CATO 10-Q Quarterly Report June 8, 2011 | Alphaminr

CATO 10-Q Quarter ended June 8, 2011

CATO CORP
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10-Q 1 cato10qqtr12011.htm 10-Q cato10qqtr12011.htm - Generated by SEC Publisher for SEC Filing

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]

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

For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2011

OR

[  ]

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

For the transition period from ________________to__________________

Commission file number 1-31340

THE CATO CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

56-0484485

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

8100 Denmark Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28273-5975

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(704) 554-8510

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes

X

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer þ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes

No

X

As of May 26, 2011, there were 27,751,515 shares of Class A common stock and 1,743,525 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.


THE CATO CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

Quarter Ended April 30, 2011

Table of Con tents

Page No.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

2

For the Three Months Ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

3

At April 30, 2011, May 1, 2010 and January 29, 2011

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

4

For the Three Months Ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5 – 16

For the Three Months Ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

17 – 23

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

24

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

24

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

25

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

25

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

25

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

25

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Removed and Reserved

26

Item 5.

Other Information

26

Item 6.

Exhibits

26

Signatures

27 - 32

1


Table of Contents

PART I FINA NCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINAN CIAL STATEMENTS

THE CATO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STA TEMENTS OF INCOME AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Three Months Ended

April 30, 2011

May 1, 2010

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

REVENUES

Retail sales

$

270,933

$

259,040

Other income (principally finance charges, late fees and

layaway charges)

2,727

2,923

Total revenues

273,660

261,963

COSTS AND EXPENSES, NET

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation shown below)

158,405

149,860

Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation

shown below)

63,316

68,080

Depreciation

5,404

5,271

Interest and other income

(957)

(892)

Cost and expenses, net

226,168

222,319

Income before income taxes

47,492

39,644

Income tax expense

16,971

14,610

Net income

$

30,521

$

25,034

Basic earnings per share

$

1.04

$

0.85

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.04

$

0.85

Dividends per share

$

0.185

$

0.165

Comprehensive income:

Net income

$

30,521

$

25,034

Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net

of deferred income tax benefit

274

(87)

Comprehensive income

$

30,795

$

24,947

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDAT ED BALANCE SHEETS

April 30, 2011

January 29, 2011

May 1, 2010

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

81,173

$

48,630

$

53,731

Short-term investments

180,113

181,395

166,404

Restricted cash and investments

4,818

4,826

2,565

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,861,

$3,230 and $2,985 at April 30, 2011, May 1, 2010 and

January 29, 2011 respectively

39,694

39,703

40,742

Merchandise inventories

125,182

144,028

114,540

Deferred income taxes

3,513

3,660

7,875

Prepaid expenses

5,108

3,199

5,006

Total Current Assets

439,601

425,441

390,863

Property and equipment – net

98,476

99,773

101,469

Other assets

7,582

7,545

7,541

Total Assets

$

545,659

$

532,759

$

499,873

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable

$

92,513

$

103,898

$

85,671

Accrued expenses

36,021

35,318

34,457

Accrued bonus and benefits

6,924

22,841

12,895

Accrued income taxes

28,384

11,861

26,516

Total Current Liabilities

163,842

173,918

159,539

Deferred income taxes

9,540

9,540

7,254

Other noncurrent liabilities (primarily deferred rent)

14,749

15,287

16,468

Commitments and contingencies:

-

-

-

Stockholders' Equity:

Preferred stock, $100 par value per share, 100,000 shares authorized,

none issued

-

-

-

Class A common stock, $.033 par value per share, 50,000,000

shares authorized; issued 27,657,989 shares, 27,844,023 shares

and 27,758,123 shares at April 30, 2011, May 1, 2010 and

January 29, 2011, respectively

922

925

928

Convertible Class B common stock, $.033 par value per share,

15,000,000 shares authorized; issued 1,743,525 shares at April 30, 2011,

May 1, 2010 and January 29, 2011, respectively

58

58

58

Additional paid-in capital

69,294

68,537

65,706

Retained earnings

286,705

264,218

249,473

Accumulated other comprehensive income

549

276

447

Total Stockholders' Equity

357,528

334,014

316,612

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

545,659

$

532,759

$

499,873

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATE D STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Three Months Ended

April 30, 2011

May 1, 2010

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating Activities:

Net income

$

30,521

$

25,034

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided

by operating activities:

Depreciation

5,404

5,271

Provision for doubtful accounts

530

824

Share based compensation

506

493

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

(34)

(82)

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

283

53

Changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided

(used) cash:

Accounts receivable

(521)

(1,412)

Merchandise inventories

18,846

15,108

Prepaid and other assets

(1,920)

(1,768)

Accrued income taxes

16,557

15,659

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

(27,137)

(25,729)

Net cash provided by operating activities

43,035

33,451

Investing Activities:

Expenditures for property and equipment

(4,391)

(4,024)

Purchase of short-term investments

(9,374)

(35,960)

Sales of short-term investments

11,052

17,347

Change in restricted cash and investments

8

10

Net cash used in investing activities

(2,705)

(22,627)

Financing Activities:

Dividends paid

(5,458)

(4,882)

Repurchase of common stock

(2,583)

(3,111)

Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan

220

192

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

34

82

Proceeds from stock options exercised

-

241

Net cash used in financing activities

(7,787)

(7,478)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

32,543

3,346

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

48,630

50,385

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

81,173

$

53,731

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 1 - GENERAL :

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the accounting records of The Cato Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”), and all amounts shown as of and for the periods ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature unless otherwise noted.  The results of the interim period may not be indicative of the results expected for the entire year.

The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011.  Amounts as of January 29, 2011, have been derived from the audited balance sheet other than the retrospective application of the change in accounting principal.

On May 26, 2011, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 24% from $.185 per share to $.23 per share or an annualized rate of $.92 per share.

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE:

The Company elected to change its method of accounting for inventory to the weighted average cost method from the retail method effective January 30, 2011.  In accordance with ASC 250 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”, all periods have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of the change to the weighted average cost method.  The company believes that the weighted average cost method better matches cost of sales with related sales, as well as having an inventory valuation that more closely reflects the acquisition cost of inventory by valuing inventory on a unit basis verses the product department level under the retail method.  The cumulative adjustment as of January 31, 2010, was an increase in inventory of $11.7 million and an increase in retained earnings of $7.3 million.

Additionally, the Company has changed the classification for certain balance sheet items to conform to the 2011 presentation.  This change in classification will reduce accounts payable and inventory by $1.6 million as of January 29, 2011 and $0.6 million as of May 1, 2010.

In addition, the Company has changed the classification of certain prior year first quarter income statement items to conform to the 2011 presentation.  The change has no effect on net income; however, it does reduce retail sales by $720,000, cost of goods sold by $241,000 and selling, general and administrative expense by $479,000.

5


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

As a result of this retrospective application of the change in accounting principle and the change in the classification of the Balance Sheet, the following items in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets have been adjusted as follows:

January 29, 2011

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

As Previously Reported

Total Changes

As Adjusted

Merchandise inventories

$

132,020

$

12,008

$

144,028

Deferred income taxes

5,001

(1,341)

3,660

Total Current Assets

414,774

10,667

425,441

Total Assets

522,092

10,667

532,759

Accounts payable

105,526

(1,628)

103,898

Total Current Liabilities

175,546

(1,628)

173,918

Deferred income taxes

5,695

3,845

9,540

Retained earnings

255,768

8,450

264,218

Total Stockholders' Equity

325,564

8,450

334,014

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

522,092

$

10,667

$

532,759

May 1, 2010

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

As Previously Reported

Total Changes

As Adjusted

Merchandise inventories

$

106,710

$

7,830

$

114,540

Deferred income taxes

7,821

54

7,875

Total Current Assets

382,979

7,884

390,863

Total Assets

491,989

7,884

499,873

Accounts payable

86,267

(596)

85,671

Total Current Liabilities

160,135

(596)

159,539

Deferred income taxes

4,086

3,168

7,254

Retained earnings

244,161

5,312

249,473

Total Stockholders' Equity

311,300

5,312

316,612

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

491,989

$

7,884

$

499,873

6


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

As a result of this retrospective application of the change in accounting principle and the change in the classification of the Income Statement, the following items in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows have been adjusted as follows:

Three Months Ended

May 1, 2010

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

As Previously Reported

Total Changes

As Adjusted

Retail Sales

$

259,760

$

(720)

$

259,040

Total Revenues

262,683

(720)

261,963

Cost of goods sold

146,854

3,006

149,860

Selling, general and administrative

68,559

(479)

68,080

Cost and expenses, net

219,792

2,527

222,319

Income before income taxes

42,891

(3,247)

39,644

Income tax expense

15,831

(1,221)

14,610

Net income

$

27,060

$

(2,026)

$

25,034

Basic earnings per share

$

0.92

$

(0.07)

$

0.85

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.92

$

(0.07)

$

0.85

Three Months Ended

May 1, 2010

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

As Previously Reported

Total Changes

As Adjusted

Cash flow from operating activities:

Net income

$

27,060

$

(2,026)

$

25,034

Merchandise inventories

11,918

3,190

15,108

Accounts payable, accrued expenses

and other liabilities

$

(24,565)

$

(1,164)

$

(25,729)

7


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE:

ASC 260 – Earnings Per Share requires dual presentation of basic and diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) on the face of all income statements for all entities with complex capital structures.  The Company has presented one basic EPS and one diluted EPS amount for all common shares in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  While the Company’s certificate of incorporation provides the right for the Board of Directors to declare dividends on Class A shares without declaration of commensurate dividends on Class B shares, the Company has historically paid the same dividends to both Class A and Class B shareholders and the Board of Directors has resolved to continue this practice.  Accordingly, the Company’s allocation of income for purposes of the EPS computation is the same for Class A and Class B shares and the EPS amounts reported herein are applicable to both Class A and Class B shares.

Basic EPS is computed as net income less earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Three Months Ended

April 30, 2011

May 1, 2010

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Basic earnings per share:

Net earnings

$

30,521

$

25,034

Earnings allocated to non-vesting equity awards

(524)

(420)

Net earnings available to common stockholders

$

29,997

$

24,614

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding

28,946,814

29,014,934

Basic earnings per share

$

1.04

$

0.85

Diluted earnings per share:

Net earnings

$

30,521

$

25,034

Earnings allocated to non-vesting equity awards

(524)

(420)

Net earnings available to common stockholders

$

29,997

$

24,614

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding

28,946,814

29,014,934

Dilutive effect of stock options

6,344

12,686

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding

28,953,158

29,027,620

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.04

$

0.85

NOTE 3 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Income tax payments, net of refunds received, for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 were $416,000 and $188,000, respectively.

8


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 4 – FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS:

As of April 30, 2011, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement of $35.0 million.  The revolving credit agreement is committed until August 2013.  The credit agreement contains various financial covenants and limitations, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios with which the Company was in compliance as of April 30, 2011.  There were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility during the three months ended April 30, 2011 or May 1, 2010.  Interest on any borrowings is based on LIBOR, which was 0.21% at April 30, 2011.

At April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010 the Company had approximately $2.9 million and $4.4 million, respectively, of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.

NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company has two reportable segments: retail and credit. The Company operated its fashion specialty retail stores in 31 states at April 30, 2011, principally in the southeastern United States. The Company offers its own credit card to its customers and all related credit authorizations, payment processing, and collection efforts are performed by a separate subsidiary of the Company.

The following schedule summarizes certain segment information (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

April 30, 2011

Retail

Credit

Total

Revenues

$

271,708

$

1,952

$

273,660

Depreciation

5,400

4

5,404

Interest and other income

(957)

-

(957)

Income before taxes

46,853

639

47,492

Total assets

470,141

75,518

545,659

Capital expenditures

4,346

45

4,391

Three Months Ended

May 1, 2010

Retail

Credit

Total

Revenues

$

259,741

$

2,222

$

261,963

Depreciation

5,265

6

5,271

Interest and other income

(892)

-

(892)

Income before taxes

39,015

629

39,644

Total assets

426,840

73,033

499,873

Capital expenditures

4,024

-

4,024

The Company evaluates segment performance based on income before taxes.  The Company does not allocate certain corporate expenses or income taxes to the credit segment.

9


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED):

The following schedule summarizes the direct expenses of the credit segment which are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

April 30, 2011

May 1, 2010

Bad debt expense

$

530

$

823

Payroll

242

235

Postage

201

228

Other expenses

336

301

Total expenses

$

1,309

$

1,587

NOTE 6 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION:

As of April 30, 2011, the Company had three long-term compensation plans pursuant to which stock-based compensation was outstanding or could be granted. The Company’s 1987 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan authorized 5,850,000 shares for the granting of options to officers and key employees. The 1999 Incentive Compensation Plan and 2004 Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan authorized 1,500,000 and 1,350,000 shares, respectively, for the granting of various forms of equity-based awards, including restricted stock and stock options to officers and key employees.  The 1999 Plan has expired as to the ability to grant new awards.

The following table presents the number of options and shares of restricted stock initially authorized and available for grant under each of the plans:

1987

1999

2004

Plan

Plan

Plan

Total

Options and/or restricted stock initially authorized

5,850,000

1,500,000

1,350,000

8,700,000

Options and/or restricted stock available for grant:

January 29, 2011

18,627

-

627,872

646,499

April 30, 2011

19,677

-

628,621

648,298

In accordance with ASC 718, the fair value of current restricted stock awards is estimated on the date of grant based on the market price of the Company’s stock and is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting periods. As of April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, there was $5.4 million and $8.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which have a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.1 years and 3.1 years, respectively. The total fair value of the shares recognized as compensation expense during the first quarter ended April 30, 2011 was $467,000 compared to $454,000 for the first quarter ended May 1, 2010.  These expenses are classified as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

10


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 6 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED):

The following summary shows the changes in the shares of restricted stock outstanding during the three months ended April 30, 2011:

Weighted Average

Number of

Grant Date Fair

Shares

Value Per Share

Restricted stock awards at January 29, 2011

509,456

$

20.32

Vested

(183)

20.90

Forfeited or expired

(750)

20.07

Restricted stock awards at April 30, 2011

508,523

$

20.32

The Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows eligible full-time employees to purchase a limited number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock during each semi-annual offering period at a 15% discount through payroll deductions. During the three months ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, the Company sold 10,616 and 11,363 shares to employees at an average discount of $3.66 and $2.99 per share, respectively, under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The compensation expense recognized for the 15% discount given under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was approximately $39,000 and $34,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, respectively.  These expenses are classified as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

The following is a summary of the changes in stock options outstanding during the three months ended April 30, 2011:

Weighted

Weighted

Average

Average

Remaining

Aggregate

Exercise

Contractual

Intrinsic

Shares

Price

Term

Value(a)

Options outstanding at January 29, 2011

21,675

$

13.86

2.78 years

$

228,434

Granted

-

-

-

-

Forfeited or expired

1,050

-

-

-

Exercised

-

Outstanding at  April 30, 2011

20,625

$

13.96

2.41 years

$

215,001

Vested and exercisable at April 30, 2011

20,625

$

13.96

2.41 years

$

215,001

(a) The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

11


Table of Contents

THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 6 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED):

No options were granted in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010.  No options were exercised in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the first quarter ended April 30, 2011 was $0 compared to $158,000 for the prior year quarter ended May 1, 2010.

The Company recognized additional share-based compensation expense of $0 and $2,000 for the first quarter ended April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, respectively.  These amounts are classified as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Stock option awards outstanding under the Company’s current plans were granted at exercise prices which were equal to the market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, vest over five years and expire no later than ten years after the grant date.

NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES:

For the quarter ended April 30, 2011, the Company’s effective tax rate was 35.7% compared to 36.9% for the prior year quarter ended May 1, 2010.  The current year quarter was impacted by the reduction of a reserve for certain unrecognized tax benefits from the closing of a state income tax audit.  During the next 12 months, various taxing authorities’ statutes of limitations are expected to expire which could result in a potential reduction of unrecognized tax benefits.  In addition, certain state examinations may close, the ultimate resolution of which could materially affect the effective tax rate.  As a consequence, the balance in unrecognized tax benefits can be expected to fluctuate from period to period.  It is reasonably possible such changes could be significant when compared to our total unrecognized tax benefits, but the amount of change is not currently estimable.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

The following tables set forth information regarding the Company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value (in thousands) as of April 30, 2011 and January 29, 2011.

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Significant

Markets for

Other

Significant

Identical

Observable

Unobservable

April 30,

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

Description

2011

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

State/Municipal Bonds

$

132,262

$

-

$

132,262

$

-

Corporate Bonds

31,946

-

31,946

-

Auction Rate Securities (ARS)

3,450

-

-

3,450

Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)

17,769

17,769

-

-

US Treasury Notes

1,054

1,054

-

-

Privately Managed Funds

1,937

-

-

1,937

Corporate Equities

506

506

-

-

Certificates of Deposit

100

100

-

-

Total

$

189,024

$

19,429

$

164,208

$

5,387

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Significant

Markets for

Other

Significant

Identical

Observable

Unobservable

January 29,

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

Description

2011

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

State/Municipal Bonds

$

129,678

$

-

$

129,678

$

-

Corporate Bonds

34,288

-

34,288

-

Auction Rate Securities (ARS)

3,450

-

-

3,450

Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)

19,308

19,308

-

-

Privately Managed Funds

1,925

-

-

1,925

Corporate Equities

480

480

-

-

Total

$

189,129

$

19,788

$

163,966

$

5,375

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):

The Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in tax exempt variable rate demand notes (“VRDN”), corporate bonds, and governmental debt securities held in managed funds with underlying ratings of A or better at both April 30, 2011 and January 29, 2011.  The underlying securities have contractual maturities which generally range from 50 days to 30 years.  Although the Company’s investments in VRDN’s have underlying securities with contractual maturities longer than one year, the VRDN’s themselves have interest rate resets of 7 days and are considered short-term investments.  These securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded as short-term investments on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Additionally, at April 30, 2011 and January 29, 2011, the Company had $1.9 million of privately managed funds, $0.5 million of corporate equities and a single auction rate security (“ARS”) of $3.5 million which continues to fail its auction.  All of these assets are recorded within Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Level 1 category securities are measured at fair value using quoted active market prices.  Level 2 investment securities include corporate and municipal bonds for which quoted prices may not be available on active exchanges for identical instruments.  Their fair value is principally based on market values determined by management with assistance of a third party pricing service.  Since quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, these prices are determined by the pricing service using observable market information such as quotes from less active markets and/or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, among other factors.

The Company’s failed ARS is measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs at each reporting period.  Because there is no active market for this particular ARS, its fair value was determined through the use of a discounted cash flow analysis. The terms used in the analysis were based on management’s estimate of the timing of future liquidity, which assumes that the security will be called or refinanced by the issuer or settled with a broker dealer prior to maturity. The discount rates used in the discounted cash flow analysis were based on market rates for similar liquid tax exempt securities with comparable ratings and maturities. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future liquidity, the Company also considered a liquidity/risk value reduction. In estimating the fair value of this ARS, the Company also considered the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the security and whether the security has been downgraded by a rating agency.  The Company’s valuation is sensitive to market conditions and management’s judgment and can change significantly based on the assumptions used.

The Company has two privately managed funds.  The privately managed funds cannot be redeemed at net asset value at a specific date without advance notice.  As a result, the Company has classified the investments as Level 3.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 8 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):

The following tables summarize the change in the fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured using Level 3 inputs during the first three months of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 ($ in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant

Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Available-For-Sale

Debt Securities

Other Investments

ARS

Private Equity

Total

Beginning Balance at January 29, 2011

$

3,450

$

1,925

$

5,375

Total gains or (losses)

Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)

Included in other comprehensive income

12

12

Ending Balance at April 30, 2011

$

3,450

$

1,937

$

5,387

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant

Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

Available-For-Sale

Debt Securities

Other Investments

ARS

Private Equity

Total

Beginning Balance at January 30, 2010

$

3,450

$

1,940

$

5,390

Total gains or (losses)

Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)

Included in other comprehensive income

21

21

Ending Balance at May 1, 2010

$

3,450

$

1,961

$

5,411

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDE NSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2011 AND MAY 1, 2010

NOTE 9 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In January 2011, the Company adopted accounting guidance regarding changes to disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. For fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the guidance requires a reporting entity to present separate information about gross purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

ITEM 2.  MAN AGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

The following information should be read along with the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, including the accompanying Notes appearing in this report. Any of the following are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended: (1) statements in this Form 10-Q that reflect projections or expectations of our future financial or economic performance; (2) statements that are not historical information; (3) statements of our beliefs, intentions, plans and objectives for future operations, including those contained in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”; (4) statements relating to our operations or activities for fiscal 2011 and beyond, including, but not limited to, statements regarding expected amounts of capital expenditures and store openings (including the launch of the new Versona Accessories store concept), relocations, remodels and closures; and (5) statements relating to our future contingencies. When possible, we have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “approximates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “should” and variations of such words and similar expressions. We can give no assurance that actual results or events will not differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us as of the filing date of this report, but 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, including, but not limited to, the continuation or worsening of (i) the current adverse or recessionary conditions affecting the U.S. and global economies and consumer spending and (ii) the adverse conditions in the U.S. and global credit markets; uncertainties regarding the impact of any governmental responses to the foregoing adverse economic and credit market conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; our ability to predict fashion trends; consumer apparel and accessory buying patterns; adverse weather conditions; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand; and other factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 (“fiscal 2010”), as amended or supplemented, and in other reports we file with or furnish to the SEC from time to time.  We do not undertake, and expressly decline, any obligation to update any such forward-looking information contained in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011. As disclosed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements. The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, workers’ compensation, general and auto insurance liabilities, group health insurance, litigation, calculation of asset impairment, store closings, inventory shrinkage and uncertain tax positions.

The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed with the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE:

The Company elected to change its method of accounting for inventory to the weighted average cost method from the retail method effective January 30, 2011.  In accordance with ASC 250 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”, all periods have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the period specific effects of the change to the weighted average cost method.  The company believes that the weighted average cost method better matches cost of sales with related sales, as well as having an inventory valuation that more closely reflects the acquisition cost of inventory by valuing inventory on a unit basis verses the product department level under the retail method.  The cumulative adjustment as of January 31, 2010, was an increase in inventory of $11.7 million and an increase in retained earnings of $7.3 million.

Additionally, the Company has changed the classification for certain balance sheet items to conform to the 2011 presentation.  This change in classification will reduce accounts payable and inventory by $1.6 million as of January 29, 2011 and $0.6 million as of May 1, 2010.

In addition, the Company has changed the classification of certain prior year first quarter income statement items to conform to the 2011 presentation.  The change has no effect on net income; however, it does reduce retail sales by $720,000, cost of goods sold by $241,000 and selling, general and administrative expense by $479,000.

See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for details regarding the effects of the change in accounting principle and revised classifications on prior periods.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items in the Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of total retail sales:

Three Months Ended

April 30, 2011

May 1, 2010

Total retail sales

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other income

1.0

1.1

Total revenues

101.0

101.1

Cost of goods sold

58.5

57.9

Selling, general and administrative

23.4

26.3

Depreciation

2.0

2.0

Interest and other income

(0.4)

(0.3)

Income before income taxes

17.5

15.3

Net income

11.3

9.7

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THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – (CONTINUED):

Comparison of First Quarter of 2011 with 2010

Total retail sales for the first quarter were $270.9 million compared to last year’s first quarter sales of $259.0 million, a 4.6% increase.  Same-store sales increased 2.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 due to favorable tax refund timing and favorable weather.  Total revenues, comprised of retail sales and other income (principally, finance charges and late fees on customer accounts receivable and layaway fees), were $273.7 million for the first quarter ended April 30, 2011, compared to $262.0 million for the first quarter ended May 1, 2010. The Company operated 1,282 stores at April 30, 2011 compared to 1,272 stores at the end of last year’s first quarter.  For the first three months of fiscal  2011 the Company opened four new stores, relocated one store and closed four stores.  The Company expects to open approximately 54 stores, relocate seven stores and close approximately 27 stores in fiscal 2011.

Credit revenue of $2.0 million represented 0.7% of total revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 2010 credit revenue of $2.2 million or 0.8% of total revenues.  Credit revenue decreased for the most recent comparable period due to lower finance charge income and lower late fee income from sales under the Company’s proprietary credit card. Credit revenue is comprised of interest earned on the Company’s private label credit card portfolio and related fee income.  Related expenses include principally bad debt expense, payroll, postage and other administrative expenses and totaled $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to last year’s first quarter expenses of $1.6 million.  The decrease was primarily due to lower bad debt and postage expenses compared to the first quarter of 2010.

Other income in total, as included in total revenues, was $2.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $2.9 million for the prior year’s comparable first quarter. The slight overall decrease resulted primarily from lower finance and late fee charges partially offset by an increase in layaway charges.

Cost of goods sold was $158.4 million, or 58.5% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $149.9 million, or 57.9% of retail sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The overall increase in cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales for the first quarter of 2011 resulted primarily from higher freight costs and product mix changes partially offset by lower vendor allowances.  Cost of goods sold includes merchandise costs, net of discounts and allowances, buying costs, distribution costs, occupancy costs, freight and inventory shrinkage.  Net merchandise costs and in-bound freight are capitalized as inventory costs.  Buying and distribution costs include payroll, payroll-related costs and operating expenses for the buying departments and distribution center.  Occupancy expenses include rent, real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance, utilities and maintenance for stores and distribution facilities.  Total gross margin dollars (retail sales less cost of goods sold) increased by 3.0% to $112.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to $109.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Gross margin as presented may not be comparable to those of other entities.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – (CONTINUED):

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) primarily include corporate and store payroll, related payroll taxes and benefits, insurance, supplies, advertising, bank and credit card processing fees and bad debts.  SG&A expenses were $63.3 million, or 23.4% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $68.1 million, or 26.3% of retail sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of retail sales decreased 290 basis points for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to incentive-based compensation expenses, group health insurance expenses, and workers’ compensation expenses, slightly offset by higher payroll and legal costs.

Depreciation expense was $5.4 million, or 2.0% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $5.3 million, or 2.0% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The slight increase in depreciation expense was due to store development and information technology investments.

Interest and other income was $1.0 million, or 0.4% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $0.9 million, or 0.3% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 primarily due to higher interest income due to an increase in cash and short-term investments.

Income tax expense was $17.0 million or 6.3% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $14.6 million, or 5.6% of retail sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The first quarter increase resulted from higher pre-tax income partially offset by a slightly lower effective tax rate.  The effective income tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was 35.7% compared to 36.9% for the first quarter of 2010.  The current year quarter was impacted by the reduction of a reserve for certain unrecognized tax benefits from the closing of a state income tax audit.

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND MARKET RISK:

The Company has consistently maintained a strong liquidity position. Cash provided by operating activities during the first three months of fiscal 2011 was $43.0 million as compared to $33.5 million in the first three months of fiscal 2010. These amounts enable the Company to fund its regular operating needs, capital expenditure program, cash dividend payments, and share repurchases.  In addition, the Company maintains a $35.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility for short-term financing of seasonal cash needs. There were no outstanding borrowings on this facility at April 30, 2011.

Cash provided by operating activities for the first three months of fiscal 2011 was primarily generated by earnings adjusted for depreciation and changes in working capital. The increase of $9.5 million for the first three months of fiscal 2011 as compared to the first three months of fiscal 2010 was primarily due to an increase in net income, a change in inventories, and accrued income taxes partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable.

The Company believes that its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, together with cash flows from operations will be adequate to fund the Company’s dividends, share repurchases, other operating requirements and expected capital expenditures for fiscal 2011 and for the foreseeable future.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND MARKET RISK (CONTINUED):

At April 30, 2011, the Company had working capital of $275.8 million compared to $231.3 million at May 1, 2010.  Additionally, the Company had $2.4 million invested in privately managed investment funds and other miscellaneous equities and a single auction rate security of $3.5 million at April 30, 2011, which are included in Other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

At April 30, 2011, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement, which provides for borrowings of up to $35.0 million.  The revolving credit agreement is committed until August 2013. The credit agreement contains various financial covenants and limitations, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios with which the Company was in compliance as of April 30, 2011.  There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility during the first quarter ended April 30, 2011.

At April 30, 2011 and May 1, 2010, the Company had approximately $2.9 million and $4.4 million, respectively, of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.

Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $4.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $4.0 million in last year’s first quarter.  The expenditures for the first three months of 2011 were primarily for the development of four new stores and additional investments in new technology.  For the full fiscal 2011 year, the Company expects to invest approximately $32.3 million for capital expenditures.  This includes expenditures to open 54 new stores and relocate seven stores, upgrades to merchandise systems, and home office and distribution center expansion.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $2.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to $22.6 million used in the comparable period of 2010.  The decrease was due primarily to the decrease in purchases of short-term investments.

On May 26, 2011, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 24% from $.185 per share to $.23 per share or an annualized rate of $.92 per share.

As of April 30, 2011, the Company had 332,942 shares remaining in the share repurchase program.  There is no specified expiration date for the Company’s repurchase program.  For the three months ended April 30, 2011, the Company repurchased 110,000 shares at an average cost of $23.48 per share.

The Company does not use derivative financial instruments.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND MARKET RISK (CONTINUED):

The Company’s investment portfolio was primarily invested in tax exempt variable rate demand notes (“VRDN”), corporate bonds, and governmental debt securities held in managed funds with underlying ratings of A or better at both April 30, 2011 and January 29, 2011.  The underlying securities have contractual maturities which generally range from 50 days to 30 years.  Although the Company’s investments in VRDN’s have underlying securities with contractual maturities longer than one year, the VRDN’s themselves have interest rate resets of 7 days and are considered short-term investments.  These securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded as short-term investments on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated balance Sheets at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Additionally, at April 30, 2011, the Company had $1.9 million of privately managed funds, $0.5 million of corporate equities and a single auction rate security (“ARS”) of $3.5 million which continues to fail its auction.  See Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements for further information regarding the failed ARS.  All of these assets are recorded within Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is provided in Note 9 to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK:

The Company is subject to market rate risk from exposure to changes in interest rates based on its financing, investing and cash management activities, but the Company does not believe such exposure is material.

ITEM 4. C ONTROLS AND PROCEDURES :

We carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of April 30, 2011.  Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of April 30, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING:

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) has occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting except for the change in accounting principle to the weighted average cost method from the retail method for inventory accounting.

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PAR T II OTHER INFORMATION

THE CATO CORPORATION

ITEM 1.  LE GAL PROCEEDINGS

Not Applicable

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 29, 2011.  These risks could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results; however, they are not the only risks we face.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of its common stock for the three months ended April 30, 2011:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Total Number of

Maximum Number

Shares Purchased as

(or Approximate Dollar

Total Number

Average

Part of Publicly

Value) of Shares that may

of Shares

Price Paid

Announced Plans or

Yet be Purchased Under

Period

Purchased

per Share (1)

Programs (2)

The Plans or Programs (2)

February 2011

-

-

-

March 2011

110,000

$

23.48

$

110,000

April 2011

-

-

-

Total

110,000

$

23.48

$

110,000

332,942

(1) Prices include trading costs.

(2) The Company’s Board of Director’s authorized an increase in the Company’s share repurchase program of 500,000 shares on February 26, 2009.  As of January 29, 2011, the Company’s share repurchase program had 442,942 shares remaining in open authorizations.  During the first quarter ending April 30, 2011, the Company repurchased and retired 110,000 shares under this program for approximately $2.6 million or an average market price of $23.48 per share.  As of the first quarter ending April 30, 2011, the Company had 332,942 shares remaining in open authorizations.  There is no specified expiration date for the Company’s repurchase program.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable

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PAR T II OTHER INFORMATION

THE CATO CORPORATION

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Removed and Reserved

ITEM 5 .  OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

Item

3.1

Registrant’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation dated March 6, 1987, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-8 of the Registrant filed February 7, 2000 (SEC File No. 333-96283).

3.2

Registrant’s By Laws incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form
8-K of the Registrant Filed December 10, 2007.

4.1

Rights Agreement dated December 18, 2003, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A12G of the Registrant filed December 22, 2003 and as amended in Form 8-A12B/A filed January 6, 2004.

18.1*

Letter regarding change in accounting principle from PricewaterhouseCoopers, dated June 8, 2011, to the Board of Directors of The Cato Corporation regarding the preferability of change in accounting principal from the Retail Method to the Cost Method.

31.1*

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.

31.2*

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.

32.1*

Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer.

32.2*

Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer.

*  Filed herein.

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PAR T II OTHER INFORMATION

THE CATO CORPORATION

Pursua nt 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

June 8, 2011

/s/ John P. D. Cato

Date

John P. D. Cato

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

June 8, 2011

/s/ John R. Howe

Date

John R. Howe

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

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