10-Q

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 October 27, 2012
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 X 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  þ     Accelerated filer  ¨      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 October 27, 2012, there were 27,540,724 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 October 27, 2012

Table of Contents

				Page No.
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
	Item 1.		Financial Statements (Unaudited):
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income			2
		For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets			3
		At October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows			4
		For the Nine Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements			5 – 15
		For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011
	Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16 – 22
	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.		Mine Safety Disclosures	26
	Item 5.		Other Information	26
	Item 6.		Exhibits	26
	Signatures			27 - 31

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE CATO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
REVENUES
Retail sales	$	197,575	$	194,094	$	701,815	$	699,104
Other income (principally finance charges, late fees and
layaway charges)		2,430		2,591		7,597		8,047
Total revenues		200,005		196,685		709,412		707,151
COSTS AND EXPENSES, NET
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation shown below)		130,399		125,818		430,690		429,379
Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation
shown below)		58,252		57,505		178,828		179,776
Depreciation		5,346		5,321		16,859		16,096
Interest and other income		(814)		(861)		(2,705)		(2,767)
Cost and expenses, net		193,183		187,783		623,672		622,484
Income before income taxes		6,822		8,902		85,740		84,667
Income tax expense		2,153		2,797		32,016		29,938
Net income	$	4,669	$	6,105	$	53,724	$	54,729
Basic earnings per share	$	0.16	$	0.21	$	1.84	$	1.86
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.16	$	0.21	$	1.84	$	1.86
Dividends per share	$	0.250	$	0.230	$	0.730	$	0.645
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$	4,669	$	6,105	$	53,724	$	54,729
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net
of deferred income tax benefit		(78)		(300)		(5)		283
Comprehensive income	$	4,591	$	5,805	$	53,719	$	55,012

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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THE CATO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

	October 27, 2012		January 28, 2012		October 29, 2011
	(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	53,075	$	34,893	$	36,510
Short-term investments		202,277		205,771		205,810
Restricted cash and investments		5,999		5,325		5,325
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,050,
$2,362 and $2,567 at October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and
October 29, 2011 respectively		42,790		43,024		38,026
Merchandise inventories		130,826		130,382		127,247
Deferred income taxes		3,583		3,579		3,512
Prepaid expenses		3,630		6,158		3,566
Total Current Assets		442,180		429,132		419,996
Property and equipment – net		130,635		115,445		109,811
Other assets		7,380		6,512		6,888
Total Assets	$	580,195	$	551,089	$	536,695
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	84,846	$	94,073	$	82,248
Accrued expenses		46,443		37,584		41,416
Accrued bonus and benefits		4,597		10,192		9,451
Accrued income taxes		9,999		15,144		16,638
Total Current Liabilities		145,885		156,993		149,753
Deferred income taxes		7,887		7,887		9,541
Other noncurrent liabilities (primarily deferred rent)		24,964		19,530		15,431
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 27,540,724 shares, 27,418,884 shares
and 27,419,745 shares at October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and
October 29, 2011 respectively		918		914		914
Convertible Class B common stock, $.033 par value per share,
15,000,000 shares authorized; issued 1,743,525 shares at October 27,
2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011		58		58		58
Additional paid-in capital		74,785		72,030		71,075
Retained earnings		324,767		292,741		289,364
Accumulated other comprehensive income		931		936		559
Total Stockholders' Equity		401,459		366,679		361,970
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	580,195	$	551,089	$	536,695

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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THE CATO CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

		Nine Months Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income	$	53,724	$	54,729
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation		16,859		16,096
Provision for doubtful accounts		1,004		1,263
Share-based compensation		2,111		1,948
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		(146)		(128)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		806		473
Changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided
(used) cash:
Accounts receivable		(770)		414
Merchandise inventories		(444)		16,781
Prepaid and other assets		1,678		289
Accrued income taxes		(4,999)		4,905
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities		(2,417)		(28,798)
Net cash provided by operating activities		67,406		67,972
Investing Activities:
Expenditures for property and equipment		(30,966)		(26,608)
Purchase of short-term investments		(104,497)		(105,837)
Sales of short-term investments		107,964		81,855
Change in restricted cash and investments		(674)		(499)
Net cash used in investing activities		(28,173)		(51,089)
Financing Activities:
Dividends paid		(21,346)		(19,008)
Repurchase of common stock		(361)		(10,599)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		463		444
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		146		128
Proceeds from stock options exercised		47		32
Net cash used in financing activities		(21,051)		(29,003)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		18,182		(12,120)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		34,893		48,630
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	53,075	$	36,510

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

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 three and nine month periods ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 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 28, 2012.  Amounts as of January 28, 2012, have been derived from the audited balance sheet, but do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

On November 20, 2012, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share to be paid on December 28, 2012, to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012. 

On November 30, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.00 per share and accelerated the 2013 dividend of a $1.00 per share both to be paid on December 28, 2012, to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

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 and Comprehensive 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				Nine Months Ended
		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
		(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Numerator
	Net earnings	$	4,669	$	6,105	$	53,724	$	54,729
	Earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards		(68)		(95)		(830)		(894)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	4,601	$	6,010	$	52,894	$	53,835
Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		28,822,403		28,851,509		28,780,682		28,936,177
	Dilutive effect of stock options		3,875		5,368		3,779		6,644
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		28,826,278		28,856,877		28,784,461		28,942,821
Net income per common share
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.16	$	0.21	$	1.84	$	1.86
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.16	$	0.21	$	1.84	$	1.86

NOTE 3 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Income tax payments, net of refunds received, for the nine months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 were $37,023,000 and $25,045,000, respectively.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

NOTE 4 – FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS:

As of October 27, 2012, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement to borrow $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 October 27, 2012.  There were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility during the periods ended October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 or October 29, 2011.  Interest on any borrowings is based on One Month LIBOR, which was 0.214% at October 27, 2012.

At October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011, the Company had approximately $3.3 million, $2.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.

NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company has determined that it has four operating segments, as defined under ASC 280-10, including Cato, It’s Fashion, Versona Accessories and Credit.  As outlined in ASC 280-10, the Company has two reportable segments: Retail and Credit.  The Company has aggregated its retail operating segments based on the aggregation criteria outlined in ASC 280-10, which states that two or more operating segments may be aggregated into a single reportable segment if aggregation is consistent with the objective and basic principles of ASC 280-10, if the segments have similar economic characteristics, similar product, similar production processes, similar clients and similar methods of distribution. 

The Company’s retail operating segments have similar economic characteristics and similar operating, financial and competitive risks.  They are similar in nature of product, as they all offer women’s apparel, shoes and accessories.  Merchandise inventory of the Company’s operating segments is sourced from the same countries and some of the same vendors, using similar production processes.  Clients of the Company’s operating segments have similar characteristics.  Merchandise for the Company’s operating segments is distributed to retail stores in a similar manner through the Company’s single distribution center and is subsequently distributed to clients in a similar manner, through its retail stores.

The Company operates its women’s fashion specialty retail stores in 31 states as of October 27, 2012, principally in the southeastern United States. The Company offers its own credit card to its customers and all credit authorizations, payment processing, and collection efforts are performed by a separate subsidiary of the Company.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED):

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

Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
October 27, 2012		Retail		Credit		Total	October 27, 2012		Retail		Credit		Total
Revenues	$	198,247	$	1,758	$	200,005	Revenues	$	704,019	$	5,393	$	709,412
Depreciation		5,333		13		5,346	Depreciation		16,820		39		16,859
Interest and other income		(814)		-		(814)	Interest and other income		(2,705)		-		(2,705)
Income before taxes		6,153		669		6,822	Income before taxes		83,433		2,307		85,740
Total assets		503,110		77,085		580,195	Total assets		503,110		77,085		580,195
Capital expenditures		11,044		-		11,044	Capital expenditures		30,966		-		30,966
Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
October 29, 2011		Retail		Credit		Total	October 29, 2011		Retail		Credit		Total
Revenues	$	194,769	$	1,916	$	196,685	Revenues	$	701,361	$	5,790	$	707,151
Depreciation		5,302		19		5,321	Depreciation		16,069		27		16,096
Interest and other income		(861)		-		(861)	Interest and other income		(2,767)		-		(2,767)
Income before taxes		8,100		802		8,902	Income before taxes		82,284		2,383		84,667
Total assets		462,588		74,107		536,695	Total assets		462,588		74,107		536,695
Capital expenditures		10,857		-		10,857	Capital expenditures		26,522		86		26,608

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.

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				Nine Months Ended
		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Bad debt expense	$	408	$	381	$	1,004	$	1,263
Payroll		231		233		676		722
Postage		170		186		555		574
Other expenses		267		295		812		821
Total expenses	$	1,076	$	1,095	$	3,047	$	3,380

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

NOTE 6 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION:

As of October 27, 2012, the Company had two 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 is for the granting of options to officers and key employees and the 2004 Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan is for the granting of various forms of equity-based awards, including restricted stock and stock options, to officers and key employees.  

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	2004
	Plan	Plan	Total
Options and/or restricted stock initially authorized	5,850,000	1,350,000	7,200,000
Options and/or restricted stock available for grant:
January 28, 2012	20,127	542,309	562,436
October 27, 2012	20,127	434,166	454,293

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 October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011, there was $7.0 million, $ 6.0 million  and $6.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which have a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.5 years, 2.2 years and 2.5 years, respectively. The total fair value of the shares recognized as compensation expense during the third quarter and nine months ended October 27, 2012 was $631,000 and $2,029,000, respectively compared to $613,000 and $1,870,000, respectively for the third quarter and nine months ended October 29, 2011.  These expenses are classified as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following summary shows the changes in the shares of restricted stock outstanding during the nine months ended October 27, 2012:

			Weighted Average
	Number of		Grant Date Fair
	Shares		Value Per Share
Restricted stock awards at January 28, 2012	461,341	$	21.44
Granted	110,397		28.23
Vested	(113,492)		18.83
Forfeited or expired	(8,020)		23.54
Restricted stock awards at October 27, 2012	450,226	$	23.73

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 nine months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, the Company sold 21,463 and 21,810 shares to employees at an average discount of $3.81 and $3.59 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 $82,000 and $78,000 for the nine months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively.  These expenses are classified as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

No options were granted in the first nine monthsof fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011. 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the third quarter and nine months ended October 27, 2012 was $23,000 and $73,000, respectively, compared to $0 and $41,000, respectively, for the three and nine months ended October 29, 2011.

There was no stock option expense for the three or nine months ended October 27, 2012 or October 29, 2011.

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.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

NOTE 7 – 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 October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011.

				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		October 27, 2012		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	177,774	$	-	$	177,774	$	-
Corporate Bonds		15,414		-		15,414		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		10,495		10,495		-		-
US Treasury Notes		3,203		3,203		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		767		-		-		767
Corporate Equities		462		462		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	211,665	$	14,260	$	193,188	$	4,217

				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		January 28, 2012		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	152,650	$	-	$	152,650	$	-
Corporate Bonds		27,732		-		27,732		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		26,472		26,472		-		-
U.S. Treasury Notes		3,174		3,174		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		1,604		-		-		1,604
Corporate Equities		443		443		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	215,625	$	30,189	$	180,382	$	5,054

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):
				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		October 29, 2011		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	146,936	$	-	$	146,936	$	-
Corporate Bonds		29,670		-		29,670		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		30,439		30,439		-		-
US Treasury Notes		1,421		1,421		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		1,910		-		-		1,910
Corporate Equities		481		481		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	214,407	$	32,441	$	176,606	$	5,360

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 October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011.  The underlying securities have contractual maturities which range from 34 days to 16 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, Restricted investments and Other assets 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 October 27, 2012, the Company had $0.8 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.  At January 28, 2012, the Company had $1.6 million of privately managed funds, $0.4 million of corporate equities and a single ARS of $3.5 million.  At October 29, 2011, the Company had $1.9 million of privately managed funds, $0.5 million of corporate equities and a single ARS of $3.5 million.  All of these assets are recorded within Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):

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 recorded at par value which approximates 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’s privately managed funds consist of two types of 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 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

NOTE 7 – 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 nine months of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 (dollars 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 28, 2012	$	3,450	$	1,604	$	5,054
Redemptions		-		(831)		(831)
Total gains or (losses)
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)		-		(6)		(6)
Included in other comprehensive income		-		-		-
Ending Balance at October 27, 2012	$	3,450	$	767	$	4,217
		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)		-		(15)		(15)
Ending Balance at October 29, 2011	$	3,450	$	1,910	$	5,360

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THE CATO CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2012 AND OCTOBER 29, 2011

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):
Quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs related to the ARS as of October 27, 2012 were as follows:
Fair Value	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs
$3,450	Net present value	Total Term	9.9 Years
	of cash flows	Yield	0.35%
		Comparative bond discount rate	0.20%
Significant increases or decreases in certain of the inputs could result in a lower fair value measurement. For example, a decrease in the yield, or an increase to the comparative bond discount rate could result in a lower fair value.

NOTE 8 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items that are recorded in other comprehensive income.  The new accounting guidance requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements.  The provisions of this new guidance are effective for the Company the first quarter of fiscal 2012.  The Company has adopted this guidance and it does not have any effect on operating results or financial position.

In January 2012, the Company adopted accounting guidance that amends the existing requirements for fair value measurement and disclosure.  The guidance expands the disclosure requirements around fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  It also requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but whose fair value must be disclosed.  It also clarified and expands upon existing requirements for measurement of the fair value of financial assets and liabilities as well as instruments classified in stockholders’ equity.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’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 2012 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 “will”, “expects,” “anticipates,” “approximates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “hopes,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “should” and any variations or negative formulations 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 and sovereign debt markets; uncertainties regarding the impact of any governmental responses to the foregoing adverse conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; our ability to predict fashion trends; consumer apparel and accessory buying patterns; changes and uncertainties in factors that affect consumer confidence; 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 28, 2012 (“fiscal 2011”), as amended or supplemented, and in other reports we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 28, 2012. As disclosed in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) 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, reserves related to self-insurance health insurance, workers’ compensation, general and auto insurance liabilities, calculation of potential asset impairment, inventory shrinkage and uncertain tax positions.

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

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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				Nine Months Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Total retail sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Other income	1.2		1.3		1.1		1.1
Total revenues	101.2		101.3		101.1		101.1
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation)	66.0		64.8		61.4		61.4
Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation)	29.5		29.6		25.5		25.7
Depreciation	2.7		2.7		2.4		2.3
Interest and other income	(0.4)		(0.4)		(0.4)		(0.4)
Income before income taxes	3.4		4.6		12.2		12.1
Net income	2.3		3.1		7.7		7.8

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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 Third Quarter and First Nine Months of 2012 with 2011

Total retail sales for the third quarter were $197.6 million compared to last year’s third quarter sales of $194.1 million, a 1.8% increase.  Same-store sales decreased 2.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.  For the nine months ended October 27, 2012, total retail sales were $701.8 million compared to last year’s comparable nine month sales of $699.1 million, and same store sales decreased 2.0% for the comparable nine month period. The Company believes the third quarter and first nine month period of fiscal 2012 were both adversely impacted by continuing customer uncertainty regarding the economy and political situation.  Total revenues, comprised of retail sales and other income (principally, finance charges and late fees on customer accounts receivable and layaway fees), were $200.0 million and $709.4 million for the third quarter and nine months ended October 27, 2012, compared to $196.7 million and $707.2 million for the third quarter and nine months ended October 29, 2011, respectively. The Company operated 1,306 stores at October 27, 2012 compared to 1,292 stores at the end of last year’s third quarter.  For the first nine months of fiscal  2012, the Company opened 25 new stores, relocated seven stores and closed seven stores.  The Company currently expects to open approximately 37 stores, relocate 9 stores and close approximately 14 stores in fiscal 2012.

Other income including credit revenue, as included in total revenues, was $2.4 million and $7.6 million for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012, compared to $2.6 million and $8.0 million for the prior year’s comparable third quarter and first nine months. The slight overall third quarter and year-to-date decrease resulted primarily from lower finance, late fee and layaway charges.

Cost of goods sold was $130.4 million, or 66.0% of retail sales and $430.7 million or 61.4% of retail sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012, compared to $125.8 million, or 64.8% of retail sales and $429.4 million or 61.4% of retail sales for the prior year’s comparable three and nine month periods of fiscal 2011.  The overall increase in cost of goods sold as a percent of retail sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 resulted primarily from an increase in occupancy costs related to store development and lower merchandise margins. For the first  nine months of  fiscal 2012, cost of goods sold was flat with fiscal 2011 with an increase in store occupancy costs due to store development offset by an increase in merchandise margins.  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 exclusive of depreciation) decreased by 1.6% to $67.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and increased by 0.5% to $271.1 for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared to $68.3 million and $269.7 million for the prior year’s comparable three and nine months of fiscal 2011.  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 $58.3 million, or 29.5% of retail sales and $178.8 million, or 25.5% of retail sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012, respectively, compared to $57.5 million, or 29.6% of retail sales and $179.8 million, or 25.7% of retail sales for the prior year’s comparable three and nine month periods, respectively.  SG&A expenses as a percentage of retail sales decreased 10 basis points for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to the prior year.  The third quarter SG&A decrease was primarily attributable to lower incentive-based compensation expense partially offset by higher payroll costs.  For the first nine months of fiscal 2012, SG&A expenses decreased 20 basis points as compared to the prior year.  The overall dollar decrease for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was primarily attributable to decreased incentive-based compensation expense, partially offset by higher group health insurance costs, and payroll expenses.

Depreciation expense was $5.3 million, or 2.7% of retail sales and $16.9 million, or 2.4% of retail sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012, respectively, compared to $5.3 million, or 2.7% of retail sales and $16.1 million or 2.3% of retail sales for the prior year’s comparable three and nine month periods of fiscal 2011, respectively.  The slight dollar increase in depreciation expense was due to store development and information technology investments.

Interest and other income was $0.8 million, or 0.4% of retail sales and $2.7 million, or 0.4% of retail sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012, respectively, compared to $0.9 million, or 0.4% of retail sales and $2.8 million, or 0.4% of retail sales for the prior year’s comparable three and nine month periods of fiscal 2011.  The slight quarterly dollar decrease was due to lower sales tax vendor income, as well as, label income in the third fiscal quarter of 2012.

Income tax expense was $2.2 million or 1.1% of retail sales and $32.0  million, or 4.6% of retail sales for the third  quarter and first nine  months of fiscal 2012, respectively, compared to $2.8 million, or 1.4% of retail sales and $29.9 million, or 4.3% of retail sales for the prior year’s comparable three and nine  month periods of fiscal 2011, respectively. The third  quarter decrease resulted from lower pre-tax income partially offset by a higher effective tax rate.  The effective income tax rate for the third  quarter of fiscal 2012 was 31.6% compared to 31.4% for the third  quarter of 2011. The nine month increase resulted from higher pre-tax income in addition to a higher effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for the first nine  months of fiscal 2012 was 37.3% compared to 35.4% for the first nine  months of fiscal 2011.  The current year quarter and the first nine months of fiscal 2012 were also impacted by the elimination of the benefit of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit which, as of October 27, 2012, has not been renewed for 2012 by Congress.    

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND MARKET RISK:

The Company has consistently maintained a strong liquidity position. Cash provided by operating activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was $67.4 million as compared to $68.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011. 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 October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011, except for outstanding letters of credit.

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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):

Cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was primarily generated by earnings adjusted for depreciation and changes in working capital. The decrease of  $0.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2012 as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was primarily due to a slight decrease in net income and provision for doubtful accounts, partially offset by an increase in depreciation.

The Company believes that its cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, together with cash flows from operations and borrowings available under its revolving credit agreement, will be adequate to fund the Company’s regular operating requirements, expected capital expenditures, dividends and share repurchases for fiscal 2012 and for the foreseeable future.

At October 27, 2012, the Company had working capital of $296.3 million compared to $272.1 million at January 28, 2012 and $270.2 million at October 29, 2011.  Additionally, the Company had $1.3 million, $2.0 million and $2.4 million invested in privately managed investment funds and other miscellaneous equities and a single auction rate security of $3.5 million at October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively, which are included in Other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

At October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 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 October 27, 2012.  There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility as of October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011.

At October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011, the Company had approximately $3.3 million, $2.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.

Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $31.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012, compared to $26.6 million in last year’s first nine months.  The expenditures for the first nine months of 2012 were primarily for the development of 25 new stores, additional investments in new technology and home office expansion.  For the full fiscal 2012 year, the Company expects to invest approximately $43.0 million for capital expenditures.  This includes expenditures to open 37 new stores and relocate 9 stores, upgrades to merchandise systems and home office and distribution center expansion.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $28.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 compared to $51.1 million used in the comparable period of 2011.  The decrease was due primarily to the increase in sales of short-term investments offset slightly by the increase in capital expenditures.

On November 20, 2012, the Board of Directors declared the regular quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share to be paid on December 28, 2012, to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012. 

On November 30, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.00 per share and accelerated the 2013 dividend of a $1.00 per share both to be paid on December 28, 2012, to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012.

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THE CATO CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

As of October 27, 2012, the Company had 1,976,511 shares remaining in open authorizations under its share repurchase program. 

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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 does not use derivative financial instruments.

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 October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011.  The underlying securities have contractual maturities which generally range from 34 days to 16 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, Restricted investments and Other assets 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 October 27, 2012, the Company had $0.8 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.  At January 28, 2012, the Company had $1.6 million of privately managed funds, $0.4 million of corporate equities and a single ARS of $3.5 million.  At October 29, 2011, the Company had $1.9 million of privately managed funds, $0.5 million of corporate equities and a single ARS of $3.5 million.  See Note 7 – 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 recent accounting pronouncements is provided in Note 8 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. CONTROLS 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 October 27, 2012.  Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of October 27, 2012, 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 ensure 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 SEC’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 October 27, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART IIOTHER INFORMATION

THE CATO CORPORATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL 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 28, 2012.  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 October 27, 2012:

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)
August 2012	193	$	29.18	193
September 2012	-		-	-
October 2012	-		-	-
Total	193	$	29.18	193	1,976,511

(1)Prices include trading costs.

(2)As of July 28, 2012, the Company’s share repurchase program had 1,976,704 shares remaining in open authorizations.  During the third quarter ending October 27, 2012, the Company repurchased and retired 193 shares under this program for approximately $5,632 or an average market price of $29.18 per share.  As of the third quarter ending October 27, 2012, the Company had 1,976,511 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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PART IIOTHER INFORMATION

THE CATO CORPORATION

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

      Not Applicable

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.
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.
101.1*	The following materials from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 27, 2012, formatted in XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Three Months and Nine Months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 27, 2012; October 29, 2011 and January 28, 2012; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011; and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

                      * Submitted electronically herewith.         

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PART IIOTHER INFORMATION

THE CATO CORPORATION

SIGNATURES

Pursuant 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

December 5, 2012	/s/ John P. D. Cato
Date	John P. D. Cato Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
December 5, 2012	/s/ John R. Howe
Date	John R. Howe Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer

EX-31

EXHIBIT 31.1

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), AS ADOPTED

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John P. D. Cato, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of The Cato Corporation (the “registrant”);
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
	a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 5, 2012

/s/ John P. D. Cato

John P. D. Cato

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31

EXHIBIT 31.2

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), AS ADOPTED

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John R. Howe, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of The Cato Corporation (the “registrant”);
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
	a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 5, 2012

/s/ John R. Howe

John R. Howe

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT

I, John P. D. Cato, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cato Corporation (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that on the date of this Certification:

1.the Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended October 27, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: December 5, 2012

/s/ John P. D. Cato

John P. D. Cato

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT

I, John R. Howe, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of The Cato Corporation (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that on the date of this Certification:

1.the Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended October 27, 2012 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
     results of operations of the Company.

Dated: December 5, 2012

/s/ John R. Howe

John R. Howe

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

XML

Reportable Segment Information - (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 200,005	$ 196,685	$ 709,412	$ 707,151
Interest and other income	814	861	2,705	2,767
Total Assets	580,195	536,695	580,195	536,695	551,089
Capital expenditures			30,966	26,608
ReportableSegmentsMemberRetail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	198,247	194,769	704,019	701,361
Depreciation	5,333	5,302	16,820	16,069
Interest and other income	(814)	(861)	(2,705)	(2,767)
Total Assets	503,110	462,588	503,110	462,588
Capital expenditures	11,044	10,857	30,966	26,522
Income Before Taxes	6,153	8,100	83,433	82,284
ReportableSegmentsMemberCredit [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,758	1,916	5,393	5,790
Depreciation	13	19	39	27
Interest and other income	0	0	0	0
Total Assets	77,085	74,107	77,085	74,107
Capital expenditures	0	0	0	86
Income Before Taxes	$ 669	$ 802	$ 2,307	$ 2,383

XML

Financing Arrangements - Notes to Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Financing Arrangements [Abstract]

Financing Arrangements

NOTE 4 – FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS:

As of October 27, 2012, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement to borrow $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 October 27, 2012. There were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility during the periods ended October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 or October 29, 2011. Interest on any borrowings is based on One Month LIBOR, which was 0.214% at October 27, 2012.

At October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011, the Company had approximately $3.3 million, $2.3 millionand $4.2 million, respectively, of outstanding irrevocable letters of credit relating to purchase commitments.

XML

Stock Based Compensation Additional - (Details) (Class A Common Stock, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$ 7,000,000	$ 6,700,000	$ 7,000,000	$ 6,700,000	$ 6,000,000
Remaining Weighted-Average Vesting Period	2 years 6 months 180 days	2 years 6 months 180 days			2 years 2 months 12 days
Compensation Expense	631,000	613,000	2,029,000	1,870,000
Stock Options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation Expense	0	0	0	0
Intrinsic Value	23,000	0	73,000	41,000
Options Granted	0	0	0	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Sold			21,463	21,810
Compensation Expense			$ 82,000	$ 78,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Share Purchase Discount	$ 3.81	$ 3.59	$ 3.81	$ 3.59

XML

Sechedule Of Restricted Stock Outstanding - (Details) (2004 Plan, Restricted Stock, Class A Common Stock, USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012
2004 Plan | Restricted Stock | Class A Common Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Restricted Stock Awards Beginning Balance	461,341
Restricted Stock Awards Granted	110,397
Restricted Stock Awards Vested	(113,492)
Restricted Stock Awards Foreited	(8,020)
Restricted Stock Awards Ending Balance	450,226
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity InstrumentsOtherThan Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share - Beginning Balance	$ 21.44
Granted Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 28.23
Vested Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 18.83
Forfeited Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 23.54
Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share - Ending Balance	$ 23.73

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Assets at Fairvalue - (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
State/Municipal Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
State/Municipal Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	177,774	152,650	146,936
State/Municipal Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Corporate Bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Corporate Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,414	27,732	29,670
Corporate Bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Auction Rate Securities (ARS) | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Auction Rate Securities (ARS) | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Auction Rate Securities (ARS) | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,450	3,450	3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VDRN) | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	10,495	26,472	30,439
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VDRN) | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VDRN) | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
US Treasury Notes | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,203	3,174	1,421
US Treasury Notes | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
US Treasury Notes | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Corporate Equities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	462	443	481
Corporate Equities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Corporate Equities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Certificates of Deposit | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	100	100	100
Certificates of Deposit | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Certificates of Deposit | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Privately Managed Funds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Alternative Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Privately Managed Funds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Alternative Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0	0
Privately Managed Funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Alternative Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 767	$ 1,604	$ 1,910

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 Roll - (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,450	$ 3,450
Redemptions	0
Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	0	0
Gains (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income	0	0
Ending Balance	3,450	3,450
Privately Managed Funds
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,604	1,925
Redemptions	(831)
Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings	6	15
Gains (Losses) Included in Other Comprehensive Income	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 767	$ 1,910

XML

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Notes to Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Supplemental Cash Flow Information Abstract Cato [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

NOTE 3 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Income tax payments, net of refunds received, for the nine months endedOctober 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 were $37,023,000 and $25,045,000, respectively.

XML

Fair Value Level 3 Inputs - (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Comparitive Bond Discount Rate	0.20%
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis | Level 3
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Total Term	9 years 1 month 24 days
Auction Rate Securities (ARS) | Discounted Cash Flow Analysis | Level 3
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
ARS Yield	0.35%

XML

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements Of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Revenues
Retail sales	$ 197,575	$ 194,094	$ 701,815	$ 699,104
Other income (principally finance charges, late fees and layaway charges)	2,430	2,591	7,597	8,047
Total revenues	200,005	196,685	709,412	707,151
COSTS AND EXPENSES, NET
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	130,399	125,818	430,690	429,379
Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation shown below)	58,252	57,505	178,828	179,776
Depreciation	5,346	5,321	16,859	16,096
Interest and other income	814	861	2,705	2,767
Cost and expenses, net	193,183	187,783	623,672	622,484
Income before income taxes	6,822	8,902	85,740	84,667
Income tax expense	2,153	2,797	32,016	29,938
Net income	4,669	6,105	53,724	54,729
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.16	$ 0.21	$ 1.84	$ 1.86
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.16	$ 0.21	$ 1.84	$ 1.86
Dividends per share	$ 0.250	$ 0.230	$ 0.730	$ 0.645
Comprehensive income
Net income	4,669	6,105	53,724	54,729
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred income tax benefit	(78)	(300)	(5)	283
Comprehensive income	$ 4,591	$ 5,805	$ 53,719	$ 55,012

XML

General - Notes to Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

General Dsiclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Account Policies

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 three and nine month periods ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011 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 28, 2012. Amounts as of January 28, 2012, have been derived from the audited balance sheet, but do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

On November 20, 2012, the Board of Directors maintained the quarterly dividend at$0.25 per share. On November 30, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.00 per share and accelerated the 2013 dividend of a $1.00 per share both to be paid on December 28, 2012, to shareholders of record on December 14, 2012.

XML

Earnings Per Share - (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,669	$ 6,105	$ 53,724	$ 54,729
Earnings Alloacted to Non-Vesting Equity Awards	(68)	(95)	(830)	(894)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$ 4,601	$ 6,010	$ 52,894	$ 53,835
Basic Weighted-Average common shares outstanding	28,822,403	28,851,509	28,780,682	28,936,177
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options	3,875	5,368	3,779	6,644
Dilluted Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding	28,826,278	28,856,877	28,784,461	28,942,821
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.16	$ 0.21	$ 1.84	$ 1.86
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.16	$ 0.21	$ 1.84	$ 1.86

XML

Financing Arrangements - (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Outstanding Borrowings	$ 3,295	$ 4,200	$ 2,300
RevolvingCreditFacilityMember [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	35,000
Line of Credit Facility Outstanding Borrowings	$ 35,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Aug. 01, 2013
Interest on Borrowings Based on LIBOR	0.21%

XML

Earnings Per Share - Notes to Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

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 and Comprehensive 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				Nine Months Ended
		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
		(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Numerator
	Net earnings	$	4,669	$	6,105	$	53,724	$	54,729
	Earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards		(68)		(95)		(830)		(894)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	4,601	$	6,010	$	52,894	$	53,835
Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		28,822,403		28,851,509		28,780,682		28,936,177
	Dilutive effect of stock options		3,875		5,368		3,779		6,644
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		28,826,278		28,856,877		28,784,461		28,942,821
Net income per common share
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.16	$	0.21	$	1.84	$	1.86
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.16	$	0.21	$	1.84	$	1.86

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,075	$ 34,893	$ 36,510
Short-term investments	202,277	205,771	205,810
Restricted cash and investments	5,999	5,325	5,325
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	42,790	43,024	38,026
Merchandise inventories	130,826	130,382	127,247
Deferred income taxes	3,583	3,579	3,512
Prepaid expenses	3,630	6,158	3,566
Total Current Assets	442,180	429,132	419,996
Property and equipment - net	130,635	115,445	109,811
Other assets	7,380	6,512	6,888
Total Assets	580,195	551,089	536,695
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	84,846	94,073	82,248
Accrued expenses	46,443	37,584	41,416
Accrued bonus and benefits	4,597	10,192	9,451
Accrued income taxes	9,999	15,144	16,638
Total Current Liabilities	145,885	156,993	149,753
Deferred tax liabilities noncurrent	7,887	7,887	9,541
Other noncurrent liabilities (primarily deferred rent)	24,964	19,530	15,431
Commitments And Contingenciess	0	0	0
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $100 par value per share, 100,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0	0
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock	976	972	972
Additional paid-in capital	74,785	72,030	71,075
Retained earnings	324,767	292,741	289,364
Accumulated other comprehensive income	931	936	559
Total Stockholders' Equity	401,459	366,679	361,970
Liabilities And Stockholders Equity	580,195	551,089	536,695
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock	918	914	914
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock	$ 58	$ 58	$ 58

XML

Sechedule Of Restricted Stock Outstanding - (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule Of Changes In Restricted Stock Outstanding

			Weighted Average
	Number of		Grant Date Fair
	Shares		Value Per Share
Restricted stock awards at January 28, 2012	461,341	$	21.44
Granted	110,397		28.23
Vested	(113,492)		18.83
Forfeited or expired	(8,020)		23.54
Restricted stock awards at October 27, 2012	450,226	$	23.73

XML

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Cato Corp
Entity Central Index Key	0000018255
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Oct. 27, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-27
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Public Float	$ 799,367,189
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number)	27,540,724
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number)	1,743,525

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Assets at Fairvalue - (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures

				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		October 27, 2012		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	177,774	$	-	$	177,774	$	-
Corporate Bonds		15,414		-		15,414		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		10,495		10,495		-		-
US Treasury Notes		3,203		3,203		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		767		-		-		767
Corporate Equities		462		462		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	211,665	$	14,260	$	193,188	$	4,217

				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		January 28, 2012		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	152,650	$	-	$	152,650	$	-
Corporate Bonds		27,732		-		27,732		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		26,472		26,472		-		-
U.S. Treasury Notes		3,174		3,174		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		1,604		-		-		1,604
Corporate Equities		443		443		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	215,625	$	30,189	$	180,382	$	5,054

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):
				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		October 29, 2011		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	146,936	$	-	$	146,936	$	-
Corporate Bonds		29,670		-		29,670		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		30,439		30,439		-		-
US Treasury Notes		1,421		1,421		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		1,910		-		-		1,910
Corporate Equities		481		481		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	214,407	$	32,441	$	176,606	$	5,360

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current	$ 2,050	$ 2,362	$ 2,567
Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 100	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred Stock Shares Authorized	100,000	100,000	100,000
Preferred Stock Shares Issued	0	0	0
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Shares Authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000	15,000,000
Common Stock Shares Issued	1,743,525	1,743,525	1,743,525
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.033	$ 0.033	$ 0.033
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock Shares Issued	27,540,724	27,418,884	27,419,745
Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.033	$ 0.033	$ 0.033

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Fair Value Measurements - Notes to Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures Text Block

NOTE 7 – 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 October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011.

				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		October 27, 2012		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	177,774	$	-	$	177,774	$	-
Corporate Bonds		15,414		-		15,414		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		10,495		10,495		-		-
US Treasury Notes		3,203		3,203		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		767		-		-		767
Corporate Equities		462		462		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	211,665	$	14,260	$	193,188	$	4,217

				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		January 28, 2012		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	152,650	$	-	$	152,650	$	-
Corporate Bonds		27,732		-		27,732		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		26,472		26,472		-		-
U.S. Treasury Notes		3,174		3,174		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		1,604		-		-		1,604
Corporate Equities		443		443		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	215,625	$	30,189	$	180,382	$	5,054

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):
				Quoted
				Prices in
				Active		Significant
				Markets for		Other		Significant
				Identical		Observable		Unobservable
		October 29, 2011		Assets		Inputs		Inputs
Description				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
State/Municipal Bonds	$	146,936	$	-	$	146,936	$	-
Corporate Bonds		29,670		-		29,670		-
Auction Rate Securities (ARS)		3,450		-		-		3,450
Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDN)		30,439		30,439		-		-
US Treasury Notes		1,421		1,421		-		-
Privately Managed Funds		1,910		-		-		1,910
Corporate Equities		481		481		-		-
Certificates of Deposit		100		100		-		-
Total	$	214,407	$	32,441	$	176,606	$	5,360

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 October 27, 2012, January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011. The underlying securities have contractual maturities which range from34days to 16 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 recordedas Short-term investments, Restricted investments and Other assets on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported net of taxes inAccumulated other comprehensive income.

Additionally, at October 27, 2012, the Company had $0.8 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. At January 28, 2012, the Company had $1.6 million of privately managed funds, $0.4 million of corporate equities and a single ARS of $3.5 million. At October 29, 2011, the Company had $1.9 million of privately managed funds, $0.5 million of corporate equities and a single ARS of $3.5 million. All of these assets are recorded within Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):

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 isrecorded at par value which approximates fair value using Level 3 inputs at each reporting period. Because there is no active market for thisparticular 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's privately managed funds consist of two types of 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.

NOTE 7 – 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 ninemonths of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 (dollars 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 28, 2012	$	3,450	$	1,604	$	5,054
Redemptions		-		(831)		(831)
Total gains or (losses)
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)		-		(6)		(6)
Included in other comprehensive income		-		-		-
Ending Balance at October 27, 2012	$	3,450	$	767	$	4,217
		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)		-		(15)		(15)
Ending Balance at October 29, 2011	$	3,450	$	1,910	$	5,360

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):
Quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs related to the ARS as of October 27, 2012 were as follows:
Fair Value	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs
$3,450	Net present value	Total Term	9.9 Years
	of cash flows	Yield	0.35%
		Comparative bond discount rate	0.20%
Significant increases or decreases in certain of the inputs could result in a lower fair value measurement. For example, a decrease in the yield, or an increase to the comparative bond discount rate could result in a lower fair value.

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Stock Based Compensation - Notes to Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock Based Compensation

NOTE 6 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION:

As of October 27, 2012, the Company had two 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 is for the granting of options to officers and key employees and the 2004 Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan is for the granting of various forms of equity-based awards, including restricted stock and stock options, to officers and key employees.

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	2004
	Plan	Plan	Total
Options and/or restricted stock initially authorized	5,850,000	1,350,000	7,200,000
Options and/or restricted stock available for grant:
January 28, 2012	20,127	542,309	562,436
October 27, 2012	20,127	434,166	454,293

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 October 27, 2012,January 28, 2012 and October 29, 2011, there was $7.0million, $ 6.0 millionand $6.7million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which have a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.5 years,2.2 years and 2.5 years, respectively. The total fair value of the shares recognized as compensation expense during the third quarter and nine months endedOctober 27, 2012 was $631,000and $2,029,000, respectivelycompared to $613,000 and $1,870,000, respectivelyfor the third quarter and nine months ended October 29, 2011. These expenses are classified as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following summary shows the changes in the shares of restricted stock outstanding during the nine months ended October 27, 2012:

			Weighted Average
	Number of		Grant Date Fair
	Shares		Value Per Share
Restricted stock awards at January 28, 2012	461,341	$	21.44
Granted	110,397		28.23
Vested	(113,492)		18.83
Forfeited or expired	(8,020)		23.54
Restricted stock awards at October 27, 2012	450,226	$	23.73

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 nine months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, the Company sold 21,463 and 21,810 shares to employees at an average discount of $3.81 and $3.59per 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 $82,000 and $78,000 for the nine months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively. These expenses are classified as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

NOTE 6 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED):

No options were granted in the first nine monthsof fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the third quarter and nine months ended October 27, 2012 was $23,000 and $73,000, respectively, compared to $0 and $41,000, respectively,for the third quarter and nine months ended October 29, 2011.

There was no stock option expense for the third quarter or nine months endedended October 27, 2012 or October 29, 2011.

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.

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information - (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Information Abstract Cato [Abstract]
Income Taxes Paid, Net	$ 37,023,000	$ 25,045,000

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Fair Value Measurments - Level 3 Roll (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Level 3 Reconciliation

		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Available-For-Sale
	Debt Securities		Other Investments
	ARS		Private Equity		Total
Beginning Balance at January 28, 2012	$	3,450	$	1,604	$	5,054
Redemptions		-		(831)		(831)
Total gains or (losses)
Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)		-		(6)		(6)
Included in other comprehensive income		-		-		-
Ending Balance at October 27, 2012	$	3,450	$	767	$	4,217
		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)		-		(15)		(15)
Ending Balance at October 29, 2011	$	3,450	$	1,910	$	5,360

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Reportable Segment Information - (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Reportable Segment Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
October 27, 2012		Retail		Credit		Total	October 27, 2012		Retail		Credit		Total
Revenues	$	198,247	$	1,758	$	200,005	Revenues	$	704,019	$	5,393	$	709,412
Depreciation		5,333		13		5,346	Depreciation		16,820		39		16,859
Interest and other income		(814)		-		(814)	Interest and other income		(2,705)		0		(2,705)
Income before taxes		6,153		669		6,822	Income before taxes		83,433		2,307		85,740
Total assets		503,110		77,085		580,195	Total assets		503,110		77,085		580,195
Capital expenditures		11,044		0		11,044	Capital expenditures		30,966		0		30,966
Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
October 29, 2011		Retail		Credit		Total	October 29, 2011		Retail		Credit		Total
Revenues	$	194,769	$	1,916	$	196,685	Revenues	$	701,361	$	5,790	$	707,151
Depreciation		5,302		19		5,321	Depreciation		16,069		27		16,096
Interest and other income		(861)		-		(861)	Interest and other income		(2,767)		0		(2,767)
Income before taxes		8,100		802		8,902	Income before taxes		82,284		2,383		84,667
Total assets		462,588		74,107		536,695	Total assets		462,588		74,107		536,695
Capital expenditures		10,857		0		10,857	Capital expenditures		26,522		86		26,608

		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Bad debt expense	$	408	$	381	$	1,004	$	1,263
Payroll		231		233		676		722
Postage		170		186		555		574
Other expenses		267		295		812		821
Total expenses	$	1,076	$	1,095	$	3,047	$	3,380

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Notes to Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Jul. 28, 2012

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

NOTE 8 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items that are recorded in other comprehensive income. The new accounting guidance requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. The provisions of this new guidance are effective for the Company the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company has adopted this guidance and it does not have any effect on operating results or financial position.

In January 2012, the Company adopted accounting guidance that amends the existing requirements for fair value measurement and disclosure. The guidance expands the disclosure requirements around fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. It also requires disclosure of the level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but whose fair value must be disclosed. It also clarified and expands upon existing requirements for measurement of the fair value of financial assets and liabilities as well as instruments classified in stockholders' equity. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Earnings Per Share - (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
		(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Numerator
	Net earnings	$	4,669	$	6,105	$	53,724	$	54,729
	Earnings allocated to non-vested equity awards		(68)		(95)		(830)		(894)
	Net earnings available to common stockholders	$	4,601	$	6,010	$	52,894	$	53,835
Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		28,822,403		28,851,509		28,780,682		28,936,177
	Dilutive effect of stock options		3,875		5,368		3,779		6,644
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		28,826,278		28,856,877		28,784,461		28,942,821
Net income per common share
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.16	$	0.21	$	1.84	$	1.86
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.16	$	0.21	$	1.84	$	1.86

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Stock Based Compensation - Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock Based Compensation Plans

	1987	2004
	Plan	Plan	Total
Options and/or restricted stock initially authorized	5,850,000	1,350,000	7,200,000
Options and/or restricted stock available for grant:
January 28, 2012	20,127	542,309	562,436
October 27, 2012	20,127	434,166	454,293

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General - Notes to Financial Statements - (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 20, 2012	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
General Dsiclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Declared Dividend		$ 0.250	$ 0.250	$ 0.230	$ 0.730	$ 0.645
Accelerated 2013 Dividend	$ 1.00
Special Dividend	$ 1.00

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Direct Expenses of Credit Segment in SGA - (Details) (ReportableSegmentsMemberCredit [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
ReportableSegmentsMemberCredit [Member]
Direct Expenses Reflected in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Provision for Loss, Net	$ 408	$ 381	$ 1,004	$ 1,263
Labor and Related Expense	231	233	676	722
Postage Expense	170	186	555	574
Other Expenses	$ 267	$ 295	$ 812	$ 821

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 53,724	$ 54,729
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	16,859	16,096
Provision For Doubtful Accounts	1,004	1,263
Share Based Compensation	2,111	1,948
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(146)	(128)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	806	473
Changes in operating assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable	(770)	414
Merchandise inventories	(444)	16,781
Prepaid and other assets	1,678	289
Accrued income taxes	(4,999)	4,905
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(2,417)	(28,798)
Net cash provided by operating activities	67,406	67,972
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(30,966)	(26,608)
Purchase of short-term investments	(104,497)	(105,837)
Sales of short-term investments	(674)	(499)
Change in restricted cash and investments	107,964	81,855
Net cash used in investing activities	(28,173)	(51,089)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid	(21,346)	(19,008)
Repurchase of common stock	(361)	(10,599)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	463	444
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation financing activities	146	128
Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised	47	32
Net cash provided used in financing activities	(21,051)	(29,003)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	18,182	(12,120)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	34,893	48,630
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 53,075	$ 36,510

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Reportable Segment Information - Notes to Financial Statements

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Reportable Segment Information [Abstract]

Reportable Segment Information

NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company has determined that it has four operating segments, as defined under ASC 280-10, including Cato, It's Fashion, Versona Accessories and Credit. As outlined in ASC 280-10, the Company has two reportable segments: Retail and Credit. The Company has aggregated its retail operating segments based on the aggregation criteria outlined in ASC 280-10, which states that two or more operating segments may be aggregated into a single reportable segment if aggregation is consistent with the objective and basic principles of ASC 280-10, if the segments have similar economic characteristics, similar product, similar production processes, similar clients and similar methods of distribution.

The Company's retail operating segments have similar economic characteristics and similar operating, financial and competitive risks. They are similar in nature of product, as they all offer women's apparel, shoes and accessories. Merchandise inventory of the Company's operating segments is sourced from the same countries and some of the same vendors, using similar production processes. Clients of the Company's operating segments have similar characteristics. Merchandise for the Company's operating segments is distributed to retail stores in a similar manner through the Company's single distribution center and is subsequently distributed to clients in a similar manner, through its retail stores.

The Company operates its women's fashion specialty retail stores in 31 states as ofOctober 27, 2012, principally in the southeastern United States. The Company offers its own credit card to its customers and all credit authorizations, payment processing, and collection efforts are performed by a separate subsidiary of the Company.

NOTE 5 – REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED):

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

Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
October 27, 2012		Retail		Credit		Total	October 27, 2012		Retail		Credit		Total
Revenues	$	198,247	$	1,758	$	200,005	Revenues	$	704,019	$	5,393	$	709,412
Depreciation		5,333		13		5,346	Depreciation		16,820		39		16,859
Interest and other income		(814)		-		(814)	Interest and other income		(2,705)		0		(2,705)
Income before taxes		6,153		669		6,822	Income before taxes		83,433		2,307		85,740
Total assets		503,110		77,085		580,195	Total assets		503,110		77,085		580,195
Capital expenditures		11,044		0		11,044	Capital expenditures		30,966		0		30,966
Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
October 29, 2011		Retail		Credit		Total	October 29, 2011		Retail		Credit		Total
Revenues	$	194,769	$	1,916	$	196,685	Revenues	$	701,361	$	5,790	$	707,151
Depreciation		5,302		19		5,321	Depreciation		16,069		27		16,096
Interest and other income		(861)		-		(861)	Interest and other income		(2,767)		0		(2,767)
Income before taxes		8,100		802		8,902	Income before taxes		82,284		2,383		84,667
Total assets		462,588		74,107		536,695	Total assets		462,588		74,107		536,695
Capital expenditures		10,857		0		10,857	Capital expenditures		26,522		86		26,608

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.

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				Nine Months Ended
		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Bad debt expense	$	408	$	381	$	1,004	$	1,263
Payroll		231		233		676		722
Postage		170		186		555		574
Other expenses		267		295		812		821
Total expenses	$	1,076	$	1,095	$	3,047	$	3,380

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Stock Based Compensation - Plans - (Details)	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
1987 Plan
Restricted Shares Authorized And Available For Grant
Options And/Or Restrcited Stock Initially Authorized	5,850,000
Options And Or Restricted Stock Available For Grant	20,127	20,127
2004 Plan
Restricted Shares Authorized And Available For Grant
Options And/Or Restrcited Stock Initially Authorized	1,350,000
Options And Or Restricted Stock Available For Grant	434,166	542,309

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Fair Value Level 3 Inputs (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Abstract]

Fair Value Level 3 Inputs

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (CONTINUED):
Quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs related to the ARS as of October 27, 2012 were as follows:
Fair Value	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs
$3,450	Net present value	Total Term	9.9 Years
	of cash flows	Yield	0.35%
		Comparative bond discount rate	0.20%
Significant increases or decreases in certain of the inputs could result in a lower fair value measurement. For example, a decrease in the yield, or an increase to the comparative bond discount rate could result in a lower fair value.