The Cato Corporation Increases Share Repurchase Authorization

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) announced that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase in the Company's share repurchase program of 2 million shares. Prior to this authorization, the Company had approximately 300,000 shares remaining in open authorizations. Purchases under the share repurchase program will be made from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions and will be subject to market conditions and applicable SEC rules. The board's last authorization was in 2009.

John Cato, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented that, "We believe the increase in our stock repurchase program will be beneficial to Cato and continues our focus on enhancing the value of our long-term shareholders' investment. The Company's substantial cash reserves enable the Company to repurchase these shares while maintaining the financial flexibility to pursue its growth plans and continue to pay dividends."

The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of value-priced women's fashion apparel and accessories operating two divisions, "Cato" and "It's Fashion." The Company's Cato division offers exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices every day. The It's Fashion division offers fashion with a focus on the latest trendy styles and nationally recognized urban brands for the entire family at low prices every day. As of July 30, 2011, The Cato Corporation operated 1,285 stores in 31 states. Additional information on The Cato Corporation is available at www.catocorp.com.

Statements in this press release not historical in nature including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expected or estimated financial results and any related assumptions 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: general economic conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; the Company's ability to predict fashion trends; consumer apparel buying patterns; adverse weather conditions and inventory risks due to shifts in market demand 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, as amended or supplemented, 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.

SOURCE The Cato Corporation