Ross Stores vs The TJX Companies: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Ross Stores Inc (ROST)

Q3 202629 Jun – 28 Aug 2026

▲3

Ross Stores Q3: Earnings Beat, Guidance Raised, Tariff Refund Boosts

Earnings Beat and Raised Guidance Ross Stores beat Q2 estimates with EPS of $2.06 and revenue of $6.26 billion, up 13%. Management raised full-year EPS guidance to $8.61–$8.77 from $7.50–$7.74, signaling confidence.
This is the core positive news that drove the stock in Q3.
Strong Comparable-Store Sales Growth Comparable-store sales jumped 10% on higher traffic and new customers, showing robust demand for Ross's off-price merchandise.
It highlights the underlying business strength that impressed investors.
One-Time Tariff Refund Boosts EPS A $253 million tariff refund added roughly 60 cents to EPS, though this was a one-time benefit. It significantly boosted reported earnings.
It explains a major part of the earnings beat, but is non-recurring.
Store Expansion and Competitive Risks Store expansion remains on track with 47 new openings in July and the 2026 plan raised to 115 locations. However, competition from TJX and Burlington, plus potential future tariffs, could pressure margins.
It shows growth initiatives but also real risks that temper the outlook.

July 202629 Jun – 28 Aug 2026

▲3

Ross Stores Beats Q2, Raises Outlook on Strong Demand and Tariff Refund

Q2 earnings beat and raised full-year guidance Ross Stores reported Q2 EPS of $2.06, beating the $1.93 estimate, and revenue of $6.26 billion, up 13%. It raised full-year EPS guidance to $8.61-$8.77 from $7.50-$7.74. This signals stronger future profits, pushing the stock up.
This is the core new event that directly drove the stock higher this period.
10% comparable-store sales growth Q2 comparable-store sales jumped 10%, driven by increased traffic and new customers. This shows the off-price model is resonating with value-seeking shoppers, boosting revenue and profit, which lifts the stock.
Strong comps are a key driver of the beat and future growth, directly impacting the stock price.
$253 million tariff refund boosted earnings Ross received a $253 million tariff refund, adding about 60 cents to EPS. While this is a one-time benefit, it still boosted reported earnings and helped fund growth, pushing the stock up.
The tariff refund was a significant factor in the earnings beat and guidance raise, directly affecting the stock price.
Competition and future tariff risks Ross faces competition from TJX and Burlington, and potential future tariffs could pressure margins. These risks may limit upside, but strong execution and flexible buying have so far outweighed them.
This provides a balanced view of the risks that could affect future performance and stock price.

Latest29 Jun – 28 Aug 2026

▲3

Ross Stores Beats Q2, Raises Outlook on Strong Demand and Tariff Refund

Q2 earnings beat and raised full-year guidance Ross Stores reported Q2 EPS of $2.06, beating the $1.93 estimate, and revenue of $6.26 billion, up 13%. It raised full-year EPS guidance to $8.61-$8.77 from $7.50-$7.74. This signals stronger future profits, pushing the stock up.
This is the core new event that directly drove the stock higher this period.
10% comparable-store sales growth Q2 comparable-store sales jumped 10%, driven by increased traffic and new customers. This shows the off-price model is resonating with value-seeking shoppers, boosting revenue and profit, which lifts the stock.
Strong comps are a key driver of the beat and future growth, directly impacting the stock price.
$253 million tariff refund boosted earnings Ross received a $253 million tariff refund, adding about 60 cents to EPS. While this is a one-time benefit, it still boosted reported earnings and helped fund growth, pushing the stock up.
The tariff refund was a significant factor in the earnings beat and guidance raise, directly affecting the stock price.
Competition and future tariff risks Ross faces competition from TJX and Burlington, and potential future tariffs could pressure margins. These risks may limit upside, but strong execution and flexible buying have so far outweighed them.
This provides a balanced view of the risks that could affect future performance and stock price.

August 20262 Aug – 21 Aug 2026

▲4

Ross Stores Q2 Beat and Raised Outlook Drive Stock Higher

Q2 earnings and revenue beat estimates Ross Stores reported Q2 EPS of $2.06, beating the $1.93 estimate, and revenue of $6.26 billion, beating by 1.89%. This shows the company is growing profitably, which pushes the stock up because investors pay more for companies that beat expectations.
This is the core new event that directly caused the stock to jump.
Raised full-year 2026 outlook Ross raised its FY2026 EPS forecast to $8.61-$8.77 from $7.50-$7.74, including a 60-cent boost from tariff refunds. It also expects Q3 comparable sales up 6-7% and Q4 up 4-5%. Higher guidance signals stronger future profits, lifting the stock.
This is the main new driver of the stock's move, as it changes future earnings expectations.
Strong comparable-store sales growth Q2 comparable-store sales jumped 10%, driven by increased traffic and new customers. This shows the off-price model is resonating with value-seeking shoppers, which boosts revenue and profit, pushing the stock up.
It explains the underlying demand strength that fueled the earnings beat and raised outlook.
Store expansion on track Ross opened 47 new stores in July and increased its 2026 store-opening plan to 115 locations. Expanding the store base grows future sales capacity, which supports a higher stock price.
It shows the company is investing in growth, a factor that supports the stock's upward move.

2 Aug – 21 Aug 2026

▲4

Ross Stores Q2 Beat and Raised Outlook Drive Stock Higher

Q2 earnings and revenue beat estimates Ross Stores reported Q2 EPS of $2.06, beating the $1.93 estimate, and revenue of $6.26 billion, beating by 1.89%. This shows the company is growing profitably, which pushes the stock up because investors pay more for companies that beat expectations.
This is the core new event that directly caused the stock to jump.
Raised full-year 2026 outlook Ross raised its FY2026 EPS forecast to $8.61-$8.77 from $7.50-$7.74, including a 60-cent boost from tariff refunds. It also expects Q3 comparable sales up 6-7% and Q4 up 4-5%. Higher guidance signals stronger future profits, lifting the stock.
This is the main new driver of the stock's move, as it changes future earnings expectations.
Strong comparable-store sales growth Q2 comparable-store sales jumped 10%, driven by increased traffic and new customers. This shows the off-price model is resonating with value-seeking shoppers, which boosts revenue and profit, pushing the stock up.
It explains the underlying demand strength that fueled the earnings beat and raised outlook.
Store expansion on track Ross opened 47 new stores in July and increased its 2026 store-opening plan to 115 locations. Expanding the store base grows future sales capacity, which supports a higher stock price.
It shows the company is investing in growth, a factor that supports the stock's upward move.

The TJX Companies Inc (TJX)

Q3 202619 Jun – 26 Aug 2026

▲2▼2

TJX beats and raises twice, but Marmaxx slowdown and Ross pressure weigh

Strong Q1 and Q2 results with raised guidance TJX beat earnings estimates and raised guidance twice, with Q1 comparable sales up 6% and EPS up 29%, followed by Q2 EPS growth of 11% and margin expansion. This shows resilient execution and defensive appeal.
This is the core positive driver of the period, showing strong financial performance and management confidence.
Marmaxx comparable sales growth slows to 1% The key Marmaxx division slowed sharply to just 1% comparable growth, which management attributed to execution and merchandise mix issues. This raised concerns about near-term growth prospects.
This is a new negative development that directly pressures TJX shares and tempers the outlook.
Ross Stores outperforms, intensifying competition Ross Stores outperformed with 10% comparable sales and raised guidance, pressuring TJX shares and highlighting competitive concerns in the off-price retail space.
This competitive pressure is a new negative factor that weighs on TJX's relative performance.
TJX stands out as peers like Kohl's struggle TJX stood out positively as peers like Kohl's struggled, reinforcing its position as a resilient defensive compounder amid a challenging retail environment.
This highlights TJX's relative strength and defensive appeal, supporting its valuation.

August 202619 Aug – 26 Aug 2026

▲2▼2

TJX Q2 Beat and Raised Outlook, but Marmaxx Slows and Ross Shines

TJX beats Q2 and raises full-year guidance TJX reported Q2 EPS of $1.22, up 11%, with comparable sales up 4% and margin expansion. Management raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $5.15–$5.20 and pretax margin to 12.0%–12.1%, and increased long-term store potential to 7,500. This signals strong momentum and supports the stock price.
This is the core new event that directly drives TJX's valuation and investor confidence.
Marmaxx division slows sharply TJX's key Marmaxx division grew comparable sales only 1%, well below the company's overall 4% and peers. Management blamed internal execution and merchandise mix, not competition, and expects improvement by Q4. The slowdown raises concerns about near-term growth and pressures the stock.
This is the main negative counterweight in the new period, explaining why TJX shares fell despite the earnings beat.
Ross Stores outperforms with 10% comparable sales Ross Stores reported a 10% jump in comparable sales and raised guidance, while TJX grew only 4% and guided Q3 comps to just 2%–3%. Ross shares rose while TJX fell, highlighting competitive pressure and investor preference for Ross's stronger momentum, which weighs on TJX's stock.
This directly compares TJX to a key competitor and explains the negative sentiment and relative underperformance.
TJX stands out as Kohl's and other peers struggle Kohl's fell 6% despite a tariff refund, with comparable sales down 0.9%, while TJX posted organic 4% comp growth and raised guidance. This contrast reinforces TJX's resilient off-price model and attracts defensive investors, supporting the stock price.
It shows TJX's relative strength in a tough retail environment, a positive driver for the stock.

Latest19 Aug – 26 Aug 2026

▲2▼2

TJX Q2 Beat and Raised Outlook, but Marmaxx Slows and Ross Shines

TJX beats Q2 and raises full-year guidance TJX reported Q2 EPS of $1.22, up 11%, with comparable sales up 4% and margin expansion. Management raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $5.15–$5.20 and pretax margin to 12.0%–12.1%, and increased long-term store potential to 7,500. This signals strong momentum and supports the stock price.
This is the core new event that directly drives TJX's valuation and investor confidence.
Marmaxx division slows sharply TJX's key Marmaxx division grew comparable sales only 1%, well below the company's overall 4% and peers. Management blamed internal execution and merchandise mix, not competition, and expects improvement by Q4. The slowdown raises concerns about near-term growth and pressures the stock.
This is the main negative counterweight in the new period, explaining why TJX shares fell despite the earnings beat.
Ross Stores outperforms with 10% comparable sales Ross Stores reported a 10% jump in comparable sales and raised guidance, while TJX grew only 4% and guided Q3 comps to just 2%–3%. Ross shares rose while TJX fell, highlighting competitive pressure and investor preference for Ross's stronger momentum, which weighs on TJX's stock.
This directly compares TJX to a key competitor and explains the negative sentiment and relative underperformance.
TJX stands out as Kohl's and other peers struggle Kohl's fell 6% despite a tariff refund, with comparable sales down 0.9%, while TJX posted organic 4% comp growth and raised guidance. This contrast reinforces TJX's resilient off-price model and attracts defensive investors, supporting the stock price.
It shows TJX's relative strength in a tough retail environment, a positive driver for the stock.

July 202619 Jun – 6 Aug 2026

▲4

TJX beats, raises guidance, and shines as a defensive pick

Earnings beat and raised fiscal 2027 guidance TJX reported first-quarter earnings per share of $1.19, beating estimates, with sales up 9% and comparable store sales up 6%. Management raised full-year guidance, signaling strong momentum and boosting investor confidence, which pushes the stock price up.
This is the core new event that directly drives TJX's stock higher.
Bullish thesis highlights defensive compounder A bullish thesis emphasized TJX's 6% comparable sales growth, margin expansion, 29% EPS surge, and increased buyback authorization. It positions TJX as a defensive hedge with a low-tech model that outperforms in downturns, attracting investors and supporting the stock price.
This reinforces the positive narrative and explains why investors are buying TJX.
Discount retail peers show solid demand Ross Stores and other discount retailers reported strong Q1 results, with most beating revenue estimates. This indicates robust consumer demand for off-price retail, benefiting TJX as part of the sector and supporting its stock price through positive sentiment.
It shows sector-wide demand strength that lifts TJX's outlook.
Market rotation and defensive appeal Money is rotating from megacap tech into financials and energy, and the Fed chair's inflation stance has investors seeking defensive stocks like TJX. This flight to safety and TJX's strong earnings beat drive demand for its shares, pushing the price up.
It explains the broader market shift that benefits TJX as a defensive stock.

19 Jun – 6 Aug 2026

▲4

TJX beats, raises guidance, and shines as a defensive pick

Earnings beat and raised fiscal 2027 guidance TJX reported first-quarter earnings per share of $1.19, beating estimates, with sales up 9% and comparable store sales up 6%. Management raised full-year guidance, signaling strong momentum and boosting investor confidence, which pushes the stock price up.
This is the core new event that directly drives TJX's stock higher.
Bullish thesis highlights defensive compounder A bullish thesis emphasized TJX's 6% comparable sales growth, margin expansion, 29% EPS surge, and increased buyback authorization. It positions TJX as a defensive hedge with a low-tech model that outperforms in downturns, attracting investors and supporting the stock price.
This reinforces the positive narrative and explains why investors are buying TJX.
Discount retail peers show solid demand Ross Stores and other discount retailers reported strong Q1 results, with most beating revenue estimates. This indicates robust consumer demand for off-price retail, benefiting TJX as part of the sector and supporting its stock price through positive sentiment.
It shows sector-wide demand strength that lifts TJX's outlook.
Market rotation and defensive appeal Money is rotating from megacap tech into financials and energy, and the Fed chair's inflation stance has investors seeking defensive stocks like TJX. This flight to safety and TJX's strong earnings beat drive demand for its shares, pushing the price up.
It explains the broader market shift that benefits TJX as a defensive stock.