Form 4: Ross Stores COO Sells Shares Under 10b5-1 Plan

Ross Stores' Group President and COO, Michael J. Hartshorn, sold a total of 21,874 shares of common stock in two transactions under a pre-established 10b5-1 trading plan.

Summary

• Michael J. Hartshorn, Group President and COO of Ross Stores, Inc., sold 21,874 shares of common stock.
• The sales occurred on March 24, 2026, and March 25, 2026.
• On March 24, 2026, 6,061 shares were sold at a weighted average price of $214.5195, with prices ranging from $211.61 to $216.00.
• On March 25, 2026, 15,813 shares were sold at a weighted average price of $214.9062, with prices ranging from $212.42 to $216.27.
• Following these transactions, Hartshorn beneficially owns 116,028 shares of Ross Stores common stock.
• These sales were executed pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan established on October 10, 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral event. While insider selling can sometimes be a negative signal, the execution under a pre-established 10b5-1 plan mitigates concerns about immediate negative sentiment from the executive.

Positives

• The sales were conducted under a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 plan, indicating a planned, non-discretionary transaction rather than a reaction to recent company performance or market events. This reduces the likelihood of the sale signaling negative insider sentiment.

Negatives

• Insider selling, even under a 10b5-1 plan, reduces the direct ownership stake of a key executive, which some investors might interpret as a slight reduction in alignment of interests.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider selling, particularly by high-ranking executives like a COO, is routinely monitored by investors for signals about a company's future prospects. However, sales executed under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, as in this case, are generally viewed as less indicative of management's immediate sentiment regarding the stock's future performance, as they are pre-scheduled and non-discretionary.

Related Party Transactions

• Michael J. Hartshorn, a Director and Group President, COO of Ross Stores, Inc., sold shares of the company's common stock. This is a direct transaction between a key insider and the market.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The sale slightly reduces the executive's direct alignment with shareholder interests, though the 10b5-1 plan context suggests it's part of personal financial management rather than a lack of confidence.
• Employees: No direct impact on employees is indicated.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The insider selling by the COO, while notable, was conducted under a pre-established 10b5-1 plan. This suggests a planned liquidity event rather than a reaction to new, negative information. Without additional context on company performance or market conditions, this specific filing alone does not warrant a change in investment thesis, thus a 'hold' recommendation is appropriate for existing investors.

Keywords

Ross Stores, ROST, Insider Trading, Form 4, Michael J. Hartshorn, Stock Sale, 10b5-1 Plan, Executive Compensation, Retail