Biggest changeFiscal 2022 Business Highlights ● Elevated our in-store experience with the expansion of queue line and the introduction of Missy and Tween girl lines ● Continued to expand our assortment reach with enhancements to our multicultural merchandise offering ● Delivered $10.0 million of cost savings in the second half of the year to streamline the organization and align expenses with revised sales expectations ● Opened 12 new stores, remodeled 35 stores and closed 10 stores; ended the year with 13% of the fleet upgraded to our CTx store format ● Completed sale-leaseback transactions on our two distribution centers ● Completed capacity upgrades in our distribution centers and made significant progress on our ERP upgrade Fiscal 2022 Financial Highlights ● Total sales of $795.0 million ● Operating margin of 9.5% ● Earnings of $7.17 per diluted share ● Cash of $103.5 million at the end of the year, with no debt ● Repurchased $10.0 million of shares Our Strategy We believe that Citi Trends is in a unique position to serve our loyal customer base, with a long runway for store growth and a motivated leadership team supported by a healthy balance sheet.
Biggest changeFiscal 2023 Business Highlights ● Elevated our in-store experience with our strong value offering, improved inventory levels and assortment optimization focused on African American and multicultural families ● Demonstrated expense control throughout the year while investing in sales-driving initiatives such as marketing tests and inventory rebuilds ● Opened 5 new stores, remodeled 15 stores and closed 14 stores; ended the year with 15% of the fleet upgraded to our CTx store format ● Leveraged distribution center upgrades made in fiscal 2022 to expand shipping partnerships, resulting in freight rate improvements and greater supply chain flexibility ● Completed the implementation of our upgraded ERP system Fiscal 2023 Financial Highlights ● Total sales of $747.9 million ● Net loss of $1.46 per share ● Cash of $79.7 million at the end of the fiscal year, with no debt Our Strategy We believe that Citi Trends is in a unique position to serve our loyal customer base, with a long runway for store growth and a motivated leadership team supported by a healthy balance sheet.
Significant uses of cash included (1) a $54.8 million decrease in accrued expenses and other-long-term liabilities due primarily to payments of operating lease liabilities; (2) an $18.3 million decrease in accounts payable due primarily to the decrease in inventory; and (3) a $15.1 million decrease in accrued compensation due to payment in the first quarter of incentive compensation accrued in the preceding fiscal year.
Significant uses of cash included (1) a $54.8 million decrease in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities due primarily to payments of operating lease liabilities; (2) an $18.3 million decrease in accounts payable due primarily to the decrease in inventory; and (3) an $15.1 million decrease in accrued compensation due to payment in the first quarter of incentive compensation accrued in the preceding fiscal year.
See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding lease commitments. 28 Table of Contents Critical Accounting Estimates Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for more information regarding lease commitments. 29 Table of Contents Critical Accounting Estimates Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Relocated stores and expanded stores are included in the comparable store sales results, while stores that are closed permanently or for an extended period are excluded from the comparable store sales results. 26 Table of Contents Key Operating Statistics We measure performance using key operating statistics. One of the main performance measures we use is comparable store sales growth.
Relocated stores and expanded stores are included in the comparable store sales results, while stores that are closed permanently or for an extended period are excluded from the comparable store sales results. 27 Table of Contents Key Operating Statistics We measure performance using key operating statistics. One of the main performance measures we use is comparable store sales growth.
As described in more detail in “Item 1 – Business,” we have identified four strategic areas of focus that we believe will accelerate our sales and earnings growth over the next few years: Driving Comparable Store Productivity .
As described in more detail in “ Item 1 – Business, ” we have identified four strategic areas of focus that we believe will accelerate our sales and earnings growth over the next few years: Driving Comparable Store Productivity .
As an example, stores opened in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022 were not considered comparable stores in fiscal 2022. Relocated and expanded stores are included in the comparable store sales results. Stores that are closed permanently or for an extended period are excluded from the comparable store sales results.
As an example, stores opened in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023 were not considered comparable stores in fiscal 2023. Relocated and expanded stores are included in the comparable store sales results. Stores that are closed permanently or for an extended period are excluded from the comparable store sales results.
Executive Overview We are a leading specialty value retailer of apparel, accessories and home trends for way less spend primarily for African American and multicultural families in the United States. Our high-quality and trend-right merchandise offerings at everyday low prices are designed to appeal to the fashion and trend preferences of value-conscious customers.
Executive Overview We are a leading specialty value retailer of apparel, accessories and home trends for way less spend primarily for African American and multicultural families. Our high-quality and trend-right merchandise offerings at everyday low prices are designed to appeal to the fashion and trend preferences of value-conscious customers.
The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all our accounting policies. In many cases the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. GAAP, with no need for management’s judgment in their application.
The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all our accounting policies. In many cases the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. GAAP, with no need for management ’ s judgment in their application.
We do not generally enter into such arrangements with our vendors. There were no material changes in the estimates or assumptions related to the valuation of inventory during fiscal 2022. Operating Leases We lease all of our retail store locations and certain office space and equipment. All leases are classified as operating leases.
We do not generally enter into such arrangements with our vendors. There were no material changes in the estimates or assumptions related to the valuation of inventory during fiscal 2023. Operating Leases We lease all of our retail store locations, our distribution centers and certain office space and equipment. All leases are classified as operating leases.
Our lessors do not provide an implicit rate, nor is one readily available, therefore we determine an incremental borrowing rate based on a buildup approach which utilizes rates and terms from the Company’s existing borrowing facility with adjustments to bridge for impacts to the rate due to differences in collateral, terms and payments.
Our lessors do not provide an implicit rate, nor is one readily available, therefore we determine an incremental borrowing rate based on a buildup approach which utilizes rates and terms from the Company ’ s existing borrowing facility with adjustments to bridge for impacts to the rate due to differences in collateral, terms and payments.
This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under the section entitled “ Risk Factors ” and elsewhere in this Report, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Discussions of our results of operations for the year ended January 29, 2022 compared to the year ended January 30, 2021 that have been omitted under this item can be found in "Part II, Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2022, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2022.
Discussions of our results of operations for the year ended January 28, 2023 compared to the year ended January 29, 2022 that have been omitted under this item can be found in "Part II, Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2023, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2023.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT ’ S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As a measure of sensitivity, a ten percent change in our estimated shrinkage rates as of January 28, 2023, would not have materially impacted our cost of goods sold in fiscal 2022. Many retailers have arrangements with vendors that provide for rebates and allowances under certain conditions, which ultimately affect the value of the inventory.
As a measure of sensitivity, a ten percent change in our estimated shrinkage rates as of February 3, 2024, would not have materially impacted our cost of goods sold in fiscal 2023. Many retailers have arrangements with vendors that provide for rebates and allowances under certain conditions, which ultimately affect the value of the inventory.
The estimate of shrinkage can be affected by changes in actual shrinkage trends. Inventory shrinkage as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2022, fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 was 0.7%, 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively. The allowance for inventory shrinkage was $5.8 million as of January 28, 2023 and $4.4 million as of January 29, 2022.
The estimate of shrinkage can be affected by changes in actual shrinkage trends. Inventory shrinkage as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 was 1.0%, 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively. The allowance for inventory shrinkage was $3.9 million as of February 3, 2024 and $5.8 million as of January 28, 2023.
We believe that we have an opportunity to make strategic investments in our business that will improve our efficiencies and our capabilities to “buy,” “move” and “sell” our assortments to effectively engage current and new customers. Making a Difference .
We believe that we have an opportunity to make strategic investments in our business that will improve our efficiencies and our capabilities to “ buy, ” “ move ” and “ sell ” our assortments to effectively engage current and new customers. Making a Difference .
Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital Allocation Our capital allocation strategy is to maintain adequate liquidity to prioritize investments in opportunities to profitably grow our business and maintain current operations, then to return excess cash to shareholders through our repurchase programs. Our year-end cash and cash equivalents balance was $103.5 million compared to $49.8 million at the end of last year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital Allocation Our capital allocation strategy is to maintain adequate liquidity to maintain current operations while investing in opportunities to profitably grow our business, then to return excess cash to shareholders through our share repurchase programs. Our year-end cash and cash equivalents balance was $79.7 million compared to $103.5 million at the end of last year.
In addition, we leverage consumer insights and analytics to 24 Table of Contents add incremental assortments, and we employ pricing studies to expand margin while ensuring a balanced “good, better, best” assortment. Investing in Our Infrastructure .
In addition, we leverage consumer insights and analytics to add incremental assortments, and we employ pricing studies to expand margin while ensuring a balanced “ good, better, best ” assortment. 25 Table of Contents Investing in Our Infrastructure .
Cash used in each year was primarily for repurchases of our common stock. Cash Requirements and Commitments Our principal cash requirements consist of (1) inventory purchases; (2) capital expenditures to invest in our infrastructure; and (3) operational needs, including salaries, occupancy costs, taxes and other operating costs. We also use cash to repurchase stock under our stock repurchase programs.
Cash Requirements and Commitments Our principal cash requirements consist of (1) inventory purchases; (2) capital expenditures to invest in our infrastructure; and (3) operational needs, including salaries, occupancy costs, taxes and other operating costs. We have also historically used cash to repurchase stock under our stock repurchase programs.
In fiscal 2022, we completed sale-leaseback transactions for our distribution centers in Darlington, South Carolina and Roland, Oklahoma that resulted in a combined gain of $64.1 million. Income Tax Expense.
In fiscal 2022, we completed sale-leaseback transactions for our distribution centers in Darlington, South Carolina and Roland, Oklahoma that resulted in a combined gain of $64.1 million. Income Tax Benefit (Expense). Income tax benefit was $3.9 million in fiscal 2023 compared to income tax expense of $17.0 million in fiscal 2022.
Our team is dedicated to our neighborhoods and committed to positively impacting the African American and multicultural communities that we serve. We strongly believe that our business strategy centered around these four areas will accelerate our long-term sales and earnings growth.
Our team is dedicated to our neighborhoods and committed to positively impacting the African American and multicultural neighborhoods that we serve. We ’ ll leverage our “ CITI cares ” Council to continue making an impact. We strongly believe that our business strategy centered around these four areas will accelerate our long-term sales and earnings growth.
Our principal sources of liquidity consist of (i) cash and cash equivalents on hand; (ii) short-term trade credit arising from customary payment terms and trade practices with our vendors; (iii) cash generated from operations on an ongoing basis; and (iv) a revolving credit facility with a $75 million credit commitment. 27 Table of Contents In addition, in April 2022, we completed a sale-leaseback transaction of our distribution center in Darlington, South Carolina, for pretax proceeds of $45.5 million.
Our principal sources of liquidity consist of (i) cash and cash equivalents on hand; (ii) short-term trade credit arising from customary payment terms and trade practices with our vendors; (iii) cash generated from operations on an ongoing basis; and (iv) a revolving credit facility with a $75 million credit commitment. 28 Table of Contents In fiscal 2022, we completed sale-leaseback transactions of our distribution centers in Darlington, South Carolina and Roland, Oklahoma that resulted in combined pretax proceeds of $81.1 million.
Significant uses of cash included (1) a $53.2 million decrease in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities due primarily to payments of operating lease liabilities; (2) a $20.4 million increase in inventory due primarily to depleted inventory levels at the end of the prior year; and (3) an $8.6 million change in income tax receivable/payable. Cash Flows From Investing Activities.
Significant uses of cash included (1) a $58.3 million decrease in accrued expenses and other-long-term liabilities due primarily to payments of operating lease liabilities; (2) a $24.6 million increase in inventory due primarily to depleted inventory levels at the end of the prior year; and (3) a $3.5 million increase in income tax receivable.
While we have greatly expanded our product offerings to become a one-stop shop, traffic to our stores is still influenced by weather conditions to some extent. Cyber Disruption In January 2023, we experienced a disruption of our back office and distribution center IT systems, which was due to what is known as Hive ransomware.
While we have expanded our product offerings to become a one-stop shop, traffic to our stores is still influenced by weather patterns to some extent. Cyber Disruption As previously disclosed, in January 2023, we experienced a disruption of our back office and distribution center IT systems, (the “ January 2023 cyber disruption ” ) .
Net Sales and Additional Operating Data The following table provides selected consolidated statement of operations data expressed both in dollars and as a percentage of net sales: Fiscal Year 2022 2021 2020 (dollars in thousands) Statement of Operations Data Net sales $ 795,011 100.0 % $ 991,595 100.0 % $ 783,294 100.0 % Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation) (484,022) (60.9) % (584,063) (58.9) % (471,618) (60.2) % Selling, general and administrative expenses (279,177) (35.1) % (307,622) (31.0) % (260,198) (33.2) % Depreciation (20,595) (2.6) % (20,393) (2.0) % (19,259) (2.4) % Asset impairment — 0.0 % — 0.0 % (286) (0.0) % Gain on sale-leasebacks 64,088 8.1 % — 0.0 % — 0.0 % Income from operations 75,305 9.5 % 79,517 8.0 % 31,933 4.1 % Interest income 1,034 0.1 % 31 0.0 % 238 0.0 % Interest expense (306) (0.0) % (306) (0.0) % (776) (0.1) % Income before income taxes 76,033 9.6 % 79,242 8.0 % 31,395 4.0 % Income tax expense (17,141) (2.2) % (17,002) (1.7) % (7,417) (1.0) % Net income $ 58,892 7.4 % $ 62,240 6.3 % $ 23,978 3.1 % The following table provides information about store activity and the change in comparable store sales for each fiscal year: Fiscal Year 2022 2021 2020 Total stores open, beginning of year 609 585 571 New stores 12 27 18 Closed stores (10) (3) (4) Total stores open, end of year 611 609 585 Comparable store sales (decrease) increase (1) (22.1) % 25.1 % (2.1) % (1) Stores included in the comparable store sales calculation for any year are those stores that were opened prior to the beginning of the preceding fiscal year and were still open at the end of such year.
Furthermore, the seasonal nature of our business may affect comparisons between periods. 26 Table of Contents Net Sales and Additional Operating Data The following table provides selected consolidated statement of operations data expressed both in dollars and as a percentage of net sales: Fiscal Year 2023 2022 2021 (dollars in thousands) Statement of Operations Data Net sales $ 747,941 100.0 % $ 795,011 100.0 % $ 991,595 100.0 % Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation) (462,824) (61.9) % (484,022) (60.9) % (584,063) (58.9) % Selling, general and administrative expenses (284,530) (38.0) % (279,177) (35.1) % (307,622) (31.0) % Depreciation (18,990) (2.5) % (20,595) (2.6) % (20,393) (2.0) % Asset impairment (1,051) (0.1) % — 8.1 % — 0.0 % Gain on sale-leasebacks — 0.0 % 64,088 0.0 % — 0.0 % (Loss) income from operations (19,454) (2.6) % 75,305 9.5 % 79,517 8.0 % Interest income 3,874 0.5 % 1,034 0.1 % 31 0.0 % Interest expense (306) (0.0) % (306) (0.0) % (306) (0.0) % (Loss) income before income taxes (15,886) (2.1) % 76,033 9.6 % 79,242 8.0 % Income tax benefit (expense) 3,907 0.5 % (17,141) (2.2) % (17,002) (1.7) % Net (loss) income $ (11,979) (1.6) % $ 58,892 7.4 % $ 62,240 6.3 % The following table provides information about store activity and the change in comparable store sales for each fiscal year: Fiscal Year 2023 2022 2021 Total stores open, beginning of year 611 609 585 New stores 5 12 27 Closed stores (14) (10) (3) Total stores open, end of year 602 611 609 Comparable store sales (decrease) increase (1) (6.8) % (22.1) % 25.1 % (1) Stores included in the comparable store sales calculation for any year are those stores that were opened prior to the beginning of the preceding fiscal year and were still open at the end of such year.
Cash provided by investing activities was $60.2 million in fiscal 2022 compared to cash used of $29.5 million in fiscal 2021. Cash provided in fiscal 2022 consisted of $81.1 million net proceeds from the sale of buildings in the sale-leaseback transactions, partially offset by $22.3 million for purchases of property and equipment.
Cash provided in fiscal 2022 consisted of $81.1 million net proceeds from the sale of the buildings in the sale-leaseback transactions, partially offset by $22.3 million for purchases of property and equipment. Cash Flows From Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities was $0.9 million in fiscal 2023 compared with $12.2 million in fiscal 2022.
In connection with this incident, third party consultants and forensic experts were engaged to assist with the restoration and remediation of the Company’s systems and, with the assistance of law enforcement, to investigate the incident. The Company can confirm that sensitive customer data is not retained on its systems.
In connection with this incident, third party consultants and forensic experts were engaged to assist with the restoration and remediation of the Company ’ s systems and, with the assistance of law enforcement, to investigate the incident. We do not retain sensitive customer data on our systems.
See Part II, Item 5 of this Report and Note 6 to the Financial Statements for more information. Revolving Credit Facility We have a revolving credit facility that matures in April 2026 and provides a $75 million credit commitment and a $25 million uncommitted “accordion” feature. Additional details of the credit facility are in Note 4 to the Financial Statements.
In fiscal 2022, we returned $10.0 million to shareholders through share repurchases. See Part II, Item 5 of this Report and Note 6 to the Financial Statements for more information. Revolving Credit Facility We have a revolving credit facility that matures in April 2026 and provides a $75 million credit commitment and a $25 million uncommitted “ accordion ” feature.
Historically, we have met these cash requirements using cash flow from operations and short-term trade credit. As of January 28, 2023, our contractual commitments for operating leases totaled $347.1 million (with $63.9 million due within 12 months) and our purchase obligations for open merchandise orders totaled $123.1 million due within 12 months.
Historically, we have met these cash requirements using cash flow from operations and short-term trade credit. As of February 3, 2024, our contractual commitments for operating leases totaled $307.3 million (with $57.0 million due within 12 months) and our purchase obligations for open merchandise orders totaled $132.8 million due within 12 months.
We focus on overall store sales volume as the critical driver of profitability. Fiscal 2022 Compared to Fiscal 2021 Net Sales. Net sales decreased $196.6 million, or 19.8%, to $795.0 million in fiscal 2022 from $991.6 million in fiscal 2021.
We focus on overall store sales volume as the critical driver of profitability. Fiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022 Net Sales. Net sales decreased $47.1 million, or 5.9%, to $747.9 million in fiscal 2023 from $795.0 million in fiscal 2022.
The years ended January 28, 2023, January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021 are referred to herein as fiscal 2022, fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively. Results of Operations The following discussion of our financial performance is based on the consolidated financial statements set forth in the financial pages of this Report. The nature of our business is seasonal.
Fiscal 2023 is comprised of 53 weeks, while fiscal years 2022 and 2021 are each comprised of 52 weeks. Results of Operations The following discussion of our financial performance is based on the consolidated financial statements set forth in the financial pages of this Report. The nature of our business is seasonal.
As of January 28, 2023, we operated 611 stores in urban, suburban and rural markets in 33 states.
As of February 3, 2024, we operated 602 stores in urban, suburban and rural markets in 33 states.
Despite the recent improvement in trends, we cannot reasonably predict the extent to which our future business will be impacted by the pandemic. General Economic Conditions We expect that our operations in the short-term will continue to be influenced by general economic conditions, including the recent inflationary pressures, which are particularly impactful to the communities we serve.
Uncertainties and Challenges General Economic Conditions We expect that our operations in the short-term will continue to be influenced by general economic conditions, including on-going inflationary pressures, which are particularly impactful to the communities we serve.
We are known for delivering newness and freshness, resulting in a high-repeat shopping rate, and our ample monthly liquidity will enable us to chase trends to excite our customer base.
We believe that our sourcing methodology further differentiates our model through a combination of products made exclusively for our core customers and highly recognized brands grounded in everyday value. We are known for delivering newness and freshness, resulting in a high-repeat shopping rate, and our ample monthly liquidity will enable us to chase trends to excite our customer base.
As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses deleveraged 410 basis points to 35.1% in fiscal 2022 from 31.0% in fiscal 2021, primarily due to the deleveraging effect of lower sales. Depreciation. Depreciation expense increased $0.2 million to $20.6 million in fiscal 2022 from $20.4 million in fiscal 2021. Gain on Sale-leasebacks .
These increases were partially offset by $2.7 million lower insurance costs. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses deleveraged 290 basis points to 38.0% in fiscal 2023 from 35.1% in fiscal 2022, primarily due to the deleveraging effect of lower sales. Depreciation. Depreciation expense decreased $1.6 million to $19.0 million in fiscal 2023 from $20.6 million in fiscal 2022.
We anticipate capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 of $20 million to $25 million, primarily for opening approximately 8 new stores and remodeling approximately 28 stores, combined with continued investments in our systems and distribution centers. Share Repurchases During fiscal 2022 and 2021, we returned $10.0 million and $115.3 million, respectively, to shareholders through share repurchases.
We anticipate capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 of approximately $20 million, primarily for opening up to 5 new stores and remodeling approximately 40 stores, combined with continued investments in our systems and distribution centers. Share Repurchases We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during fiscal 2023.
Results may fluctuate due to changes in our business, consumer spending patterns, and the macroeconomic environment, including those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the seasonal nature of our business may affect comparisons between periods.
Results may fluctuate due to changes in our business, consumer spending patterns, and the macroeconomic environment.
Given the macro-economic environment, we expect low-income families to remain under pressure through the majority of fiscal 2023. In addition, we monitor the impacts of unemployment levels, wage inflation, interest rates, inflation rates, housing costs, energy costs, consumer confidence, consumer perception of economic conditions and costs to source our merchandise.
In addition, we continue to monitor the impacts on our business of unemployment levels, wage inflation, interest rates, inflation rates, housing costs, energy costs, consumer confidence, consumer perception of economic conditions, costs to source our merchandise and supply chain disruptions . Seasonality and Weather Conditions The nature of our business is seasonal.
At the end of fiscal 2022, we had no borrowings under the credit facility and $0.6 million in letters of credit outstanding. Cash Flows Cash Flows From Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities was $5.8 million in fiscal 2022 compared with $74.3 million in fiscal 2021.
Additional details of the credit facility are in Note 4 to the Financial Statements. At the end of fiscal 2023, we had no borrowings under the credit facility and $1.4 million in letters of credit outstanding. Cash Flows Cash Flows From Operating Activities.
The decrease was the result of disciplined inventory management and the deployment of packaway inventory that was opportunistically acquired at the end of fiscal 2021. Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures in fiscal 2022 were $22.3 million, a decrease of $7.4 million over the prior year, primarily due to opening fewer stores in fiscal 2022.
Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 were $14.9 million, a decrease of $7.4 million from the prior year, primarily due to opening fewer stores in fiscal 2023.
We are unable to estimate the ultimate direct and indirect financial impacts of this cyber disruption. Basis of Presentation Net sales consist of store sales and layaway fees, net of returns by customers. Cost of sales consists of the cost of products we sell and associated freight costs.
Basis of Presentation Net sales consist of store sales and layaway fees, net of returns by customers. Cost of sales consists of the cost of products we sell and associated freight costs. Depreciation is not considered a component of cost of sales and is included as a separate line item in the consolidated statements of operations.
We continue to believe that we have the potential to grow to approximately 1,000 stores over time through both densification and new market entries. Managing Inventory and Maximizing Margin . We believe that our sourcing methodology further differentiates our model through a combination of products made exclusively for our core customers and highly recognized brands grounded in everyday value.
We believe that we have the potential to grow our fleet to approximately 1,000 locations over time, giving us the opportunity to increase our presence in African-American and multicultural geographies through both densification and new market entries. Managing Inventory and Maximizing Margin .
The decrease in comparable store sales was due to unprecedented demand last year driven by government stimulus payments, combined with inflationary pressures in fiscal 2022 that were particularly impactful to our core customers. Cost of Sales (exclusive of depreciation). Cost of sales decreased $100.1 million, or 17.1%, to $484.0 million in fiscal 2022 from $584.1 million in fiscal 2021.
The decrease in sales was due to a 6.8% decrease in comparable store sales, as well as a decrease of $6.1 million from net store opening and closing activity. The decrease in comparable store sales was the result of continued inflationary pressures in fiscal 2023 that were particularly impactful to our core customers. Cost of Sales (exclusive of depreciation).
We anticipate that our financial costs related to the cyber disruption will ultimately be covered by insurance, subject to a retention. We expect to incur ongoing costs related to the cyber disruption, including costs to enhance data security, and plan to take further steps to prevent unauthorized access to, or manipulation of, our systems and data.
We expect to incur ongoing costs to enhance data security and take further steps to prevent unauthorized access to, or manipulation of, our systems and data. Several putative class action lawsuits have been filed against the Company and several inquiries have been made to the Company with respect to the January 2023 cyber disruption.
In September 2022, we completed a sale-leaseback transaction of our distribution center in Roland, Oklahoma, for pretax proceeds of $35.6 million. Inventory Our year-end inventory balance was $105.8 million, compared with $123.8 million at the end of fiscal 2021.
Inventory Our year-end inventory balance was $130.4 million, compared with $105.8 million at the end of fiscal 2022.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses. SG&A expenses decreased $28.4 million, or 9.2%, to $279.2 million in fiscal 2022 from $307.6 million in fiscal 2021.
SG&A expenses increased $5.3 million, or 1.9%, to $284.5 million in fiscal 2023 from $279.2 million in fiscal 2022.
For fiscal 2021, significant sources of cash included (1) $142.1 million from net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and insurance proceeds; and (2) a $12.8 million increase in accounts payable.
Cash used in operating activities was $9.6 million in fiscal 2023 compared with cash provided of $5.8 million in fiscal 2022. For fiscal 2023, significant sources of cash included $3.5 million from insurance proceeds related to operating activities and a $17.9 million increase in accounts payable.
As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales deleveraged 200 basis points to 60.9% in fiscal 2022 from 58.9% in fiscal 2021 due to a decrease of 145 basis points in the core merchandise margin (initial mark-up, net of markdowns) primarily driven by unusually low markdowns last year during outsized stimulus-driven demand, along with an increase of 35 basis points in shrinkage and an increase of 20 basis points in freight costs in the current year.
As a percentage of net sales, cost of sales deleveraged 100 basis points to 61.9% in fiscal 2023 from 60.9% in fiscal 2022 driven by higher freight costs due to rebuilding inventory in certain categories, as well as an increase in shrinkage costs. Selling, General and Administrative ( “ SG&A ” ) Expenses.
There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. Recent Accounting Pronouncements We do not expect that any recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a material effect on our financial statements.
There are also areas in which management ’ s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. Recent 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.
Depreciation is not considered a component of cost of sales and is included as a separate line 25 Table of Contents item in the consolidated statements of operations. Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised of store costs, including payroll and occupancy costs, corporate and distribution center costs and advertising costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised of store costs, including payroll and occupancy costs, corporate and distribution center costs and advertising costs. The years ended February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023 and January 29, 2022 are referred to herein as fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively.