Dublin, Calif. – Total second quarter sales at Ross Stores Inc. rose 5% to $5.5 billion, marking a sequential improvement from the 2.6% gain in the first quarter. Soft sales in May were bracketed by stronger business in April and June. Comp store sales were up 2%. “We were pleased to see the improved trend at the end of the quarter, particularly with the early sales performance related to the back-to-school selling season,” said Jim Conroy, CEO. Q2 sales fell in line with expectations, while earnings modestly exceeded the high end of the company’s guidance range, mainly due to lower-than-expected tariff-related costs. Net income declined 3.5% to $508 million, or $1.56 per share for the second quarter ended Aug. 2. The company estimated tariffs had a negative $0.11 per share impact on the bottom line. Operating margin for the quarter decreased 95 basis points to 11.5% compared to the prior year, primarily reflecting tariff-related costs, said Conroy. The for the first half of the fiscal year, sales increased 4% to $10.5 billion, with comps up 1%. Net income declined 2.8% to $987 million, or $3.03 per share. Looking ahead, Ross Stores expects uncertainly to persist through the remainder of the year. It projects tariffs will have an impact on the bottom line of $0.22 to $0.25 per share for the full fiscal year. “As a result, we remain intensely focused on delivering high-quality, branded merchandise at compelling price points to reinforce our value proposition and strengthen our competitive position to capture market share,” said Conroy.