The Cato Corporation

CATO: Is The Cato Corporation Halal?

The Cato Corporation

NYSEConsumer CyclicalUS

$2.79

+0.00%

Market Cap: 50.8M

Compliance Status

Not Halal

Screened on Aug 26, 2026 · AAOIFI Standard 21

F

Non-Compliant

0Score

Is The Cato Corporation (CATO) halal? Not Halal. Based on AAOIFI screening, The Cato Corporation passes the business activity screen but fails financial ratio screens with a compliance score of 0/100 (Grade: F).

Business activity

What the company sells is permissible.

Passed

Company debt

Over the limit

How much the company borrows, compared to its total value. AAOIFI allows up to 30%.

296.4% of 30.0% limit

What this means for you

Most scholars advise not holding CATO

It does not pass AAOIFI Shariah screening.

See halal alternatives from the same sector further down this page

About The Cato Corporation

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.

Sector: Consumer Cyclical · Industry: Apparel - Retail

Shariah Compliance Status

AAOIFI Standard 21Updated Aug 26, 2026

Compliance History

Not Halal, unchanged since Aug 2026.

No status changes recorded since we began tracking.

Tracked since Aug 2026. Updates automatically on each re-screen.

Fiscal: Q1 2026Data source: EDGAR
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Cato Corporation (CATO) halal to invest in?
The Cato Corporation (CATO) is rated Not Halal under AAOIFI Standard 21 screening. It fails either the business activity screen (primary involvement in prohibited sectors such as conventional banking, alcohol, or gambling) or one of the quantitative financial ratio thresholds. Muslim investors should avoid or exit this position.
Why did The Cato Corporation get a F compliance rating?
The Cato Corporation (CATO) received a grade of F (Non-Compliant) based on three AAOIFI Standard 21 financial ratios: debt-to-market-cap of 296.4% (limit 30%). The grade reflects the margin of safety across all three ratios relative to their thresholds.
What could change The Cato Corporation's Shariah verdict?
The Cato Corporation's verdict is re-evaluated at each annual re-screen. Three events could change it: (1) the debt-to-market-cap ratio crossing 30%, typically from new debt issuance or a major drop in share price; (2) interest-bearing deposits exceeding 30% of market cap; or (3) prohibited revenue (alcohol, gambling, conventional finance, etc.) exceeding 5% of total revenue. Verdict flips are tracked in the compliance history section above.
How often is The Cato Corporation re-screened for Shariah compliance?
The Cato Corporation (CATO) is re-screened annually using the most recent full-year financial data from SEC filings. HalalScreener also triggers an on-demand re-screen whenever the stored data is more than 7 days old, ensuring the ratios reflect the latest available financial statements. Last screened: Aug 26, 2026.

Screened according to AAOIFI Standard No. 21 · For informational purposes only. Consult a qualified Islamic finance advisor before investing.

Disclaimer: This screening is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or religious advice. Compliance is evaluated using AAOIFI financial standards (debt, deposits, and prohibited income ratios) and publicly available data. Ethical, political, social, or environmental considerations are outside the scope of this screening. Individual scholars and methodologies may differ. Always consult a qualified Islamic finance advisor before making investment decisions.