Business
ROSS STORES REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER EARNINGS WELL ABOVE GUIDANCE
Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today reported financial results for the 13‑week fourth quarter and 52‑week fiscal year ended January 31, 2026.
About this update from Ross Stores, Inc.
ANNOUNCES NEW TWO-YEAR REPURCHASE AUTHORIZATION AND 10% INCREASE IN QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND PROVIDES FIRST QUARTER AND FISCAL 2026 GUIDANCE DUBLIN, Calif., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today reported financial results for the 13‑week fourth quarter and 52‑week fiscal year ended January 31, 2026. Highlights: Jim Conroy, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to report that business momentum accelerated further in the fourth quarter, with both sales and earnings significantly surpassing our expectations. Throughout the holiday season, we delivered compelling merchandise assortments to our stores, benefited from higher customer engagement through our new marketing campaigns, and executed in‑store initiatives that enhanced the customer experience." Mr. Conroy continued, "For the full year, we delivered a solid performance. While the first half presented challenges amid a dynamic macroeconomic environment, including the impact of tariffs and broader consumer uncertainty, we remained focused on executing our strategy and managing the business with discipline. As the year progressed, underlying trends steadily improved, reflecting the strength of our merchandising efforts, enhanced marketing programs, and improved shopping experience. This momentum built throughout the back half of the year and culminated in a strong finish, positioning us well as we move into the year ahead." Fourth Quarter Results Sales increased 12% to $6.6 billion, up from $5.9 billion in 2024. Comparable store sales rose a robust 9% for the quarter on top of a solid 3% gain last year. Net income was $646 million versus $587 million last year, while earnings per share increased to $2.00, compared with $1.79 per share in the prior year period. Excluding a $0.14 per share gain from the sale of a packaway facility in 2024, earnings per share grew 21%. Fiscal 2025 Results Total sales increased to a record $22.8 billion, up 8% compared with last year's $21.1 billion. Comparable store sales grew 5% on top of a solid 3% gain in fiscal 2024. Net income for fiscal 2025 was $2.1 billion, similar to the prior year, while earnings per share were $6.61, up from $6.32 last year. Excluding the $0.14 per share gain from the facility sale in fiscal 2024 and the approximate $0.16 per share impact from tariff-related costs this ye...