Ross Stores Inc. reported third-quarter 2020 sales declined 2 percent to $3.8 billion, with comparable-store sales down 3 percent.
Earnings for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2020 of 37 cents per share versus $1.03 per share for the 13 weeks ended November 2, 2019. Net income was $131 million, compared to $371 million in the prior-year period.
These results include a one-time charge of $240 million or 65 cents per share impact to net earnings relating to the refinancing of $775 million in senior notes during the quarter.
For the nine months ended October 31, 2020, the company reported a per share loss of $(0.43) on a net loss of $153 million which includes the one-time debt refinancing costs. These results compare to net income of $1.2 billion or $3.32 per share for the same period in 2019. Sales year-to-date were $8.3 billion, down from $11.6 billion last year.
Barbara Rentler, chief executive officer, commented, “Sales trends accelerated during the third quarter following a slower start in August, driven by an improvement in our merchandise assortments, a later back-to-school season, stronger performance in our larger markets, and our return to more normal store hours.”
Rentler continued, “Third quarter operating margin of 4.4 percent was down from 12.4 percent in 2019, and was negatively impacted by the one-time debt refinancing charge, which was equivalent to 640 basis points. In addition, the year-over-year margin decline reflects higher COVID-related operating costs in 2020 and the deleveraging effect on expenses throughout the business from the decline in same-store sales.”
Rentler added, “Core business results improved during the quarter demonstrating consumers’ continued focus on value, and our ongoing ability to deliver the bargains our customers have come to expect from us.”
Rentler further commented, “We continue to maintain a strong financial position with over $5.2 billion of total liquidity. In addition to the refinancing of a portion of our senior notes during the third quarter which will significantly reduce the annual interest expense and total cash outlays over the life of the debt, we took other actions to lower our ongoing debt costs, including the repayment of the $800 million revolving credit facility and terminating the undrawn $500 million revolver.”
Rentler concluded, “As we enter the fourth quarter, our month-to-date comparable store sales in November are down mid-single-digits. In addition, there remains a high level of uncertainty related to the worsening health crisis and we are concerned with how the upsurge of this pandemic might impact consumer demand during what we expect to be a highly competitive holiday shopping season. Given the lack of visibility we have regarding these external risks and how they may evolve and impact our business, we will continue to manage our operations conservatively and will not be providing sales or earnings per share guidance for the fourth quarter.”
Photo courtesy Ross Stores
