Prnewswire·2026-03-03 21:01Core Insights - Ross Stores reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025, with sales reaching a record $22.8 billion and earnings per share of $6.61, reflecting a solid performance despite earlier challenges in the year [1][2] Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter, total sales increased by 12% to $6.6 billion, with comparable store sales rising by 9% [1][3] - Net income for the fourth quarter was $646 million, compared to $587 million in the previous year, and earnings per share rose to $2.00 from $1.79 [1][3] - Fiscal 2025 total sales were $22.8 billion, an 8% increase from $21.1 billion in fiscal 2024, with comparable store sales growing by 5% [1][3] Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased 1.5 million shares for $262 million in the fourth quarter and 7.1 million shares for $1.05 billion in fiscal 2025, completing its two-year stock repurchase program [1][2] - A new two-year stock repurchase authorization of $2.55 billion was approved, representing a 21% increase over the previous program [1][2] - The quarterly cash dividend was increased by 10% to $0.445 per share, payable on March 31, 2026 [1][2] Future Guidance - For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, comparable store sales are projected to increase by 7% to 8%, with earnings per share expected to be between $1.60 and $1.67 [1][2] - For the full fiscal year 2026, same store sales growth is anticipated to be 3% to 4%, with earnings per share projected in the range of $7.02 to $7.36 [1][2]