Cato Reports Record 1Q EPS Up 5%

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) today reported record net income of $31.7 million or $1.09 per diluted share for the first quarter ended April 28, 2012, compared to net income of $30.5 million or $1.04 per diluted share for the first quarter ended April 30, 2011.  Net income and earnings per diluted share increased 4% and 5%, respectively, for the quarter.  Sales for the first quarter were $272.8 million, a 1% increase over sales of $270.9 million for the first quarter ended April 30, 2011.   The Company's same-store sales decreased 2% in the quarter.

"Although the level of sales by month varied due to unexpected circumstances including early warm weather and the delay of tax refunds, first quarter sales overall were within our expectations and reflect the continuing difficult economic environment for our customers," stated John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.  "Higher merchandise margin and lower accrued incentive compensation had the largest impact in the quarter.  Our expectations for the second quarter remain unchanged from what was included in the original guidance for the full year and reflect same store sales in the range of down 2% to flat and earnings per diluted share in the range of $.53 to $.57 versus $.61 last year.  After adjusting our original 2012 guidance for first quarter actual results, our estimate of earnings per diluted share for the full year is now a range of $2.16 to $2.26 versus $2.21 last year."

Gross margin in the quarter increased 60 basis points to 42.1% of sales primarily due to higher merchandise contribution in the quarter.  SG&A expenses as a percent of sales decreased 90 basis points to 22.5% during the quarter.  On a dollar basis, SG&A decreased 3% principally due to lower accrued incentive compensation partially offset by higher health and workers' compensation insurance costs.  The effective tax rate increased to 38.2% from 35.7% in the prior year, primarily due to elimination of the benefit of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which has not been renewed for 2012 by Congress as of the end of the quarter.  The Company's cash and short-term investments increased by $42.3 million during the quarter to $288.3 million.

During the first quarter, the Company opened eight stores, relocated two stores and closed three stores.  As of April 28, 2012, the Company operated 1,293 stores in 31 states, compared to 1,282 stores in 31 states as of April 30, 2011. 

The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of value-priced fashion apparel and accessories operating three concepts, "Cato", "Versona" and "It's Fashion".  The Company's Cato stores offer exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices every day.  Versona is a unique fashion destination offering accessories and apparel including jewelry, handbags and shoes at exceptional prices every day.  It's Fashion offers fashion with a focus on the latest trendy styles and nationally recognized urban brands for the entire family at low prices every day.  Additional information on The Cato Corporation is available at www.catocorp.com.

Statements in this press release not historical in nature including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expected sales and financial results for the second quarter and year 2012 are considered "forward-looking" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; the Company's ability to predict fashion trends; consumer apparel buying patterns; adverse weather conditions and inventory risks due to shifts in market demand.  Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.  The Company is not responsible for any changes made to this press release by wire or Internet services.

SOURCE The Cato Corporation