UBS has recently updated its outlook on Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST), increasing its price target to $199 while retaining a 'Neutral' rating. This adjustment comes as the company approaches its fourth-quarter earnings release, with analysts balancing optimism for upside potential against possible risks. This move aligns with similar positive adjustments from other major financial institutions, highlighting a growing confidence in the off-price retail segment.
Financial Analysts Boost Projections for Ross Stores Ahead of Q4 Earnings
In a significant development for Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST), a leading off-price apparel and home fashion retailer, UBS, a prominent global financial services company, announced an increase in its price target for the company's shares. On February 17, 2026, UBS adjusted the target to $199, up from a previous $181, maintaining a 'Neutral' rating. This decision was primarily influenced by a balanced assessment of the stock's potential performance as it heads into its crucial fourth-quarter earnings report.
Adding to the positive sentiment, Citi's analyst, Paul Lejuez, on February 10, 2026, raised his price target for ROST to $224 from $188, reaffirming a 'Buy' rating. Lejuez's model anticipates earnings per share (EPS) of $2.00 and a 7% comparable store sales growth, with expectations that the fourth-quarter results, due on March 3, will surpass both consensus estimates and company guidance. This reflects a strong belief in Ross Stores' operational strength and market positioning.
Goldman Sachs also contributed to the optimistic forecast, elevating its price target for Ross Stores to $214 from $190, and reiterating a 'Buy' rating. The firm expressed continued confidence in the off-price retail sector, noting its structural advantages. Goldman Sachs highlighted that the industry is well-positioned to benefit from consumers trading down to more affordable options, a healthier middle-income consumer base, and moderate average unit retail growth driven by tariff-related pricing adjustments in full-price retail. Specifically, they foresee robust momentum for Ross Stores as it concludes its fourth quarter.
These converging analyses underscore a shared belief among financial experts in Ross Stores' resilience and potential for growth within the dynamic retail landscape, particularly its ability to capitalize on prevailing economic and consumer trends. Ross Stores operates its retail outlets across the United States under its well-recognized brands, Ross Dress for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS, catering to a broad customer base seeking value.
The collective optimism surrounding Ross Stores’ stock performance, as reflected in the revised price targets from UBS, Citi, and Goldman Sachs, provides valuable insight for investors. It suggests that despite broader economic uncertainties, the off-price retail model remains robust and capable of delivering strong results. This situation invites a deeper examination of how companies like Ross Stores strategically adapt to shifting consumer behaviors and market conditions, particularly in leveraging trends such as value-seeking and the impact of global trade policies. Understanding these dynamics can offer broader lessons for investment strategies in the retail sector and beyond.