Citi Trends, Inc. reported total sales in the first quarter ended May 1, 2010 increased 26.8% to $181.4 million compared with $143.1 million in the first quarter ended May 2, 2009.
Comparable store sales increased 9.6% in the first quarter of 2010 after a 7.4% increase in last year's first quarter. Net income was $12.4 million compared with $7.9 million in last year's first quarter. Earnings per diluted share increased 59.3% to $0.86 in the first quarter of 2010 compared with $0.54 in the first quarter of 2009.
The Company opened 19 stores, relocated or expanded 5 others, and closed 2 stores in the first quarter of 2010, reaching a total store count of 420 at the end of the quarter.
Fiscal 2010 Outlook
The Company is raising its 2010 earnings estimate to a range of approximately $1.75 to $1.80 per diluted share which includes an anticipated 2010 comparable store sales increase of approximately 4% to 5%. For the year, the Company expects to increase selling square footage by at least 15%. The effective tax rate for 2010 is estimated to approximate 35%.
