U.S. Off-Price Retail Stocks Achieve Record Sales, Boost Share Buybacks and Dividends

Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST), a U.S. off-price retailer, announced fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter and full-year results that significantly exceeded prior guidance. Fourth-quarter net sales rose 12% year-over-year, with same-store sales up 9%. For the full year, net sales reached a record $22.8 billion (approximately KRW 29.6 trillion), and earnings per share were $6.61. The board approved a new $2.55 billion (around KRW 3.3 trillion) share repurchase program for fiscal 2026–2027 and a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend. Guidance for fiscal 2026, including the first quarter, calls for growth in same-store sales and earnings per share.

After the announcement, Ross Stores’ shares jumped roughly 5% on the Nasdaq, driven by the stronger-than-expected fourth quarter and the upbeat 2026 outlook. For the fiscal year ending January 2027, the company projects same-store sales growth of 3%–4% and earnings per share of $7.02–$7.36, signaling continued growth into next year.

Ross Stores operates the Ross Dress for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS chains and is the largest U.S. off-price apparel and home-goods retailer, with nearly 2,000 stores across 40 states and the District of Columbia. Amid an economic slowdown and rising inflation, off-price channels offering value-priced and clearance merchandise are seeing increased consumer traffic, and Ross Stores is regarded—alongside peers such as TJX and Burlington—as a market leader in this segment.