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CAL vs ROST
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Caleres (CAL) vs. Ross Stores (ROST) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CAL is a footwear company whose Brand Portfolio is growing, while its Famous Footwear chain faces a softer consumer backdrop and margin pressure.
- ROST is a large-cap off-price retailer posting double-digit comparable-store sales growth and rising guidance, supported by strong customer traffic.
- The two names sit at opposite ends of the retail spectrum: Caleres is a smaller, turnaround-oriented footwear operator, while Ross Stores is an established scale player in value retail.
- Ross Stores has shown more consistent momentum and a stronger balance sheet, while Caleres offers a lower valuation and an earnings-recovery narrative.
- Tariff developments, consumer spending trends, and margin execution are key variables influencing both stocks' relative performance.
Introduction
Investors comparing CAL and ROST are weighing two very different consumer-discretionary businesses. Caleres is a footwear manufacturer and retailer known for brands such as Dr. Scholl's, Sam Edelman, Allen Edmonds, and Stuart Weitzman, as well as its Famous Footwear store chain. Ross Stores operates the off-price Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS chains. This stock comparison is most relevant to investors and traders assessing how a smaller, recovery-focused footwear company measures up against a large, momentum-driven off-price retailer in the current retail environment, particularly in terms of relative performance, growth drivers, and market positioning.
CAL Overview and Recent Performance
Caleres, Inc. (CAL) is a footwear company spanning two segments: a Brand Portfolio (including Dr. Scholl's, Sam Edelman, Allen Edmonds, and the recently acquired Stuart Weitzman) and the Famous Footwear retail chain. In recent weeks, the company's performance has been defined by a sharp divergence between these segments. The Brand Portfolio has shown strong sales growth and meaningful gross-margin expansion, supported by e-commerce and international gains, while Famous Footwear has posted modest comparable-sales declines amid a softer consumer and higher markdowns.
Recent quarterly results reflected this mix: consolidated sales rose in the mid-single digits year over year, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) beat analyst estimates and management raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook. Gross margin improved by roughly 200 basis points (a basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point), led by the Brand Portfolio. Sentiment has improved as profitability recovers, though the company still carries elevated inventory and a leveraged balance sheet, and faces an uncertain tariff environment. Over the longer term, CAL trades at a relatively low earnings multiple, reflecting both the recovery opportunity and the execution risks tied to its turnaround.
ROST Overview and Recent Performance
Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) is one of the largest off-price retailers in the United States, operating Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS. Its business model centers on buying brand-name and designer merchandise at discounts and passing savings to customers, a value proposition that has resonated strongly in the current spending environment. In recent market activity, Ross Stores has delivered standout results, with total sales rising by double digits and comparable-store sales (sales at stores open at least a year) climbing roughly 10%, driven primarily by higher customer traffic.
Recent quarters showed broad-based strength across merchandise categories and geographies, with new, lapsed, and existing customers all contributing. Management raised its outlook for both the back half of the year and the full fiscal period, and increased its store-opening plan to 115 new locations. Profitability benefited in part from tariff refunds recognized in recent results, though margins also improved on an underlying basis. With a large cash position, ongoing share repurchases, and an S&P 500-scale footprint, ROST currently reflects strong momentum, though it faces tougher year-over-year comparisons ahead.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between CAL and ROST is one of scale and stage. Caleres is a smaller company undergoing an earnings-recovery and integration effort, with growth concentrated in its Brand Portfolio while Famous Footwear lags. Ross Stores is a far larger, more diversified off-price retailer generating broad-based growth across categories and regions.
On momentum, Ross Stores holds a clear advantage, with double-digit comparable-sales gains and upward guidance revisions. Caleres, by contrast, is improving from a lower base, with margin recovery and EPS beats supporting a more recent stabilization rather than sustained acceleration. In terms of risk, Caleres carries a more leveraged balance sheet, higher inventory, and greater exposure to brand integration and tariff uncertainty. Ross Stores carries a large cash position and a steadier capital-return program, but faces tougher comparisons and some reliance on one-time tariff refunds in recent results.
Valuation is the main trade-off. Caleres trades at a notably lower earnings multiple, reflecting skepticism about the durability of its recovery. Ross Stores commands a richer valuation consistent with its scale, consistency, and market-share gains. Sector exposure is similar in that both are consumer-discretionary, but Ross Stores' off-price model historically performs relatively well in value-conscious environments, while Caleres is more sensitive to fashion cycles and discretionary footwear demand.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor ROST in the current environment. Ross Stores demonstrates more consistent comparable-sales momentum, broader customer engagement, a stronger balance sheet, and management confidence expressed through raised guidance and an expanded store plan. Caleres offers an attractive valuation and a credible earnings-recovery story, but its performance remains more uneven across segments and its balance sheet is comparatively more constrained. As a result, the AI's probabilistic read leans toward Ross Stores for trend quality and stability, while acknowledging Caleres as a higher-risk, potentially higher-reward turnaround candidate for investors tolerant of volatility.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CAL is a Hold and ROST is a Buy.
CAL in downward trend: price may drop because broke its higher Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026
CAL broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 41 similar instances where the stock broke above the upper band. In 37 of the 41 cases the stock fell afterwards. This puts the odds of success at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 49 of 59 cases where CAL's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 83%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CAL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CAL as a result. In 74 of 98 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CAL just turned positive on September 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where CAL's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 42 of 52 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
CAL moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CAL crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 14 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
Following a +1.74% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CAL advanced for three days, in 197 of 266 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 132 of 186 cases where CAL Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 71%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 42 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.652) is normal, around the industry mean (1.839). P/E Ratio (8.260) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.245). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.120) is also within normal values, averaging (0.517). Dividend Yield (0.022) settles around the average of (0.064) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.138) is also within normal values, averaging (0.652).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CAL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CAL’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 86, placing this stock worse than average.
ROST in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
The 10-day moving average for ROST crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 12 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ROST as a result. In 57 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ROST just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where ROST's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
ROST moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.63% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ROST advanced for three days, in 212 of 344 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ROST declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
The Aroon Indicator for ROST entered a downward trend on September 25, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 86, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 24 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. ROST’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 94 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: ROST's P/B Ratio (11.212) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.839). P/E Ratio (28.412) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.245). ROST's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.542) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (0.517). Dividend Yield (0.008) settles around the average of (0.064) among similar stocks. ROST's P/S Ratio (2.952) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (0.652).
CAL | ROST | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 74 | 28 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 42 Fair valued | 94 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 11 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 76 | 24 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 28 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 25 | 25 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 85 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CAL's Valuation (42) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ROST (94) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry. This means that CAL’s stock grew somewhat faster than ROST’s over the last 12 months.
ROST's Profit vs Risk Rating (11) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is significantly better than the same rating for CAL (100) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry. This means that ROST’s stock grew significantly faster than CAL’s over the last 12 months.
ROST's SMR Rating (24) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CAL (76) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry. This means that ROST’s stock grew somewhat faster than CAL’s over the last 12 months.
ROST's Price Growth Rating (28) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is in the same range as CAL (46) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry. This means that ROST’s stock grew similarly to CAL’s over the last 12 months.
ROST's P/E Growth Rating (25) in the Apparel Or Footwear Retail industry is in the same range as CAL (25) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry. This means that ROST’s stock grew similarly to CAL’s over the last 12 months.
| CAL | ROST | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 83% | 1 day ago 52% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 74% | 4 days ago 62% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 53% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | N/A |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 34% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CAL’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while ROST’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- CAL’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- ROST’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CAL’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ROST’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CAL’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
- ROST’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
CAL (@Apparel/Footwear Retail) experienced а +3.92% price change this week, while ROST (@Apparel/Footwear Retail) price change was +1.57% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Apparel/Footwear Retail industry was -2.19%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.52%, and the average quarterly price growth was -9.47%.
Reported Earning Dates
CAL is expected to report earnings on Dec 08, 2026.
ROST is expected to report earnings on Nov 19, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Apparel/Footwear Retail (-2.19% weekly)Companies in the apparel and/or footwear retail industry sell clothing, accessories and footwear, for different age groups and genders. The industry’s product categories could range from basics, such as underwear, to luxury items. Some retailers source items from wholesalers or an apparel brand to sell in their stores; some others are licensed to make and market their own retail goods under particular brands. Several companies outsource production of clothing to developing/emerging economies where labor costs are relatively inexpensive. Apparel retail is often influenced by fashion trends, and many companies feel the need to adapt to what’s “in vogue” to retain customers and attract new ones. A major disruption in this industry has been the burgeoning trend in digital shopping – to compete with rapidly growing e-commerce, even traditional retail players are upping the ante on their online platforms. Much of the products’ performance in apparel/footwear retail is cyclical, i.e., economic boom times encourage consumer spending, while recessions induce thriftiness among people. Some large-cap U.S. apparel/footwear retail companies include TJX Companies Inc., Ross Stores, Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Burlington Stores, Inc.
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CAL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CAL has been closely correlated with SHOE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CAL jumps, then SHOE could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CAL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAL | 100% | +4.95% | ||
| SHOE - CAL | 70% Closely correlated | +7.56% | ||
| DBI - CAL | 67% Closely correlated | +8.26% | ||
| SHOO - CAL | 58% Loosely correlated | -0.59% | ||
| BOOT - CAL | 54% Loosely correlated | +3.16% | ||
| GCO - CAL | 51% Loosely correlated | +3.20% | ||
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ROST and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ROST has been loosely correlated with BURL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 49% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if ROST jumps, then BURL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ROST | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROST | 100% | +1.06% | ||
| BURL - ROST | 49% Loosely correlated | +1.81% | ||
| CAL - ROST | 43% Loosely correlated | +4.95% | ||
| DBI - ROST | 37% Loosely correlated | +8.26% | ||
| GCO - ROST | 36% Loosely correlated | +3.20% | ||
| BKE - ROST | 34% Loosely correlated | +3.17% | ||
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