Cato Reports July Same-Store Sales Up 2%

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Aug 09, 2018, 07:00 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) today reported sales of $56.7 million for the four weeks ended August 4, 2018, up 1% to sales of $56.1 million for the four weeks ended July 29, 2017. Same-store sales for the four weeks ended August 4, 2018 was up 2% compared to the four weeks ended August 5, 2017. July 2018 same-store sales are compared to the four week period ended August 5, 2017 due to the 53^rd week in fiscal 2017.

Sales for the second quarter ended August 4, 2018 were $206.9 million, up 1% to sales of $205.0 million for the second quarter ended July 29, 2017. Second quarter same-store sales were up 4% compared to the thirteen weeks ended August 5, 2017.

Sales for the first half were $442.9 million, flat to the prior year's first half sales of $442.7 million. Same-store sales for the first half were up 1% compared to the twenty-six weeks ended August 5, 2017.

"Due to strong merchandise margins, as a result of much lower markdown sales versus last year, we expect the second quarter and year-to-date earnings to be significantly above 2017," commented John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "However, we expect the second half merchandise margins to be more in line with last year as markdown sales were not as significant in the second half of 2017."

The Company will release second quarter results on Thursday, August 23, 2018.

As of August 4 2018, The Cato Corporation operated 1,350 stores in 33 states, compared to 1,374 stores in 33 states as of July 29, 2017.

The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of value-priced fashion apparel and accessories operating three concepts, "Cato", "Versona" and "It's Fashion". The Company's Cato stores offer exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices every day. The Company also offers exclusive merchandise found in its Cato stores at www.catofashions.com. Versona is a unique fashion destination offering apparel and accessories including jewelry, handbags and shoes at exceptional prices every day. Select Versona merchandise can also be found at www.shopversona.com. It's Fashion offers fashion with a focus on the latest trendy styles for the entire family at low prices every day. 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 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.

SOURCE The Cato Corporation