RossChipotle

Ross vs Chipotle

Ross and Chipotle are contrasted on this page to illuminate how two distinct brands approach growth and value. This page compares business models, financial performance, and market context, with neutr...

Why It's Moving

Ross

Ross Stores (ROST) surges to 52-week high on earnings momentum and retail leadership.

  • EPS of $1.58 in the November 20 report crushed estimates of $1.40, reinforcing a streak of four straight positive surprises and boosting confidence in growth.
  • Stock leads NASDAQ Composite retail performers as of December 11, up 11.7% in the past month and 20.2% year-to-date, far exceeding sector gains.
  • Ongoing store expansion with 90 new locations signals aggressive scaling, supporting projected revenue growth to $22.4B this fiscal year.
Sentiment:
🐃Bullish
Chipotle

Chipotle hits massive expansion milestone with 4,000th restaurant opening, fueling share gains.

  • 4,000th restaurant opens in Manhattan, Kansas, underscoring Chipotle's aggressive U.S. footprint growth amid steady consumer demand for customizable meals.
  • Pre-market buzz ties into broader market rally, with the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 hitting records post-Fed rate cut, boosting cyclical stocks like restaurants.
  • CEO Scott Boatwright ringing NYSE bell highlights the company's confidence in scaling operations profitably.
Sentiment:
🐃Bullish

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

US Consumer Spending Stocks to Watch in 2025

US Consumer Spending Stocks to Watch in 2025

U.S. retail sales have exceeded expectations for the third straight month, signaling robust consumer health. This theme focuses on companies poised to benefit from sustained consumer spending, particularly in strong-performing sectors like online retail and food services.

Published: September 17, 2025

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Value Retail Stocks (Budget-Conscious Consumer Play)

Value Retail Stocks (Budget-Conscious Consumer Play)

With consumer sentiment falling, particularly among budget-conscious households, spending habits are shifting towards value-focused retailers. This theme identifies companies poised to attract customers who are looking to stretch their dollars on essential goods.

Published: September 14, 2025

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Consumer Sentiment Drop (Four-Month Low) Aids Retailers

Consumer Sentiment Drop (Four-Month Low) Aids Retailers

A sharp drop in consumer sentiment to a four-month low indicates that households, especially lower and middle-income ones, are feeling financial pressure. This creates an investment opportunity in discount and off-price retailers, which stand to gain as consumers shift their spending to value-oriented stores.

Published: September 13, 2025

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Discount Retailers: What's Next as Job Market Cools

Discount Retailers: What's Next as Job Market Cools

Recent data shows that initial jobless claims have risen to their highest level since June, signaling a potential cooling of the U.S. labor market. This trend could shift consumer spending towards essentials and value, benefiting discount retailers and consumer staples companies.

Published: September 5, 2025

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Discount Retail Trends 2025: Market Analysis & Risks

Discount Retail Trends 2025: Market Analysis & Risks

Walmart has raised its sales and earnings forecast, demonstrating strong performance despite rising tariff costs. This success highlights an investment opportunity in discount retailers and the logistics companies that support their growing e-commerce operations.

Published: August 22, 2025

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Consumer Caution: Investing In Value And Staples

Consumer Caution: Investing In Value And Staples

A recent drop in consumer sentiment, fueled by persistent inflation, suggests a potential slowdown in consumer spending. This environment could benefit companies that offer essential goods and value, such as consumer staples and discount retailers.

Published: August 20, 2025

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Consumer Caution: Value Prevails

Consumer Caution: Value Prevails

A sharp drop in consumer sentiment, driven by persistent inflation fears, signals a potential shift in household spending. This theme focuses on companies poised to benefit as consumers prioritize essential goods and seek value.

Published: August 18, 2025

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Navigating The Sportswear Shake-Up

Navigating The Sportswear Shake-Up

Puma's recent profit warning, driven by U.S. tariffs and weak demand, signals a broader disruption in the sportswear industry. This situation creates a potential opening for rival brands to gain market share and for off-price retailers to benefit from sector-wide inventory challenges.

Published: July 25, 2025

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The Great Retail Price Divide

The Great Retail Price Divide

This collection of stocks represents retailers capitalizing on Amazon's price increases by offering better deals on everyday essentials. These companies were carefully selected by our analysts for their potential to attract budget-conscious shoppers looking for more affordable alternatives.

Published: July 21, 2025

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Everyday Essentials

Everyday Essentials

These companies power our daily lives by offering must-have products at wallet-friendly prices. Carefully selected by our analysts, this collection features retail giants with business models built to thrive even when consumers are watching every penny.

Published: June 17, 2025

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Investment Analysis

Ross

Ross

ROST

Pros

  • Ross Stores maintains a strong market position as America's second-largest distributor of major brand clothing and accessories at discount prices.
  • The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth and operational efficiency, supported by recent expansion with 40 new store locations.
  • Ross Stores has a low debt-to-equity ratio, indicating financial stability and a lower risk profile compared to sector peers.

Considerations

  • Analysts expect a year-on-year decline in earnings, with projected full-year earnings down 2.06% from the previous year.
  • Insider selling activity has been noted, which may raise concerns about executive confidence in the company's future prospects.
  • The stock's price-to-earnings ratio is relatively high, suggesting potential overvaluation and limited upside compared to earnings performance.

Pros

  • Chipotle Mexican Grill has a robust current ratio of 1.65, indicating strong short-term liquidity compared to many peers in the restaurant sector.
  • The company is primarily owned by major institutional investors, reflecting broad market confidence and stable shareholder base.
  • Chipotle has maintained a consistent business model focused on fast-casual dining, with a strong brand presence and customer loyalty.

Considerations

  • The restaurant sector is highly competitive, exposing Chipotle to risks from new entrants and changing consumer preferences.
  • Chipotle's valuation metrics are elevated, which could limit upside potential if earnings growth does not meet market expectations.
  • Operational costs, including food and labour, remain sensitive to inflation, potentially impacting margins in the near term.

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