Core Insights - Ross Stores Inc. reported better-than-expected third-quarter results, leading to a 5% increase in share price intra-day [1] - The company raised its full-year outlook, supported by strong comparable sales and disciplined cost control ahead of the holiday season [1] Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $1.58, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.41 and up from $1.48 a year earlier [2] - Revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $5.6 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $5.42 billion, driven by a 7% rise in comparable store sales [2] - Operating margin expanded to 11.6%, aided by revenue strength and tighter expense management, despite a $0.05 per share negative impact from tariff-related costs [2] - Net income rose to $512 million, compared to $489 million in the previous year [2] Store Expansion and Share Buyback - The company ended the quarter with 2,273 stores, an increase from 2,192 stores last year [3] - Ross repurchased 1.7 million shares for $262 million during the quarter and is on track to complete a $2.1 billion buyback program by year-end [3] Future Outlook - For the fourth quarter, Ross projected EPS of $1.77–$1.85, above analyst expectations at the midpoint [4] - The company raised its holiday comparable sales outlook to 3%–4% [4] - Full-year EPS is now expected to range between $6.38 and $6.46, compared to $6.32 last year, despite a projected $0.16 per share tariff impact [4]

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]

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]