← The TJX Companies overview

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

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

The TJX Companies Inc (TJX)

Q3 2026
▲2▼2

TJX beat twice, raised guidance, but Marmaxx slowdown and Ross pressure

  • Strong Q1 and Q2 beats with raised guidance TJX beat earnings estimates in both Q1 and Q2, raised full-year EPS guidance twice to $5.15–$5.20, and benefited from its defensive off-price model as investors rotated out of megacap tech.

    This shows the core positive momentum that drove the stock during the period.

  • Margin expansion and increased buybacks Q1 featured 6% comparable sales growth, a 29% EPS surge, margin expansion, and increased buybacks. Q2 saw international margins improve by 210 basis points and $2.4 billion returned to shareholders.

    These operational improvements and capital returns directly supported the stock price.

  • Marmaxx slowdown raises execution risk The key Marmaxx division slowed sharply to just 1% comparable growth—management called it self-inflicted—raising execution risk, with Q3 comps guided to only 2%–3%.

    This is a new negative development that tempered the outlook and pressured the stock.

  • Ross Stores outperformance intensifies competition Ross Stores outperformed with 10% comparable sales and raised guidance, intensifying competitive pressure and tempering TJX's outlook.

    This competitive threat is a new negative factor that weighed on TJX's relative performance.

August 2026
▼2▲1

TJX beats Q2 but Marmaxx slowdown and Ross pressure temper outlook

  • Q2 beat and raised guidance TJX beat Q2 estimates, raised full-year EPS guidance to $5.15–$5.20, lifted its long-term store target to 7,500, and posted 4% comparable sales with margin expansion. International margins improved 210 basis points, and strong cash flow funded $2.4 billion in shareholder returns.

    This is the core positive news that drove the stock this period.

  • Marmaxx slowdown raises execution risk The key Marmaxx division slowed sharply to just 1% comparable growth, which management called self-inflicted, raising execution risk. Q3 comps were guided to only 2%–3%, signaling near-term growth concerns.

    This is the main negative development that pressured the stock.

  • Ross Stores outperforms, pressuring TJX Ross Stores outperformed with 10% comparable sales and raised guidance, pressuring TJX shares. TJX still stands out versus struggling peers like Kohl's, but competitive pressure tempers the positive outlook.

    This highlights competitive dynamics that weighed on TJX's stock.

Latest
▲3▼1

TJX raises outlook and store target, but Marmaxx slowdown weighs

  • TJX raises full-year guidance and store target TJX lifted its fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS guidance to $5.15–$5.20 and raised its long-term store target by 500 to 7,500 locations, planning to accelerate annual store growth to 4% starting fiscal 2028. This signals management confidence in future demand and supports a higher valuation.

    This is the core positive driver: higher guidance and expansion plans directly lift earnings expectations and investor confidence.

  • Marmaxx comparable sales slow to 1% TJX's largest division, Marmaxx (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Sierra), saw comparable sales rise just 1% in Q2, down from 6% in Q1. CEO Herrman called the store-mix problems self-inflicted, and Jim Cramer criticized management for not explaining the fix. This raises execution risk and could pressure the stock.

    This is the main counterweight: a sharp slowdown in the biggest division threatens the growth story and investor patience.

  • International margin expands and affluent shoppers drive demand TJX International's adjusted margin rose 210 basis points to 7.3% on higher sales and expense leverage. Meanwhile, Bernstein notes higher-income Americans are driving apparel sales, and TJX's exposure to affluent customers supports its Outperform rating and $175 target.

    These two factors show profit improvement abroad and a favorable customer mix, both supporting earnings and the bull case.

  • Strong cash flow and shareholder returns TJX generated $3.3 billion in operating cash flow in the first half and returned $2.4 billion to shareholders via buybacks and dividends, with plans for $2.75–$3 billion in repurchases this year. This supports the stock price by boosting earnings per share and signaling financial health.

    Cash returns and buybacks directly support the share price and show confidence in the business.

▲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 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.

▲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.

Ross Stores Inc (ROST)

Q3 2026
▲4

Ross Stores Q3: Strong Beat, Tariff Refund, Raised Guidance

  • Q2 Earnings Beat and Raised Guidance Ross Stores beat Q2 estimates with $2.06 EPS and $6.26B revenue (up 13%), and raised full-year guidance to $8.61–$8.77, signaling strong momentum.

    This is the core new financial result that drove positive sentiment.

  • 10% Comparable-Store Sales Growth Comparable-store sales jumped 10% on higher traffic and new customers, validating the off-price model and boosting investor confidence.

    This key metric shows underlying business strength and is new this period.

  • $253M Tariff Refund Boosts EPS A $253M tariff refund added about 60 cents to EPS, but the guidance raise leans on this one-time gain, raising sustainability concerns.

    This one-time item significantly boosted earnings but also introduces a risk factor.

  • Analyst Upgrade to Strong Buy Analysts upgraded estimates by 5.7% and awarded a Zacks #1 Strong Buy rating, reflecting improved outlook and driving positive price action.

    Analyst upgrades often influence investor behavior and price.

August 2026
▲3

Ross Stores Surges on Analyst Upgrades and Store Expansion

  • Analyst Upgrades and Estimate Increases Analysts grew more confident, lifting earnings estimates by 5.7% and awarding a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). This signals expectations of stronger future profits, which can attract buyers and push the stock up.

    This is new information about analyst actions that can directly influence investor sentiment and stock price.

  • Aggressive Store Expansion Ross opened 47 new stores and plans 110-115 for the year, supporting future growth. Expansion can drive revenue and market share gains, but also carries execution and cost risks if consumer demand softens.

    This is a new development in the period that affects the company's growth trajectory and risk profile.

  • Maintained Dividend Ross maintained its quarterly dividend of $0.445 per share, signaling confidence in cash flow and providing income to shareholders. This can support the stock price by attracting income-focused investors.

    This is a new event in the period that reflects financial health and shareholder returns.

  • Guidance Raise Relies on One-Time Tariff Refunds The raised guidance includes a 60-cent boost from one-time tariff refunds, not purely organic gains. This raises questions about sustainability, as future tariffs could pressure margins if refunds don't recur.

    This is a new nuance in the period that highlights a potential risk to the earnings quality and future performance.

Latest
▲4

Ross Stores: Strong Sales, Store Growth, and Earnings Momentum

  • Analyst Estimates and Rank Rise Full-year earnings estimates rose 5.7% over three months, earning Zacks Rank #1. This signals growing analyst confidence, which can attract buyers and push the stock up.

    Shows improving analyst sentiment, a key driver of investor interest and price.

  • Biggest Revenue Beat in Retail Group Ross reported Q1 revenue of $6.01 billion, up 20.6% and beating estimates by 6.6%—the largest beat among peers. Strong demand drove the stock up 7.6%.

    Demonstrates superior sales performance versus competitors, directly boosting investor confidence.

  • Aggressive Store Expansion Ross opened 47 new stores in June-July and is on track for ~110 this year. More locations expand customer reach and should drive future revenue growth.

    Physical expansion is a concrete growth driver that supports long-term sales and earnings.

  • Earnings Beat Likely, Dividend Maintained Positive Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank #2 suggest another earnings beat, after two straight beats. The steady $0.445 dividend signals financial health and shareholder returns.

    Highlights upcoming earnings potential and consistent capital returns, both supportive of the stock.

July 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.

▲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.

▲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.