Are Wall Street Analysts Bullish on Ross Stores Stock?

With a market cap of $73.8 billion, Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) is a leading American off-price retailer headquartered in Dublin, California. The company offers first-quality, in-season apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family at significant savings compared with department, specialty, and discount store regular prices.

Shares of the value retailer have surpassed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. ROST stock has surged 46.9% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied 12.4%. In addition, shares of the company are up 31.4% on a YTD basis, compared to SPX’s 10.4% gain.

Focusing more closely, shares of the company have also outpaced the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF’s (XLY) 3.1% return over the past 52 weeks and 1.8% gain in 2026.

Ross Stores has significantly outperformed the broader market over the past year, driven by strong customer traffic, accelerating comparable-store sales, and improving merchandise margins. Its value-focused off-price retail model has resonated with consumers seeking affordable branded merchandise amid persistent inflation and economic uncertainty. The company has also benefited from refreshed merchandise assortments, stronger brand offerings, and marketing initiatives that have attracted younger shoppers and expanded its customer base.

The company's strong 6.1% average comparable-store sales growth over the past two years highlights sustained customer traffic and sales momentum. Additionally, its robust 30.6% return on invested capital (ROIC) reflects disciplined capital allocation and an ability to generate attractive returns from expansion opportunities.

For the fiscal year ending in January 2027, analysts expect ROST’s EPS to grow 23.3% year-over-year to $8.15. Moreover, the company's earnings surprise history is promising. It topped the consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters.

Among the 21 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a “Strong Buy.” That’s based on 16 “Strong Buy” ratings and five “Holds.” 

This consensus is bullish than two months ago when the stock had an overall “Moderate Buy” rating.

On Oct. 26, 2026, UBS upgraded Ross Stores to “Buy” from “Neutral” and raised its price target to $315 from $239, citing opportunities to improve store productivity under its new CEO. UBS expects these improvements to support sustained comparable-store sales growth, forecasting an 8.5% revenue CAGR over the next two years, approximately 260 basis points above consensus. It also projects a 15% EPS CAGR, with its FY2028 EPS estimate 9% above market expectations. The bullish outlook reflects confidence in Ross's ability to unlock additional growth through better merchandising, store operations, and productivity improvements.

The mean price target of $276.21 represents a 16.5% premium to ROST’s current price levels. The Street-high price target of $315 suggests a 32.9% potential upside. 

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not directly have a position in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.