CATO CORP - Annual Report: 2006 (Form 10-K)

 

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:

Class A Common Stock

Preferred Share Purchase Rights

 

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, 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 or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer þ     Non-accelerated filer o

 

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 29, 2005, the last business day of the Company’s most recent second quarter, was $643,779,464 based on the last reported sale price per share on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.

 

As of March 28, 2006, there were 30,547,172 shares of Class A Common Stock and 690,525 shares of Convertible Class B Common Stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the proxy statement relating to the 2006 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 2006 and beyond; 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, and 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. We make available free of charge, through our website, 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. The documents are also available in print to any shareholder who requests by contacting our corporate secretary at our company offices.

 

General

 

The Company, founded in 1946, operated 1,244 women’s fashion specialty stores at January 28, 2006, in 31 states, principally in the southeastern United States, under the names “Cato”, “Cato Fashions”, “Cato Plus” and “It’s Fashion!”. The Company seeks to offer quality fashion apparel and accessories at low prices, every day in junior/missy and plus sizes. Additionally, the Company offers clothing for girls sizes 7 to 16 in selected locations. 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 13% of retail sales in fiscal 2005. See Note 14 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 junior/missy and plus sizes 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.

 

Expansion.  The Company plans to continue to expand into northern, midwestern and western adjacent states, as well as to fill-in its existing southeastern core geography.

 

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. Apparel for girls sizes 7 to 16 is offered in approximately 1,000 stores. The

Company primarily offers exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices, every day.

 

The collaboration of the merchandising team with an expanded in-house product development and direct sourcing function has enhanced merchandise offerings delivering quality exclusive on trend styles at lower costs. 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 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 2005, purchases from the Company’s largest vendor accounted for approximately 5% 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, any economic, political or social unrest in any one region is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to obtain adequate supplies of merchandise.

 

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.

 

Advertising

 

The Company uses radio, television, in store signage, graphics and a Company website as its primary advertising media. The Company’s total advertising expenditures were approximately .7% of retail sales in fiscal 2005.

 

Store Operations

 

The Company’s store operations management team consists of 1 director of stores, 4 territorial managers, 16 regional managers and 128 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 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. All district managers receive at a minimum a one-week orientation program at the Company’s corporate office.

 

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 range in size from 3,500 to 6,000 square feet and average approximately 3,900 square feet.

 

All of the Company’s stores are leased. Approximately 94% are located in strip shopping centers and 6% 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 2001.

 

Store Development

 

 

In Fiscal 2005 the Company relocated 16 stores and remodeled 9 stores.

 

In Fiscal 2006 the Company plans to open approximately 90 new stores, relocate 25 stores, close up to 10 stores, and remodel 15 stores.

 

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. The 15 stores closed in 2005 were not material to the Company’s results of operations.

 

Credit and Layaway

 

Credit Card Program

 

The Company offers its own credit card, which accounted for approximately 8%, 9% and 10% of retail sales in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company’s net bad debt expense was 7.2%, 7.3% and 7.8% of credit sales in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Customers applying for the Company’s credit card are approved for credit if they have a satisfactory credit record. 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 5% of retail sales in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

Management Information 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. To the extent that the Company opens stores in larger cities and metropolitan areas, competition is expected to be more intense in those markets.

 

Regulation

 

A variety of laws affect the revolving credit program offered by the Company. The Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (Truth-in Lending) and Regulation Z promulgated thereunder require written disclosure of information relating to such financing, including the amount of the annual percentage rate and the finance charge. 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 discrimination against any credit applicant based on certain specified grounds. 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 28, 2006, the Company employed approximately 10,000 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 that its associate relations are good.

 

Factors that might cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward looking statements discussed elsewhere in this report, as well as affect our ability to achieve our financial and other goals, include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

Risks Relating To Our Business:

 

Our ability to identify fashion trends as well as to react to changing customer demand in a timely manner.

 

Customer tastes and fashion trends are volatile and tend to change rapidly, particularly for women’s apparel. 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 the merchandise in our stores, 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 have an adverse effect on our margins and results of operations.

 

Unusual weather or natural disasters that may impact sales and or operations.

 

Extreme changes in weather patterns or other natural disasters influence customer trends and purchases. Likewise, weather patterns and natural disasters may negatively impact sales and/or operation of the Company.

 

Merchandise supply and pricing and the interruption of and dependence on imports.

 

The Company has generally been able to obtain sufficient quantities of fashionable merchandise at prices that allow the Company to profitably sell such merchandise. Any disruption in that supply and/or the pricing of such merchandise could negatively impact the Company’s operations and results. A significant amount of the goods sold by the Company are imported and changes to the flow of these goods for any reason could have an adverse impact on the Company.

 

A decline in general economic conditions that may lead to reduced consumer demand for our apparel and accessories.

 

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, tax rates, the availability of consumer credit and consumer perception of economic conditions. A general slowdown in the United States economy and an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending habits which may result in lower net sales. A prolonged economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

A disruption or shut down of our distribution center.

 

The distribution of our products is centralized in one distribution center in Charlotte, NC. The merchandise we purchase is shipped directly to our distribution center where it is prepared for shipment to the appropriate stores. If the distribution center was to shut down or loose significant capacity for any reason, our operations would likely be seriously disrupted. 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.

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 industries. As a result, our stores typically generate a higher percentage of our annual net sales and profitability in the first quarter of our fiscal year compared to other quarters. 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 28, 2006, John P. D. Cato, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially controlled approximately 36% 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.

 

None

 

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 or results of operations.

 

None.

 

The executive officers of the Company and their ages as of March 31, 2006 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.

 

B. Allen Weinstein joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer of the Cato Division in August 1997. Since November 2004, he has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer of the Company. From 1995 to 1997, he was Senior Vice President — Merchandising of Catherines Stores Corporation. From 1981 to 1995, he served as Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Beall’s, Inc.

 

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 and Assistant Secretary. 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.

 

Michael T. Greer has been employed by the Company since 1985. Since November 2004, he has served as Senior Vice President, Director of Stores of the Company. From February 2004 through 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.

 

Robert C. Brummer joined the Company as Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Assistant Secretary in January 2001. From 1999 through 2000, he was employed by Sleepy’s, a beddings specialty retailer, as Vice President, Human Resources and Payroll. From 1997 through 1998, he was Vice President, Human Resources and Loss Prevention for The Party Experience, a party supplies specialty retailer. From 1995 until 1997, he was Vice President, Human Resources and Loss Prevention for No Body Beats The Wiz, an electronics specialty store chain.

 

Market & Dividend Information

 

The Company’s Class A Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol CTR. As required by Section 3.03A.12(a) of the NYSE listing standards, The Cato Corporation filed with the NYSE the annual certification of its Chief Executive Officer that he is not aware of any violation by the Company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Below is the market range and dividend information for the four quarters of fiscal 2005 and 2004 which have been adjusted for a three-for-two stock split in the form of a stock dividend of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock effected June 27, 2005.

 

 

 

As of March 28, 2006 the approximate number of record holders of the Company’s Class A Common Stock was 1,261 and there were 3 record holders of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of shares of the Company’s Common Stock made during the quarter ended January 28, 2006, by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” as defined by Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

 

The Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of 7,581,025 shares from time to time when, in the opinion of management, market conditions warrant. As of January 28, 2006, 1,556,544 shares remain open to purchase.

 

Certain selected financial data for the five fiscal years ended January  28, 2006 have been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements. The financial statements and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s 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.

 

The five-year selected consolidated financial data presented in this Item 6 has been adjusted to reflect a three-for-two stock split in the form of a stock dividend of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock effected June 27, 2005.

 

 

 

 

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 2005 Compared to Fiscal 2004

 

Retail sales increased by 6% to $821.6 million in fiscal 2005 compared to $773.8 million in fiscal 2004. Total revenues, comprised of retail sales and other income (principally finance charges and late fees on customer accounts receivable and layaway fees), increased by 6% to $836.4 million in fiscal 2005 compared to $789.6 million in fiscal 2004. The Company operated 1,244 stores at January 28, 2006 compared to 1,177 stores operated at January 29, 2005.

 

The increase in retail sales in fiscal 2005 was attributable, in part, to increased sales in comparable stores (stores open more than 15 months) of 1% with the balance of the increase primarily relating to sales from new stores. In fiscal 2005, the Company opened 82 new stores, relocated 16 stores, remodeled 9 stores and closed 15 stores.

 

Credit revenue of $12.7 million represented 1.5% of total revenue in fiscal 2005. This is comparable to 2004 credit revenue of $14.2 million or 1.8% of total revenue. The decrease in credit revenue was primarily due to reductions in finance charge income and late fee income as a result of lower accounts receivable balance. 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 $7.9 million in fiscal 2005 compared to $8.7 million in fiscal 2004. The decrease in these expenses was principally due to lower bad debt expense in fiscal 2005. See Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a schedule of credit related expenses. Total credit income before taxes decreased $0.7 million from $5.4 million in 2004 to $4.7 million in 2005 due to the decreased revenue, partially offset by decreased bad debt expense. Total credit income in 2005 represented 6.7% of income before taxes of $70.4 million.

 

Other income in total, as included in total revenues in fiscal 2005, decreased slightly to $14.7 million from $15.8 million in fiscal 2004. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in finance and late charges.

 

Cost of goods sold was $547.0 million, or 66.6% of retail sales, in fiscal 2005 compared to $528.9 million, or 68.4% of retail sales, in fiscal 2004. The decrease in cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales resulted primarily from lower procurement costs and reduced markdowns. The reduction in procurement cost is primarily the result of increased direct sourcing and the reduction in markdowns is primarily due to tighter inventory control and better sales of regular priced merchandise. 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 12% to $274.7 million in fiscal 2005 from $244.9 million in fiscal 2004. Gross margin as presented may not be comparable to those of other entities. For example, others may include internal transfer costs in selling, general and administrative expenses while the Company classifies them as cost of goods sold.

 

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 $203.2 million in fiscal 2005 compared to $187.6 million in fiscal 2004, an increase of 8%. As a percent of retail sales, SG&A was 24.7% compared to 24.2% in the prior year. The overall increase in SG&A resulted primarily from increased incentive and discretionary bonuses and increased infrastructure expenses attributable to the Company’s store development activities.

 

Depreciation expense was $20.3 million in fiscal 2005 compared to $20.4 million in fiscal 2004. The depreciation expense in fiscal 2005 and 2004 resulted primarily from the Company’s store development activity.

 

Interest expense was $.2 million in fiscal 2005 compared to $.7 million in fiscal 2004. The decline was attributable to the early retirement of the remaining balance of $20.5 million unsecured loan facility, paid on April 5, 2005.

 

Interest and other income was $4.6 million in fiscal 2005 compared to $2.7 million in fiscal 2004. The increase in fiscal 2005 resulted primarily from higher interest rates earned on short term investments.

 

Income tax expense was $25.5 million, or 3.1% of retail sales in fiscal 2005 compared to $19.9, or 2.6% of retail sales in fiscal 2004. The increase resulted from higher pre-tax income. The effective tax rate was 36.3% in both fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004. The Company expects the effective rate in 2006 to be in the range of 36% to 37%.

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company revised its process for determining the amount of accounts receivable that should be written off each period. This change in process was consistent with industry and regulatory guidelines and resulted in an acceleration of accounts receivable write-off of approximately $1,700,000. This write-off reduced the gross Accounts Receivable balance and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts in the third quarter of 2005. Accordingly, this change in process had no effect on the current period’s earnings and management does not expect that the change will have a material effect on the Company’s future earnings or financial position.

 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company experienced extensive damage to 13 stores located in the U.S. Gulf Coast as a result of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. The Company recorded a write-off of $792,000 for inventory and damages to store assets and recorded a receivable as of January  28, 2006 for an insurance claim in this same amount. The Company has property insurance that covers most damages as well as business interruption insurance. Any additional amounts recovered under these policies will be recorded when received. Since the Company’s stores are widely dispersed, lost sales due to closed stores are generally limited and are often offset by increased sales in other stores near the affected area. Therefore, the effects of these hurricanes have not had a material impact in the aggregate on the Company’s financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

 

Fiscal 2004 Compared to Fiscal 2003

 

Retail sales increased by 6% to $773.8 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $731.8 million in fiscal 2003. Total revenues increased by 6% to $789.6 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $747.3 million in fiscal 2003. The Company operated 1,177 stores at January 29, 2005 compared to 1,102 stores operated at January 31, 2004.

 

The increase in retail sales in fiscal 2004 was attributable to sales from new stores. Sales from comparable stores (open more than 15 months) were flat to 2003. In fiscal 2004, the Company increased its number of stores 7% by opening 80 new stores, relocating 29 stores, remodeling 17 stores and closing 5 stores.

 

Credit revenues decreased $0.3 million from $14.5 million in 2003 to $14.2 million in 2004 mainly due to decreased finance charges and late fees. Credit revenues represented 1.8% of total revenues in 2004 and 1.9% in 2003. Related expenses totaled $8.7 million in 2004 compared to $9.7 million in 2003 principally due to lower bad debt expenses in 2004. Total credit income before taxes increased $0.7 million from $4.7 million in 2003 to $5.4 million in 2004 as a result of the decreased bad debt expense partially offset by decreased credit revenue. Total credit income in 2004 represented 9.9% of income before taxes of $54.7 million.

Other income in total, as included in total revenues in fiscal 2004, increased slightly to $15.8 million from $15.5 million in fiscal 2003. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in late charges.

 

Cost of goods sold was $528.9 million, or 68.4% of retail sales, in fiscal 2004 compared to $509.0 million, or 69.6% of retail sales, in fiscal 2003. The decrease in cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales resulted primarily from reduced markdowns.

 

SG&A expenses were $187.6 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $174.2 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of 8%. As a percent of retail sales, SG&A was 24.2% compared to 23.8% in the prior year. The overall increase in SG&A resulted primarily from increased incentive and discretionary bonuses and increased infrastructure expenses attributable to the Company’s store development activities.

 

Depreciation expense was $20.4 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $18.7 million in fiscal 2003. The 9% increase in fiscal 2004 resulted primarily from the Company’s store development activity.

 

Interest and other income was $2.7 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $3.6 million in fiscal 2003. The 25% decrease in fiscal 2004 resulted primarily from the Company’s lower cash and short-term investment position following the repurchase of $98.3 million of Company stock in fiscal 2003.

 

Income tax expense was $19.9 million, or 2.6% of retail sales in fiscal 2004 compared to $17.7 million, or 2.4% of retail sales in fiscal 2003. The increase resulted from higher pre-tax income.

 

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 that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

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 judgment. Actual results inevitably will 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, shrink accrual and tax contingency reserves.

 

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 roll rates over a period of up to 12 months. The allowance is reviewed for adequacy and adjusted, as necessary, on a monthly 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. During the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company revised its process for determining the amount of accounts receivable that should be written off each period. This change in process was consistent with industry and regulatory guidelines and resulted in an acceleration of accounts receivable write-off of approximately $1,700,000. This write-off reduced the gross accounts receivable balance and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts in the third quarter of 2005. Accordingly, this change in process had no effect on the current period’s earnings and management does not expect that the change will have a material effect on the Company’s future earnings or financial position.

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 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 inventory and the financial reporting date. The Company continuously 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 SFAS No. 13. 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 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 employees. 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.

 

Tax Reserves

 

The Company records liabilities for uncertain tax positions principally related to state income taxes. These liabilities reflect the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate income tax liabilities based on facts and circumstances. Changes in facts and/or settlements with individual states related to previously filed tax returns could result in material adjustments to the estimated liabilities 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, layaway deposits and merchandise credits granted to customers are recorded as deferred revenue until they are redeemed or forfeited. 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.

 

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 2005 was $70.9 million as compared to $79.9 million in fiscal 2004. These amounts have enabled the Company to fund its regular operating needs, capital expenditure program, cash dividend payments and any repurchase of the Company’s Common Stock and to prepay the term loan used to finance the 2003 repurchase of the Company’s Class B Common Stock from the Company’s founders as described below. In addition, the Company maintains $35 million of unsecured revolving credit facilities for short-term financing of seasonal cash needs, none of which was outstanding at January 28, 2006.

 

Cash provided by operating activities for these periods was primarily generated by earnings adjusted for depreciation, deferred rent, and changes in working capital. The decrease of $8.9 million for fiscal 2005 over fiscal 2004 is primarily due to a reduction in accounts payable attributable to tighter inventory management, an increase in prepaid expenses, other assets and deferred income taxes offset by the increase in net earnings of $10.0 million.

 

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 2006 and for the foreseeable future beyond twelve months.

 

At January 28, 2006, the Company had working capital of $139.1 million compared to $133.8 million at January 29, 2005. Additionally, the Company had $1.9 million invested in privately managed investment funds at January 28, 2006, which are reported under other noncurrent assets of the consolidated balance sheets.

 

At January 28, 2006, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement, which provided for borrowings of up to $35 million. The revolving credit agreement is committed until August 2008. This agreement replaced a prior revolving credit agreement which was due to expire in August 2006. 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 28, 2006. There were no borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities during the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006 or the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005.

On August 22, 2003, the Company entered into a new unsecured $30 million five-year term loan facility, the proceeds of which were used to purchase Class B Common Stock from the Company’s founders. Payments are due in monthly installments of $500,000 plus accrued interest based on LIBOR. On April 5, 2005, the Company repaid the remaining balance of $20.5 million on this loan facility with no early prepayment penalty. With the early retirement of this loan, the Company has no outstanding debt as of January 28, 2006.

 

The Company had approximately $2.8 million and $3.5 million at January 28, 2006 and January 29, 2005, respectively, of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.

 

Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $28.5 million, $25.3 million and $20.6 million in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The expenditures for fiscal 2005 were primarily for store development, store remodels and investments in new technology. In fiscal 2006, the Company is planning to invest approximately $45 million in capital expenditures. This includes expenditures to open 90 new stores, relocate 25 stores and close up to 10 stores. In addition, the Company plans to remodel 15 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 $26.0 million for fiscal 2005 compared to $66.3 million used for the comparable period of 2004. The decrease was due primarily to the reduction in purchases of short-term investments, offset by an increase of sales of short-term investments.

 

On May 26, 2005, the Board of Directors approved a three-for-two stock split in the form of a stock dividend of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock effective June 27, 2005. Additionally, on May 26, 2005, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 11% from $.175 per share to $.195 per share, or an annualized rate of $.78 per share on a pre-split basis. On a post-split basis, the annualized rate is $.52 per share. Prior year basic and diluted earnings per share have been adjusted for the three-for-two stock split.

 

Additionally, during fiscal 2005, the Company repurchased 186,531 shares of Class A Common Stock for a total cost of $3,535,510, or an average cost of $18.95 per share.

 

The Company does not use derivative financial instruments. At January 28, 2006, the Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in governmental and other debt securities with maturities less than 36 months. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and 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 shows the Company’s obligations and commitments as of January 28, 2006, to make future payments under noncancellable contractual obligations (in thousands):

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)). SFAS 123(R) is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” SFAS 123(R) requires companies to recognize compensation expense in the income statement for an amount equal to the fair value of the share-based payment issued. This applies to all transactions involving the issuance of equity by a company in exchange for goods and services, including employees. In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107) outlining the SEC Staff’s interpretation of SFAS 123(R). This interpretation provides their views regarding interactions between SFAS 123(R) and certain SEC rules and regulations and provides interpretations of the valuation of share-based payments for public

companies. Subsequently in August, October and November 2005, the FASB released Financial Staff Position (FSP) 123(R)-1, “Classification and Measurement of Freestanding Financial Instruments Originally Issued in Exchange for Employee Services under FASB Statement No. 123(R),” FSP123(R)-2, “Practical Accommodation to the Application of Grant Date as Defined in FASB Statement No. 123(R)” and FSP 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” Additionally, on February 1, 2006, the FASB agreed to issue FSP 123(R)-4, “Classification of Options and Similar Instruments Issued as Employee Compensation That Allow for Cash Settlement upon the Occurrence of a Contingent Event.” The FSPs clarify certain accounting provisions set forth in SFAS 123(R). The Company will adhere to the requirements and guidance prescribed in SFAS 123(R), SAB 107 and the FSPs in connection with its adoption in the first quarter of 2006. The Company plans to use the modified prospective method for transitioning to the new Standard. The Company estimates that the impact on 2006 earnings will approximate $.00 to $.01 of cost per share for the year associated with the expensing of the fair market value of stock options, issuances of restricted stock, and accounting for discounts associated with the Company’s employee stock purchase plan.

 

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:

 

We have completed integrated audits of The Cato Corporation’s 2005 and 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2006, and an audit of its 2003 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

 

Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Cato Corporation and its subsidiaries at January 28, 2006 and January 29, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 28, 2006 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 index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Internal control over financial reporting

 

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2006 based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM — (Continued)

 

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

April 11, 2006

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 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 business segments — the operation of women’s fashion specialty stores and a credit card division. The apparel specialty stores operate under the names “Cato,” “Cato Fashions,” “Cato Plus” and “It’s Fashion!” 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 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 workers’ compensation liabilities, general and auto insurance liabilities, reserves for inventory markdowns, calculation of asset impairment, inventory shrink accrual and tax contingency reserves.

 

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 in 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 Statements of Consolidated 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 28, 2006, January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004 were $28,415,000, $18,454,000 and $12,643,000, respectively. Cash paid for interest for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2006, January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004 were $143,000, $610,000 and $306,400, 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 the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position (“SOP”) 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” 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

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

lease term. For leases with renewal periods at the Company 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 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. Impairment charges of store assets incurred for fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003 are $387,139, $306,983 and $912,800, 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 FASB issued Statement No. 13 (“SFAS 13”), “Accounting for 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 uses the date of initial possession to begin amortization which is generally when the Company enters the space and begins to make improvements in preparation of 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 as defined by SFAS 13.

 

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, layaway deposits and merchandise credits granted to customers are recorded as deferred revenue until they are redeemed or forfeited. 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.

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 $6,103,000, $5,504,000 and $5,638,000 for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2006, January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004, respectively.

 

Earnings Per Share:  FASB No. 128 requires dual presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of all income statements for all entities with complex capital structures. Basic EPS is computed as net income 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, warrants and other convertible securities. Unvested restricted stock is included in the computation of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method for fiscal 2005 and 2004, and had no impact on fiscal 2003. The weighted-average number of shares used in the basic earnings per share computations was 31,117,214, 30,876,393, and 34,710,872 for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2006, January 29, 2005, and January 31, 2004, respectively. The weighted-average number of shares representing the dilutive effect of stock options was 672,673, 601,668 and 628,440 for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2006, January 29, 2005, and January 31, 2004, respectively. The weighted-average number of shares used in the diluted earnings per share computations was 31,789,887, 31,478,061, and 35,339,312 for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2006, January 29, 2005, and January 31, 2004, respectively. There were an immaterial number of shares withheld in the computation of diluted earnings per share due to potential anti-dilutive effects for the fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

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, generally as the related products are sold in accordance with EITF 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor.” Under this EITF, cash consideration received from a vendor is presumed to be a reduction of the purchase cost of merchandise and should be reflected as a reduction of cost of sales or revenue unless it can be demonstrated this consideration offsets an incremental expense, in which case it can be netted against that expense. 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.

 

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.

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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.

 

Insurance:  The Company is self-insured with respect to employee healthcare, 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 healthcare, $350,000 for worker’s compensation and $200,000 for general liability. Employee health claims are funded through a VEBA trust to which the Company makes periodic contributions. Contributions to the VEBA trust were $12,110,000, $11,205,000 and $8,995,000 in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Accrued healthcare was $1,200,000 and $1,318,000 and assets held in VEBA trust were $573,000 and $731,000 at January 28, 2006 and January 29, 2005, respectively. The Company paid worker’s compensation and general liability claims of $2,977,000, $3,227,000 and $3,019,000 in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Including claims incurred, but not yet paid, the Company recognized an expense of $3,518,000, $3,513,000 and $3,764,000 in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Accrued workers’ compensation and general liabilities were $4,650,000 and $4,155,000 at January 28, 2006 and January 29, 2005, respectively. The Company had no outstanding letters of credit relating to such claims at January 28, 2006 or at January 29, 2005.

 

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

 

Stock-based Compensation:  The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans. The exercise price for all options awarded under the Company’s Stock Option Plans has been equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized for options granted under the Plans. Had compensation expense for fiscal 2005, 2004, and 2003 stock options granted been determined consistent with SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure,” the Company’s net income and basic and diluted earnings per share amounts for fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003 as adjusted for the three-for-two stock split on June 27, 2005 would approximate the following proforma amounts (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The weighted-average fair value of each option granted during fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003 is estimated at $6.20, $4.23 and $3.89 per share, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions for grants issued in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively: expected dividend yield of 2.49%, 3.00% and 3.01%; expected volatility of 37.04%, 38.13% and 44.34%, adjusted for expected dividends; risk-free interest rate of 4.27%, 3.74% and 3.29%; and an expected life of 5 years for 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)). SFAS 123(R) is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” SFAS 123(R) requires companies to recognize compensation expense in the income statement for an amount equal to the fair value of the share-based payment issued. This applies to all transactions involving the issuance of equity by a company in exchange for goods and services, including employees. In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (SAB 107) outlining the SEC Staff’s interpretation of SFAS 123(R). This interpretation provides their views regarding interactions between SFAS 123(R) and certain SEC rules and regulations and provides interpretations of the valuation of share-based payments for public companies. Subsequently in August, October and November 2005, the FASB released Financial Staff Position (FSP) 123(R)-1, “Classification and Measurement of Freestanding Financial Instruments Originally Issued in Exchange for Employee Services under FASB Statement No. 123(R),” FSP123(R)-2, “Practical Accommodation to the Application of Grant Date as Defined in FASB Statement No. 123(R)” and FSP 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” Additionally, on February 1, 2006, the FASB agreed to issue FSP 123(R)-4, “Classification of Options and Similar Instruments Issued as Employee Compensation That Allow for Cash Settlement upon the Occurrence of a Contingent Event.” The FSPs clarify certain accounting provisions set forth in SFAS 123(R). The Company will adhere to the requirements and guidance prescribed in SFAS 123(R), SAB 107 and the FSPs in connection with its adoption in the first quarter of 2006. The Company plans to use the modified prospective method for transitioning to the new Standard. The Company estimates that the impact on 2006 annual earnings will approximate $.00 to $.01 of cost per share for the year associated with the expensing of the fair market value of stock options, issuances of restricted stock, and accounting for discounts associated with the Company’s employee stock purchase plan.

 

Reclassifications and Revisions:  The Consolidated Balance Sheets for the year ended January 29, 2005 reflects an immaterial revision to current deferred income taxes and noncurrent deferred income taxes of $3.2 million. This revision had no effect on the Consolidated Statements of Income or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

 

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

 

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

Short-Term investments at January 28, 2006 and January 29, 2005 include the following (in thousands):