CleaRank Financial AI • AI-powered analysis using real-time market data from TwelveData
Analysis reviewed by Michelle Sofia, Market Analyst. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) is currently trading at $230.57, below its 50-day simple moving average of $234.03 but above its 200-day simple moving average of $219.63. The company has demonstrated strong recent earnings, beating analyst estimates for the last three reported quarters, with the most recent quarter showing a 36.41% EPS surprise. This performance, coupled with a positive outlook for revenue growth, underpins the 'Buy' consensus rating from Wall Street analysts. However, the stock's current valuation, with a P/E ratio of 27.29, is higher than the sector median of 20.8, suggesting a premium valuation. Analysts maintain a generally positive stance, with a median price target of $282.50, implying a 22.5% upside from the current price. The company's strong profit margins, with a net profit margin of 10.85% and an operating margin of 13.58%, are notably above sector averages. Despite trading at a higher P/S ratio than the sector median, the strong profitability and consistent earnings beats suggest that Ross Stores is effectively managing its operations and delivering value to shareholders.
ROST at a glance
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST): Buy, 68/100 on CleaRank's AI score.
TrendMixed: the price is above its 200-day but below its 50-day moving average ($219.63 and $234.03).
EarningsROST beat estimates in 3 of its last 3 quarters, and the stock rose the next day every time.
InsidersInsiders sold $30.9M and made no open-market purchases over the last 18 months.
ValuationP/E of 27.3 against 20.8 for the Consumer Cyclical sector: a premium to peers (+31%).
As of October 15, 2026, Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) trades at $230.57. Wall Street's consensus target is $282.50 across 20 analysts. The 14-day RSI (daily closes) is 51, in neutral territory, and the price is below its 50-day simple moving average of $234.03.
Figures as of October 15, 2026.
Only on CleaRank
Figures we compute ourselves from ROST's own price, earnings and insider-filing history. Tap one to see it in context.
Trading at a significant premium to sector peers (+31%), suggesting market expectations for superior growth or market position.
ROST Financial Performance
Revenue vs. Earnings
Annual
Quarterly
Earnings Reality Check
In the last 3 quarters, ROST beat the analyst estimate 3 times; the stock rose in the first session after every beat.
ROST earnings surprises and the stock's reaction
Report
EPS estimate
EPS actual
Surprise
First session
5 sessions
Aug 20, 2026
$1.95
$2.66
+36.41%
+4.39%
+0.38%
May 21, 2026
$1.73
$2.02
+16.76%
+8.11%
+6.69%
Mar 3, 2026
$1.90
$2.00
+5.26%
+8.03%
+7.74%
The first session is the first full trading day on the news: the report day itself for a report before the open, the next day for one after the close. Surprise is actual EPS against the consensus estimate.
As of October 15, 2026, ROST has beaten the analyst EPS estimate in 3 of its last 3 reported quarters and rose in the first trading session after every one of those beats; its latest report, on August 20, 2026, came in 36.41% above the estimate and the stock moved +4.39% in the first session.
ROST Analysis
Company's Health4/5
12-Month Analyst Target+22.52% above price
Median of 20 analysts (12-month)
$282.50
AI Analyst Consensus ScoreBuy
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) is exhibiting neutral momentum, with its 14-day RSI at 51.4, indicating neither overbought nor oversold conditions. The stock is trading above its 200-day simple moving average ($219.63) and its 20-day exponential moving average ($228.90), suggesting a generally positive medium-term trend. However, it is currently trading below its 50-day simple moving average ($234.03), which may act as near-term resistance. The MACD indicator is slightly negative at -1.77, signaling a potential short-term bearish divergence, though this is tempered by the price's position above key longer-term averages. Volume has been below average recently, with the latest volume at 1.78 million compared to an average of 2.12 million, indicating a lack of strong conviction from traders. Key support is seen around the 200-day SMA, while resistance may be encountered near the 50-day SMA.
ProTips
Monitor insider selling activity, as $30.9 million in net sales have been reported recently, indicating a 'Moderate Sell Signal'.
The stock is trading below its 50-day SMA ($234.03), which may present near-term resistance, while the 200-day SMA ($219.63) offers support.
Key Catalysts
BullishStrong Q3 Earnings Beat
Ross Stores reported EPS of $2.66, significantly exceeding the analyst estimate of $1.95 by 36.41%, reinforcing positive sentiment and potentially driving price appreciation.
Source: Company PR
BullishPositive Revenue Growth Outlook
Analysts project current year revenue growth of 13.00%, significantly outpacing the sector average of 7.2%, indicating strong demand and market positioning.
Source: Wall Street Estimates
BearishInsider Selling Activity
Insiders have sold a net $30.9 million in stock, signaling a 'Moderate Sell Signal' that could indicate caution among management regarding near-term stock performance.
Source: Insider Transactions
NeutralTrading Below 50-Day SMA
The stock is currently trading below its 50-day simple moving average of $234.03, which may act as a level of resistance in the short term.
Source: Technical Analysis
Market Outlook
The company's strong historical performance, evidenced by consistent earnings beats and strong revenue growth, positions it favorably within the consumer cyclical sector. Analysts forecast continued revenue growth of 13.00% for the current year and 7.00% for the next year, supported by strong operational efficiency and above-sector-average profit margins. Potential catalysts for upside include continued strong consumer demand for off-price retail and effective inventory management. However, risks such as elevated valuation multiples compared to sector peers and insider selling activity warrant close observation. The company's ability to maintain its profitability and market share amidst competitive pressures will be key to realizing its growth potential.
Key Statistics
Market Cap
73.96B
P/E Ratio
27.29
EPS (TTM)
8.27
Dividend Yield
0.75%
52 Week High
257.00
52 Week Low
154.69
As of October 15, 2026, ROST trades at $230.57, with a market value of $73.96B, a P/E ratio of 27.29 and a dividend yield of 0.75%.
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) presents a mixed fundamental picture, trading at a P/E ratio of 27.29, which is above the sector median of 20.8. Its price-to-sales ratio of 2.95 also exceeds the sector median of 1.9. However, the company demonstrates superior profitability with a return on equity of 42.63%, significantly higher than the sector average of 12.4%. Its profit margin stands at 10.85% and operating margin at 13.58%, both well above sector medians. The company's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70 is in line with the sector average. While the current valuation metrics suggest a premium, the exceptional profitability and strong revenue growth of 13.3% (vs. sector average of 7.2%) indicate operational efficiency and market demand that may justify this premium. The company's ability to consistently beat earnings estimates further supports its fundamental strength.
Earnings & Growth Analysis
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) has a strong track record of exceeding analyst expectations, with its most recent earnings report on August 20, 2026, showing an EPS of $2.66 against an estimate of $1.95, a 36.41% surprise. This follows two prior quarters of positive surprises, including a 16.76% beat in May 2026 and a 5.26% beat in March 2026. The company's revenue growth has also been strong, with current quarter estimates showing an 11.00% year-over-year increase.
Key Risks
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) faces valuation risk, trading at a P/E ratio of 27.29, which is higher than its sector peers. Additionally, insider activity indicates a 'Moderate Sell Signal,' with $30.9 million in net sales transactions over the past reporting period, suggesting some caution among management. Competitive pressures within the apparel retail sector also pose a risk, as consumer preferences and economic conditions can rapidly impact demand.
Technical Indicators i
RSI (14-day)
51.42
MACD (12, 26)
-1.77
SMA (50-day)
234.03
SMA (200-day)
219.63
Technical RatingNeutral
RSI
Neutral
SMA Cross
Bullish
Price vs SMA
Bearish
MACD
Bearish
Golden Cross in effect with the 50-day SMA ($234.03) above the 200-day SMA ($219.63), price is trading below the 50-day SMA.
As of October 15, 2026, with ROST at $230.57, its 14-day RSI is 51.4 (neutral territory), its 50-day simple moving average is $234.03 and its 200-day is $219.63.
Calculated by CleaRank on daily closes as of October 15, 2026: Wilder's 14-day RSI, 50- and 200-day simple moving averages, MACD line (12, 26).
Market Correlations
How this stock moves relative to other assets
Based on 1 year of daily price data. Correlations may vary over different time periods.
S&P 500 (SPY)+0.40
Weak correlation
Nasdaq 100 (QQQ)+0.33
Weak correlation
Bitcoin (BTC)+0.09
Weak correlation
Gold (XAU)+0.03
Weak correlation
As of October 15, 2026, ROST's 1-year correlation of daily returns is +0.40 with S&P 500 (SPY), +0.33 with Nasdaq 100 (QQQ), +0.09 with Bitcoin (BTC) and +0.03 with gold (XAU).
Check Custom Correlation
How does any other asset move with ROST? One year of daily closes, Pearson correlation.
Try
ROST Wall Street View
12-month price targets
Low $187.00Median $282.50 (+22.5%)High $310.00
Ratings
Buy 14Hold 5Sell 13 months ago: 14 of 19 buy
Recent rating actions
Recent analyst rating actions on ROST
Date
Firm
Action
Rating
Aug 21, 2026
Citigroup
Maintains
Buy
Aug 21, 2026
Jefferies
Maintains
Buy
Aug 21, 2026
Truist Securities
Maintains
Buy
Aug 21, 2026
Morgan Stanley
Maintains
Equal-Weight
Aug 21, 2026
JP Morgan
Maintains
Overweight
Aug 21, 2026
UBS
Maintains
Neutral
As of October 15, 2026, 20 Wall Street analysts cover ROST: 14 rate it a buy or strong buy, 5 a hold and 1 a sell or strong sell. Their 12-month price targets range from $187.00 to $310.00, with a median of $282.50, 22.5% above the price of $230.57.
Source: TwelveData analyst consensus. Targets and ratings belong to the analysts, not to CleaRank.
ROST Trade Plans
Specific entry, exit, and risk management levels
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative2%Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
Position Size: Enter portfolio size →
Long entry pick an entry style
Conservative
$225.96
2% below current price (Pullback entry)
Lower risk, wait for pullback
Aggressive
$230.57
Buy at current price
Higher risk, immediate entry
Risk Management
STOP LOSS
$218.50
MAX LOSS
-3.3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on RSI (51.4) and current market volatility
These levels come from ROST's moving averages and recent volatility, not from a forecast. Educational levels, not financial advice; the full disclaimer is at the foot of the page.
Growth of $10,000
A $10,000 investment in ROST in October 2016 would be worth about $35,808 today, compared with about $36,237 for the same investment in the S&P 500 benchmark. This is price change only; dividends paid along the way would add to it.
Compare with Another Ticker
ROST Drawdowns & Recovery
Worst fall, last 10 years
-47.5%
February 2020 to March 2020
Recovery
13 months
back at the old peak by April 2021
From the 10-year high
-9.7%
highest close, August 2026
1-year holds that gained
74%
of every 1-year window
As of October 15, 2026, ROST's worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years was -47.5% (February 2020 to March 2020); it regained that peak by April 2021, 13 months after the low, and 74% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
From weekly closing values. A drawdown is the fall from the highest value reached so far to a later low.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
CleaRank's 10-year Monte Carlo simulation projects that a $10,000 investment in ROST today could grow to about $23,400 by 2036 in the base case, with a 90th-percentile outcome near $85,846 and a 10th-percentile outcome around $6,378. The simulation models price only; at today's 0.75% yield, dividends would add to these figures. Projections are statistical simulations, not guarantees.
ROST Stock Price Prediction: 2030
CleaRank's simulation projects a price near $324 for ROST by 2030 in the base case, from $231 today (1.4x over 4 years). The 10th-percentile path ends near $142. These are outcomes of a Monte Carlo simulation run on ROST's historical return distribution, not price targets, and they assume no dividends are reinvested.
ROST simulated price paths by year
Year
10th percentile
Base case
90th percentile
2027
$166
$251
$379
2028
$153
$273
$489
2029
$146
$298
$606
2030
$142
$324
$737
2031
$141
$353
$884
Method: a lognormal simulation of ROST's own volatility and capped historical trend, re-run daily; base case is the median path, the outer columns the 10th and 90th percentiles.
As of October 15, 2026, ROST insiders reported 14 open-market sales worth $30.9M and no open-market purchases over the last 18 months; grants and option exercises are not counted.
Recent insider transactions in ROST
Date
Insider
Type
Shares
Value
Oct 1, 2026
BRANSTEN SHELLEY
Director
Grant
1.1K
-
Oct 1, 2026
JOHNSON CHRISTIAN B
Director
Grant
1.1K
-
Sep 14, 2026
CONROY JAMES GRANT
Chief Executive Officer
Sell
49.2K
$11.3M
Sep 14, 2026
BRINKLEY STEPHEN C
Officer
Sell
6.4K
$1.5M
May 29, 2026
GARRETT SHARON D
Director
Grant
1.4K
-
May 29, 2026
MUELLER PATRICIA H
Director
Grant
1.4K
-
May 21, 2026
BJORKLUND K GUNNAR
Director
Grant
1.5K
-
May 21, 2026
BUSH MICHAEL J
Director
Grant
896
-
May 21, 2026
CANNIZZARO EDWARD G.
Director
Grant
896
-
May 21, 2026
GARRETT SHARON D
Director
Grant
896
-
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the long-term outlook for Ross Stores Inc.?
The long-term outlook for Ross Stores Inc. appears positive, with a projected 5-year average annual growth rate of 8.8%. The company's strong profitability and consistent revenue growth suggest it is well-positioned to continue delivering value, although valuation and insider selling warrant monitoring.
How does Ross Stores Inc. compare to its sector averages?
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) generally outperforms its sector averages in profitability metrics like return on equity (42.63% vs. 12.4%) and profit margins. However, its valuation multiples, such as P/E (27.29 vs. 20.8) and P/S (2.95 vs. 1.9), are higher than the sector median.
What are the key risks for Ross Stores Inc. shareholders?
Key risks for Ross Stores Inc. include its premium valuation relative to sector peers, a moderate sell signal from insider transactions totaling $30.9 million in net sales, and ongoing competitive pressures within the apparel retail market.
What is the current analyst price target for Ross Stores Inc.?
The median analyst price target for Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) is $282.50, with a high target of $310.00 and a low target of $187.00, based on coverage from 20 analysts.
How has Ross Stores Inc. performed in recent earnings reports?
Ross Stores Inc. has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with its latest report on August 20, 2026, showing a 36.41% EPS surprise. This positive trend has been observed over the past three reported quarters.
What is the dividend yield for Ross Stores Inc.?
Ross Stores Inc. currently offers a dividend yield of approximately 0.75%, with a dividend rate of $1.74 per share.
What is Ross Stores Inc.'s projected revenue growth for the next year?
Wall Street analysts project revenue growth of approximately 7.00% for Ross Stores Inc. in the next fiscal year, following an estimated 13.00% growth in the current year.
Is ROST in an uptrend?
Not clearly. Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) trades at $230.57, above its 200-day but below its 50-day moving average ($219.63 and $234.03). Its 14-day RSI on daily closes is 51.4, in neutral territory.
Are insiders buying or selling ROST?
Selling, on balance. In the last 18 months, ROST's officers, directors and large holders reported 14 sales worth $30.9M and no open-market purchases. Grants and option exercises are not counted as buying.
What is ROST's biggest drop in the last 10 years?
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST)'s worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years was -47.5%, from February 2020 to March 2020. It regained that peak by April 2021, 13 months after the low. Over the same period, 74% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
