Cato Fashion
CATO
#10365
Rank
C$70.1 M
Marketcap
C$3.52
Share price
3.78%
Change (1 day)
-42.85%
Change (1 year)

Cato Fashion - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
1

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 August 4, 2001
--------------------------------------------------

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 0-3747
-----------------------------------------------

THE CATO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 56-0484485
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) 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
------- -------

As of August 21, 2001, there were 19,662,031 shares of Class A Common Stock and
5,563,483 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
2


THE CATO CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

AUGUST 4, 2001


TABLE OF CONTENTS



Page
No.
----
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income 2
For the Three Months and Six Months Ended
August 4, 2001 and July 29, 2000

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 3
At August 4, 2001, July 29, 2000 and February 3, 2001

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 4
For the Six Months Ended August 4, 2001 and July 29, 2000

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 5 - 7
For the Three Months and Six Months Ended
August 4, 2001 and July 29, 2000

Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 8 - 10


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 11 - 12
3
Page 2


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

THE CATO CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------- ----------------------------
AUGUST 4, July 29, AUGUST 4, July 29,
2001 2000 2001 2000
(UNAUDITED) (Unaudited) (UNAUDITED) (Unaudited)
------------- ------------- -------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
REVENUES
Retail sales $ 172,444 $ 163,375 $ 352,792 $ 325,529
Other income (principally finance, late, and layaway charges) 4,957 5,307 10,340 10,393
------------- ------------- -------------- ------------
Total revenues 177,401 168,682 363,132 335,922
------------- ------------- -------------- ------------

COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of goods sold 118,093 110,015 234,484 215,338
Selling, general and administrative 39,898 38,744 82,126 75,876
Depreciation 2,534 2,378 5,150 4,756
Interest 10 10 21 17
------------- ------------- -------------- ------------
Total expenses 160,535 151,147 321,781 295,987
------------- ------------- -------------- ------------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 16,866 17,535 41,351 39,935

Income tax expense 5,903 6,137 14,473 13,977
------------- ------------- -------------- ------------

NET INCOME $ 10,963 $ 11,398 $ 26,878 $ 25,958
============= ============= ============== ============

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE $ .43 $ .46 $ 1.06 $ 1.04
============= ============= ============== ============

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ .42 $ .45 $ 1.03 $ 1.02
============= ============= ============== ============

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE $ .135 $ .10 $ .26 $ .20
============= ============= ============== ============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Page 3


THE CATO CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 4, July 29, February 3,
2001 2000 2001
(UNAUDITED) (Unaudited)
--------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,990 $ 18,997 $ 25,201
Short-term investments 66,553 61,084 57,911
Accounts receivable - net 46,489 44,434 46,972
Merchandise inventories 77,496 71,899 79,161
Deferred income taxes 1,554 3,898 1,579
Prepaid expenses 4,633 2,108 4,665
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Total Current Assets 218,715 202,420 215,489
Property and equipment - net 92,436 75,900 85,819
Other assets 9,084 8,097 9,434
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Total $ 320,235 $ 286,417 $ 310,742
=============== =============== ===============

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable $ 53,121 $ 49,233 $ 59,681
Accrued expenses 23,005 21,499 24,378
Income taxes 6,530 7,091 5,706
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Total Current Liabilities 82,656 77,823 89,765
Deferred income taxes 5,386 5,550 5,386
Other noncurrent liabilities 7,447 7,978 7,834
Shareholders' 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 24,880,750
shares, 24,239,294 shares and 24,643,420 shares at
August 4, 2001, July 29, 2000, and February 3, 2001,
respectively 830 808 821
Convertible Class B common stock, $.033 par value
per share, 15,000,000 shares authorized; issued
5,563,483 shares, 5,364,317 shares and 5,364,317
shares at August 4, 2001, July 29, 2000 and
February 3, 2001, respectively 186 179 179
Additional paid-in capital 80,392 72,517 76,778
Retained earnings 195,550 167,769 175,275
Accumulated other comprehensive losses (837) (1,647) (884)
Unearned compensation - restricted stock awards (541) (837) (689)
--------------- --------------- ---------------
275,580 238,789 251,480
Less Class A common stock in treasury,
at cost (5,220,719 shares at August 4, 2001, 4,759,148
shares at July 29, 2000, and 4,759,148 shares
at February 3, 2001) (50,834) (43,723) (43,723)
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 224,746 195,066 207,757
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Total $ 320,235 $ 286,417 $ 310,742
=============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Page 4


THE CATO CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------------------------
AUGUST 4, July 29,
2001 2000
(UNAUDITED) (Unaudited)
--------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income $ 26,878 $ 25,958

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 5,150 4,756
Amortization of investment premiums 84 76
Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards 148 147
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 152 549
Changes in operating assets and liabilities which
provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable 483 1,024
Merchandise inventories 1,665 (2,402)
Other assets 382 (77)
Accrued income taxes 824 2,361
Accounts payable and other liabilities (8,295) (7,824)
----------------- ----------------

Net cash provided by operating activities 27,471 24,568
----------------- ----------------


INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Expenditures for property and equipment (11,919) (11,867)
Purchases of short-term investments (25,163) (8,423)
Sales of short-term investments 16,484 4,304
----------------- ----------------

Net cash used in investing activities (20,598) (15,986)
----------------- ----------------


FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Dividends paid (6,603) (5,071)
Purchases of treasury stock (7,111) (15,449)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 211 223
Proceeds from stock options exercised 3,419 323
----------------- ----------------

Net cash used in financing activities (10,084) (19,974)
----------------- ----------------

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3,211) (11,392)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 25,201 30,389
----------------- ----------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 21,990 $ 18,997
================= ================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
Page 5


THE CATO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 4, 2001
AND JULY 29, 2000

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1 - GENERAL:

The 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 at August 4, 2001 and July 29, 2000 are unaudited. In the
opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring
adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
The results of the interim period may not be indicative of the entire year.

The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and notes thereto, included in the Company's Annual Report
in Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2001.

The Company's short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale
securities, and therefore, are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and
losses, net of income taxes, reported as a component of other comprehensive
income.

Total comprehensive income for the second quarter and six months ended August 4,
2001 was $11,319,000 and $26,925,000, respectively. Total comprehensive income
for the second quarter and six months ended July 29, 2000 was $11,615,000 and
$26,112,000, respectively. Total comprehensive income is composed of net income
and net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities.

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out
method) or market as determined by the retail inventory method.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company repurchased 190,000 shares of
Class A common stock and accepted 9,071 shares of Class A common stock related
to a stock option exercise for a total of $3,136,219, or an average price of
$15.75 per share. For the six months ended August 4, 2001, the Company
repurchased 452,500 shares of Class A common stock and accepted 9,071 shares of
Class A common stock for $7,110,594, or an average price of $15.41 per share.
For the six months ended July 29, 2000, the Company repurchased 1,468,800 shares
of Class A common stock for $15,449,238 or an average price of $10.52 per share.

In May 2001, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 8% from
$.125 per share to $.135 per share.

The provisions for income taxes are based on the Company's estimated annual
effective tax rate.
7
Page 6


THE CATO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 4, 2001
AND JULY 29, 2000

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 2 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS 142 includes requirements to test
goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment rather than
amortize them. SFAS 142 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2001. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 142
during its fiscal year 2002. The impact of this pronouncement on the Company's
financial results is currently being evaluated.


NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average
number of Class A and Class B common shares outstanding during the respective
periods. The weighted-average shares outstanding is used in the basic earnings
per share calculation, while the weighted-average shares and equivalents
outstanding is used in the diluted earnings per share calculation.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------------- ---------------------------------
AUGUST 4, July 29, AUGUST 4, July 29,
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------------- -------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Weighted-average shares outstanding 25,338,372 24,805,846 25,312,414 25,054,790

Dilutive effect of stock options 669,707 393,335 674,021 369,442
--------------- ------------ --------------- ---------------

Weighted-average shares and
equivalents outstanding 26,008,079 25,199,181 25,986,435 25,424,232
=============== ============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>


NOTE 4 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Income tax payments, net of refunds received, for the six months ended August 4,
2001 and July 29, 2000 were $14,119,000 and $12,189,000, respectively.
8
Page 7


THE CATO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 4, 2001
AND JULY 29, 2000

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 5 - FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS:

At August 4, 2001, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement which
provides for borrowings of up to $35 million. The revolving credit agreement is
committed until July 2003. The credit agreement contains various financial
covenants and limitations, including the maintenance of specific financial
ratios with which the Company was in compliance. There were no borrowings
outstanding during the six months ended August 4, 2001 or the fiscal year ended
February 3, 2001.


NOTE 6 - REPORTABLE SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company has two reportable segments: retail and credit. The following
schedule summarizes certain segment information (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
AUGUST 4, July 29, AUGUST 4, July 29,
2001 2000 2001 2000
---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Revenues:
Retail $ 174,089 $ 165,287 $ 356,474 $ 329,279
Credit 3,312 3,395 6,658 6,643
---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total $ 177,401 $ 168,682 $ 363,132 $ 335,922
================ =============== =============== ===============

Income before taxes:
Retail $ 15,958 $ 16,352 $ 39,533 $ 37,765
Credit 908 1,183 1,818 2,170
---------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total $ 16,866 $ 17,535 $ 41,351 $ 39,935
================ =============== =============== ===============
</TABLE>
9
Page 8


THE CATO CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------ -------------------------------
AUGUST 4, July 29, AUGUST 4, July 29,
2001 2000 2001 2000
-------------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Total retail sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Total revenues 102.9 103.2 102.9 103.2
Cost of goods sold 68.5 67.3 66.5 66.1
Selling, general and administrative 23.1 23.7 23.3 23.3
Income before income taxes 9.8 10.7 11.7 12.3
Net income 6.4 7.0 7.6 8.0
</TABLE>

COMPARISON OF SECOND QUARTER AND FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2001 WITH 2000.


Total retail sales for the second quarter were $172.4 million compared to last
year's second quarter sales of $163.4 million, a 6% increase. Same-store sales
were flat in the second quarter. For the six months ended August 4, 2001, total
retail sales were $352.8 million compared to last year's first six months sales
of $325.5 million, an 8% increase, and same-store sales increased 2% for the
comparable six month period. The increase in retail sales for the first six
months of 2001 resulted from the Company's continued everyday low pricing
strategy, improved merchandise offerings, and an increase in store development
activity. The Company operated 895 stores at August 4, 2001 compared to 825
stores at the end of last year's second quarter.

Other income for the second quarter and first six months of 2001 decreased 7%
and 1%, respectively, over the prior year's comparable periods. The decrease in
the current year resulted primarily from reduced finance and late charge income
on the Company's customer accounts receivable.

Cost of goods sold were 68.5% and 66.5% of total retail sales for the second
quarter and first six months of 2001, respectively, compared to 67.3% and 66.1%
for last year's comparable three and six month periods. The increase in cost of
goods sold as a percent of retail sales for the first six months of 2001
resulted from more markdowns in the second quarter.
10
Page 9


THE CATO CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATING RESULTS - CONTINUED

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $39.9 million and $82.1
million for the second quarter and first six months of this year, compared to
$38.7 million and $75.9 million for last year's comparable three and six month
periods, respectively. SG&A expenses as a percentage of retail sales declined 60
basis points for the second quarter of 2001 and were flat for the first six
months of 2001, as compared to the prior year as expenses remained well
controlled and under plan. The overall increase in SG&A resulted primarily from
increased selling-related expenses and increased infrastructure expenses
attributable to the Company's store development activities.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At August 4, 2001, the Company had working capital of $136.1 million, compared
to $124.6 million at July 29, 2000 and $125.7 million at February 3, 2001. Cash
provided by operating activities was $27.5 million for the six months ended
August 4, 2001, compared to $24.6 million for last year's comparable six month
period. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in inventory turnover
and net income offset by a decrease in accounts receivables, accrued income
taxes and accounts payable and other liabilities. At August 4, 2001, the Company
had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $88.5 million,
compared to $80.1 million at July 29, 2000 and $83.1 million at February 3,
2001.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $20.6 million for the first six
months of 2001 compared to $16.0 million for the comparable period of 2000. Cash
was used to fund capital expenditures for new, relocated and remodeled stores
and for investments in new technology for an enterprise-wide information system
for merchandising, distribution and finance. Additionally, the increase in cash
used was in part related to an increase in the purchase of short-term
investments offset by an increase in the sale of short-term investments in
fiscal 2001 as compared to fiscal 2000.

Expenditures for property and equipment totaled $11.9 million for both the six
months ended August 4, 2001 and July 29, 2000. The Company expects total capital
expenditures to be approximately $26 million for the current fiscal year. The
Company intends to open approximately 85 new stores, close 10 stores and
relocate 24 stores during the current fiscal year. For the six months ended
August 4, 2001, the Company opened 40 new stores, relocated 8 stores, and closed
4 stores.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $10.1 million for the first six
months of 2001 compared to $20.0 million for the comparable period of 2000. The
decrease was due primarily to a reduction in its share buyback program and an
increase in stock options exercised, which were partially offset by an increase
in dividends paid in fiscal 2001 as compared to fiscal 2000.
11
Page 10


THE CATO CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - CONTINUED

At August 4, 2001, the Company had an unsecured revolving credit agreement which
provides for borrowings of up to $35 million. The revolving credit agreement is
committed until July 2003. The credit agreement contains various financial
covenants and limitations, including the maintenance of specific financial
ratios with which the Company was in compliance. There were no borrowings
outstanding during the six months ended August 4, 2001, or the fiscal year ended
February 3, 2001.

In May 2001, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 8% from
$.125 per share to $.135 per share.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". In June 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138,
which amended certain provisions of SFAS 133. The Company adopted SFAS 133 and
the corresponding amendments under SFAS 138 on February 4, 2001. Management
believes that the adoption of this statement has no impact on the Company's
consolidated results of operations and financial position.

At August 4, 2001, July 29, 2000, and February 3, 2001, the Company's investment
portfolio was primarily invested in governmental debt securities with maturities
of up to 36 months. These securities are classified as available-for-sale, and
are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with unrealized gains and losses
reported as accumulated other comprehensive losses.

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 proposed
capital expenditures and other operating requirements during fiscal 2001.

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS 142 includes requirements to test
goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment rather than
amortize them. SFAS 142 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2001. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 142
during its fiscal year 2002. The impact of this pronouncement on the Company's
financial results is currently being evaluated.

Form 10-Q includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements
other than statements of historical facts included in the Form 10-Q and located
elsewhere herein regarding the Company's financial position and business
strategy may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company
believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are
reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be
correct.
12
Page 11


PART II OTHER INFORMATION

THE CATO CORPORATION


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None


ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Following are the results of the matters voted upon at the Company's
Annual Meeting which was held on May 24, 2001.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:

Mr. Thomas E. Cato - For 71,295,047 ; Abstaining 2,277,802
Mr. George S. Currin - For 73,129,005 ; Abstaining 443,844
Mr. A. F. (Pete) Sloan - For 73,168,872 ; Abstaining 403,977

RATIFICATION OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

For 73,552,411 ; Abstaining 1,835 ; Against 18,604


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(A) None

(B) No Reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended
August 4, 2001.
13
Page 12


PART II OTHER INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

THE CATO CORPORATION


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



September 12, 2001 /s/ Wayland H. Cato, Jr.
- ----------------------- --------------------------------------
Date Wayland H. Cato, Jr.
Chairman of the Board


September 12, 2001 /s/ John P. Derham Cato
- ----------------------- --------------------------------------
Date John P. Derham Cato
President, Vice Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer


September 12, 2001 /s/ Michael O. Moore
- ----------------------- --------------------------------------
Date Michael O. Moore
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary


September 12, 2001 /s/ Robert M. Sandler
- ----------------------- --------------------------------------
Date Robert M. Sandler
Senior Vice President
Controller