Bernstein Lifts Ross Stores Price Target to $180 on Strong Holiday Data
Investment firm Bernstein raised Ross Stores’ price target to $180 from $170 and retained a Market Perform rating, citing accelerating holiday foot traffic and robust card spending. Ross reported third-quarter sales up 10% to $5.6 billion, comps +7%, and forecast fourth-quarter comps growth of 3–4% with EPS of $1.77–$1.85.
1. Bernstein Ups Price Target
On February 23, Bernstein increased its price target on Ross Stores to $180 from $170 while maintaining a Market Perform rating, highlighting confidence in the company’s segment strength and future outlook.
2. Accelerating Traffic and Spending
Real-time data during the holiday quarter showed positive and accelerating foot traffic alongside robust card spending across off-price retail locations, underpinning expectations for sustained comparable sales momentum.
3. Third-Quarter Performance
In the third quarter of 2025, Ross Stores achieved a 10% sales increase to $5.6 billion, comparable-store sales growth of 7%, an 11.6% operating margin despite a $0.05 per share tariff headwind, and earnings per share of $1.58, up from $1.48.
4. Fourth-Quarter Outlook
Ross projects fourth-quarter comparable sales growth of 3–4% and earnings per share of $1.77–$1.85, anticipates minimal tariff-related costs, and plans continued unit expansion to reinforce its value-focused retail strategy.