Ross Stores Rose, TJX Fell, Despite TJX's Weaker Comp Sales Gain Looking Stronger on Paper

Ross Stores and TJX, the two largest off-price retail chains, reported results covering the same 13-week period a day apart, according to The Motley Fool. Ross posted 10% comparable sales growth, well ahead of TJX's 4%. Despite the larger headline number, the market reacted differently to each report, sending only one of the two stocks higher. The divergence points to how investors are weighing more than the top-line comp number — pointing to differences in the two companies' second-half guidance and plans. Off-price retail has been a relative bright spot as shoppers trade down, making the contrast a signal for how the sector is being valued heading into the back half of the year. The Fool report does not specify by how much either stock moved, or the exact guidance figures behind the market's differing reaction.