Citi Trends (CTRN)
NASDAQ:CTRN
Earnings Data
Report Date
May 26, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.32Last Year’s EPS
0.17Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 2 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call conveyed solid, broad-based operational and financial progress: sustained comparable store sales momentum, meaningful margin expansion, inventory efficiency gains, successful marketing engagement, and a debt-free balance sheet. Management provided constructive 2026 guidance with ambitious EBITDA targets and a clear playbook (AI allocation, store refresh program, disciplined new store growth). Near-term headwinds include weather-related disruptions, some Q4 gross margin noise from freight and markdowns, a delayed loyalty rollout, and increased reliance on closeouts/off-price assortment. Overall the positives (consistent comp growth, profitability improvement, technology-driven operational gains, and healthy balance sheet) materially outweigh the challenges presented.Company Guidance
Strong Comparable Store Sales Momentum
Q4 comparable store sales grew 8.9% (15.3% on a two-year basis); full year comparable store sales increased 9.7% (13.1% two-year). This marks the sixth consecutive quarter and 19 months of positive comp growth.
Top-Line Growth
Q4 total sales were $230.4 million, up 9.1% year-over-year; full year sales were $820.0 million, up 8.9% versus prior year.
Improved Profitability and EBITDA Expansion
Q4 adjusted EBITDA was $11.9 million, a 67% increase versus Q4 prior year. Full year adjusted EBITDA grew by $26.0 million to $11.8 million (and on the company’s updated non-GAAP basis FY25 adjusted EBITDA is presented as $17.2 million); EBITDA margin expansion reported (Q4 adjusted EBITDA margin 5.2%, up 180 bps; full year EBITDA margin expanded ~330 bps).
Gross Margin Recovery
Gross margin improved meaningfully: full year gross margin expanded ~210 basis points to 39.6%; Q4 gross margin was 39.9%, up 20 basis points year-over-year, driven by fewer markdowns and lower shrink.
SG&A Leverage and Operating Discipline
Adjusted SG&A leveraged vs. prior year by ~120 bps for the full year and 160 bps in Q4. Dollar SG&A increased due to supporting higher sales and incentive compensation, but as a percent of sales the company achieved meaningful leverage.
Inventory and Balance Sheet Strength
Total inventory decreased 7.4% year-over-year; average in-store inventory down 2% versus last year. Company ended year with $66.0 million cash, no debt, and no draws on a $75 million revolver, providing flexibility to invest in growth.
Operational and Technology Improvements
Implemented AI-based allocation and planning systems (deployed across categories), leading to better allocation, reduced markdowns, and improved inventory turns. Plans to deploy AI-based facial recognition security cameras to reduce shrink and improve productivity.
Marketing and Category Wins
Holiday 'Joy Looks Good On You' campaign achieved >55 million views/engagements. Strong category performance: Children’s delivered high single-digit growth and is a reliable traffic driver; Men’s improved; family basics and sleepwear were top growth areas; early traction in footwear and Extreme/off-price initiatives.
Ambitious 2026 Growth & Profit Guidance
Fiscal 2026 guidance: total sales growth 6%–8%, comps 5%–7%, ~100 bps gross margin expansion, adjusted SG&A leverage of 70–100 bps, and adjusted EBITDA target $34.0M–$38.0M (company notes this is versus a $17.2M FY25 adjusted baseline under the new metric definition). Plans to open ~25 new stores in 2026, remodel ~50, and spend $35M–$40M in capex.
CTRN Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
CTRN Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Mar 17, 2026 | $44.17 | $51.66 | +16.96% |
Dec 02, 2025 | $44.07 | $43.47 | -1.36% |
Aug 26, 2025 | $34.03 | $33.95 | -0.24% |
Mar 18, 2025 | $21.54 | $22.16 | +2.88% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Citi Trends (CTRN) report earnings?
Citi Trends (CTRN) is schdueled to report earning on May 26, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Citi Trends (CTRN) earnings time?
Citi Trends (CTRN) earnings time is at May 26, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is CTRN EPS forecast?
CTRN EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q1) is 0.32.