Summary Of Accounting Policies - (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Feb. 02, 2019 |
General Dsiclosure [Abstract] | |
Principles Of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Cato Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. |
Description Of Business | Description of Business and Fiscal Year: The Company has two reportable segments — the operation of a fashion specialty stores segment (“Retail Segment”) and a credit card segment (“Credit Segment”). The apparel specialty stores operate under the names “Cato,” “Cato Fashions,” “Cato Plus,” “It’s Fashion,” “It’s Fashion Metro” and “Versona,” including e-commerce websites. The stores are located primarily in strip shopping centers principally in the southeastern Un ited States. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest January 31 of the subsequent year. |
Description of Fiscal Year | Description of Business and Fiscal Year: The Company has two reportable segments — the operation of a fashion specialty stores segment (“Retail Segment”) and a credit card segment (“Credit Segment”). The apparel specialty stores operate under the names “Cato,” “Cato Fashions,” “Cato Plus,” “It’s Fashion,” “It’s Fashion Metro” and “Versona,” including e-commerce websites. The stores are located primarily in strip shopping centers principally in the southeastern Un ited States. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest January 31 of the subsequent year. |
Use Of Estimates | Use of Estimates: The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilitie s and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory shrinkage, the calculation of potential asset impairment, workers’ compensation, general and auto insurance liabilities, reserves relating to self-insure d health insurance, and uncertain tax positions. |
Cash And Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. |
Short-Term Investments | Short-Term Investments: Investments with original maturities beyond three months are classified as short-term investments. See Note 3 for the Company’s estimated fair value of, and other information regarding, its short-term investments. The Company’s short-term investments are all classified as available -for-sale. As they are available for current operations, they are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Current Assets. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and temporary losses, net of income taxes, rep orted as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income. Other than temporary declines in the fair value of investments are recorded as a reduction in the cost of the investments in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and a reduction of Int erest and other income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. The amortization of premiums, accretion of d iscounts and realized gains and losses are included in Interest and other income. |
Restricted Cash And Short-Term Investments | Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments: The Company had $3.8 million and $3.7 million in escrow at February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018 , respectively, as security and collateral for administration of the Company’s self-insured workers’ compensation and general liability coverage , which is reported as Restricted cash and Restricted short-term investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information | Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Income tax payments, net of refunds received, for the fiscal years en ded February 2, 2019 , February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017 were a refund of $407,000 , and payments of $4,356,000 and $14,118,000 , respectively. |
Inventories | Inventories: Merchandise inventories are stated at the net realizable value as d etermined by the weighted-average cost method. |
PropertyAnd Equipment | Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are recorded at cost , including land . Maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred; renewals and betterments are capitalized. Depreciation is determined on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets excluding leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term. For leases with renewal p eriods at the Company’s option, the Company generally uses the original lease term plus reasonably assured renewal opt ion periods (generally one five- year option period) to determine estimated useful lives. Typical estimated useful lives are as follows : Estimated Classification Useful Lives Land improvements 10 years Buildings 30-40 years Leasehold improvements 5-10 years Fixtures and equipment 3-10 years Information technology equipment and software 3-10 years Aircraft 20 years |
Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company invests in leaseholds and equipment primarily in connection with the opening and remodeling of stores and in computer software and hardware. The Company periodically reviews its store locations and estimates the recoverability of its long-lived assets, which primarily relate to Fixtures and equipment, Leasehold improvements, and Information technology equipment and software. An impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value when the Company determines that projected cash flows associated with those long-lived assets will not be sufficient to recover the carrying value. This determination is based on a number of factors, including the store’s historical operating results and projected cash flows, which include future sales growth projections. Further, in determining when to close a store, the Company considers real estate development in the area and perceived local market conditions, which can be difficult to predict and may be subject to change. Asset impairment charges of $1,548,000 , $7,698,000 and $13,561,000 were incurred in fiscal 2018 , fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 , respectively. |
Leases | Leases The Company determines the classification of leases consistent with ASC 840 - Leases . The Company leases all of its retail stores. Most lease agreements contain construction allowances and rent escalations. For purposes of recognizing incentives and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, including renewal periods considered reasonably assured, the Company begins amortization as of the initial possession date which is when the Company enters the sp ace and begins to make improvements in preparation for intended use. For deferred landlord allowances ( construction allowances ) , the Company records a deferred rent liability in Other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amo rtizes the deferred rent over the term of the respective lease as a reduction to Cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payment s commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, the Company records minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. Deferred landlord allowance and deferred step rent of $19,334,000 are recorded in O ther nonc urrent liabilities at the end of February 2, 2019 . |
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition In the First quarter of 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“Topic 606”) using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts which were pending as of February 3, 2018. Financial results included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income for the twelve months ended February 2, 2019 are presented under Topic 606, while prior year amounts have not been restated a nd continue to be reported in accordance with ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition” (“Topic 605”). As a result of adopting Topic 606, the Company did not adjust opening retained earnings. The Company recognizes sales at the point of purchase when the custo mer takes possession of the merchandise and pays for the purchase, generally with cash or credit. Sales from purchases made with Cato credit, gift cards and layaway sales from stores are also recorded when the customer takes possession of the merchandise. E-commerce sales are recorded when the risk of loss is transferred to the customer. Gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue until they are redeemed or forfeited. Layaway sales are recorded as deferred revenue until the customer takes possession or forf eits the merchandise. Gift cards do not have expiration dates. A provision is made for estimated merchandise returns based on sales volumes and the Company’s experience; actual returns have not varied materially from historical amounts. A provision is made for estimated write-offs associated with sales made with the Company’s proprietary credit card. Amounts related to shipping and handling billed to customers in a sales transaction are classified as Other revenue and the costs related to shipping product to customers (billed and accrued) are classified as Cost of goods sold. In accordance with Topic 606, in fiscal 2018 , the Company recognized $ 591,000 of income on unredeemed gift cards (“gift card breakage”) as a componen t of Other Revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Under Topic 606, the Company recognizes gift card breakage using an expected breakage percentage based on redeemed gift cards. In fiscal 2017 and 2016 , the Company recognized $ 1,380,000 and $ 3,434,000 , respectively, of gift card breakage as a component of Other income on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. See Note 2 for further in formation on miscellaneous income. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company changed its estimate for recognizing gift card breakage income, changing the dormancy period to 24 months of inactivity from 60 months of inactivity. The Company offers its own proprietary credit card to customers. All credit activity is performed by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. None of the credit card receivables are secured. The Company estimated uncollectible amounts of $897,000 and $890,000 for the twelv e months ended February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, respectively, on sales purchased on the Company’s proprietary credit card of $27.4 million and $27.5 million for the twelve months ended February 2, 2019 and February 3, 2018, respectively. The followi ng table provides information about receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands): Balance as of February 2, 2019 February 3, 2018 Proprietary Credit Card Receivables, net $ 15,980 $ 16,857 Gift Card Liability $ 7,721 $ 7,565 |
Cost Of Goods Sold | Cost of Goods Sold: 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 our buying departments and distribution center. Occupancy expenses include rent, real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance, utiliti es and maintenance for stores and distribution facilities. Buying, distribution, occupancy and internal transfer costs are treated as period costs and are not capitalized as part of inventory. The direct costs associated with shipping goods to customers ar e recorded as a component of Cost of goods sold. |
Stock Repurchase Program | Stock Repurchase Program: For fiscal year ending February 2, 2019 , the Company had 2,019,002 shares remaining in open authorizations. There is no specified expiration date for the Company’s repurchase program. Share repurchases are recorded in Retained earnings, net of par value. As of March 27, 2019 , the Company repurchased 126,891 shares for $1,695,000 , primarily to offset dilution from its equity compensation plans. |
Advertising | Advertising: Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising expense was approximately $ 5,546,000 , $ 5,558,000 and $ 6,868,000 fo r the fiscal years ended February 2, 2019 , February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017 , respectively . |
Vendor Allowances | Vendor Allowances: The Company receives certain allowances from vendors primarily related to purchase discounts and markdown and damage allowances. All allowances are reflected in Cost of goods sold as earned when the related products are sold. Cash consideration received from a vendor is presumed to be a reduction of the purchase cost of merchandise and is reflected as a reduction of inventory. The Company does not receive cooperative advertising allowances. |
Earnings Per Share | Earnings Per Share: ASC 260 - Earnings Per Share , requires dual presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS on the face of all income statements for all entities with complex capi tal structures. The Company has presented one basic EPS and one diluted EPS amount for all common shares in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. While the Company’s certificate of incorporation provides the right f or 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 r esolved to continue this practice. Accordingly, the Company’s allocation of income for purposes of 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. Basi c 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 issuabl e through stock options and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The following table reflects the basic and diluted EPS calculations for the fiscal years ended February 2, 2019 , February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017 : Fiscal Year Ended February 2, 2019 February 3, 2018 January 28, 2017 Numerator (Dollars in thousands) Net earnings $ 30,461 $ 8,540 $ 47,212 Earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards (862) (172) (956) Net earnings available to common stockholders $ 29,599 $ 8,368 $ 46,256 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 23,995,170 24,906,203 26,839,885 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock - - 1,634 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 23,995,170 24,906,203 26,841,519 Net income per common share Basic earnings per share $ 1.23 $ 0.34 $ 1.72 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.23 $ 0.34 $ 1.72 |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes: The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Income taxes are provided based on the asset and liability method of accounting, whereby deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Co mpany’s assets and liabilities. Unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are established in accordance with ASC 740 when, despite the fact that the tax return positions are supportable, the Company believes these positions may be challen ged and the results are uncertain. The Company adjusts these liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances. Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within operations are recognized as a component of Income before income taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) enacted during fiscal 2017 significantly revised U.S. corporate income tax law by, among other things, reducing the corporate income tax rate to 21% and implementing a modified territori al tax system that includes a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiari es. The Company has finalized the impact of the enacted law during the measurement period allowed by SEC staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB 118”). In addition, the Tax Act implemented a new minimum tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”). The Company has elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred, which is included as a component of its current year provision for income taxes . |
Store Opening Costs | Store Opening Costs: Costs relating to the opening of new stores or the relocating or expanding of existing stores are expensed as incurred. A portion of construction, design, and site selection costs are capitalized to new, reloca ted and remodeled stores. |
Closed Store Lease Obligations | Closed Store Lease Obligations: At the time stores are closed, provisions are made for the rentals required to be paid over the remaining lease terms on a discounted cash flow basis, reduced by any expected sublease rentals . |
Insurance | Insurance: The Company is self-insured with respect to employee health care, workers’ compensation and general liability. The Company’s self-insurance liabilities are based on the total estimated cost of claims filed and estimates of claims incurre d but not reported, less amounts paid against such claims, and are not discounted. Management reviews current and historical claims data in developing its estimates. The Company has stop-loss insurance coverage for individual claims in excess of $325,000 for employee healthcare, $350,000 for workers’ compensation and $250,000 for general liability. |
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments | Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The Company’s carrying values of financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash and short-term investments, approximate their fair values due to their short terms to maturity and/or their variable interes t rates. |
Stock Based Compensation | Stock Based Compensation: The Company records compensation expense associated with restricted stock and other forms of equity compensation in accordance with ASC 718 - Compensation – Stock Compensation. Compensation cost associated with sto ck awards recognized in all years presented includes: 1) amortization related to the remaining unvested portion of all stock awards based on the grant date fair value and 2) adjustments for the effects of actual forfeitures versus initial estimated forfeit ures. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recently Adopted Accounting Policies In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” that supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance and modifies the accounting treatment for certain costs associated with revenue generation. The core principle of the revised revenue recognition standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those good or services, and provides several steps to apply to achieve that principle. In addi tion, the new guidance enhances disclosure requirements to include more information about specific revenue contracts entered into by the entity. Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2018 the Company adopted this new standard. The Company has electe d the modified retrospective approach to transition to Topic 606. As required by this expedient, the Company assessed its open contracts with customers at February 3, 2018 to determine the cumulative effect of initially applying this standard. The Compan y concluded that the cumulative effect of initially applying this standard is not material. In addition, the Company assessed the financial line items impacted by adopting this standard compared to the previous revenue guidance. The Company concluded tha t any differences in financial statement line items are not material. Please refer to Note 1 , Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for disclosures related to this adoption. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flow s (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)." This standard requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included in cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-p eriod total amounts shown in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 using the retrospective transition method. The new guidance did not have a material impact on the financial statements . Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an effective date for ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” a new leasing standard that will require substantially all leases to be recorded on the balance sheet. The standard is effective for the Company’s first quarter of its 2019 fiscal year; early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is assessing what impacts this new standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and expects assets and liabilities to increase. We will continue evaluating the practical expedients as they are issued. However, the adoption of this standard will result in the recognition of a lease liabili ty and related right-of-use asset and will materially impact our balance sheet. |
Other Asset Accounting Policy | Other Assets Other assets are comprised of long-term assets, primarily insurance contracts related to deferred compensation assets and land held for investment purposes. Fiscal Year Ended February 2, 2019 February 3, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Other Assets Deferred Compensation Investments $ 9,093 $ 8,899 Miscellaneous Investments 1,277 1,392 Other Deposits 520 525 Investment In Partnership 526 699 Land Held for Investment 9,923 9,677 Other 466 466 Total Other Assets $ 21,805 $ 21,658 |