Core Insights - Ross Stores, Inc. is preparing to announce its third-quarter results, with an expected profit of $1.38 per share, reflecting a 6.8% decrease from the previous year's $1.48 per share [2] - For the full fiscal year 2025, analysts project an EPS of $6.19, down 2.1% from $6.32 in 2024, but anticipate a rebound in fiscal 2026 with a 10% year-over-year increase to $6.81 per share [3] - The stock has gained 8.6% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming compared to the S&P 500 Index's 16.9% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund's 18.7% returns [4] Financial Performance - In Q2, Ross Stores reported a 4.6% year-over-year increase in topline revenue to $5.5 billion, aligning closely with market expectations, while EPS dropped 1.9% year-over-year to $1.56, exceeding consensus estimates by 2.6% [5] - The company’s performance may face challenges in upcoming quarters due to high tariffs imposed on textiles and garments from Asian countries [6] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating for Ross Stores, with 14 "Strong Buys" and six "Holds" among 20 analysts, and a mean price target of $163.75 indicating a potential upside of 4.5% from current levels [7]

Core Insights - Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) is enhancing shopper experience and driving growth through strategic initiatives, including store openings and expansions, resulting in increased comparable store sales [1][3] Store Expansion - The company completed its fiscal 2025 store-expansion plans by opening 40 new stores, including 36 Ross Dress for Less and 4 dd's DISCOUNTS outlets across 17 states [2] - In the current fiscal year, Ross Stores has added a total of 90 new stores, bringing the total to 2,273 locations across 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico [2] Growth Projections - Ross Stores aims to achieve at least 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd's DISCOUNTS stores in the long term, indicating a strong commitment to growth through store expansion [3] - In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the company's revenue increased by 5% year over year, supported by a 2% gain in comparable store sales, with expectations of 2-3% comps growth in the third and fourth quarters [3] Marketing and Customer Engagement - The company's marketing strategy emphasizes its off-price model and consistent value through various channels, including digital platforms and traditional advertising, to strengthen its position as a leading off-price retailer [4] - Ross Stores is focused on attracting and retaining a diverse customer base that seeks high-quality merchandise at affordable prices [4] Long-term Outlook - Ross Stores is well-positioned for long-term growth, supported by steady store openings, effective execution, and financial resilience [5]

Core Insights - Ross Stores Inc. is expanding its footprint while many retailers are contracting, having opened 36 Ross Dress for Less locations and 4 dd's Discounts stores across 17 states in September and October, completing its growth plans for fiscal 2025 [1] - The company plans to open 90 new locations by the end of the year, reinforcing its brand presence in existing and new markets [2] - Ross is adding stores in the Midwest and Northeast, including Michigan, New Jersey, and New York, while also expanding in sunbelt states [3] Expansion Strategy - The company is focusing on expanding dd's in core markets like California and Texas, with a long-term goal of reaching at least 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd's Discounts locations [5] - Ross Stores is seen as an outlier in the retail sector, which is experiencing significant store closures, as it continues to grow its presence [5] Market Context - The retail industry is facing a 274% spike in layoffs in 2025, with major retailers like Macy's and Kohl's closing underperforming stores to boost profitability [3][7] - Off-price retail has been a growth segment, with Ross competing effectively against other discount retailers like T.J. Maxx and Burlington, attracting a mix of lower-income shoppers and those trading down from mid-tier retailers [8][10] - Coresight Research indicates that six of the ten retail chains opening the most stores in 2025 are discount formats, with Ross, TJX, and Burlington expected to open a combined total of 289 stores this year [11] Business Model - Ross Stores operates on a business model that allows them to purchase excess inventory at low costs and sell it at significant discounts, enabling them to open new locations with minimal outside capital [12][13] - Currently, there are 2,273 Ross Dress for Less and dd's Discounts stores operating across 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico [13]

Core Insights - Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) is enhancing its market presence through new store openings and operational improvements, having recently completed its fiscal 2025 expansion plan by opening 40 new stores [1][9] - The company has added a total of 90 new stores in the current fiscal year, operating 2,273 Ross Dress for Less and 364 dd's DISCOUNTS locations across various states [2][9] - ROST is experiencing positive customer responses across its merchandise categories, contributing to sales growth and profitability [3][4] Expansion and Growth - The recent store openings include 36 Ross Dress for Less and four dd's DISCOUNTS outlets in 17 states, with a focus on expanding in the Midwest, Northeast, California, and Texas [2][3] - ROST anticipates comparable store sales (comps) growth of 2-3% for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2025, supported by broad-based merchandise strength [4][9] - The company has raised its long-term store-expansion targets, aiming for at least 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd's DISCOUNTS stores [5] Financial Performance - In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, ROST's top line improved by 5% year over year, with a 2% gain in comps [4] - Projections indicate comparable sales growth of 2.9% in the third quarter and 2.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 [4] Market Position - ROST shares have increased by 21.3% over the past three months, contrasting with a 0.3% decline in the industry [6]

Core Insights - Investors in the Retail - Discount Stores sector should consider Dollar General (DG) and Ross Stores (ROST) for potential value opportunities [1] Valuation Metrics - Dollar General has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while Ross Stores has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a stronger earnings outlook for DG [3] - DG has a forward P/E ratio of 16.61 compared to ROST's forward P/E of 25.02, suggesting DG is more attractively priced [5] - The PEG ratio for DG is 2.14, while ROST's PEG ratio is 2.97, indicating DG's expected earnings growth is more favorable [5] - DG's P/B ratio is 2.8, significantly lower than ROST's P/B of 8.78, further supporting DG's valuation advantage [6] - Based on various valuation metrics, DG holds a Value grade of A, while ROST has a Value grade of C, reinforcing DG as the superior value option [6]

Group 1 - Ross Stores, Inc. has completed its store growth plans for fiscal 2025 by opening 36 Ross Dress for Less and four dd's DISCOUNTS stores across 17 states [1] - The company added a total of 90 new locations throughout the fiscal year, enhancing its brand presence in both existing and new markets [1] - Ross Dress for Less currently operates 1,909 locations, while dd's DISCOUNTS has 364 stores, totaling 2,273 locations across 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico [2] Group 2 - The company projects future growth, aiming to expand to at least 2,900 Ross Dress for Less and 700 dd's DISCOUNTS locations over time [1] - Ross Stores, Inc. reported fiscal 2024 revenues of $21.1 billion, positioning itself as a leading off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States [2]

Insider Trading Activities - Broadcom CEO sold 100,000 shares for $34 million [1] - Ross Stores CEO James Grant Conroy sold over 39,000 shares, netting $5.7 million [2] - One of Ollo's directors sold 50,000 shares for $6.7 million [2] - Two Nvidia directors sold 350,000 and 250,000 shares respectively, totaling over $100 million [3] Stock Performance - Broadcom shares are up 24% over the last three months [1] - Ross Stores shares are up 18% over the last three months [2] - Nuclear tech company shares have nearly doubled in the last three months [3] - Nvidia shares are up 125% over the last three months [3]

Core Insights - Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) is recognized as one of the 12 best retail dividend stocks to buy now, highlighting its strong position in the retail market [1] Company Overview - Ross Stores operates a large off-price retail network in the US, offering a variety of products including clothing, home goods, shoes, and accessories at lower prices compared to traditional retailers. Its main chains, Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS, cater to budget-conscious consumers seeking brand-name items at discounted prices [2] Business Strategy - The company focuses on five main priorities: off-price buying, expanding its store base, improving supply chain efficiency, strengthening marketing, and managing its workforce. Its strategy emphasizes sourcing merchandise on favorable terms, maintaining fast inventory turnover, and opening new stores. Long-term success is contingent on adapting to changing consumer preferences, securing strong supply agreements, and controlling expenses in distribution and real estate [3] Dividend Performance - Ross Stores has a strong dividend history, having raised its payouts for four consecutive years, making it one of the top dividend stocks in the retail sector. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.405 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 1.12% as of September 22 [4]

Group 1 - The individual investor focuses on managing personal capital accumulated over the years, utilizing a diverse range of investment strategies including fundamental, technical, and momentum investing [1] - The investor aims to leverage the strengths of various investment approaches to refine their investment process [1] - The purpose of writing on Seeking Alpha is to track the performance of investment ideas and connect with like-minded investors [1] Group 2 - There is no stock, option, or similar derivative position held by the analyst in any mentioned companies, nor plans to initiate such positions within the next 72 hours [2] - The article reflects the author's personal opinions and is not influenced by compensation from any company [2] - Seeking Alpha does not provide recommendations or advice regarding the suitability of investments for particular investors [3]

Group 1 - Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) experienced a 1% same-store sales growth in the first half of the year, with recent quarterly sales coming in slightly below expectations [1] - The company had previously pulled its full-year forecast due to the impact of Liberation Day tariffs but has since reissued its earnings guidance, with the upper end exceeding Wall Street's consensus estimate [1] - Following the reissuance of guidance, the stock saw a modest rally of 1% the next day [1] Group 2 - Ross Stores operates off-price retail chains that provide apparel, footwear, accessories, and home fashion products targeted at value-focused consumers [2]