MarketMoodz
Ross Stores, TJX Lead Retail Momentum Ahead of Earnings
CNBC Pro's FactSet-backed momentum screen flags Ross Stores (ROST) and TJX Companies (TJX) as the retail front-runners heading into earnings this week, with both names showing at least 10% upward revisions and analyst price targets implying double-digit upside. Only 14 S&P 500 firms report in the coming week — Nvidia is the marquee name — putting extra focus on these retail updates for clues about consumer resilience.
Key Takeaways
- CNBC Pro, using FactSet data, identifies ROST and TJX as retailers with accelerated earnings momentum ahead of this week’s reports.
- Momentum criteria: analyst EPS estimates revised up at least 10% over the past 3 and 6 months and price targets implying at least 10% upside.
- Ross (ROST) reports Wednesday and is up about 18% YTD; TJX (TJX) reports Thursday and is down about 4% YTD.
- Deutsche Bank reiterated Buy ratings on both stocks, with targets of $253 for ROST (~19% upside) and $182 for TJX (~23% upside).
- Other names on CNBC’s momentum list include Keysight Technologies and Nordson Corporation; data presented is a real-time snapshot with at least a 15-minute delay.
People Involved
- No specific individuals mentioned
Entities Involved
- Ross Stores (ROST)Off-price retailer with accelerated earnings momentum; reports quarterly results Wednesday
- TJX Companies (TJX)Off-price retailer flagged for momentum and potential share gains; reports quarterly results Thursday
- CNBC ProPublished the momentum screen using FactSet data
- FactSetData provider used by CNBC Pro for the momentum screen
- Deutsche BankReiterated Buy ratings and set price targets for ROST and TJX
- Nvidia (NVDA)Marquee S&P 500 name reporting the same week, concentrating market attention
- Keysight Technologies (KEYS)Also appears on CNBC Pro’s momentum list
- Nordson Corporation (NDSN)Also appears on CNBC Pro’s momentum list
MarketMoodz Analysis
Investors should view the CNBC Pro momentum call as a short-term signal that analysts are revising earnings upward and see room for multiple expansion ahead of results. With only 14 S&P 500 companies reporting this week and Nvidia drawing headline attention, strong prints or upbeat guidance from ROST and TJX could grab disproportionate market focus and drive sector flows into off-price retail. Deutsche Bank’s reiterated Buy ratings and price targets ($253 for Ross, $182 for TJX) quantify expectations — roughly 19% and 23% upside — that could translate into near-term stock moves if results beat.
The operational details underpinning the momentum matter more than the label. Ross’ same-store sales strength, continued post-holiday trends through April, and merchandising and advertising improvements point to durable transaction gains rather than a one-off comp. For TJX, the so-called 'treasure hunt' merchandise model and stepped-up marketing offer a plausible route to share gains after underperforming peers year-to-date. Historically, off-price players have outperformed in mixed-consumption environments by clearing inventory and attracting value-conscious shoppers, so positive margin commentary or inventory discipline would be a powerful confirmatory signal.
Watch the cadence: same-store sales, margin trajectory, inventory levels, and forward guidance — especially language on promotional activity and supply-chain normalization. Also factor in the CNBC/FactSet caveats: the momentum screen is a real-time snapshot and methodologies vary, so cross-check company releases and sell-side notes (including Deutsche Bank’s) before repositioning. If both retailers top estimates, expect ripple effects across retail peers; if they miss or offer muted guidance, the outsized attention this week could accelerate downside shifts for overly stretched names.
Source: Original Article