical Information – Cal. Civ. Code §56 et seq.
California Smokers’ Rights Law – Cal. Lab. Code §96
California Parental Leave Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230.7 et seq.
California Apprenticeship Program Bias Law – Cal. Lab. Code §3070 et seq.
California Wage Payment Act, as amended
California Equal Pay Law – Cal. Lab. Code §1197.5 et seq.
California Whistleblower Protection Law – Cal. Lab. Code § 1102-5(a) to (c)
California Military Personnel Bias Law – Cal. Mil. & Vet. Code §394 et seq.
California Family and Medical Leave – Cal. Lab. Code §233
California Parental Leave for School Visits Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230.7 et seq.
California Electronic Monitoring of Employees – Cal. Lab. Code §435 et seq.
Cal/OSHA law, as amended
California Consumer Reports: Discrimination Law – Cal. Civ. Code §1786.10 et seq.
California Political Activities of Employees Act – Cal. Lab. Code §1101 et seq.
California Domestic Violence Victim Employment Leave Act – Cal. Lab. Code §230.1
California Voting Leave Law – Cal. Elec. Code §14350 et seq.
California Court Leave Law – Cal. Lab. Code §230
California Labor Code sections 2698 and 2699
Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance
Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law, or
Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters
5.    	Claims Excluded from this Release:However, notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to waive any right that is not subject to waiver by private agreement, including, without limitation, any claims arising under state unemployment insurance or workers compensation laws or California Labor Code section 2802. Executive understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq .) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived. Likewise, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Executive from filing a charge or complaint challenging the validity of this Agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.	
 	
6.	Subject to the continuing viability of the Claims Excluded from this Agreement, as described in the paragraph above, Executive expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits of section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, and Executive does so understanding and acknowledging the significance and consequence of specifically waiving section 1542. Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California states as follows:	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

2

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.   
 
 	Executive warrants he or she has read this Agreement, including this waiver of California Civil Code section 1542, and that Executive has consulted counsel or has had the opportunity to consult counsel about this Agreement and specifically about the waiver of section 1542. Executive understands this Agreement and the section 1542 waiver, and so Executive freely and knowingly enters into this Agreement. Executive acknowledges he or she may later discover facts different from or in addition to those he or she now knows or believes to be true regarding the matters released or described in this Agreement, and even so Executive agrees the releases and agreements contained in this Agreement shall remain effective in all respects notwithstanding any later discovery of any different or additional facts. Executive assumes any and all risk of mistake in connection with the true facts involved in the matters, disputes, or controversies described in this Agreement or with regard to any facts now unknown to Executive relating to those matters.	
       	 	
7.	Executive affirms that he or she has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which he or she may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to him or her, except as provided in this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that he or she has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases and has been provided and/or has not been denied any leave requested, including any under the Family and Medical Leave Act or any other leaves authorized by federal or state law, and that Executive has not reported any purported improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities to any supervisor, manager, executive human resources representative or agent of Ross Stores and has no knowledge of any such improper, unethical or illegal conduct or activities. Executive additionally represents and affirms that during the course of employment at Ross, Executive has taken no actions contrary to or inconsistent with Executive’s job responsibilities or the best interests of Ross’ business.	
 	
8.	During the course of employment at Ross, Executive has become aware of a variety of confidential information related to Ross business and competitive position. Executive acknowledges that this confidential information includes information regarding Ross associate compensation, performance, and other terms of employment as to Ross associates. Executive agrees not to use or disclose in any manner such confidential, or trade secret information (which includes but is not limited to, marketing and profit information, potential site location, or other concepts or materials of Ross).	
 	
 	In furtherance of maintaining the confidentiality of such information, and in consideration for the payments and benefits provided by Ross under this Agreement, Executive also agrees to not directly or indirectly solicit any other employee of Ross for a competing business or induce or attempt to induce any other employee of Ross to terminate his or her employment with Ross for a period of twelve (12) months following Separation Date.	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

3

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
 	The parties agree that any violation of the provisions in this paragraph and the below provisions regarding confidentiality and non-disparagement would cause Ross significant, immediate and irreparable harm, entitling Ross to injunctive relief in an appropriate court of law. Further, the parties agree that in event of Executive’s violation of such provisions, Ross will be entitled to recover its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in successfully enforcing such provisions.	
 	 	
9.	Executive agrees that this is a private agreement and that he or she will not discuss the fact that it exists or its terms with anyone else except with his or her spouse, attorney, accountant, or as required by law. Further, Executive agrees not to defame, disparage or demean Ross in any way (excluding actions or communications expressly required or permitted by law	
 	
10.    	Any party to this Agreement may bring an action in law or equity for its breach. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, only the provisions of this Agreement alleged to have been breached shall be disclosed.	
 	
11.	This Agreement has been made in the State of California and the law of said State shall apply to it. If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remaining parts of the Agreement will remain in effect as if no invalid part existed.	
 	
12.	Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and fully cooperate with Ross in defending any anticipated, threatened, or actual litigation that currently exists, or may arise subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. Such cooperation includes, but is not limited to, meeting with internal Ross employees to discuss and review issues which Executive was directly or indirectly involved with during employment with Ross, participating in any investigation conducted by Ross either internally or by outside counsel or consultants, signing declarations or witness statements, preparing for and serving as a witness in any civil or administrative proceeding by both depositions or a witness at trial, reviewing documents and similar activities that Ross deems necessary. Executive further agrees to make him or herself available as needed and cooperate in answering questions regarding any previous or current project Executive worked on while employed by Ross so as to insure a smooth transition of responsibilities and to minimize any adverse consequences of Executive’s departure.	
 	
13.	This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties, except for any confidentiality, trade secrets and inventions agreements previously entered into with the company (which will remain in full force and effect), and may not be modified except in a writing agreed to and signed by both parties, providing however that Employer may modify this form of agreement from time to time solely as needed to comply with federal, state or local laws in effect that the time this Agreement is to be executed. Executive acknowledges that he or she has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to him or her in connection with his or her decision to accept this Agreement except for those set forth in this Agreement.	

 
Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

4

 

Exhibit A to Executive Employment Agreement
 
FOR 40+
14. Waiver : By signing this Agreement, Executive acknowledges that he or she:
 
(a)    	Has carefully read and understands this Agreement;	
 	
(b)	Has been given a full twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the terms of this Agreement and consult with an attorney of his or her choice, and to the extent he or she executes this Agreement prior to expiration of the full twenty-one (21) days, knowingly and voluntarily waives that period following consultation with an attorney of his or her choice;	
 	
(c)	Is, through this Agreement, releasing Ross from any and all claims he or she may have against it that have arisen as of the date of this Agreement, including but not limited to, rights or claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. §62l, et seq .);	
 	
(d)	Knowingly and voluntarily agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement;	
 	
(e)	Knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the same;	
 	
(f)	Is hereby advised in writing to consider the terms of this Agreement and to consult with an attorney of his or her choice prior to executing this Agreement;	
 	
(g)	Has consulted with an attorney of his or her choosing prior to signing this Agreement;	
 	
(h)	Understands that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621,et seq.) that may arise after the date of this Agreement are not waived;	
 	
(i)	Has a full seven (7) days following the execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement ("the Revocation Period") in writing and hereby is advised that this Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the Revocation Period has expired.	
 
Executive fully understands the final and binding effect of the Agreement. Executive acknowledges that he or she signs this Agreement voluntarily of his or her own free will.
 
The parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below:
 
Dated: 	 	 	                   	By: 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	(“Executive”)	 	

Dated:	 	 	 	By:	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	ROSS STORES, INC. (“Ross”)	 	

Executive’s Initials	 	 	Ross’ Initials	

5

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
 
ROSS STORES, INC.
 
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
 
    THIS THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED ROSS STORES, INC. NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (the “Plan”) amends and restates the Ross Stores, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, adopted January 1, 1994, and last amended and restated January 1, 1996, by Ross Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Ross”). The purpose of the Plan is to provide deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees of Ross and its subsidiaries. The primary purpose of this restatement is to modify the Plan to comply with section 409A of the Code. This Plan as restated is effective December 31, 2008 . Under applicable guidance, no retroactive amendment to January 1, 2005, the effective date of section 409A of the Code and the commencement of the good faith compliance period, is required.
 
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
    The following definitions shall govern the Plan:
 
1.1“Additional Contribution” means a discretionary contribution by the Employer on behalf of a Participant pursuant to Section 3.6.
 
1.2“Annual Bonus” or “Bonus” means any performance-based compensation, that meets the requirements of Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(e), earned by a Participant under the Employer’s annual cash bonus plan, the amount of or entitlement to which is contingent on the satisfaction of preestablished organizational or individual performance criteria relating to a performance period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months. Organizational or individual performance criteria are considered preestablished if established in writing no later than ninety (90) days after the commencement of the Bonus performance period. Bonus compensation does not include any amount or portion of any amount that will be payable regardless of performance based upon a level of performance that is substantially certain to be met at the time the criteria is established.
 
1.3“Beneficiary” means one or more persons, trusts or other entities entitled to receive Benefits which may be payable under the Plan upon a Participant’s death as determined under Article VI.
 
1.4“Benefits” means the amount(s) credited to a Participant’s Deferral Account.
 
1.5“Board of Directors” or “Board” means the Board of Directors of Ross Stores, Inc.

 

1.6“Bonus Deferral” or “Bonus Deferral Amount” means the dollar amount or percentage of his or her Annual Bonus which a Participant elects to defer by making a Bonus Deferral Election pursuant to Section 3.2.
 
1.7“Bonus Deferral Election” means an election to defer an Annual Bonus as provided in Section 3.2.
 
1.8“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a section of the Code includes such section and any comparable section or sections of any further legislation that amends, supplements or supersedes such section.
 
1.9“Deferral Account” means the book entry account established under the Plan for each Participant to which shall be credited the Participant’s Salary Deferrals, Bonus Deferrals, any Additional Contributions and/or Matching Contributions made pursuant to Article III, adjusted for deemed Investment Gain or Loss determined under Article IV, and reduced by any distributions made to the Participant and any charges which may be imposed on such Deferral Account pursuant to the terms of the Plan. As provided in Article IV, the Deferral Account may include a Pre-2005 Deferral Account and a Post-2004 Deferral Account.
 
1.10“Distribution Date” means a dateelected solely at the discretion of the Plan Administratorthat iswithin theninety (90) day period following the Participant’s Termination Event, provided, however, that, with respect to a Participant’s Post-2004 Deferral Account, if at the time of the Participant’s Separation from Service, he or she is a Specified Employee, his or her Distribution Date may not be before the date that is six (6) months after the date of Separation from Service and payments to which a Specified Employee would otherwise be entitled during the first six (6) months following the date of Separation from Service shall be accumulated and paid on the first of the seventh (7 th ) month following the date of Separation from Service, or at the sole discretion of the Plan Administrator within ninety (90) days thereafter.
 
1.11“Distribution Election” means an election by a Participant at the time of his or her Salary Deferral Election and/or Bonus Deferral Election, on any Election Form designating the event or time of distribution and method of payment of Benefits made in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.2, with respect to a Participant’s Post-2004 Deferral Account, or Appendix A, with respect to a Participant’s Pre -2005 Deferral Account.
 
1.12“Effective Date” means the effective date of this Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, December 31, 2008.
 
1.13“Election Form” means the form prescribed by the Plan Administrator from time to time by which a Participant makes a Salary Deferral Election and/or a Bonus Deferral Election and elects the event or time of distribution and method of payments under the Plan.
 
1.14“Eligible Employee” means an employee of the Employer who is a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees as described in Article II and who has been designated by the Plan Administrator, in the Plan Administrator’s sole discretion, to be eligible to participate in the Plan.
 
2

 

1.15“Employer” means Ross Stores, Inc. or a subsidiary or a person or entity that is under common control with Ross as defined in section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code.
 
1.16“Entry Date” means January 1 of each year.
 
1.17“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
 
1.18“Initial Entry Date” means a day designated by the Plan Administrator that is not more than thirty (30) days after the date the Eligible Employee first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan.
 
1.19“Investment Gain or Loss” means the deemed investment gain which shall be credited to the Participant’s Deferral Account, or the deemed investment loss which will debited from the Participant’s Deferral Account pursuant to Article IV.
 
1.20“Matching Contribution” means the amount, if any, which the Employer contributes on behalf of a Participant under the terms of Section 3.5.
 
1.21“Participant” means an Eligible Employee who has elected to participate in the Plan in accordance with Sections 3.1 or 3.2 or for whom Matching Contributions or Additional Contributions are made in accordance with Sections 3.5 or 3.6.
 
1.22“Plan” means this Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.
 
1.23“Plan Administrator” means the committee selected by Ross to administer the Plan and to take such other actions as may be specified herein.
 
1.24“Plan Year” means the calendar year.
 
1.25“Pre-2005 Deferral Account” means the nonforfeitable value of a Participant’s Deferral Account on December 31, 2004, together with the Investment Gain or Loss attributable to such Account thereafter. A Participant’s Account is nonforfeitable to the extent that the Participant is not required to perform future services to be entitled to payment.
 
1.26“Post-2004 Deferral Account” means the value of a Participant’s Deferral Account less the value of the Participant’s Pre-2005 Deferral Account, together with the credited Investment Gain or Loss attributable to such Account. The Post-2004 Deferral Account shall be subject to Code section 409A and applicable guidance thereunder.
 
1.27“Ross” means Ross Stores, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
 
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1.28“Salary” means the base salary paid by the Employer, but shall not include any other form of compensation, whether taxable or nontaxable, including, but not limited to, bonuses, commissions, overtime and other forms of additional compensation. Salary shall be calculated before reduction for compensation deferred or contributed at the election of the Participant pursuant to Code sections 125, 402(e)(3), or 402(h) under plans established by the Employer; provided, however, that all such amounts will be included in Salary only to the extent that had there been no such plan, the amount would have been payable in cash to the Employee.
 
1.29“Salary Deferral” or “Salary Deferral Amount” means the dollar amount or percentage of Salary which a Participant elects to defer by making a Salary Deferral Election pursuant to Article III.
 
1.30“Salary Deferral Election” means an election to defer Salary as provided in Section 3.1.
 
1.31“Separation from Service” means a termination of the Participant’s employment with the Employer, as determined under Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder other than death or Total Disability. A Participant on military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence shall not be treated as having incurred a Separation from Service, provided that the leave does not exceed six (6) months, or if longer, so long as the Participant retains a right to reemployment with the Employer under an applicable statute or by contract.
 
1.32“Specified Employee” means a “key employee” (as defined under Code section 416(i) without regard to paragraph (5) thereof) for the applicable period, as determined by the Plan Administrator in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(i).
 
1.33“Termination Event” means a Participant’s Separation from Service, death or Total Disability.
 
1.34“Total Disability” or “Totally Disabled” means a Participant is either (i) unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Employer. For purposes of this Plan, a Participant shall be deemed Totally Disabled if determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. A Participant shall also be deemed Totally Disabled if determined to be disabled in accordance with the applicable disability insurance program of the Employer, provided that the definition of “disability” applied under such disability insurance program complies with the requirements of this Section.
 
1.35“Trust” means the legal entity created by the Trust Agreement.
 
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1.36“Trust Agreement” means the Trust Agreement Under the Ross Stores, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective November 1, 2002 between Ross and Union Bank of California, N.A., a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, as it may be amended from time to time.
 
1.37“Trustee” means the original Trustee(s) named in the Trust Agreement and any duly appointed successor or successors thereto.
 
1.38“Unforeseeable Financial Emergency” means a severe financial hardship of the Participant resulting from (i) an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, the Participant’s Beneficiary or a dependent of the Participant (as defined in section 152 of the Code, without regard to section 152(b)(1), (b)(2) and (d)(1)(B) thereof), (ii) loss of the Participant’s property due to casualty, or (iii) such other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant, all as determined by the Plan Administrator based on the relevant facts and circumstances. Examples of unforeseeable financial emergencies include, the imminent foreclosure of or eviction from one’s primary residence, the need to pay for medical expenses, or the need to pay for the funeral expenses of a spouse, a Beneficiary or dependent. Examples of what are not considered to be unforeseeable financial emergencies include the cost of sending a child to college or the purchase of a home.
 
ARTICLE II
 
ELIGIBILITY
 
2.1Eligibility. Eligibility for participation in the Plan shall be limited to a select group of key management or highly compensated employees of the Employer designated by the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, to participate in the Plan, within the standard established under ERISA sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1). Individuals who are in this select group shall be notified as to their eligibility to participate in the Plan.
 
2.2Commencement of Participation. An Eligible Employee shall begin participation in the Plan on the date the Plan Administrator determines that the Employee has met all enrollment requirements, including returning the required Election Form and any other enrollment materials required by the Plan Administrator within the specified time period. If an Employee fails to meet all requirements established by the Plan Administrator within the period required, the Employee shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan during such Plan Year.
 
2.3Cessation of Participation. Active participation in the Plan shall end on the date of occurrence of a Termination Event or the date the Participant ceases to be eligible under Section 2.1, whichever occurs first. No deferrals or contributions shall be made after said date, but the Participant’s Deferral Account shall continue to be credited or debited with deemed Investment Gains or Losses pursuant to Article IV until all of the Benefits to which the Participant is entitled are distributed to the Participant or his or her Beneficiary in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Participation in the Plan shall cease when all Benefits have been paid in full. 
 
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ARTICLE III
 
DEFERRALS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
 
3.1Salary Deferrals.
 
    (a)Annual Deferral. For each Plan Year, a Participant may make a Salary Deferral Election to reduce his or her Salary by the Salary Deferral Amount set forth in an Election Form duly executed and filed with the Employer, subject to the limitations under Section 3.4. The election shall be made on an Election Form which must be returned to the Employer no later than the December 31 prior to the Plan Year in which the Salary will be earned. The Participant’s election shall be irrevocable effective as of said December 31. The Salary Deferral Amount shall not be paid to the Participant, but shall be withheld from the Participant’s Salary and an equal amount shall be credited to the Participant’s Deferral Account.
 
    (b)Election to Continue in Effect. Unless ceased or modified by a subsequent Salary Deferral Election or cancelled pursuant to Section 3.3, the Participant’s election shall continue in effect for all subsequent Plan Years until the Participant ceases to be an Eligible Employee.
 
    (c)Initial Deferral Election. An Eligible Employee who first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan on or after the beginning of a Plan Year may make an election to defer the portion of his or her Salary attributable to services to be performed after such election, provided that the Employee submits an Election Form on or before the deadline established by the Plan Administrator, which in no event shall be later than thirty (30) days after the Employee first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan. Any such election shall be irrevocable thirty (30) days after the Employee first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan.
 
3.2Bonus Deferrals.
 
    (a)Annual Deferral. For each Plan Year, a Participant may make a Bonus Deferral Election to reduce his or her Annual Bonus by the Bonus Deferral Amount set forth in an Election Form duly executed and filed with the Employer. The election shall be made on an Election Form which must be returned to the Employer no later than the December 31 prior to the Plan Year in which the Bonus performance period will commence, except as permitted by Section 3.2(b). The election shall be irrevocable effective as of said December 31. The Bonus Deferral Amount shall not be paid to the Participant, but shall be withheld from the Participant’s Annual Bonus and an equal amount shall be credited to the Participant’s Deferral Account.
 
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    (b)Extended Deadline for Bonus Deferral Election. Notwithstanding Section 3.2(a), a Participant may make a Bonus Deferral Election by filing an Election Form with the Employer no later than six (6) months before the end of the Bonus performance period, provided that the following conditions are satisfied: (i) the Participant has performed services continuously from the later of (A) the beginning of the Bonus performance period or (B) the date the Bonus performance criteria are established through the date of said election; and (ii) in no event may an election to defer an Annual Bonus be made after such Annual Bonus has become readily ascertainable. Any such election shall become irrevocable six (6) months before the end of the twelve (12) month Bonus performance period.
 
    (c)Initial Deferral Election. An Eligible Employee who first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan after the beginning of the Plan Year may make a Bonus Deferral Election to defer the portion of his or her Bonus attributable to services to be performed after such election, provided that the Employee submits an Election Form on or before the deadline established by the Plan Administrator, which in no event shall be later than thirty (30) days after the Participant first becomes eligible to participate in the Plan. The portion of the Bonus attributable to services performed after the date of the Bonus Deferral Election (and the maximum amount that may be deferred) shall be determined as follows: the total amount of the Bonus for the twelve (12) month performance period shall be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days remaining in the Bonus performance period after the Bonus Deferral Election is effective and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the Bonus performance period.
 
    (d)Election to Continue in Effect. Unless ceased or modified by a subsequent timely Bonus Deferral Election or cancelled pursuant to Section 3.3, the Participant’s Bonus Deferral Election shall continue in effect until the Participant ceases to be an Eligible Employee.
 
3.3Cancellation of Salary and Bonus Deferral Election Due to 401(k) Plan HardshipDistribution or Unforeseeable Emergency Withdrawal. Notwithstanding anything in this Article III to the contrary, if during a Plan Year, a Participant receives a hardship distribution under a plan described in section 401(k) of the Code that is maintained by the Employer, (1) the Participant’s Salary Deferral Election and Bonus Deferral Election shall be cancelled in full for the remainder of the Plan Year and the immediately following Plan Year. If a Participant experiences an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency described in Section 5.4, then the Participant’s Salary Deferral Election and Bonus Deferral Election shall be cancelled in full for the remainder of the Plan Year and the immediately following Plan Year. A Participant whose Salary Deferral Election and/or Bonus Deferral Election is cancelled under this Section 3.3 may elect to make a Salary Deferral Election and/or Bonus Deferral Election beginning after the period of cancellation set forth in this Section.
 
3.4Limitations on Deferrals. A Participant’s Salary and Bonus Deferrals with respect to a Plan Year shall be reduced by the amount(s), if any, which may be necessary:
 
              (i)	      	To satisfy all required income and employment tax withholding and FICA contributions;	
 
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              (ii)	      	To pay all contributions elected by the Participant pursuant to the Ross employee stock purchase plan, the cafeteria plan established pursuant to section 125 of the Code, and other applicable compensation and benefit programs; and	
 	
              (iii)	      	To satisfy all garnishments or other amounts required to be withheld by applicable law or court order.	
 
3.5Matching Contribution. A Matching Contribution may be credited to a Participant’s Deferral Account in such amount and at such time as the Employer, in its sole discretion, may determine and announce to the Participant. The Employer reserves the right to change the formula by which Matching Contributions are determined or to cease making Matching Contributions entirely after notifying the Participant of such change or cessation.
 
3.6Additional Contributions. Additional Contributions may be credited to a Participant’s Deferral Account in such amounts and at such times as the Employer, in its sole discretion, may determine and communicate to the Participant. The Employer shall be under no obligation to continue to credit Additional Contributions and may discontinue or change the amount of such Additional Contributions at any time.
 
3.7No Withdrawal. Except as permitted in Section 5.4 or, with respect to a Participant’s Pre-2005 Deferral Account, as further permitted pursuant to Appendix A, amounts credited to a Participant’s Deferral Account may not be withdrawn by a Participant and shall be paid only upon a Termination Event.
 
3.8Vesting. A Participant’s Deferral Account attributable to Salary Deferral Amounts, Bonus Deferral Amounts and Matching Contributions shall be one hundred percent (100%) vested at all times. A Participant’s Deferral Account attributable to any Additional Contributions shall vest at such time or times as the Compensation Committee of the Board shall specify in connection with any such Additional Contributions.
 
ARTICLE IV
 
INVESTMENT GAIN OR LOSS ON DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS
 
4.1Deferral Account. A Deferral Account shall be established and maintained for each Participant to which shall be credited the Participant’s Salary Deferral Amount, Bonus Deferral Amount, Matching Contributions (if applicable), Additional Contributions (if applicable) and the deemed Investment Gain or Loss as determined under this Article IV. The Participant’s Deferral Account shall be charged with distributions from the Account and any charges which may be imposed on the Deferral Account pursuant to the terms of the Plan. For a Participant who received credits under this Plan prior to January 1, 2005, the Deferral Account shall include both a Pre-2005 Deferral Account (which is exempt from Code section 409A) and a Post-2004 Deferral Account (which is subject to Code section 409A).
 
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4.2Deemed Investment Options.
 
    (a) The Plan Administrator shall designate one or more investments alternatives available for hypothetical investment (“Deemed Investment Options”). The Plan Administrator shall specify the particular investment alternatives which shall constitute Deemed Investment Options, and-may, in its sole discretion, change or add to the Deemed Investment Options; provided, however, that the Plan Administrator shall notify Participants of any such change prior to the effective date thereof.
 
    (b) Each Participant may select among the Deemed Investment Options and specify the manner in which his or her Deferral Account shall be deemed to be invested for purposes of determining Participant’s Investment Gain or Loss (the “Deemed Investment Election”). The Plan Administrator shall establish and communicate the rules, procedures and deadlines for making and changing Deemed Investment Elections.
 
4.3Investment Gain or Loss. Each Participant’s Deferral Account shall be credited monthly, or more frequently as the Plan Administrator may specify, with the deemed Investment Gain or debited with the deemed Investment Loss attributable to his or her Deferral Account. The deemed Investment Gain or Loss is the amount which the Participant’s Deferral Account would have earned or lost if the amounts credited to the Deferral Account had, in fact, been invested in the Deemed Investment Options, in accordance with the Participant’s Deemed Investment Elections.
 
ARTICLE V
 
BENEFITS
 
5.1Timing of Distribution with Respect to Post-2004 Deferral Account.
 
    (a) The amounts credited to a Participant’s Post-2004 Deferral Account shall be paid (or payment shall commence) upon the Distribution Date following the first Termination Event to occur. The Participant may elect, no later then when he or she first makes a Salary Deferral Election and/or Bonus Deferral Election with respect to his or her Post-2004 Deferral Account that the timing of his or her payment shall be on the Distribution Date immediately following: (i) his or her Separation from Service or (ii) one (1) year after his or her Separation from Service.
 
    (b) Notwithstanding Section 5.1(a), if the Termination Event is the Separation from Service of a Specified Employee, payment of the Participant’s Post-2004 Account shall be made or commenced no earlier than on the first day after the end of the six (6) month period following the Participant’s Separation from Service.
 
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5.2Method of Distribution with Respect to Post-2004 Deferral Account.
 
    (a)In General. Distributions of a Participant’s Post-2004 Deferral Account may be made in any of the following optional forms of distribution, if the Participant has so elected no later than the time the Participant first makes a Salary Deferral Election and/or Bonus Deferral Election with respect to deferral amounts in his or her Post-2004 Deferral Account: (i) a single lump sum payment or (ii) substantially equal annual installments over a period not to exceed ten (10) years.
 
    (b)Death Benefits. In the event a Participant dies before his or her Post-2004 Deferral Account has been completely distributed and the Plan Administrator receives proof satisfactory to it of the Participant’s death, the Participant’s Benefits shall be paid to his or her Beneficiary in accordance with the method of distribution specified in the Participant’s Distribution Election in effect at the time of such Participant’s death.
 
    (c)Non-Election. If no Distribution Election has been properly made prior to the Distribution Date, the Participant’s Benefits will be distributed in a single lump sum on the Distribution Date.
 
5.3Amendment of Distribution Election with Respect to Post-2004 Deferral Account. A Participant may change a Distribution Election with respect to his or her Post-2004 Deferral Account by filing an amended Distribution Election at least twelve (12) months before the Distribution Date. Such amended Distribution Election shall not be effective for a period of twelve (12) months after the date on which the amended election is made. The new Distribution Date selected by the Participant must be the first day of a Plan Year that is no sooner than five (5) years from the date such payment would otherwise be made or commence.
 
5.4Unforeseeable Financial Emergency. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, with the consent of the Plan Administrator, a Participant may withdraw up to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount credited to his or her Deferral Account as may be required to meet an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency of the Participant, provided that the entire amount requested by the Participant is not reasonably available from other resources of the Participant.
 
    (a) The withdrawal must be necessary to satisfy the Unforeseeable Financial Emergency (which may include amounts necessary to pay any federal, state, local or foreign income taxes or penalties reasonably anticipated to result from the withdrawal) and no more may be withdrawn from the Participant’s Deferral Account than is required to relieve the financial need after taking into account other resources that are reasonably available to the Participant for this purpose.
 
    (b) The Participant must certify that the financial need cannot be relieved: (i) through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise; or (ii) by liquidation of the Participant’s assets, to the extent such liquidation would not itself cause severe financial hardship.
 
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    (c) In the event an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency withdrawal is approved, payment shall be made to the Participant on a date elected solely at the discretion of the Plan Administrator that is within sixty (60) days after the date of approval by the Plan Administrator.
 
5.5Distribution of Pre-2005 Deferral Account. A Participant may elect to receive any portion of his or her Pre-2005 Deferral Account at the times and in the forms described in Appendix A.
 
5.6Qualified Domestic Relations Orders. If necessary to comply with a domestic relations order, as defined in Code section 414(p)(1)(B), pursuant to which a court has determined that a spouse or former spouse of a Participant has an interest in the Participant’s Benefits under the Plan, the Plan Administrator shall have the right to immediately distribute the spouse’s or former spouse’s interest in the Participant’s Benefits under the Plan to such spouse or former spouse.
 
5.7Tax Withholding. All payments under this Article V shall be subject to all applicable withholding for state and federal income tax and to any other federal, state or local tax which may be applicable thereto.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
BENEFICIARIES
 
6.1Designation of Beneficiary. The Participant shall have the right to designate on such form as may be prescribed by the Plan Administrator, one or more Beneficiaries and secondary Beneficiaries to receive any Benefits due under Article V which may remain unpaid at the Participant’s death and shall have the right at any time to revoke such designation and to substitute another such Beneficiary.
 
6.2No Designated Beneficiary. If, upon the death of the Participant, there is no valid designation of Beneficiary, the Beneficiary shall be the Participant’s estate.
 
ARTICLE VII
 
TRUST OBLIGATION TO PAY BENEFITS
 
7.1Deferrals Held in Trust. An amount equal to Salary Deferral Amounts, Annual Bonus Deferral Amounts and Matching Contributions, if any, made by or on behalf of the Participant shall be transferred to the Trustee within thirty (30) days after the applicable pay period or crediting date to be held pursuant to the terms of the Trust Agreement.
 
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7.2Benefits Paid From Trust. All benefits payable to a Participant hereunder shall be paid by the Trustee to the extent of the assets held in the Trust by the Trustee, and by the Employer to the extent the assets in the Trust are insufficient to pay the Participant’s Benefits as provided under this Plan.
 
7.3Trustee Investment Discretion. The Deemed Investment Options shall be for the sole purpose of determining the deemed Investment Gain or Loss and neither the Trustee nor the Employer shall have any obligation to invest the Participants’ Deferral Account in the Deemed Investment Options or in any other investment.
 
7.4No Secured Interest. All deferrals and other amounts governed by the terms of the Plan and the Trust Agreement, including all investments purchased with such amounts and all income attributable thereto, shall remain (until distributed to the Participant or Beneficiary) the property of the Employer as provided under the Plan and the Trust Agreement and shall be subject to the claims of the Employer’s general creditors in the event of the Employer’s financial insolvency. No Participant or Beneficiary shall have any secured or beneficial interest in any property, rights or investments held by the Employer or the Trustee in connection with the Plan.
 
ARTICLE VIII
 
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
 
8.1Amendment. This Plan may be amended by Ross at any time in its sole discretion upon an action of a majority of the members of the Plan Administrator; provided, however, that no amendment may be made which would alter the irrevocable nature of an election or which would reduce the amount credited to a Participant’s Deferral Account on the date of such amendment; and provided further that no amendment which would affect the Trustee’s obligation may be made without the Trustee’s consent.
 
8.2Termination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, Ross, either (i) by action of its Board or (ii) with the approval of a majority of the members of the Plan Administrator and the consent of either the President or the Chief Executive Officer of Ross, reserves the right to terminate the Plan in its entirety at any time upon fifteen (15) days’ notice to the Participants. If the Plan is terminated, no new deferral elections or Employer contributions shall be permitted, but the Deferral Accounts of the Participants shall remain in the Plan and continue to be credited or debited with deemed Investment Gains or Losses pursuant to Article IV until the Account is distributed in accordance with Article V or Appendix A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon termination of the Plan, all Post-2004 Deferral Accounts of Participants shall be distributed in a single lump sum, subject to and in accordance with rules established by the Employer deemed necessary to comply with the applicable requirements and limitations of Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix). Any amounts remaining in the Trust after all Benefits have been paid shall revert to the Employer.
 
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ARTICLE IX
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
9.1Administration. The Plan Administrator shall have full discretionary authority to administer the Plan and to interpret its provisions. The Plan Administrator shall have the discretion and authority to make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of the Plan, and to decide any and all questions arising under the Plan, including disputes regarding entitlement to benefits.
 
9.2No Assignment. The right of any Participant, any Beneficiary, or any other person to the payment of any benefits under this Plan shall not be assigned, transferred, pledged or encumbered.
 
9.3Successors. This Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Employer, its successors and assigns and the Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives.
 
9.4No Employment Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Plan shall not be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between the Employer and the Participant. Such employment is hereby acknowledged to be an “at will” employment relationship that can be terminated at any time for any reason, with or without cause, unless expressly provided in a written agreement or expressly provided by law. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to give a Participant the right to be retained in the service of the Employer, or to interfere with the right of the Employer to discipline or discharge the Participant at any time.
 
9.5Attorneys’ Fees. If the Employer, a Participant, any Beneficiary, or a successor in interest to any of the foregoing, brings a legal action to enforce any of the provisions of this Plan, the prevailing party in such legal action shall be reimbursed by the other party for the prevailing party’s costs of such legal action including, without limitation, reasonable fees of attorneys, accountants and similar advisors and expert witnesses.
 
9.6Disputes.
 
    (a) A person who believes that he or she is being denied a benefit to which he or she is entitled under the Plan (hereinafter referred to as “Claimant”) may file a written request for such benefit with the Plan Administrator, setting forth his or her claim.
 
    (b) Upon receipt of a claim, the Plan Administrator shall advise the Claimant that a reply will be forthcoming within ninety (90) days and shall, in fact, deliver such reply within such period. The Plan Administrator may, however, extend the reply period for an additional ninety (90) days for special circumstances provided it notifies the Claimant of the need and reason for the extension and an anticipated decision date.
 
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    (c) If the claim is denied in whole or in part, the Plan Administrator shall inform the Claimant in writing, using language calculated to be understood by the Claimant, setting forth: (1) the specific reason or reasons for such denial; (2) the specific reference to pertinent provisions of the Plan on which such denial is based; (3) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the Claimant to perfect his or her claim and an explanation why such material or such information is necessary; (4) appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the Claimant wishes to submit the claim for review; (5) the time limits for requesting a review under subsection (d); and (6) such other information as may be required by applicable Department of Labor regulations.
 
    (d) Within sixty (60) days after the receipt by the Claimant of the written decision described above, the Claimant may make a request in writing for review of the determination of the Plan Administrator. The Claimant or his or her duly authorized representative may, but need not, review the pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing for consideration by the Plan Administrator. If the Claimant does not request a review within such sixty (60) day period, he or she shall be barred and estopped from challenging the Plan Administrator’s determination.
 
    (e) Within sixty (60) days after the Plan Administrator’s receipt of a request for review, the Plan Administrator shall appoint a special review committee, none of whose members shall be persons who reviewed or denied the initial claim, to review the request after considering all materials presented by the Claimant. If special circumstances require that the sixty (60) day time period be extended, the special review committee will so notify the Claimant of the need and reasons for the extension and an anticipated decision date. The Plan Administrator will render the decision as soon as possible, but no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after receipt of the request for review. The decision of the special review committee must be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, and it must contain: (1) specific reasons for the decision; (2) specific reference(s) to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision was based; (3) a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant (as defined in applicable ERISA regulations) to the Claimant’s claim for benefits; and (4) a statement of the Claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a).
 
    (f)Any dispute or claim related to or arising out of this Plan shall, subject to exhausting the claims and review procedures set forth in this Section 9.6, be fully and finally resolved by binding arbitration conducted by the American Arbitration Association according to its Employee Benefit Claims Arbitration Rules, the hearing to be held in Alameda County, California.
 
9.7Governing Law. This Plan shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California, the extent those laws are not preempted by ERISA.
 
9.8Entire Agreement. This Plan constitutes the entire understanding and agreement with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and there are no agreements, understandings, restrictions, representations or warranties among any Participant and the Employer other than those as set forth or provided for herein or those documents expressly referred to herein as affecting this Plan.
 
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9.9Minor or Incompetent Beneficiary. If the Plan Administrator determines in its discretion that a distribution is to be made to a minor or incompetent Beneficiary, the Plan Administrator may direct payment to be made to the legal guardian, legal representative or custodian of such person. The Plan Administrator may require such proof as it determines appropriate of the Beneficiary’s minority or incompetence before making any distribution. Payment to the legal guardian, legal representative or custodian shall fully discharge any liability under the Plan for such payment amount.
 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ross Stores, Inc. has caused this Third Amended and Restated Ross Stores, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan to be executed this _________ day of ______________, 2008 by its duly authorized officer effective December 31, 2008.
 
ROSS STORES, INC.
 
By:	 	

Title:	 	

Dated:	 	

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APPENDIX A
 
DISTRIBUTION OF PRE-2005 DEFERRAL ACCOUNTS
 
    The following provisions pertain solely to distribution of a Participant’s Pre-2005 Deferral Account and supersede any inconsistent provisions of the Plan.
 
    A.Timing of Distribution. A Participant’s Pre-2005 Deferral Account shall be paid (or payment shall commence) within a reasonable time after the earlier to occur of (i) the Early Benefit Distribution Date, if the Participant elected an Early Benefit Distribution, or (ii) a Termination Event. The Participant may elect, no later then when he or she first makes a Salary Deferral Election and/or Bonus Deferral Election with respect to his or her Pre-2005 Deferral Account that the timing of his or her payment shall be on the Distribution Date immediately following: (i) his or her Separation from Service or (ii) one (1) year after his or her Separation from Service.
 
    B.Early Benefit Distribution.
 
       (i)Two-Year Advance Election. A Participant may elect an Early Benefit Distribution by filing an Early Benefit Distribution Election at such time and in such manner as the Plan Administrator shall specify. Such Early Benefit Distribution Election shall specify an Early Benefit Distribution Date which shall be no less than two (2) years from the date such Early Benefit Distribution Election is made. Except as otherwise provided in this Appendix A, the Early Benefit Distribution Election shall be irrevocable and shall apply to the Participant’s entire Pre-2005 Deferral Account balance as of such Early Benefit Distribution Date, or to such lesser dollar amount as may be specified in the Early Benefit Distribution Election. A Participant who receives an Early Benefit Distribution pursuant to an Early Benefit Distribution Election shall automatically cease all deferrals and/or contributions under the Plan as of the next Entry Date following the Early Benefit Distribution Date and may not resume participation until a subsequent Entry Date after making a new deferral election under Article III.
 
Example: Ms. X receives an Early Benefit Distribution on October 15, 2008. Effective January 1, 2009, Ms. X must discontinue all deferrals to the Plan and may not resume participation until January 1, 2010.
 
Example: Mr. Y receives an Early Benefit Distribution on June 30, 2009. Effective January 1, 2010, Mr. Y must discontinue all deferrals to the Plan and may not resume participation until January 1, 2011.
 
       (ii)Revocation of Early Benefit Distribution Election. A Participant may revoke an Early Benefit Distribution Election, or an election made for an early benefit distribution under the Ross Stores, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan adopted effective January 1, 1994, by filing a written revocation at least twelve (12) months prior to the Early Benefit Distribution Date specified in such Election.
 
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    C.Termination Event. Solely for purposes of this Appendix A, a Termination Event shall also be deemed to occur on the last day of any period for which the Participant receives compensation (including severance payments) from the Employer which is paid through the Employer’s payroll system and which the Employer reports as “wages” on Form W-2. The occurrence of a Termination Event shall automatically revoke any Early Benefit Distribution Election made by the Participant, if the Early Benefit Distribution Date specified in such Early Benefit Distribution Election is after the date of the Termination Event. Upon the occurrence of the first Termination Event to occur, the Participant’s Pre-2005 Deferral Account shall be paid in one of the following methods as specified in the Participant’s Distribution Election filed with the Plan Administrator at the time of his or her Salary Deferral Election and/or Bonus Deferral Election: (i) single lump sum or (ii) substantially equal annual installments over a period not to exceed ten (10) years.
 
    A Participant may file an amended Distribution Election by the earlier of (a) the end of the year prior to the scheduled Distribution Date or (b) six (6) months before the scheduled Distribution Date. Any amendment which is filed later than the requirements in the preceding sentence shall be null and void.
 
    In the event a Participant dies before his or her Benefits have been completely distributed and the Plan Administrator receives proof satisfactory to it of the Participant’s death, the Participant’s benefits shall be paid to his or her Beneficiary in accordance with the method of distribution specified in the Participant’s Distribution Election in effect at the time of such Participant’s death.
 
    D.Early Withdrawal. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Participant may withdraw up to one hundred percent (100%) of his or her Pre-2005 Deferral Account. Upon such withdrawal, ten percent (10%) of the amount withdrawn shall be forfeited and the Participant shall have no further right thereto. The amount withdrawn, reduced by said forfeiture, shall be paid to the Participant in a single lump sum. Effective on the next Entry Date, the Participant shall be prohibited from making any deferrals or receiving any contributions under the Plan until a subsequent Entry Date after making a new deferral election under Article III.
 
    E.Termination of the Plan. The termination of the Plan shall automatically revoke all outstanding Early Benefit Distribution Elections and all elections to have Pre-2005 Deferral Accounts paid in installments. Upon the termination of the Plan, all such Accounts shall be paid in a single lump sum as if the Participant had voluntarily terminated employment on the date of Plan termination.
 
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EXHIBIT A
 
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN TRUST AGREEMENT
 
[Attach Trust Agreement]

 

 

 

 

 
 
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Rabbi Trust Agreement

 

 

 

 

 
This rabbi trust agreement is based on the IRS model rabbi trust provisions contained in Revenue Procedure 92-64. Provisions from the IRS model rabbi trust have been selected which are frequently chosen by many if not most of Wells Fargo rabbi trust clients. Additional provisions have been added to reflect Wells Fargo operating procedures and administrative requirements. A Company should carefully review the trust agreement with its legal counsel to determine if it is appropriate for its particular situation. Wells Fargo does not provide legal advice and makes no representations concerning the tax consequences of a Company’s execution of this Agreement.

 

 

 
Last Revised: February 2010
Revision History: August 2004, January 2006, February 2006, January 2007, August 2007, April 2009, February 2010

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 	    	 	 	Page	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article I.	 	Establishment of Trust	 	1	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article II.	 	Payments to Plan Participants and Their Beneficiaries	 	2	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article III.	 	Trustee Responsibility Regarding Payments to Trust Beneficiary When	 	 	
 	 	Company is Insolvent	 	3	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article IV.	 	Payments to Company	 	4	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article V.	 	Investment Authority	 	4	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article VI.	 	Disposition of Income	 	6	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article VII.	 	Accounting by Trustee	 	6	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article VIII.	 	Responsibility of Trustee	 	6	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article IX.	 	Compensation and Expenses of Trustee	 	7	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article X.	 	Resignation and Removal of Trustee	 	8	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article XI.	 	Appointment of Successor	 	8	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article XII.	 	Amendment or Termination	 	8	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article XIII.	 	Miscellaneous	 	9	
 	 	 	 	 	
Article XIV.	 	Effective Date	 	10	

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Ross Stores, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Trust Agreement
 
     This Agreement, made this first day of July, 2010, by and betweenRoss Stores, Inc.(the “Company”) andWELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. , (the "Trustee"),
 
WITNESSETH:
 
     WHEREAS, Company has adopted the non-qualified deferred compensation Plan titledRoss Stores, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan  (the “Plan”);
 
     WHEREAS, Company has incurred and expects to incur liability under the terms of such Plan with respect to the individuals participating in such Plan; and
 
     WHEREAS, Company has established a trust (hereinafter called "Trust") and wishes to contribute to the Trust assets that shall be held therein, subject to the claims of Company's creditors in the event of Company’s Insolvency, as herein defined, until paid to Plan participants and their beneficiaries in such manner and at such times as specified in the Plan;
 
     WHEREAS, it is the intention of the parties that this Trust shall constitute an unfunded arrangement and shall not affect the status of the Plan as an unfunded plan maintained for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated employees for purposes of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974;
 
     WHEREAS, it is the intention of Company to make contributions to the Trust to provide itself with a source of funds to assist it in the meeting of its liabilities under the Plan;
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties do hereby establish the Trust and agree that the Trust shall be comprised, held and disposed of as follows:
 
ARTICLE I
 
ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST
 
          Section 1.1 Company hereby deposits with Trustee in trust $1.00, which shall become the principal of the Trust, along with assets transferred from the prior trustee, all to be held, administered and disposed of by Trustee as provided in this Trust Agreement.
 
          Section 1.2 The Trust hereby established shall be irrevocable by Company.
 
          Section 1.3 The Trust is intended to be a grantor trust, of which Company is the grantor, within the meaning of subpart E, part 1, subchapter J, chapter 1, subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and shall be construed accordingly. However, Trustee does not warrant and shall not be liable for any tax consequences associated with the Trust or participation in the Plan.
 
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          Section 1.4 The principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon shall be held separate and apart from other funds of Company and shall be used exclusively for the uses and purposes of Plan participants and general creditors as herein set forth. Plan participants and their beneficiaries shall have no preferred claim on, or any beneficial ownership interest in, any assets of the Trust. Any rights created under the Plan and this Trust Agreement shall be mere unsecured contractual rights of Plan participants and their beneficiaries against Company. Any assets held by the Trust will be subject to the claims of Company's general creditors under federal and state law in the event of Insolvency, as defined in Section 3.1 herein.
 
          Section 1.5 Company, in its sole discretion, may at any time, or from time to time, make additional deposits of cash or other property acceptable to the Trustee in trust with Trustee to augment the principal to be held, administered and disposed of by Trustee as provided in this Trust Agreement. Neither Trustee nor any Plan participant or beneficiary shall have any right to compel such additional deposits.
 
          Section 1.6The Trustee agrees to accept contributions that are paid to it by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Trust Agreement. Such contributions shall be in cash or in such other form that may be acceptable to the Trustee. The Trustee shall have no duty to determine or collect contributions under the Plan and shall have no responsibility for any property until it is received and accepted by the Trustee. The Company shall have the sole duty and responsibility for the determination of the accuracy or sufficiency of the contributions to be made under the Plan, the transmittal of the same to the Trustee and compliance with any statute, regulation or rule applicable to contributions.
 
ARTICLE II
 
PAYMENTS TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR BENEFICIARIES
 
          Section 2.1 Company shall deliver to Trustee a schedule (the "Payment Schedule") that indicates the amounts payable in respect of each Plan participant (and his or her beneficiaries), that provides a formula or other instructions acceptable to Trustee for determining the amounts so payable, the form in which such amount is to be paid (as provided for or available under the Plan), and the time of commencement for payment of such amounts.
 
               The Trustee shall remit such payment to Company and Company shall make such payments to the Plan participants and beneficiaries. Company shall make provision for the reporting and withholding of any federal, state or local taxes that may be required to be withheld with respect to the payment of benefits pursuant to the terms of the Plan and shall pay amounts withheld to the appropriate taxing authorities. Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trustee from any and all liability to which the Trustee may become subject due to Company’s failure to properly withhold and/or remit amounts due or to pay benefits to participants in connection with the Trust.
 
          Section 2.2 The entitlement of a Plan participant or his or her beneficiaries to benefits under the Plan shall be determined by Company or such party as it shall designate under the Plan, and any claim for such benefits shall be considered and reviewed under the procedures set out in the Plan.
 
          Section 2.3 Company may make payment of benefits directly to Plan participants or their beneficiaries as they become due under the terms of the Plan, and may request reimbursement for such payments upon presentation of appropriate evidence of payment to Trustee. Company shall notify Trustee of its decision to make payment of benefits directly prior to the time amounts are payable to participants or their beneficiaries. In addition, if the principal of the Trust and any earnings thereon, are not sufficient to make payments of benefits in accordance with the terms of the Plan, Company shall make the balance of each such payment as it falls due. Trustee shall notify Company where principal and earnings are not sufficient. Trustee shall not be liable for the inadequacy of the Trust to pay all amounts due under the Plan.
 
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ARTICLE III
 
TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING PAYMENTS TO TRUST BENEFICIARY WHEN
COMPANY IS INSOLVENT
 
          Section 3.1 Trustee shall cease payment of benefits to Plan participants and their beneficiaries if the Company is Insolvent. Company shall be considered "Insolvent" for purposes of this Trust Agreement if (i) Company is unable to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) Company is subject to a pending proceeding as a debtor under the United States Bankruptcy Code or any comparable state or federal regulatory law.
 
          Section 3.2 At all times during the continuance of this Trust, as provided in Section 1.4 hereof, the principal and income of the Trust shall be subject to claims of general creditors of Company under federal and state law as set forth below.
 
               (1) The Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer (or if there is no Chief Executive Officer, the highest ranking officer) of Company shall have the duty to inform Trustee in writing of Company's Insolvency. If a person claiming to be a creditor of Company alleges in writing to Trustee that Company has become Insolvent, Trustee shall determine whether Company is Insolvent and, pending such determination, Trustee shall discontinue payment of benefits to Plan participants or their beneficiaries.
 
               (2) Unless Trustee has actual knowledge of Company's Insolvency, or has received notice from Company or a person claiming to be a creditor alleging that Company is Insolvent, Trustee shall have no duty to inquire whether Company is Insolvent. Trustee may in all events rely on such evidence concerning Company's solvency as may be furnished to Trustee and that provides Trustee with a reasonable basis for making a determination concerning Company's solvency.
 
               (3) If at any time Trustee has determined that Company is Insolvent, Trustee shall discontinue payments to Plan participants or their beneficiaries and shall hold the assets of the Trust for the benefit of Company's general creditors. Nothing in this Trust Agreement shall in any way diminish any rights of the Plan participants or their beneficiaries to pursue their rights as general creditors of Company with respect to benefits due under the Plan or otherwise.
 
               (4) Trustee shall resume the payment of benefits to Plan participants or their beneficiaries in accordance with Article II of this Trust Agreement only after Trustee has been directed that Company is not Insolvent (or is no longer Insolvent). Trustee may in all events rely on such evidence concerning Company’s solvency (or Insolvency) as may be furnished to Trustee and that provides Trustee with a reasonable basis for making a determination concerning Company’s solvency.
 
          Section 3.3 Provided that there are sufficient assets, if Trustee discontinues the payment of benefits from the Trust pursuant to Section 3.2 hereof and subsequently resumes such payments, the first payment following such discontinuance shall include the aggregate amount of all payments due to Plan participants or their beneficiaries under the terms of the Plan for the period of such discontinuance, less the aggregate amount of any payments made to Plan participants or their beneficiaries by Company in lieu of the payments provided for hereunder during any such period of discontinuance.
 
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ARTICLE IV
 
PAYMENTS TO COMPANY
 
     Except as provided in Articles II and III hereof, Company shall have no right or power to direct Trustee to return to Company or to divert to others any of the Trust assets before all payment of benefits have been made to Plan participants and their beneficiaries pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
 
ARTICLE V
 
INVESTMENT AUTHORITY
 
          Section 5.1Except as provided below, Company shall have the sole power and responsibility for the management, disposition, and investment of the Trust assets, and Trustee shall comply with written directions from Company or its designated agent, which may include a recordkeeper for the Plan. Trustee shall have no duty or responsibility to review, initiate action, or make recommendations regarding the investment of Trust assets and shall retain such assets until directed in writing to dispose of them. Prior to issuing any such directions, Company shall certify to Trustee the person(s) at Company or its agent who have the authority to issue such directions.
 
          Section 5.2In the administration of the Trust, Trustee shall have the following powers; however, all powers regarding the investment of the Trust shall be exercised solely pursuant to direction of Company or its delegated agent or, if applicable, an Investment Manager, unless Trustee has been properly delegated investment authority pursuant to section 5.4 below:
 
               (1) To hold assets of any kind, including shares of any registered investment company, whether or not Trustee or any of its affiliates provides investment advice or other services to such company and receives compensation for the services provided;
 
               (2) To sell, exchange, assign, transfer, and convey any security or property held in the Trust, at public or private sale, at such time and price and upon such terms and conditions (including credit) as directed;
 
               (3) To invest and reinvest assets of the Trust (including accumulated income) as directed;
 
               (4) To vote, tender, or exercise any right appurtenant to any stock or securities held in the Trust, as directed;
 
               (5) To consent to and participate in any plan for the liquidation, reorganization, consolidation, merger or any similar action of any corporation, any security of which is held in the Trust, as directed;
 
               (6) To sell or exercise any "rights" issued on any securities held in the Trust, as directed;
 
               (7) To cause all or any part of the assets of the Trust to be held in the name of Trustee (which in such instance need not disclose its fiduciary capacity) or, as permitted by laws, in the name of any nominee, and to acquire for the Trust any investment in bearer form, but the books and records of the Trust shall at all times show that all such investments are part of the Trust and Trustee shall hold evidence of title to all such investments;
 
-4-

 

               (8) To make such distributions in accordance with the provisions of this Trust Agreement;
 
               (9) To hold a portion of the Trust for the ordinary administration and for the disbursement of funds in cash, without liability for interest thereon for such period of time as necessary, notwithstanding that Trustee or an affiliate of Trustee may benefit directly or indirectly from such uninvested amounts. It is acknowledged that Trustee’s handling of such amounts is consistent with usual and customary banking and fiduciary practices, and any earnings realized by Trustee or its affiliates will be compensation for its bank services in addition to its regular fees; and
 
               (10)To invest in deposit products of Trustee or its affiliates, or other bank or similar financial institution, subject to the rules and regulations governing such deposits, and without regard to the amount of such deposit, as directed;
 
               (11)To invest in securities (including stock and the rights to acquire stock) or obligations issued by the Company or an Employer as that term is defined in the Plan;
 
               (12)To appoint custodians, subcustodians, or subtrustees, domestic or foreign (including affiliates of the Trustee), as to part or all of the Trust; provided that the Trustee shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any subcustodian appointed under this Section.
 
          Section 5.3 From time to time the Company may appoint one or more investment managers who shall have investment management and control over all or a portion of the assets of the Trust ("Investment Managers"). The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the appointment of the Investment Manager. In the event more than one Investment Manager is appointed, the Company shall determine which assets shall be subject to management and control by each Investment Manager and shall also determine the proportion in which funds withdrawn or disbursed shall be charged against the assets subject to each Investment Manager's management and control. Such Investment Manager shall direct Trustee as to the investment of assets and any voting, tendering, and other appurtenant rights of all securities held in the portion of the Trust over which the Investment Manager is appointed. Trustee shall have no duty or responsibility to review, initiate action, or make recommendations regarding the investment of the Trust assets and shall retain such assets until directed in writing to dispose of them.
 
          Section 5.4Company may delegate to Trustee the responsibility to manage all or a portion of the Trust if Trustee agrees to do so in writing. Upon written acceptance of that delegation, Trustee shall have full power and authority to invest and reinvest the Trust in investments as provided herein, subject to any investment guidelines provided by Company.
 
          Section 5.5The Trustee shall have no responsibility to notify the Company of any calls for redemption which do not appear in Standard New York Financial Publications, unless the Trustee actually receives written notice of such call for redemption. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of each written notice actually received by the Trustee in the ordinary course of its custodial business hereunder concerning any default of payment in connection with securities held hereunder, call for redemption, exchange offer, tender offer, rights offering, subscription rights, conversion or similar rights, merger, consolidation, reorganization, reclassification or recapitalization, or similar event or proceeding affecting the property held in the Trust, and shall take such action in respect thereto as may be directed in writing by the Company.
 
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          Section 5.6All solicitation fees payable to the Trustee as agent in connection with tender offers or any of the aforementioned proceedings that would not otherwise be payable to the Company will be retained by the Trustee.
 
          Section 5.7Should any securities held in any depository be called for partial redemption by the issuer of such securities, the Trustee is authorized in the Trustee’s sole discretion to allot the called portion to the respective holders in any manner deemed to be fair and equitable in the Trustee’s judgment. Securities called for partial redemption must be in the Trust pursuant to an actual rather than provisional credit.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
DISPOSITION OF INCOME
 
     During the term of this Trust, all income received by the Trust, net of expenses and taxes, shall be accumulated and reinvested.
 
ARTICLE VII
 
ACCOUNTING BY TRUSTEE
 
     Trustee shall keep accurate and detailed records of all investments, receipts, disbursements, and all other transactions required to be made, including such specific records as shall be agreed upon in writing between Company and Trustee. Within 60 days following the close of each calendar year and within 90 days after the removal or resignation of Trustee, Trustee shall deliver to Company a written account of its administration of the Trust during such year or during the period from the close of the last preceding year to the date of such removal or resignation, setting forth all investments, receipts, disbursements and other transactions effected by it, including a description of all securities and investments purchased and sold with the cost or net proceeds of such purchases or sales (accrued interest paid or receivable being shown separately), and showing all cash, securities and other property held in the Trust at the end of such year or as of the date of such removal or resignation, as the case may be. Trustee’s accounting, if not objected to within 60 days of it being furnished to Company, shall be deemed accepted by Company.
 
ARTICLE VIII
 
RESPONSIBILITY OF TRUSTEE
 
          Section 8.1 Trustee shall act with the care, skill, prudence and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims; provided, however, that Trustee shall incur no liability to any person for any action taken pursuant to a direction, request or approval given by Company, and Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trustee, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all liabilities, losses, and claims (including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of defense) for actions taken or omitted by Trustee in accordance with the terms of this Trust. In the event of a dispute between Company and a party, Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to resolve the dispute.
 
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          Section 8.2 If Trustee undertakes or defends any litigation arising in connection with this Trust, Company agrees to indemnify Trustee against Trustee's costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and expenses) relating thereto and to be primarily liable for such payments. If Company does not pay such costs, expenses and liabilities in a reasonably timely manner, Trustee may obtain payment from the Trust.
 
          Section 8.3 Trustee may consult with legal counsel (who may also be counsel for Company generally) with respect to any of its duties or obligations hereunder, and Trustee may hire agents, accountants, actuaries, investment advisors, financial consultants or other professionals to assist it in performing any of its duties or obligations hereunder. Company shall pay the reasonable expenses for services by such individuals or entities, and if the Company does not pay such expenses in a reasonably timely manner, Trustee may obtain payment from the Trust.
 
          Section 8.4 Trustee shall have, without exclusion, all powers conferred on Trustees by applicable law, unless expressly provided otherwise herein; provided, however, that if an insurance policy is held as an asset of the Trust, Trustee shall have no power to name a beneficiary of the policy other than the Trust, to assign the policy (as distinct from conversion of the policy to a different form) other than to a successor Trustee, or to loan to any person the proceeds of any borrowing against such policy. The Trustee shall not be liable for the failure or omission of any insurance company for any reason to pay any benefits or furnish any services under the policies or contracts. Company shall have the sole responsibility to determine whether any insured under any insurance policy held in the Trust is deceased.
 
          Section 8.5 Notwithstanding any powers granted to Trustee pursuant to this Trust Agreement or to applicable law, Trustee shall not have any power that could give this Trust the objective of carrying on a business and dividing the gains therefrom, within the meaning of section 301.7701-2 of the Procedure and Administrative Regulations promulgated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
 
          Section 8.6 Any electronic communication, including facsimile and e-mail, received by Trustee from an address that Trustee reasonably believes to be that of a duly authorized representative of Company shall be deemed to be in writing and signed on behalf of Company by a duly authorized representative of Company, and Trustee shall be as fully protected under the Trust Agreement and applicable law as if such electronic communication had been an originally signed writing.
 
          Section 8.7The duties of the Trustee shall be limited to the assets held in the Trust, and the Trustee shall have no duties with respect to assets held by any other person including, without limitation, any other Trustee for the Plan. The Company hereby agrees that the Trustee shall not serve as, and shall not be deemed to be, a co-trustee under any circumstances. The Company may request the Trustee to perform a recordkeeping service with respect to property held by others and not otherwise subject to the terms of this Trust Agreement. To the extent the Trustee shall agree to perform this service, its sole responsibility shall be to accurately reflect information on its books which it has received from an authorized party of the custodian of such property.
 
ARTICLE IX
 
COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF TRUSTEE
 
     Trustee shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for the services it renders under this Trust.Company shall pay all Trustee's fees and expenses as may be agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Trustee. If not so paid within a reasonable time, the fees and expenses, including, but not limited to, those expenses referenced in Article VIII above, shall be paid from the Trust.
 
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ARTICLE X
 
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF TRUSTEE
 
          Section 10.1 Trustee may resign at any time by written notice to Company, which shall be effective 30 days after receipt of such notice unless Company and Trustee agree otherwise.
 
          Section 10.2Trustee may be removed by Company on 30 days notice or upon shorter notice accepted by Trustee.
 
          Section 10.3 Upon resignation or removal of Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee, all assets shall subsequently be transferred to the successor Trustee. The transfer shall be completed within 120 days after receipt of all information reasonably required by Trustee to transfer assets to the successor Trustee, unless Company extends the time limit.
 
          Section 10.4 If Trustee resigns or is removed, a successor shall be appointed, in accordance with Article XI hereof, by the effective date of resignation or removal under sections 10.1 and 10.2 of this article. If no such appointment has been made, Trustee may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of a successor or for instructions. All expenses of Trustee in connection with the proceeding shall be allowed as administrative expenses of the Trust.
 
ARTICLE XI
 
APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR
 
          Section 11.1 If Trustee resigns or is removed in accordance with Section 10.1 or 10.2 hereof, Company may appoint any third party, such as a bank trust department or other party that may be granted corporate trustee powers under state law, as a successor to replace Trustee upon resignation or removal. The appointment shall be effective when accepted in writing by the new Trustee, who shall have all of the rights and powers of the former Trustee, including ownership rights in the Trust assets. The former Trustee shall execute any instrument necessary or reasonably requested by Company or the successor Trustee to evidence the transfer.
 
          Section 11.2 The successor Trustee need not examine the records and acts of any prior Trustee and may retain or dispose of existing Trust assets, subject to Articles VII and VIII hereof. The successor Trustee shall not be responsible for and Company shall indemnify and defend the successor Trustee from any claim or liability resulting from any action or inaction of any prior Trustee or from any other past event, or any condition existing at the time it becomes successor Trustee.
 
ARTICLE XII
 
AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION
 
          Section 12.1 This Trust Agreement may be amended by a written instrument executed by Trustee and Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such amendment shall make the Trust revocable after it has become irrevocable in accordance with Section 1.2 hereof.
 
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          Section 12.2 The Trust shall not terminate until the date on which Plan participants and their beneficiaries are no longer entitled to benefits pursuant to the terms of the Plan. Upon termination of the Trust, any assets remaining in the Trust shall be returned to Company.
 
          Section 12.3 Upon written approval of participants or beneficiaries entitled to payment of benefits pursuant to the terms of the Plan, Company may terminate this Trust prior to the time all benefit payments under the Plan have been made. All assets in the Trust at termination shall be returned to Company.
 
ARTICLE XIII
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
          Section 13.1 Any provision of this Trust Agreement prohibited by law shall be ineffective to the extent of any such prohibition, without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof.
 
          Section 13.2 Benefits payable to Plan participants and their beneficiaries under this Trust Agreement may not be anticipated, assigned (either at law or in equity), alienated, pledged, encumbered or subjected to attachment, garnishment, levy, execution or other legal or equitable process.
 
          Section 13.3 This Trust Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of MN.
 
          Section 13.4 Trustee shall be entitled to rely on any information furnished to it by Company or any other party from whom Trustee is entitled to any information. If any provision of this Trust conflicts with any provision of the Plan, the provisions of this Trust shall control.
 
          Section 13.5If at any time the Plan fails to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code section 409A, the Company shall determine, withhold, report and remit all taxes thereunder, as applicable.
 
          Section 13.6Neither the Company nor the Trustee may assign this Trust Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except that the Trustee may assign its rights and delegate its duties hereunder to any corporation or entity which directly or indirectly is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Trustee. This Trust Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Company and the Trustee and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Any entity which shall by merger, consolidation, purchase, or otherwise, succeed to substantially all the trust business of the Trustee shall, upon each succession and without any appointment or other action by the Company be and become successor Trustee hereunder, upon notification to the Company.
 
          Section 13.7The Trustee reserves the right to seek a judicial or administrative determination as to its proper course of action under this Trust Agreement. Nothing contained herein will be construed or interpreted to deny the Trustee or the Company the right to have the Trustee’s account judicially determined. To the extent permitted by law, only the Trustee and the Company shall be necessary parties in any application to the courts for an interpretation of this Trust Agreement or for an accounting by the Trustee, and no Participant under the Plan or other person having an interest in the Trust shall be entitled to any notice or service of process. Any final judgment entered in such an action or proceeding shall, to the extent permitted by law, be conclusive upon all persons.
 
-9-

 

          Section 13.8The Company and the Trustee hereby each represent and warrant to the other that it has full authority to enter into this Trust Agreement upon the terms and conditions hereof and that the individual executing this Trust Agreement on its behalf has the requisite authority to bind the Company or the Trustee to this Trust Agreement.
 
ARTICLE XIV
 
EFFECTIVE DATE
 
     The effective date of this Trust Agreement shall be July 1, 2010.
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company and Trustee have caused this Agreement to be executed by individuals thereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.
 
Ross Stores, Inc.	 	WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Trustee	

By	 	 	 	By	 	 	
 	 	 	
Name 	 	 	 	Name 	 	 	
 	 	 	
Title	 	 	 	Title	 	 	

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EXHIBIT 15
 
June 8, 2011
 
Ross Stores, Inc.
Pleasanton, California
 
We have reviewed, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the unaudited interim financial information of Ross Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries for the periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, as indicated in our report dated June 8, 2011; 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 April 30, 2011, is incorporated by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-151116, No. 33-61373, No. 33-51916, No. 33-51896, No. 33-51898, No. 33-41415, No. 33-41413, No. 33-29600, No. 333-56831, No. 333-06119, No. 333-34988, No. 333-51478, and No. 333-115836 of Ross Stores, Inc. and subsidiaries, all 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 Statements 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
 
29

EXHIBIT 31.1
 
Ross Stores, Inc.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302(a)
 
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 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 report;	
 	
3.	 	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;	
 	
4.	 	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:	
 	
 	 	     	(a)	     	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;	
 	 	 	(b)	 	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;	
 	 	 	(c)	 	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and	
 	 	 	(d)	 	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and	
 	
5.	 	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):	
 	
 	 	 	(a)	 	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and	
 	 	 	(b)	 	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.	

Date:     June 8, 2011	/s/Michael Balmuth	 	
 	Michael Balmuth	
 	Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	
 
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EXHIBIT 31.2
                
Ross Stores, Inc.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302(a)
   
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 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 report;	
 	
3.	 	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;	
 	
4.	 	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:	
 	
 	 	     	(a)	     	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, 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 report is being prepared;	
 	 	 	(b)	 	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;	
 	 	 	(c)	 	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and	
 	 	 	(d)	 	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and	
 	
5.	 	The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):	
 	
 	 	 	(a)	 	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and	
 	 	 	(b)	 	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.	
   
Date:     June 8, 2011	/s/J. Call	 	
 	John G. Call	
 	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and	
 	Principal Accounting Officer	

31

EXHIBIT 32.1
 
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 quarter ended April 30, 2011 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. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 906”), that, to the best of my knowledge:
 
     	(1)	     	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m); 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:     June 8, 2011	/s/Michael Balmuth	 	
 	Michael Balmuth	
 	Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	

32

EXHIBIT 32.2
 
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 quarter ended April 30, 2011 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. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 906”), that, to the best of my knowledge:
 
     	(1)	     	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m); 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:     June 8, 2011	/s/J. Call	 	
 	John G. Call	
 	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer	
 	and Principal Accounting Officer	

33