Core Insights - 7-Eleven remains the leader in the global and U.S. convenience store markets but is concerned about potential complacency affecting innovation and execution [2] - The company is focusing on next-generation stores and expanding its footprint, with plans for significant store additions ahead of a planned IPO in 2026 [2] Expansion Plans - 7-Eleven announced plans to add 600 new stores by 2027 and 1,300 new stores in North America by 2030, emphasizing larger-format stores with fuel pumps [4] - Despite these expansion goals, the overall North American store count may not increase significantly due to the closure of underperforming locations [5] Store Closures - The company has closed 444 underperforming stores and has seen a trend of closing more stores than it opens over the past two years [5][6] - The last fiscal year where 7-Eleven added more stores than it lost was in February 2022, following the acquisition of nearly 4,000 Speedway locations [7] - For the fiscal year ending February 2023, the company closed 46 more stores than it opened, followed by a net loss of 45 stores for the year ending February 2024 and a loss of 159 total sites for the year ending February 2025 [7]

Core Insights - Cato Corporation's shares have increased by 11.5% following the release of its earnings results, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index's 1.4% growth during the same period [1] - Despite a year-over-year earnings decline, Cato's shares are up 12% over the past month, compared to the S&P 500's 6.5% rise, indicating renewed investor optimism [1] Financial Performance - Cato reported a first-quarter 2025 net income of $3.3 million, or 17 cents per share, a decline of approximately 69% from $11 million, or 54 cents per share, in the same period last year [2][3] - Total revenues decreased by 3.9% to $170.2 million from $177.1 million a year ago, with retail sales making up the majority at $168.4 million; same-store sales remained flat [2] Operating Metrics - Gross margin slightly declined to 35.1% of sales from 35.8% in the prior year quarter, attributed to lower merchandise contribution due to increased markdowns [4] - Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by 2.5% year over year to $55.3 million, but as a percentage of sales, SG&A rose to 32.8% from 32.4% [4] Cost Structure - Depreciation costs increased to $2.6 million from $2 million, while interest and other income fell significantly to $1.2 million from $5.8 million, impacted by a prior year's gain from land sales [5] - Income before taxes declined by 63.5% year over year to $4.2 million, with income tax expense rising to $0.9 million from $0.6 million due to changes in tax rates [5] Management Commentary - Cato's leadership highlighted the cautious consumer spending environment, with CEO John Cato noting general economic uncertainty and potential tariff impacts as contributing factors to a restrained outlook [6] - Although sales trends improved later in the quarter, the management maintained a measured tone regarding recovery projections for the remainder of the year [6] Strategic Actions - During the quarter, Cato did not open any new locations and permanently closed eight stores, reducing its total store count to 1,109 from 1,171 a year ago [7] - This contraction reflects the company's adaptation to changing consumer behaviors and efforts to optimize its physical footprint [7] Capital Management - Cato repurchased 294,036 shares during the quarter, indicating confidence in its valuation and commitment to returning capital to shareholders [8] - The company's financial position remained stable, with cash and cash equivalents increasing to $31.3 million from $20.3 million, while short-term investments decreased to $48.6 million from $57.4 million [8]