Financial Performance - Cato Corporation reported a net loss of $14.1 million or $0.74 per diluted share for Q4 2024, an improvement from a net loss of $23.4 million or $1.14 per diluted share in Q4 2023[2]. - Total sales for Q4 2024 were $155.3 million, a decrease of 10.0% from $172.1 million in Q4 2023; on a comparable 13-week basis, total sales decreased 5.1%[3]. - For the full year 2024, sales decreased 8.3% to $642.1 million from $700.3 million in 2023, with same-store sales down 3.1%[3]. - Gross margin for Q4 2024 decreased to 28.0% from 31.0% in Q4 2023, attributed to increased markdowns and higher distribution costs[4]. - Income tax expense for Q4 2024 was $0.3 million, significantly lower than $10.9 million in Q4 2023, due to a non-cash valuation allowance recorded last year[4]. Expenses and Cost Management - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 39.2% in Q4 2023 to 37.8% in Q4 2024, with total SG&A expenses down by $8.8 million[4]. - The company eliminated approximately 40 corporate positions in February 2025 as part of its focus on reducing expenses[5]. Asset Management - Cato Corporation's total current assets decreased to $223.2 million as of February 1, 2025, down from $243.1 million as of February 3, 2024[11]. - Cato Corporation's stockholders' equity decreased to $162.3 million as of February 1, 2025, compared to $192.3 million as of February 3, 2024[11]. Future Plans - The company plans to open up to 15 new stores and close up to 50 underperforming stores in 2025, anticipating minimal financial impact from these closures[6].

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of The Cato Corporation regarding potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices by the company and its officers or directors [1]. Group 1: Company Actions - On November 22, 2024, Cato announced the suspension of its regular quarterly dividend due to current economic conditions and sales trends, which led to a significant drop in its stock price during intraday trading [1]. Group 2: Legal Context - Pomerantz LLP is recognized as a leading firm in corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation, with a history of fighting for victims of securities fraud and corporate misconduct [2].

Core Viewpoint - Palo Alto Networks has demonstrated strong financial performance and growth potential in the cybersecurity market, particularly in the SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) sector, despite facing competition from Cato Networks [2][3][10]. Financial Performance - Fiscal 2025 Q1 revenue reached $2.14 billion, reflecting a 13.8% increase year-over-year and exceeding the Visible Alpha consensus estimate by $20 million [7]. - Fiscal 2025 Q1 profit was $350.7 million, up over 80% and $78.6 million more than Wall Street estimates [7]. - The revenue outlook for fiscal 2025 is projected at $9.145 billion, which is $20 million higher than previous estimates [7]. - The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) outlook for fiscal 2025 is $6.325, which is eight cents more than the previous midpoint estimate [7]. Market Position and Strategy - Palo Alto Networks is recognized as a leader in the SASE market, alongside Cato Networks, according to Gartner's Magic Quadrant [4][10]. - The company is pursuing a "platformization" strategy to consolidate and bundle services, which is seen as a potential game changer for enhancing sales and customer satisfaction [5][8]. - Despite competition, analysts believe that the growth of the SASE market, projected to reach $25 billion by 2027 with a 30% annual growth rate, presents significant opportunities for both Palo Alto and Cato [10]. Competitive Landscape - Cato Networks claims a 70% win rate against Palo Alto in competitive bids, indicating strong competition in the SASE market [4][15]. - While Palo Alto's services are perceived as more expensive, they are recognized for strong security and networking features, which contribute to its positive market position [11]. - Cato Networks has reported $200 million in annual recurring revenue for 2024, doubling its 2023 figure, and has a customer base of 2,500 [13]. Future Outlook - The average price target for Palo Alto Networks from 36 Wall Street analysts is $424.15, suggesting a 7.4% upside potential [19]. - Increased customer spending driven by cloud migrations, zero-trust security shifts, and automation in cybersecurity is expected to benefit Palo Alto significantly [20]. - Cato Networks may consider going public next year if market conditions are favorable, indicating potential shifts in the competitive landscape [21].

Sales Performance - Total retail sales for Q3 2024 were $144.6 million, an 8% decrease from $156.7 million in Q3 2023[88] - For the nine months ended November 2, 2024, total retail sales were $486.8 million, down 8% from $528.2 million in the same period last year[89] - Same-store sales decreased by 3% in Q3 2024 and 4% for the first nine months of fiscal 2024[89] Cost and Expenses - Cost of goods sold was $103.0 million, or 71.2% of retail sales for Q3 2024, compared to $105.8 million, or 67.5% for Q3 2023[92] - Gross margin dollars decreased by 18.1% to $41.7 million for Q3 2024, and by 11.1% to $162.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2024[92] - SG&A expenses were $57.9 million, or 40.0% of retail sales for Q3 2024, compared to $61.8 million, or 39.4% for Q3 2023[93] Store Operations - The company operated 1,167 stores as of November 2, 2024, down from 1,245 stores on October 28, 2023[89] - The company expects to close approximately 65 stores in total during fiscal 2024[89] Revenue and Income - Credit revenue for Q3 2024 was $0.7 million, representing 0.5% of total revenues, unchanged from the previous year[90] - Interest and other income for the three months ended November 2, 2024, was $2.6 million, or 1.8% of retail sales, compared to $1.5 million, or 1.0% of retail sales for the same period in fiscal 2023[96] Tax and Cash Flow - Income tax expense for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 was $1.6 million, compared to a tax benefit of $0.8 million for the same period in fiscal 2023, resulting in an effective income tax rate of (67.5%) compared to 60.4% in fiscal 2023[97] - Cash used in operating activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2024 was $13.3 million, an increase of $25.0 million compared to $11.7 million provided in the same period of fiscal 2023[99] Working Capital and Financing - Working capital increased to $60.7 million at November 2, 2024, from $55.1 million at February 3, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in current lease liability and an increase in inventory[100] - The Company had a revolving credit agreement allowing borrowings of up to $35.0 million, with no outstanding borrowings as of November 2, 2024[101] Capital Expenditures and Cash Flow from Investments - Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $6.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024, down from $10.3 million in the same period of the previous year[103] - Net cash provided by investing activities was $21.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024, compared to $6.1 million in the same period of fiscal 2023[104] - Net cash used in financing activities totaled $12.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024, slightly down from $12.7 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2023[105] Investment Portfolio - The Company's investment portfolio primarily consists of corporate bonds and U.S. Treasury/Agencies notes and bonds, with underlying ratings of A or better[107] - Deferred compensation plan assets increased to $9.1 million at November 2, 2024, from $8.6 million at February 3, 2024[108] Economic Factors - Inflationary pressures and high interest rates have negatively impacted customer disposable income and purchasing behavior[85]

Core Insights - Cato Corporation's shares have declined 40.3% since the earnings report for the quarter ended Nov. 2, 2024, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 index's 0.6% growth during the same period [1] - The company reported a net loss of 79 cents per share for the third quarter, which is wider than the net loss of 30 cents per share in the same quarter of 2023 [2] - Quarterly sales fell 8% year over year to $144.6 million, down from $156.7 million in the prior-year period [2] Financial Performance - Cato's gross margin for the quarter decreased to 28.8% of sales, down from 32.5% in the same quarter last year, attributed to increased markdowns, higher freight and distribution expenses, and elevated occupancy costs [4] - Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses represented 40% of sales, slightly up from 39.4% in the third quarter of 2023, mainly due to deleveraging payroll costs, although SG&A expenses decreased by $3.9 million year over year [5] - The net loss widened to $15.1 million from $6.1 million in the prior-year period [6] Management Commentary - The chairman, president, and CEO, John Cato, noted several challenges affecting performance, including three major hurricanes, supply chain disruptions, and pressure on customers' disposable income [7] - The bankruptcy of a logistics carrier servicing 50% of Cato's stores further complicated distribution, increasing costs [7] - Management anticipates continued headwinds in the fourth quarter due to sustained cost pressures and challenging economic conditions [8] Operational Developments - During the quarter, Cato opened one new store but closed 13 year to date, reducing its total store count to 1,167 across 31 states as of Nov. 2, 2024, compared to 1,245 stores as of Oct. 28, 2023 [9]

Financial Performance - The Cato Corporation reported a net loss of $15.1 million or ($0.79) per diluted share for Q3 2024, compared to a net loss of $6.1 million or ($0.30) per diluted share for Q3 2023[3]. - For the nine months ended November 2, 2024, the company reported a net loss of $4.0 million or ($0.24) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $0.5 million or ($0.02) per diluted share for the same period in 2023[5]. Sales Performance - Sales for Q3 2024 were $144.6 million, an 8% decrease from $156.7 million in Q3 2023, with same-store sales down 3%[4]. - Year-to-date sales were $486.8 million, an 8% decrease from $528.2 million in the prior year, with same-store sales down 4%[5]. Cost and Margin Analysis - Gross margin decreased from 32.5% to 28.8% of sales in Q3 2024 due to higher markdowns and increased freight, distribution, and occupancy costs[6]. - Year-to-date gross margin decreased to 33.3% from 34.6% in the prior year, primarily due to increased occupancy, freight, and distribution costs[7]. - SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 39.4% to 40.0% in Q3 2024, primarily due to payroll cost deleveraging[6]. Operational Changes - The company opened one store in Q3 2024, resulting in a total of 1,167 stores as of November 2, 2024, down from 1,245 stores a year earlier[8]. Challenges and Outlook - The company is facing challenges in Q4 2024 due to supply chain issues and higher costs associated with moving inventory[6]. - Tax expense for Q3 2024 was $0.3 million compared to a tax benefit of $4.3 million in the prior year, mainly due to valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets[6].

Company Summary - The Cato Corporation has suspended its regular quarterly dividend due to current economic conditions and sales trends [1] Industry Context - The suspension of dividends reflects broader economic challenges that may impact consumer confidence and discretionary spending [2]

Core Points - The Cato Corporation reported a net loss of $15.1 million or ($0.79) per diluted share for Q3 2024, compared to a net loss of $6.1 million or ($0.30) per diluted share for Q3 2023 [1][3] - Sales for Q3 2024 were $144.6 million, an 8% decrease from $156.7 million in Q3 2023, with same-store sales down 3% [2][4] - For the nine months ended November 2, 2024, the company reported a net loss of $4.0 million or ($0.24) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $0.5 million or ($0.02) per diluted share for the same period in 2023 [3][5] Financial Performance - Gross margin for Q3 2024 decreased to 28.8% from 32.5% in Q3 2023, attributed to higher markdowns and increased freight, distribution, and occupancy costs [4][5] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 39.4% to 40.0% during Q3 2024, primarily due to payroll cost deleveraging [4][5] - Year-to-date gross margin decreased to 33.3% from 34.6% in the prior year, with SG&A rate at 35.5% compared to 35.1% [5] Operational Insights - The company opened one store in Q3 2024, with a total of 1,167 stores as of November 2, 2024, down from 1,245 stores a year earlier [6] - The decline in sales was influenced by three major hurricanes, supply chain issues, and negative pressure on customers' disposable income [4] - The company is managing SG&A expenses and inventory levels in line with current sales trends, but anticipates continued challenges in Q4 2024 [4] Market Position - The Cato Corporation operates as a specialty retailer of value-priced fashion apparel and accessories under three concepts: "Cato," "Versona," and "It's Fashion" [7] - The company offers exclusive merchandise comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices, targeting value-conscious consumers [7]

Sales Performance - Total retail sales for Q2 2024 were $166.9 million, an 8% decrease from $181.2 million in Q2 2023, primarily due to a 2% decrease in same-store sales and store closures [55]. - For the first six months of fiscal 2024, total retail sales were $342.2 million, down 8% from $371.5 million in the same period last year, driven by a 4% decrease in same-store sales [55]. Store Operations - The company operated 1,166 stores as of August 3, 2024, down from 1,247 stores a year earlier, with plans to close approximately 65 stores in total during fiscal 2024 [56]. Cost and Expenses - Cost of goods sold for Q2 2024 was $109.1 million, or 65.4% of retail sales, compared to $117.6 million, or 64.9% of retail sales in Q2 2023 [58]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $58.2 million, or 34.9% of retail sales in Q2 2024, down from $61.6 million, or 34.0% of retail sales in Q2 2023 [59]. Income and Tax - Net income for Q2 2024 was $0.2 million, or 0.1% of total revenues, compared to $1.2 million, or 0.6% in Q2 2023 [51]. - Income tax expense for Q2 2024 was $0.6 million, down from $1.3 million in Q2 2023, with an effective tax rate of 10.5% compared to 38.5% in the prior year [62]. Other Income and Revenue - Interest and other income increased to $1.7 million, or 1.0% of retail sales in Q2 2024, from $1.3 million, or 0.7% in Q2 2023, primarily due to higher interest earned on investments [61]. - Other revenue for the first six months of fiscal 2024 was $3.5 million, slightly up from $3.4 million in the same period last year, driven by increases in gift card breakage income and finance charges [57]. Financial Position - Cash provided by operating activities decreased to $8.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2024 from $21.6 million in the same period of fiscal 2023, a decline of $12.8 million [64]. - Working capital increased to $69.9 million as of August 3, 2024, up from $55.1 million at February 3, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in current lease liability and an increase in cash [64]. Capital Expenditures - Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $4.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2024, down from $8.5 million in the same period last year [66]. Cash Flow Activities - Net cash provided by investing activities was $6.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2024, compared to $23.8 million in the same period of 2023, reflecting higher purchases of short-term investments [67]. - Net cash used in financing activities totaled $9.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2024, slightly down from $9.3 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2023 [67]. Dividends and Credit Facilities - The Company maintained a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share as of August 29, 2024 [67]. - The Company has an unsecured revolving credit agreement allowing borrowings of up to $35.0 million, with no outstanding borrowings as of August 3, 2024 [65]. Investment Portfolio - The investment portfolio primarily consists of corporate bonds and government debt securities rated A or better, with maturities ranging from six days to 2.9 years [69]. Deferred Compensation - Deferred compensation plan assets increased to $8.9 million as of August 3, 2024, up from $8.6 million at February 3, 2024 [70]. Economic Environment - The company experienced inflationary cost pressures and high interest rates, negatively impacting consumer behavior and disposable income in the first half of fiscal 2024 [53]. - Merchandise supply chain disruptions, including reduced transits through the Panama Canal and increased shipping costs due to regional hostilities, have negatively impacted operations [54].

Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 2024 was $0.1 million or $0.01 per diluted share, down from $1.1 million or $0.06 per diluted share in Q2 2023[1] - For the six months ended August 3, 2024, net income increased to $11.1 million or $0.54 per diluted share, compared to $5.6 million or $0.27 per diluted share in the same period last year[2] Sales and Revenue - Sales for Q2 2024 were $166.9 million, an 8% decrease from $181.2 million in Q2 2023, attributed to closed stores and a 2% same-store sales decline[1] - Year-to-date sales were $342.2 million, an 8% decrease from $371.5 million for the same period in 2023, with a 4% same-store sales decline[2] Cost and Expenses - Gross margin for Q2 2024 decreased to 34.6% from 35.1% in Q2 2023, primarily due to higher distribution costs[2] - SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 34.9% in Q2 2024 from 34.0% in Q2 2023, despite a $3.4 million reduction in total SG&A expenses[2] Store Operations - The company closed five stores in Q2 2024, reducing the total number of stores to 1,166 from 1,247 in the previous year[4] Assets and Liabilities - Current assets as of August 3, 2024, totaled $243.5 million, slightly up from $243.1 million as of February 3, 2024[7] - Total liabilities decreased to $122.5 million from $126.9 million since February 3, 2024[7] Market Outlook - The company expects the sales environment to remain challenging in the second half of the year due to negative pressure on discretionary spending[2]