UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission File Number 1-31340

 

The Cato Corporation

Registrant

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes o     No þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o

 

Indicate by check mark, if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of the Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  Yes o     No þ

 

The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s Class A Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of July 31, 2009, the last business day of the Company’s most recent second quarter, was $549,240,604 based on the last reported sale price per share on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.

 

As of March 30, 2010, there were 27,845,455 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,743,525 shares of Convertible Class B Common Stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the proxy statement relating to the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference into the following part of this annual report:

 

Part III — Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14

 

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-K

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Forward-looking Information

 

The following information should be read along with the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the accompanying Notes appearing later in this report. Any of the following are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended: (1) statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that reflect projections or expectations of our future financial or economic performance; (2) statements that are not historical information; (3) statements of our beliefs, intentions, plans and objectives for future operations, including those contained in “Business,” “Properties,” “Legal Proceedings,” “Controls and Procedures” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”; (4) statements relating to our operations or activities for fiscal 2010 and beyond, including, but not limited to, statements regarding expected amounts of capital expenditures and store openings, relocations, remodelings and closures; and (5) statements relating to our future contingencies. When possible, we have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “approximates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “should” and variations of such words and similar expressions. We can give no assurance that actual results or events will not differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us as of the filing date of this report, but 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; our ability to predict fashion trends; consumer apparel buying patterns; adverse weather conditions; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand; and other factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 (fiscal 2009), as amended or supplemented, and in other reports we file with or furnish to the SEC from time to time. We do not undertake, and expressly decline, any obligation to update any such forward-looking information contained in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

As used herein, the terms “we,” “our,” “us” (or similar terms), the “Company” or “Cato” include The Cato Corporation and its subsidiaries, except that when used with reference to common stock or other securities described herein and in describing the positions held by management of the Company, such terms include only The Cato Corporation. Our website is located at www.catocorp.com where we make available free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other reports (including amendments to these reports) filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file those materials with the SEC. We also post on our website the charters of our Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees; our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; and any amendments or waivers thereto; and any other corporate governance materials contemplated by SEC or New York Stock Exchange regulations.

 

 

General

 

The Company, founded in 1946, operated 1,271 women’s fashion specialty stores at January 30, 2010, in 31 states, principally in the southeastern United States, under the names “Cato”, “Cato Fashions”, “Cato Plus”, “It’s Fashion”, and “It’s Fashion Metro”. The Company seeks to offer quality fashion apparel and accessories at low prices, every day in junior/missy, plus sizes and girls sizes 7 to 16. The Company’s stores feature a broad assortment of apparel and accessories, including dressy, career, and casual sportswear, dresses, coats, shoes, lingerie, costume jewelry and handbags. A major portion of the Company’s merchandise is sold under its private label and is produced by various vendors in accordance with the Company’s specifications. Most stores range in size from 3,500 to 6,000 square feet and are located primarily in strip shopping centers anchored by national discounters or market-dominant grocery stores. The Company emphasizes friendly customer service and coordinated merchandise presentations in an appealing store environment. The Company offers its own credit card and layaway plan. Credit and layaway sales represented 11% of retail sales in fiscal 2009. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Reportable Segment Information” for a discussion of information regarding the Company’s two reportable segments: retail and credit.

 

Business

 

The Company’s primary objective is to be the leading fashion specialty retailer for fashion and value conscious females in its markets. Management believes the Company’s success is dependent upon its ability to differentiate its stores from department stores, mass merchandise discount stores and competing women’s specialty stores. The key elements of the Company’s business strategy are:

 

Merchandise Assortment.  The Company’s stores offer a wide assortment of on-trend apparel and accessory items in primarily junior/missy, plus sizes and girls sizes 7 to 16 and emphasize color, product coordination and selection. Colors and styles are coordinated and presented so that outfit selection is easily made.

 

Value Pricing.  The Company offers quality merchandise that is generally priced below comparable merchandise offered by department stores and mall specialty apparel chains, but is generally more fashionable than merchandise offered by discount stores. Management believes that the Company has positioned itself as the everyday low price leader in its market segment.

 

Strip Shopping Center Locations.  The Company locates its stores principally in convenient strip centers anchored by national discounters or market-dominant grocery stores that attract large numbers of potential customers.

 

Customer Service.  Store managers and sales associates are trained to provide prompt and courteous service and to assist customers in merchandise selection and wardrobe coordination.

 

Credit and Layaway Programs.  The Company offers its own credit card and a layaway plan to make the purchase of its merchandise more convenient for its customers.

 

Merchandising

 

Merchandising

 

The Company seeks to offer a broad selection of high quality and exceptional value apparel and accessories to suit the various lifestyles of fashion and value conscious females. In addition, the Company strives to offer on-trend fashion in exciting colors with consistent fit and quality.

 

The Company’s merchandise lines include dressy, career, and casual sportswear, dresses, coats, shoes, lingerie, costume jewelry and handbags. The Company primarily offers exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices, every day.

The Company believes that the collaboration of its merchandising team with an expanded in-house product development and direct sourcing function has enhanced merchandise offerings and delivers quality exclusive on-trend styles at lower prices. The product development and direct sourcing operations provide research on emerging fashion and color trends, technical services and direct sourcing options.

 

As a part of its merchandising strategy, members of the Company’s merchandising staff frequently visit selected stores, monitor the merchandise offerings of other retailers, regularly communicate with store operations associates and frequently confer with key vendors. The Company also takes aggressive markdowns on slow-selling merchandise and typically does not carry over merchandise to the next season.

 

Purchasing, Allocation and Distribution

 

Although the Company purchases merchandise from approximately 1,500 suppliers, most of its merchandise is purchased from approximately 100 primary vendors. In fiscal 2009, purchases from the Company’s largest vendor accounted for approximately 4% of the Company’s total purchases. No other vendor accounted for more than 3% of total purchases. The Company is not dependent on its largest vendor or any other vendor for merchandise purchases, and the loss of any single vendor or group of vendors would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition. A substantial portion of the Company’s merchandise is sold under its private labels and is produced by various vendors in accordance with the Company’s strict specifications. The Company purchases most of its merchandise from domestic importers and vendors, which typically minimizes the time necessary to purchase and obtain shipments in order to enable the Company to react to merchandise trends in a more timely fashion. Although a significant portion of the Company’s merchandise is manufactured overseas, principally in the Far East, the Company does not expect that any economic, political or social unrest in any one country would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to obtain adequate supplies of merchandise. However, the Company can give no assurance that any changes or disruptions in its merchandise supply chain would not materially and adversely affect the Company. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating To Our Business — We source a significant portion of our merchandise directly and indirectly from overseas, and changes, disruptions or other problems affecting the Company’s merchandise supply chain, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.”

 

An important component of the Company’s strategy is the allocation of merchandise to individual stores based on an analysis of sales trends by merchandise category, customer profiles and climatic conditions. A merchandise control system provides current information on the sales activity of each merchandise style in each of the Company’s stores. Point-of-sale terminals in the stores collect and transmit sales and inventory information to the Company’s central database, permitting timely response to sales trends on a store-by-store basis.

 

All merchandise is shipped directly to the Company’s distribution center in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it is inspected and then allocated by the merchandise distribution staff for shipment to individual stores. The flow of merchandise from receipt at the distribution center to shipment to stores is controlled by an on-line system. Shipments are made by common carrier, and each store receives at least one shipment per week. The centralization of the Company’s distribution process also subjects it to risks in the event of damage to or destruction of its distribution facility or other disruptions affecting the distribution center or the flow of goods into or out of Charlotte, North Carolina generally. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating To Our Business — A disruption or shutdown of our centralized distribution center or transportation network could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.”

 

Advertising

 

The Company uses television, in-store signage, graphics and a Company website as its primary advertising media. The Company’s total advertising expenditures were approximately 0.7%, 0.8% and 0.8% of retail sales for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Store Operations

 

The Company’s store operations management team consists of 1 director of stores, 4 territorial managers, 15 regional managers and 141 district managers. Regional managers receive a salary plus a bonus based on achieving

targeted goals for sales, payroll, shrinkage control and store profitability. District managers receive a salary plus a bonus based on achieving targeted objectives for district sales increases and shrinkage control. Stores are typically staffed with a manager, two assistant managers and additional part-time sales associates depending on the size of the store and seasonal personnel needs. Store managers receive a salary and all other store personnel are paid on an hourly basis. Store managers, assistant managers and sales associates are eligible for monthly and semi-annual bonuses based on achieving targeted goals for their store’s sales increases and shrinkage control.

 

The Company constantly strives to improve its training programs to develop associates. Over 80% of store and field management are promoted from within, allowing the Company to internally staff an expanding store base. The Company has training programs at each level of store operations. New store managers are trained in training stores managed by experienced associates who have achieved superior results in meeting the Company’s goals for store sales, payroll expense and shrinkage control. The type and extent of district manager training varies depending on whether the district manager is promoted from within or recruited from outside the Company.

 

Store Locations

 

Most of the Company’s stores are located in the southeastern United States in a variety of markets ranging from small towns to large metropolitan areas with trade area populations of 20,000 or more. Stores average approximately 4,000 square feet in size.

 

All of the Company’s stores are leased. Approximately 96% are located in strip shopping centers and 4% in enclosed shopping malls. The Company locates stores in strip shopping centers anchored by a national discounter, primarily Wal-Mart Supercenters or market-dominant grocery stores. The Company’s strip center locations provide ample parking and shopping convenience for its customers.

 

The Company’s store development activities consist of opening new stores in new and existing markets, and relocating selected existing stores to more desirable locations in the same market area. The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company’s development activities since fiscal 2005.

 

Store Development

 

 

In fiscal 2009 the Company relocated one store.

 

The Company expects to open 55 new stores during fiscal 2010. The expected new store openings include 15 new Cato stores and 40 new It’s Fashion Metro stores including the conversion of approximately 20 existing It’s Fashion stores. The Company anticipates closing up to 40 stores by year end, including the 20 conversions. In addition, the Company also expects to relocate 6 stores and remodel 10 stores. It’s Fashion Metro has 60 stores open and is a value-priced fashion format offering the latest styles for the entire family including urban-inspired, nationally recognized brands at everyday low prices.

 

The Company periodically reviews its store base to determine whether any particular store should be closed based on its sales trends and profitability. The Company intends to continue this review process to close underperforming stores.

Credit and Layaway

 

Credit Card Program

 

The Company offers its own credit card, which accounted for 6.4%, 7.1% and 7.6% of retail sales in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company’s net bad debt expense was 7.4%, 5.6% and 4.9% of credit sales in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Customers applying for the Company’s credit card are approved for credit if they have a satisfactory credit record and the Company has considered the customer’s ability to make the required minimum payment. Customers are required to make minimum monthly payments based on their account balances. If the balance is not paid in full each month, the Company assesses the customer a finance charge. If payments are not received on time, the customer is assessed a late fee.

 

Layaway Plan

 

Under the Company’s layaway plan, merchandise is set aside for customers who agree to make periodic payments. The Company adds a nonrefundable administrative fee to each layaway sale. If no payment is made for four weeks, the customer is considered to have defaulted, and the merchandise is returned to the selling floor and again offered for sale, often at a reduced price. All payments made by customers who subsequently default on their layaway purchase are returned to the customer upon request, less the administrative fee and a restocking fee. The Company defers recognition of layaway sales and its related fees to the accounting period when the customer picks up layaway merchandise. Layaway sales represented approximately 4.7%, 4.0% and 3.3% of retail sales in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Information Technology Systems

 

The Company’s systems provide daily financial and merchandising information that is used by management to enhance the timeliness and effectiveness of purchasing and pricing decisions. Management uses a daily report comparing actual sales with planned sales and a weekly ranking report to monitor and control purchasing decisions. Weekly reports are also produced which reflect sales, weeks of supply of inventory and other critical data by product categories, by store and by various levels of responsibility reporting. Purchases are made based on projected sales but can be modified to accommodate unexpected increases or decreases in demand for a particular item.

 

Sales information is projected by merchandise category and, in some cases, is further projected and actual performance measured by stock keeping unit (SKU). Merchandise allocation models are used to distribute merchandise to individual stores based upon historical sales trends, climatic differences, customer demographic differences and targeted inventory turnover rates.

 

Competition

 

The women’s retail apparel industry is highly competitive. The Company believes that the principal competitive factors in its industry include merchandise assortment and presentation, fashion, price, store location and customer service. The Company competes with retail chains that operate similar women’s apparel specialty stores. In addition, the Company competes with mass merchandise chains, discount store chains and major department stores. Although we believe we compete favorably with respect to the principal competitive factors described above, many of our direct and indirect competitors are well-established national, regional or local chains, and some have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources. The Company expects its stores in larger cities and metropolitan areas to face more intense competition.

 

Seasonality

 

Due to the seasonal nature of the retail business, the Company has historically experienced and expects to continue to experience seasonal fluctuations in its revenues, operating income and net income. Results of a period shorter than a full year may not be indicative of results expected for the entire year. Furthermore, the seasonal nature of our business may affect comparisons between periods. See Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our quarterly results of operations for the last two fiscal years.

Regulation

 

A variety of laws affect the revolving credit card program offered by the Company. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (“The Act”) amended the Truth in Lending Act, to establish fair and transparent practices relating to the extension of credit under an open end consumer credit plan. The Act contained provisions addressing matters such as change in terms, notices, limits on fees, rate increases, payment allocation and account disclosures. The Act requires creditors to provide the consumers with account disclosures that are timely and in a form that is readily understandable. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act also requires certain disclosures to potential customers concerning credit information used as a basis to deny credit. The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B promulgated thereunder prohibit lenders from discrimination against any credit applicants, establishes guidelines for gathering and evaluating credit information and requires written notification when credit is denied. Regulation AA establishes consumer complaint procedures and defines unfair or deceptive practices in extending credit to consumers. The Federal Trade Commission has adopted or proposed various trade regulation rules dealing with unfair credit and collection practices and the preservation of consumers’ claims and defenses. The Company is also subject to the U.S. Patriot Act and the Bank Secrecy Act, which require the Company to monitor account holders and account transactions, respectively. Additionally, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires the Company to disclose, initially and annually, to its customers, the Company’s privacy policy as it relates to a customer’s non-public personal information.

 

Associates

 

As of January 30, 2010, the Company employed approximately 9,100 full-time and part-time associates. The Company also employs additional part-time associates during the peak retailing seasons. The Company is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements and considers its associate relations to be good.

 

 

An investment in our common stock involves numerous types of risks. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other information contained in this report, including the disclosures under “Forward Looking Information” above in evaluating our Company and any potential investment in our common stock. If any of the following risks or uncertainties occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or a part of your investment in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described in this section are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business operating results and financial condition.

 

Risks Relating To Our Business:

 

If we are unable to anticipate, identify and respond to rapidly changing fashion trends and customer demands in a timely manner, our business and results of operations could materially suffer.

 

Customer tastes and fashion trends, particularly for women’s apparel, are volatile and tend to change rapidly. Our success depends in part upon our ability to anticipate and respond to changing merchandise trends and consumer preferences in a timely manner. Accordingly, any failure by us to anticipate, identify and respond to changing fashion trends could adversely affect consumer acceptance of our merchandise, which in turn could adversely affect our business and our image with our customers. If we miscalculate either the market for our merchandise or our customers’ tastes or purchasing habits, we may be required to sell a significant amount of unsold inventory at below average markups over cost, or below cost, which would adversely affect our margins and results of operations.

 

Existing and increased competition in the women’s retail apparel industry may negatively impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and market share.

 

The women’s retail apparel industry is highly competitive. We compete primarily with discount stores, mass merchandisers, department stores, off-price retailers, specialty stores, and internet-based retailers, many of which have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have. Many of our competitors continue

to be promotional and reduce their selling prices. In some cases our competitors are expanding into markets in which we have a significant market presence. As a result of this competition, including close-out sales and going-out-of-business sales by other women’s apparel retailers, we may experience pricing pressures, increased marketing expenditures, as well as, loss of market share, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Unusual weather, natural disasters or similar events may adversely affect our sales or operations.

 

Extreme changes in weather patterns or natural disasters can influence customer trends and shopping habits. For example, heavy rainfall or other extreme weather conditions over a prolonged period might make it difficult for our customers to travel to our stores and thereby reduce our sales and profitability. Our business is also susceptible to unseasonable weather conditions. For example, extended periods of unseasonably warm temperatures during the winter season or cool weather during the summer season could render a portion of our inventory incompatible with those unseasonable conditions. Reduced sales from extreme or prolonged unseasonable weather conditions would adversely affect our business. Extreme weather patterns, natural disasters, power outages, terrorist acts or other catastrophic events could reduce customer traffic in our stores and likewise disrupt our ability to conduct operations, which could materially and adversely affect us.

 

We source a significant portion of our merchandise directly and indirectly from overseas, and changes, disruptions or other problems affecting the Company’s merchandise supply chain, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

A significant amount of our merchandise is manufactured overseas principally in the Far East. We directly import some of this merchandise and indirectly import the remaining merchandise from domestic vendors who acquire the merchandise from foreign sources. As a result, political instability or other events resulting in the disruption of trade from other countries, increased security requirements for imported merchandise, or the imposition of additional regulations relating to or duties on imports, could cause significant delays or interruptions in the supply of our merchandise or increase our costs. Either of these could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, increased transportation costs or disruption of the means by which merchandise is transported to us could cause significant cost increases or interruptions of our supply chain. If we are forced to source merchandise from other countries or other domestic vendors with foreign sources in different countries, those goods may be more expensive or of a different or inferior quality from the ones we now sell. Furthermore, the deterioration in any of our key vendors’ financial condition, their failure to perform as we expect, the failure to follow our vendor guidelines or comply with applicable laws and regulations could expose us to operational, competitive and legal risks. If we were not able to timely or adequately replace the merchandise we currently source with merchandise produced elsewhere, or if our vendors fail to perform as we expect, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

Our costs are affected by foreign currency fluctuations.

 

Because we purchase a significant portion of our inventory from foreign suppliers, our cost of these goods is affected by the fluctuation of the local currencies where these goods are produced against the dollar. Accordingly, changes in the value of the dollar relative to foreign currencies may increase our cost of goods sold and, if we are unable to pass such cost increases on to our customers, decrease our gross margins and ultimately our earnings. Accordingly, foreign currency fluctuations may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

A continuation of, or further deterioration in, the current adverse economic conditions and the general economy or outlook and its related impact on consumer confidence and spending may materially and adversely affect consumer demand for our apparel and accessories and our results of operations.

 

Consumer spending habits, including spending for our apparel and accessories, are affected by, among other things, prevailing economic conditions, levels of employment, fuel and energy costs, salaries and wage rates and other sources of income, tax rates, home values, consumer net worth, the availability of consumer credit, consumer confidence or consumer perceptions of economic conditions or trends. The current adverse economic and credit

markets along with other factors have significantly weakened many of these drivers of consumer spending habits. As a result, consumer confidence and spending have significantly deteriorated and may continue to do so for an extended period of time, which may continue to adversely affect our net sales and results of operations. Adverse economic conditions or uncertainties also generally cause consumers to defer purchases of discretionary items, such as our merchandise or by purchasing cheaper alternatives to our merchandise, all of which may also adversely affect our net sales and results of operations. In addition, numerous events, whether or not related to actual economic conditions, such as downturns in the stock markets, acts of war or terrorism, political unrest or natural disasters, or similar events, may also dampen consumer confidence, and accordingly, lead to reduced consumer spending. A continuation or worsening of the current economic downturn and reduction in consumer confidence could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The failure, disruption or security breach relating to our information technology systems could adversely affect our business.

 

We rely on our existing information technology systems for merchandise operations including merchandise planning, replenishment, pricing, ordering, markdowns and product life cycle management. In addition to merchandise operations, we utilize our information technology systems for our distribution processes, as well as our financial systems including accounts payable, general ledger, accounts receivable, sales, banking, inventory and fixed assets. Any disruption in the operation of our information technology systems, or our failure to continue to upgrade or improve such systems could adversely affect our business. In addition, any security breach or other problem that results in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer information, such as personally identifiable information and payment information, could adversely affect our standing with customers and expose us to the risk of litigation and liability. Any such occurrences could result in reputational damage or loss of business or goodwill and could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

A disruption or shutdown of our centralized distribution center or transportation network could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

The distribution of our products is centralized in one distribution center in Charlotte, North Carolina and distributed through our network of third party freight carriers. The merchandise we purchase is shipped directly to our distribution center where it is prepared for shipment to the appropriate stores and subsequently delivered to the stores by our third party freight carriers. If the distribution center or our third party freight carriers were to be shutdown or lose significant capacity for any reason, our operations would likely be seriously disrupted. Such problems could occur as the result of any loss, destruction or impairment of our ability to use our distribution center, as well as any broader problem generally affecting the ability to ship goods into our distribution center or delivery to our stores. As a result, we could incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with distributing our products to our stores during the time it takes for us to reopen or replace the distribution center and/or our transportation network.

 

Our ability to attract consumers and grow our revenues is dependant on the success of our store location strategy and our ability to successfully open new stores as planned.

 

Our sales are dependent in part on the location of our stores in shopping centers where we believe our consumers and potential consumers shop. In addition, our ability to grow our revenues has been substantially dependent on our ability to secure space for and open new stores in attractive locations. Centers where we currently operate existing stores or seek to open new stores may be adversely affected by, among other things, general economic downturns or those particularly affecting the commercial real estate industry, the closing of anchor stores, changes in tenant mix and changes in customer shopping preferences. To take advantage of consumer traffic and the shopping preferences of our consumers, we need to maintain and acquire stores in desirable locations where competition for suitable store locations is intense. A decline in the popularity of these shopping centers among our target consumers, or in availability or cost of space in these centers could adversely affect consumer traffic and reduce our sales and net earnings or increase our operating costs.

 

Our ability to open and operate new stores depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to identify suitable store locations, negotiate acceptable

lease terms, and hire and train appropriate store personnel. In addition, our continued expansion into new regions of the country where we have not done business before may present new challenges in competition, distribution and merchandising as we enter these new markets. Our failure to successfully and timely execute our plans for opening new stores or the failure of these stores to perform up to our expectations, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Failure to attract, train, and retain skilled personnel could adversely affect our business and our financial condition.

 

Like most retailers, we experience significant associate turnover rates, particularly among store sales associates and managers. Our continued store growth will require the hiring and training of new associates. We must continually attract, hire and train new store associates to meet our staffing needs. A significant increase in the turnover rate among our store sales associates and managers would increase our recruiting and training costs as well as possibly cause a decrease in our store operating efficiency and productivity. We compete for qualified store associates, as well as, experienced management personnel with other companies in our industry or other industries, many of whom have greater financial resources than we do.

 

If we are unable to retain our associates or attract, train, or retain other skilled personnel in the future, we may not be able to service our customers effectively, which could adversely affect our business, results, and financial condition.

 

Our business operations subject us to legal compliance and litigation risks that could result in increased costs or liabilities, divert our management’s attention or otherwise adversely affect our business.

 

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations and litigation risk. Compliance risks and litigation claims have or may arise in the ordinary course of our business and may include, among other matters, employment issues, commercial disputes, intellectual property issues, product-oriented matters, tax, customer relations and personal injury claims. These matters frequently raise complex factual and legal issues, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and could divert significant management time. In addition, governing laws, rules and regulations, and interpretations of existing laws are subject to change from time to time. Compliance and litigation matters could result in unexpected expenses and liability, as well as have an adverse effect on our operations and our reputation.

 

If we fail to protect our trademarks or other intellectual property rights or avoid infringing the intellectual property rights of others, our business, brand image, growth strategy, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

We believe that our “Cato”, “Its Fashion” and “Its Fashion Metro” trademarks are integral to our store designs and our ability to successfully build consumer loyalty. We have registered these trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) and have also registered, or applied for registration of, additional trademarks with the PTO that we believe are important to our business. We cannot assure that these registrations will prevent imitation of our trademarks, merchandising concepts, store designs or private label merchandise or the infringement of our other intellectual property rights by others. Imitation of our names, concepts, store designs or merchandise in a manner that projects lesser quality or carries a negative connotation of our image could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In addition, we cannot assure that others will not try to block the manufacture or sale of our private label merchandise by claiming that our merchandise violates their trademarks or other proprietary rights. Although we cannot currently estimate the likelihood of success of any such lawsuit or ultimate resolution of such a conflict, such a controversy could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may continue to experience market conditions that could adversely impact the valuation and liquidity of, and our ability to access, our short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents.

 

Our short-term investments and cash equivalents are primarily comprised of investments in federal, state and municipal debt securities. With the continuing downturn in the economy, we cannot be assured of our ability to

access these investments timely. In addition, we have significant amounts of cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions that are in excess of the federally insured limits. In light of the continuing economic downturn and adverse conditions affecting the financial sector and stability of financial institutions, we cannot be assured that we will not experience losses on our deposits.

 

Maintaining and improving our internal control over financial reporting and other requirements necessary to operate as a public company may strain our resources and any material failure in these controls may negatively impact our business, the price of our common stock and market confidence in our reported financial information.

 

As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The requirements of these rules and regulations have, and may continue to, increase our compliance costs and place undue strain on our personnel, systems and resources. To satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we must continue to document, test, monitor and enhance our internal controls over financial reporting, which is a costly and time-consuming effort that must be re-evaluated frequently. We cannot be assured that our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal controls over financial reporting required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will be adequate in the future. Any failure to maintain the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting or to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have an adverse material impact on our business, our financial condition and the price of our common stock.

 

Risks Relating To Our Common Stock:

 

Our operating results are subject to seasonal and quarterly fluctuations, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

Our business varies with general seasonal trends that are characteristic of the retail apparel industry. As a result, our stores typically generate a higher percentage of our annual net sales and profitability in the first and second quarters of our fiscal year compared to other quarters. Accordingly, our operating results for any one fiscal period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected from any future period, and such seasonal and quarterly fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

The interests of a principal shareholder may limit the ability of other shareholders to influence the direction of the Company.

 

As of March 30, 2010, John P. D. Cato, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially controlled approximately 39% of the voting power of our common stock. As a result, Mr. Cato may be able to control or significantly influence substantially all matters requiring approval by the shareholders, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers and other business combinations. Mr. Cato may have interests that differ from those of other shareholders, and may vote in a way with which other shareholders disagree or perceive as adverse to their interests. In addition, the concentration of voting power held by Mr. Cato could have the effect of preventing, discouraging or deferring a change in control of the Company, which could depress the market price of our common stock.

 

Conditions in the stock market, generally or particularly relating to our Company or common stock, may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and make its trading price more volatile.

 

The trading price of our common stock at times has been, and is likely to continue to be, subject to significant volatility. A variety of factors may cause the price of the common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including, but not limited to: low trading volume; general market fluctuations resulting from factors not directly related to our operations or the inherent value of our common stock; announcements of developments related to our business; fluctuations in our reported operating results; general conditions in fashion and retail industry; conditions in the domestic or global economy or the domestic or global credit or capital markets; changes in financial estimates or the scope of coverage given to our Company by securities analysts; negative commentary regarding our Company

and corresponding short-selling market behavior; adverse customer relations developments; significant changes in our senior management team; and legal proceedings. Over the past several years the stock market in general, and the market for shares of equity securities of many retailers in particular, have experienced extreme price fluctuations that have at times been unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. Such fluctuations and market volatility based on these or other factors may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

The Company’s distribution center and general offices are located in a Company-owned building of approximately 492,000 square feet located on a 15-acre tract in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Company’s automated merchandise handling and distribution activities occupy approximately 418,000 square feet of this building and its general offices and corporate training center are located in the remaining 74,000 square feet. A building of approximately 24,000 square feet located on a 2-acre tract adjacent to the Company’s existing location is used for receiving and staging shipments prior to processing.

 

Substantially all of the Company’s retail stores are leased from unaffiliated parties. Most of the leases have an initial term of five years, with two to three five-year renewal options. Many of the leases provide for fixed rentals plus a percentage of sales in excess of a specified volume.

 

 

From time to time, claims are asserted against the Company arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business. The Company currently is not a party to any pending litigation that it believes is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

The executive officers of the Company and their ages as of March 30, 2010 are as follows:

 

 

John P. D. Cato has been employed as an officer of the Company since 1981 and has been a director of the Company since 1986. Since January 2004, he has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. From May 1999 to January 2004, he served as President, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. From June 1997 to May 1999, he served as President, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer. From August 1996 to June 1997, he served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer. From 1989 to 1996, he managed the Company’s off-price division, serving as Executive Vice President and as President and General Manager of the It’s Fashion! Division from 1993 to August 1996. Mr. John Cato is currently a director of Ruddick Corporation.

 

Michael T. Greer has been employed by the Company since 1985. Since May 2006, he has served as Executive Vice President, Director of Stores of the Company. From November 2004 until May 2006, he served as Senior Vice President, Director of Stores of the Company. From February 2004 until November 2004, he served as Senior Vice President, Director of Stores of the Cato Division. From 2002 to 2003 Mr. Greer served as Vice President, Director of Stores of the It’s Fashion! Division. From 1999 to 2001 he served as Territorial Vice President of Stores of the Cato Division and from 1996 to 1999 he served as Regional Vice President of Stores of the Cato Division. From 1985 to 1995, Mr. Greer held various store operational positions in the Cato Division.

 

John R. Howe has been employed by the Company since 1986. Since September 2008, he has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. From June 2007 until September 2008, he served as Senior Vice President, Controller. From 1999 to 2007, he served as Vice President, Assistant Controller. From 1997 to 1999, he served as Assistant Vice President, Budgets and Planning. From 1995 to 1997, he served as Director, Budgets and Planning. From 1995 to 1997, he served as Assistant Tax Manager. From 1986 to 1995, Mr. Howe held various positions within the finance area.

 

Howard A. Severson has been employed by the Company since 1985. Since January 1993, he has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Real Estate and Store Development Officer. From 1993 to 2001 Mr. Severson also served as a director. From August 1989 through January 1993, Mr. Severson served as Senior Vice President — Chief Real Estate Officer.

 

Sally Almason has been employed by the Company since 1995. Since April 2009, she has served as Executive Vice President, General Merchandise Manager for the Cato Division. From 2004 to 2009, she served as Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager for the Cato Division. From 1995 to 2004, she served as Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager for the Cato Division.

 

 

Market & Dividend Information

 

The Company’s Class A Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol CATO. Below is the market range and dividend information for the four quarters of fiscal 2009 and 2008.

 

 

 

As of March 30, 2010 the approximate number of record holders of the Company’s Class A Common Stock was 5,000 and there were 2 record holders of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.

Stock Performance Graph

 

The following graph compares the yearly change in the Company’s cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s Common Stock (which includes Class A Stock and Class B Stock) for each of the Company’s last five fiscal years with (i), the Dow Jones U.S. Retailers, Apparel Index and (ii) the Russell 2000 Index.

 

 

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

STOCK PERFORMANCE TABLE

(BASE 100 — IN DOLLARS)

 

 

The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 on January 28, 2005, the last trading day prior to the commencement of the Company’s 2005 fiscal year, and that all dividends were reinvested.

 

Certain selected financial data for the five fiscal years ended January 30, 2010 have been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements. The financial statements and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s integrated audit reports for the three most recent fiscal years are contained elsewhere in this report. All data set forth below are qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements (including the Notes thereto) and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this annual report.

 

 

 

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The table below sets forth certain financial data of the Company expressed as a percentage of retail sales for the years indicated:

 

 

Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

 

Retail sales increased by 3.1% to $872.1 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $845.7 million in fiscal 2008 which was primarily attributable to an increase in comparable store sales and sales from store development. Comparable store sales increased 1% in fiscal 2009. Total revenues, comprised of retail sales and other income (principally finance charges and late fees on customer accounts receivable and layaway fees), increased by 3.1% to $884.0 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $857.7 million in fiscal 2008. The Company operated 1,271 stores at January 30, 2010 compared to 1,281 stores operated at January 31, 2009.

 

In fiscal 2009, the Company opened 35 new stores, relocated one store and closed 45 stores.

 

Other income in total, as included in total revenues in fiscal 2009, decreased slightly to $11.9 million from $12.0 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease resulted primarily from lower credit revenue and finance charges offset by an increase in layaway service charges.

 

Credit segment revenue of $9.4 million represented 1.1% of total revenue in fiscal 2009 compared to 2008 credit revenue of $10.1 million or 1.2% of total revenue. The decrease in credit revenue was primarily due to reductions in finance and late charge income as a result of lower accounts receivable balances. Credit revenue is comprised of interest earned on the Company’s private label credit card portfolio and related fee income. Related expenses include principally bad debt expense, payroll, postage and other administrative expenses and totaled $6.6 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $7.0 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease in these expenses was principally due to a decrease in late fee reserves of $0.5 million. See Note 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a schedule of credit related expenses. Total segment credit income before taxes decreased $0.2 million from $3.1 million in 2008 to $2.9 million in 2009 due to decreased finance charge income offset by a decrease in bad debt expense. Total credit income of $2.9 million in 2009 represented 4.2% of total income before taxes of $68.9 million compared to total credit income of $3.1 million in 2008 which represented 5.9% of 2008 total income before taxes.

 

Cost of goods sold was $552.0 million, or 63.3% of retail sales, in fiscal 2009 compared to $562.1 million, or 66.5% of retail sales, in fiscal 2008. The decrease in cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales resulted primarily from lower occupancy costs, freight charges and markdowns. The decrease in markdowns was primarily attributable to inventory management and higher sell throughs of regular priced merchandise. Total gross margin dollars (retail sales less cost of goods sold) increased by 12.9% to $320.1 million in fiscal 2009 from $283.6 million in fiscal 2008. Gross margin as presented may not be comparable to that of other companies.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A), which primarily include corporate and store payroll, related payroll taxes and benefits, insurance, supplies, advertising, bank and credit card processing fees and bad debts were $245.5 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $227.6 million in fiscal 2008, an increase of 7.9%. As a

percent of retail sales, SG&A was 28.2% compared to 26.9% in the prior year. The overall dollar increase in SG&A resulted primarily from an increase in incentive based compensation expenses, payroll and legal reserves partially offset by a reduction in workers’ compensation expense and the costs associated with the closure of underperforming stores from fiscal 2008.

 

Depreciation expense was $21.8 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $22.6 million in fiscal 2008. Depreciation expense was flat from period to period because the Company’s store count and related investments in store development as well as its information technology investments were both relatively stable.

 

Interest and other income was $4.3 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $7.2 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease was due to lower interest income due to reduced interest rates. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

 

Income tax expense was $23.1 million or 2.7% of retail sales in fiscal 2009 compared to $19.0 million or 2.2% of retail sales in fiscal 2008. The increase resulted from higher pre-tax income partially offset by a decrease in the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate was 33.6% in fiscal 2009 and 36.1% in fiscal 2008 due to non-recurring settlements of various state audits resulting in reversals of certain income tax reserves for uncertain tax positions.

 

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

 

Retail sales increased by 1.4% to $845.7 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $834.3 million in fiscal 2007. The increase in retail sales in fiscal 2008 was attributable to sales from store development. Comparable store sales decreased 1% from fiscal 2007. Total revenues, comprised of retail sales and other income (principally finance charges and late fees on customer accounts receivable and layaway fees), increased by 1.3% to $857.7 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $846.4 million in fiscal 2007. The Company operated 1,281 stores at January 31, 2009 compared to 1,318 stores operated at February 2, 2008.

 

In fiscal 2008, the Company opened 65 new stores, relocated 9 stores and closed 102 stores.

 

Other income in total, as included in total revenues in fiscal 2008, decreased slightly to $12.0 million from $12.1 million in fiscal 2007. The decrease resulted primarily from lower credit revenue and finance and layaway charges.

 

Credit revenue of $10.1 million represented 1.2% of total revenue in fiscal 2008. This is comparable to 2007 credit revenue of $10.4 million or 1.2% of total revenue. The slight decrease in actual credit revenue was primarily due to reductions in finance charge income as a result of lower accounts receivable balances. Credit revenue is comprised of interest earned on the Company’s private label credit card portfolio and related fee income. Related expenses include principally bad debt expense, payroll, postage and other administrative expenses and totaled $7.0 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $6.1 million in fiscal 2007. The increase in these expenses was principally due to an increase in the bad debt reserve of $0.6 million. See Note 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a schedule of credit related expenses. Total segment credit income before taxes decreased $1.2 million from $4.3 million in 2007 to $3.1 million in 2008 due to decreased finance charge income and increased bad debt expense due to an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts. Total credit income of $3.1 million in 2008 represented 5.9% of total income before taxes of $52.6 million compared to total credit income of $4.3 million in 2007, which represented 8.7% of 2007 total income before taxes.

 

Cost of goods sold was $562.1 million, or 66.5% of retail sales, in fiscal 2008 compared to $572.3 million, or 68.6% of retail sales, in fiscal 2007. The decrease in cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales resulted primarily from lower procurement costs and reduced markdowns. Cost of goods sold includes merchandise costs, net of discounts and allowances, buying costs, distribution costs, occupancy costs, freight and inventory shrinkage. Net merchandise costs and in-bound freight are capitalized as inventory costs. Buying and distribution costs include payroll, payroll-related costs and operating expenses for the buying departments and distribution center. Occupancy expenses include rent, real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance, utilities and maintenance for stores and distribution facilities. Total gross margin dollars (retail sales less cost of goods sold) increased by 8.2% to

$283.6 million in fiscal 2008 from $262.0 million in fiscal 2007. Gross margin as presented may not be comparable to that of other companies.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A), which primarily include corporate and store payroll, related payroll taxes and benefits, insurance, supplies, advertising, bank and credit card processing fees and bad debts were $227.6 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $210.9 million in fiscal 2007, an increase of 7.9%. As a percent of retail sales, SG&A was 26.9% compared to 25.3% in the prior year. The overall dollar increase in SG&A resulted primarily from an increase in incentive based compensation expenses, salary expenses driven by store development, expenses incurred to close underperforming stores and insurance expense.

 

Depreciation expense was $22.6 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $22.2 million in fiscal 2007. The depreciation expense in fiscal 2008 and 2007 resulted primarily from the Company’s store development activity and investment in technology.

 

Interest and other income was $7.2 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $8.2 million in fiscal 2007. The decrease was due to lower interest income due to reduced interest rates. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.

 

Income tax expense was $19.0 million, or 2.2% of retail sales in fiscal 2008 compared to $16.9 million or 2.0% of retail sales in fiscal 2007. The increase resulted from higher pre-tax income in conjunction with an increase in effective tax rate. The effective tax rate was 36.1% in fiscal 2008 and 34.4% in fiscal 2007.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Other than operating leases in the ordinary course of business, the Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgement. Actual results will inevitably differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements. The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, reserves relating to workers’ compensation, general and auto insurance liabilities, reserves for inventory markdowns, calculation of asset impairment, shrinkage accrual and reserves for uncertain tax positions.

 

The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed with the Audit Committee.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable and records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on estimates of actual write-offs and the accounts receivable aging over a period of up to 12 months. The allowance is reviewed for adequacy and adjusted, as necessary, on a quarterly basis. The Company also provides for estimated uncollectible late fees charged based on historical write-offs. The Company’s financial results can be significantly impacted by changes in bad debt write-off experience and the aging of the accounts receivable portfolio.

 

Merchandise Inventories

 

The Company’s inventory is valued using the retail method of accounting and is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventory at cost and resulting gross margin are calculated by applying an average cost to retail ratio to the retail value of inventory. The retail inventory method is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry. Inherent in the retail

method are certain significant estimates, including initial merchandise markup, markdowns and shrinkage, which can significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost and the resulting gross margins. Physical inventories are conducted throughout the year to calculate actual shrinkage and inventory on hand. Estimates based on actual shrinkage results are used to estimate inventory shrinkage, which is accrued for the period between the last physical inventory and the financial reporting date. The Company regularly reviews its inventory levels to identify slow moving merchandise and uses markdowns to clear slow moving inventory. The general economic environment for retail apparel sales could result in an increase in the level of markdowns, which would result in lower inventory values and increases to cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales in future periods. Management makes estimates regarding markdowns based on inventory levels on hand and customer demand, which may impact inventory valuations. Markdown exposure with respect to inventories on hand is limited due to the fact that seasonal merchandise is not carried forward. Historically, actual results have not significantly deviated from those determined using the estimates described above.

 

Lease Accounting

 

The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined in ASC 840 — Leases. Our lease agreements generally provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease term or rent holidays, including rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. We include any rent escalation and rent holidays in our straight-line rent expense. In addition, we record landlord allowances for normal tenant improvements as deferred rent, which is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. This deferred rent is amortized over the lease term as a reduction of rent expense. Also, leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related lease term. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Company’s accounting for its leases.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company primarily invests in property and equipment in connection with the opening and remodeling of stores and in computer software and hardware. The Company periodically reviews its store locations and estimates the recoverability of its assets, recording an impairment charge, if necessary, when the Company decides to close the store or otherwise determines that future estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with those assets will not be sufficient to recover the carrying value. This determination is based on a number of factors, including the store’s historical operating results and cash flows, estimated future sales growth, real estate development in the area and perceived local market conditions that can be difficult to predict and may be subject to change. In addition, the Company regularly evaluates its computer-related and other long-lived assets and may accelerate depreciation over the revised useful life if the asset is expected to be replaced or has limited future value. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income for that period.

 

Insurance Liabilities

 

The Company is primarily self-insured for health care, workers’ compensation and general liability costs. These costs are significant primarily due to the large number of the Company’s retail locations and associates. The Company’s self-insurance liabilities are based on the total estimated costs of claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported, less amounts paid against such claims, and are not discounted. Management reviews current and historical claims data in developing its estimates. The Company also uses information provided by outside actuaries with respect to workers’ compensation and general liability claims. If the underlying facts and circumstances of the claims change or the historical experience upon which insurance provisions are recorded is not indicative of future trends, then the Company may be required to make adjustments to the provision for insurance costs that could be material to the Company’s reported financial condition and results of operations. Historically, actual results have not significantly deviated from estimates.

Uncertain Tax Positions

 

The Company records liabilities for uncertain tax positions principally related to state income taxes as of the balance sheet date. These liabilities reflect the Company’s best estimate of its ultimate income tax liability based on the tax codes, regulations, and pronouncements of the jurisdictions in which we do business. Estimating our ultimate tax liability involves significant judgements regarding the application of complex tax regulations across many jurisdictions. Despite the Company’s belief that the estimates and judgements are reasonable, differences between the estimated and actual tax liabilities could exist. These differences may arise from settlements of tax audits, expiration of the statute of limitations, or the evolution and application of the various jurisdictional tax codes and regulations. Any differences will be recorded in the period in which they become known and could have a material effect on the results of operations in the period the adjustment is recorded.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

While the Company’s recognition of revenue is predominantly derived from routine retail transactions and does not involve significant judgement, revenue recognition represents an important accounting policy of the Company. As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company recognizes sales at the point of purchase when the customer takes possession of the merchandise and pays for the purchase, generally with cash or credit. Sales from purchases made with Cato credit, gift cards and layaway sales are also recorded when the customer takes possession of the merchandise. Gift cards and layaway sales are recorded as deferred revenue until they are redeemed or forfeited. Gift cards do not have expiration dates. A provision is made for estimated product returns based on sales volumes and the Company’s experience; actual returns have not varied materially from amounts provided historically.

 

Beginning with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company began recognizing income on unredeemed gift cards (“gift card breakage”) as a component of other income. Gift card breakage is determined after 60 months when the likelihood of the remaining balances being redeemed is remote based on our historical redemption data and there is no legal obligation to remit the remaining balances to relevant jurisdictions. Gift card breakage income will be recognized on a quarterly basis and is not expected to be material.

 

Credit revenue on the Company’s private label credit card portfolio is recognized as earned under the interest method. Late fees are recognized as earned, less provisions for estimated uncollectible fees.

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Market Risk

 

The Company has consistently maintained a strong liquidity position. Cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2009 was $84.7 million as compared to $71.6 million in fiscal 2008. These amounts have enabled the Company to fund its regular operating needs, capital expenditure program and cash dividend payments. In addition, the Company maintains $35.0 million of unsecured revolving credit facilities for short-term financing of seasonal cash needs, none of which was outstanding at January 30, 2010. Borrowing capacity under this facility was $33.3 million, net of standby letter of credit obligations.

 

Cash provided by operating activities for these periods was primarily generated by earnings adjusted for depreciation, deferred taxes, and changes in working capital. The increase of $13.1 million for fiscal 2009 over fiscal 2008 is primarily due to an increase in net income and accrued bonus and benefits partially offset by a change in inventories, accrued income taxes and losses on disposal of property and equipment due to store closures.

 

The Company believes that its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, together with cash flows from operations and borrowings available under its revolving credit agreement, will be adequate to fund the Company’s proposed capital expenditures, dividends, purchase of treasury stock and other operating requirements for fiscal 2010 and for the foreseeable future.

 

At January 30, 2010, the Company had working capital of $202.3 million compared to $164.6 million at January 31, 2009. Additionally, the Company had $2.3 million invested in privately managed investment funds and other miscellaneous equities, which are reported under Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

At January 30, 2010, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement, which provided for borrowings of up to $35.0 million. The revolving credit agreement is committed until August 2010. The credit agreement contains various financial covenants and limitations, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios with which the Company was in compliance as of January 30, 2010. There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility during the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 or the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. The Company is currently reviewing the credit agreement.

 

The Company had approximately $8.2 million and $4.5 million at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively, of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments. In addition, the Company has a standby letter of credit for payments to the current general liability and workers’ compensation insurance processor.

 

Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $10.0 million, $19.4 million and $18.3 million in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The expenditures for fiscal 2009 were primarily for store development and investments in new technology. In fiscal 2010, the Company is planning to invest approximately $24.8 million in capital expenditures. This includes expenditures to open 55 new stores including the conversion of up to 20 It’s Fashion stores to It’s Fashion Metro stores and relocate 6 stores. In addition, the Company plans to remodel 10 stores and has planned for additional investments in technology scheduled to be implemented over the next 12 months.

 

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $58.1 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $29.3 million used for the comparable period of 2008. The increase was due primarily to the decrease in sales of short-term investments and expenditures for property and equipment.

 

On May 20, 2009, the Board of Directors held the quarterly dividend to $.165 per share, or an annualized rate of $.66 per share.

 

The Company does not use derivative financial instruments.

 

At January 30, 2010, the Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in tax exempt variable rate demand notes and governmental securities held in managed funds. These securities are classified as available-for-sale as they are highly liquid. They are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value, with unrealized gains and temporary losses reported net of taxes as accumulated other comprehensive income. Other than temporary declines in fair value of investments are recorded as a reduction in the cost of investments in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value (in thousands) as of January 30, 2010 in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value (in thousands) as of January 31, 2009:

 

 

The Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in tax exempt variable rate demand notes (“VRDN”) and governmental debt securities held in managed funds. These securities with the exception of a single

auction rate security (“ARS”) are classified as available-for-sale as they are highly liquid. They are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and temporary losses reported net of taxes as accumulated other comprehensive income. Additionally, as of January 30, 2010, the Company had $1.9 million invested in privately managed investment funds and $0.4 million of other miscellaneous equities which are reported within Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

As of January 30, 2010, the Company held $60.5 million in general obligation and revenue bonds, VRDN and ARS issued by tax exempt municipal authorities and agencies rated A or better. The underlying securities have contractual maturities which generally range from one month to thirty-one years. The bonds, VRDN and ARS are recorded at estimated fair value and classified as available-for-sale. Of the $60.5 million in bonds, VRDN and ARS, a single ARS with a carrying value of $3.5 million failed its last auction as of January 14, 2010. Due to the continuing failure of the ARS at auction and because the issuer has yet to call the security, the Company has classified the failed ARS as a long-term investment in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The Company’s failed ARS was measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs. Because there is no active market for the Company’s ARS, its fair value was determined through the use of a discounted cash flow analysis. The terms used in the analysis were based on management’s estimate of the timing of future liquidity, which assumes that the security will be called or refinanced by the issuer or settled with a broker dealer prior to maturity. The discount rates used in the discounted cash flow analysis were based on market rates for similar liquid tax-exempt securities with comparable ratings and maturities. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future liquidity, the Company also considered a liquidity/risk value reduction. In estimating the fair value of this ARS, the Company also considered the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and whether the security has been downgraded by a rating agency. The Company’s valuation is sensitive to market conditions and management’s judgment and can change significantly based on the assumptions used.

 

The Company’s privately managed funds cannot be redeemed at net asset value at a specific date without advance notice. As a result, the Company has classified the investments as Level 3.

 

The following table summarizes the change in the fair value of the Company’s ARS measured using Level 3 inputs during fiscal 2009:

 

 

The following table shows the Company’s obligations and commitments as of January 30, 2010, to make future payments under noncancellable contractual obligations (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Effective July 1, 2009, the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became the single official source of authoritative, nongovernmental generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States. The historical GAAP hierarchy was eliminated, and the ASC became the only level of authoritative GAAP, other than guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company’s accounting policies were not affected by the conversion to ASC.

 

For fiscal year end 2008, basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding and earnings per share have been adjusted based on guidance issued in June 2008 that states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforteitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. This guidance was effective for all periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The impact to basic earnings per share for the fiscal year end 2008 was $0.02 while the impact to diluted earnings per share was $0.01. For fiscal year end 2007, the impact to both basic and diluted earnings per share was $0.01

 

In April 2009, additional guidance was issued on (1) estimating the fair value of an asset or liability when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and (2) identifying transactions that are not orderly. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009 and the impact to the Company was immaterial.

 

In April 2009, guidance was issued that amends previous other-than-temporary impairment guidance that was intended to bring greater consistency to the timing of impairment recognition and provide greater clarity to investors about the credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The impact to the Company was immaterial.

 

In May 2009, guidance was issued which establishes general standards for disclosure of and accounting for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This guidance was effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company’s adoption on August 2, 2009 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

 

The Company is subject to market rate risk from exposure to changes in interest rates based on its financing, investing and cash management.

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

The Cato Corporation:

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Cato Corporation and its subsidiaries at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

March 30, 2010

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Principles of Consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Cato Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“the Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Description of Business and Fiscal Year:  The Company has two reportable segments — the operation of women’s fashion specialty stores segment and a credit card segment. The apparel specialty stores operate under the names “Cato,” “Cato Fashions,” “Cato Plus,” “It’s Fashion” and “It’s Fashion Metro” and are located primarily in strip shopping centers principally in the southeastern United States. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest January 31.

 

Use of Estimates:  The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, reserves relating to self insured health insurance, workers’ compensation liabilities, general and auto insurance liabilities, reserves for inventory markdowns, calculation of asset impairment, inventory shrinkage accrual and uncertain tax positions.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments:  Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Investments with original maturities beyond three months are classified as short-term investments. The fair values of short-term investments are based on quoted market prices.

 

The Company’s short-term investments are all classified as available-for-sale. As they are available for current operations, they are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as current assets. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and temporary losses, net of income taxes, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Other than temporary declines in fair value of investments are recorded as a reduction in the cost of the investments in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and a reduction of interest and other income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. The amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts and realized gains and losses are included in Interest and other income.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk:  Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash equivalents with high credit qualified institutions and, by practice, limits the amount of credit exposure to any one institution. Concentrations of credit risks with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to the dispersion across different geographies of the Company’s customer base.

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:  Income tax payments, net of refunds received, for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008 were approximately $23,753,000, $13,368,000, and $15,012,000, respectively. Cash paid for interest for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008 were $-0-, $-0- and $8,000, respectively.

 

Inventories:  Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market as determined by the retail method.

 

Property and Equipment:  Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred; renewals and betterments are capitalized. The Company accounts for its software development costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets excluding leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term. For leases with renewal periods at the

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Company’s option, the Company generally uses the original lease term plus reasonably assured renewal option periods (generally one five year option period) to determine estimated useful lives. Typical estimated useful lives are as follows:

 

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company primarily invests in property and equipment in connection with the opening and remodeling of stores and in computer software and hardware. The Company periodically reviews its store locations and estimates the recoverability of its assets, recording an impairment charge, if necessary, when the Company decides to close the store or otherwise determines that future estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with those assets will not be sufficient to recover the carrying value. This determination is based on a number of factors, including the store’s historical operating results and cash flows, estimated future sales growth, real estate development in the area and perceived local market conditions which can be difficult to predict and may be subject to change. Store asset impairment charges incurred in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $689,471, $498,239 and $1,039,120, respectively. In addition, the Company regularly evaluates its computer-related and other long-lived assets and may accelerate depreciation over the revised useful life if the asset is expected to be replaced or has limited future value. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income for that period.

 

Leases

 

The Company determines the classification of leases consistent with ASC 840 — Leases. The Company leases all of its retail stores. Most lease agreements contain construction allowances and rent escalations. For purposes of recognizing incentives and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases including renewal periods considered reasonably assured, the Company begins amortization as of the initial possession date which is when the Company enters the space and begins to make improvements in preparation for intended use.

 

For construction allowances, the Company records a deferred rent liability in “Other noncurrent liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortizes the deferred rent over the term of the respective lease as reduction to “Cost of goods sold” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, the Company records minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes sales at the point of purchase when the customer takes possession of the merchandise and pays for the purchase, generally with cash or credit. Sales from purchases made with Cato credit, gift cards and layaway sales are also recorded when the customer takes possession of the merchandise. Gift cards and layaway sales are recorded as deferred revenue until they are redeemed or forfeited. Gift cards do not have expiration dates. A provision is made for estimated merchandise returns based on sales volumes and the Company’s experience; actual returns have not varied materially from amounts provided historically.

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

In fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized $302,000, $287,000 and $79,000, respectively, of income on unredeemed gift cards (“gift card breakage”) as a component of Other income. Gift card breakage is determined after 60 months when the likelihood of the remaining balances being redeemed is remote based on our historical redemption data and there is no legal obligation to remit the remaining balances to relevant jurisdictions.

 

Credit revenue on the Company’s private label credit card portfolio is recognized as earned under the interest method. Late fees are recognized as earned, less provisions for estimated uncollectible fees.

 

Cost of Goods Sold:  Cost of goods sold includes merchandise costs, net of discounts and allowances, buying costs, distribution costs, occupancy costs, freight, and inventory shrinkage. Net merchandise costs and in-bound freight are capitalized as inventory costs. Buying and distribution costs include payroll, payroll-related costs and operating expenses for our buying departments and distribution center. Occupancy expenses include rent, real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance, utilities and maintenance for stores and distribution facilities. Buying, distribution, occupancy and internal transfer costs are treated as period costs and are not capitalized as part of inventory.

 

Credit Sales:  The Company offers its own credit card to customers. All credit activity is performed by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. None of the credit card receivables are secured. Finance income is recognized as earned under the interest method and late charges are recognized in the month in which they are assessed, net of provisions for estimated uncollectible amounts. The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable and records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the aging of accounts and estimates of actual write-offs.

 

Advertising:  Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising expense was approximately $6,406,000, $6,460,000 and $6,760,000 for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively.

 

Stock Repurchase Program:  In September 2009, the Company retired all of its shares of treasury stock. The excess of the purchase price over par value of common stock of approximately $155.6 million was charged to retained earnings upon retirement of the treasury stock. Prior to this retirement, the Company repurchased 2,569 shares at a cost of $48,811 for fiscal 2009. For fiscal 2008, the Company repurchased 198,718 shares for approximately $2.4 million.

 

Earnings Per Share:  ASC 260 — Earnings Per Share, requires dual presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of all income statements for all entities with complex capital structures. The Company has presented one basic EPS and one diluted EPS amount for all common shares in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. While the Company’s certificate of incorporation provides the right for the Board of Directors to declare dividends on Class A shares without declaration of commensurate dividends on Class B shares, the Company has historically paid the same dividends to both Class A and Class B shareholders and the Board of Directors has resolved to continue this practice. Accordingly, the Company’s allocation of income for purposes of EPS computation is the same for Class A and Class B shares and the EPS amounts reported herein are applicable to both Class A and Class B shares.

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Basic EPS is computed as net income less earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

 

 

Vendor Allowances:  The Company receives certain allowances from vendors primarily related to purchase discounts and markdown and damage allowances. All allowances are reflected in cost of goods sold as earned as the related products are sold. Cash consideration received from a vendor is presumed to be a reduction of the purchase cost of merchandise and is reflected as a reduction of inventory. The Company does not receive cooperative advertising allowances.

 

Income Taxes:  The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Income taxes are provided based on the asset and liability method of accounting, whereby deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities.

 

Unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are established in accordance with ASC 740 when, despite the fact that the tax return positions are supportable, the Company believes these positions may be challenged and the results are uncertain. The Company adjusts these liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances. In 2007, the Company recognized a transition adjustment for the adoption of new guidance related to the accounting for uncertain tax positions increasing beginning retained earnings by $362,000 for the effects of adopting ASC 740 relating to uncertain tax positions.

 

Store Opening and Closing Costs:  Costs relating to the opening of new stores or the relocating or expanding of existing stores are expensed as incurred. A portion of construction, design, and site selection costs are capitalized to new, relocated and remodeled stores.

 

Closed Store Lease Obligations:  At the time stores are closed, provisions are made for the rentals required to be paid over the remaining lease terms, reduced by expected sublease rentals.

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Insurance:  The Company is self-insured with respect to employee health care, workers’ compensation and general liability. The Company’s self-insurance liabilities are based on the total estimated cost of claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported, less amounts paid against such claims, and are not discounted. Management reviews current and historical claims data in developing its estimates. The Company has stop-loss insurance coverage for individual claims in excess of $250,000 for employee health care, $350,000 for worker’s compensation and $250,000 for general liability.

 

Until December 31, 2008, employee health claims were funded through a VEBA trust to which the Company made periodic contributions. Contributions to the VEBA trust were $10,070,000 and $12,065,000 in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. After December 31, 2008 the VEBA trust was dissolved and since then the Company has directly funded a disbursement account maintained by a third party provider. Contributions to the third party provider account in fiscal 2009 and 2008 were $13,898,000 and $2,559,000, respectively. The healthcare liability was $1,584,000 and $1,612,000, at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.

 

The Company paid workers’ compensation and general liability claims of $3,049,000, $3,388,000 and $4,080,000 in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Including claims incurred, but not yet paid, the Company recognized an expense of $4,003,000, $4,959,000 and $4,739,000 in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Accrued workers’ compensation and general liabilities were $4,921,000 and $4,889,000 at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively. At January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, the Company had $1,700,000 and $700,000, respectively, of standby letters of credit for the benefit of its current workers’ compensation and general liability insurance carrier relating to claims incurred during 2009 and 2008. At January 31, 2009, the Company had no outstanding letters of credit relating to such claims for 2007.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:  The Company’s carrying values of financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, approximate their fair values due to their short terms to maturity and/or their variable interest rates.

 

Stock Based Compensation:  The Company records compensation expense associated with restricted stock and other forms of equity compensation in accordance with ASC 718 — Compensation — Stock Compensation. Compensation cost associated with stock awards recognized in all years presented includes: 1) amortization related to the remaining unvested portion of all stock awards based on the grant date fair value and 2) adjustments for the effects of actual forfeitures versus initial estimated forfeitures.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Effective July 1, 2009, the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became the single official source of authoritative, nongovernmental generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States. The historical GAAP hierarchy was eliminated, and the ASC became the only level of authoritative GAAP, other than guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This statement was effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company’s accounting policies were not affected by the conversion to ASC.

 

For fiscal year ending January 31, 2009, basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding and earnings per share have been adjusted based on guidance issued in June 2008 that states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforteitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. This guidance was effective for all periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The impact to basic earnings per share for fiscal year end 2008 was $0.02 while the impact to diluted earnings per share was $0.01. For fiscal year end 2007, the impact to both basic and diluted earnings per share was $0.01.

 

In April 2009, additional guidance was issued on (1) estimating the fair value of an asset or liability when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and (2) identifying transactions

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

that are not orderly. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The impact to the Company was immaterial.

 

In April 2009, guidance was issued that amends previous other-than-temporary impairment guidance that was intended to bring greater consistency to the timing of impairment recognition and provide greater clarity to investors about the credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The impact to the Company was immaterial.

 

In May 2009, guidance was issued which establishes general standards for disclosure of and accounting for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This guidance was effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company’s adoption on August 2, 2009 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

 

The components of Interest and other income are shown below (in thousands):

 

 

 

At January 30, 2010, the Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in variable rate demand notes and governmental debt securities held in managed funds. These securities are classified as available-for-sale as they are highly liquid, are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and temporary losses reported net of taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

The table below reflects gross accumulated unrealized gains (losses) in short-term investments at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009.