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This excerpt taken from the ROST 10-K filed Apr 14, 2005. Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors Affecting Future Performance This report includes certain forward-looking statements regarding planned new store growth and expected sales and earnings levels, which reflect the Companys current beliefs, projections and estimates with respect to future events and the Companys future financial performance, operations and competitive position. The words expect, anticipate, estimate, believe, looking ahead, forecast, guidance, plan, projected, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that apply to both Ross and dds DISCOUNTSSM stores include, without limitation, the Companys ability to effectively operate and integrate various new supply chain and core merchandising systems, including generation of all necessary information in a timely and cost effective manner; migrating the Companys data center from Newark, California to Pleasanton, California in the first half of 2005 without unexpected delays or interruption in system availability; achieving and maintaining targeted levels of productivity and efficiency in its distribution centers; obtaining acceptable new store locations; competitive pressures in the apparel industry; changes in the level of consumer spending on or preferences for apparel or home-related merchandise; changes in geopolitical and general economic conditions; unseasonable weather trends; disruptions in supply chain; lower than planned gross margin and greater than planned 25 operating costs; the Companys ability to continue to purchase attractive brand-name merchandise at desirable discounts, the Companys ability to identify and successfully enter new geographic markets, and the Companys ability to attract and retain personnel with the retail talent necessary to execute its strategies. The Companys corporate headquarters, certain of its distribution centers and 30% of its stores are located in California. Therefore, a downturn in the California economy or a major California natural disaster could significantly affect the Companys operating results and financial condition. The Companys continued success depends, in part, upon its ability to increase sales at existing locations, and to open new stores and to operate stores on a profitable basis. There can be no assurance that the Companys existing strategies and store expansion program will result in a continuation of revenue growth or profit growth. Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact revenue and profitability remain difficult to predict. The factors underlying the Companys forecasts are dynamic and subject to change. As a result, any forecasts speak only as of the date they are given and do not necessarily reflect the Companys outlook at any other point in time. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements. |
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