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Table of Contents


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 4, 2019
 
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)
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share
CHS
New York Stock Exchange
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
  
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨ 
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 28, 2019, the registrant had 117,944,837 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.




1

Table of Contents


CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE
FISCAL THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MAY 4, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
19
 
 
 
27
 
 
 
27
 
 
 
 
 
 
28
 
 
 
28
 
 
 
29
 
 
 
29
 
 
31

2

Table of Contents


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
 
Net Sales
$
517,728

 
100.0
%
 
$
561,815

 
100.0
 %
 
Cost of goods sold
326,897

 
63.1

 
334,947

 
59.6

 
Gross Margin
190,831

 
36.9

 
226,868

 
40.4

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
185,408

 
35.9

 
186,419

 
33.2

 
Income from Operations
5,423

 
1.0

 
40,449

 
7.2

 
Interest income (expense), net
2

 
0.0

 
(245
)
 
0.0

 
Income before Income Taxes
5,425

 
1.0

 
40,204

 
7.2

 
Income tax provision
3,400

 
0.6

 
11,200

 
2.0

 
Net Income
$
2,025

 
0.4
%
 
$
29,004

 
5.2
 %
 
Per Share Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per common share - basic
$
0.02

 
 
 
$
0.23

 
 
 
Net income per common and common equivalent share – diluted
$
0.02

 
 
 
$
0.23

 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
114,434

 
 
 
125,277

 
 
 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted
114,787

 
 
 
125,316

 
 
 

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

3

Table of Contents


CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
Net Income
$
2,025

 
$
29,004

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of taxes
63

 
(31
)
Foreign currency translation losses
(82
)
 
(68
)
Comprehensive Income
$
2,006

 
$
28,905


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

4

Table of Contents


CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
May 4, 2019
 
February 2, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
105,141

 
$
124,128

 
$
193,547

Marketable securities, at fair value
62,836

 
61,987

 
61,196

Inventories
242,402

 
235,218

 
253,777

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
45,900

 
63,845

 
53,494

Total Current Assets
456,279

 
485,178

 
562,014

Property and Equipment, net
353,183

 
370,932

 
407,569

Right of Use Assets
729,950

 

 

Other Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
96,774

 
96,774

 
96,774

Other intangible assets, net
38,930

 
38,930

 
38,930

Other assets, net
16,099

 
15,220

 
10,707

Total Other Assets
151,803

 
150,924

 
146,411


$
1,691,215

 
$
1,007,034

 
$
1,115,994

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
135,964

 
$
143,404

 
$
138,439

Current lease liabilities
160,731

 

 

Current debt

 

 
15,000

Other current and deferred liabilities
120,919

 
131,820

 
145,893

Total Current Liabilities
417,614

 
275,224

 
299,332

Noncurrent Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
53,750

 
57,500

 
49,868

Long-term lease liabilities
645,796

 

 

Other noncurrent and deferred liabilities
10,719

 
89,109

 
99,330

Deferred taxes
3,893

 
5,237

 
6,560

Total Noncurrent Liabilities
714,158

 
151,846

 
155,758

Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 11)

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 2,500 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 400,000 shares authorized; 159,265 and 158,246 and 158,330 shares issued respectively; and 117,968 and 116,949 and 129,216 shares outstanding, respectively
1,180

 
1,169

 
1,292

Additional paid-in capital
485,805

 
486,406

 
471,458

Treasury stock, at cost, 41,297 and 41,297 and 29,114 shares, respectively
(494,395
)
 
(494,395
)
 
(413,465
)
Retained earnings
567,233

 
587,145

 
601,801

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(380
)
 
(361
)
 
(182
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
559,443

 
579,964

 
660,904

 
$
1,691,215

 
$
1,007,034

 
$
1,115,994


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

5

Table of Contents


CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 

Shares
 
Par Value
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
Total
BALANCE, February 2, 2019
116,949

 
$
1,169

 
$
486,406

 
41,297

 
$
(494,395
)
 
$
587,145

 
$
(361
)
 
$
579,964

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-02 (see Note 1)

 

 

 

 

 
(1,287
)
 

 
(1,287
)
BALANCE, February 2, 2019, as adjusted
116,949

 
1,169

 
486,406

 
41,297

 
(494,395
)
 
585,858

 
(361
)
 
578,677

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
2,025

 

 
2,025

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 
63

 
63

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 
(82
)
 
(82
)
Issuance of common stock
1,441

 
15

 
331

 

 

 

 

 
346

Dividends declared on common stock ($0.175 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(20,650
)
 

 
(20,650
)
Repurchase of common stock and tax withholdings related to share-based awards
(422
)
 
(4
)
 
(2,426
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2,430
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
1,494

 

 

 

 

 
1,494

BALANCE, May 4, 2019
117,968

 
$
1,180

 
$
485,805

 
41,297

 
$
(494,395
)
 
$
567,233

 
$
(380
)
 
$
559,443

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, February 3, 2018
127,471

 
$
1,275

 
$
468,806

 
29,114

 
$
(413,465
)
 
$
599,810

 
$
(44
)
 
$
656,382

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, ASU 2016-16 and ASU 2014-09

 

 

 

 

 
(5,015
)

(39
)
 
(5,054
)
BALANCE, February 3, 2018, as adjusted
127,471

 
1,275

 
468,806

 
29,114

 
(413,465
)
 
594,795

 
(83
)
 
651,328

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
29,004

 

 
29,004

Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 
(31
)
 
(31
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 
(68
)
 
(68
)
Issuance of common stock
2,049

 
20

 
585

 

 

 

 

 
605

Dividends declared on common stock ($0.17 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(21,998
)
 

 
(21,998
)
Repurchase of common stock and tax withholdings related to share-based awards
(304
)
 
(3
)
 
(2,988
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2,991
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
5,055

 

 

 

 

 
5,055

BALANCE, May 5, 2018
129,216

 
$
1,292

 
$
471,458

 
29,114

 
$
(413,465
)
 
$
601,801

 
$
(182
)
 
$
660,904















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

6



CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
2,025

 
$
29,004

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
23,837

 
22,445

Non-cash lease expense
52,232

 

Loss on disposal and impairment of property and equipment, net
113

 
1,031

Deferred tax benefit
(732
)
 
(838
)
Share-based compensation expense
1,494

 
5,055

Deferred rent and lease credits

 
(5,594
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Inventories
(7,184
)
 
(20,875
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(1,138
)
 
12,270

Accounts payable
(17,745
)
 
9,253

Accrued and other liabilities
9,685

 
10,143

Lease liabilities
(56,876
)
 

Net cash provided by operating activities
5,711

 
61,894

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of marketable securities
(15,084
)
 
(9,123
)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
14,313

 
7,965

Purchases of property and equipment
(7,666
)
 
(9,991
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(8,437
)
 
(11,149
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Payments on borrowings
(3,750
)
 
(3,750
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
346

 
605

Dividends paid
(10,345
)
 
(11,065
)
Tax withholding payments related to share-based awards
(2,430
)
 
(2,991
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(16,179
)
 
(17,201
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(82
)
 
(68
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(18,987
)
 
33,476

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of period
124,128

 
160,071

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of period
$
105,141

 
$
193,547

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
576

 
$
710

Cash received for income taxes, net
$
(562
)
 
$
(174
)

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

7



CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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. 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 February 2, 2019, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 19, 2019.
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 4, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Effective February 3, 2019, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases, which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. The Company also adopted the package of practical expedients issued in subsequent ASUs related to ASU 2016-02. The original guidance required application on a modified retrospective basis with the earliest period presented. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements, to Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 842, Leases, which included a provision to apply ASC 842 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company has elected to use the initial application date as the effective date of ASC 842. Consequently, the comparative periods are presented in accordance with ASC 840, Leases, and are not restated in accordance with ASC 842. As a result of the adoption of ASC 842, on February 3, 2019, we recorded operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of $764.1 million and lease liabilities of $845.7 million. On February 3, 2019, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $1.3 million as a decrease to opening retained earnings upon adoption of ASC 842. The adoption of ASC 842 had an immaterial impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations and statement of cash flows for the three months ended May 4, 2019. Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in Note 4, Leases.
Leases
Beginning on February 3, 2019, the Company accounts for leases pursuant ASC 842 as established by ASU 2016-02. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in ROU assets, current lease liabilities and long-term lease liabilities in our unaudited consolidated balance sheet. The Company does not have finance leases in the periods presented.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. The operating lease ROU asset represents the net present value of fixed payments required under the lease, discounted at the Company’s incremental borrowing rate, offset by impairments and lease incentives such as tenant improvements and deferred rent balances.
Our leases do not provide an implicit rate. Accordingly, we use the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Furthermore, we elected to apply a portfolio approach, using the same discount rate applied to a portfolio of leases for similar asset types with a similar lease term.
Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. When it is reasonably certain that we will exercise an option to extend or terminate a lease, the Company will adjust its ROU asset and lease liability. For leases with no impairment of the ROU asset, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For stores with impairment of the ROU asset, lease expense consists of straight-line amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest expense on the lease liability.

8

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. We have made a policy election to treat both lease and non-lease components as a single component and account for the full consideration as a single lease component. This policy election is applied to all asset classes for which the Company is a lessee.
We lease retail stores and a limited amount of office space under operating leases. The majority of our lease agreements provide for tenant improvement allowances, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Tenant improvement allowances, fixed rent escalation clauses and impairments are included in the ROU asset computation.
Certain leases provide for contingent rents based on defined criteria, such as gross sales in excess of a specified level. We record a contingent rent liability in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when the criteria has been achieved or is probable.
Additionally, we have a nominal number of leases that meet the standard’s definition of a “short-term lease” (a lease that, at the commencement date, has a lease term of twelve months or less and does not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise). We have made a policy election to recognize these leases as incurred and have not recognized a ROU asset or corresponding lease liability for them. The Company’s short-term leases are not material.

2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments related to the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of ASU 2018-13 and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. We do not anticipate adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The update and additional changes, modifications, clarifications, or interpretations related to this guidance thereafter, changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The guidance is to be applied using the modified-retrospective approach. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Disaggregated Revenue
The following table disaggregates our operating segment revenue by brand, which we believe provides a meaningful depiction of the nature of our revenue. Amounts shown include licensing and wholesale income, which is not a significant component of total revenue, and is aggregated within the respective brands in the table below.
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
Chico's
$
276,702

 
53.4
%
 
$
300,936

 
53.6
%
WHBM
160,945

 
31.1

 
182,648

 
32.5

Soma
80,081

 
15.5

 
78,231

 
13.9

Total Net Sales
$
517,728

 
100.0
%
 
$
561,815

 
100.0
%


9

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Accounting Policies    
The Company recognizes revenue pursuant ASC 606 as established by ASU 2014-09 (“ASC 606”). Retail sales by our stores are recorded at the point of sale and are net of estimated customer returns, sales discounts under rewards programs and Company issued coupons, promotional discounts and employee discounts. Sales from our websites and catalogs are recognized at the time of shipment. Amounts related to shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded in net sales and the related shipping and handling costs are recorded in cost of goods sold in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. Amounts paid by customers to cover shipping and handling costs are immaterial. Our policy towards taxes assessed by a government authority directly imposed on revenue producing transactions between a seller and a customer is, and has been, to exclude all such taxes from revenue. Licensing and wholesale income, which is not a significant component of total revenue, is recognized based upon delivery of products, except when the customer has a contractual right of return.    
We sell gift cards in stores, on our e-commerce website and through third parties. Our gift cards do not have expiration dates. We account for gift cards by recognizing a liability at the time the gift card is sold. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized, net of third party sales commissions, for gift cards upon redemption. In addition, we recognize revenue for the amount of gift cards expected to go unredeemed (commonly referred to as gift card breakage) under the redemption recognition method. This method records gift card breakage as revenue on a proportional basis over the redemption period based on our historical gift card breakage rate. We determine the gift card breakage rate based on our historical redemption patterns. We recognize revenue on the remaining unredeemed gift cards based on determining that the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote and that there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift cards to relevant jurisdictions.
Soma offers a points-based loyalty program in which customers earn points based on purchases. Attaining specified loyalty point levels results in the issuance of reward coupons to discount future purchases. As program members accumulate points, we accrue the estimated future liability, adjusted for expected redemption rates and expirations. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized for loyalty point reward coupons upon redemption. In addition, we recognize revenue on unredeemed points when it can be determined that the likelihood of the point being redeemed is remote and there is no legal obligation to remit the point value. We determine the loyalty point breakage rate based on historical and redemption patterns.
As part of the normal sales cycle, we receive customer merchandise returns related to store, website and catalog sales. To account for the financial impact of potential customer merchandise returns, we estimate future returns on previously sold merchandise. Reductions in sales and gross margin are recorded for estimated merchandise returns based on return history, current sales levels and projected future return levels.
The Company’s accounting policies and treatment over revenue recognition are consistent with the provisions of ASC 606 and represent a faithful depiction of the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
Contract Liability
Contract liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet were comprised of obligations associated with our gift card and customer loyalty programs. As of May 4, 2019 and February 2, 2019, contract liabilities primarily consisted of gift cards of $35.0 million and $42.6 million, respectively. For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019, the Company recognized $11.9 million of revenue that was previously included in the gift card contract liability as of February 2, 2019. The contract liability for our loyalty program was not material as of May 4, 2019 or February 2, 2019.
Performance Obligation
For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods was not material. Revenue recognized in future periods related to performance obligations is not expected to be material.

4. LEASES
We lease retail stores, a limited amount of office space and certain equipment under operating leases expiring in various years through the fiscal year ending 2029. All of our leases have been classified as operating leases and are recognized and measured as such.
Certain operating leases provide for renewal options that at a pre-determined period and rental value. Furthermore, certain leases provide that we may cancel the lease if our retail sales at that location fall below an established level. Within the first few years of the initial lease term, a majority of our store operating leases contain cancellation clauses that allow the leases to be

10

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

terminated at our discretion, if certain minimum sales levels are not met. In the normal course of business, operating leases are typically renewed or replaced by other leases.
Escalation of operating lease payments of certain leases depend on an existing index or rate, such as the consumer price index or the market interest rate. These are considered variable lease payments and are included in lease payments when the escalation is known.
Operating lease expense was as follows:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
Operating lease cost (1)
$
64,902


(1) Includes $8.0 million in variable lease costs.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows:
 
May 4, 2019
Right of Use Assets
$
729,950

 
 
Current lease liabilities
$
160,731

Long-term lease liabilities
645,796

Total operating lease liabilities
$
806,527

 
 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (years)
5.2

 
 
Weighted Average Discount Rate (1)
5.8
%

(1) The incremental borrowing rate used by the Company is based on the rate at which the Company could borrow funds using its credit rating for a collateralized loan of similar term to the lease. The weighted average discount rate represents a weighted average of the incremental borrowing rate for each lease weighted based on the remaining fixed lease obligations. 
Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases was as follows:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
 
Operating cash outflows
$
56,876

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, non-cash
6,028



11

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows:
Fiscal Year Ending:

February 1, 2020
$
148,654

January 30, 2021
209,463

January 29, 2022
183,961

January 28, 2023
146,545

February 4, 2024
98,023

Thereafter
150,812

Total future minimum lease payments
$
937,458

Less imputed interest
(130,931
)
Total
$
806,527



5. RETAIL FLEET OPTIMIZATION PLAN
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company announced a retail fleet optimization plan to rebalance the mix between our physical store presence and our digital network with the closure of at least 250 stores in the United States in fiscal years 2019-2021. Under this plan, we expect to close approximately 100 Chico's, 90 WHBM and 60 Soma locations in fiscal years 2019-2021, with the majority of the closings occurring in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. This initiative is part of the Company's efforts to better capitalize on its omnichannel platform, reduce costs and improve profitability and return on invested capital. For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019, the Company recorded $4.9 million in pre-tax accelerated depreciation of property and equipment within cost of goods sold associated with this retail fleet optimization plan. Accelerated depreciation on property and equipment reflects the impact of a change in the useful life of store assets for store closures added as a result of the Company’s retail fleet optimization plan.

6. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 and May 5, 2018, share-based compensation expense was $1.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively. As of May 4, 2019, approximately 5.3 million shares remain available for future grants of equity awards under our Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated effective June 22, 2017.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period from the date of grant.
Restricted stock award activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 was as follows:

Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period
2,715,466

 
$
10.92

Granted
2,338,690

 
4.76

Vested
(1,043,156
)
 
11.72

Forfeited
(849,773
)
 
7.56

Unvested, end of period
3,161,227

 
7.00



12

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units
For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019, we granted performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), contingent upon the achievement of Company-specific performance goals during the three fiscal years 2019 - 2021. Any units earned as a result of the achievement of this goal will vest 100% three 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 4, 2019 was as follows:
 
Number of Units/
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period
1,067,338

 
$
11.40

Granted
1,170,650

 
4.23

Vested
(244,628
)
 
13.19

Forfeited
(927,109
)
 
7.60

Unvested, end of period
1,066,251

 
6.42


 
Stock Option Awards
For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 and May 5, 2018, we did not grant any stock options.
Stock option activity for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 was as follows:
 
Number of
Options
 
Weighted
 Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period
214,277

 
$
13.54

Granted

 

Exercised

 

Forfeited or expired

 

Outstanding and exercisable, end of period
214,277

 
13.54



7. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes is based on a current estimate of the annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. Our effective income tax rate may fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of a variety of factors, including changes in our assessment of certain tax contingencies, valuation allowances, changes in tax law, outcomes of administrative audits, the impact of discrete items and the mix of earnings.
For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 and May 5, 2018, the Company’s effective tax rate was 62.7% and 27.9%, respectively. The effective tax rates of 62.7% and 27.9% included the recognition of $2.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of additional tax expense related to the accounting for employee share-based awards. The increase in the first quarter tax rate over the prior year was primarily the result of lower pre-tax income and the additional tax expense related to employee share-based awards.

8. 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 the Company, participating securities are comprised entirely of unvested restricted stock awards and PSUs that have met their relevant performance criteria.

13

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Earnings per share (“EPS”) is determined using the two-class method when it is more dilutive than the treasury stock method. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders 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, PSUs and restricted stock units.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per share shown on the face of the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
Numerator
 
 
 
Net income
$
2,025

 
$
29,004

Net income and dividends declared allocated to participating securities

 
(714
)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
2,025

 
$
28,290

Denominator
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
114,434

 
125,277

Dilutive effect of non-participating securities
353

 
39

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted
114,787

 
125,316

Net Income per Common Share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.02

 
$
0.23

Diluted
$
0.02

 
$
0.23


For the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 and May 5, 2018, 0.7 million and 0.6 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.

9. 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.
Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and as of May 4, 2019 generally consist of corporate bonds, commercial paper, U.S. government agencies and municipal securities, with $34.3 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $28.5 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.

14

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(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 consolidated balance sheets.
From time to time, we measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis. This includes the 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 assess the carrying amount of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses market participant rents to calculate fair value of ROU assets and discounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group using a discount rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant to quantify fair value for other long-lived assets. The asset group is defined as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available and largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which for our retail stores, is primarily at the store level. On February 3, 2019, the Company recorded a transition day fair value impairment on our ROU asset of $1.3 million, after-tax, as a decrease to opening retained earnings upon adoption of ASC 842.
To assess the fair value of goodwill, we utilize both an income approach and a market approach. Inputs used to calculate the fair value based on the income approach primarily include estimated future cash flows, discounted at a rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant. Inputs used to calculate the fair value based on the market approach include identifying sales and EBITDA multiples based on guidelines for similar publicly traded companies and recent transactions.
To assess the fair value of trade names, we utilize a relief from royalty approach. Inputs used to calculate the fair value of the trade names primarily include future sales projections, discounted at a rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant and an estimated royalty rate.
As of May 4, 2019 and February 2, 2018, our revolving loan and letter of credit facility approximates fair value as this instrument has a variable interest rate which approximates current market rates (Level 2 criteria).
To assess the fair value of long-term debt as of May 5, 2018, we utilized a discounted future cash flow model using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturities.
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 4, 2019, we did not make any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets. Furthermore, as of May 4, 2019February 2, 2019 and May 5, 2018, we did not have any Level 3 financial assets measured on a recurring basis. 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.

15

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

In accordance with the provisions of the guidance, we categorized our financial assets and liabilities 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 4, 2019
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market accounts
$
328

 
$
328

 
$

 
$

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
59,893

 

 
59,893

 

Commercial paper
2,943

 

 
2,943

 

Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan
6,872

 
6,872

 

 

Total
$
70,036

 
$
7,200

 
$
62,836

 
$

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (1)
$
53,750

 
$

 
$
53,750

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of February 2, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market accounts
$
711

 
$
711

 
$

 
$

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
60,281

 

 
60,281

 

Commercial paper
1,706

 

 
1,706

 

Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan
6,644

 
6,644

 

 

Total
$
69,342

 
$
7,355

 
$
61,987

 
$

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (1)
$
57,500

 
$

 
$
57,500

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of May 5, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market accounts
$
311

 
$
311

 
$

 
$

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
3,462

 

 
3,462

 

U.S. government agencies
12,755

 

 
12,755

 

Corporate bonds
42,992

 

 
42,992

 

Commercial paper
1,987

 

 
1,987

 

Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan
7,044

 
7,044

 

 

Total
$
68,551

 
$
7,355

 
$
61,196

 
$

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (1)
$
64,868

 
$

 
$
65,309

 
$


(1) The carrying value of long-term debt as of May 5, 2018 includes the current and long-term portions and the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs. As of May 4, 2019 and February 2, 2019, long-term debt consists only of borrowings under our revolving credit facility as further discussed in Note 10.


16

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

10. DEBT
On August 2, 2018, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Agreement”) as borrowers and guarantors, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent, letter of credit issuer and swing line lender, and certain lenders party thereto. Our obligations under the Agreement are guaranteed by the subsidiary guarantors and secured by a lien on certain assets of the Company and the subsidiary borrowers and guarantors, including inventory, accounts receivable, cash deposits, and certain insurance proceeds. The Agreement provides for a five-year asset-based senior secured revolving loan and letter of credit facility of up to $200 million, maturing August 2, 2023. In addition, during the term of the Agreement, the Company may increase the commitments under the Agreement by up to an additional $100 million, subject to customary conditions, including obtaining the agreements from the lenders to provide such commitment increase. The interest rate applicable to the loans under the Agreement will be equal to, at the Company’s option, either a base rate, determined by reference to the federal funds rate, plus an interest rate margin, or a LIBO rate, plus an interest rate margin, in each case, depending on availability under the Agreement. The Company expects borrowings to be at a LIBO rate, plus an interest rate margin. In addition, the Company will pay a commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the commitments under the Agreement.
The Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and affirmative covenants, as well as customary negative covenants, that, among other things restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries to: (i) incur liens, (ii) make investments, (iii) issue or incur additional indebtedness, (iv) undergo significant corporate changes, including mergers and acquisitions, (v) make dispositions, (vi) make restricted payments, (vii) prepay other indebtedness and (viii) enter into certain other restrictive agreements. The Company may pay cash dividends and repurchase shares under its share buyback program, subject to certain thresholds of available borrowings based upon the lesser of the aggregate amount of commitments under the Agreement and the borrowing base (the “Loan Cap”), determined after giving effect to any such transaction or payment, on a pro forma basis.
As of May 4, 2019, our outstanding debt consisted of $53.8 million in borrowings under the Agreement, resulting in $146.2 million available for borrowings under the revolving loan and letter of credit facility. As of May 4, 2019, an unamortized debt discount of $0.5 million was outstanding related to the Agreement and is presented in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheet.
The credit agreement entered into on May 4, 2015 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and other lenders, which was unsecured and had provided for a term loan commitment in the amount of $100 million and a $100 million revolving credit facility, was terminated on August 2, 2018 in connection with the Company entering into the Agreement described above, and all outstanding amounts thereunder were repaid. We used the proceeds from the initial draw of the revolving loan of the Agreement to repay such obligations.
    
The following table provides additional detail on our outstanding debt:
 
May 4, 2019
 
February 2, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
Credit Agreement, net
$
53,750

 
$
57,500

 
$
64,868

Less: current portion

 

 
(15,000
)
Total Long-Term Debt
$
53,750

 
$
57,500

 
$
49,868


11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In July 2015, White House Black Market, Inc. (“WHBM”) was named as a defendant in Altman v. White House Black Market, Inc., a putative class action filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (“District Court”). The complaint alleges that WHBM, in violation of federal law, willfully published more than the last five digits of a credit or debit card number on customers’ point-of-sale receipts. The plaintiff seeks an award of statutory damages of $100 to $1,000 for each alleged willful violation of the law, as well as attorneys’ fees, costs and punitive damages. WHBM denies the material allegations of the complaint and believes the case is without merit. On February 12, 2018, the District Court issued an order certifying the class.
On April 9, 2018, the District Court, sua sponte, issued an order granting WHBM’s earlier 2016 request to appeal, to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals (“Eleventh Circuit”), the District Court’s ruling that the plaintiff has standing to maintain

17

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

the lawsuit. On April 19, 2018, WHBM filed a petition for review in the Eleventh Circuit. In the meantime, the District Court stayed all further proceedings in the case pending the outcome of the appeal in the Eleventh Circuit.
On July 12, 2018, the plaintiff and WHBM notified the Eleventh Circuit that the plaintiff and WHBM had reached a class settlement on all claims and therefore voluntarily dismissed WHBM’s appeal to the Eleventh Circuit. On August 2, 2018, the District Court reopened the case for purposes of reviewing/approving the proposed settlement. On October 22, 2018, the plaintiff filed the settlement papers with the District Court, along with a motion to stay the District Court’s consideration of the settlement pending the Eleventh Circuit’s final disposition of Muransky v. Godiva Chocolatier, Inc., in which the Eleventh Circuit held, in an opinion issued October 3, 2018, that the display of the first five and last four digits of a credit or debit card number on a customer’s receipt given at the point of sale establishes a “concrete injury” sufficient to confer Article III standing, enabling the customer to maintain a lawsuit. The motion to stay was granted on November 15, 2018. A petition for rehearing was filed in the Muransky case on October 24, 2018 and is currently pending before the Eleventh Circuit. The Muransky opinion, if not altered on the petition for rehearing, would bind the District Court in the Altman case and likely establish that the plaintiff has standing to maintain her lawsuit against WHBM. In such event, the stay will be lifted and the proposed settlement will be reviewed by the District Court. If the Eleventh Circuit does not find standing in the Muransky case, the parties have agreed to submit the proposed settlement to the Superior Court for Cobb County, Georgia for approval. The proposed settlement would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
However, no assurance can be given that the proposed settlement will be approved. If the proposed settlement is rejected and the case were to proceed as a class action and WHBM were to be unsuccessful in its defense on the merits, then the ultimate resolution of the case could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2016, Chico’s Retail Services, Inc. (“CRS”) was named as a defendant in Corporate Cleaners, Inc. v. Chico’s Retail Services, Inc., an action filed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. The plaintiff alleges that CRS breached a contract (and related amendments thereto) with the plaintiff by, among other reasons, failing to pay outstanding invoices and failing to allow the plaintiff the exclusive right to provide certain cleaning services. The plaintiff seeks an award of lost profits, lost revenue, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. CRS denies the material allegations brought by the plaintiff and filed a counterclaim seeking recovery of amounts associated with alleged misrepresentations by the plaintiff as to the quantity of inventory units cleaned by the plaintiff. Discovery, including document productions, depositions, as well as expert discovery, remains ongoing.
On September 4, 2018, CRS and the plaintiff participated in mediation. Although unsuccessful at that time, the mediation remains adjourned with the expectation that the parties will continue mediation after expert disclosures have been exchanged. CRS’ expert was deposed in April 2019. A trial date is set for September 17, 2019. No assurance can be given that CRS will be successful in its defense of this case or in its counterclaim. However, management does not believe that any resolution of the case would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2019, the Company was named as a defendant in Fisher v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative class action filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. The complaint alleges that the Company advertised fictitious prices and corresponding phantom discounts on its made-for-outlet products in its Chico’s outlets in violation of California’s Unfair Competition Laws, California’s False Advertising Laws and the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act. The plaintiff seeks disgorgement of the Company’s profits and alleged unjust enrichment resulting from such advertising practices, injunctive relief, a corrective advertising campaign, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. The Company was served on May 10, 2019 and its response is due May 31, 2019. The Company is currently investigating the underlying allegations and will vigorously defend the case. At this time, it is not possible to predict whether this matter ultimately will be permitted to proceed as a class action, and no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of this matter. However, if the matter were to proceed as a class action and the Company were to be unsuccessful in its defense on the merits, then the ultimate resolution of the case could 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 material legal proceedings other than claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. All such matters are subject to uncertainties, and outcomes may not be predictable. Consequently, the ultimate aggregate amounts of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of May 4, 2019 are not estimable. However, while such matters could affect our consolidated operating results when resolved in future periods, management believes that upon final disposition, any monetary liability or financial impact to us would not be material to our annual consolidated financial statements.

18


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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Form 10-Q and in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Executive Overview

We are a leading omnichannel specialty retailer of women’s private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy apparel, intimates and complementary accessories, operating under the Chico’s, White House Black Market (“WHBM”), Soma and TellTaleTM brand names in the United States (“U.S.”), Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Our distinct lifestyle brands serve the needs of fashion-savvy women 35 years and older. We earn revenue and generate cash through the sale of merchandise in our domestic and international retail stores, our various Company-operated e-commerce websites, our call center (which takes orders for all of our brands), through an unaffiliated franchise partner in Mexico and through third-party channels.
We utilize an integrated, omnichannel approach to managing our business. We want our customers to experience our brands holistically and to view the various retail channels we operate as a single, integrated experience 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. As a result, we track total sales and comparable sales on a combined basis.
In April 2019, our Board of Directors (the “Board”) initiated a Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) transition plan, following the resignation of our former CEO. The Board is now searching for a new CEO with a strong fashion apparel track record who can increase shareholder value by moving more aggressively to enhance the growth and positioning of Chico’s and our other brands. As the Board conducts its search for a new CEO, Bonnie Brooks, former Vice Chair, President and CEO of Hudson's Bay Company and a current member of our Board, is serving as Interim CEO.
The Company reported first quarter EPS of $0.02 per diluted share, compared to $0.23 per diluted share in last year’s first quarter. Comparable store sales were down 7.0%, driven by lower average dollar sale and a decrease in transaction count.
Business Highlights
Chico’s first quarter results stabilized in line with the fourth quarter 2018. The brand is making progress in elevating the product aesthetic and delivering a more balanced merchandise architecture to its customers. Both conversion and units per transaction increased in the quarter.
Soma reported positive 3.4% comparable sales in the first quarter, driven by bras and sleepwear. The Company’s latest EnblissTM collection is performing particularly well and is on track to be the #1 franchise in Soma’s portfolio.
White House Black Market reported a greater than expected comparable sales decline, driven by misses in color and print. Steps to course correct are already being implemented, including adjustments for fall and holiday product offerings.
The Company completed the rollout of Style Connect™, an enhanced platform that provides digitized clienteling tools, to all stores and remains on track to launch Buy Online Pick-up in Store (BOPIS) across its fleet this summer.
The Company is making progress on its previously announced search for a permanent CEO. The Board’s search committee has met with a number of exceptionally qualified candidates and is pleased with the quality of the apparel executives with merchandising experience that it is seeing.

Current Trends
Unsolicited Takeover Offer
On May 10, 2019, the Company received an unsolicited proposal from Sycamore Partners Management, L.P. to acquire the Company for $3.50 per share in cash. After reviewing the proposal in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, the Chico's FAS Board of Directors (the “Board’) determined that Sycamore's proposal substantially undervalues Chico's FAS and is not in the best interests of Chico's FAS shareholders. This follows the Board’s review and rejection of another recent proposal dated April 14, 2019 from Sycamore to acquire the Company for $4.30 per share, which the Board also determined substantially undervalued the Company and was not in the best interests of shareholders.

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Macroeconomic Impacts
The Company has exposure to volatility of the macroeconomic environment due to political uncertainty and potential changes to international trade agreements, such as new tariffs imposed on certain Chinese-made products imported to the U.S. During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the U.S. began to impose duties of 10% on certain Chinese-made imported products. On May 5, 2019, the current administration announced an increase to the tariffs currently being imposed on these imports from 10% to 25%, effective May 10, 2019. Certain of the Company's offerings are impacted by these tariffs, however the Company believes that there will be minimal impact on the Company’s results of operations. Additionally, on May 5, 2019, the current administration raised the possibility of adding a 25% punitive tariff to other categories of U.S. imports from China, which may have a more significant impact on the results of the Company if enacted. To minimize this risk, the Company is actively reducing its penetration of Chinese-made imported products and, in the event such tariffs are imposed, will engage vendor participation to negotiate cost-sharing agreements, and manage and adjust spring buys and product pricing. There can be no assurance that these actions will mitigate the impact of new and/or incremental tariffs and consequentially future net sales, income from operations and net income may be adversely impacted at a material level.
Our Business Strategy
Our overall business strategy is focused on building a collection of distinct high-performing retail brands serving the fashion needs of women 35 and older. The primary function of the Company is the production and procurement of merchandise that delivers the Brand Promise and Brand Positioning of each of the brands and resonates with our customers.  We are focused on building a collection of distinct high-performing retail brands serving the fashion needs of women 35 and older. To that end we are further strengthening our merchandise and design capabilities significantly in the coming months and enhancing our sourcing and supply chain to deliver product in a timely manner to our customers while also concentrating on quality improvements. Over the long term, we may build our brand portfolio by organic development or acquisition of other specialty retail concepts if research indicates that the opportunity complements our current brands and is appropriate and in the best interest of the shareholders.
We pursue improving the performance of our brands by building our omnichannel capabilities, managing our store base, growing our online presence, executing marketing plans, effectively leveraging expenses, considering additional sales channels and markets, and optimizing the merchandise offerings of each of our brands. We continue to invest heavily in our omnichannel capabilities so our customers can fully experience our brands in the manner they choose.
We view our stores and e-commerce websites as a single, integrated sales function rather than as separate, independently operated sales channels. As a result, we maintain a shared inventory platform for our operations, allowing us to fulfill orders for all channels from our distribution center ("DC") in Winder, Georgia. Our domestic customers can return merchandise to a store or to our DC, regardless of the original purchase location. Using our enhanced “Locate” tool, we ship in-store orders from other locations directly to the customer, expediting delivery times while reducing our shipping costs. In addition, we expanded our omnichannel capabilities in fiscal 2018 with the launch of Endless Aisle, our shared inventory system, enabling customers to purchase online and ship from store.
We seek to acquire new customers and retain existing customers by leveraging existing customer-specific data and through targeted marketing, including digital marketing, social media, television, catalogs and mailers. We seek to optimize the potential of our brands with improved product offerings, potential new merchandise opportunities, and brand extensions that enhance the current offerings, as well as through our continued emphasis on our trademark “Most Amazing Personal Service” standard. We also will continue to consider potential alternative sales channels for our brands, including international franchise, wholesale, licensing and other opportunities.
In fiscal 2016, we implemented cost reduction and operating efficiency initiatives, including realigning marketing and digital commerce, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing non-merchandise expenses. In fiscal 2017, we focused on our brand positioning and evolving the customer experience and leveraging actionable retail science to drive sales. In fiscal 2018, we launched multiple initiatives that utilize technology and new platforms to drive growth such as Endless Aisle and STYLECONNECTTM (which enables store associates to personalize the customer experience). As a result of these multi-year initiatives, we have the technology and tools in place to leverage our omnichannel capabilities, which should allow us to capture and stay connected with our customers, whether in-store or online.
We are committed to enhancing our effectiveness and efficiency to better meet customer expectations and drive profitable growth. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we announced a retail fleet optimization plan to rebalance the mix between our physical store presence and our digital network with the closure of at least 250 stores in the United States over the next three years. Building upon management's strategic decision to right-size our retail fleet, we also commenced a comprehensive review of our operations to ensure the business is structured for agility, speed and innovation. These initiatives are part of our efforts to better capitalize on our existing omnichannel platform, reduce costs and improve both our profitability and return on invested capital.

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Results of Operations
Thirteen Weeks Ended May 4, 2019 Compared to the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 5, 2018
Net Sales
The following table depicts net sales by Chico’s, WHBM and Soma in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 (the “first quarter”) and the thirteen weeks ended May 5, 2018 (“last year’s first quarter”):
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Chico's
$
277

 
53.4
%
 
$
301

 
53.6
%
WHBM
161

 
31.1

 
183

 
32.5

Soma
80

 
15.5

 
78

 
13.9

Total Net Sales
$
518

 
100.0
%
 
$
562

 
100.0
%
For the first quarter of fiscal 2019, net sales were $518 million compared to $562 million in last year’s first quarter. This decrease of 7.8% reflects a comparable sales decline of 7.0% as well as the impact of 41 net store closures since last year’s first quarter. The comparable sales decline was driven by lower average dollar sale and a decrease in transaction count.
The following table depicts comparable sales percentages by Chico’s, WHBM and Soma for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 and May 5, 2018:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
Chico's
(7.8
)%
 
(5.5
)%
WHBM
(10.0
)
 
(6.6
)
Soma
3.4

 
(5.8
)
Total Company
(7.0
)%
 
(5.9
)%
Cost of Goods Sold/Gross Margin
The following table depicts cost of goods sold (“COGS”) and gross margin in dollars and gross margin as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 and May 5, 2018:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Cost of goods sold
$
327

 
$
335

Gross margin
191

 
227

Gross margin percentage
36.9
%
 
40.4
%

For the first quarter of fiscal 2019, gross margin was $191 million, or 36.9% of net sales, compared to $227 million, or 40.4% of net sales, in last year’s first quarter. This 350-basis-point decrease primarily reflects the impact of product liquidations, continued charges related to our omnichannel programs and accelerated depreciation as a result of our retail fleet optimization plan announced in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Retail Fleet Optimization Plan
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded approximately $5 million in pre-tax accelerated depreciation of property and equipment within cost of goods sold related to our retail fleet optimization plan. The first quarter after-tax impact of these charges was approximately $4 million.

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table depicts selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), which includes direct operating expenses, marketing expenses and National Store Support Center expenses (“NSSC”), in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2019 and May 5, 2018:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
185

 
$
186

Percentage of total net sales
35.9
%
 
33.2
%

For the first quarter of fiscal 2019, SG&A was $185 million, or 35.9% of net sales, compared to $186 million, or 33.2% of net sales, in last year’s first quarter. This 270-basis point increase primarily reflects deleverage of store operating expenses as well as investments in technology and Soma marketing.
Provision for Income Taxes
For the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the $3 million income tax provision resulted in an effective tax rate of 62.7% compared to 27.9% for last year’s first quarter. The effective tax rates of 62.7% and 27.9% included the recognition of approximately $2 million and $1 million, respectively, of additional tax expense related to the accounting of employee share-based awards. The increase in the first quarter tax rate over last year’s first quarter was primarily the result of lower pre-tax income and the additional tax expense related to employee share-based awards.
    Net Income and Earnings per Diluted Share
For the first quarter of fiscal 2019, net income was $2 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to net income of $29 million, or $0.23 per diluted share in last year’s first quarter. Results for the first quarter include the unfavorable impact of accelerated depreciation charges of approximately $4 million, after-tax, related to our retail fleet optimization plan. The change in earnings per share reflects a decrease in net income, partially offset by the impact of approximately 12 million shares repurchased since the end of the first quarter last year.
Cash, Marketable Securities and Debt
At the end of the first quarter, cash and marketable securities totaled $168 million, a decrease of $87 million compared to last year’s first quarter, while debt totaled $54 million, a decrease of $11 million from last year’s first quarter. This $87 million decrease in cash and marketable securities primarily reflects a return of cash to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend payments, cash utilized for capital expenditures and debt payments, partially offset by cash generated from operating activities.
Inventories
At the end of the first quarter, inventories totaled $242 million compared to $254 million at the end of last year’s first quarter. This $11 million, or 4.5%, decrease primarily reflects the impact of product liquidations through a third party, store closures and management of inventory levels relative to net sales.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
As discussed in Note 1 and Note 4 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, we adopted ASC 842, Leases, as of February 3, 2019. As of May 4, 2019, we had $730 million, $161 million, and $646 million of operating lease assets, current portion of operating lease liabilities and noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities, respectively, as a result of the adoption of ASC 842.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a description of certain newly issued accounting pronouncements which may impact our financial statements in future reporting periods.


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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 omnichannel capabilities, including expanded, relocated and remodeled stores; information technology; and supply chain.
The following table summarizes cash flows for the year-to-date period May 4, 2019 compared to last year’s year-to-date period May 5, 2018:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
May 4, 2019
 
May 5, 2018
 
(dollars in millions) (1)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
6

 
$
62

Net cash used in investing activities
(8
)
 
(11
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(16
)
 
(17
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
(19
)
 
$
33

(1) May not foot due to rounding
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2019 was $6 million compared to $62 million in last year’s year-to-date period. The change in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects lower 2019 net income, the timing of payables and the impact of income taxes, partially offset by the impact of shifts in the timing of the Chinese New Year on inventory levels.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2019 was $8 million compared to $11 million in last year’s year-to-date period, primarily reflecting a $2 million decrease in purchases of property and equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2019 was $16 million compared to $17 million in last year’s year-to-date period, primarily reflecting a $1 million decrease in dividends paid as a result of a decline in shares outstanding in the current year.
Credit Facility
On August 2, 2018, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Agreement”) as borrowers and guarantors, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent, letter of credit issuer and swing line lender, and certain lenders party thereto. Our obligations under the Agreement are guaranteed by the subsidiary guarantors and secured by a lien on certain assets of the Company and the subsidiary borrowers and guarantors, including inventory, accounts receivable, cash deposits, and certain insurance proceeds.
The Agreement provides for a five-year asset-based senior secured revolving loan and letter of credit facility of up to $200 million, maturing August 2, 2023. In addition, during the term of the Agreement, the Company may increase the commitments under the Agreement by up to an additional $100 million, subject to customary conditions, including obtaining the agreements from the lenders to provide such commitment increase. The interest rate applicable to the loans under the Agreement will be equal to, at the Company’s option, either a base rate, determined by reference to the federal funds rate, plus an interest rate margin, or a LIBO rate, plus an interest rate margin, in each case, depending on availability under the Agreement. The Company expects borrowings to be at a LIBO rate, plus an interest rate margin. In addition, the Company will pay a commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the commitments under the Agreement.
The previous credit agreement entered into on May 4, 2015 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and other lenders, which was unsecured and had provided for a term loan commitment in the amount of $100 million and a $100 million revolving credit facility, was terminated on August 2, 2018 in

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connection with the Company entering into the Agreement described above, and all outstanding amounts thereunder were repaid. We used the proceeds from the initial draw of the revolving loan of the Agreement to repay such obligations.
As of May 4, 2019, $54 million in net borrowings were outstanding under the Agreement and is reflected as long-term debt in the unaudited condensed balance sheet included in this Form 10-Q.
Store and Franchise Activity
During the fiscal 2019 year-to-date period, we had 8 store closures consisting of 3 Chico’s stores, 4 WHBM stores and 1 Soma store. As part of our retail fleet optimization plan, the Company expects to close approximately 100 Chico’s, 90 WHBM and 60 Soma locations in fiscal years 2019-2021, with the majority of the closings occurring in fiscal years 2020-2021. We continuously evaluate the appropriate store base in light of economic conditions and our business strategy and may adjust the openings and closures as conditions require or as opportunities arise. As of May 4, 2019, the Company’s franchise operations consisted of 84 international retail locations in Mexico and 1 domestic airport store.

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 2, 2019, 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 2, 2019, except for the adoption of ASC 842, Leases. See Note 1 and Note 4 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for further information on our adoption of ASC 842.

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 the future success of our store concepts and business initiatives. These statements may address items such as future sales and sales initiatives, strategic initiatives, customer traffic, gross margin expectations, SG&A expectations, including expected savings, operating margin expectations, earnings per share expectations, planned store openings, closings and expansions, proposed business ventures, new channels of sales or distribution, future tax rates, the expected impact of tariffs, taxes or other import regulations, particularly with respect to China, the expected impact of ongoing litigation, future stock repurchase plans, future plans to pay dividends, future comparable sales, future product sourcing plans, future inventory levels, including the ability to leverage inventory management and targeted promotions, planned marketing expenditures, planned capital expenditures and future cash needs.
These statements relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical fact and may include the words or phrases such as “will,” “should,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “estimates,” “approximately,” “our planning assumptions,” “future outlook” and similar expressions. Except for historical information, matters discussed in 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 19, 2019 and the following:

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The financial strength of retailing in particular and the economy in general; the extent of financial difficulties or economic uncertainty that may be experienced by customers; our ability to secure and maintain customer acceptance of styles and in-store and online concepts; the ability to leverage inventory management and targeted promotions; the ability to effectively manage our inventory and allocation processes; the extent and nature of competition in the markets in which we operate; the ability to remain competitive with customer shipping terms and costs pertaining to product deliveries and returns; 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 strategies, awareness and marketing programs; the ability to coordinate product development with buying and planning; the quality and timeliness of merchandise received from suppliers; changes in the costs of manufacturing, raw materials, transportation, distribution, labor and advertising; the availability of quality store sites; our ability to manage our store fleet and the risk that our investments in merchandise or marketing initiatives may not deliver the results we anticipate; our ability to successfully navigate the increasing use of on-line retailers for fashion purchases and the pressure that puts on traffic and transactions in our physical stores; the ability to operate our own retail websites in a manner that produces profitable sales; the ability to successfully identify and implement additional sales and distribution channels; the ability to successfully execute our business strategies and particular strategic initiatives (including, but not limited to, the brand performance improvement plans, the Company’s retail fleet optimization plan and the expanded review of the Company’s operations) and to achieve the expected results from them; the continuing performance, implementation and integration of management information systems; the impact of any systems failures, cyber security or other data 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, motivate and retain qualified sales associates, managerial employees and other employees; the successful recruitment of a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer and successful leadership transition for the Chico’s brand and successful integration of the new members of our senior management team; uncertainties regarding future unsolicited offers to buy the Company and our ability to respond effectively to them as well as to actions of activist shareholders and others; the ability to utilize our distribution center and other support facilities in an efficient and effective manner; the ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights and to protect our reputation and brand images; the risk that natural disasters, public health crises, political uprisings, uncertainty or unrest, or other catastrophic events could adversely affect our operations and financial results; the impact of unanticipated changes in legal, regulatory or tax laws; the risks and uncertainties that are related to our reliance on sourcing from foreign suppliers, including significant economic (including the impact of changes in tariffs, taxes or other import regulations, particularly with respect to China and Mexico), labor, political or other shifts; and changes in governmental policies in or towards foreign countries; currency exchange rates and other similar factors.
All 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 4, 2019 has not significantly changed since February 2, 2019. 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 August 2, 2018, we entered into a new credit agreement, as further discussed in Note 10 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q. The Agreement, which matures on August 2, 2023, has borrowing options which accrue interest, at our election, at either a base rate, determined by reference to the federal funds rate, plus an interest rate margin, or LIBOR, 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 primarily including corporate bonds, commercial paper, municipal securities and U.S. government agencies. The marketable securities portfolio as of May 4, 2019, consisted of $34.3 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $28.5 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 4, 2019, 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 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 Interim 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 Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Interim 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
During the quarter ended May 4, 2019, we implemented certain controls around the adoption of ASC 842, Leases. There were no other 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. Other than disclosed above, 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
Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 11 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q under the heading “Commitments and Contingencies.”
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 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 19, 2019 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 2018 Form 10-K, except as described below, 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.
The risk factor below updates and supersedes the risk factor associated with our business previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 2018 Form 10-K.

27. Our business could be impacted as a result of actions by activist shareholders or others
From time to time, we may be subject to legal and business challenges in the operation of our Company due to proxy contests, consent solicitations, shareholder proposals, media campaigns and other such actions instituted by activist shareholders or others. In the event of shareholder activism, particularly with respect to matters which our Board of Directors, in exercising their fiduciary duties, disagree with or have determined not to pursue, our business could be adversely affected because responding to such actions is costly and time-consuming, disruptive to our operations, may not align with our business strategies and may divert the attention of our Board of Directors and management from the pursuit of current business strategies. Perceived uncertainties as to our future direction or changes to the composition of our Board of Directors as a result of shareholder activism may lead to the perception of instability in the organization and its future and may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel, business partners and customers.


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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 3, 2019 - March 2, 2019

 
$

 

 
$
55,192

March 3, 2019 - April 6, 2019
413,388

 
 
5.81

 

 
 
55,192

April 7, 2019 - May 4, 2019
8,502

 
 
3.45

 

 
 
55,192

Total
421,890

 
 
5.76

 

 
 



(a) Total number of shares purchased consists of 421,890 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 November 2015, we announced a $300 million share repurchase plan. There was approximately $55.2 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. The Company has no continuing obligation to repurchase shares under this authorization, and the timing, actual number and value of any additional shares to be purchased will depend on the performance of our stock price, market conditions and other considerations.

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
Effective June 7, 2019, the Company has engaged director Kim Roy to serve as a consultant to the Company to assist with product and merchandising through July 31, 2019. During this limited engagement, Ms. Roy will provide up to 24 days of consulting services and, during such engagement, will not serve on any Board committees that require independent members. Ms. Roy and the Company entered into a consulting agreement, which is included as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q.
























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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
(a)
The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.44
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.45
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.46
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.47
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.48
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.49
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.50
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.51
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.52
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.53
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.2
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.INS
  
iXBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.SCH
  
iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.CAL
  
iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.DEF
  
iXBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.LAB
  
iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.PRE
  
iXBRL 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:
June 11, 2019
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Bonnie R Brooks
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonnie R. Brooks
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interim President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
June 11, 2019
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Todd E. Vogensen
 
 
 
 
 
 
Todd E. Vogensen
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
June 11, 2019
 
 
 
By:
/s/ David M. Oliver
 
 
 
 
 
 
David M. Oliver
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President - Finance, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

31
Exhibit 10.47
 

October 8, 2015

Ann Joyce
x xxxxxxx xxxxx
xxx, xx xxxxx


Dear Ann:

It is with great pleasure that we offer you the opportunity to join Chico's FAS, Inc. as our Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer. As one of the top specialty retailers we offer tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth. Please let this letter serve as an offer to join Chico's FAS, Inc. and your acceptance of that offer. The following will outline the specifics:


Position:              Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer

Reports to:           David Dyer, President and CEO

Start Date:         To be determined

Base Salary:     $450,000.00 annually
Sign On Bonus:
$150,000 payable within 30 days of start date, less applicable taxes (contingent upon receipt of signed repayment agreement).
Bonus Plan:
Target of 60% of base salary earned during the FY15 performance period, which is contingent upon the achievement of corporate financial objectives. The terms of the bonus, including eligibility, payouts and objectives are subject to the Bonus Plan and may be modified from time to time. All payouts are based on fiscal year business results, prorated for time in role, and can vary from zero (0) to a maximum of 175% of your target bonus potential. Bonus is typically paid in March.
For FY15, you will be provided with a minimum bonus guarantee of $100,000 with a maximum bonus opportunity of 175% of your target bonus percent applied to eligible earnings for overall financial results of the company.
Restricted Stock: 
You will be awarded a one-time, sign-on new hire grant targeted at $250,000 in value in the form of restricted stock. This will be issued following your date of hire. These shares will vest over a three-year period with one-third vesting each year on the anniversary of the grant date. The final number of shares delivered is subject the stock price on date of grant.

In the future, you will be eligible for annual equity grants beginning in 2016, subject to Board approval, targeted at $300,000 in value, delivered in the form of restricted stock and performance share units. The Restricted Stock shares will vest over a three-year period. The Performance Share Units will also vest over a three-year period, contingent upon the achievement of corporate financial objectives and could range from zero (0) to a maximum of 150% of target award.
Time Off:
You will be eligible for 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) for each full calendar year of employment. This is an accrued benefit that you start to earn on your date of hire.

Chico's FAS Inc. · 11215 Metro Parkway · Fort Myers, Florida 33966 · (239) 277-6200

Exhibit 10.47
 

Annual Review:
You will be eligible for the FY18 performance appraisal process.
You will also be eligible to participate in Chico’s FAS, Inc. comprehensive benefits program outlined below:

Group Insurance Program:
Medical/Dental/Vision Plans

Eligibility Date: Effective your first day of active employment

Life Insurance:
The company provides term insurance equal to 1X your base salary as well as accidental death and dismemberment insurance equal to 1X your base salary. Supplemental insurance is available for purchase.

Eligibility Date: Effective your first day of active employment

Short and Long Term Disability:
The company provides short and long term disability benefits.
Eligibility Date: Effective your first day of active employment

401(k) Plan:
You may participate with an eligible deferral of 1-100% of your compensation (subject to an IRS maximum), with a match of 50% of the first 6% of compensation you defer. Your 401(k) contributions may be subject to additional limitations under federal regulations. You will be able to roll over existing qualified funds immediately.
Eligibility Date: After 12 months of employment
Deferred Compensation: 
As a highly compensated Associate of Chico's, you will be immediately eligible to participate in the Chico's Deferred Compensation Plan. You will have the opportunity to defer pre-tax compensation (less applicable FICA/Medicare tax withholding). You may defer up to 80% of your base salary payable during the current calendar year, and up to 100% of your bonus for the applicable fiscal year.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
You will have an opportunity to purchase Chico’s FAS, Inc. stock directly from the company, two times a year, during the March and September Offering Periods.

Eligibility Date: First offering period following one month of employment

Executive Benefits
Disability Income Protection:                                                                                    
As an officer, you will be eligible for Chico’s FAS, Inc.’s Supplemental Disability Insurance program after 90 days of employment. This program provides an increased level of income protection should you become totally disabled. Full details of the program will be provided by the Benefits Department.

Annual Physical:                                                                                                       
As an officer, you are eligible to have one company paid physical per year at the Mayo Clinic as part of our Health and Wellness program.

Child Care:
Chico's FAS is pleased to provide an early education and child development center located on campus. The center is operated by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc., a best in class child care provider. The center accommodates children from ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Summer program options are also available for children ages 5 to 12.


Chico's FAS Inc. · 11215 Metro Parkway · Fort Myers, Florida 33966 · (239) 277-6200

Exhibit 10.47
 

Relocation Benefits:  
In order to ensure a successful relocation, you will be provided relocation assistance as detailed in the attached Tier I Relocation Program.  In accordance with this relocation policy, you will receive a miscellaneous allowance of $10,000 net of taxes.
We hope you view this opportunity as a chance to have a positive impact while enjoying a challenging and rewarding career. Nonetheless, please understand that Chico's FAS, Inc. is an at-will employer. That means that either you or the company are free to end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause. By accepting our offer of employment, you acknowledge the at-will nature of our relationship. This offer is contingent upon the successful completion of references and background check. Additionally, you represent that you are not a party to any agreement that would bar or limit the scope of your employment with us.

We are looking forward to having you on our team. Let me be the first to welcome you aboard! We are sure you will find it a challenging and rewarding experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the number(s) indicated below.


Sincerely,

/s/ David Dyer
David F. Dyer
President and CEO
 


Contact Information

For questions, please call:
Sara Stensrud
EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer
xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx    


I accept the terms and conditions of the offer as outlined above:

Please return a signed copy

/s/ Ann Joyce
Ann Joyce

Chico's FAS Inc. · 11215 Metro Parkway · Fort Myers, Florida 33966 · (239) 277-6200
Exhibit 10.49

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This Separation Agreement and Release (this “Agreement and Release”) sets forth the parties’ agreement relating to the separation of employment of Shelley Broader (“Employee”) from Chico’s FAS, Inc. or an Affiliate (“Company”). The effective date of Employee’s termination of employment from Company will be April 24, 2019 (the “Employment Termination Date”). All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Chico’s FAS, Inc. Officer Severance Plan (the “Plan”). The terms of the Agreement and Release are as follows:
GENERAL RELEASE.
In consideration of the mutual promises made herein and the exchange of valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Company and Employee hereby agree as follows:
1. Severance. In exchange for Employee’s entering into this Agreement and Release, Company will pay Employee the benefits pursuant to and subject to the terms of the Plan for an involuntary termination of Employee’s employment by Company (the “Severance Benefits”).
2.     Release. For valuable consideration, the adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned Employee, for herself, her spouse, heirs, administrators, children, representatives, executors, successors, assigns, and all other persons claiming through Employee, if any (collectively, “Releasers”), does hereby release, waive, and forever discharge Company officers, directors, attorneys, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”) from, and does fully waive any obligations of Releasees to Releasers for, any and all liability, actions, charges, causes of action, demands, damages, or claims for relief, remuneration, sums of money, accounts or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs) of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown or contingent or absolute, which heretofore has been or which hereafter may be suffered or sustained, directly or indirectly, by Releasers in consequence of, arising out of, or in any way relating to Employee’s employment with the Company or any Affiliate and the termination of Employee’s employment.
The foregoing release and discharge, waiver and covenant not to sue includes, but is not limited to, all claims and any obligations or causes of action arising from such claims under common law including wrongful or retaliatory discharge, breach of contract, claims under any federal, state or local statute including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and 1871 and 1991, the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (“OWBPA”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and any other federal, state, or local statute or regulation regarding discrimination in employment or the termination of employment, and any other federal or state statute or regulation for non-payment of wages, bonuses, commissions or other compensation, and for libel, slander, assault, battery, tort or any other theory under the common law of any state.

 


This also includes a release by Employee of any claims based upon public policy or related matters, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, implied or express employment contracts and/or estoppel, breach of contract, and all claims for alleged physical or personal injury, emotional distress relating to or arising out of Employee’s employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; and any claims under the WARN Act or any similar law, which requires, among other things, that advance notice be given of certain work force reductions. This release and waiver does not apply to any claims or rights that may arise after the date Employee signs this Agreement and Release. The foregoing release does not cover any right to indemnification that may exist under any agreement of Company regardless of when any claim is filed.
Excluded from this release and waiver are any claims which cannot be waived by law, including but not limited to the right to (a) file a charge or complaint with or participate in an investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal, state or local agency charged with the enforcement of any laws, including providing documents or other information and (b) exercise the Employee’s rights under Section 7 of the NLRA to engage in protected, concerted activity with other employees. Employee does, however, waive Employee’s right to any monetary recovery should any agency (such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) pursue any claims on Employee’s behalf, except for any rights Employee may have to receive a payment from a government agency (and not the Company) for information provided to the government agency. Employee represents and warrants that Employee has not filed any complaint, charge, or lawsuit against the Releasees with any government agency or any court.
Employee agrees never to sue Releasees in any forum for any claim covered by the above waiver and release language, except that Employee may bring a claim under the ADEA or the OWBPA to challenge this Agreement and Release. If Employee violates this Agreement and Release by suing Releasees, other than under the ADEA or the OWBPA, Employee shall be liable to the Company for its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation costs incurred in defending against such a suit. Nothing in this Agreement and Release is intended to reflect any party’s belief that Employee’s waiver of claims under ADEA or the OWBPA is invalid or unenforceable, it being the interest of the parties that such claims are waived.
Employee and Company agree and confirm that no reference herein to any specific claim or statute is intended to limit the scope of this Agreement and Release.
3.     Non-Admission. The Parties also mutually understand and agree that this Agreement and Release does not constitute any admission of fault, responsibility or liability on the part of Company, its Affiliates, divisions, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, registered members or agents, or Employee. Employee agrees and acknowledges that Company has denied, and continues to deny and will deny all allegations of any wrongdoing relating to Employee’s employment, termination of that employment with Company, and any claim that Company has committed any wrongful or discriminatory act.



2


4.     Restrictive Covenants.
a.    Confidential Information: Non-Disclosure. Employee acknowledges that the business of Company is highly competitive and that Company has provided and will provide Employee with access to Confidential Information relating to the business of Company. “Confidential Information” means and includes Company’s confidential and/or proprietary information and/or trade secrets that have been developed or used and/or will be developed and that cannot be obtained readily by third parties from outside sources. Confidential Information includes, by way of example and without limitation, the following: information regarding customers, employees, contractors, and the industry not generally known to the public; strategies, methods, books, records, and documents; technical information concerning products, equipment, services, and processes; procurement procedures and pricing techniques; the names of and other information concerning customers, investors, and business affiliates (such as contact name, service provided, pricing for that customer, amount of services used, credit and financial data, and/or other information relating to Company’s relationship with that customer); pricing strategies and price curves; plans and strategies for expansion or acquisitions; budgets; customer lists; research; financial and sales data; trading terms; evaluations, opinions, and interpretations of information and data; marketing and merchandising techniques; prospective customers’ names and marks; grids and maps; electronic databases; models; specifications; computer programs; internal business records; contracts benefiting or obligating Company; bids or proposals submitted to any third party; technologies and methods; training methods and training processes; organizational structure; salaries of personnel; payment amounts or rates paid to consultants or other service providers; and other such confidential or proprietary information. Employee acknowledges that this Confidential Information constitutes a valuable, special, and unique asset used by Company in their business to obtain a competitive advantage over their competitors. Employee further acknowledges that protection of such Confidential Information against unauthorized disclosure and use is of critical importance to Company in maintaining their competitive position.
Employee agrees that Employee will not, at any time after Employee’s Employment Termination Date make any unauthorized disclosure of any Confidential Information of Company, or make any use thereof.
Nothing in this Agreement and Release is intended to or will be used in any way to limit Employee’s rights to communicate with a government agency, as provided for, protected under or warranted by applicable law.
b.    Non-Competition Obligations. Employee acknowledges that Company provided Employee with access to Confidential Information. Employee’s non-competition obligations are ancillary to Company’s agreement to provide severance pay under this Agreement and Release and disclosure of Confidential Information to Employee. In order to protect the Confidential Information described above, and in consideration for Employee’s receiving access to this Confidential Information and right to severance benefits under this Agreement and Release, Employee agrees to the following non-competition provision:

3


During the twenty-four (24) month period following Employee’s Employment Termination Date, Employee will not, directly or indirectly, perform any job, task, function, skill, or responsibility for a Competing Business that Employee has provided for Company in the 12-month period preceding the Employee’s Termination Date. For purposes herein, a Competing Business shall mean any direct competitor of Company, which, in general, means a specialty retailer of: (i) better women’s intimate apparel, sleepwear and bath and body products; or (ii) better women’s apparel whose target customers are 35 years of age or older and have an annual household income of $75,000 or more. Competing Business includes, but is not limited to: The J. Jill Group, Inc., L Brands, Inc., Soft Surroundings Holdings, LLC, The Talbots, Inc., GAP, Inc., Victoria’s Secret Stores, Inc., and Ascena Retail Group, Inc.
Employee understands that the foregoing restrictions may limit Employee’s ability to engage in certain businesses and during the period provided for above, but acknowledges that these restrictions are necessary to protect the Confidential Information Company has provided to Employee.
Employee agrees that this provision defining the scope of activities constituting competition with Company is narrow and reasonable for the following reasons: (i) Employee is free to seek employment with companies other than the Competing Businesses named above; and (ii) there are many companies other than the Competing Businesses. Thus, this restriction on Employee’s ability to compete does not prevent Employee from using and offering the skills that Employee possessed prior to receiving Confidential Information, specialized training, and knowledge from Company.
c.    Non-Solicitation of Employees. During the twenty-four (24) month period following the Employee’s Employment Termination Date for any reason, Employee will not, either directly or indirectly, call on, solicit, or induce any other employee or officer of Company whom Employee had contact with, knowledge of, or association with in the course of employment with Company to terminate his or her employment, and will not assist any other person or entity in such a solicitation.
5.     Representations Regarding Company Property and Knowledge of Wrongdoing. Employee represents that Employee has returned or will return on or immediately after the Employment Termination Date all Company property in Employee’s possession including all computer-related equipment, keys, credit cards, telephone calling cards, building identification cards, and files/diskettes relating to Company and its clients. Employee further represents that he/she has no knowledge or suspicion of any illegal or unethical conduct or other wrongdoing by an officer, director, employee or agent of Company which he/she has not reported previously to Company.
6.     Non Disparagement. Employee agrees that Employee will not, directly or indirectly, disparage Company, or its successors, corporate affiliates, assigns, officers, directors, shareholders, attorneys, employees, agents, trustees, representatives, or insurers. Such prohibited disparagement shall include communicating or disclosing any information or communications to anyone or entity which is intended to or has the effect of having any negative impact on the Company, its business or reputation in the marketplace or otherwise.

4


7.     Reasonable Cooperation. Employee acknowledges and agrees that, during the course of Employee’s employment with Company, Employee was involved in, and may have information or knowledge of, business matters that may become the subject of legal action, including threatened litigation, investigations, administrative proceedings, hearings or disputes. As such, upon reasonable notice, Employee agrees to cooperate fully with any investigation into, defense or prosecution of, or other involvement in, claims to which Employee has personal and relevant knowledge that is or may be made by or against Company. This agreement to cooperate includes talking to or meeting with such persons at times and in such places as Company and Employee reasonably agree to, as well as giving truthful evidence and truthful testimony. Company shall reimburse Employee for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred in connection with such assistance. Employee also promises to notify Company within five (5) days if Employee is subpoenaed or contacted by a third party seeking information about Company activities.
8.     Entire Agreement; No Other Promises. Except as to any continuing obligation of Company and Employee under any Restrictive Covenant Agreement or employee benefit plans, the parties hereto acknowledge and represent that this Agreement and Release contains the entire agreement between Employee and Company, and supersedes and takes priority over any other written or oral understanding or contract that may have existed in the past between Employee and Company or any of its current or former affiliates. If Employee has signed a Restrictive Covenant Agreement (“RCA”), and there is any conflict between this Agreement and Release and the RCA, the terms most favorable to Company govern. Employee further acknowledges and represents that neither Company nor any of its agents, representatives or employees have made any promise, representation or warranty whatsoever, express, implied or statutory, not contained herein, concerning the subject matter hereof other than as set forth herein, to induce Employee to execute this Agreement and Release, and Employee acknowledges that Employee has not executed this Agreement and Release in reliance on any such promise, representation or warranty. Employee understands and further acknowledges and agrees that following the Employment Termination Date, Company will no longer need Employee’s services and that Company will not have any obligations to Employee following that date except as provided in any Company employee benefit plan and this Agreement and Release.
9.     OWBPA and Effective Date. Employee is being provided a copy of this Agreement and Release on April 24, 2019. Employee has been given at least twenty-one (21) days to consider whether to accept this Agreement and Release. Employee is advised to consult with an attorney about this Agreement and Release. To accept the Agreement and Release, Employee must sign it after April 24, 2019, but before the 21 days has expired, and return it to the attention of: Company, Chico’s FAS, Inc., 11215 Metro Parkway, Ft. Myers, FL 33966 c/o Kristin Gwinner, Chief Human Resources Officer. Once Employee has accepted this Agreement and Release, Employee will have seven (7) days in which to revoke acceptance. To revoke, Employee must send a written statement of revocation by registered mail, return receipt requested, to Company, Chico’s FAS, Inc., 11215 Metro Parkway, Ft. Myers, FL 33966, c/o Greg Baker, SVP and General Counsel. If Employee does not revoke, the eighth (8th) day after Employee’s date of acceptance will be the effective date of this Agreement and Release (the “Effective Date”). Subject to Section 1 of this Agreement and

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Release, payment of severance benefits will commence on the first payroll date following Employee’s execution and non-revocation of the Agreement and Release.
Please note that if Employee does not return the signed and dated Agreement and Release to Company c/o Kristin Gwinner by midnight on the date the twenty-one (21) days has expired, the offer to pay benefits under this Agreement and Release will be automatically withdrawn.
10.     Breach. In the event that Employee breaches any of Employee’s obligations under the Plan or this Agreement and Release, payments under this Agreement and Release shall cease.
11.     Enforcement/Severability. This Agreement and Release shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its choice of law provisions. If any term or condition of this Agreement and Release shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, this Agreement and Release shall be construed without such term or condition.
12.     Amendment. This Agreement and Release may not be amended or modified in any way, except pursuant to a written instrument signed by both parties.
13.     Knowing and Voluntary Release. Employee expressly acknowledges and agrees that Employee’s waiver of rights under this Agreement and Release is knowing and voluntary; that Employee is signing this Agreement and Release of Employee’s own free will and not because of any threats or duress; Employee acknowledges Employee received a copy of this Agreement and Release on April 24, 2019; Employee is hereby given a period of at least 21 days to review and consider this Agreement and Release before signing and returning it; and that Employee has read and understands the terms of this Agreement and Release and has voluntarily accepted these terms for the purpose of making a full and final compromise, settlement and adjustment of any and all claims, disputed or otherwise, on account of the termination of Employee’s relationship with Company and for the express purpose of precluding forever any further claims arising out of such relationship or its termination as set forth above.
HAVING READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE RELEASE, CONSULTED COUNSEL OR VOLUNTARILY ELECTED NOT TO CONSULT COUNSEL, AND HAVING HAD SUFFICIENT TIME TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO ENTER INTO THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE, THE PARTIES HERETO HAVE EXECUTED THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE AS OF THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST WRITTEN BELOW.





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/s/ Shelley Broader    
Shelley Broader
Dated: 5/2/19


Chico’s FAS, Inc.

By: /s/ Kristen Gwinner    
Kristin Gwinner, Chief Human Resources Officer
Dated: 5/2/19

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Exhibit 10.51


CHICO’S FAS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 OMNIBUS STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR AND INTERIM CEO
 
 
This Restricted Stock Agreement (this “Restricted Stock Agreement”) is effective as of April 24, 2019 (the “Grant Date”), and is entered into between Chico’s FAS, Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), and Bonnie Brooks (the “Director”).

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) is authorized to make grants of Restricted Stock under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”);

WHEREAS, prior to the Grant Date, the Board approved the grant of Restricted Stock, pursuant to the Plan, to the Director on the Grant Date, in conjunction with her agreement to expand her role with the Company by serving as a non-employee interim President and CEO of the Company (the “Interim Position”) on a temporary basis until the Board appoints a new President and CEO of the Company (a “Successor CEO”);

WHEREAS, the Board’s approval is subject to the Director serving in the Interim Position and as a director of the Company on the Grant Date.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual promises set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.    Grant of Restricted Stock. The Company hereby grants to the Director all right, title and interest in the record and beneficial ownership of 203,252 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of the Company (“Common Stock”) subject to the provisions of this Restricted Stock Agreement (the “Restricted Stock”). The Restricted Stock is granted pursuant to the Plan and is subject to the provisions of the Plan, which is hereby incorporated herein and is made a part hereof, as well as the provisions of this Restricted Stock Agreement. The Director agrees to be bound by all of the terms, provisions, conditions and limitations of the Plan and this Restricted Stock Agreement. To the extent the terms of the Plan and this Restricted Stock Agreement are in conflict, the terms of the Plan shall govern. All capitalized terms have the meanings set forth in the Plan unless otherwise specifically provided in this Restricted Stock Agreement. All references to specified paragraphs pertain to paragraphs of this Restricted Stock Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.

2.    No Transfer of Nonvested Shares. During the period that any shares of Restricted Stock are nonvested under this Restricted Stock Agreement, such nonvested shares shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution, by qualified domestic relations order or as expressly provided in Paragraph 3 or pursuant to a beneficiary designation made under the Plan. No right or benefit





hereunder shall in any manner be liable for or subject to any debts, contracts, liabilities, or torts of the Director.

3.    Custody of Restricted Stock. The shares of Restricted Stock will be issued in the name of the Director and delivered electronically to the Plan Administrator as escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”), and will not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of or encumbered unless and until the expiration of the Restriction Periods set forth in Paragraph 5 or the occurrence of any of the events contemplated by Paragraphs 6(b), 6(c), 6(d) or 6(e). Notwithstanding the foregoing, while such restrictions remain in effect, the Director may transfer the shares of Restricted Stock to a trust created by such Director for the benefit of the Director and the Director’s family as part of the Director’s estate planning program, provided that prior to any such transfer, (a) the Director must submit to the Company a legal opinion of the Director’s counsel, satisfactory to the Board, that the transfer to such trust and the holdings of the shares of Restricted Stock by such trust shall have no adverse tax or securities law consequences for the Company and (b) the trust must execute and deliver to the Company a joinder to this Restricted Stock Agreement, satisfactory to the Board, which shall, among other things, acknowledge the terms of the grant of the Restricted Stock and the restrictions on transfer of the shares of Restricted Stock imposed and established pursuant to the terms of this Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan, and the trust must continue the deposit of the shares of Restricted Stock with the Escrow Agent and deposit with the Escrow Agent a stock power endorsed in blank by the trustee on behalf of the trust. The Company may instruct the transfer agent for its Common Stock to reflect in its records the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan. No shares of Restricted Stock will be delivered by the Escrow Agent to the Director as provided in Paragraph 7 unless and until the shares of Restricted Stock have vested and all other terms and conditions in this Restricted Stock Agreement and the Plan have been satisfied.
4.    Risk of Forfeiture. Subject to Paragraphs 6(b), 6(c), 6(d) and 6(e), should the Director’s service from the Interim Position terminate before appointment of a Successor CEO or, following the appointment of a Successor CEO, should the Director’s service terminate as a director of the Company, in each event prior to the end of any Restriction Period set forth in Paragraph 5, the Director shall forfeit the nonvested Restricted Stock that would otherwise have vested at the end of any such Restriction Period. The Director hereby appoints the Escrow Agent with full power of substitution, as the Director’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact with irrevocable power and authority in the name and on behalf of the Director, to take any action and execute all documents and instruments, including, without limitation, stock powers which may be necessary to electronically transfer such nonvested shares of Restricted Stock to the Company upon such forfeiture.
5.    Vesting Dates. Subject to the forfeiture and accelerated vesting provisions in Paragraphs 4 and 6, the restrictions applicable to the Restricted Stock will lapse in accordance with the following Restriction Periods: (i) the restrictions as to one-third of the Restricted Stock will lapse on April 24, 2020; (ii) the restrictions as to an additional one-third of the Restricted Stock will lapse on April 24, 2021; and (iii) the restrictions as to the remaining one-third of the Restricted Stock will lapse on April 24, 2022. The restrictions applicable to the Restricted Stock will lapse only in whole share increments, with any fractional shares being combined and included with the

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third tranche if the combined fractional shares equal one (1) share but included one (1) share each with the second tranche and third tranche if the combined fractional shares equal two (2) shares.
6.    Termination of Service; Change in Control. The Director’s voluntary or involuntary termination of service from the Interim Position or as a director of the Company, retirement, death or disability, or the occurrence of a Change in Control, shall affect the Director’s rights under this Restricted Stock Agreement as follows:
a.    Voluntary Termination or Termination for Cause. Unless Paragraph 6(c) or 6(e) applies, if (i) the Director voluntarily terminates her service in the Interim Position before appointment of a Successor CEO or, following the appointment of a Successor CEO, voluntarily terminates service as a director of the Company or refuses or declines to stand for re-election as part of a Board-nominated slate of directors or (ii) the Director’s service in the Interim Position or, following the appointment of a Successor CEO, service as a director of the Company is terminated by the Company for cause, in each event prior to the last day of a Restriction Period, then the Director shall forfeit any nonvested Restricted Stock as of the date the Director’s service in the Interim Position or as a director of the Company, as applicable, terminates (the “Termination Date”).
b.    Termination Without Cause. Unless Paragraph 6(c) applies, if the Director’s service (i) in the Interim Position is terminated by the Company other than for cause and other than due to the appointment of a Successor CEO or (ii) as a director of the Company is involuntarily terminated other than for cause (including by the Company other than for cause or due to not being re-elected when the Director is willing to serve) , in each event prior to the last day of a Restriction Period, then as of the Termination Date such number of shares of nonvested Restricted Stock equal to the Accelerated Portion shall fully vest, all restrictions (other than those described in Paragraph 10) applicable to the Accelerated Portion of the nonvested Restricted Stock shall terminate, the Company shall release from escrow or trust and shall deliver the Accelerated Portion of the nonvested Restricted Stock as provided in Paragraph 8 and the Director shall forfeit all shares of the nonvested Restricted Stock in excess of the Accelerated Portion. For these purposes, the “Accelerated Portion” shall be equal to the number of shares (rounded up or down to the nearest whole share) which is the product of (i) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months (which may not be a whole number) elapsed beginning on the Grant Date and ending on the Termination Date and the denominator of which is the total number of months beginning on the Grant Date and ending on the last day of the last Restriction Period, multiplied by (ii) the total number of shares of nonvested Restricted Stock immediately prior to the Termination Date.
c.    Change in Control. If a Change in Control shall occur prior to the Termination Date, then all shares of the nonvested Restricted Stock shall fully vest, all restrictions (other than those described in Paragraph 10) applicable to such Restricted Stock shall terminate and the Company shall release from escrow or trust and shall deliver to the Director all shares of the Restricted Stock, as provided in Paragraph 7 as of the Change in Control, but only if either: (i) the successor company does not assume, convert, continue, or otherwise replace the Restricted Stock on proportionate and equitable terms or (ii) if the successor company does assume, convert, continue, or otherwise replace the Restricted Stock on proportionate and equitable terms and the Director’s service as a director is involuntarily terminated other than for cause (including by the Company other than for cause or due to not being re-elected when the Director is willing to serve) on or within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control.

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d.    Death or Disability. If the Director’s service in the Interim Position or as a director of the Company is terminated by death or due to disability, then as of the Termination Date all shares of the nonvested Restricted Stock shall fully vest, all restrictions (other than those described in Paragraph 10) applicable to such Restricted Stock shall terminate and the Company shall release from escrow or trust and shall deliver to the Director or the Director’s personal representative, if applicable, or in the case of death, to the person or persons to whom the Director’s rights under this Restricted Stock Agreement shall pass by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, all shares of the Restricted Stock as provided in Paragraph 7. The Board’s determination in good faith regarding whether a termination of service from the Interim Position or as a director of the Company has occurred due to disability shall be conclusive and determinative.
e.    Retirement. If the Director’s service as a director of the Company is terminated by retirement prior to the last day of a Restriction Period, then as of the Termination Date, such number of shares of nonvested Restricted Stock equal to the Accelerated Portion shall fully vest, all restrictions (other than those described in Paragraph 10) applicable to the Accelerated Portion of the nonvested Restricted Stock shall terminate, the Company shall release from escrow or trust and shall deliver to the Director the Accelerated Portion of the nonvested Restricted Stock as provided in Paragraph 7 and the Director shall forfeit all shares of the nonvested Restricted Stock in excess of the Accelerated Portion. For these purposes, the “Accelerated Portion” shall be equal to the number of shares which is the product of (i) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months (which may not be a whole number) elapsed beginning on the Grant Date and ending on the Termination Date and the denominator of which is the total number of months beginning on the Grant Date and ending on the last day of the last Restriction Period, multiplied by (ii) the total number of shares of nonvested Restricted Stock immediately prior to the Termination Date. For these purposes, the Director’s service as a director of the Company will be considered to be terminated by “retirement” if the Director has (i) reached age 55, (ii) the Director’s combined age and years of service with the Company as a director is equal to 65 or greater, and (iii) the Board consents to the Director’s termination as a retirement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Paragraph 6(e), no accelerated vesting shall occur if the Director retires while serving in the Interim Position.
7.    Issuance and Delivery of Shares; Ownership Rights.
a.    Issuance and Delivery of Shares. Once vested, the shares of vested Restricted Stock will be delivered to the Director via electronic delivery to the Director’s account with the Company’s stock plan administrator and will be freely transferable by the Director. The Board may change the procedure for issuance and delivery of shares of vested Restricted Stock at any time. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Restricted Stock Agreement, the issuance and delivery of the shares of Common Stock under this Paragraph 7 shall be subject to the requirements of Paragraph 10, including restrictions on transfer as provided therein to the extent applicable.
b.    Ownership Rights. During the Restriction Periods, the Director may exercise full voting rights with respect to the Restricted Stock. During the Restriction Periods, dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock that are paid in cash shall be paid to the Director at the same time as they are paid to other shareholders of the Company and shall not be subject to any restrictions under this Restricted Stock Agreement. Subject to Paragraph 10, during the Restriction Periods,

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all dividends and other distributions with respect to the Restricted Stock that are paid in Common Stock or other securities of the Company shall be (i) issued in the name of the Director and delivered electronically to the Escrow Agent, (ii) subject to the same restrictions on transferability, forfeiture, and vesting as the Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid and (iii) delivered via electronic delivery to the Director’s account with the Company’s stock plan administrator and become freely transferable by the Director when and only to the extent the underlying shares of Restricted Stock have vested.
8.    Reorganization of Company and Subsidiaries. The existence of this Restricted Stock Agreement shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its shareholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations or other changes in the Company’s capital structure or its business, or any merger or consolidation of the Company or any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Restricted Stock or the rights thereof, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.
9.    Adjustment of Shares. In the event of stock dividends, spin-offs of assets or other extraordinary dividends, stock splits, combinations of shares, recapitalizations, mergers, consolidations, reorganizations, liquidations, issuances of rights or warrants and similar transactions or events involving the Company (“Recapitalization Events”), then for all purposes references herein to Common Stock or to Restricted Stock shall mean and include all securities or other property (other than cash) that holders of Common Stock of the Company are entitled to receive in respect of Common Stock by reason of each successive Recapitalization Event, which securities or other property (other than cash) shall be treated in the same manner and shall be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying Restricted Stock.
10.    Certain Restrictions. By accepting the Restricted Stock, the Director agrees that if at the time of delivery of the shares of Restricted Stock issued hereunder any sale of such shares is not covered by an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”), the Director will acquire the Restricted Stock for the Director’s own account and without a view to resale or distribution in violation of the Act or any other securities law, and upon any such acquisition the Director will enter into such written representations, warranties and agreements as the Company may reasonably request in order to comply with the Act or any other securities law or with this Restricted Stock Agreement.
11.    Confidentiality. By accepting the Restricted Stock, the Director agrees that the Director will not use or disclose the Company's and/or its subsidiaries’ Confidential Information, except in the faithful performance of the Director's duties for the Company. For purposes of this Restricted Stock Agreement, Confidential Information includes trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary information and materials pertaining to, among other things: (a) designs (including garment and fabric) and fashion trends; (b) sourcing, manufacturing, merchandising, licensing and supply chain processes, techniques and plans; (c) advertising, marketing and promotional plans; (d) technical and business strategies and processes; (e) sales, revenues, profits, margin, expenses, and other financial information; (f) relationships between the Company and its customers, its vendors and its employees; (g) customers' personal identifying information; (h) stores and real estate, including expansion and relocation plans; (i) store operations, including policies and

5




procedures; (j) compensation, benefits, performance history and other information relating to Company's and/or its subsidiaries’ employees; and (k) acquisitions, mergers, divestitures, and agreements regarding franchising and distribution. Confidential Information does not include information that is, or becomes, generally known within the industry or generally available to the public (unless through the Director's improper disclosure). The purpose of this provision is to protect the Company’s and/or its subsidiaries’ legitimate interest in maintaining the confidentiality of its private business information; accordingly, nothing herein is intended to or will be used in any way to limit the Director’s rights to communicate with a government agency, as provided for, protected under or warranted by applicable law.

12.    Noncompliance Reporting. By accepting the Restricted Stock, the Director agrees that if, at any time, the Director learns of information suggesting conduct by an officer or employee of the Company (including of the Company's subsidiaries) or a member of the Board that is unlawful, unethical, or constitutes a material violation of any Company policy, regardless of the source of such information, the Director will report promptly such information to the Company through any of the Company's internal mechanisms available for the reporting of such conduct such as, for instance, the Company's Ethics and Compliance Hotline. Nothing in this Restricted Stock Agreement is intended to or will be used in any way to limit the Director’s rights to communicate with a government agency, as provided for, protected under or warranted by applicable law.
13.    Amendment and Termination. No amendment or termination of this Restricted Stock Agreement which would impair the rights of the Director shall be made by the Board or the Plan Administrator at any time without the written consent of the Director. No amendment or termination of the Plan will adversely affect the right, title and interest of the Director under this Restricted Stock Agreement or to Restricted Stock granted hereunder without the written consent of the Director.
14.    No Guarantee of Continued Service as a Director. This Restricted Stock Agreement shall not confer upon the Director any right with respect to continuance of the Director’s service in the Interim Position or as a director of the Company or other service with the Company or any subsidiary, nor shall it interfere in any way with any right the Company or any subsidiary would otherwise have to terminate such Director’s service as a non-employee officer or director of the Company or other service at any time.
15.    No Guarantee of Tax Consequences. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary nor the Plan Administrator makes any commitment or guarantee that any federal or state tax treatment will apply or be available to any person eligible for benefits under this Restricted Stock Agreement.
16.    Entire Agreement. This Restricted Stock Agreement constitutes and contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements.
17.    Severability. In the event that any provision of this Restricted Stock Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be fully severable, but shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Restricted Stock Agreement and this Restricted Stock Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never been included herein.

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18.    Governing Law. This Restricted Stock Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida to the extent federal law does not supersede and preempt Florida law.
19.    Electronic Delivery and Signatures. The Director hereby consents and agrees to electronic delivery of share(s) of Common Stock, Plan documents, proxy materials, annual reports and other related documents. If the Company establishes procedures for an electronic signature system for delivery and acceptance of Plan documents (including documents relating to any programs adopted under the Plan), the Director hereby consents to such procedures and agrees that his or her electronic signature is the same as, and shall have the same force and effect as, his or her manual signature. The Director consents and agrees that any such procedures and delivery may be effected by a third party engaged by the Company to provide administrative services related to the Plan, including any program adopted under the Plan.

20.    Plan and Prospectus. A copy of the Plan, as well as a prospectus for the Plan, has been provided to the Director, and the Director acknowledges receipt thereof.
To evidence its grant of the Restricted Stock and the terms, conditions and restrictions thereof, the Company has signed this Restricted Stock Agreement as of the Grant Date. This Agreement shall not become legally binding unless the Director has accepted this Restricted Stock Agreement within thirty (30) days after the Grant Date by signing below. If the Director fails to timely accept this Restricted Stock Agreement, the grant of the Restricted Stock shall be cancelled and forfeited ab initio.



ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED

This 6 day of May, 2019.




/s/ B. Brooks
Director
CHICO’S FAS, INC.


By: /s/ Greg Baker         
Greg Baker, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary





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EX1052CHICOSPROFESSIO_IMAGE1.GIF
Professional Services Agreement


Exhibit 10.52


This PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of April 24, 2019 (the “Effective Date”) and is between Chico’s FAS, Inc. (“Company”), a Florida corporation, and Bonnie Brooks (“Contractor”).

WHEREAS Company desires to retain Contractor to provide certain services to Company, and Contractor desires to provide such services to Company, all subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the premise, the mutual promises, covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.
Services. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Company hereby retains Contractor to provide to Company senior management and executive services as Interim President and CEO (the “Services”) and Contractor agrees to render the Services to Company. Contractor may provide such services remotely or at a location of her choosing, provided she maintains appropriate communications capabilities. The parties agree that Contractor shall complete the Services according to Contractor’s own means and methods of work which shall be in the exclusive charge and control of Contractor and which shall not be subject to the control or supervision of Company, except as to the results of the work.
2.
Obligations of Contractor. In her performance of the Services hereunder, Contractor shall at all times comply with and abide by the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Contractor shall further perform the Services in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and by following and applying the highest professional guidelines and standards.
3.
Compensation.

(a)
Fee and Restricted Shares of Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and as full and complete compensation for the Services, Company shall pay to Contractor, and Contractor shall accept the fee described in the offer letter signed by the parties on April 24, 2019 (the “Fee”) and the restricted shares of Company stock granted to Contractor on April 24, 2019 (the “Restricted Shares”). The Fee shall be payable monthly, prorated for partial months and payable for the term of this Agreement (but in no event for less than four months (through August 24, 2019) if the term of this Agreement ends before August 24, 2019, due to Company’s hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer).

(b)
Reimbursement of Business Expenses. Contractor shall be entitled to direct payment by or reimbursement from Company for authorized, documented and reasonable travel expenses. Company will also pay for or reimburse Contractor for her expenses for lodging in or near Company’s offices (unless Contractor chooses to stay in her own residence or with family). To the extent practicable, airfare, lodging, rental car, and other major travel arrangements shall be made through Company’s Corporate Travel Department. Travel expenses must be incurred and reimbursement requests made in compliance with Company’s Travel and Expense Processing Policy.




EX1052CHICOSPROFESSIO_IMAGE1.GIF
Professional Services Agreement


(c)
Invoice and Payment. Each month, Contractor shall submit an invoice to Company setting forth the Fee due Contractor pursuant to Section 3(a) and a detailed listing of all reimbursable expenses pursuant to Section 3(b). Upon receipt of such invoice, Company shall pay all undisputed amounts to Contractor.

(d)
Taxes. Contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that Contractor shall be solely responsible for all of Contractor’s withholding taxes, social security taxes, unemployment taxes, and workers’ compensation insurance premiums in connection with the Fee or the Restricted Shares. Contractor hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Company from any liability for, and any and all federal, state and local taxes or assessments of any kind arising out of or in connection with the Fee or the Restricted Shares.

4.
Independent Contractor. In the performance of this Agreement, both Contractor and Company will be acting in their own separate capacities and not as agents, employees, partners, or associates of one another. It is expressly understood and agreed that Contractor is an independent contractor of Company in all manners and respects. Contractor shall not be subject to Company’s personnel policies and procedures. Contractor also shall not be eligible to receive any bonus or employee benefits or participate in any employee benefit plan sponsored by Company for its employees, including, but not limited to, any retirement plan, insurance program, disability plan, medical benefits plan, severance plan or any other fringe benefit program sponsored and maintained by Company for its employees. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Contractor shall remain eligible to participate in any benefit plans in conjunction with her service as a member of the Board of Directors. Contractor shall retain the right to perform services for others during the term of this Agreement (including serving on boards of directors of other entities), so long as these services are not inconsistent or incompatible with Contractor’s obligations under this Agreement.

5.
Effect on Board Membership. This Agreement shall not affect Contractor’s status as a member of the Board. However, the parties acknowledge and agree that during the time period when Contractor is providing the Services, she will not be entitled to any additional compensation as a result of her service as a member of the Board.

6.
Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall commence as of April 24, 2019 and it shall continue until Company hires a new Chief Executive Officer or until either party terminates this Agreement at any time by providing written notice to the other party.
7.
Miscellaneous.

(a)
This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding concerning the subject matter hereof between the parties hereto, except for that certain offer letter that Company and Contractor executed on April 24, 2019. No waiver, termination or discharge of this Agreement, or any of the terms or provisions hereof, shall be binding upon either party hereto unless confirmed in writing. This Agreement may not be modified or amended, except by a writing executed by both parties hereto. No waiver by either party hereto of any term or provision of this Agreement or of any default hereunder shall affect such party’s rights thereafter to enforce such term or provision or to exercise any right or remedy in the event of any other default, whether or not similar.

(b)
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, United States of America. In addition, the parties consent to personal jurisdiction



EX1052CHICOSPROFESSIO_IMAGE1.GIF
Professional Services Agreement


and venue solely within the State of Florida and waive all otherwise possible objections thereto. The parties agree that they will not file any action arising out of this agreement other than in a state or federal court located in Florida.

(c)
Company may assign this Agreement to any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise). Contractor may not assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Company, and any attempted assignment not in accordance herewith shall be null and void and of no force or effect.

(d)
This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(e)
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute the same Agreement. Any signature page of any such counterpart, or any electronic facsimile thereof, may be attached or appended to any other counterpart to complete a fully executed counterpart of this Agreement, and any facsimile or emailed transmission of any signature shall be deemed an original and shall bind such party.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed, or caused their duly authorized representatives to execute, this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

Chico’s FAS, Inc.
Bonnie Brooks
/s/ Greg Baker

/s/ B. Brooks
Signature Above
Signature Above
Print Name & Title: Gregory Baker
SVP – General Counsel
Print Name & Title:
Bonnie Brooks Interim CEO





EX1053CHICOSCONSULTIN_IMAGE1.GIF
Consulting Services Agreement


Exhibit 10.53

THIS CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), made effective as of the 7th day of June, 2019 (“Effective Date”), is between Chico’s FAS, Inc., on behalf of itself and its affiliates (“Company”), a Florida corporation, and “Consultant” (identified below). The parties agree as follows:

1. Services and Deliverables: Consultant shall provide to Company the services (“Services”) described in Attachment A, attached hereto.
2. Compensation and Invoicing: Company shall compensate Consultant and Consultant shall submit invoices to Company as set forth in Attachment A. The fees hereunder are not related to and have no impact on fees paid to Consultant as compensation for service on the Company’s Board of Directors. Upon termination, Consultant shall submit promptly a final invoice for Services rendered and authorized, nonrefundable expenses incurred through the date of termination.
3. Travel and Related Expenses: Consultant shall be entitled to direct payment by or reimbursement from Company for authorized, documented and reasonable travel expenses.
4. Term and Termination: The Term of this Agreement shall be as stated in Attachment A. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, either party may terminate this Agreement, without cause, immediately upon notice. Upon termination, Chico’s shall owe any amounts due for Services actually performed, but no further payment shall be due or owing for any dates after the effective date of termination.
5. Relationship of Parties: It is understood that Consultant is an independent contractor with respect to Company, and that Consultant is not Company’s employee, agent or representative. Consultant shall have no authority to bind or commit Company in any respect. Company will provide no benefits customarily associated with an employment relationship and Consultant will be responsible for the payment of all sums customarily paid by or withheld on behalf of employees. Consultant waives any and all rights to make any claims to employment benefits against Company.
6. Confidentiality: Consultant shall hold Company’s (including its affiliates’) confidential information in strict confidence and shall not disclose or use Company’s confidential information except to perform its obligations hereunder or as authorized herein. Confidential information means all information disclosed by Company to Consultant or obtained by Consultant which would be considered by a reasonable person to be confidential.






7. Ownership of Deliverables and Other Materials: All deliverables prepared by Consultant in connection with the performance of the services under this Agreement shall be Company’s exclusive property and shall be considered “work made for hire” with all right, title and interest vesting in Company. Company may use the deliverables, or any part(s) thereof, as it sees fit. If any deliverables are not deemed a “work made for hire” and are not considered Company’s exclusive property, then Consultant hereby fully and irrevocably grants, assigns and conveys to Company all right, title and interest worldwide in and to all deliverables provided by Consultant to Company hereunder.

Chico’s FAS, Inc.
Kim Roy Consulting, LLC


/s/ Greg S. Baker



/s/ Kim Roy
Signature Above
Signature Above
Print Name & Title:

Print Name & Title:
    







ATTACHMENT A
Consultant



Kim Roy Consulting, LLC
Term
The Term shall expire on July 31, 2019, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
Services
Consultant shall leverage Consultant’s extensive experience in women’s apparel and merchandising to enhance the Company’s product and assortment and drive profitability and growth.
Compensation Rate
$5,000 per full day, not to exceed 24 days total. Consultant shall submit the first invoice on June 30, 2019 for all days worked through such date. Consultant shall submit the second and final invoice on July 31, 2019 for all days worked after June 30, 2019. 
Send Invoices To
Chico’s FAS, Inc.
11215 Metro Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33966
Attention: Legal Department






Exhibit 31.1
CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
CERTIFICATION
I, Bonnie R. Brooks, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Chico’s FAS, Inc. for the period ended May 4, 2019;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: June 11, 2019
/s/ Bonnie R. Brooks
Name:
 
Bonnie R. Brooks
Title:
 
Interim President, Chief Executive Officer and Director




Exhibit 31.2
CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
CERTIFICATION
I, Todd E. Vogensen, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Chico’s FAS, Inc. for the period ended May 4, 2019;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: June 11, 2019
/s/ Todd E. Vogensen
Name:
 
Todd E. Vogensen
Title:
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary




Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant To
Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002
I, Bonnie R. Brooks, Interim President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Chico’s FAS, Inc. (the “Company”) certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
 
(1)
The Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 4, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Bonnie R. Brooks
Bonnie R. Brooks
Interim President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: June 11, 2019




Exhibit 32.2
Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant To
Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002
I, Todd E. Vogensen, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary of Chico’s FAS, Inc. (the “Company”) certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
 
(1)
The Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 4, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Todd E. Vogensen
Todd E. Vogensen
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary
Date: June 11, 2019