Annual Statements Open main menu

CATO CORP - Quarter Report: 2017 April (Form 10-Q)

cato10q1qtr17.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

 

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

[X]

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended April 29, 2017

 

OR

 

[  ]

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ________________to__________________

Commission file number                1-31340               

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

56-0484485

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

8100 Denmark Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28273-5975

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(704) 554-8510

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

X

No

 

 

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes

X

No

 

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer þ    Accelerated filer ¨    Non-accelerated filer ¨    Smaller reporting company ¨    Emerging growth company ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes

 

No

X

 

As of April 29, 2017, there were 23,999,753 shares of Class A common stock and 1,755,601 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.


 
THE CATO CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarter Ended April 29, 2017

Table of Contents

 

Page No.

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited):

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

2

 

 

For the Three Months Ended  April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

3

 

 

At April 29, 2017 and  January 28, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

4

 

 

For the Three Months Ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5 - 15

 

 

For the Three Months Ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

16 – 22

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

23

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

23

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

24

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

24

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

24

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

24

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

25

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

26

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

2


 

Table of Contents

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

April 29, 2017

 

April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

  Retail sales

$

237,655

$

285,497

  Other revenue (principally finance charges, late fees and

 

 

 

 

    layaway charges)

 

2,086

 

2,476

    Total revenues

 

239,741

 

287,973

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES, NET

 

 

 

 

  Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation shown below)

 

145,783

 

163,973

  Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation

 

 

 

 

    shown below)

 

63,780

 

71,071

  Depreciation

 

5,060

 

5,676

  Interest and other income

 

(942)

 

(2,928)

    Cost and expenses, net

 

213,681

 

237,792

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

26,060

 

50,181

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

3,827

 

14,307

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

22,233

$

35,874

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

$

0.85

$

1.29

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.85

$

1.29

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share

$

0.33

$

0.30

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

22,233

$

35,874

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net

 

 

 

 

   of deferred income taxes of $259 and $94 for April 29, 2017

 

433

 

153

   and April 30, 2016, respectively

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

$

22,666

$

36,027

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3


 
Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 29, 2017

 

January 28, 2017

 

(Dollars in thousands)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

52,424

 

$

47,234

Short-term investments

 

178,930

 

 

201,233

Restricted cash and investments

 

3,695

 

 

3,691

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of

 

 

 

 

 

     $1,144 and $1,348 at April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, respectively

 

32,298

 

 

30,336

Merchandise inventories

 

131,784

 

 

145,682

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

14,571

 

 

15,632

      Total Current Assets

 

413,702

 

 

443,808

Property and equipment – net

 

124,650

 

 

126,386

Noncurrent deferred income taxes

 

12,500

 

 

13,773

Other assets

 

22,718

 

 

22,357

      Total Assets

$

573,570

 

$

606,324

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

83,125

 

$

105,249

Accrued expenses

 

56,403

 

 

61,313

Accrued bonus and benefits

 

2,284

 

 

3,068

Accrued income taxes

 

2,282

 

 

2,282

      Total Current Liabilities

 

144,094

 

 

171,912

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

49,675

 

 

50,509

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $100 par value per share, 100,000 shares

 

 

 

 

 

   authorized, none issued

 

-

 

 

-

Class A common stock, $0.033 par value per share, 50,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

   shares authorized; issued 23,999,753 shares and 24,853,129 shares

 

 

 

 

 

   at April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, respectively

 

806

 

 

837

Convertible Class B common stock, $0.033 par value per share,

 

 

 

 

 

   15,000,000 shares authorized; issued 1,755,601 shares and

 

 

 

 

 

   1,751,576 shares at April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, respectively

 

58

 

 

58

Additional paid-in capital

 

95,955

 

 

95,207

Retained earnings

 

282,763

 

 

288,015

Accumulated other comprehensive income 

 

219

 

 

(214)

         Total Stockholders' Equity

 

379,801

 

 

383,903

         Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

573,570

 

$

606,324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4


 
Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

April 29, 2017

April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

22,233

 

$

35,874

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

5,060

 

 

5,676

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

54

 

 

246

 

Purchase premium and premium amortization of investments

 

 

657

 

 

4

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

449

 

 

394

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 

 

-

 

 

(62)

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

1,015

 

 

-

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

246

 

 

936

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(used) cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Accounts receivable

 

 

(2,015)

 

 

(1,057)

 

        Merchandise inventories

 

 

13,897

 

 

6,935

 

        Prepaid and other assets

 

 

936

 

 

(462)

 

        Accrued income taxes

 

 

-

 

 

10,551

 

        Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

 

(26,932)

 

 

(22,875)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

15,600

 

 

36,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenditures for property and equipment 

 

 

(3,446)

 

 

(6,030)

 

Purchase of short-term investments

 

 

(9,770)

 

 

(36,900)

 

Sales of short-term investments

 

 

32,304

 

 

10,683

 

Purchase of other assets

 

 

(654)

 

 

(63)

 

Change in restricted cash and investments

 

 

(5)

 

 

(2)

 

Net cash provided/(used) in investing activities

 

 

18,429

 

 

(32,312)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(8,677)

 

 

(8,318)

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

(20,464)

 

 

(7,100)

 

Proceeds from line of credit

 

 

21,000

 

 

-

 

Payments to line of credit

 

 

(21,000)

 

 

-

 

Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan

 

 

207

 

 

209

 

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 

 

-

 

 

62

 

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

 

95

 

 

230

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(28,839)

 

 

(14,917)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

5,190

 

 

(11,069)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

47,234

 

 

67,057

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

52,424

 

$

55,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued other assets and property and equipment

 

$

999

 

$

218

 

Accrued treasury stock

 

 

231

 

 

-

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

5


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

NOTE 1- GENERAL:

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements as of April 29, 2017 and for the thirteen week period ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 have been prepared from the accounting records of The Cato Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”), and all amounts shown are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement have been included.  All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature unless otherwise noted.  The results of the interim period may not be indicative of the results expected for the entire year.

 

The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017.  Amounts as of January 28, 2017 have been derived from the audited balance sheet, but do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

On May 19, 2017, the Board of Directors maintained the quarterly dividend at $0.33 per share.

 

As of May 24, 2017 the Company repurchased 120,035 shares for $2,674,769.

 

During the first quarter of 2017, the Company changed its estimates for unrecognized benefits of uncertain tax positions. As a result of this change in estimate, Income tax expense decreased by $1.5 million, Other noncurrent liabilities decreased by $2.5 million, and Noncurrent deferred income taxes decreased by $1.0 million.

5


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

NOTE 2- EARNINGS PER SHARE:

 

Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 260 – Earnings Per Share requires dual presentation of basic and diluted Earnings Per Share (“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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive 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 the 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.

 

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.   

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

April 29, 2017

 

 

April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

22,233

 

$

35,874

 

 

Earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards

 

 

(464)

 

 

(727)

 

 

Net earnings available to common stockholders

 

$

21,769

 

$

35,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

 

25,735,978

 

 

27,178,974

 

 

Dilutive effect of stock options

 

 

-

 

 

1,877

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

 

 

25,735,978

 

 

27,180,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.85

 

$

1.29

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.85

 

$

1.29

 

6


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

NOTE 3– ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

 

The following tables set forth information regarding the reclassification out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands) for the three months ended April 29, 2017:

 

 

 

Changes in Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized Gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and (Losses) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-Sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017

 

$

(214)

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Other comprehensive income before

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   reclassification

 

 

436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Amounts reclassified from accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   other comprehensive income (b)

 

 

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

 

 

433

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending Balance at April 29, 2017

 

$

219

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) All amounts are net-of-tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate a debit/reduction to other comprehensive income ("OCI").

 

 

 

(b) Includes ($6) impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Interest and other

income for net gains on available-for-sale securities. The tax impact of this reclassification was ($3).

 

 

 

The following tables set forth information regarding the reclassification out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands) for the three months ended April 30, 2016:

 

 

 

Changes in Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized Gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and (Losses) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-Sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning Balance at January 30, 2016

 

$

800

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Other comprehensive income before

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   reclassification

 

 

154

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Amounts reclassified from accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   other comprehensive income (b)

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

 

 

153

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending Balance at April 30, 2016

 

$

953

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) All amounts are net-of-tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate a debit/reduction to other comprehensive income ("OCI").

 

 

 

(b) Includes $2 impact of accumulated other comprehensive income reclassifications into Interest and other

income for net gains on available-for-sale securities. The tax impact of this reclassification was $1.

 

 

 

7


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

NOTE 4– FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS:

 

As of April 29, 2017, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement to borrow $35.0 million less the balance of any revocable letters of credit as discussed below.  The revolving credit agreement is committed until August 2018.  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 April 29, 2017.  There were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility at April 29, 2017 or January 28, 2017.  The weighted average interest rate under the credit facility was zero at April 29, 2017 due to no borrowings outstanding.

 

At April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, the Company had no outstanding revocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.



 

NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION:

 

The Company has determined that it has four operating segments, as defined under ASC 280-10, including Cato, It’s Fashion, Versona and Credit.  As outlined in ASC 280-10, the Company has two reportable segments: Retail and Credit.  The Company has aggregated its three retail operating segments, including e-commerce, based on the aggregation criteria outlined in ASC 280-10, which states that two or more operating segments may be aggregated into a single reportable segment if aggregation is consistent with the objective and basic principles of ASC 280-10, which require the segments to have similar economic characteristics, products, production processes, clients and methods of distribution. 

 

The Company’s retail operating segments have similar economic characteristics and similar operating, financial and competitive risks.  They are similar in nature of product, as they all offer women’s apparel, shoes and accessories.  Merchandise inventory for the Company’s retail operating segments is sourced from the same countries and some of the same vendors, using similar production processes.  Merchandise for the Company’s operating segments is distributed to retail stores in a similar manner through the Company’s single distribution center and is subsequently distributed to clients in a similar manner.

                         

The Company operates its women’s fashion specialty retail stores in 33 states as of April 29, 2017, principally in the southeastern United States. The Company offers its own credit card to its customers and all credit authorizations, payment processing and collection efforts are performed by a separate subsidiary of the Company.

8


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED):

 

The following schedule summarizes certain segment information (in thousands):

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

April 29, 2017

Retail

Credit

Total

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$238,642

$1,099

$239,741

Depreciation

5,048

12

5,060

Interest and other income

(942)

-

(942)

Income before taxes

25,619

441

26,060

Capital expenditures

3,446

-

3,446

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

April 30, 2016

Retail

Credit

Total

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$286,703

$1,270

$287,973

Depreciation

5,664

12

5,676

Interest and other income

(2,928)

-

(2,928)

Income before taxes

49,838

343

50,181

Capital expenditures

6,030

-

6,030

 

 

 

 

 

Retail

Credit

Total

 

 

 

 

Total assets as of April, 29, 2017

$523,286

$50,284

$573,570

Total assets as of January, 28, 2017

554,716

51,608

606,324

 

The Company evaluates segment performance based on income before taxes.  The Company does not allocate certain corporate expenses or income taxes to the credit segment.

 

The following schedule summarizes the direct expenses of the credit segment which are reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

April 29, 2017

 

 

April 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bad debt expense

$

54

 

$

246

Payroll

 

221

 

 

231

Postage

 

137

 

 

180

Other expenses

 

234

 

 

258

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expenses

$

646

 

$

915

9


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

NOTE 6– STOCK BASED COMPENSATION:

 

As of April 29, 2017, the Company had three long-term compensation plans pursuant to which stock-based compensation was outstanding or could be granted. The Company’s 1987 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan is for the granting of options to officers and key employees.  As of April 29, 2017, there were no available stock options for grant. The 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan and 2004 Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan are for the granting of various forms of equity-based awards, including restricted stock and stock options for grant, to officers, directors and key employees. Effective May 23, 2013, shares for grant were no longer available under the 2004 Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

The following table presents the number of options and shares of restricted stock initially authorized and available for grant under each of the plans as of April 29, 2017:

 

 

1987

 

2004

 

2013

 

 

 

Plan

 

Plan

 

Plan

 

Total

Options and/or restricted stock initially authorized

5,850,000

 

1,350,000

 

1,500,000

 

8,700,000

Options and/or restricted stock available for grant:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      April 29, 2017

-

 

-

 

1,047,261

 

1,047,261

 

In accordance with ASC 718, the fair value of current restricted stock awards is estimated on the date of grant based on the market price of the Company’s stock and is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting periods. As of April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, there was $11,404,000 and $12,685,000, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which had a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.2 years and 2.5 years, respectively. The total fair value of the shares recognized as compensation expense during the three months ended April 29, 2017 was $408,000 compared to $353,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2016.  These expenses are classified as a component of Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

The following summary shows the changes in the shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding during the three months ended April 29, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average

 

Number of

 

 

Grant Date Fair

 

Shares

 

 

Value Per Share

Restricted stock awards at January 28, 2017

561,323

 

$

32.22

Granted

-

 

 

-

Vested

-

 

 

-

Forfeited or expired

(18,595)

 

 

32.41

Restricted stock awards at April 29, 2017

542,728

 

$

32.21

10


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

The Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows eligible full-time employees to purchase a limited number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock during each semi-annual offering period at a 15% discount through payroll deductions. During the three months ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, the Company sold 11,215 and 7,048 shares to employees at an average discount of $3.27 and $5.23 per share, respectively, under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The compensation expense recognized for the 15% discount given under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was approximately $37,000 for the three months ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016.  These expenses are classified as a component of Selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

As of May 1, 2017, the Company granted 191,919 shares of additional restricted stock to officers and key employees. The shares have a weighted average grant date fair value of $22.44 and will vest over five years at the rate of 33% in each of the third and fourth years and 34% in the fifth. The calculated unearned compensation expense of $4,307,000 will be charged as a component of additional paid-in capital and amortized to compensation expense over the related vesting term.



NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

 

The following tables set forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value (in thousands) as of April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prices in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

April 29, 2017

 

Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

Description

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    State/Municipal Bonds

 

$

152,515

 

$

-

 

$

152,515

 

$

-

    Corporate Bonds

 

 

24,852

 

 

-

 

 

24,852

 

 

-

    U.S. Treasury Notes

 

 

802

 

 

802

 

 

-

 

 

-

    Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

 

 

8,095

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,095

    Asset-backed Securities (ABS)

 

 

1,562

 

 

-

 

 

1,562

 

 

-

    Corporate Equities

 

 

751

 

 

751

 

 

-

 

 

-

    Certificates of Deposit

 

 

100

 

 

100

 

 

-

 

 

-

Total Assets

 

$

188,677

 

$

1,653

 

$

178,929

 

$

8,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Deferred Compensation

 

 

(7,959)

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(7,959)

Total Liabilities

 

$

(7,959)

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

(7,959)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prices in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

January 28, 2017

 

Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

Description

 

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    State/Municipal Bonds

 

$

172,953

 

$

-

 

$

172,953

 

$

-

    Corporate Bonds

 

 

25,329

 

 

-

 

 

25,329

 

 

-

    U.S. Treasury Notes

 

 

1,206

 

 

1,206

 

 

-

 

 

-

    Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

 

 

7,973

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

7,973

    Asset-backed Securities (ABS)

 

 

2,951

 

 

-

 

 

2,951

 

 

-

    Corporate Equities

 

 

722

 

 

722

 

 

-

 

 

-

    Certificates of Deposit

 

 

100

 

 

100

 

 

-

 

 

-

Total Assets

 

$

211,234

 

$

2,028

 

$

201,233

 

$

7,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Deferred Compensation

 

 

(7,649)

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(7,649)

Total Liabilities

 

$

(7,649)

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

(7,649)

 

The Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in corporate bonds and tax-exempt and taxable governmental debt securities held in managed accounts with underlying ratings of A or better at April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017.  The state, municipal and corporate bonds have contractual maturities which range from two days to 30.0 years. The U.S. Treasury Notes and Certificates of Deposit have contractual maturities which range from five months to one year. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded as Short-term investments, Restricted cash and investments and Other assets on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes in Accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

Additionally, at April 29, 2017, the Company had $0.8 million of corporate equities and deferred compensation plan assets of $8.1 million.  At January 28, 2017, the Company had $0.7 million of corporate equities and deferred compensation plan assets of $8.0 million. All of these assets are recorded within Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Level 1 category securities are measured at fair value using quoted active market prices.  Level 2 investment securities include corporate and municipal bonds for which quoted prices may not be available on active exchanges for identical instruments.  Their fair value is principally based on market values determined by management with assistance of a third-party pricing service.  Since quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, these prices are determined by the pricing service using observable market information such as quotes from less active markets and/or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, among other factors.

 

Deferred compensation plan assets consist of life insurance policies. These life insurance policies are valued based on the cash surrender value of the insurance contract, which is determined based on such factors as the fair value of the underlying assets and discounted cash flow and are therefore classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The Level 3 liability associated with the life insurance policies represents a deferred compensation obligation, the value of which is tracked via underlying insurance funds. These funds are designed to mirror existing mutual funds and money market funds that are observable and actively traded. Cash surrender values are provided by third parties and reviewed for reasonableness by the Company.

12


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

The following tables summarize the change in fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured using Level 3 inputs as of April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Measurements Using

 

Significant Unobservable

 

Asset Inputs (Level 3)

 

Cash Surrender Value

Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017

$

7,973

Redemptions

 

-

Additions

 

-

Total gains or (losses)

 

 

      Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets)

 

122

      Included in other comprehensive income

 

-

Ending Balance at April 29, 2017

$

8,095

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Measurements Using

 

Significant Unobservable

 

Liability Inputs (Level 3)

 

Deferred Compensation

Beginning Balance at January 28, 2017

$

(7,649)

  Redemptions

 

-

  Additions

 

(125)

  Total (gains) or losses

 

 

      Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets)

 

(185)

      Included in other comprehensive income

 

-

Ending Balance at April 29, 2017

$

(7,959)

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Measurements Using

 

Significant Unobservable

 

Asset Inputs (Level 3)

 

Cash Surrender Value

Beginning Balance at January 30, 2016

$

6,409

Redemptions

 

-

Additions

 

809

   Total gains or (losses)

 

 

      Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets)

 

234

      Included in other comprehensive income

 

-

Ending Balance at April 30, 2016

$

7,452

 

 

 

 

Fair Value

 

Measurements Using

 

Significant Unobservable

 

Liability Inputs (Level 3)

 

Deferred Compensation

Beginning Balance at January 30, 2016

$

(6,187)

  Redemptions

 

-

  Additions

 

(836)

  Total (gains) or losses

 

 

      Included in interest and other income (or changes in net assets)

 

(290)

Ending Balance at April 30, 2016

$

(7,313)

13


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

NOTE 8 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Policies

 

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an accounting standards update that will simplify the measurement of inventory for companies. The standard differentiates the valuation methods used to measure inventory based on the type of inventory method utilized by a company. Companies using the first-in, first-out method and the average cost method will measure inventory at the net realizable value method to measure inventory. Companies using the last-in, first-out method and the retail method will use the lower of cost or market to measure inventory. The standard is effective for the Company’s first quarter of its 2017 fiscal year. In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted this new guidance and it did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an effective date for a new leasing standard that will require substantially all leases to be recorded on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for the Company’s first quarter of its 2019 fiscal year; early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is assessing what impacts this new standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an accounting standards update that will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance and modify the accounting treatment for certain costs associated with revenue generation.  The core principle of the revised revenue recognition standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, and provides several steps to apply to achieve that principle.  In addition, the new guidance enhances disclosure requirements to include more information about specific revenue contracts entered into by the entity.  The standard is effective for the Company’s first quarter of its 2018 fiscal year, and early adoption is permitted. This standard will primarily impact our gift card and credit card sales transactions whereby estimated gift card breakage and estimated credit card bad debts will be recognized at the time the initial revenue is recorded. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of this new standard.

 

NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES:

 

The Company had an effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2017 of 14.7% compared to an effective tax rate of 28.5% for the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to lower earnings, a higher proportion of income being generated from jurisdictions with lower tax rates, favorable adjustments and ongoing savings from tax initiatives. The decrease in the effective tax rate was also due to a change in estimate for uncertain tax positions. See Note 1, General.

 

 

 



14


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 29, 2017 AND APRIL 30, 2016

 

 

 

NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

 

The Company is, from time to time, involved in routine litigation incidental to the conduct of our business, including litigation regarding the merchandise that we sell, litigation regarding intellectual property, litigation instituted by persons injured upon premises under our control, litigation with respect to various employment matters, including alleged discrimination and wage and hour litigation, and litigation with present or former employees. The Company has approximately $9.9 million in accrued litigation expense at April 29, 2017.

 

Although such litigation is routine and incidental to the conduct of our business, as with any business of our size with a significant number of employees and significant merchandise sales, such litigation could result in large monetary awards. Based on information currently available, management does not believe that any reasonably possible losses arising from current pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. However, given the inherent uncertainties involved in such matters, an adverse outcome in one or more such matters could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in any particular reporting period. We accrue for these matters when the liability is deemed probable and reasonably estimable.

15


 
Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

 

The following information should be read along with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, including the accompanying Notes appearing 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 Form 10-Q 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 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (4) statements relating to our operations or activities for our fiscal year ending February 3, 2018 (“fiscal 2017”) and beyond, including, but not limited to, statements regarding expected amounts of capital expenditures and store openings, relocations, remodels 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 “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “approximates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “could,” “would,” “should” and any variations or negative formations 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: any actual or perceived deterioration in the conditions that drive consumer confidence and spending, including, but not limited to, levels of unemployment, fuel, energy and food costs, wage rates, tax rates, home values, consumer net worth and the availability of credit; uncertainties regarding the impact of any governmental responses to the foregoing conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; our ability to predict and respond to rapidly changing fashion trends and consumer demands; adverse weather or similar conditions that may affect our sales or operations; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand, including the ability to liquidate excess inventory at anticipated margins; and other factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 (“fiscal 2016”), as amended or supplemented, and in other reports we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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.           

16


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

 

The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017. As disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) 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, inventory shrinkage, the calculation of potential asset impairment, workers’ compensation, general and auto insurance liabilities, reserves relating to self-insured health insurance, and uncertain tax positions.

 

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

17


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of total retail sales:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

April 29, 2017

April 30, 2016

 

Total retail sales

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other revenue

0.9

 

0.9

 

Total revenues

100.9

 

100.9

 

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)

61.3

 

57.4

 

Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation)

26.8

 

24.9

 

Depreciation

2.1

 

2.0

 

Interest and other income

(0.4)

 

(1.0)

 

Income before income taxes

11.0

 

17.6

 

Net income

9.4

 

12.6

 

18


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED):

 

Comparison of First Quarter of 2017 with 2016

 

Total retail sales for the first quarter were $237.7 million compared to last year’s first quarter sales of $285.5 million.  Sales decreased primarily due to a 17.0% decrease in same-store sales. Same store sales include stores that have been open more than 15 months.  Stores that have been relocated or expanded are also included in the same store sales calculation after they have been open more than 15 months.  The method of calculating same store sales varies across the retail industry.  As a result, our same store sales calculation may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. E-commerce sales were less than 2% of sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and are included in the same-store sales calculation.  Total revenues, comprised of retail sales and other revenue (principally finance charges and late fees on customer accounts receivable, shipping charged to customers for e-commerce purchases and layaway fees), were $239.7 million for the first quarter ended April 29, 2017, compared to $288.0 million for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016. The Company operated 1,374 stores at April 29, 2017 compared to 1,372 stores at the end of last fiscal year’s first quarter.  For the first three months of fiscal 2017 the Company opened three new stores and relocated one store.  The Company currently expects to open approximately nine stores, relocate approximately eight stores and close approximately 19 stores in fiscal 2017.

 

Credit revenue of $1.1 million represented 0.5% of total revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to 2016 credit revenue of $1.3 million or 0.4% of total revenues.  Credit revenue decreased slightly for the most recent comparable period due to lower finance charge income and lower late fee income from sales under the Company’s proprietary credit card. 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 $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to last year’s first quarter expenses of $0.9 million. 

 

Other revenue, a component of total revenues, was $2.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $2.5 million for the prior year’s comparable first quarter. The decrease resulted primarily from lower layaway charges, credit revenue and finance charges.

 

Cost of goods sold was $145.8 million, or 61.3% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $164.0 million, or 57.4% of retail sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.  The overall increase in cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales for the first quarter of 2017 resulted primarily from lower sales of regular priced goods and higher sales of markdown goods. In addition, occupancy, purchasing and sourcing costs as a percent of retail sales increased due to much lower retail sales. 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 exclusive of depreciation) decreased by 24.4% to $91.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to $121.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.  Gross margin as presented may not be comparable to those of other entities.

19


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED):

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) primarily include corporate and store payroll, related payroll taxes and benefits, insurance, supplies, advertising, bank and credit card processing fees and bad debts.  SG&A expenses decreased 10.3% to $63.8 million, or 26.8% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $71.1 million, or 24.9% of retail sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The dollar decrease was primarily attributable to lower corporate expenses, store expenses and incentive compensation. 

 

Depreciation expense was $5.1 million, or 2.1% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $5.7 million, or 2.0% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2016. 

 

Interest and other income was $0.9 million, or 0.4% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $2.9 million, or 1.0% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2016.  The decrease was primarily attributable to lower gift card breakage income as 2016 included the effect of the Company’s change in estimate for the recognition of unredeemed gift card breakage income.

 

Income tax expense was $3.8 million or 1.6% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $14.3 million, or 5.0% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The 2017 quarter decrease resulted from a lower effective tax rate.  The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 was 14.7% compared to 28.5% for the first quarter of 2016. The decrease in the 2017 first quarter tax rate was primarily due to lower earnings, a higher proportion of income being generated from jurisdictions with lower tax rates, favorable adjustments and ongoing savings from tax initiatives.

 

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND MARKET RISK:

 

The Company has consistently maintained a strong liquidity position. Cash provided by operating activities during the first three months of fiscal 2017 was $15.6 million as compared to $36.2 million in the first three months of fiscal 2016. These amounts enable the Company to fund its regular operating needs, capital expenditure program, cash dividend payments and share repurchases.  In addition, the Company maintains a $35.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility for short-term financing of seasonal cash needs. There were no outstanding borrowings on this facility at April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017.

 

Cash provided by operating activities for the first three months of fiscal 2017 was primarily generated by earnings adjusted for depreciation and changes in working capital. The decrease of $20.6 million for the first three months of fiscal 2017 as compared to the first three months of fiscal 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in net income and accrued taxes, partially offset by inventories.

 

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 regular operating requirements, expected capital expenditures, dividends and share repurchases for fiscal 2017 and the next 12 months.

 

At April 29, 2017, the Company had working capital of $269.6 million compared to $271.9 million at January 28, 2017.

20


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND MARKET RISK (CONTINUED):

 

At April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement, which provides for borrowings of up to $35.0 million less the balance of revocable credits discussed below.  The revolving credit agreement is committed until August 2018. 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 April 29, 2017.  There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility as of April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017.

 

At April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, the Company had no outstanding revocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.

 

Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $3.4 million in the first three months of fiscal 2017, compared to $6.0 million in last year’s first three months.  The expenditures for the first three months of 2017 were primarily for the development of three new stores and one relocated store, additional investments in new technology and home office renovations.  For the full fiscal 2017 year, the Company expects to invest approximately $16 million for capital expenditures to open approximately nine new stores, relocate approximately eight stores and upgrade merchandise systems.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $18.4 million in the first three months of fiscal 2017 compared to $32.3 million used in the comparable period of fiscal 2016, primarily due to an increase in the sale of short-term investments and a decrease in the purchase of short-term investments, partially offset by an increase in the purchase of other assets.

 

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $28.8 million in the first three months of fiscal 2017 compared to $14.9 million used in the comparable period of fiscal 2016 primarily due to an increase in share repurchases.

 

On May 19, 2017, the Board of Directors maintained the quarterly dividend at $0.33 per share.

 

As of April 29, 2017, the Company had 1,778,641 shares remaining in open authorizations under its share repurchase program.

 

The Company does not use derivative financial instruments.

 

The Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in corporate bonds and tax-exempt and taxable governmental debt securities held in managed accounts with underlying ratings of A or better at April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017.  The state, municipal and corporate bonds have contractual maturities which range from two days to 30.0 years. The U.S. Treasury Notes and Certificates of Deposit have contractual maturities which range from five months to one year. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded as Short-term investments, Restricted cash and investments and Other assets on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes in Accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

Additionally, at April 29, 2017, the Company had $0.8 million of corporate equities and deferred compensation plan assets of $8.1 million.  At January 28, 2017, the Company had $0.7 million of corporate equities and deferred compensation plan assets of $8.0 million. All of these assets are recorded within Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements.

 

21


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

 

See Note 8, Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

 

 

 

22


 

Table of Contents

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

 

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK:

 

The Company is subject to market rate risk from exposure to changes in interest rates based on its financing, investing and cash management activities, but the Company does not believe such exposure is material.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES:

 

We carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of April 29, 2017.  Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of April 29, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING:

 

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) has occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended April 29, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

23


 
 

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

            Not Applicable

 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

            In addition to the other information in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 28, 2017.  These risks could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results; however, they are not the only risks we face.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

      The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of its common stock for the three months ended April 29, 2017:

 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number of

 

Maximum Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Purchased as

 

(or Approximate Dollar

 

 

Total Number

 

 

Average

 

Part of Publicly

 

Value) of Shares that may

 

 

of Shares

 

 

Price Paid

 

Announced Plans or

 

Yet be Purchased Under

Period

 

Purchased

 

 

per Share (1)

 

Programs (2)

 

The Plans or Programs (2)

February 2017

 

140,000

 

$

25.52

 

140,000

 

 

March 2017

 

326,600

 

 

21.57

 

326,600

 

 

April 2017

 

379,400

 

 

21.68

 

379,400

 

 

Total

 

846,000

 

$

22.27

 

846,000

 

1,778,641

 

(1)   Prices include trading costs.

 

(2)   As of January 28, 2017, the Company’s share repurchase program had 2,624,641 shares remaining in open authorizations.  During the first quarter ending April 29, 2017, the Company repurchased and retired 846,000 shares under this program for approximately $18,841,417 or an average market price of $22.27 per share.  As of the first quarter ending April 29, 2017, the Company had 1,778,641 shares remaining in open authorizations.  There is no specified expiration date for the Company’s repurchase program.

 

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

      Not Applicable

 

24


 

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

      Not Applicable

 

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

      Not Applicable

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

 

Item

 

 

 

   3.1

 

Registrant’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated March 6, 1987, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-8 of the Registrant filed February 7, 2000 (SEC File No. 333-96283).

 

 

 

   3.2

 

Registrant’s By Laws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K of the Registrant Filed December 10, 2007.

 

 

 

   4.1

 

Rights Agreement dated December 18, 2003, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A12G of the Registrant filed December 22, 2003 and as amended in Form 8-A12B/A filed January 6, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 31.1*

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.

 

 

 

 31.2*

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.

 

 

 

 32.1*

 

Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer.

 

 

 

 32.2*

 

Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer.

 

 

 

101.1*

 

The following materials from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 29, 2017, formatted in XBRL:  (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Three Months ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016;  (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at April 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017;  (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016; and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

                      * Submitted electronically herewith.      

25


 
 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

                                                                                    THE CATO CORPORATION

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ John P. D. Cato

Date

 

John P. D. Cato

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

May 24, 2017

 

/s/ John R. Howe

Date

 

John R. Howe

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

 

26