The Cato Corporation
CATO
Rank in Stocks
#23298
The Cato Corporation, encompassing its subsidiary entities, operates as a... The Cato Corporation, encompassing its subsidiary entities, operates as a specialized vendor of fashionable clothing and accompanying accessories, with its primary market centered in the southeastern region of the United States. Its business model is structured into two principal divisions: retail sales and financial credit services. Through its network of brick-and-mortar stores and digital storefronts, the company offers a comprehensive assortment of apparel and adornments. This collection spans formal, professional, and everyday casual wear, along with dresses, outerwear, footwear, intimate apparel, imitation jewelry, and handbags. Additionally, it features specific product lines catering to male customers, children, and infants. These retail establishments and online platforms operate under several distinct brand identities, including Cato, Cato Fashions, Cato Plus, It's Fashion, It's Fashion Metro, and Versona. By January 29, 2022, the corporation managed 1,311 outlets distributed across 32 states. Beyond its merchandising activities, Cato Corporation extends credit card facilities to its clientele and offers layaway plans for those wishing to make scheduled installments. The firm was established in 1946 and maintains its corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Share Price
$2.27
Last synced: 2026-11-11
Market Cap
$43.47M
Change (1 day)
-0.87%
Change (1 year)
-37.98%
Country
Stock data: Financial Modeling Prep·Updated ·Not investment advice·How we calculate this
Trade The Cato Corporation (CATO)
Category
Consumer Cyclical
Operating Margin for The Cato Corporation (CATO)
Operating Margin as of November 2026 TTM: -2.29%
According to The Cato Corporation's latest financial reports, its current operating margin (TTM) is -2.29%. At the end of 2025 the company had an operating margin of -4.17%.
Operating Margin history for The Cato Corporation from 2001 to 2026
Operating Margin at the end of each year
| Year | Operating Margin | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (TTM) | -2.29% | -45.08% |
| 2025 | -4.17% | 73.03% |
| 2024 | -2.41% | 473.81% |
| 2023 | -0.42% | -108.55% |
| 2022 | 4.91% | -143.07% |
| 2021 | -11.40% | -352.21% |
| 2020 | 4.52% | 26.26% |
| 2019 | 3.58% | 62.73% |
| 2018 | 2.20% | -62.26% |
| 2017 | 5.83% | -39.77% |
| 2016 | 9.68% | 5.79% |
| 2015 | 9.15% | 0.55% |
| 2014 | 9.10% | -9.90% |
| 2013 | 10.10% | -2.51% |
| 2012 | 10.36% | 10.33% |
| 2011 | 9.39% | 28.28% |
| 2010 | 7.32% | 38.11% |
| 2009 | 5.30% | 9.28% |
| 2008 | 4.85% | -39.38% |
| 2007 | 8.00% | 1.39% |
| 2006 | 7.89% | 18.29% |
| 2005 | 6.67% | 8.46% |
| 2004 | 6.15% | -12.39% |
| 2003 | 7.02% | 3.85% |
| 2002 | 6.76% | 11.18% |
| 2001 | 6.08% | 0.00% |
Operating Margin for similar companies or competitors
| Company | Operating Margin | Operating Margin Difference | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.07% | -108.76% |
ES
|
|
| 18.13% | -107.92% |
JP
|
|
| 12.83% | -105.60% |
US
|
|
| 13.75% | -106.00% |
US
|
|
| 18.60% | -108.12% |
GB
|
What is a company's Operating Margin?
The operating margin is a key indicator to assess the profitability of a company. Higher operating margins are generaly better as they show that a company is able to sell its products or services for much more than their production costs. The operating margin is calculated by dividing a company's earnings by its revenue.
Questions about The Cato Corporation's operating margin
What is The Cato Corporation's operating margin?
The Cato Corporation's operating margin is -2.29%, as of Nov 2026.
What was The Cato Corporation's operating margin in 2025?
In 2025, The Cato Corporation's operating margin was -4.17%, compared with -2.41% in 2024.
How has The Cato Corporation's operating margin changed since 2020?
From 2020 to 2025, The Cato Corporation's operating margin was highest in 2022 (4.91%) and lowest in 2021 (-11.40%).
How does The Cato Corporation's operating margin compare with similar companies?
The Cato Corporation's operating margin (-2.29%) is lower than that of all 5 similar companies listed above. The highest among them is Industria de Diseño Textil, S.A., with 20.07%.