Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)

Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) stock has demonstrated strong performance over the past six months. As of February 4, 2026, ROST stock had gained 30% over the past year, outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index, which rallied nearly 15.4%. Year-to-date in 2026, ROST stock is up 6.1%, surpassing the S&P 500's 1.1% gains. The stock also outpaced the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT), which gained about 11.8% over the past year. A significant event impacting the stock price was the Q3 2025 earnings report on November 20, 2025, where ROST reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.58, exceeding Wall Street expectations of $1.40, and revenue of $5.6 billion, topping forecasts of $5.4 billion. Following this announcement, ROST shares closed up more than 8% in the subsequent trading session. The company also raised its full-year EPS forecast to a range of $6.38 to $6.46. The all-time high Ross Stores stock closing price was $193.79 on January 15, 2026. The 52-week high stock price is $194.92, and the 52-week low is $122.36.

Demand for Ross Stores' products and services exhibits seasonality, with the fourth quarter (Q4), encompassing the holiday season, being the most important period of the year. The company strategically manages its inventory, including "packaway" inventory, which accounts for a healthy portion of its total inventory (36% as of the end of Q3 2025). This strategy allows Ross Stores flexibility in maintaining newness on its shelves and managing supply, even if the supply chain tightens.

Ross Stores, Inc., established in 1982, is an off-price apparel and home fashion retailer in the U.S., operating under the Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS brands. It operates in the retail/wholesale sector, specifically Discount Department Stores, Family Clothing Stores, and Clothing and Clothing Accessory Retailers. Ross Stores provides branded apparel, footwear, accessories, and home goods at discounted prices, with fiscal 2024 sales exceeding $21 billion.

Ross Stores, Inc. has a significant geographic footprint across the United States, operating more than 2,100 stores across 43 states. Ross Dress for Less has 1,909 locations in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, while dd's DISCOUNTS operates 364 stores in 22 states. As of Q3 2025, Ross Stores had a total of 2,273 locations, having opened 90 net new stores in fiscal 2025.

Ross Stores maintains a brand reputation centered on its "treasure hunt" off-price shopping experience, which resonates with value-seeking customers. The company has focused on enhancing the in-store experience by updating stores with a more modern look, better signage, and a cleaner, brighter environment. Ross Stores has also addressed operational challenges, such as "shrink", by developing a new self-checkout prototype, with an accelerated rollout planned for 2026. The company's disciplined inventory buying and strategic expansion have contributed to its long-term reputation.

Approximately 58.98% of Ross Stores' stock is owned by Institutional Investors, 2.07% by Insiders, and 38.95% by Public Companies and Individual Investors. Mutual Funds & ETFs hold 52.48% and Other Institutional Investors hold 38.70% of shares outstanding. Major institutional owners include The Vanguard Group, Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Global Advisors, Inc.