cato8k4q2018.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
450 Fifth Street NW
Washington, D.C. 29549

 

 

Form 8-K

 

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

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):     March 21, 2019     

 

THE CATO CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware

1-31340

56-0484485

(State or Other Jurisdiction of  Incorporation

(Commission

File Number)

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

8100 Denmark Road, Charlotte, NC

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

28273-5975
(Zip Code)

 

 

 

(704) 554-8510

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

 

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: 

  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) 

  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a‑12) 

  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) 

  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth 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. ¨

 


 
THE CATO CORPORATION

Item 2.02.  Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On March 21, 2019, The Cato Corporation issued a press release regarding its financial results for the fourth quarter ending February 2, 2019.  A copy of this press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

Item 9.01.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)  Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1 – Press Release issued March 21, 2019.

3


 
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

 

 

March 25, 2019

 

/s/ John P. D. Cato

Date

 

John P. D. Cato

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

March 25, 2019

 

/s/ John R. Howe

Date

 

John R. Howe

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

4


 
Exhibit Index

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit

 

Exhibit  No.

 

 

 

 

 

Press Release issued March 21, 2019 .

 

 

99. 1

 

 

 

5

exhibit991.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing
EXHIBIT 99.1

 

The CATO Corporation

                                             NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                         CEO Approval ________

For Further Information Contact:

          John R. Howe

          Executive Vice President

          Chief Financial Officer

          704-551-7315

 

 

CATO REPORTS 4Q AND FULL-YEAR EARNINGS

 

Charlotte, N.C., (March 21, 2019)  The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) today reported earnings for the fourth quarter and year ended February 2, 2019.  For the fourth quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $3.2 million, or a loss of $0.13 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $15.5 million or a loss of $0.62 per diluted share for the prior fourth quarter ended February 3, 2018.  Full-year fiscal 2018 net income was $30.5 million or $1.23 per diluted share compared to $8.5 million or $0.34 per diluted share for 2017.  For the year, net income increased 257% and earnings per diluted share increased 262% from the prior year. The fiscal year ended February 2, 2019 contains 52 weeks versus 53 weeks in the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018.

Sales for fiscal fourth quarter ended February 2, 2019 were $190.4 million, a decrease of 10% from sales of $211.1 million for the fourth quarter ended February 3, 2018.  On a comparable 13-week basis, total sales for the quarter decreased 3% and same-store sales decreased 2% from last year. For the year, the Company's sales decreased 3% to $821.2 million from 2017 sales of $842.0 million.  On a comparable 52-week basis, total sales for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019 decreased 1% and same-store sales were flat to last year.    

"We took corrective actions over the last 18 months to refine our merchandise and overall we feel the business stabilized in 2018,” said John Cato, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Due to the improved merchandise and strong inventory control we were able to increase gross margin and deliver higher profits.”

5

8100 Denmark Road

P.O. Box 34216

Charlotte, NC  28234

(704) 554-8510

 

 

 


 

Fourth-quarter gross margin increased to 33.1% of sales from 32.9% of sales in 2017 due primarily to improved merchandise margins offset by higher buying and occupancy costs.  Selling, general and administrative expenses were 34.7% of sales, compared to 36.2% in the prior year.  SG&A costs as a percent of sales were lower primarily due to decreased store impairment charges offset by higher incentive compensation.  Income tax for the quarter was a benefit of $0.3 million compared to an expense of $7.7 million last year.  The change in tax expense is primarily due to one-time expenses incurred with the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” enactment in the prior year. 

For 2018, gross margin increased to 36.4% of sales from 34.3% of sales in 2017 due to increased merchandise margins.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 32.0% of sales compared to 31.6% in the prior year.  The selling, general and administrative expense increase was primarily due to increased incentive compensation offset by decreased store impairment charges.  Income tax for the year was an expense of $2.6 million compared to an expense of $7.4 million last year.  The change in tax expense is primarily due to one-time expenses incurred with the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” enactment in the prior year offset by higher earnings.       

"Cato continues to maintain a strong balance sheet, with approximately $210 million in cash and short-term investments and no debt," Mr. Cato said.  During 2018, the Company returned $45.9 million to shareholders through dividends of $32.6 million and share repurchases of $13.3 million.  The Company maintained its quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share, or $1.32 over the year.  For the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019, the Company relocated one store and closed 40 stores.  As of February 2, 2019, the Company operated 1,311 stores in 31 states. 

2019 Outlook

“For 2019, the Company will continue to focus on improving our merchandise offering and increasing sales through our existing stores and ecommerce.” Mr. Cato said.  “While the apparel retail environment remains volatile and  in transition with retailers still being overstored and customer shopping patterns and preferences still changing, we will continue to manage inventory tightly to ensure profitability."

 

6

8100 Denmark Road

P.O. Box 34216

Charlotte, NC  28234

(704) 554-8510

 

 

 


 

The Company's estimates for 2019 reflect the following assumptions:

·        The Company plans to open 12 stores during the year.   

·        The Company anticipates closing up to 50 stores by year-end as leases expire with minimal financial impact.

·        Capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $13 million for store development and continued investments in technology.

·        Depreciation is expected to be approximately $15 million for the year.

·      The effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 13%.

 

 

Statements in this press release not historical in nature including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expected or estimated operational and financial results are considered “forward-looking” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: 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 the Company’s most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K and in other reports the Company files with or furnishes to the SEC from time to time.  The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. The Company is not responsible for any changes made to this press release by wire or Internet services.

 

# # #

 

7

8100 Denmark Road

P.O. Box 34216

Charlotte, NC  28234

(704) 554-8510

 

 

 


 
THE CATO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 2019 AND FEBRUARY 3, 2018

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 2,

%

 

February 3,

%

 

February 2,

%

 

February 3,

%

 

2019

Sales

 

2018

Sales

 

2019

Sales

 

2018

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Retail sales

$

190,348

100.0%

 

$

210,948

100.0%

 

$

821,113

100.0%

 

$

841,997

100.0%

  Other revenue (principally finance,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    late fees and layaway charges)

 

2,087

1.1%

 

 

2,058

1.0%

 

 

8,551

1.0%

 

 

7,984

1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Total revenues

 

192,435

101.1%

 

 

213,006

101.0%

 

 

829,664

101.0%

 

 

849,981

101.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS MARGIN (Memo)

 

62,915

33.1%

 

 

69,393

32.9%

 

 

298,578

36.4%

 

 

288,939

34.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES, NET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Cost of goods sold

 

127,433

66.9%

 

 

141,555

67.1%

 

 

522,535

63.6%

 

 

553,058

65.7%

  Selling, general and administrative

 

65,990

34.7%

 

 

76,256

36.2%

 

 

262,606

32.0%

 

 

266,418

31.6%

  Depreciation

 

3,993

2.1%

 

 

4,654

2.2%

 

 

16,463

2.0%

 

 

19,643

2.3%

  Interest and other income

 

(1,432)

-0.8%

 

 

(1,639)

-0.8%

 

 

(4,991)

-0.6%

 

 

(5,111)

-0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Cost and expenses, net

 

195,984

103.0%

 

 

220,826

104.7%

 

 

796,613

97.0%

 

 

834,008

99.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

 

(3,549)

-1.9%

 

 

(7,820)

-3.7%

 

 

33,051

4.0%

 

 

15,973

1.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

(317)

-0.2%

 

 

7,685

3.6%

 

 

2,590

0.3%

 

 

7,433

0.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

$

(3,232)

-1.7%

 

$

(15,505)

-7.4%

 

$

30,461

3.7%

 

$

8,540

1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings Per Share

$

(0.13)

 

 

$

(0.62)

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share

$

(0.13)

 

 

$

(0.62)

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

8100 Denmark Road

P.O. Box 34216

Charlotte, NC  28234

(704) 554-8510

 

 

 


 
THE CATO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

February 2,

 

February 3,

 

2019

 

2018

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

24,603

 

$

78,047

Short-term investments

 

182,711

 

 

118,836

Restricted cash

 

3,802

 

 

3,722

Accounts receivable - net

 

29,237

 

 

28,018

Merchandise inventories

 

119,585

 

 

121,535

Other current assets

 

11,750

 

 

22,322

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

 

371,688

 

 

372,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment – net

 

94,304

 

 

109,368

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes

 

11,209

 

 

12,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

21,805

 

 

21,658

 

 

 

 

 

 

     TOTAL

$

499,006

 

$

516,076

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

$

142,186

 

$

139,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent Liabilities

 

39,984

 

 

50,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' Equity

 

316,836

 

 

326,353

 

 

 

 

 

 

     TOTAL

$

499,006

 

$

516,076

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

8100 Denmark Road

P.O. Box 34216

Charlotte, NC  28234

(704) 554-8510