Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) delivered fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations but provided a cautious outlook for the first quarter, citing weaker consumer spending.
Shares initially dropped about 5% in premarket trading before recovering throughout the day, trading 0.7% at the time of this writing. CEO Jim Conroy, in his first earnings call since assuming the role in December, acknowledged "softer business" as the company transitioned into the new fiscal year. He attributed this to macroeconomic pressures affecting consumer confidence and discretionary spending.
The retailer posted a 3.8% decline in net income to $586.8 million, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) falling to $1.79 from $1.82 a year ago. Net sales also slipped 1.8% to $5.91 billion. Despite these declines, Ross Stores reported a 3% increase in comparable store sales, bolstered by strong holiday demand in cosmetics and children’s merchandise. Geographically, the Pacific Northwest and Texas outperformed other regions.
The retailer posted a 3.8% decline in net income to $586.8 million, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) falling to $1.79 from $1.82 a year ago. Net sales also slipped 1.8% to $5.91 billion. Despite these declines, Ross Stores reported a 3% increase in comparable store sales, bolstered by strong holiday demand in cosmetics and children’s merchandise. Geographically, the Pacific Northwest and Texas outperformed other regions.
Stock Performance and Analyst Sentiment
Despite positive momentum in previous years, Ross Stores’ stock has underperformed recently. Over the past week, ROST fell 0.35%, reflecting investor uncertainty following mixed earnings results and cautious corporate guidance. Even a 10% dividend increase to $0.405 per share, announced on March 4, failed to significantly boost investor sentiment.
Telsey Advisory Group lowered its price target for Ross Stores from $175 to $150, citing a prudent yet conservative outlook. Analysts noted that while lower-income consumers continue seeking value, the company’s core customer base is under increased financial pressure due to shifting economic policies. With a projected sales decline of up to 3% for the upcoming fiscal periods, investors remain wary about the retailer’s near-term growth prospects.
Despite positive momentum in previous years, Ross Stores’ stock has underperformed recently. Over the past week, ROST fell 0.35%, reflecting investor uncertainty following mixed earnings results and cautious corporate guidance. Even a 10% dividend increase to $0.405 per share, announced on March 4, failed to significantly boost investor sentiment.
Telsey Advisory Group lowered its price target for Ross Stores from $175 to $150, citing a prudent yet conservative outlook. Analysts noted that while lower-income consumers continue seeking value, the company’s core customer base is under increased financial pressure due to shifting economic policies. With a projected sales decline of up to 3% for the upcoming fiscal periods, investors remain wary about the retailer’s near-term growth prospects.
Strategic Expansion and Future Outlook
Ross Stores remains committed to expansion, with plans to open 90 new locations this year, including 80 Ross Dress for Less stores and 10 DD’s Discounts. The company ended 2024 with 2,186 stores, adding 75 Ross locations and 14 DD’s stores while closing 12 underperforming locations.
Looking ahead, the company forecasts first-quarter EPS between $1.33 and $1.47, with same-store sales projected to range from a 3% decline to flat growth. For the full year, comparable sales are expected to fall between -1% and +2%. CFO Adam Orvos emphasized the company's cautious approach, citing economic volatility and unpredictable consumer trends. While Ross Stores' long-term fundamentals remain strong, with a three-year total return of 64% and a return on equity of 40.2%, short-term challenges could weigh on performance.
Investors will be closely watching whether Ross can navigate these headwinds while capitalizing on opportunities in the closeout merchandise market, a strategy CEO Jim Conroy believes will drive long-term value. With the broader retail sector facing uncertainty, Ross Stores must execute effectively to maintain its competitive edge in the off-price retail landscape.
Ross Stores remains committed to expansion, with plans to open 90 new locations this year, including 80 Ross Dress for Less stores and 10 DD’s Discounts. The company ended 2024 with 2,186 stores, adding 75 Ross locations and 14 DD’s stores while closing 12 underperforming locations.
Looking ahead, the company forecasts first-quarter EPS between $1.33 and $1.47, with same-store sales projected to range from a 3% decline to flat growth. For the full year, comparable sales are expected to fall between -1% and +2%. CFO Adam Orvos emphasized the company's cautious approach, citing economic volatility and unpredictable consumer trends. While Ross Stores' long-term fundamentals remain strong, with a three-year total return of 64% and a return on equity of 40.2%, short-term challenges could weigh on performance.
Investors will be closely watching whether Ross can navigate these headwinds while capitalizing on opportunities in the closeout merchandise market, a strategy CEO Jim Conroy believes will drive long-term value. With the broader retail sector facing uncertainty, Ross Stores must execute effectively to maintain its competitive edge in the off-price retail landscape.
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