Cato Reports 2Q Net Income

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) today reported net income of $14.0 million or $0.62 per diluted share for the second quarter ended July 31, 2021, compared to a net loss of $7.2 million or ($0.30) per diluted share for the second quarter ended August 1, 2020. 

Sales for fiscal 2020 were significantly impacted by the closure of our stores for six weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning March 19, 2020. Due to the impact of the unprecedented closures, the Company will report sales compared to the past two years.  Sales for the second quarter ended July 31, 2021 were $206.0 million, or an increase of 24% from sales of $166.3 million for the second quarter ended August 1, 2020.  Compared to the same period in 2019, sales decreased 2% from sales of $210.4 million for the quarter ended August 3, 2019. The Company's same-store sales for the quarter increased 23% compared to 2020 and decreased 5% when compared to the same period in 2019.

For the six months ended July 31, 2021, the Company reported net income of $34.7 million or $1.54 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $35.6 million or ($1.48) per diluted share for the six months ended August 1, 2020.  Sales for the six months ended July 31, 2021 were $417.2 million, an increase of 57% to sales of $265.1 million for the six months ended August 1, 2020.  Compared to the same period in 2019, sales decreased 5% from sales of $438.4 million for the six months ended August 3, 2019.  Year-to-date same-store sales increased 56% to 2020 and decreased 7% compared to the same period in 2019.

"Our sales were favorably impacted during the first half of the year by increased vaccination availability coupled with pent-up demand, an increase in social events, summer vacation travel and anticipated return to work for many customers, but were tempered by late merchandise shipments driven by continued supply chain disruptions," stated John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.  "We anticipate seeing some impact to the business due to increased COVID cases, however we do not expect to see the same level of impact to the business as experienced in 2020."

Gross margin increased from 20.2% to 43.9% of sales in the quarter due to higher merchandise margins.  SG&A expenses as a percent of sales increased from 26.4% to 34.5% of sales during the quarter primarily due to increased employee benefit/bonus expense and store operating expenses as operating hours have increased substantially compared to prior year's phased store reopening following the extended store closure due to COVID. Tax expense for the quarter was $4.6 million versus a $3.9 million benefit in the prior year due to the pre-tax loss.  The Company ended the quarter with unrestricted cash and short-term investments of $216.9 million.  This compares with $137.0 million for the same period in 2020. 

Year-to-date gross margin increased to 42.6% of sales from 18.4% the prior year primarily due to increased merchandise margins.  The year-to-date SG&A rate was 32.2% versus 36.4% primarily due to leveraging of expenses as a result of normalized sales and a $5.3 million non-cash impairment charge in the prior year, partially offset by higher employee benefit/bonus expense and store operating expenses.  Income tax expense for the first half was $7.6 million versus a $13.0 million benefit last year.

As of July 31, 2021, the Company has 1,325 stores in 32 states, compared to 1,333 stores in 31 states as of August 1, 2020.

"As infections continue to increase both abroad and within the US, we have temporarily reinstated our mask policy for associates in our stores, DC and Home Office, regardless of vaccination status," Mr. Cato said.  "As always, our associates' and customers' safety remains foremost in our minds as we continue to navigate this challenging retail environment and strive to offer our customers a safe place to shop."

As COVID infections continue to rise as a result of the Delta variant, there remains a high level of uncertainty as to the impact COVID will have on the second half of the year. Additionally, the continued impact of the supply chain disruption still remains a concern.  In light of these uncertainties, we remain cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year. 

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.  The Company also offers exclusive merchandise found in its Cato stores at www.catofashions.com.  Versona is a unique fashion destination offering apparel and accessories including jewelry, handbags and shoes at exceptional prices every day.  Select Versona merchandise can also be found at www.shopversona.com.  It's Fashion offers fashion with a focus on the latest trendy styles for the entire family at low prices every day.

Statements in this press release that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not a historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expected or estimated operational financial results, activities or opportunities, and potential impacts and effects of the coronavirus 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, any actual or perceived deterioration in the conditions that drive consumer confidence and spending, including, but not limited to, prevailing social, economic, political and public health conditions and uncertainties, levels of unemployment, fuel, energy and food costs, wage rates, tax rates, interest rates, home values, consumer net worth and the availability of credit; changes in laws or regulations affecting our business including but not limited to tariffs; uncertainties regarding the impact of any governmental action regarding, or responses to, to the foregoing conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; our ability to predict and respond to rapidly changing fashion trends and consumer demands; our ability to successfully implement our new store development strategy to increase new store openings and the  ability of any such new stores to grow and perform as expected; adverse weather, public health threats (including the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak) or similar conditions that may affect our sales or operations; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand, including the ability to liquidate excess inventory at anticipated margins; and other factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A  of the Company's most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K and in other reports the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC from time to time.  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.

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SOURCE The Cato Corporation