Ross Stores(US:ROST)2025-11-20 22:15Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q3 2025 grew 10% to $5.6 billion, with comparable store sales increasing 7% [3][4] - Earnings per share for the quarter were $1.58 on net income of $512 million, compared to $1.48 per share on net earnings of $489 million in the prior year [4] - For the first nine months, earnings per share were $4.61 on net earnings of $1.5 billion, compared to $4.53 per share on net income of $1.5 billion for the same period last year [4] - Operating margin for the quarter was 11.6%, which was stronger than expected [4][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strongest merchandise areas in Q3 included cosmetics, shoes, and ladies' apparel [5] - The branded strategy has positively impacted the ladies' business, which comped above the chain average [8][48] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Broad-based strength was observed across geographic regions, with the Southeast and Midwest performing the best [5][19] - Hispanic stores showed solid comps despite trailing the chain slightly [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has fully embedded its branded strategy into its merchandising approach, focusing on delivering high-quality branded bargains [6][8] - Plans to close and/or relocate 10 locations in Q4, expecting to end the year with 1,903 Ross stores and 360 dd's locations [6] - The company aims to maintain a strong value proposition relative to traditional retailers while mitigating impacts on merchandise margins [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the fourth quarter, raising comparable store sales forecast to 3-4% and earnings per share guidance for fiscal 2025 to $6.38-$6.46 [11][12] - The company expects tariff-related costs in Q4 to be negligible, with a full-year cost of approximately $0.15 per share [12] - Management acknowledged macro uncertainties but credited the team for executing well and navigating through challenges [20] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 1.7 million shares for an aggregate cost of $262 million, remaining on track to buy back a total of $1.05 billion in shares this year [11] - Total consolidated inventories were up 9% versus last year, with average store inventories up 15% [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you break down the inflection in same-store sales? - Management noted broad-based strength across all major merchandise categories and geographic regions, attributing some improvement to internal initiatives and favorable weather conditions [19][20] Question: What are the major drivers of the improvement in momentum? - Management highlighted the sophistication of the merchandising team and the effectiveness of marketing and store teams in driving traffic and improving the in-store experience [24][25] Question: How is the branded strategy impacting the business? - The branded strategy has significantly improved the ladies' business, which has shown sequential improvement and is expected to continue driving growth [48][49] Question: What is the outlook for tariff costs? - Management expects tariff-related costs to be negligible in Q4 and has successfully mitigated impacts throughout the year [32][85] Question: How is the store experience being enhanced? - The company is refreshing stores to provide a modern look and feel, with positive customer feedback so far [60] Question: Are there plans for a loyalty program? - Currently, there is no active loyalty program, but the company has a decent email database and is exploring future marketing initiatives [122]