Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Citi Trends, Inc.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Deloitte & Touche LLP - PCAOB ID: 34 )
31
Consolidated Balance Sheets
33
Consolidated Statements of Operations
34
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
35
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders ’ Equity
36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
37
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Citi Trends, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Citi Trends, Inc. and subsidiary (the "Company") as of February 1, 2025 and February 3, 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders ’ equity, for each of the three years in the period ended February 1, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 1, 2025 and February 3, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 1, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 16, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Inventory – Retail Inventory Method – Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value as determined by the retail inventory method for store inventory. Under the retail inventory method, the cost of inventory is determined by calculating a cost-to-retail ratio and applying it to the retail value of inventory. Inherent in the retail inventory calculation are certain management judgments and estimates, including, among others, merchandise markdowns, which impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as resulting cost of sales. Merchandise markdowns are reflected in the inventory valuation when the price of an item is lowered in the stores.
Given the valuation of inventory under the retail inventory method requires management to make judgments and estimates, performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of the judgments and estimates related to the timing of markdowns used in the valuation of inventory required an elevated degree of auditor judgment.
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How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of the judgments and estimates related to the timing of markdowns used in the valuation of inventory included the following, among others:
● We tested the effectiveness of controls over the measurement of inventory under the retail inventory method, including merchandise markdowns.
● We tested the timing of markdowns by:
o Making a selection of markdowns recorded throughout the year and after year-end to test the accuracy and timeliness of the markdowns recorded.
o Making a selection of purchases made throughout the year; determining if those purchases were subsequently marked down; and, if marked down, that the markdown was recorded timely.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
April 16, 2025
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.
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Citi Trends, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
February 1,
February 3,
2025
2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
61,085
$
79,706
Inventory
122,640
130,432
Prepaid and other current assets
10,216
10,838
Income tax receivable
3,119
4,123
Total current assets
197,060
225,099
Property and equipment
50,715
56,231
Operating lease right of use assets
214,148
231,281
Deferred income taxes
-
5,105
Other assets
846
1,005
Total assets
$
462,769
$
518,721
Liabilities and Stockholders ’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
102,456
$
100,366
Operating lease liabilities
47,724
45,842
Accrued expenses
16,647
16,466
Accrued compensation
7,176
6,846
Layaway deposits
388
384
Total current liabilities
174,391
169,904
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
172,675
188,810
Deferred Tax Liability
142
—
Other long-term liabilities
2,385
2,301
Total liabilities
349,593
361,015
Stockholders ’ equity:
Common stock, $ 0.01 par value. Authorized 32,000,000 shares; 16,497,092 shares issued as of February 1, 2025 and 16,354,714 shares issued as of February 3, 2024; 8,547,841 shares outstanding as of February 1, 2025 and 8,550,701 shares outstanding as of February 3, 2024
162
160
Paid in capital
108,101
105,686
Retained earnings
275,901
319,071
Treasury stock, at cost; 7,949,251 shares held as of February 1, 2025 and 7,804,013 shares held as of February 3, 2024
( 270,988 )
( 267,211 )
Total stockholders ’ equity
113,176
157,706
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Total liabilities and stockholders ’ equity
$
462,769
$
518,721
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements .
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Citi Trends, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
Fiscal Year
2024
2023
2022
Net sales
$
753,079
$
747,941
$
795,011
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)
( 471,036 )
( 462,824 )
( 484,022 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
( 300,173 )
( 284,530 )
( 279,177 )
Depreciation
( 18,822 )
( 18,990 )
( 20,595 )
Asset impairment
( 2,536 )
( 1,051 )
—
Gain on sale-leasebacks
—
—
64,088
(Loss) income from operations
( 39,488 )
( 19,454 )
75,305
Interest income
2,473
3,874
1,034
Interest expense
( 319 )
( 306 )
( 306 )
(Loss) income before income taxes
( 37,334 )
( 15,886 )
76,033
Income tax (expense) benefit
( 5,836 )
3,907
( 17,141 )
Net (loss) income
$
( 43,170 )
$
( 11,979 )
$
58,892
Basic net (loss) income per common share
$
( 5.19 )
$
( 1.46 )
$
7.17
Diluted net (loss) income per common share
$
( 5.19 )
$
( 1.46 )
$
7.17
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
Basic
8,315
8,221
8,216
Diluted
8,315
8,221
8,216
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Citi Trends, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Fiscal Year
2024
2023
2022
Operating activities:
Net (loss) income
$
( 43,170 )
$
( 11,979 )
$
58,892
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
18,822
18,990
20,595
Non-cash operating lease costs
48,863
50,462
51,310
Asset impairment
2,536
1,051
—
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
27
238
10
Deferred income taxes
5,247
( 2,211 )
99
Insurance proceeds related to operating activities
—
3,483
1,575
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
3,302
4,095
3,635
Gain on sale of assets or insurance related activities
—
( 3,483 )
( 64,088 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Inventory
7,792
( 24,638 )
16,826
Prepaid and other current assets
622
2,139
1,660
Other assets
160
178
134
Accounts payable
101
17,861
( 18,329 )
Accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities
( 49,489 )
( 58,318 )
( 54,844 )
Accrued compensation
330
( 3,977 )
( 15,073 )
Income tax payable/receivable
1,004
( 3,508 )
3,372
Layaway deposits
4
40
( 20 )
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
( 3,849 )
( 9,577 )
5,754
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
( 10,108 )
( 14,875 )
( 22,287 )
Insurance proceeds related to investing activities
—
1,517
1,370
Proceeds from sale-leasebacks
—
—
81,098
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
( 10,108 )
( 13,358 )
60,181
Financing activities:
Cash used to settle withholding taxes on vested restricted stock
( 887 )
( 854 )
( 2,228 )
Repurchase of common stock
( 3,777 )
—
( 10,000 )
Net cash used in financing activities
( 4,664 )
( 854 )
( 12,228 )
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
( 18,621 )
( 23,789 )
53,707
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year
79,706
103,495
49,788
End of year
$
61,085
$
79,706
$
103,495
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest
$
168
$
159
$
158
Cash (receipts) payments of income taxes
$
( 415 )
$
1,813
$
13,842
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing activities:
Accrual for purchases of property and equipment
$
4,446
$
2,936
$
1,522
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Citi Trends, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders ’ Equity
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Common Stock
Paid in
Retained
Treasury Stock
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Shares
Amount
Total
Balances — January 29, 2022
16,090,365
$
159
$
101,037
$
272,158
7,473,155
$
( 257,211 )
$
116,143
Vesting of nonvested shares
—
2
—
—
—
—
2
Issuance of nonvested shares
140,441
—
—
—
—
—
—
Issuance of common stock under incentive plan, net of shares withheld for taxes
15,977
—
—
—
—
—
—
Forfeiture of nonvested shares
( 42,782 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
Stock-based compensation expense
—
—
3,635
—
—
—
3,635
Net share settlement of nonvested shares
( 45,507 )
( 1 )
( 2,227 )
—
—
—
( 2,228 )
Repurchase of common stock
—
—
—
—
330,858
( 10,000 )
( 10,000 )
Net income
—
—
—
58,892
—
—
58,892
Balances — January 28, 2023
16,158,494
$
160
$
102,445
$
331,050
7,804,013
$
( 267,211 )
$
166,444
Vesting of nonvested units
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Issuance of nonvested shares
272,426
—
—
—
—
—
—
Issuance of common stock under incentive plan, net of shares withheld for taxes
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Forfeiture of nonvested shares
( 39,321 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
Stock-based compensation expense
—
—
4,095
—
—
—
4,095
Net share settlement of nonvested shares
( 36,885 )
—
( 854 )
—
—
—
( 854 )
Net loss
—
—
—
( 11,979 )
—
—
( 11,979 )
Balances — February 3, 2024
16,354,714
$
160
$
105,686
$
319,071
7,804,013
$
( 267,211 )
$
157,706
Vesting of nonvested units
—
2
—
—
—
—
2
Issuance of nonvested shares
230,852
—
—
—
—
—
—
Forfeiture of nonvested shares
( 51,450 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
Stock-based compensation expense
—
—
3,302
—
—
—
3,302
Net share settlement of nonvested shares
( 37,024 )
—
( 887 )
—
—
—
( 887 )
Repurchase of common stock
—
—
—
—
145,238
( 3,777 )
( 3,777 )
Net loss
—
—
—
( 43,170 )
—
—
( 43,170 )
Balances — February 1, 2025
16,497,092
$
162
$
108,101
$
275,901
7,949,251
$
( 270,988 )
$
113,176
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Citi Trends, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Business
Citi Trends, Inc. and its subsidiary (the “ Company ” ) is a leading off-price value retailer of apparel, accessories and home trends primarily for African American families in the United States. As of February 1, 2025, the Company operated 591 stores in urban, suburban and rural markets in 33 states.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year
The Company ’ s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31 of each year. The years ended February 1, 2025, February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023 are referred to as fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Fiscal years 2024 and 2022 have a 52 -week accounting period, and fiscal year 2023 is comprised of 53 weeks.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ( “ U.S. GAAP ” ) requires management to make estimates and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The most significant estimates include those used in the valuation of inventory, property and equipment, self-insurance liabilities, leases and income taxes. Management periodically evaluates estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for continued reasonableness. Appropriate adjustments, if any, to the estimates used are made prospectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents/Concentration of Credit Risk
For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities at date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in what it believes to be high credit quality banks and institutional money market funds. The Company maintains cash accounts that exceed federally insured limits.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value as determined by the retail inventory method for store inventory and the average cost method for distribution center inventory. Under the retail inventory method, the cost of inventory is determined by calculating a cost-to-retail ratio and applying it to the retail value of inventory. Merchandise markdowns are reflected in the inventory valuation when the retail price of an item is lowered in the stores. Inventory is recorded net of an allowance for shrink based on the most recent physical inventory counts and other assumptions for shrink activity. The allowance for inventory shrink was $ 5.2 million as of February 1, 2025 and $ 3.9 million as of February 3, 2024.
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives (primarily three to five years for computer equipment and furniture, fixtures and equipment, seven years for major purchased software systems, ten years for leasehold improvements and fifteen to twenty years for buildings and building improvements) of the related assets or the relevant lease term.
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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
If facts and circumstances indicate that a long-lived asset may be impaired, the carrying value is reviewed. If this review indicates that the carrying value of the asset group will not be recovered as determined based on projected undiscounted cash flows related to the asset over its remaining life, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. There was non-cash impairment expense in fiscal 2024 of $ 2.5 million consisting of $ 1.2 million for leasehold improvements and fixtures and equipment at underperforming stores, and $ 1.3 for right of use assets. There was non-cash impairment expense in fiscal year 2023 of $ 1.0 million consisting of $ 0.9 million for leasehold improvements and fixtures and equipment at an underperforming store, and $ 0.1 million for a right of use asset.
Insurance Liabilities
The Company is largely self-insured for workers ’ compensation costs, general liability claims. The Company ’ s self-insured retention or deductible, as applicable, for each claim involving workers ’ compensation and general liability is limited to $ 250,000 and $ 100,000 respectively. Self-insurance liabilities are based on the total estimated costs of claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported, less amounts paid against such claims. Current and historical claims data, together with information from actuarial studies, are used in developing the estimates. The insurance liabilities that are recorded are primarily influenced by the frequency and severity of claims and the Company ’ s growth. If the underlying facts and circumstances related to the claims change, then the Company may be required to record more or less expense which could be material in relation to results of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense associated with all nonvested restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units based on the grant-date fair value of each award. The fair value of the awards is calculated based on the stock price on the grant date, incorporating an analysis of the performance measure where applicable. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. See Note 6 for additional information on the Company ’ s stock-based compensation plans.
Revenue Recognition
The Company ’ s primary source of revenue is derived from the sale of apparel, accessories and home goods to its customers with the Company ’ s performance obligations satisfied at the point of sale when the customer pays for their purchase and receives the merchandise. Sales taxes collected by the Company from customers are excluded from revenue. Revenue from layaway sales is recognized at the point in time when the merchandise is paid for and control of the goods is transferred to the customer, thereby satisfying the Company ’ s performance obligation. The Company defers revenue from the sale of gift cards and recognizes the associated revenue upon the redemption of the cards by customers to purchase merchandise. Breakage on gift cards is minimal as the cards are generally subject to escheat regulations of the state in which the gift card subsidiary is located.
Sales Returns
The Company allows customers to return merchandise for up to thirty days after the date of sale. Expected refunds to customers are recorded based on estimated margin using historical return information. The refund liability for merchandise returns is recorded in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet and totaled $ 0.2 million as of both February 1, 2025 and February 3, 2024. The corresponding asset for the recoverable cost of expected refunds is included in prepaid and other current assets and totaled $ 0.1 million as of both February 1, 2025 and February 3, 2024.
Disaggregation of Revenue
In the following table, the Company ’ s revenue is disaggregated by Division or major product category. The following table provides the percentage of net sales for each Division within the merchandise assortment:
Fiscal Year
Divisions
2024
2023
2022
Womens
27
%
27
%
26
%
Kids
23
%
23
%
23
%
Accessories & Beauty
17
%
17
%
18
%
Mens
17
%
17
%
17
%
Home & Lifestyle
10
%
9
%
8
%
Footwear
6
%
7
%
8
%
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Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes the cost of inventory sold during the period and transportation costs, including inbound freight related to inventory sold, freight from the distribution centers to the stores and freight from vendors to stores, net of discounts and allowances. Distribution center costs, store occupancy expenses and advertising expenses are not considered components of cost of sales and are included as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. Depreciation is also not considered a component of cost of sales and is included as a separate line item in the consolidated statements of operations. Distribution center costs (exclusive of depreciation) for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022 were $ 32.1 million, $ 31.0 million and $ 26.3 million, respectively.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per common share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share amounts are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities, such as nonvested restricted stock. During loss periods, diluted loss per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding because the inclusion of common stock equivalents would be antidilutive.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the number of average common shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per share to the number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding used in calculating diluted earnings per share:
Fiscal Year
2024
2023
2022
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic)
8,314,825
8,221,450
8,216,448
Incremental shares from assumed vesting of nonvested restricted stock
—
—
—
Average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding
8,314,825
8,221,450
8,216,448
The dilutive effect of stock-based compensation arrangements is accounted for using the treasury stock method. The Company includes as assumed proceeds the amount of compensation costs attributed to future services and not yet recognized. For fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, there were 248,000 , 273,000 and 218,000 shares of nonvested restricted stock excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because of antidilution.
Advertising
The Company expenses advertising as incurred. Advertising expense for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022 was $ 2.3 million, $ 1.6 million and $ 0.8 million, respectively.
Operating Leases
The Company leases all of its retail store locations, its distribution centers and certain office space and equipment. All leases are classified as operating leases. The Company records right-of-use assets and lease liabilities based on the present value of future minimum lease payments using an incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is determined based on rates and terms from the Company ’ s existing borrowing facility with adjustments to bridge for differences in collateral, terms and payments. Lease costs are recognized over the estimated term of the lease, which includes any reasonably certain lease periods associated with available renewal periods. Lease expense for fixed lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In addition, certain leases provide for contingent rents that are not measurable at inception. These contingent rents are primarily based on a percentage of net sales that are in excess of a predetermined level. These amounts are excluded from minimum rent and included in the determination of total rent expense when it is probable that the expense has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If an operating lease asset is impaired, the remaining operating lease asset will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
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Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If realization of the deferred tax asset is not considered more likely than not, then a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax asset to its net realizable value.
Business Operating Segment
The Company is an off-price value retailer of fashion apparel, accessories and home goods for the entire family. The retail operations represent a single operating segment based on the way the Company manages its business. Operating decisions and resource allocation decisions are made at the Company level in order to maintain a consistent retail store presentation. The Company ’ s retail stores sell similar products, use similar processes to sell those products, and sell their products to similar classes of customers. All sales and assets are located within the United States.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “ Improvement to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740) ” , which requires additional disclosures for income tax rate reconciliations, income taxes paid, and certain other tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 address investor requests for enhanced income tax information primarily through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. Adoption is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “ Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Topic 220): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses ” ( “ ASU 2024-03 ” ), which requires public entities to disclose additional information that disaggregates certain expense captions into specified categories in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The disclosure updates are required to be applied prospectively with the option for retrospective application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the amended guidance will have on its disclosures .
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3. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net, consists of the following (in thousands):
February 1,
February 3,
2025
2024
Buildings
$
4,849
$
4,786
Leasehold improvements
136,491
131,143
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
144,321
138,980
Computer equipment
59,993
56,666
Construction in progress
2,457
1,102
348,111
332,677
Accumulated depreciation
( 297,396 )
( 276,446 )
$
50,715
$
56,231
4. Revolving Line of Credit
On October 27, 2011, the Company entered into a five-year , $ 50 million credit facility with Bank of America. The facility was amended in August 2015 and May 2020 to extend the maturity dates. The facility was further amended on April 15, 2021 to modify terms and extend the maturity date to April 15, 2026. In May 2023, the facility was amended to replace the London Interbank Offered Rate ( “ LIBOR ” ) with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ( “ SOFR ” ). See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding the subsequent amendment to extend the maturity date of the current agreement.
The facility provides a $ 75 million credit commitment and a $ 25 million uncommitted “ accordion ” feature that under certain circumstances could allow the Company to increase the size of the facility to $ 100 million. The facility is secured by the Company ’ s inventory, accounts receivable and related assets, but not its real estate, fixtures and equipment, and it contains one financial covenant, a fixed charge coverage ratio, which is applicable and tested only in certain circumstances. The facility has an unused commitment fee of 0.20 % and permits the payment of cash dividends subject to certain limitations.
Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest (a) for SOFR Loans, at a rate equal to the SOFR Rate plus a SOFR adjustment equal to 0.10 % plus either 1.25 % , 1.50 % or 1.75 % , or (b) for Base Rate Loans, at a rate equal to the highest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5 % or (iii) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.0 % , plus, in each case either 0.25 % , 0.50 % or 0.75 % , based in any such case on the average daily availability for borrowings under the facility.
As of February 1, 2025, the Company had no borrowings under the credit facility and $ 2.2 million of letters of credit outstanding.
5. Income Taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit consists of the following (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
2024
2023
2022
Current:
Federal
$
( 275 )
$
2,025
$
( 12,616 )
State
( 420 )
( 329 )
( 4,426 )
Total current
( 695 )
1,696
( 17,042 )
Deferred:
Federal
( 2,266 )
2,635
( 1,031 )
State
( 2,875 )
( 424 )
932
Total deferred
( 5,141 )
2,211
( 99 )
Total income tax (expense) benefit
$
( 5,836 )
$
3,907
$
( 17,141 )
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Income tax (expense) benefit computed using the federal statutory rate is reconciled to the reported income tax (expense) benefit as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
2024
2023
2022
Statutory rate applied to income before income taxes
$
7,840
$
3,337
$
( 15,967 )
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
1,151
240
( 2,738 )
State tax credits
( 1,001 )
( 167 )
( 268 )
State tax credits - valuation allowance (net of federal benefit)
—
( 774 )
393
General business credits
1,518
1,840
1,871
Nondeductible compensation
( 46 )
—
( 44 )
Excess (deficit) tax benefits from stock-based compensation
( 96 )
( 519 )
( 507 )
Valuation Allowance
( 14,582 )
—
—
Other
( 620 )
( 50 )
119
Income tax (expense) benefit
$
( 5,836 )
$
3,907
$
( 17,141 )
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
February 1,
February 3,
2025
2024
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory capitalization
$
1,930
$
2,422
Vacation liability
395
489
Operating lease liabilities
55,247
59,556
State tax credits
1,597
2,599
Federal tax credits
1,518
—
Stock compensation
545
1,059
Insurance liabilities
366
855
Research and development
2,227
1,399
Net operating loss and charitable contribution carryforwards
10,097
2,434
Other
585
507
Subtotal deferred tax assets
74,507
71,320
Less: Valuation allowance - net
( 16,519 )
( 1,937 )
Total deferred tax assets
57,988
69,383
Deferred tax liabilities:
Right of use asset
( 52,935 )
( 57,690 )
Book and tax depreciation differences
( 4,783 )
( 6,115 )
Prepaid expenses
( 412 )
( 473 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
( 58,130 )
( 64,278 )
Net deferred tax (liability) asset
$
( 142 )
$
5,105
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The Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal and state jurisdictions where it does business and is subject to examinations by the Internal Revenue Service ( “ IRS ” ) and other taxing authorities. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to fiscal 2020. The Company reviews and assesses uncertain tax positions, if any, with recognition and measurement of tax benefit based on a “ more-likely-than-not ” standard with respect to the ultimate outcome, regardless of whether this assessment is favorable or unfavorable. As of February 1, 2025, there were no material benefits taken on the Company ’ s income tax returns that do not qualify for financial statement recognition. If a tax position does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid payment of penalties and interest, a company is required to recognize an expense for the amount of the interest and penalty in the period in which the company claims or expects to claim the position on its tax return. For financial statement purposes, companies are allowed to elect whether to classify such charges as either income tax expense or another expense classification. Should such expense be incurred in the future, the Company will classify such interest as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
At February 1, 2025, the Company had income tax net operating loss ( “ NOL ” ) carryforwards for federal purposes of $ 39.6 million (gross) and for state purposes of $ 1.7 million (tax effected). The federal tax NOL carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward, but are limited to offsetting 80 % of taxable income in future years. The majority of state tax NOL carryforwards either follow federal indefinite carryforward or begin to expire in 2038, with one jurisdiction expiring in 2028.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible and income tax credits may be utilized, management believes sufficient negative evidence exists to require a valuation allowance. We intend to maintain a valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal, resulting in no deferred tax asset balance being recognized. At February 1, 2025, the valuation allowance established against the entire net deferred tax asset totaled $ 16.5 million.
The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022 included the recognition of benefits arising from various federal and state tax credits. Under current IRS and state income tax regulations, these credits may be carried back for one year or carried forward for periods up to 20 years . The income tax benefit included $ 0.0 million, $ 2.2 million and $ 1.6 million related to such credits in each of fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The credits generated for fiscal year 2024 were recorded with a full valuation allowance .
6 . Stockholders ’ Equity
Repurchases of common stock
The Company periodically repurchases shares of its common stock under board-authorized repurchase programs. Such repurchases may be made in the open market, through block trades or through other negotiated transactions. Share repurchases are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
Fiscal Year
2024
2023
2022
Total number of shares purchased
145
—
331
Average price paid per share (including commissions)
$
25.99
$
—
$
30.22
Total investment
$
3,777
$
—
$
10,000
At February 1, 2025, $ 46.2 million remained available under the Company ’ s previously announced stock repurchase authorization.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company maintains the Citi Trends, Inc. Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ” ) which permits the grant of stock-based incentive awards to employees, officers, directors and consultants. The Plan provides for the grant of incentive and nonqualified options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other forms of stock-based and cash-settled equity compensation. At February 1, 2025, the Company had 360,954 shares reserved for future grants under the Plan. During fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, non-cash stock-based compensation expense recorded in selling and general and administrative expenses totaled $ 3.3 million, $ 4.1 million and $ 3.6 million, respectively. The income tax expense resulting from the fair market value of restricted stock at vesting versus the cumulative compensation cost of such stock is recorded as a component of income tax expense and was $ 0.1 million, $ 0.5 million and $ 0.5 million, respectively.
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The Company issues shares of restricted stock to key team members and non-employee directors. Restricted stock granted to employees vests in equal installments over three years from the date of grant. Restricted stock granted to non-employee directors vests one year from the date of grant.
The Company also issues performance-based restricted stock units ( “ PSUs ” ) to key team members that cliff vest at the end of a three-year period based upon the Company ’ s achievement of pre-established goals. The number of units earned and vested is subject to scaling based on a pre-established performance matrix.
On November 18, 2024, the Company granted a performance-based restricted stock award to the Chief Executive Officer. The total number of shares earned depends on the attainment of predefined average stock price targets measured over rolling 45 -trading-day periods during the performance period ending November 15, 2027. Earned shares vest annually over a period extending through November 15, 2028. The Company estimated the fair value of the awards using a Monte Carlo simulation including the following assumptions:
Stock Price on grant date
$ 16.33
Risk-free interest rate
4.21 %
Expected volatility (annualized)
62.90 %
Dividend yield
0 %
The risk-free interest rate was derived from the continuously compounded yield of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury STRIPS. The expected volatility is based on the Company ’ s historical daily stock price movements for a period equal to the simulation term. The dividend yield was based on the Company ’ s recent dividend history. The total grant date fair value of the award was $ 3.36 million, or $ 10.45 per share.
The fair value associated with each tranche of the award will be recognized, straight-line, over the requisite service period for that tranche. Failure to meet the market conditions for an award does not result in reversal of previously recognized expense, so long as the required service period condition is met. The Company recognized $ 0.3 million of expense related to the award during the year ended February 1, 2025.
The following tables summarize activity related to nonvested restricted stock and PSUs and performance-based restricted stock during fiscal 2024:
Time-Based Restricted Stock
Weighted Average
Nonvested
Grant Date
Shares
Fair Value
Outstanding as of February 3, 2024
310,882
$
21.83
Granted
230,852
21.08
Vested
( 156,201 )
24.79
Forfeited
( 51,450 )
20.44
Outstanding as of February 1, 2025
334,083
$
20.15
Performance-Based Restricted Stock
Weighted Average
Nonvested
Grant Date
Shares
Fair Value
Outstanding as of February 3, 2024
—
$
—
Granted
321,502
10.45
Vested
—
—
Outstanding as of February 1, 2025
321,502
$
10.45
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Performance-Based
Restricted Stock Units
Weighted Average
Nonvested
Grant Date
Units
Fair Value
Outstanding as of February 3, 2024
99,467
$
16.80
Granted
82,193
23.52
Vested
—
—
Forfeited
( 91,679 )
18.84
Outstanding as of February 1, 2025
89,981
$
20.06
At February 1, 2025, there was $ 4.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock. Based on current probable performance, we have determined no compensation expense is required on our PSUs.
7. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company from time to time is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of its business, including claims by customers, employees or former employees. Once it becomes probable that the Company will incur costs in connection with a legal proceeding and such costs can be reasonably estimated, it establishes appropriate reserves.
In connection with the January 2023 cyber disruption previously disclosed in the Company ’ s Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2023, four putative class action lawsuits were filed against the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia (the “ Court ” ). These matters, Matousek et al v. Citi Trends, Inc.; Sienna Thomas v. Citi Trends, Inc.; Yeimy Sambrano v. Citi Trends, Inc.; Sabrina Green-Fogg v. Citi Trends, Inc. were filed in the second half of 2023, and consolidated into one case by the Court on November 8, 2023. The plaintiffs allege harm in connection with the January 2023 cyber disruption and assert a variety of claims seeking unspecified monetary damages and other related relief. A consolidated class action complaint was filed on February 15, 2024, adding an additional plaintiff, Shykira Scott. The Company is vigorously defending these lawsuits and filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated class action complaint, as well as a motion to compel individual arbitration and dismiss or stay actions on March 22, 2024. In addition, the Attorneys General of Alabama, Connecticut, Indiana and Texas sent inquiry letters to the Company regarding the January 2023 cyber disruption, which the Company has answered. As of the end of fiscal 2024, the Company had an accrual of $ 0.7 million for estimated losses in connection with these matters recorded in Accrued expenses. The ultimate loss to the Company for these matters could be materially different from the amount the Company has accrued. The Company cannot predict or estimate the duration or ultimate outcome of these matters. The Company is unable to predict whether it may be subject to other lawsuits, claims or inquiries.
While legal proceedings are subject to uncertainties and the outcome of any such matter is not predictable and it is possible that we could incur losses associated with these proceedings, the Company does not believe, based on the information available to it at the time of this filing, that any legal proceedings pending or threatened against it will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
The Company is also party to purchase obligations for open merchandise orders of $ 138.0 million that is due within 12 months.
8. Leases
The Company leases its retail store locations, its distribution centers and certain office space and equipment. Leases for store locations are typically for a term of five years with options to extend for one or more five-year periods. In fiscal 2022, the Company completed sale-leasebacks of its distribution centers. The Darlington, South Carolina distribution center lease has a 20-year lease term with the option to extend for six additional periods of five years each. The Roland, Oklahoma distribution center has a 15-year lease term with the option to extend for six additional periods of five years each. The sale-leaseback transactions resulted in a gain of approximately $ 64.1 million in the Statement of Operations for the year ended January 28, 2023.
The Company analyzes all leases at inception to determine if a right-of-use asset and lease liability should be recognized. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less and leases with mutual termination clauses are not included on the consolidated balance sheets. The lease liability is measured at the present value of future lease payments as of the lease commencement date.
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Total lease cost is comprised of operating lease costs, short-term lease costs and variable lease costs, which include rent paid as a percentage of sales, common area maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance for the Company ’ s real estate leases. Lease costs consisted of the following (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
2024
2023
2022
Operating lease cost
$
61,227
$
62,163
$
60,167
Variable lease cost
11,061
11,070
9,911
Short term lease cost
2,241
1,598
1,395
Total lease cost
$
74,529
$
74,831
$
71,473
Future minimum lease payments as of February 1, 2025 are as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year
Lease Costs
2025
$
60,651
2026
49,602
2027
38,230
2028
29,989
2029
21,595
Thereafter
89,197
Total future minimum lease payments
289,264
Less: imputed interest
( 68,865 )
(1)
Total present value of lease liabilities
$
220,399
(2)
(1) Calculated using the incremental borrowing rate for each lease.
(2) Includes short-term and long-term portions of operating leases.
Certain operating leases provide for fixed monthly rents, while others provide for contingent rents computed as a percentage of net sales and others provide for a combination of both fixed monthly rents and contingent rents computed as a percentage of net sales.
Supplemental cash flow and other information related to operating leases are as follows (in thousands, except for weighted average amounts):
Fiscal Year
February 1, 2025
February 3, 2024
2022
Cash paid for operating leases
$
62,582
$
68,371
$
56,053
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
$
33,183
$
27,836
$
101,241
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) - operating leases
7.26
7.54
7.83
Weighted average discount rate - operating leases
5.61 %
5.04 %
4.49 %
9. Segment Reporting
The Company is an off-price value retailer of fashion apparel, accessories and home trends primarily for African American families. The retail operations represent a single operating segment based on the way the Company manages its business. The Company ’ s Chief Executive Officer, as our chief operating decision maker ( “ CODM ” ), manages and allocates resources to the operations of the Company on a consolidated basis. This enables the Chief Executive Officer to assess the Company ’ s overall level of available resources and determine how best to deploy these resources across retail stores that are in line with the Company ’ s long-term company-wide strategic goals. The Company ’ s retail stores sell similar products, use similar processes to sell those products, and sell their products to similar classes of customers. All sales and assets are located within the United States. The CODM assesses performance based on consolidated net (loss) income that is reported on the statement of operations as part of the annual budgeting and forecasting process. The CODM considers budget-to-actual variances on a monthly basis when making decisions about allocating capital and personnel. The CODM does not review assets in evaluating results, therefore such information is not provided.
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The following table summarizes the Company ’ s one reportable segment profit or loss, including significant segment expenses, and includes the reconciliation to consolidated net (loss) income:
Fiscal Year
2024
2023
2022
Net sales
$
753,079
$
747,941
$
795,011
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)
Merchandising and other
( 430,300 )
( 418,103 )
( 441,242 )
Freight in and out
( 40,736 )
( 44,721 )
( 42,780 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Store expenses - payroll and related expenses
( 91,558 )
( 90,405 )
( 90,295 )
Store expenses - rent
( 66,660 )
( 67,110 )
( 66,431 )
Corporate expenses - payroll and related expenses
( 29,614 )
( 26,189 )
( 26,859 )
Distribution center expenses - payroll and related expenses
( 16,686 )
( 17,412 )
( 15,549 )
Other segment expenses (1)
( 95,655 )
( 83,414 )
( 80,043 )
Depreciation
( 18,822 )
( 18,990 )
( 20,595 )
Asset impairment
( 2,536 )
( 1,051 )
—
Gain on sale leaseback
—
—
64,088
Interest income
2,473
3,874
1,034
Interest expense
( 319 )
( 306 )
( 306 )
Income tax (provision) benefit
( 5,836 )
3,907
( 17,141 )
Net (loss) income
$
( 43,170 )
$
( 11,979 )
$
58,892
(1) Other segment expenses represent other store, corporate and distribution center expenses including utilities, repairs, supplies, insurance, professional fees and other miscellaneous fees.
10. Subsequent Events
As previously disclosed in the Company ’ s Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2025, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement (the “ Cooperation Agreement ” ) with Fund 1 Investments, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “ Investor ” ) on March 25, 2025. The Cooperation Agreement amends and restates the cooperation agreement previously entered into by the parties on February 28, 2024.
Pursuant to the Cooperation Agreement, the Company agreed to, among other things, (i) appoint each of Wesley Calvert and Pamela Edwards to the Company ’ s Board of Directors (the “ New Directors ” ) and (ii) nominate each of the New Directors, and David Heath, Charles Liu and Michael Kvitko for election to the Board at the Company ’ s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders (the “ 2025 Annual Meeting ” ).
The Investor also agreed to certain customary standstill provisions prohibiting it from, among other things, (i) soliciting proxies; (ii) advising or knowingly encouraging any person with respect to the voting or disposition of any securities of the Company, subject to limited exceptions; (iii) making public announcements regarding certain transactions involving the Company; and (iv) taking actions to change or influence the Board, management or the direction of certain Company matters; in each case as further described in the Cooperation Agreement. Until the Termination Date (as defined in the Cooperation Agreement), the Company and the Investor have also agreed to certain mutual non-disparagement provisions.
The Cooperation Agreement will terminate on the date that is 30 days prior to the closing of the window for the submission of stockholder director nominations for the Company ’ s 2026 annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that the Termination Date will be automatically extended to the date that is 30 days prior to the closing of the window for the submission of stockholder director nominations for the Company ’ s 2027 annual meeting of stockholders if the Company ’ s stock price meets certain thresholds as described in the Cooperation Agreement.
On April 10, 2025 the Company amended the five-year , $ 75 million credit facility with Bank of America to extend the maturity date to April 10, 2030.
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The facility provides a $ 75 million credit commitment and a $ 25 million uncommitted “ accordion ” feature that under certain circumstances could allow the Company to increase the size of the facility to $ 100 million. The facility is secured by the Company ’ s inventory, accounts receivable and related assets, but not its real estate, fixtures and equipment, and it contains one financial covenant, a fixed charge coverage ratio, which is applicable and tested only in certain circumstances. The facility has an unused commitment fee of 0.25 % and permits the payment of cash dividends subject to certain limitations.
Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest (a) for SOFR Loans, at a rate equal to the SOFR Rate plus a SOFR adjustment equal to 0.10 % plus either 1.50 % , 1.75 % or 2.00 % , or (b) for Base Rate Loans, at a rate equal to the highest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5 % and (iii) the Term SOFR Rate plus 1.0 % , plus, in each case either 0.50 % , 0.75 % or 1.00 % , based in any such case on the average daily availability for borrowings under the facility.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.