Citi Trends Inc (CTRN)vsRoss Stores Inc (ROST)
CTRN
Citi Trends Inc
$43.06
-6.88%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $386.62M
ROST
Ross Stores Inc
$230.37
-1.15%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $72.39B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ross Stores Inc generates 2700% more annual revenue ($23.78B vs $849.09M). ROST leads profitability with a 9.7% profit margin vs 1.4%. ROST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.72. ROST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
CTRN
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
ROST
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-43.6%
Fair Value
$32.10
Current Price
$43.06
$10.96 premium
Margin of Safety
-8.9%
Fair Value
$176.80
Current Price
$230.37
$53.57 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 739.0% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 20.6% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 37.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency
1.4% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 12.0x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CTRN
The strongest argument for CTRN centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 14.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : ROST
The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 20.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CTRN
The primary concerns for CTRN are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.81 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : ROST
The primary concerns for ROST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CTRN profiles as a value stock while ROST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CTRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.88 — expect wider price swings.
ROST is growing revenue faster at 20.6% — sustainability is the question.
ROST generates stronger free cash flow (627M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ROST scores higher overall (64/100 vs 57/100) and 20.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Citi Trends Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
Citi Trends, Inc. is a retailer of affordable fashion clothing, accessories and home goods. The company is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia.
Ross Stores Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
Ross Stores, Inc., operating under the brand name Ross Dress for Less, is an American chain of discount department stores headquartered in Dublin, California.
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