Multi-Year breakout after EPS for microcap CTRN. New management is leading a turnaround that is gaining traction and demonstrating strong top line growth with 9.2% comparable store sales, and strong improvement in profitability - 40% gross margins and 25% flow through led to a multi year breakout over 35 this week. Volume was thin during a slow week for the market for this closely held retailer - the top 10 shareholders (including the CEO who bought 500k + shares of stock on the open market) own 70% of the shares outstanding but a small pickup in volume can push it sharply higher as valuation is exceedingly low - .38x sales. If they accomplish their profit objectives - stated to be 40 mil in EBITDA in F2027, it is trading at EV/forward EBITDA of only ~6x.
The performance improvement at the company is remarkable with strong top line sales growth, new store openings and remodels in the immediate future, improved merchandising leading to higher inventory turns, higher cash flow, and less markdown driving much improved profitability.
Short term technical targets are 48-52 based on measured moves and first resistance levels, but intermediate term investors should look at the last run towards 100/share as only modest valuation assumptions based on the improving fundamentals and unique greenfield growth story suggest that is quite possible.
More info here. www.nasdaq.com
