Investors often look to insider trading activity for clues about a company’s future direction. For Ross Stores Inc (NASDAQ: ROST), recent insider transactions have provided valuable insights into executive sentiment and potential stock performance.
On October 8, 2025, Stephen C. Brinkley sold 6,437 shares of Ross Stores Inc at $150.97 per share, totaling $971,794 in proceeds. Following the sale, Brinkley’s holdings fell to 57,012 shares, valued at approximately $9.14 million.
Interestingly, Brinkley also purchased 6,437 shares for a total of $971,794, indicating potential portfolio rebalancing rather than a change in conviction.
Before these transactions, Karen Fleming, President and CMO of Ross Dress for Less, sold 2,932 shares at $149.09 per share, generating $437,142 in proceeds. After the sale, Fleming’s holdings decreased to 2,932 shares, now worth roughly $14.15 million.
Analyst Ratings and Outlook for Ross Stores Inc
Analysts remain largely steady on Ross Stores Inc (ROST). In mid-October 2025, BTIG Research began coverage with a “Neutral” rating. Earlier, on August 22, 2025, Telsey Advisory Group reiterated its “Market Perform” stance, signaling a stable but cautious view.
Meanwhile, Jefferies took a more optimistic approach, upgrading its rating from “Hold” to “Buy” on July 2, 2025, reflecting renewed confidence in the retailer’s growth trajectory.
Analyzing ROST Stock Performance
In the latest trading session, Ross Stores Inc [NASDAQ: ROST] slipped -1.23% to close at $160.23. The stock traded between $158.85 and $163.02 during the day. Over the last five days, ROST shares have gained 1.37%, and year-to-date, they are up 13.91%.
The stock has traded within a 52-week range of $122.36 (March 21, 2025) to $165.07 (November 5, 2025).
Support and Resistance Levels
Technical indicators show support for ROST at $158.38, with a secondary level at $156.53. On the upside, resistance lies at $162.55 and $164.87. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 59.85, indicating neutral market sentiment and balanced momentum between buyers and sellers.
Short Interest Trends
As of October 15, 2025, short interest in Ross Stores Inc increased by 1.18 million shares, reaching 6.87 million, up from 5.69 million a month earlier—an increase of 17.2%. This rise suggests growing bearish sentiment among some traders.
Currently, short shares represent 2.77% of the total float, with a days-to-cover ratio of 2.77, indicating moderate short exposure.
Institutional and Analyst Forecasts
According to FactSet, analysts have set an average 12-month price target of $164 for Ross Stores Inc, suggesting a modest 1.09% upside from the previous close of $162.23. Forecasts range from a low of $160 to a high of $180.
At the end of 2025, 21 analysts rated ROST as a “Buy.” Additionally, on April 8, 2025, Wells Fargo upgraded the stock to “Overweight” with a $150 price target, signaling continued long-term optimism in Ross Stores’ retail strategy and profitability outlook.
Overall, insider transactions and steady analyst confidence suggest that Ross Stores Inc (NASDAQ: ROST) continues to maintain strong institutional backing and growth potential. While short-term fluctuations persist, long-term sentiment around the stock remains favorable heading into 2026.