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BMO Capital Markets has adjusted its outlook on Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:ROST), increasing the price target to $168.00 from $165.00 while the firm maintained its Outperform rating on the retailer's stock.
The decision follows Ross Stores' recent announcement of earnings that surpassed expectations, marking a second consecutive quarter of year-over-year improvement in gross margin and selling, general, and administrative (SGA) expenses.
Ross Stores' management has provided guidance for the third quarter, with the high end surpassing Wall Street's forecasts, and the fourth quarter's high end aligning with expectations. Additionally, the company has raised the high end of its full-year earnings per share (EPS) projections above the consensus, which BMO Capital expects may still be a conservative estimate.
The retailer's strategy of offering strong values across its product range as a means to capture more market share was highlighted by management. The approach is anticipated to continue driving the company's performance.
BMO Capital notes the trend of increasing multiples but also points out a growing inclination among investors to value off-price retail stocks favorably.
In other recent news, Ross Stores has been the focal point of several financial firms following a robust financial growth. The company's second-quarter earnings per share surged to $1.59, surpassing analyst estimates, and revenue increased by 7% year-over-year, reaching $5.3 billion.
Comparable store sales also saw a 4% uptick compared to the same period last year. UBS, Baird, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, and Wells Fargo have all raised their price targets for Ross Stores, indicating a positive outlook for the company's operational excellence and ability to surpass market expectations.
The company's shift towards offering a greater mix of branded merchandise has been noted as a significant driver of growth, despite projected pressures on merchandise margins. Ross Stores' management has also upgraded its full-year earnings per share forecast to $6.00-$6.13, reflecting the second-quarter performance and anticipated operational efficiencies in the forthcoming periods.
InvestingPro Insights
As Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROST) garners positive attention with its upwardly revised earnings outlook and BMO Capital Markets' increased price target, key metrics and insights from InvestingPro provide a deeper financial perspective. For investors considering Ross Stores' stock, the company boasts a solid track record with a dividend that has been raised for three consecutive years, showcasing a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Additionally, Ross Stores is trading at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth, signaling potential undervaluation when considering its growth prospects.
Key financial data from InvestingPro further enriches the narrative of Ross Stores' performance. The company has a market capitalization of $50.88 billion, reflecting its substantial presence in the retail sector. With a P/E ratio of 25.63, Ross Stores is positioned competitively within its industry. Moreover, the company has demonstrated a strong revenue growth of 9.81% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2025, underlining its successful expansion and market penetration strategies.
For those interested in exploring more about Ross Stores' financial health and investment potential, InvestingPro offers additional tips, including the company's low price volatility and status as a prominent player in the Specialty Retail industry. To gain access to the full suite of insights, including 13 additional InvestingPro Tips, visit https://www.investing.com/pro/ROST.
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