The CEO of Cato Corp., a Southeastern apparel retailer, was paid $4.3 million in 2018, a 42 percent increase from his compensation in 2017.

John P. Cato has been with the company since 1986, and served as CEO since 1997.

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, his 2018 compensation jumped 42 percent to $4.3 million in 2018 from $2.8 million in 2017.

The increase was primarily due to the $1.7 million he received as part of the company’s revamped non-equity incentive plan. He received no non-equity incentive plan compensation in 2017.

His base salary increased slightly, rising from $1.26 million in 2018 from $1.23 million in 2017.

John R. Howe, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Cato Crop., also saw an substantial increase in 2018 compensation.

His compensation rose to $1.1 million in 2018, including $309,926 in company stock options along with $306,362 he received as part of the company’s incentive plan. His base salary only rose slightly, increasing from $381,013 to $390,538 in 2018.

Howe’s total compensation in 2017 was $684,719.

The company’s annual meeting will be held on May 23 at its corporate offices in Charlotte.

Cato’s shares closed on Friday at $13.78, up 38 cents.