WallStSmart

Citi Trends Inc (CTRN)vsRoss Stores Inc (ROST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ross Stores Inc generates 2718% more annual revenue ($24.51B vs $869.97M). ROST leads profitability with a 10.8% profit margin vs 0.8%. ROST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.42. ROST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

CTRN

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 3.5Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.86

ROST

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.11
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CTRNSignificantly Overvalued (-37.4%)

Margin of Safety

-37.4%

Fair Value

$33.55

Current Price

$60.62

$27.07 premium

UndervaluedFair: $33.55Overvalued
ROSTFair Value (-4.8%)

Margin of Safety

-4.8%

Fair Value

$183.73

Current Price

$230.74

$47.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $183.73Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CTRN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
739.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 739.0% YoY

ROST4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
39.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 39 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
70.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 70.5% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$74.02B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

CTRN4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$505.54M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
5.9%3/10

ROE of 5.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.8%3/10

0.8% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.453/10

Elevated debt levels

ROST3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.424/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
10.9x4/10

Trading at 10.9x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CTRN

The strongest argument for CTRN centers on EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ROST

The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CTRN

The primary concerns for CTRN are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 70.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : ROST

The primary concerns for ROST are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CTRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.

ROST is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — sustainability is the question.

ROST generates stronger free cash flow (624M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor APPAREL RETAIL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ROST scores higher overall (64/100 vs 54/100) and 13.3% 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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