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THE CATO CORPORATION ANNOUNCES REGULAR QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

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The Cato Corporation (CATO) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share, with an annualized yield of 10.3%. The company operates three retail concepts offering value-priced fashion apparel and accessories. The press release also includes forward-looking statements regarding operational and financial results.
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The announcement of a regular quarterly dividend by The Cato Corporation is a significant indicator of the company's current financial health and its commitment to shareholder returns. An annualized dividend yield of 10.3% is substantially higher than the average dividend yield of the S&P 500, which typically hovers around 2%. This high yield could suggest that the company is generating ample cash flow, enabling it to return capital to shareholders. However, it could also indicate that the stock price has declined, increasing the yield percentage.

It's crucial to assess the sustainability of such a high dividend yield. Investors should consider the payout ratio, which is the proportion of earnings paid out as dividends to shareholders. A payout ratio that exceeds earnings may not be sustainable in the long term. Additionally, the retail sector's performance, influenced by consumer spending patterns and economic conditions, should be monitored as it directly impacts The Cato Corporation's business operations.

The Cato Corporation operates in the specialty retail sector, which is highly competitive and subject to rapidly changing consumer tastes. The company's focus on value-priced fashion apparel positions it to attract cost-conscious consumers, particularly in an economic environment where discretionary spending may be under pressure. This strategy can be a double-edged sword; while it may lead to increased foot traffic during economic downturns, it may also limit profit margins compared to premium retailers.

Understanding the company's market position and its operational strategies, such as exclusive merchandise offerings and a focus on everyday low prices, is essential. These strategies can drive customer loyalty and differentiate The Cato Corporation from other retailers. However, the company's reliance on physical retail locations also exposes it to the risks associated with brick-and-mortar operations, such as high fixed costs and the need to adapt to the growing trend of e-commerce.

The high dividend yield announced by The Cato Corporation may be attractive to income-seeking investors, especially in a low-interest-rate environment. However, it's important to weigh this against the broader economic context. Retailers can be sensitive to economic cycles and consumer spending is often one of the first areas to contract during economic downturns. An economist would analyze macroeconomic indicators such as employment rates, consumer confidence and inflation to predict potential impacts on the retail sector.

Additionally, the forward-looking statements regarding operational financial results and potential impacts of the coronavirus suggest that The Cato Corporation is cautiously optimistic about navigating the post-pandemic recovery. The long-term effects of the pandemic on consumer behavior, such as increased online shopping, could have lasting implications for the retail industry. Economists would consider these factors when evaluating the company's future performance and its ability to maintain high dividend yields.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share.  The dividend will be payable on April 1, 2024 to shareholders of record on March 26, 2024.

The $0.17 dividend, or $0.68 on an annualized basis, represents an annualized yield of 10.3% at the closing market price on February 29, 2024.

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.

Statements in this press release that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not a historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expected or estimated operational financial results, activities or opportunities, and potential impacts and effects of the coronavirus 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, any actual or perceived deterioration in the conditions that drive consumer confidence and spending, including, but not limited to, prevailing social, economic, political and public health conditions and uncertainties, levels of unemployment, fuel, energy and food costs, wage rates, tax rates, interest rates, home values, consumer net worth and the availability of credit; changes in laws or regulations affecting our business including but not limited to tariffs; uncertainties regarding the impact of any governmental action regarding, or responses to, the foregoing conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; our ability to predict and respond to rapidly changing fashion trends and consumer demands; our ability to successfully implement our new store development strategy to increase new store openings and the ability of any such new stores to grow and perform as expected; adverse weather, public health threats (including the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak) 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

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-cato-corporation-announces-regular-quarterly-dividend-302077056.html

SOURCE The Cato Corporation

FAQ

What dividend did The Cato Corporation declare per share?

The Cato Corporation declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share.

When will the dividend be payable to shareholders?

The dividend will be payable on April 1, 2024, to shareholders of record on March 26, 2024.

What is the annualized yield of the dividend based on the closing market price on February 29, 2024?

The $0.17 dividend, or $0.68 on an annualized basis, represents an annualized yield of 10.3% at the closing market price on February 29, 2024.

What are the three retail concepts operated by The Cato Corporation?

The Cato Corporation operates three concepts: 'Cato,' 'Versona,' and 'It's Fashion.'

Where can exclusive merchandise from Cato stores be found?

Exclusive merchandise found in Cato stores can also be found at www.catofashions.com.

What type of fashion does 'Versona' offer?

'Versona' offers apparel and accessories including jewelry, handbags, and shoes at exceptional prices every day.

What is the focus of 'It's Fashion'?

'It's Fashion' offers fashion with a focus on the latest trendy styles for the entire family at low prices every day.

What type of statements are considered 'forward-looking' in the press release?

Statements that express beliefs, expectations, intentions, or those that are not historical facts, including potential impacts of the coronavirus, are considered 'forward-looking' in the press release.

CATO CORP

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Apparel Retail
Retail-women's Clothing Stores
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United States of America
CHARLOTTE