Despite 3Q growth, Ross cautious on 4Q outlook

PLEASANTON, Calif. Ross Stores reported that earnings per share for the third quarter increased 22% to 44 cents, from 36 cents for the same period last year. Net earnings for the third quarter were $57.3 million, up from $48.7 million for the third quarter last year. Fiscal 2008 third quarter sales increased 6% to $1.555 billion, with comparable-store sales even with the prior year period.

Michael Balmuth, vice chairman, president and ceo, commented, "We are pleased with our solid third quarter earnings growth, especially considering the very challenging macro-economic and retail environment. The ongoing resilience and flexibility of our off-price business model enabled us to respond to these external pressures by further reducing both inventories and expenses. These actions, along with better-than-expected shortage results from our annual physical inventory during the quarter, enabled us to protect profit margins and deliver earnings per share at the high end of our original guidance."

Ross said it now expects fourth quarter comparable-store sales to decline 1% to 3% and earnings per share to be in the range of 69 cents to 75 cents, compared to 70 cents in the 2007 fourth quarter.