WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ross Stores Inc generates 2675% more annual revenue ($22.75B vs $819.96M). ROST leads profitability with a 9.4% profit margin vs 0.6%. CTRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.85. ROST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

CTRN

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 6.0Profit: 3.5Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0

ROST

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.10
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CTRNSignificantly Overvalued (-976.9%)

Margin of Safety

-976.9%

Fair Value

$4.28

Current Price

$44.63

$40.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $4.28Overvalued
ROSTSignificantly Overvalued (-15.8%)

Margin of Safety

-15.8%

Fair Value

$166.32

Current Price

$216.03

$49.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $166.32Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CTRN0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

ROST3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$70.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

CTRN4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$366.02M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.5%3/10

ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.6%3/10

0.6% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.0%3/10

Operating margin of 3.0%

ROST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.2x4/10

Trading at 11.2x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.112/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CTRN

CTRN has a balanced fundamental profile.

Bull Case : ROST

The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 12.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CTRN

The primary concerns for CTRN are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 69.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.6% 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 carries more volatility with a beta of 2.06 — expect wider price swings.

ROST is growing revenue faster at 12.2% — sustainability is the question.

ROST generates stronger free cash flow (921M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

ROST scores higher overall (56/100 vs 41/100) and 12.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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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