Ross Stores (ROST) Earns $180 Target Amid Accelerating Card Spending Data

We recently published an article titled 12 Best Retail Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.

On February 23, Bernstein raised its price target for Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) to $180 from $170 while maintaining a Market Perform rating as part of a fourth-quarter preview for off-price retailers. The firm cited very strong holiday trends across the segment, supported by real-time data showing positive and accelerating foot traffic as well as robust card spending throughout the quarter.

During the third quarter of 2025, Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) reported total sales growth of 10% to $5.6 billion, with comparable store sales increasing 7%. Operating margin reached 11.6% despite a $0.05 per share headwind from tariff-related costs. Earnings per share were $1.58, up from $1.48 in the prior year. For the first nine months, earnings per share totaled $4.61 on sales of $16.1 billion, with comparable store sales rising 3% year over year. Inventory levels increased 9% overall and 15% per store to support anticipated holiday demand. The company opened 36 new Ross locations and four DD’s Discounts stores during the quarter, completing the 2025 expansion with 90 new stores. For the fourth quarter, Ross expects comparable sales growth of 3%–4% and earnings per share of $1.77–$1.85, with minimal tariff-related costs and an estimated full-year tariff impact of approximately $0.15 per share. Strong traffic trends, disciplined cost management, and continued unit growth reinforce Ross’s resilience within value-focused retail and support a constructive investment outlook.

Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROST) operates the Ross Dress for Less chain, offering branded apparel and home fashions at discounted prices through a high-volume, opportunistic purchasing model. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Dublin, California, the company leverages inventory flexibility and cost discipline to drive consistent profitability.

While we acknowledge the potential of ROST as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Data Storage Stocks to Buy Right Now and 12 Best Retail Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

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