Ross Stores second quarter 2026 comparable sales surged 10% beating estimates as fiscal outlook was raised

Ross Stores reported a significant second quarter beat, with revenue reaching $6.3 billion against expectations of $5.67 billion. Growth was underpinned by a 10% jump in comparable store sales, driven by robust customer traffic across its store base. Operating margins saw substantial expansion, partly aided by one-time tariff refunds, prompting management to raise full-year guidance.

Key Highlights

• Comparable store sales rose 10%, significantly outperforming the 3.2% analyst estimate and the 2% gain reported in the prior year.
• Diluted EPS of $2.66 included a $0.60 benefit from IEEPA tariff refunds; excluding this one-time gain, results of $2.06 still exceeded the $1.92 consensus estimate.
• Management raised fiscal 2026 EPS guidance to a range of $8.61 to $8.77 and increased its annual store expansion target to 115 new locations.