Ross Stores — Mar 4, 2025 release

These purchases were made pursuant to the two-year $2.1 billion program announced in March 2024. We expect to complete the $1.05 billion remaining under this authorization in fiscal 2025. The Board of Directors also recently authorized a 10% increase in the Company’s quarterly cash dividend to $0.405 per share. This higher quarterly dividend amount is payable on March 31, 2025 to stockholders of record as of March 18, 2025. Mr. Conroy noted, “We ended the year with $4.7 billion of cash after funding the growth and capital needs of our business. Our ongoing share buyback and increased dividend programs reflect our longstanding commitment to return excess cash to our shareholders.” Fiscal 2025 Guidance Looking ahead, Mr. Conroy said, “While we were pleased with our 2024 results, including the holiday selling period, sales trends began softening later in January and into February. We believe a combination of unseasonable weather and heightened volatility in the macroeconomic and geopolitical environments has negatively impacted customer traffic. Given the lack of visibility we have on these external factors, we believe it is prudent to take a cautious approach in forecasting our business, especially as we start the year.” Mr. Conroy continued, “For the 13 weeks ending May 3, 2025, comparable store sales are forecasted to be down 3% to flat versus a 3% gain last year. If sales perform in line with this plan, earnings per share are projected to be $1.33 to $1.47, compared to $1.46 in the fir