Recent news highlights include Ross Stores reporting improved Q4 earnings and sales year-over-year, commentary on stock value and price movements, a 52-week high in stock price, a stock price decline event, and the announcement of the passing of former Chairman and CEO Norman A. Ferber.

• Ross Stores reported Q4 earnings and sales improvements year-over-year, indicating operational progress [N1].
• Jim Cramer highlighted Ross Stores as a value stock to watch, reflecting market interest [N2].
• The company's stock reached a 52-week high, drawing attention to its recent performance [N3].
• A notable stock price decline occurred on a recent Friday, with analysis exploring the causes [N4].
• Ross Stores' recent stock performance was described as decent, with discussions on future potential [N5].
• Shares fell 2.3% following earnings announcements, reflecting market reactions [N6].
• Ross Stores announced the passing of former Chairman and CEO Norman A. Ferber, marking a leadership milestone [N7].

Ross Stores benefits from consumer demand for value-oriented shopping, especially in uncertain economic environments. Its off-price model allows it to source branded merchandise at discounts, attracting price-sensitive customers. The company's continued store expansion and comparable store sales growth demonstrate operational execution. Cost control measures and gains from asset sales have improved profitability. The company's strong liquidity and capital return programs, including dividends and share repurchases, reflect financial discipline. These factors support Ross Stores' ability to maintain and potentially grow its market share in the off-price retail segment [N1][N2].

Ross Stores faces risks from macroeconomic pressures such as inflation, changes in consumer spending, and geopolitical uncertainties affecting sourcing, particularly given over half of its merchandise originates from China. Tariff increases, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes could increase costs and reduce merchandise availability. The company is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, including wage and hour class actions, which carry uncertainties. Competitive pressures in the retail sector and shifts in consumer preferences could impact sales and margins. Execution risks include managing store growth and maintaining merchandise quality and value perception. These factors could adversely affect financial performance and market position [S1][Q0][Q1][Q2][Q3][Q4][N4].

Ross Stores' moat is based on its scale as the largest off-price apparel and home fashion retailer in the U.S., extensive store network, and strong vendor relationships enabling access to branded closeout merchandise. Its flexible off-price business model allows it to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. The company's merchandising and operational strategies focus on delivering value and convenience, which supports customer loyalty and market share gains. Additionally, its financial strength and liquidity provide resources to invest in store expansion and operational improvements, reinforcing its competitive position.

• Macroeconomic and Retail Industry Risks: Ross Stores is exposed to inflation, changes in consumer confidence, discretionary spending, and external events such as geopolitical conflicts and public health crises that may affect sales and profitability.
• Trade and Sourcing Risks: More than half of merchandise originates from China, exposing the company to risks from tariffs, trade policy changes, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs.
• Legal and Regulatory Risks: The company faces ongoing class and representative action lawsuits alleging wage and hour violations and other regulatory proceedings, with outcomes subject to uncertainties.
• Competitive and Execution Risks: Ross Stores must manage store expansion, maintain merchandise quality and value, and adapt to changing consumer preferences amid competitive pressures.

• Ross Stores, Inc. operates two off-price retail apparel and home fashion store brands: Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS.
• As of February 1, 2025, Ross operated 1,831 Ross Dress for Less stores in 43 states, DC, and Guam, and 355 dd's DISCOUNTS stores in 22 states.
• Ross Dress for Less offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions at 20% to 60% off department and specialty store prices.
• dd's DISCOUNTS offers a more moderately-priced assortment of similar merchandise at 20% to 70% off moderate department and discount store prices.
• Fiscal 2024 sales were $21.13 billion, a 3.7% increase from fiscal 2023, driven by 3% comparable store sales growth and net new store openings.
• Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales decreased by approximately 40 basis points in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023, due to lower buying, distribution, and freight costs, partially offset by lower merchandise margin.
• Selling, general and administrative expenses increased slightly in fiscal 2024 but decreased as a percentage of sales due to a gain on sale of a warehouse facility and lower incentive compensation.
• Operating income margin increased by 90 basis points in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023, reflecting improved cost control.
• Diluted earnings per share were $6.32 in fiscal 2024, up from $5.56 in fiscal 2023, influenced by higher net earnings and share repurchases.
• Ross Stores repurchased approximately 1.75 million shares during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 under a $2.1 billion stock repurchase program approved in March 2024.
• The company declared quarterly cash dividends, with $0.4050 per share declared in March 2025, up from $0.3675 in 2024 and $0.3350 in 2023.
• As of November 1, 2025, Ross Stores had $4.06 billion in cash and cash equivalents, $7.63 billion in current assets, and $5.02 billion in current liabilities, resulting in a current ratio of 1.52 and a cash ratio of 0.81.
• Ross Stores faces legal proceedings including class action lawsuits alleging wage and hour law violations, ongoing as of February 1, 2025, and other regulatory and commercial claims.
• The company sources more than half of its merchandise from China, exposing it to risks from tariffs, trade policy changes, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical factors.
• Ross Stores' business is sensitive to macroeconomic factors affecting consumer spending, including inflation, fuel and energy costs, interest rates, housing costs, and consumer confidence.
• The company operates solely in the United States and its territories, with no international store locations.
• Ross Stores uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending near January 31, with fiscal 2024 ending February 1, 2025.
• The company recognizes revenue at point of sale net of sales taxes and estimated returns.
• Ross Stores' operating segments (Ross and dd's DISCOUNTS) are aggregated into one reportable segment for financial reporting.
• The company has a network of distribution centers and warehouses supporting its stores.
• Ross Stores completed the sale of a packaway warehouse facility in December 2024, recognizing a pre-tax gain of $61.6 million.
• The company repaid $250 million of 3.375% Senior Notes in September 2024 and had $700 million of 4.600% Senior Notes maturing in 2025.
• Ross Stores' effective tax rate was approximately 24% for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022.
• The company has a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers posted on its corporate website.
• Ross Stores' stock is traded on Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol ROST.
• The company had 1,146 stockholders of record as of March 10, 2025, with a closing stock price of $132.12 on that date.
• Ross Stores' merchandise inventory includes acquisition, transportation, processing, and storage costs, and packaway inventory typically remains in storage less than six months.
• The company uses a supply chain finance program to provide suppliers with the option to sell receivables to financial institutions.
• Ross Stores' financial instruments' carrying values approximate their fair values.
• The company faces risks from macroeconomic conditions, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, and regulatory changes affecting sourcing and costs.
• Ross Stores' recent news includes Q4 earnings and sales improvements year-over-year, stock performance reaching a 52-week high, and commentary on stock value and price movements.
• The company announced the passing of former Chairman and CEO Norman A. Ferber in January 2026.