CATO Q2 2025 Results: Improved Margins, Operating Cash Flow Up
The Cato Corporation reported improved profitability in the quarter ended August 2, 2025, with total revenues of $176.5 million and net income of $6.8 million compared with $0.1 million in the prior-year quarter. Retail sales benefit from a lower cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales (63.8% versus 65.4% year-ago) and SG&A that declined as a percent of retail sales (32.8% versus 34.9% year-ago). Cash provided by operations was $15.6 million for the six months, working capital was $50.5 million, and total assets were $436.9 million. The Company operates 1,101 stores as of August 2, 2025 and closed 16 stores in the first six months, with an expected ~50 store closures for fiscal 2025. The Company established a $35.0 million asset-based revolving credit facility with $27.0 million availability after a $3.0 million letter of credit.
Positive
- Net income increased to $6.8 million for the quarter versus $0.1 million a year earlier.
- Basic and diluted EPS were $0.35 for the quarter.
- Cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales improved to 63.8% from 65.4% year-over-year.
- Operating cash flow of $15.6 million for the six months improved versus $8.8 million prior year.
- Committed ABL facility of $35.0 million provides additional liquidity (availability $27.0 million after a $3.0 million letter of credit).
Negative
- Store count declined to 1,101 stores from 1,166 at prior-year end; Company expects ~50 store closures in fiscal 2025.
- Total assets decreased from $452.4 million at February 1, 2025 to $436.9 million at August 2, 2025.
- Lease liabilities remain substantial (current lease liability $53.9 million; noncurrent lease liability $76.0 million), reflecting material ongoing obligations.
- Interest and other income fell materially year-over-year for the six months (down to $2.6 million from $7.6 million) driven by a prior-year gain on sale of land.
Insights
TL;DR: Profitability recovered materially year-over-year with stronger gross margin, positive operating cash flow and modest leverage flexibility.
The quarter shows a meaningful rebound in net income to $6.8 million from $0.1 million a year earlier, producing basic and diluted EPS of $0.35. Gross margin dollars increased and cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales improved to 63.8% in the quarter. Operating cash flow of $15.6 million for the six months supports liquidity alongside $225.8 million in current assets and a $35.0 million committed ABL facility with $27.0 million availability after a $3.0 million letter of credit. These items indicate improved near-term earnings conversion to cash and available working capital to support operations.
TL;DR: Improvements are offset by store reductions and concentration of secured credit availability; monitor execution risk.
While margins and cash flow improved, the Company reduced its store base from 1,166 to 1,101 year-over-year and anticipates approximately 50 store closures in fiscal 2025 which may affect future revenues. The ABL facility is secured primarily by inventory and credit card receivables and had $3.0 million in letters of credit reducing availability to $27.0 million. Lease liabilities remain significant with right-of-use assets of $133.2 million and lease liabilities total over $129.8 million (current plus noncurrent). These factors represent execution and liquidity composition risks to monitor.