Citi Trends reports Q3 adjusted EPS (56c), consensus (17c)

Reports Q3 revenue $179.5M, consensus $186.03M. Comparable store sales decreased 6.2% compared to Q3 2022. Gross margin of 38.2% vs. 39.8% in Q3 2022, flat to Q2 2023 gross margin. David Makuen, CEO, said, “In the third quarter, our team continued to advance our strategic initiatives while navigating a very challenging selling environment and controlling the controllables like we always do. We successfully managed the middle of the P&L as we registered a strong gross margin of 38.2% and kept operating expense dollars essentially flat compared to the prior year. That said, our third quarter topline performance did not meet our expectations, with sales held back more than we expected by the ongoing challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Our primarily low-income customer base is being more selective and purchasing much closer to need as they navigate higher costs of living, a buying pattern further impacted by unseasonably warm weather throughout the quarter.” Makuen continued, “I am pleased to report that we’ve experienced improved top line momentum fourth quarter to date. Our customers are loving our Ready. Set. GIFT! Campaign with a timely in-store setup of a wide offering of gifts, from great toys to fragrances to Bluetooth speakers and apparel for the whole family, all at incredible values. I am truly grateful to our teams for their unwavering dedication in serving our African American and multicultural families in the heart of their local neighborhoods. Importantly, the strength of our balance sheet with total liquidity of $135 million at quarter-end and no debt, provides us the necessary flexibility to navigate the dynamic macroeconomic and consumer environment while maintaining our focus on our strategic initiatives and creating long-term shareholder value.”