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The Cato (CATO) Risk Analysis
Risk Overview Q3, 2020
Source: the company's latest filing for the period ended Oct 31, 2020, filed Nov 24, 2020
Risk Change Over Time
No filing history is available.
- Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1The outbreak of COVID-19 has and will adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the Company's business, financial condition and operating results through the first nine months of fiscal 2020, and we expect that it will continue to do so throughout the remainder of fiscal 2020 and possibly beyond. Adverse financial impacts associated with the outbreak include, but are not limited to, (i) lower net sales in markets affected by the actual or potential outbreak, whether due to state and local orders to close stores, reductions in store traffic and customer demand, labor shortages, or all, (ii) lower net sales caused by the delay of inventory production and fulfillment, (iii) and incremental costs associated with efforts to mitigate the effects of the outbreak, including increased freight and logistics costs and other expenses. The spread of COVID-19 has caused state and local governments to issue orders mandating store closures and other measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. In addition public health officials have issued precautions and guidance intended to reduce the spread of the virus, including particular cautions about congregating in large groups or heavily populated areas, such as malls and shopping centers. We temporarily closed all Cato, It's Fashion, It's Fashion Metro and Versona stores March 19, 2020. Beginning on May 1, 2020, we began to re-open stores based on the pertinent state and local orders. As of June 15, 2020, all stores have re-opened, but are operating at reduced hours. Recently reported increases in infection rates in many areas and the onset of cooler weather raise the possibility of increased or renewed governmental measures or public health guidance to reduce public activity and gatherings in order to mitigate the spread of the virus, as well as continued adverse effect on consumer confidence. There is significant uncertainty around the breadth and severity of business disruptions related to COVID-19, as well as its impact on the global and U.S. economy, consumer willingness to visit malls and shopping centers, and appropriate associate staffing levels for our stores. At this time, the possible effects of national, state or local action, legislation, guidelines or programs that attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 or address its economic effects on our customers, suppliers or the Company are also uncertain. While the Company currently anticipates that our results for the remainder of fiscal 2020 will be adversely impacted, the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company's results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including possible new information and understanding about the severity of COVID-19, related potential economic impacts to customers and suppliers and the effect of actions taken to contain it or mitigate its impact. Future outbreaks of disease or similar public health threats, or the fear of such an occurrence, may also have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and operating results. PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Risk Highlights Q3, 2020
Risk Word Cloud
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 28
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1The interests of a principal shareholder may limit the ability of other shareholders to influence the direction of the Company.
As of March 27, 2020, John P. D. Cato, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially controlled approximately 46.1% of the voting power of our common stock. As a result, Mr. Cato may be able to control or significantly influence substantially all matters requiring approval by the shareholders, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers and other business combinations or other significant Company transactions. Mr. Cato may have interests that differ from those of other shareholders, and may vote in a way with which other shareholders disagree or perceive as adverse to their interests. In addition, the concentration of voting power held by Mr. Cato could have the effect of preventing, discouraging or deferring a change in control of the Company, which could depress the market price of our common stock.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2Conditions in the stock market generally, or particularly relating to our industry, Company or common stock, may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and make its trading price more volatile.
The trading price of our common stock at times has been, and is likely to continue to be, subject to significant volatility. A variety of factors may cause the price of the common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially, including, but not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this report, as well as the following: low trading volume; general market fluctuations resulting from factors not directly related to our operations or the inherent value of our common stock; announcements of developments related to our business; fluctuations in our reported operating results; general conditions or trends affecting or perceived to affect the fashion and retail industry; conditions or trends affecting or perceived to affect the domestic or global economy or the domestic or global credit or capital markets; changes in financial estimates or the scope of coverage given to our Company by securities analysts; negative commentary regarding our Company and corresponding short-selling market behavior; adverse customer relations developments; significant changes in our senior management team; and legal proceedings. Over the past several years the stock market in general, and the market for shares of equity securities of many retailers in particular, have experienced extreme price fluctuations that have at times been unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. Such fluctuations and market volatility based on these or other factors may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
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