CHICO'S FAS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2015 May (Form 10-Q)

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

¨ (do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

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 2, 2015		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 ý 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 ý 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):

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

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

At May 21, 2015, the registrant had 143,354,538 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 2, 2015 (Unaudited) and May 3, 2014 (Unaudited)	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015 (Unaudited) and May 3, 2014 (Unaudited)	4

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – May 2, 2015 (Unaudited), January 31, 2015 (Unaudited) and May 3, 2014 (Unaudited)	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015 (Unaudited ) and May 3, 2014 (Unaudited)	6

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	7

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	21

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	21

PART II – Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	22

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	22

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	22

Item 6.	Exhibits	23

Signatures		24

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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 2, 2015					May 3, 2014
	Amount			% of Sales		Amount		% of Sales
Net sales	$	693,339		100.0	%	$	681,605	100.0	%
Cost of goods sold	297,569			42.9	%	298,714		43.8	%
Gross margin	395,770			57.1	%	382,891		56.2	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	328,217			47.4	%	319,049		46.8	%
Restructuring and strategic charges	14,875			2.1	%	—		0.0	%
Income from operations	52,678			7.6	%	63,842		9.4	%
Interest (expense) income, net	(453		)	(0.1	)%	40		0.0	%
Income before income taxes	52,225			7.5	%	63,882		9.4	%
Income tax provision	19,700			2.8	%	24,000		3.5	%
Net income	$	32,525		4.7	%	$	39,882	5.9	%
Per share data:
Net income per common share-basic	$	0.22				$	0.26
Net income per common and common equivalent share–diluted	$	0.22				$	0.26
Weighted average common shares outstanding–basic	143,378					148,475
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding–diluted	143,771					149,044
Dividends declared per share	$	0.155				$	0.150

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 2, 2015			May 3, 2014
Net income	$	32,525		$	39,882
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes	(12		)	(28		)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	(210		)	(9		)
Comprehensive income	$	32,303		$	39,845

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 2, 2015			January 31, 2015		May 3, 2014

ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	97,651		$	133,351	$	80,529
Marketable securities, at fair value	48,447			126,561		90,984
Inventories	270,313			235,159		268,917
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	53,484			51,088		51,801
Assets held for sale	24,042			16,800		—
Total Current Assets	493,937			562,959		492,231
Property and Equipment, net	584,616			606,147		636,614
Other Assets:
Goodwill	145,627			145,627		171,427
Other intangible assets, net	108,449			109,538		117,107
Other assets, net	13,728			14,310		10,210
Total Other Assets	267,804			269,475		298,744
	$	1,346,357		$	1,438,581	$	1,427,589
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	147,323		$	144,534	$	148,858
Current debt	34,000			—		—
Other current and deferred liabilities	171,161			158,396		155,579
Total Current Liabilities	352,484			302,930		304,437
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt	90,000			—		—
Deferred liabilities	142,185			142,371		143,789
Deferred taxes	49,273			49,659		49,694
Total Noncurrent Liabilities	281,458			192,030		193,483
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock	—			—		—
Common stock	1,434			1,529		1,532
Additional paid-in capital	353,523			407,275		385,730
Treasury stock	(187,393		)	—		—
Retained earnings	544,511			534,255		542,332
Accumulated other comprehensive income	340			562		75
Total Stockholders’ Equity	712,415			943,621		929,669
	$	1,346,357		$	1,438,581	$	1,427,589

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 2, 2015			May 3, 2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	32,525		$	39,882
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities —
Depreciation and amortization	30,743			30,083
Loss on disposal and impairment of property and equipment	6,277			—
Deferred tax benefit	(425		)	(1,164		)
Stock-based compensation expense	7,631			6,474
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(2,012		)	(925		)
Deferred rent and lease credits	(4,283		)	(4,671		)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Inventories	(35,154		)	(30,772		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(3,468		)	(2,084		)
Accounts payable	(8,979		)	6,111
Accrued and other liabilities	18,884			24,534
Net cash provided by operating activities	41,739			67,468
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	(18,252		)	(15,053		)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	96,351			40,063
Purchases of property and equipment, net	(19,839		)	(34,506		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	58,260			(9,496		)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	124,000			—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	8,025			2,945
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	2,012			925
Dividends paid	(11,076		)	(11,439		)
Repurchase of common stock	(258,450		)	(6,309		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(135,489		)	(13,878		)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(210		)	(9		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(35,700		)	44,085
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of period	133,351			36,444
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of period	$	97,651		$	80,529
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest	$	466		$	68
Cash paid for income taxes, net	$	6,546		$	272

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 2, 2015

(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, the 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 January 31, 2015, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 9, 2015.

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 2, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014 the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2014-15 , Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect that such adoption will have an impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. We are currently assessing the potential impact of adopting this ASU, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Note 3. Restructuring and Strategic Charges

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we initiated a restructuring program, including the acceleration of domestic store closures and an organizational realignment, to ensure that resources are aligned with long-term growth initiatives, including omni-channel. These actions resulted in the impairment of certain assets, as well as the elimination of approximately 12% of the headquarters and field management employee base. In connection with this effort, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we recorded pre-tax restructuring and other charges of approximately $16.7 million related to severance, store closures and other impairment charges. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded additional pre-tax restructuring and strategic charges of approximately $14.9 million primarily related to property and equipment impairment charges, continuing employee-related costs, severance charges and other charges, which are included in restructuring and strategic charges in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 2, 2015

(Unaudited)

A summary of the charges is presented in the table below:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	May 2, 2015		May 3, 2014

	(in thousands)
Impairment charges	$	5,952	$	—
Continuing employee-related costs	5,625		—
Severance charges	1,634		—
Other charges	1,664		—
Total restructuring and strategic charges, pre-tax	$	14,875	$	—

In connection with the restructuring program we determined to increase the rate of domestic store closures, with 135-140 under-performing stores to be closed starting in fiscal 2015 through 2017. As a result, we expect to incur lease termination expenses of approximately $2.5 million over the next 3 fiscal years. The following table summarizes the restructuring liability for each period indicated:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	May 2, 2015			May 3, 2014

	(in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	8,063		$	—
Charges	3,298			—
Payments	(5,366		)	—
Ending Balance	$	5,995		$	—

Note 4. Stock-Based Compensation

For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, stock-based compensation expense was $7.6 million and $6.5 million, respectively. As of May 2, 2015, approximately 6.6 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 2, 2015 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period	3,918,189		$	15.70
Granted	1,190,520		18.22
Vested	(1,185,614	)	15.98
Forfeited	(247,285	)	16.77
Unvested, end of period	3,675,810		16.35

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 2, 2015

(Unaudited)

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units

For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015, we granted performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), contingent upon the achievement of a Company-specific performance goal during fiscal 2015. 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 2, 2015 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period	213,453		$	15.01
Granted	526,810		18.23
Vested	(213,443	)	15.01
Forfeited	(1,130	)	18.23
Unvested, end of period	525,690		18.23

Stock Option Awards

For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, 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 2, 2015 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,947,928		$	15.16
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(612,561	)	11.28
Forfeited or expired	(20,000	)	28.47
Outstanding, end of period	1,315,367		16.77
Exercisable at May 2, 2015	1,315,367		$	16.77

Note 5. 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 stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including participating securities. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from non-participating securities such as stock options and PSUs.

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 2, 2015

(Unaudited)

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 2, 2015			May 3, 2014

Numerator
Net income	$	32,525		$	39,882
Net income and dividends declared allocated to participating securities	(786		)	(1,055		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	31,739		$	38,827
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic	143,378			148,475
Dilutive effect of non-participating securities	393			569
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted	143,771			149,044
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.22		$	0.26
Diluted	$	0.22		$	0.26

For the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, 0.7 million and 0.7 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 6. Fair Value Measurements

Our financial instruments consist of cash, money market accounts, marketable securities, assets held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan, accounts receivable and payable, and debt. Cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. Refer to Note 7 for the fair value of the Company's outstanding debt instruments.

Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and as of May 2, 2015 generally consist of corporate bonds, U.S. government agencies, municipal securities and commercial paper with $27.5 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $20.9 million with maturity dates over one year and less than two years.

We consider all marketable 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 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.

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 2, 2015

(Unaudited)

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:



Level 1	—	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2	—	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or; Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or; Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability

Level 3	—	Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

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. We estimate the fair value of assets held for sale using market values for similar assets which would fall within Level 2 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 2, 2015, we did not make any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets. Furthermore, as of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, 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 2, 2015

(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 2, 2015		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	$	1,840	$	1,840	$	—	$	—
Marketable securities:
Municipal securities	3,078		—		3,078		—
U.S. government agencies	14,303		—		14,303		—
Corporate bonds	29,068		—		29,068		—
Commercial paper	1,998		—		1,998		—
Non Current Assets
Deferred compensation plan	9,125		9,125		—		—
Total	$	59,412	$	10,965	$	48,447	$	—

	Balance as of January 31, 2015
Current Assets
Cash equivalents:
Money market accounts	$	338	$	338	$	—	$	—
Marketable securities:
Municipal securities	16,663		—		16,663		—
U.S. government securities	1,402		1,402		—		—
U.S. government agencies	26,299		—		26,299		—
Corporate bonds	79,202		—		79,202		—
Commercial paper	2,995		—		2,995		—
Non Current Assets
Deferred compensation plan	8,461		8,461		—		—
Total	$	135,360	$	10,201	$	125,159	$	—

	Balance as of May 3, 2014
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	$	—

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 2, 2015

(Unaudited)

Note 7. Debt

In fiscal 2011, we entered into a $70.0 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. In February 2015, we entered into an amendment of the Credit Facility expanding the commitment from $70.0 million to $125.0 million.

As of May 2, 2015, we had total borrowing capacity of $125.0 million under our Credit Facility. The Credit Facility was scheduled to mature on July 27, 2016 and contained customary financial covenants for unsecured credit facilities and customary events of default. The Company was in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements and other covenants at May 2, 2015.

As of May 2, 2015, $124.0 million in borrowings were outstanding under the Credit Facility, used to partially fund the accelerated stock repurchase agreements ("ASR Agreements"), as further discussed in Note 8. The outstanding borrowings incurred interest based upon one-month LIBOR plus 1.75% and are reflected as $34.0 million in current debt and $90.0 million in long-term debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The classification of debt outstanding under the Credit Facility is based upon the credit agreement entered into on May 4, 2015, as discussed below. As of May 2, 2015, an unamortized debt discount of $0.1 million was outstanding related to the Credit Facility and is included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

On May 4, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Agreement") among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and the Lenders party hereto. Our obligations under the Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our material U.S. subsidiaries. The Agreement provides for a term loan commitment in the amount of $100.0 million, of which $100.0 million was drawn at closing, and matures on May 4, 2020, payable in quarterly installments, as defined in the Agreement, with the remainder due at maturity. The Agreement also provides for a $100.0 million revolving credit facility, of which $24.0 million was drawn at closing and is expected to be repaid within one year. The revolving credit facility matures on May 4, 2020. The Agreement has borrowing options which accrue interest by reference, at our election, at either an adjusted eurodollar rate tied to LIBOR or an Alternate Base Rate plus an interest rate margin, as defined in the Agreement.

On May 4, 2015, in connection with our entry into the Agreement, we repaid and terminated, with no prepayment penalties, the $124.0 million outstanding obligation under our Credit Facility. We used the proceeds from the initial draw of the term loan and revolving credit facility of the Agreement to repay such obligations.

The following table provides details on our debt outstanding as of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:



	May 2, 2015			January 31, 2015		May 3, 2014

	(in thousands)
Credit Facility	$	124,000		$	—	$	—
Less: current portion	(34,000		)	—		—
Total long-term debt	$	90,000		$	—	$	—

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

May 2, 2015

(Unaudited)

The following table provides scheduled principal payments due on long-term debt in the next five fiscal years and the remaining years thereafter:



Fiscal Year	(in thousands)
2015	$	5,000
2016	10,000
2017	16,250
2018	15,000
2019	15,000
Thereafter	38,750
Total long-term debt	100,000
Less: current portion	(10,000		)
Total long-term debt, due beyond one year	$	90,000

Note 8. Share Repurchases

In December 2013, we announced a $300.0 million share repurchase authorization, and immediately prior to the execution of the ASR Agreements described below, we had $290.0 million remaining under the existing authority.

In March 2015, we entered into ASR Agreements with each of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated ("Merill Lynch"), as agent for Merrill Lynch International, and J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC ("JP Morgan"), as agent for JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., to purchase $250.0 million in outstanding shares of our common stock. Under the ASR Agreements, we made a payment of approximately $125.0 million to each of Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan and received from each of them an initial delivery of approximately 5.35 million common shares, which represents approximately 75% of the number of shares expected to be repurchased based on the share price on the date of the agreement. The value of the initial shares received on the date of purchase was approximately $187.5 million, reflecting a $17.50 price per share.

We accounted for the ASR Agreements as treasury stock repurchase transactions, reducing the shares outstanding by the 10.7 million common shares initially repurchased and resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share. In accordance with authoritative guidance, we recorded the remaining $62.5 million as a forward contract indexed to our common stock within additional paid-in capital since it met the criteria for equity classification. The specific final number of shares to be repurchased will be based on the volume-weighted average share price of our common stock during the calculation period of the ASR Agreements. In the unlikely event we are required to deliver value to Merrill Lynch and/or JP Morgan at the end of the purchase period, we, at our option, may elect to settle in shares or cash. The ASR Agreements are scheduled to expire no later than October 2015.

Following the consummation of the ASR Agreements, we had approximately $40.0 million remaining under our share repurchase program. 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.

Note 9. Subsequent Events

The Company is not aware of any material subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements other than the entry into a new credit agreement on May 4, 2015 as discussed in Note 7.

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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 2014 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 and Boston Proper brand names. We earn revenues and generate cash through the sale of merchandise in our domestic and international retail stores, on our various websites, through our call center which takes orders for all of our brands, and through an unaffiliated franchise partner in Mexico.

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 2015 were $693.3 million, an increase of 1.7% compared to $681.6 million in last year's first quarter. The increase reflected 56 net new stores for a 3.3% square footage increase since last year’s first quarter, partially offset by a 0.1% decrease in comparable sales. The 0.1% decrease in comparable sales for the first quarter was following a 2.6% decrease in last year’s first quarter, reflecting approximately flat average dollar sale and transaction count.

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was $32.5 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $39.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, in last year’s first quarter. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 include the impact of restructuring and strategic charges primarily related to employee-related costs and property and equipment impairment charges, of $9.3 million after-tax, or $0.06 per diluted share. The change in earnings per share reflects a decrease in net income, partially offset by the impact of approximately 11.3 million shares repurchased since the end of the first quarter last year, of which 10.7 million were repurchased in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Our Business Strategy

Our overall business strategy is focused on building and cultivating a portfolio of high-performing retail brands serving the fashion needs of women 35 years and older. In the near term, we are focused on increasing the sales volume and profitability of our existing brands. Over the long term, we may build our brand portfolio by considering the organic development or acquisition of other specialty retail concepts when our research indicates that the opportunity complements our current brands and is appropriate and in the best interest of the shareholders.

We pursue the growth of the brands in our portfolio by building our omni-channel capabilities, which includes managing our store base and our growing online presence, executing innovative marketing plans, effectively leveraging expenses and optimizing the potential of each of our four brands. As part of our continuous efforts to improve our overall strategy while seeking to enhance and support our long-term growth, in the fourth quarter of 2014, we initiated new capital allocation and cost reduction initiatives that are focused on advancing our omni-channel capabilities in order to improve the overall customer experience, reducing overall capital expenditures, re-balancing our store fleet, effectively managing other expenses and improving our inventory management.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015 Compared to the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 3, 2014

The following table depicts net sales by Chico’s, WH|BM, Soma and Boston Proper in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	May 2, 2015				May 3, 2014

	(dollars in thousands)
Chico's	$	368,492	53.2	%	$	372,288	54.6	%
WH\|BM	224,520		32.4	%	217,173		31.9	%
Soma	76,546		11.0	%	67,833		10.0	%
Boston Proper	23,781		3.4	%	24,311		3.5	%
Total net sales	$	693,339	100.0	%	$	681,605	100.0	%

Net sales for the first quarter increased 1.7% to $693.3 million from $681.6 million in last year’s first quarter, primarily reflecting 56 net new stores for a 3.3% square footage increase since last year's first quarter, partially offset by a 0.1% decrease in comparable sales. The 0.1% decrease in comparable sales for the first quarter was following a 2.6% decrease in last year’s first quarter, reflecting approximately flat average dollar sale and transaction count.

The following table depicts comparable sales percentages by Chico's, WH|BM and Soma for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	May 2, 2015		May 3, 2014
Chico's	(2.3	)%	(0.9	)%
WH\|BM	1.7	%	(8.6	)%
Soma	6.5	%	9.3	%
Total Company	(0.1	)%	(2.6	)%

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 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	May 2, 2015			May 3, 2014

	(dollars in thousands)
Cost of goods sold	$	297,569		$	298,714
Gross margin	$	395,770		$	382,891
Gross margin percentage	57.1		%	56.2		%

For the first quarter of fiscal 2015, gross margin was $395.8 million compared to $382.9 million in last year’s first quarter. Gross margin was 57.1% of net sales, a 90 basis point increase from last year’s first quarter, primarily reflecting a decrease in promotional activity in response to improved inventory management, partially offset by the impact of product delayed by port issues in 2015 and the return to accrued incentive compensation at a target level.

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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 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	May 2, 2015			May 3, 2014

	(dollars in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	328,217		$	319,049
Percentage of total net sales	47.4		%	46.8		%

For the first quarter of fiscal 2015, SG&A was $328.2 million compared to $319.0 million in last year’s first quarter. SG&A was 47.4% of net sales, a 60 basis point increase from last year’s first quarter, primarily reflecting sales deleverage of occupancy expenses and the return to accrued incentive compensation at a target level, partially offset by benefits from cost reduction efforts announced last quarter.

Restructuring and Strategic Charges

In fiscal 2014, we initiated a restructuring program, including the acceleration of domestic store closures and an organizational realignment, to ensure that resources are aligned with long-term growth initiatives, including omni-channel. These actions resulted in the impairment of certain assets, as well as the elimination of approximately 12% of the headquarters and field management employee base. In connection with this effort, in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded pre-tax restructuring and strategic charges of $14.9 million, which consisted of $6.0 million in non-cash property and equipment impairment charges, $5.6 million in continuing employee-related costs, $1.6 million in severance charges and $1.7 million in other charges. The after-tax impact of the restructuring and strategic charges totaled $9.3 million, or $0.06 per diluted share.

In connection with the program we determined to increase the rate of domestic store closures, with 135-140 under-performing stores to be closed starting in fiscal 2015 through 2017. As a result, we expect to incur lease termination expenses of approximately $2.5 million over the next 3 fiscal years.

Net Income and Earnings Per Diluted Share

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was $32.5 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $39.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share in last year’s first quarter. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 include the impact of restructuring and strategic charges primarily related to employee-related costs and property and equipment impairment charges, of $9.3 million after-tax, or $0.06 per diluted share. The change in earnings per share reflects a decrease in net income, partially offset by the impact of approximately 11.3 million shares repurchased since the end of the first quarter last year, of which 10.7 million were repurchased in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe that our existing cash and marketable securities balances, cash generated from operations, available credit facilities and potential future borrowings 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 2015 was $41.7 million, a decrease of approximately $25.7 million from last year's first quarter. This decrease primarily reflected changes in working capital, a decrease in fiscal 2015 net income, partially offset by property and equipment impairment charges related to restructuring and strategic activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The changes in working capital primarily reflected the timing of payables, a decrease in accruals related to new store openings and lower accrued income taxes, partially offset by the return to accrued incentive compensation at a target level.

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At the end of the first quarter of 2015, total inventories per selling square foot decreased 2.8%, primarily reflecting improved inventory management and lower average unit cost compared to the first quarter last year. Total inventories increased by less than one percent compared to the first quarter of last year.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was $58.3 million compared to $9.5 million used in investing activities in last year's first quarter, reflecting a $78.1 million decrease in marketable securities in fiscal 2015 related to the partial funding of the ASR Agreements as further discussed in Note 8, compared to a $25.0 million decrease in last year's first quarter to fund general business operating needs. Investing activities in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 included net purchases of property and equipment totaling $19.8 million compared to $34.5 million in the same period last year.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was $135.5 million compared to $13.9 million in the same period last year. The increase in net cash used in financing activities primarily reflects $250.0 million in fiscal 2015 share repurchases under our ASR Agreements, partially offset by $124.0 million in proceeds received from borrowings under the Credit Facility, as further discussed in Note 7.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015 we repurchased 10.7 million shares of our common stock under our ASR Agreements, as further discussed in Note 8. The value of the initial shares received on the date of purchase was approximately $187.5 million, reflecting a $17.50 price per share. In accordance with authoritative guidance, we recorded the remaining $62.5 million as a forward contract indexed to our common stock within additional paid-in capital.

Credit Facility

The Credit Facility provided a $125.0 million revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature on July 27, 2016. As of May 2, 2015, $124.0 million in borrowings were outstanding under the Credit Facility, used to partially fund the ASR Agreements, as further discussed in Note 8. The outstanding borrowings incurred interest based upon the one-month LIBOR plus 1.75% and are reflected as $34.0 million in current debt and $90.0 million in long-term debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

On May 4, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Agreement") among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and the Lenders party hereto. Our obligations under the Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our material U.S. subsidiaries. The Agreement provides for a term loan commitment in the amount of $100.0 million, of which $100.0 million was drawn at closing, and matures on May 4, 2020. The Agreement also provides for a $100.0 million revolving credit facility, of which $24.0 million was drawn at closing, and matures on May 4, 2020. The Agreement has borrowing options which accrue interest by reference, at our election, at either an adjusted eurodollar rate tied to LIBOR or an Alternate Base Rate plus an interest rate margin, as defined in the Agreement.

Store and Franchise Activity

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we had 5 net openings, consisting of 1 WH|BM, 3 Soma and 1 Boston Proper store. Currently, we expect 5-10 net store closures in fiscal 2015, reflecting approximately 5 net closures of Chico's stores, 8 net closures of WH|BM stores, 4 net openings of Soma stores and 1 net opening of 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. As of May 2, 2015, we also sold merchandise through 33 international franchise locations.

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.

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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 January 31, 2015, 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 January 31, 2015.

In fiscal 2014, as a result of sales and margin declines in the Boston Proper brand due to issues with merchandising and marketing effectiveness, we recorded a pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $25.8 million, reducing the carrying value of Boston Proper goodwill to $48.8 million and an impairment charge related to the Boston Proper trade name of $4.3 million pre-tax, reducing the carrying value of the Boston Proper trade name to $41.7 million. The 2014 Boston Proper impairment test utilized future cash flows for the Boston Proper reporting unit, which were projected based on our estimates, at that time, of future revenues, operating income and other factors. The discount rates used were based on a weighted-average cost of capital determined from relevant market comparisons, adjusted upward for specific reporting unit risks. Although we believe that our estimates of fair value are reasonable, if the sales or profitability trends continue to decline during fiscal 2015 compared to those that were expected or market multiples of similar companies or transactions decline, it is possible that an interim test, or our annual impairment test, could result in an impairment of Boston Proper goodwill or the Boston Proper trade name.

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 9, 2015 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 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 respond to actions of activist shareholders and others; the ability to coordinate product development with buying and planning; the quality of merchandise received from suppliers; 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 availability of quality store sites; our ability to grow through new store openings; the buying public’s acceptance of any of our new store concepts; the ability to successfully execute our business strategies; the continuing

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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, managerial employees and other employees; the ability to achieve the results of our restructuring program; the ability to expand our distribution center and other support facilities in an efficient and effective manner; 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.

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.

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ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The market risk of our financial instruments as of May 2, 2015 has not significantly changed since January 31, 2015. 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. On May 4, 2015, we entered into a new credit agreement and repaid, with no prepayment penalties, the $124.0 million outstanding obligation under our existing Credit Facility, as further discussed in Note 7. The new agreement, which matures on May 4, 2020, has borrowing options which accrue interest by reference, at our election, at either an adjusted eurodollar rate tied to LIBOR or an Alternate Base Rate plus an interest rate margin, as defined in the Agreement. An increase or decrease in market interest rates of 100 basis points would not have a material effect on annual interest expense.

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 corporate bonds, U.S. government agencies, municipal securities and commercial paper. The marketable securities portfolio as of May 2, 2015, consisted of $27.5 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $20.9 million with maturity dates over one year and less than or equal to two years. We consider all marketable 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 2, 2015, an increase or decrease of 100 basis points in interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair value of our marketable securities portfolio.



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.

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.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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. 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 2, 2015, 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.

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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2015 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 2014 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 1, 2015 - February 28, 2015	170,314	$	18.05	—	$	290,000
March 1, 2015 - April 4, 2015 (c)	11,006,450	$	17.52	10,714,286	$	40,000
April 5, 2015 - May 2, 2015	4,904	$	17.09	—	$	40,000
Total	11,181,668	$	17.52	10,714,286	$	40,000

(a) Includes 467,382 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 $300.0 million share repurchase plan. There was approximately $40.0 million remaining under the program as of 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.

(c) In March 2015, we entered into ASR Agreements, as further discussed in Note 8, under which we paid $250.0 million and received an initial delivery of 10,714,286 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 75% of the shares expected to be repurchased based on the share price on the date of the agreement. The ASR Agreements are expected to be completed no later than October 2015. Shares purchased pursuant to the ASR Agreements are presented in the above table in the periods in which they are received. The amount that may yet be purchased under our share repurchase program, as presented in the above table, was reduced by the entire $250.0 million payment.

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ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS


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



	Exhibit 10.1		Employment letter agreement between the Company and David F. Dyer, dated as of March 3, 2014

	Exhibit 10.2		Employment letter agreement between the Company and David F. Dyer, dated as of March 6, 2015

	Exhibit 10.3		Employment letter agreement between the Company and Todd E. Vogensen, dated as of March 3, 2015

	Exhibit 31.1		Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Executive Officer

	Exhibit 31.2		Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Financial Officer

	Exhibit 32.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	Exhibit 32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	Exhibit 101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

	Exhibit 101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

	Exhibit 101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

	Exhibit 101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

	Exhibit 101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

	Exhibit 101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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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 28, 2015	By:	/s/ David F. Dyer
			David F. Dyer
			President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:	May 28, 2015	By:	/s/ Todd E. Vogensen
			Todd E. Vogensen
			Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

Date:	May 28, 2015	By:	/s/ David M. Oliver
			David M. Oliver
			Vice President, Controller, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer