Ross Stores (NASDAQ: ROST) reported Q4 EPS of $1.09, $0.16 better than the analyst estimate of $0.93. Revenue for the quarter came in at $4.1 billion versus the consensus estimate of $3.96 billion.

Comparable store sales for the 13 weeks ended January 27, 2018 rose 5% versus a 4% gain for the same period in the prior year.

Barbara Rentler, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Despite our own difficult multi-year comparisons and a very competitive retail climate, sales and earnings were well ahead of our expectations for both the fourth quarter and the full year. We are pleased with these results, which reflect our ongoing success in delivering broad assortments of compelling bargains to today’s value-driven shoppers.”

Ms. Rentler continued, “Fourth quarter operating margin grew 95 basis points to 14.6%, up from 13.6% in the prior year. This improvement was driven by a combination of strong merchandise margin, expense leverage from solid gains in same store sales, and the impact of the 53rd week. For the 2017 fiscal year, operating margin increased 50 basis points to a record 14.5%.”

GUIDANCE:

Ross Stores sees Q1 2018 EPS of $1.03-$1.07, versus the consensus of $1.03.

Ross Stores sees FY2018 EPS of $3.86-$4.03, versus the consensus of $3.93.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Ross Stores (ROST) click here.