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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarter Ended:		Commission File Number:
May 3, 2014		001-16435

 

 

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

Florida		59-2389435
(State of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

11215 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, Florida 33966

(Address of principal executive offices)

239-277-6200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer		x		Accelerated filer		¨
Non-accelerated filer		¨  (do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company		¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

At May 23, 2014, the registrant had 153,241,543 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

 

 

 

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I - Financial Information
Item 1.		Financial Statements:
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May  3, 2014 (Unaudited) and May 4, 2013 (Unaudited)			3
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May  3, 2014 (Unaudited) and May 4, 2013 (Unaudited)			4
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - May 3, 2014 (Unaudited), February  1, 2014 (Unaudited) and May 4, 2013 (Unaudited)			5
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May  3, 2014 (Unaudited) and May 4, 2013 (Unaudited)			6
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)			7
Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			13
Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			18
Item 4.		Controls and Procedures			18
PART II - Other Information
Item 1.		Legal Proceedings			20
Item 1A.		Risk Factors			20
Item 2.		Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			20
Item 6.		Exhibits			21
Signatures					22

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		May 3, 2014								May 4, 2013
		Amount				% of Sales				Amount				% of Sales
Net sales:
Chico’s/Soma Intimates		$	440,121				64.6	%		$	424,661				63.3	%
White House | Black Market			217,173				31.9	%			220,398				32.9	%
Boston Proper			24,311				3.5	%			25,663				3.8	%
Total net sales			681,605				100.0	%			670,722				100.0	%
Cost of goods sold			298,714				43.8	%			283,878				42.3	%
Gross margin			382,891				56.2	%			386,844				57.7	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			319,049				46.8	%			304,899				45.5	%
Acquisition and integration costs			—				0.0	%			914				0.1	%
Income from operations			63,842				9.4	%			81,031				12.1	%
Interest income, net			40				0.0	%			191				0.0	%
Income before income taxes			63,882				9.4	%			81,222				12.1	%
Income tax provision			24,000				3.5	%			30,100				4.5	%
Net income		$	39,882				5.9	%		$	51,122				7.6	%
Per share data:
Net income per common share - basic		$	0.26							$	0.31
Net income per common and common equivalent share - diluted		$	0.26							$	0.31
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic			148,475								158,584
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted			149,044								159,536
Dividends declared per share		$	0.15							$	0.11

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		May 3, 2014				May 4, 2013
Net income		$	39,882			$	51,122
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes			(28	)			(63	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes			(9	)			—
Comprehensive income		$	39,845			$	51,059

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

		May 3, 2014				February 1, 2014				May 4, 2013
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	80,529			$	36,444			$	85,616
Marketable securities, at fair value			90,984				116,002				202,769
Inventories			268,917				238,145				243,472
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			51,801				50,698				55,280
Total Current Assets			492,231				441,289				587,137
Property and Equipment, net			636,614				631,050				614,423
Other Assets:
Goodwill			171,427				171,427				238,693
Other intangible assets, net			117,107				118,196				126,665
Other assets, net			10,210				9,229				8,206
Total Other Assets			298,744				298,852				373,564
		$	1,427,589			$	1,371,191			$	1,575,124
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	148,858			$	131,254			$	152,123
Other current and deferred liabilities			155,579				142,073				160,004
Total Current Liabilities			304,437				273,327				312,127
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Deferred liabilities			143,789				138,874				137,929
Deferred taxes			49,694				49,887				52,221
Total Noncurrent Liabilities			193,483				188,761				190,150
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock			—				—				—
Common stock			1,532				1,522				1,621
Additional paid-in capital			385,730				382,088				355,162
Retained earnings			542,332				525,381				715,911
Accumulated other comprehensive income			75				112				153
Total Stockholders’ Equity			929,669				909,103				1,072,847
		$	1,427,589			$	1,371,191			$	1,575,124

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		May 3, 2014				May 4, 2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income		$	39,882			$	51,122
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities -
Depreciation and amortization			30,083				29,124
Deferred tax (benefit) expense			(1,164	)			4,169
Stock-based compensation expense			6,474				7,492
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation			(925	)			(1,028	)
Deferred rent and lease credits			(4,671	)			(4,263	)
Loss on disposal and impairment of property and equipment			—				281
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Inventories			(30,772	)			(36,623	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(2,084	)			1,545
Accounts payable			6,111				13,823
Accrued and other liabilities			24,534				(2,193	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			67,468				63,449
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Decrease in marketable securities			25,010				69,666
Purchases of property and equipment, net			(34,506	)			(34,599	)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities			(9,496	)			35,067
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			2,945				3,067
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation			925				1,028
Dividends paid			(11,439	)			(8,939	)
Repurchase of common stock			(6,309	)			(64,915	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(13,878	)			(69,759	)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			(9	)			—
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			44,085				28,757
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of period			36,444				56,859
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of period		$	80,529			$	85,616
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest		$	68			$	85
Cash paid for income taxes, net		$	272			$	648

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 3, 2014

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Chico’s FAS, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such interim financial statements reflect all normal, recurring adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 14, 2014.

As used in this report, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” and “the Company,” refer to Chico’s FAS, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Our fiscal years end on the Saturday closest to January 31 and are designated by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.

Note 2. Stock-Based Compensation

For the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, stock-based compensation expense was $6.5 million and $7.5 million, respectively. As of May 3, 2014, approximately 7.3 million shares remain available for future grants of equity awards under our 2012 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan.

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock award activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 was as follows:

 

		Number of Shares				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period			3,883,134			$	15.13
Granted			1,333,960				16.49
Vested			(889,645	)			15.62
Forfeited			(140,650	)			15.65
Unvested, end of period			4,186,799				15.44

Performance-based restricted stock award activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 was as follows:

 

		Number of Shares				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period			17,222			$	13.69
Granted			—				—
Vested			(17,222	)			13.69
Forfeited			—				—
Unvested, end of period			—				—

 

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 3, 2014

(Unaudited)

 

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units

For the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014, we granted performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), contingent upon the achievement of a Company-specific performance goal during fiscal 2014. Any units earned as a result of the achievement of this goal will vest over 3 years from the date of grant and will be settled in shares of our common stock.

Performance-based restricted stock unit activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 was as follows:

 

		Number of Shares				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period			485,935			$	15.01
Granted			657,000				16.51
Vested			(240,596	)			15.01
Forfeited			(18,166	)			15.30
Unvested, end of period			884,173				16.12

Stock Option Awards

For the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, we did not grant any stock options. In the years that we granted options, we used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value our stock options.

Stock option activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 was as follows:

 

		Number of Shares				Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period			2,642,269			$	15.63
Granted			—				—
Exercised			(145,256	)			11.80
Forfeited or expired			(76,471	)			20.23
Outstanding, end of period			2,420,542				15.72
Exercisable at May 3, 2014			2,326,038			$	15.86

Note 3. Earnings Per Share

In accordance with relevant accounting guidance, unvested share-based payment awards that include non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities. As a result, such awards are required to be included in the calculation of earnings per common share pursuant to the “two-class” method. For us, participating securities are composed entirely of unvested restricted stock awards and PSUs that have met their relevant performance criteria.

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is determined using the two-class method, as it is more dilutive than the treasury stock method. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common

 

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 3, 2014

(Unaudited)

 

stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the participating securities. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from non-participating securities such as stock options and PSUs.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS shown on the face of the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		May 3, 2014				May 4, 2013
Numerator
Net income		$	39,882			$	51,122
Net income and dividends declared allocated to participating securities			(1,055	)			(1,187	)
Net income available to common shareholders		$	38,827			$	49,935
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic			148,475				158,584
Dilutive effect of non-participating securities			569				952
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted			149,044				159,536
Net income per common share:
Basic		$	0.26			$	0.31
Diluted		$	0.26			$	0.31

For the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, 0.7 million and 1.6 million potential shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the diluted per share calculation relating to non-participating securities, because the effect of including these potential shares was antidilutive.

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements

Our financial instruments consist of cash, money market accounts, marketable securities, assets held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan and accounts receivable and payable. Cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments.

Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and as of May 3, 2014 generally consist of corporate bonds, municipal bonds, and U.S. government and agency securities with $63.9 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $27.1 million with maturity dates over one year and less than two years.

We consider all securities available-for-sale, including those with maturity dates beyond 12 months, and therefore classify these securities within current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as they are

 

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 3, 2014

(Unaudited)

 

available to support current operational liquidity needs. Marketable securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized holding gains and losses, net of income taxes, reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. For the purposes of computing realized and unrealized gains and losses, cost is determined on a specific identification basis.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Entities are required to use a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

We measure certain financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis, including our marketable securities, which are classified as available-for-sale securities, certain cash equivalents, specifically our money market accounts, and assets held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The money market accounts are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets. Our marketable securities are generally valued based on other observable inputs for those securities (including market corroborated pricing or other models that utilize observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves) based on information provided by independent third party pricing entities, except for U.S. government securities which are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets. The investments in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan are valued using quoted market prices and are included in other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

From time to time, we measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, including evaluation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment using company-specific assumptions which would fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value calculations contain significant judgments and estimates, which may differ from actual results due to, among other things, economic conditions, changes to the business model or changes in operating performance.

During the quarter ended May 3, 2014, we did not make any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets. Furthermore, as of May 3, 2014, February 1, 2014 and May 4, 2013, we did not have any Level 3 cash equivalents or marketable securities. We conduct reviews on a quarterly basis to verify pricing, assess liquidity, and determine if significant inputs have changed that would impact the fair value hierarchy disclosure.

 

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 3, 2014

(Unaudited)

 

In accordance with the provisions of the guidance, we categorized our financial assets, which are valued on a recurring basis, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique for the instruments, as follows:

 

						Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
		Balance as of May 3, 2014				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		(in thousands)
Current Assets
Cash equivalents:
Money market accounts		$	5,661			$	5,661			$	—			$	—
Marketable securities:															—
Municipal securities			35,961				—				35,961				—
U.S. government securities			2,260				2,260				—				—
U.S. government agencies			6,009				—				6,009				—
Corporate bonds			46,754				—				46,754				—
Non Current Assets
Deferred compensation plan			7,279				7,279				—				—
Total		$	103,924			$	15,200			$	88,724			$	—
		Balance as of February 1, 2014
Current Assets
Cash equivalents:
Money market accounts		$	7,509			$	7,509			$	—			$	—
Marketable securities:															—
Municipal securities			51,519				—				51,519				—
U.S. government securities			9,812				9,812				—				—
U.S. government agencies			9,020				—				9,020				—
Corporate bonds			45,651				—				45,651				—
Non Current Assets
Deferred compensation plan			6,299				6,299				—				—
Total		$	129,810			$	23,620			$	106,190			$	—
		Balance as of May 4, 2013
Current Assets
Cash equivalents:
Money market accounts		$	11,376			$	11,376			$	—			$	—
Marketable securities:
Municipal securities			79,973				—				79,973				—
U.S. government securities			33,659				33,659				—				—
U.S. government agencies			8,008				—				8,008				—
Corporate bonds			76,131				—				76,131				—
Commercial paper			4,998				—				4,998				—
Non Current Assets
Deferred compensation plan			4,878				4,878				—				—
Total		$	219,023			$	49,913			$	169,110			$	—

 

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 3, 2014

(Unaudited)

 

Note 5. Subsequent Events

The Company is not aware of any material subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

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ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and our 2013 Annual Report to Stockholders.

Executive Overview

We are a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women’s private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing items operating under the Chico’s, White House | Black Market (“WH|BM”), Soma Intimates and Boston Proper brand names. We earn revenues and generate cash through the sale of merchandise in our retail stores, on our various websites, through our call center which takes orders for all of our brands, and through our international franchise arrangements.

We utilize an integrated, omni-channel approach to managing our business. We want our customers to experience our brands, not a channel within our brands, and view our various sales channels as a single, integrated process rather than as separate sales channels operating independently. This approach allows our customers to browse, purchase, return, or exchange our merchandise through whatever sales channel and at whatever time is most convenient for her. As a result, we track total sales and comparable sales on a combined basis.

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 were $681.6 million, an increase of 1.6% compared to $670.7 million in last year’s first quarter. The increase reflected 99 net new stores for a 6.9% square footage increase since last year’s first quarter, offset by a decrease in comparable sales. Comparable sales for the first quarter decreased 2.6% following flat comparable sales in last year’s first quarter, reflecting lower average dollar sale as a result of the impact of a highly promotional environment in response to lower traffic due in part to inclement weather.

The Chico’s/Soma Intimates brands’ comparable sales increased 0.4% following a 2.8% decrease in last year’s first quarter. The Chico’s brand experienced a decrease of less than 1% in comparable sales in the first quarter compared to a mid-single digit decrease in last year’s first quarter, and the Soma Intimates brand experienced a high-single digit comparable sales increase in the first quarter compared to a mid-single digit increase in last year’s first quarter. The WH|BM brand’s comparable sales decreased 8.6% following a 6.4% increase in last year’s first quarter.

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $39.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to net income of $51.1 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in last year’s first quarter, reflecting lower net income and the impact of approximately 10.3 million shares repurchased since the end of the first quarter last year.

Second Quarter-to-Date Sales Update

For the fiscal 2014 second quarter, unaudited total sales and comparable sales through May 26, 2014 increased approximately 5% and 1%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

Long-term Financial Objectives

The Company’s goal remains to establish financial targets that are both sustainable and reflect strong growth metrics. The Company believes that by delivering on its long-term financial objectives to increase sales by a low double-digit percentage and diluted earnings per share by a mid-teen percentage over the long-term, the Company will provide its shareholders with substantial value.

Consistent with these objectives, the Company is pursuing previously announced strategic initiatives to fuel future growth, including enhanced omni-channel capabilities as well as testing international expansion and the opening of our first Boston Proper stores.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014 Compared to the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2013

The following table depicts net sales by Chico’s/Soma Intimates, WH|BM and Boston Proper in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013:

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		May 3, 2014								May 4, 2013
		(dollars in thousands)
Chico’s/Soma Intimates		$	440,121				64.6	%		$	424,661				63.3	%
WH|BM			217,173				31.9	%			220,398				32.9	%
Boston Proper			24,311				3.5	%			25,663				3.8	%
Total net sales		$	681,605				100.0	%		$	670,722				100.0	%

Net sales for the quarter increased 1.6% to $681.6 million from $670.7 million in last year’s first quarter, primarily reflecting 99 net new stores for a 6.9% square footage increase since last year’s first quarter, offset by a decrease in comparable sales. Comparable sales for the first quarter decreased 2.6% following flat comparable sales in last year’s first quarter, reflecting lower average dollar sale as a result of the impact of a highly promotional environment in response to lower traffic due in part to inclement weather.

The Chico’s/Soma Intimates brands’ comparable sales increased 0.4% following a 2.8% decrease in last year’s first quarter. The Chico’s brand experienced a decrease of less than 1% in comparable sales in the first quarter compared to a mid-single digit decrease in last year’s first quarter, and the Soma Intimates brand experienced a high-single digit comparable sales increase in the first quarter compared to a mid-single digit increase in last year’s first quarter. The WH|BM brand’s comparable sales decreased 8.6% following a 6.4% increase in last year’s first quarter.

Cost of Goods Sold/Gross Margin

The following table depicts cost of goods sold and gross margin in dollars and gross margin as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013:

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		May 3, 2014				May 4, 2013
		(dollars in thousands)
Cost of goods sold		$	298,714			$	283,878
Gross margin		$	382,891			$	386,844
Gross margin percentage			56.2	%			57.7	%

For the first quarter of fiscal 2014, gross margin was $382.9 million compared to $386.8 million in last year’s first quarter. Gross margin was 56.2% of net sales, a 150 basis point decrease from last year’s first quarter, primarily reflecting increased promotional activity in response to lower traffic, partially offset by lower incentive compensation as a percent of net sales.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table depicts SG&A, which includes store and direct operating expenses, marketing expenses and National Store Support Center (“NSSC”) expenses, in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013:

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		May 3, 2014				May 4, 2013
		(dollars in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	319,049			$	304,899
Percentage of total net sales			46.8	%			45.5	%

For the first quarter of 2014, SG&A was $319.0 million compared to $304.9 million in last year’s first quarter. SG&A was 46.8% of net sales, a 130 basis point increase from last year’s first quarter, primarily reflecting sales deleverage of store expenses and the impact of approximately $4 million in investment spending on strategic initiatives, partially offset by lower incentive compensation as a percent of net sales.

Net Income and Earnings Per Diluted Share

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $39.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared to net income of $51.1 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in last year’s first quarter, reflecting lower net income and the impact of approximately 10.3 million shares repurchased since the end of the first quarter last year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe that our existing cash and marketable securities balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund capital expenditures, working capital needs, dividend payments, potential share repurchases, commitments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, while it is our intention to repurchase our stock and pay a quarterly cash dividend in the future, any determination to repurchase additional shares of our stock or pay future dividends will be made by the Board of Directors and will depend on our stock price, future earnings, financial condition, and other factors considered by the Board.

Our ongoing capital requirements will continue to be primarily for enhancing and expanding our omni-channel capabilities, including: new, expanded, relocated and remodeled stores; and information technology.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $67.5 million, an increase of approximately $4.0 million from last year’s first quarter. The increase primarily reflected the impact of working capital changes, partially offset by lower net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The changes in working capital primarily reflected the impact of lower incentive compensation on accrued and other liabilities, partially offset by an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

 

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Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $9.5 million compared to $35.1 million provided by investing activities in last year’s first quarter, reflecting a $25.0 million decrease in marketable securities in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 to fund general business operating needs compared to a $69.7 million decrease in last year’s first quarter related to $60 million in share repurchases. Investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 included net purchases of property and equipment totaling $34.5 million compared to $34.6 million in last year’s first quarter.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $13.9 million compared to $69.8 million in last year’s first quarter, reflecting $60.0 million in share repurchases under our publicly announced repurchase program in last year’s first quarter.

Credit Facility

In fiscal 2011, we entered into a $70 million senior five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as syndication agent.

The Credit Facility provides a $70 million revolving credit facility that matures on July 27, 2016. The Credit Facility provides for swing advances of up to $5 million and issuance of letters of credit up to $40 million. The Credit Facility also contains a feature that provides us the ability, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, to expand the commitments available under the Credit Facility from $70 million up to $125 million. As of May 3, 2014, no borrowings are outstanding under the Credit Facility.

New Store Openings

During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we had 24 net openings, consisting of 9 Chico’s, 3 WH|BM, 10 Soma and 2 Boston Proper stores. Currently, we expect our net new stores in fiscal 2014 to increase approximately 6%, reflecting net openings of approximately 19 Chico’s, 21 WH|BM, 34 Soma stores and 15 Boston Proper stores. We continuously evaluate the appropriate new store growth rate in light of economic conditions and may adjust the growth rate as conditions require or as opportunities arise.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and believes the assumptions and estimates, as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, are significant to reporting our results of operations and financial position. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect our current views with respect to certain events that could have an effect on our future financial performance, including but without limitation, statements regarding our plans, objectives, and future growth rates of our store concepts. These statements may address items such as future sales, gross margin expectations, SG&A expectations, operating margin expectations, earnings per share expectations, planned store openings, closings and expansions, future comparable sales, future product sourcing plans, inventory levels, planned marketing expenditures, planned capital expenditures and future cash needs. In addition, from time to time, we may issue press releases and other written communications, and our representatives may make oral statements, which contain forward-looking information.

These statements, including those in this Form 10-Q and those in press releases or made orally, relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical fact and may include the words or phrases such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “approximately,” “our planning assumptions,” “future outlook,” and similar expressions. Except for historical information, matters discussed in such oral and written statements, including this Form 10-Q, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely on information currently available to our management and on our current expectations, assumptions, plans, estimates, judgments and projections about our business and our industry, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those currently anticipated. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of performance and there are a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors (many of which are outside our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there is no assurance that our expectations will, in fact, occur or that our estimates or assumptions will be correct, and we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2014 and the following:

These potential risks and uncertainties include the financial strength of retailing in particular and the economy in general, the extent of financial difficulties that may be experienced by customers, our ability to secure and maintain customer acceptance of styles and store concepts, the ability to maintain an appropriate level of inventory, the quality of merchandise received from suppliers, the extent and nature of competition in the markets in which we operate, the extent of the market demand and overall level of spending for women’s private branded clothing and related accessories, the effectiveness of our brand awareness and marketing programs, the adequacy and perception of customer service, the ability to coordinate product development with buying and planning, the ability to efficiently, timely and successfully execute significant shifts in the countries from which merchandise is supplied, the ability of our suppliers to timely produce and deliver clothing and accessories, the changes in the costs of manufacturing, labor and advertising, the rate of new store openings, our ability to grow through new store openings and the buying public’s acceptance of any of our new store concepts, the continuing performance, implementation and integration of management information systems, the impact of any systems failures, cyber security or security breaches, including any security breaches that result in theft, transfer, or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee, or company information or our compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations in the event of such an incident, the ability to hire, train, energize and retain qualified sales associates and other employees, the availability of quality store sites, the ability to expand our distribution center and other support facilities in an efficient and effective manner, the ability to hire and train qualified managerial employees, the ability to effectively and efficiently establish our websites, the ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights and to protect our reputation and brand images, the ability to effectively and efficiently operate our brands, risks associated with terrorist activities, risks associated with natural disasters such as hurricanes and other risks. In addition, there are potential risks and uncertainties that are related to our reliance on sourcing from foreign suppliers, including the impact of work stoppages, transportation delays and other interruptions, political or civil instability, imposition of and changes in tariffs and import and export controls such as import quotas, changes in governmental policies in or towards foreign countries, currency exchange rates and other similar factors.

 

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All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made or attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Litigation

In the normal course of business, we are subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims including proceedings under laws and government regulations relating to labor, product, intellectual property and other matters including the matters described in Item 1 of Part II of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and outcomes are not predictable with assurance. Consequently, the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters at May 3, 2014, cannot be ascertained. Although these matters could affect the consolidated operating results of any one quarter when resolved in future periods, and although there can be no assurance with respect thereto, management believes that, after final disposition, any monetary liability or financial impact to us would not be material to the annual consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The market risk of our financial instruments as of May 3, 2014 has not significantly changed since February 1, 2014. We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on any future indebtedness and our marketable securities and from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Our exposure to interest rate risk relates in part to our revolving line of credit with our bank. However, as of May 3, 2014, we did not have any outstanding borrowings on our line of credit.

Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy which identifies allowable investments, specifies credit quality standards and limits the credit exposure of any single issuer. Our investment portfolio consists of cash equivalents and marketable securities including municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and U.S. government and agency securities. The marketable securities portfolio as of May 3, 2014, consisted of $63.9 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $27.1 million with maturity dates over one year and less than or equal to two years. We consider all securities available-for-sale, including those with maturity dates beyond 12 months, and therefore classify these securities as short-term investments within current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as they are available to support current operational liquidity needs. As of May 3, 2014, an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would reduce the fair value of our marketable securities portfolio by approximately $0.7 million. Conversely, a reduction of 100 basis points in interest rates would increase the fair value of our marketable securities portfolio by approximately $0.2 million.

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

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As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance in timely alerting them to material information relating to us (including our consolidated subsidiaries) and that information required to be disclosed in our reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported as required to be included in our periodic SEC filings.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect our disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the date of the above referenced evaluation. Furthermore, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors during the quarterly period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

On May 14, 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) issued an updated version of its Internal Control – Integrated Framework, referred to as the 2013 COSO Framework and has indicated that after December 15, 2014, the 1992 Framework will be considered superseded. We expect that management’s assessment of the overall effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting for the year ending January 31, 2015 will be based on the 2013 COSO Framework and that the change will not be significant to our overall control structure over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company was named as a defendant in a putative class action filed in February 2014 in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Sacramento: Toni Delfierro, et al, v. White House Black Market, Inc. The Complaint alleges numerous violations of California law related to wages, meal periods, rest periods, wage statements, and failure to reimburse business expenses, among other things. The Company denies the material allegations of the Complaint. The Company believes that its policies and procedures for paying its associates comply with all applicable California laws. As a result, the Company does not believe that the case should have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Other than as noted above, we are not currently a party to any legal proceedings, other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business, none of which we believe should have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information discussed in this report, the factors described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2014 should be considered as they could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have not been any significant changes with respect to the risks described in our 2013 Form 10-K, but these are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table sets forth information concerning our purchases of common stock for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

 

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)				Average Price Paid per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans (b)				Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Publicly Announced Plans
February 2, 2014 - March 1, 2014			368,861			$	16.92				—			$	300,000,000
March 2, 2014 - April 5, 2014			1,398			$	16.17				—			$	300,000,000
April 6, 2014 - May 3, 2014			2,865			$	16.06				—			$	300,000,000
Total			373,124			$	16.91				—			$	300,000,000

 

(a)	Represents 373,124 shares of restricted stock repurchased in connection with employee tax withholding obligations under employee compensation plans, which are not purchases under any publicly announced plan.

(b)

In December 2013, we announced a new $300 million share repurchase plan. The entire $300 million remained available at the end of the first quarter. The repurchase program has no specific termination date and will expire when we have repurchased all securities authorized for repurchase thereunder, unless terminated earlier by our Board of Directors.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a)

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

 

 

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SIGNATURES

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.

 

								CHICO’S FAS, INC.
Date:		May 30, 2014				By:		/s/ David F. Dyer
								David F. Dyer
								President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:		May 30, 2014				By:		/s/ Pamela K Knous
								Pamela K Knous
								Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Date:		May 30, 2014				By:		/s/ David M. Oliver
								David M. Oliver
								Vice President-Finance, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer

 

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