Citi Trends, Inc. (CTRN) vs Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH)

A side-by-side comparison of Citi Trends, Inc. and Nathan's Famous, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — CTRN vs NATH

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CTRN +157.5% (+9.9%/yr)NATH +138.9% (+9.1%/yr)CTRN compounded faster over this window
0200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$257$239
CTRN NATH

CTRN vs NATH: by the numbers

  • •NATH is the larger company ($417M vs $413M market cap).
  • •NATH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.07 vs 60.44 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •NATH converts more revenue to profit (11.78% vs 0.84% net margin).
  • •NATH grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.57% vs -2.23% CAGR).
  • •NATH pays a dividend (0.98% yield), while CTRN is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCTRNNATH
P/E ratio60.4421.07
Forward P/E25.68N/A
PEG ratioN/A1.68
P/S ratio0.472.47
P/B ratio3.31N/A
EV / EBITDA23.0414.34
FCF yield1.57%4.58%

Profitability

MetricCTRNNATH
Gross margin39.22%28.95%
Operating margin0.59%17.73%
Net margin0.84%11.78%
ROE5.89%N/A
ROIC1.64%47.14%

Dividends

MetricCTRNNATH
Dividend yieldN/A0.98%
Payout ratioN/A20.70%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCTRNNATH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-2.23%13.57%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-22.53%12.69%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-40.76%17.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-8.32%13.06%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CTRN or NATH?
NATH has the lower trailing P/E: CTRN trades at 60.44 and NATH at 21.07. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CTRN or NATH?
Over the past five years, NATH grew revenue faster — CTRN at a -2.23% CAGR versus NATH at 13.57%.
Does CTRN or NATH pay a bigger dividend?
NATH pays a dividend (0.98% yield), while CTRN is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is CTRN or NATH more profitable?
NATH runs the higher net margin — CTRN at 0.84% versus NATH at 11.78%.
How have CTRN and NATH total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CTRN delivered 9.92% and NATH delivered 8.68% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.