I track a curated universe of 50 high-quality dividend growth stocks to identify opportune entry points based on valuation and future return potential. Year-to-date through June, the investable universe returned 8.69%, trailing SPY (10.10%) and SCHD (17.50%), but several individual stocks outperformed significantly. Currently, 39 out of 50 stocks offer a forward return estimate of at least 10%, with 22 appearing potentially undervalued by my free cash flow model.
Ross Stores delivered a standout Q1 2026, with total sales up 21% and EPS growth of 37%. ROST's broad-based growth is driven by strong customer acquisition across demographics, including younger shoppers, defying prior concerns. Operating margins improved by 120 basis points YoY to 13.4%, signaling enhanced profitability and effective execution.
As earnings expectations continue moving higher, these retail stocks could have additional room to run, making them attractive candidates for growth-oriented investors.
Ross Stores (ROST) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.