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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 quarterly period ended November 2, 2019

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from   to
 
 Commission file number 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   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   No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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
 
  
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  
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
At November 18, 2019, the registrant had 118,620,321 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 AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
22
 
 
 
32
 
 
 
32
 
 
 
 
 
 
33
 
 
 
33
 
 
 
33
 
 
 
33
 
 
 
34
 
 
 
35
 
 
36

2

Table of Contents


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
Net Sales
$
484,706

 
100.0
 %
 
$
499,877

 
100.0
 %
 
$
1,510,790

 
100.0
 %
 
$
1,606,412

 
100.0
 %
Cost of goods sold
313,668

 
64.7

 
318,899

 
63.8

 
980,299

 
64.9

 
1,001,699

 
62.4

Gross Margin
171,038

 
35.3

 
180,978

 
36.2

 
530,491

 
35.1

 
604,713

 
37.6

Selling, general and administrative expenses
180,586

 
37.3

 
178,394

 
35.7

 
536,977

 
35.5

 
538,902

 
33.5

(Loss) Income from Operations
(9,548
)
 
(2.0
)
 
2,584

 
0.5

 
(6,486
)
 
(0.4
)
 
65,811

 
4.1

Interest income (expense), net
25

 
0.0

 
97

 
0.0

 
79

 
0.0

 
(458
)
 
0.0

(Loss) Income before Income Taxes
(9,523
)
 
(2.0
)
 
2,681

 
0.5

 
(6,407
)
 
(0.4
)
 
65,353

 
4.1

Income tax (benefit) provision
(1,400
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(3,800
)
 
(0.8
)
 
2,000

 
0.2

 
13,100

 
0.8

Net (Loss) Income
$
(8,123
)
 
(1.7
)%
 
$
6,481

 
1.3
 %
 
$
(8,407
)
 
(0.6
)%
 
$
52,253

 
3.3
 %
Per Share Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income per common share - basic
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
$
0.05

 
 
 
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
$
0.41

 
 
Net (loss) income per common and common equivalent share – diluted
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
$
0.05

 
 
 
$
(0.07
)
 
 
 
$
0.41

 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
114,997

 
 
 
122,201

 
 
 
114,744

 
 
 
124,069

 
 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted
114,997

 
 
 
122,273

 
 
 
114,744

 
 
 
124,120

 
 

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

3



CHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
Net (loss) income
$
(8,123
)
 
$
6,481

 
$
(8,407
)
 
$
52,253

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of taxes
14

 
(1
)
 
208

 
54

Foreign currency translation losses
(286
)
 
(388
)
 
(265
)
 
(475
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
(8,395
)
 
$
6,092

 
$
(8,464
)
 
$
51,832


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

4



CHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
November 2, 2019
 
February 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
70,188

 
$
124,128

 
$
169,380

Marketable securities, at fair value
57,253

 
61,987

 
59,484

Inventories
277,473

 
235,218

 
266,100

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
53,598

 
63,845

 
62,167

Total Current Assets
458,512

 
485,178

 
557,131

Property and Equipment, net
323,591

 
370,932

 
385,387

Right of Use Assets
664,052

 

 

Other Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
96,774

 
96,774

 
96,774

Other intangible assets, net
38,930

 
38,930

 
38,930

Other assets, net
18,511

 
15,220

 
13,929

Total Other Assets
154,215

 
150,924

 
149,633


$
1,600,370

 
$
1,007,034

 
$
1,092,151

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
151,664

 
$
143,404

 
$
150,224

Current lease liabilities
155,403

 

 

Other current and deferred liabilities
112,456

 
131,820

 
126,337

Total Current Liabilities
419,523

 
275,224

 
276,561

Noncurrent Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
46,250

 
57,500

 
61,250

Long-term lease liabilities
578,971

 

 

Other noncurrent and deferred liabilities
8,512

 
89,109

 
93,323

Deferred taxes
3,999

 
5,237

 
7,884

Total Noncurrent Liabilities
637,732

 
151,846

 
162,457

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; 159,918 and 158,246 and 158,407 shares issued respectively; and 118,621 and 116,949 and 125,743 shares outstanding, respectively
1,186

 
1,169

 
1,257

Additional paid-in capital
490,281

 
486,406

 
482,340

Treasury stock, at cost, 41,297 and 41,297 and 32,664 shares, respectively
(494,395
)
 
(494,395
)
 
(444,309
)
Retained earnings
546,461

 
587,145

 
614,349

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(418
)
 
(361
)
 
(504
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
543,115

 
579,964

 
653,133

 
$
1,600,370

 
$
1,007,034

 
$
1,092,151


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

5



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, August 3, 2019
118,000

 
$
1,180

 
$
487,789

 
41,297

 
$
(494,395
)
 
$
554,694

 
$
(146
)
 
$
549,122

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 
(8,123
)
 

 
(8,123
)
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 
14

 
14

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 
(286
)
 
(286
)
Issuance of common stock
640

 
6

 
690

 

 

 

 

 
696

Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 
(110
)
 

 
(110
)
Repurchase of common stock and tax withholdings related to share-based awards
(19
)
 

 
(65
)
 

 

 

 

 
(65
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
1,867

 

 

 

 

 
1,867

BALANCE, November 2, 2019
118,621

 
$
1,186

 
$
490,281

 
41,297

 
$
(494,395
)
 
$
546,461

 
$
(418
)
 
$
543,115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, August 4, 2018
125,710

 
$
1,257

 
$
476,480

 
32,658

 
$
(444,252
)
 
$
607,643

 
$
(115
)
 
$
641,013

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
6,481

 

 
6,481

Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 
(388
)
 
(388
)
Issuance of common stock
63

 

 
768

 

 

 

 

 
768

Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 
225

 

 
225

Repurchase of common stock and tax withholdings related to share-based awards
(30
)
 

 
(193
)
 
6

 
(57
)
 

 

 
(250
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
5,285

 

 

 

 

 
5,285

BALANCE, November 3, 2018
125,743

 
$
1,257

 
$
482,340

 
32,664

 
$
(444,309
)
 
$
614,349

 
$
(504
)
 
$
653,133


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

6



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

 
Thirty-Nine 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 loss

 

 

 

 

 
(8,407
)
 

 
(8,407
)
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 
208

 
208

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 
(265
)
 
(265
)
Issuance of common stock
2,129

 
21

 
1,067

 

 

 

 

 
1,088

Dividends on common stock ($0.2625 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(30,990
)
 

 
(30,990
)
Repurchase of common stock & tax withholdings related to share-based awards
(457
)
 
(4
)
 
(2,545
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2,549
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
5,353

 

 

 

 

 
5,353

BALANCE, November 2, 2019
118,621

 
$
1,186

 
$
490,281

 
41,297

 
$
(494,395
)
 
$
546,461

 
$
(418
)
 
$
543,115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

 

 

 

 

 
52,253

 

 
52,253

Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 
54

 
54

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 
(475
)
 
(475
)
Issuance of common stock
2,179

 
21

 
1,427

 

 

 

 

 
1,448

Dividends on common stock ($0.255 per share)

 

 

 

 

 
(32,699
)
 

 
(32,699
)
Repurchase of common stock & tax withholdings related to share-based awards
(3,907
)
 
(39
)
 
(3,416
)
 
3,550

 
(30,844
)
 

 

 
(34,299
)
Share-based compensation

 

 
15,523

 

 

 

 

 
15,523

BALANCE, November 3, 2018
125,743

 
$
1,257

 
$
482,340

 
32,664

 
$
(444,309
)
 
$
614,349

 
$
(504
)
 
$
653,133



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

7



CHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(8,407
)
 
$
52,253

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
67,876

 
69,290

Non-cash lease expense
160,363

 

Loss on disposal and impairment of property and equipment, net
225

 
3,592

Deferred tax benefit
(778
)
 
1,195

Share-based compensation expense
5,353

 
15,523

Deferred rent and lease credits

 
(14,868
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Inventories
(42,255
)
 
(33,198
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(10,861
)
 
(190
)
Accounts payable
8,261

 
31,947

Accrued and other liabilities
(2,600
)
 
(6,780
)
Lease liability
(169,970
)
 

Net cash provided by operating activities
7,207

 
118,764

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of marketable securities
(35,020
)
 
(31,300
)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
39,967

 
31,946

Purchases of property and equipment
(22,126
)
 
(36,601
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(17,179
)
 
(35,955
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from borrowings

 
61,250

Payments on borrowings
(11,250
)
 
(68,750
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
1,088

 
1,448

Dividends paid
(30,992
)
 
(32,674
)
Repurchase of common stock

 
(30,879
)
Payments of tax withholdings related to share-based awards
(2,549
)
 
(3,420
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(43,703
)
 
(73,025
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(265
)
 
(475
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(53,940
)
 
9,309

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of period
124,128

 
160,071

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of period
$
70,188

 
$
169,380

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
1,654

 
$
2,678

Cash (received) paid for income taxes, net
$
(506
)
 
$
22,481


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

8



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 for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 19, 2019 ("2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K").
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. Furthermore, we refer to our Chico's® and White House Black Market® brands collectively as our "Apparel Group" and refer to our Soma® and TellTaleTM brands collectively as our "Intimates Group."
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 and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 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 ("ASC 842"), 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 thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 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 condensed 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

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)

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.
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. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption will have on our unaudited condensed 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 revenue, which is not a significant component of total revenue, and is aggregated within the respective brands in the table below.
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
Chico's
$
249,973

 
51.5
%
 
$
259,503

 
51.9
%
 
$
795,599

 
52.6
%
 
$
847,247

 
52.8
%
WHBM
154,941

 
32.0

 
167,805

 
33.6

 
455,695

 
30.2

 
519,391

 
32.3

Soma (1)
79,792

 
16.5

 
72,569

 
14.5

 
259,496

 
17.2

 
239,774

 
14.9

Total Net Sales
$
484,706

 
100.0
%
 
$
499,877

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,510,790

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,606,412

 
100.0
%

(1) Includes TellTale net sales, which is not a significant component of Soma revenue.

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)


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 (loss) 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 revenue, 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 in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets are comprised of obligations associated with our gift card and customer loyalty programs. As of November 2, 2019 and February 2, 2019, contract liabilities primarily consisted of gift cards of $28.3 million and $42.6 million, respectively. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, the Company recognized $3.7 million and $23.3 million, respectively, 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 November 2, 2019 or February 2, 2019.
Performance Obligation
For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 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.


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)

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 are 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 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:
 
November 2, 2019
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
Operating lease cost (1)
$
62,696

 
$
189,939


(1) Includes approximately $6.9 million and $20.0 million in variable lease costs for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, respectively.     
Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows:
 
November 2, 2019
Right of Use Assets
$
664,052

 
 
Current lease liabilities
$
155,403

Long-term lease liabilities
578,971

Total operating lease liabilities
$
734,374

 
 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (years)
4.9

 
 
Weighted Average Discount Rate (1)
5.7
%

(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:
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
 
Operating cash outflows
$
169,970

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, non-cash
22,346



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)

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

February 1, 2020 (1)
$
36,572

January 30, 2021
209,945

January 29, 2022
185,251

January 28, 2023
147,479

February 4, 2024
100,312

Thereafter
168,708

Total future minimum lease payments
$
848,267

Less imputed interest
(113,893
)
Total
$
734,374


(1) Represents payments due for remainder of fiscal 2019.


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. During the fiscal 2019 year-to-date period, we had 45 net store closures consisting of 17 Chico's stores, 16 WHBM stores and 12 Soma stores. 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 and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, the Company recorded $2.1 million and $9.9 million, respectively, 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 thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, share-based compensation expense was $5.4 million and $15.5 million, respectively. As of November 2, 2019, approximately 4.3 million shares remain available for future grants of equity awards under our Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the "Amended Omnibus 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, except for a restricted stock award granted to our CEO, which vests over a four-year period from the date of grant and is described further in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on August 20, 2019.
Restricted stock award activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was as follows:

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

 
$
10.92

Granted
3,563,105

 
4.22

Vested
(1,266,059
)
 
11.28

Forfeited
(1,638,433
)
 
7.11

Unvested, end of period
3,374,079

 
5.56



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)

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, we granted performance-based restricted stock units ("PSUs"), contingent upon the achievement of Company-specific performance goals. The annual PSU grants in March 2019 have a performance period of the three fiscal years 2019 - 2021. Special PSU grants in August and October 2019 have a performance period of part of fiscal year 2019 through the end of fiscal year 2021. Any units earned as a result of the achievement of the performance goals of the PSUs will vest three years from the date of grant for the March 2019 grants and in March 2022 for the August and October 2019 grants and will be settled in shares of our common stock. All PSUs granted during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 were granted under our Amended Omnibus Plan, except for one PSU granted as an inducement award as permitted under New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.08. The inducement award was granted to our CEO outside of the Amended Omnibus Plan and is described further in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on August 20, 2019.
Performance-based restricted stock unit activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was as follows:
 
Number of Units/
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period
1,067,338

 
$
11.40

Granted
2,740,650

 
2.87

Vested
(244,628
)
 
13.19

Forfeited
(1,297,434
)
 
7.24

Unvested, end of period
2,265,926

 
3.27


Stock Option Awards
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, we did not grant any stock options.
Stock option activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was as follows:
 
Number of
Options
 
Weighted
 Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period
214,277

 
$
13.54

Granted

 

Exercised

 

Forfeited or expired
(2,000
)
 
13.26

Outstanding and exercisable, end of period
212,277

 
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 November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, the Company's effective tax rate was 14.7% and (141.7)%, respectively. The effective tax rate of 14.7% for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 was primarily the result of an income tax benefit on the third quarter operating loss, offset by an unfavorable fiscal 2018 provision-to-return adjustment, and a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets for charitable contributions with limitations. The favorable effective tax rate of (141.7)% for the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2018 was primarily due to the Company’s ability to accelerate certain income tax deductions into the 2017 federal tax return as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act").

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)

For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, the Company's effective tax rate was (31.2)% and 20.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate of (31.2)% for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was primarily the result of an income tax benefit on the year-to-date operating loss, offset by additional tax expense related to employee share-based awards, an unfavorable fiscal 2018 provision-to-return adjustment, and a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets for charitable contributions with limitations. The effective rate of 20.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 was primarily due to the Company's ability to accelerate certain income tax deductions into the 2017 federal tax return as a result of the Tax Act, partially offset by 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.
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 net (loss) income per basic and diluted share shown on the face of the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (loss) income
$
(8,123
)
 
$
6,481

 
$
(8,407
)
 
$
52,253

Net income and dividends declared allocated to participating securities

 
(182
)
 

 
(1,365
)
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders
$
(8,123
)
 
$
6,299

 
$
(8,407
)
 
$
50,888

Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
114,997

 
122,201

 
114,744

 
124,069

Dilutive effect of non-participating securities

 
72

 

 
51

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted
114,997

 
122,273

 
114,744

 
124,120

Net (loss) income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.07
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
0.41

Diluted
$
(0.07
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
0.41


For the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, 0.5 million and 0.2 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.
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, 0.3 million and 0.8 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.


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)

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 November 2, 2019 generally consist of corporate bonds, commercial paper, U.S. government agencies and municipal securities, with $31.3 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $26.0 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 (loss) income until realized. For the purposes of computing realized and unrealized gains and losses, cost is determined on a specific identification basis.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Entities are required to use a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: 
 
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 the 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.

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)

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.
The carrying value of goodwill for the Chico's and White House Black Market ("WHBM") reporting units and WHBM trade name as of November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 was $36.4 million, $60.4 million and $34.0 million, respectively. No impairment charges were recognized for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018. If profitability trends do not improve as projected for our Chico's and WHBM reporting units, it is possible that a future interim test, or our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, may result in an impairment of these assets.
As of November 2, 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 November 3, 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 November 2, 2019, we did not make any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets. Furthermore, as of November 2, 2019February 2, 2019 and November 3, 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.

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)

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 November 2, 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
$
6,898

 
$
6,898

 
$

 
$

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds
54,264

 

 
54,264

 

Commercial paper
2,989

 

 
2,989

 

Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan
7,168

 
7,168

 

 

Total
$
71,319

 
$
14,066

 
$
57,253

 
$

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
$
46,250

 
$

 
$
46,250

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
$
57,500

 
$

 
$
57,500

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of November 3, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market accounts
$
2,691

 
$
2,691

 
$

 
$

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
2,306

 

 
2,306

 

Corporate bonds
57,178

 

 
57,178

 

Noncurrent Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan
6,966

 
6,966

 

 

Total
$
69,141

 
$
9,657

 
$
59,484

 
$

Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
$
61,250

 
$

 
$
61,529

 
$



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-

18

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)

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, determined after giving effect to any such transaction or payment, on a pro forma basis.
As of November 2, 2019, our outstanding debt consisted of $46.3 million in borrowings under the Agreement, resulting in $153.7 million available for borrowings under the revolving loan and letter of credit facility. As of November 2, 2019, deferred financing costs of $0.5 million was outstanding related to the Agreement and is presented in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The following table provides additional detail on our outstanding long-term debt:
 
November 2, 2019
 
February 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
Credit Agreement
$
46,250

 
$
57,500

 
$
61,250


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 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 on the October 2018 opinion was filed in the Muransky case on October 24, 2018. The Eleventh Circuit issued a new opinion on April 22, 2019, sua sponte, superseding the October 2018 opinion, and reaffirming the establishment of Article III standing in the Muransky case.  A petition for rehearing on that April 2019 opinion was filed on May 13, 2019 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

19

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)

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 (“Seventeenth Judicial Circuit”). 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.
Mediation commenced in 2018, but was adjourned with the expectation that the parties would continue mediation after expert disclosures have been exchanged. CRS' expert was deposed in April 2019. A trial date was set for September 17, 2019; however, on August 15, 2019, the parties entered into a settlement agreement for an amount that was not material to our annual consolidated financial statements. On October 28, 2019, the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit dismissed the case with prejudice upon the Company's satisfaction of the terms of the settlement agreement.
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. On October 22, 2019, the parties attended a mediation, where they discussed potential settlement terms, subject, to among other things, agreement upon final terms, the execution of definitive documentation and court approval. The terms of the settlement as discussed would not be material to our annual consolidated financial statements.
There can be no assurances that a settlement agreement will be reached or that a settlement agreement, once finalized, will be approved. If the matter were instead 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 November 2, 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.

20

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)

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 25, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0875 per share on our common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 20, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2019. Although it is our Company’s intention to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend in the future, any decision to pay future cash dividends will be made by the Board of Directors and will depend on future earnings, financial condition and other factors.


21


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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2019 ("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. We refer to our Chico's and WHBM brands collectively as our "Apparel Group" and refer to our Soma and TellTale brands collectively as our "Intimates Group." 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.
The Company reported a third quarter loss per diluted share of $0.07, compared to $0.05 earnings per diluted share in last year's third quarter. Comparable store sales were down 2.2%, driven by lower average dollar sale, partially offset by an increase in transaction count.

Fiscal 2019 Third Quarter Business Highlights

The following fiscal 2019 third quarter business highlights reflect the Company’s progress executing on its three strategic priorities: (i) driving stronger sales through improved product and marketing; (ii) optimizing the customer journey by simplifying, digitizing and extending the Company’s unique and personalized service; and (iii) transforming sourcing and supply chain operations to increase product speed to market and improve quality.
Chico’s reported sequential improvement in comparable sales, reflecting a focus on key items and a more balanced inventory position between basics and fashion.
WHBM reported sequential improvement in comparable sales enabled by changes made in talent, merchandising and product design.
Soma reported double-digit positive comparable sales growth for the second consecutive quarter, driven by product innovation and inventory and marketing investments.
In the third quarter, the Company strengthened its product teams and made investments in growth areas, such as digital and customer experience. The Company also repositioned some departments, consolidated others, and reduced areas where the Company can operate more efficiently with fewer resources.
The Company completed the implementation of its Buy On-Line, Pick-up In-Store (BOPIS) capability across all of its brands.
The Company is actively diversifying its country of origin mix and reducing manufacturing penetration in China, thereby mitigating the majority of tariff increases.




22



Current Trends
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 fiscal 2018, the U.S. began to impose duties on certain Chinese-made imported products. In May 2019, the current administration announced an increase to the tariffs currently being imposed on certain imports from 10% to 25%, effective May 10, 2019, which was further increased to 30% beginning on October 1, 2019. In August 2019, the administration announced plans to implement a tariff of 15% on approximately $300 billion of products imported into the U.S. from China.  On August 13, 2019, the list of goods subject to the tariff, referred to as List 4, was divided into two parts. The tariffs for products on List 4a became effective as of September 1, 2019. The tariffs for imported goods on List 4b are subject to a delay until December 15, 2019, which is not expected to have a material impact on the Company. To minimize these increased tariffs, the Company is actively reducing its penetration of products sourced from China and has engaged vendor participation to negotiate cost-sharing agreements, and managed and adjusted 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 beautiful merchandise that delivers the brand promise and brand positioning of each of our brands and resonates with customers. To that end, we are further strengthening our merchandise and design capabilities 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 improvements to the quality and aesthetic of our merchandise. 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 advancing 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.
To support our supply chain strategy, we are working diligently to consolidate our vendor base. Through ongoing negotiations with our vendors, we believe there is opportunity for even more consolidation and scale. Throughout fiscal 2020, we plan to significantly reduce our base to a key set of top vendors. We intend to supplement that with a subset of smaller niche vendors to support us where we have unique needs. As we exit 2019, we anticipate a reduction in our vendor base of an additional 25% on top of last year’s 25% reduction. As we reach scale with key vendors, we believe we will have stronger partnerships, greater control over product quality, and the ability to achieve better terms and lower costs.

23



We also continue to reduce our exposure in China by diversifying into other countries of origin. Throughout fiscal 2020, we anticipate we will be in the low 30% range compared to our current penetration in China of approximately 40% as we shift more of our sourcing to other countries. We are also working on mitigating strategies with respect to tariffs imposed in the second half of fiscal 2019, including engaging with our vendors on cost-sharing agreements and managing and adjusting our forward buys and product pricing. 
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 U.S. in fiscal years 2019-2021. The Company had a challenging conclusion to fiscal 2018 and, under the direction of our Board of Directors ("the Board"), are addressing these challenges and taking steps to better position the Company for growth and future success.
On April 24, 2019, the Company announced a CEO transition plan and appointed Bonnie Brooks, former Vice Chair, President and CEO of Hudson’s Bay Company and a member of the Company's Board, as Interim CEO of the Company. Ms. Brooks made significant changes to leadership and reset the Company’s priorities for growth and value creation in fiscal 2019. Actions are underway across the brands with a focus on three distinct areas that we believe will positively impact results. These are:
Driving stronger sales through improved product and marketing;
Optimizing the customer journey by simplifying, digitizing and extending our unique and personalized service; and
Transforming our sourcing and supply chain operations to increase product speed to market and improve quality.
On July 18, 2019, the Company announced the appointment of Ms. Brooks as CEO and President of Chico's FAS, Inc. and a new leadership structure to drive a simpler, nimbler organization. The responsibility of our apparel brands, Chico’s and WHBM, was consolidated under one leader, Molly Langenstein, President, Apparel Group, to create clear lines of responsibility and accelerate sales driving priorities. The Company’s intimate brands, Soma and TellTale, are led by Mary van Praag, President, Intimates Group.
In the third quarter, Ms. Brooks continued her consolidation and transformation efforts at the Company. As a result of these efforts, the Company took action to reduce costs and reposition its organizational structure.

24



Results of Operations
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 2, 2019 Compared to the Thirteen Weeks Ended November 3, 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 November 2, 2019 (the "third quarter") and the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2018 ("last year's third quarter"):
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions) (1)
Chico's
$
250

 
51.5
%
 
$
260

 
51.9
%
WHBM
155

 
32.0

 
168

 
33.6

Soma (2)
80

 
16.5

 
73

 
14.5

Total Net Sales
$
485

 
100.0
%
 
$
500

 
100.0
%
(1) May not foot due to rounding
(2) Includes TellTale net sales, which is not a significant component of Soma revenue.
For the third quarter of fiscal 2019, net sales were $485 million compared to $500 million in last year's third quarter. This decrease of 3.0% reflects a comparable sales decline of 2.2% as well as the impact of 58 net store closures since last year's third quarter. The comparable sales decline was driven by lower average dollar sale, partially offset by an increase in transaction count. In the third quarter, comparable sales at Soma were up positive double-digits for the second consecutive quarter while Chico's and WHBM posted sequential quarter-over-quarter improvement by adjusting product assortment and presentation.
The following table depicts comparable sales percentages by Chico's, WHBM and Soma for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
Chico's
(3.6
)%
 
(10.2
)%
WHBM
(5.7
)
 
(5.1
)
Soma
11.3

 
2.4

Total Company
(2.2
)
 
(6.8
)
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 November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Cost of goods sold
$
314

 
$
319

Gross margin
171

 
181

Gross margin percentage
35.3
%
 
36.2
%

For the third quarter of fiscal 2019, gross margin was $171 million, or 35.3% of net sales, compared to $181 million, or 36.2% of net sales, in last year's third quarter. This 90-basis point decrease primarily reflects accelerated depreciation as a result of our previously announced retail fleet optimization plan, severance and other related net charges (collectively, “Severance Charges”) in connection with actions taken to reposition our organizational structure, the clearance of seasonal merchandise and the impact of tariffs, partially offset by improvement in occupancy costs as a percent of sales.


25



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 ("NSSC") expenses, in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018:
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
181

 
$
178

Percentage of total net sales
37.3
%
 
35.7
%

For the third quarter of fiscal 2019, SG&A was $181 million, or 37.3% of net sales, compared to $178 million, or 35.7% of net sales, for last year's third quarter. This $2 million increase primarily includes Severance Charges in connection with our revised organizational structure.
Retail Fleet Optimization Plan
In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded approximately $2 million in pre-tax accelerated depreciation charges of property and equipment within cost of goods sold related to our retail fleet optimization plan. The third quarter after-tax impact of these charges was approximately $2 million.
Severance Charges
In the third quarter, the Company recorded pre-tax Severance Charges of approximately $3 million. These charges are reflected in the financial statements as approximately $1 million, or 20 basis points, in COGS and approximately $2 million, or 40 basis points, in SG&A. The third quarter after-tax impact of these charges was approximately $2 million.
Income Taxes
For the third quarter, the effective tax rate was 14.7% compared to (141.7)% for last year’s third quarter. The 14.7% effective tax rate was primarily the result of an income tax benefit on the third quarter operating loss, offset by an unfavorable fiscal 2018 provision-to-return adjustment, and a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets for charitable contributions with limitations. The favorable prior year effective tax rate was primarily due to the Company’s ability to accelerate certain income tax deductions into the 2017 federal tax return as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act").
    Net (Loss) Income and Earnings per Diluted Share
For the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company reported a net loss of $8 million, or $0.07 loss per diluted share, compared to net income of $6 million, or $0.05 earnings per diluted share in last year's third quarter. Results for the third quarter include the unfavorable impact of accelerated depreciation of approximately $2 million, after-tax, related to our retail fleet optimization plan and Severance Charges of approximately $2 million, after-tax, related to our revised organizational structure. The change in earnings per diluted share reflects a decrease in net income.
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2019 Compared to the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 3, 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 thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018:
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Chico's
$
796

 
52.6
%
 
$
847

 
52.8
%
WHBM
456

 
30.2

 
519

 
32.3

Soma (1)
259

 
17.2

 
240

 
14.9

Total net sales
$
1,511

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,606

 
100.0
%
(1) Includes TellTale net sales, which is not a significant component of Soma revenue.

26



Net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 decreased to $1,511 million from $1,606 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018. This decrease of 6.0% reflects a comparable sales decline of 5.2% as well as the impact of 58 net store closures since last year's third 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 thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018:
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
Chico's
(5.8
)%
 
(6.4
)%
WHBM
(10.6
)
 
(5.1
)
Soma
8.6

 
(1.6
)
Total Company
(5.2
)
 
(5.3
)
Cost of Goods Sold/Gross Margin
The following table depicts COGS and gross margin in dollars and gross margin as a percentage of total net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018:
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Cost of goods sold
$
980

 
$
1,002

Gross margin
530

 
605

Gross margin percentage
35.1
%
 
37.6
%
Gross margin for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was $530 million, or 35.1% of net sales, compared to $605 million, or 37.6% of net sales, for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018. This 250-basis point decrease primarily reflects charges related to our omnichannel programs, an effort to clear dated merchandise through discounts and liquidations and accelerated depreciation as a result of our previously announced retail fleet optimization plan.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table depicts SG&A, which includes store and direct operating expenses, marketing expenses and NSSC expenses, in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018:
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
537

 
$
539

Percentage of total net sales
35.5
%
 
33.5
%
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, SG&A was $537 million, or 35.5% of net sales, compared to $539 million, or 33.5% of net sales, for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018. This 200-basis point decrease primarily reflects deleverage of store operating expenses as well as investments in marketing in our Intimates Group.
Retail Fleet Optimization Plan
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, the Company recorded approximately $10 million in pre-tax accelerated depreciation of property and equipment within cost of goods sold related to our retail fleet optimization plan. The after-tax impact of these charges for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was approximately $7 million.
Severance Charges
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, the Company recorded pre-tax Severance Charges of approximately $3 million. These charges are reflected in the financial statements as approximately $1.0 million, or 10 basis points, within COGS and approximately $2 million, or 10 basis points, within SG&A. The after-tax impact of these charges for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was approximately $2 million.

27



Income Taxes
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, the income tax provision was $2 million compared to $13 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018. The effective tax rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 was (31.2)% and 20.0%, respectively. The (31.2)% effective tax rate was primarily the result of an income tax benefit on the year-to-date operating loss, offset by additional tax expense related to employee share-based awards, an unfavorable fiscal 2018 provision-to-return adjustment, and a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets for charitable contributions with limitations. The prior year effective tax rate was primarily due to the Company's ability to accelerate certain income tax deductions into the 2017 federal tax return as a result of the Tax Act, partially offset by additional tax expense related to employee share-based awards.
Net (Loss) Income and Earnings per Diluted Share
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, the Company reported a net loss of $8.4 million, or $(0.07) earnings per diluted share, compared to net income of $52 million, or $0.41 earnings per diluted share, for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018. Results for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 include the unfavorable impact of accelerated depreciation charges of approximately $7 million, after-tax, related to our retail fleet optimization plan and Severance Charges of approximately $2 million, after-tax, related to our revised organizational structure. The change in earnings per diluted share reflects a decrease in net income.
Cash, Marketable Securities and Debt
At the end of the third quarter, cash and marketable securities totaled $127 million while debt totaled $46 million.
Inventories
At the end of the third quarter, inventories totaled $277 million compared to $266 million at the end of last year's third quarter. This $11 million, or 4.3%, increase primarily reflects continued investment in Soma inventory to fund growth.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
As discussed in Note 1 and Note 4 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, we adopted ASC 842, Leases, as of February 3, 2019. As of November 2, 2019, we had $664 million, $155 million, and $579 million of operating lease right of use 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 condensed 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.

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 November 2, 2019 compared to last year's year-to-date period November 3, 2018:

28



 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 2, 2019
 
November 3, 2018
 
(dollars in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
7

 
$
119

Net cash used in investing activities
(17
)
 
(36
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(44
)
 
(73
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
(54
)
 
$
10

Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2019 was $7 million compared to $119 million in last year's year-to-date period. The change in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects lower 2019 net income. Other factors for the decline include the impact of lower incentive compensation, the timing of payables, and investment in Soma inventory to fund growth.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2019 was $17 million compared to $36 million in last year's year-to-date period, primarily reflecting a $14 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 $44 million compared to $73 million in last year's year-to-date period, primarily reflecting a $31 million decrease in share repurchases.
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.
As of November 2, 2019, $46 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.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pending discontinuation of, or transition away from, LIBOR will have on the Agreement. We have been in discussions with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association regarding this and do not expect the move to have a significant impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Store and Franchise Activity
During the fiscal 2019 year-to-date period, we had 45 net store closures consisting of 17 Chico's stores, 16 WHBM stores and 12 Soma stores. 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 November 2, 2019, the Company's franchise operations consisted of 89 international retail locations in Mexico and 2 domestic airport locations.


29



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 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the adoption of ASC 842, Leases. See Note 1 and Note 4 to our unaudited condensed 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, business strategies and 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 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the following:
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 Company’s revised organizational structure, retail fleet optimization plan and three operating priorities which are driving stronger sales through improved product and marketing; optimizing the customer journey by simplifying, digitizing and extending the Company’s

30



unique and personalized service; and transforming sourcing and supply chain operations to increase product speed to market and improve quality), sales initiatives and multi-channel strategies, 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 domestic and foreign 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 leadership and the successful integration of 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), 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.



31



ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The market risk of our financial instruments as of November 2, 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 condensed 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. 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pending discontinuation of, or transition away from, LIBOR will have on the Agreement. We have been in discussions with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association regarding this and do not expect the move to have a significant impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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 and municipal securities. The marketable securities portfolio as of November 2, 2019, consisted of $31.3 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $26.0 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 November 2, 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 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 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance in timely alerting them to material information relating to us (including our consolidated subsidiaries) and that information required to be disclosed in our reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as required to be included in our periodic SEC filings.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect our disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the date of the above referenced evaluation. Furthermore, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors during the quarterly period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
During the quarter ended April 4, 2019, we implemented controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our contracts and properly assessed the impact of the new lease accounting standard on our financial statements in connection with the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, on February 3, 2019.

32



PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 11 to our unaudited condensed 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 and in Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended May 4, 2019 and August 3, 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for those risks updated in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended May 4, 2019 and August 3, 2019, but these are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

On November 22, 2019, the Company received a comment letter from the Staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC asking for an explanation of how long the Company expects to record accelerated depreciation on property and equipment due to a change in the useful life of store assets for store closures added as a result of the Company's retail fleet optimization plan. The comment letter was issued on the financial statements and related disclosures of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019 filed March 19, 2019 and Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 28, 2019. There were no other comments.

The Company is preparing to respond to the comment letter to the SEC and will submit its response within the requested time frame.


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
August 4, 2019 - August 31, 2019

 
$

 

 
$
55,192

September 1, 2019 - October 5, 2019
7,951

 
 
3.71

 

 
 
55,192

October 6, 2019 - November 2, 2019
10,175

 
 
3.52

 

 
 
55,192

Total
18,126

 
 
3.60

 

 
 



(a) Total number of shares purchased consists of 18,126 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 third 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.

33



On August 20, 2019, the Company granted to Bonnie Brooks an award of performance share units with a target of 700,000 units (100% payout) and a maximum of 1,050,000 units (150% payout), with each unit representing one share of the Company’s common stock (the “PSU Inducement Award”). The PSU Inducement Award is earned based on achievement of performance objectives relating to comparable sales improvement and the Company’s stock price. The PSU Inducement Award was granted outside of the 2012 Plan in connection with Ms. Brooks’ employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and the employment inducement award exemption in New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.08. 

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines require non-management directors who will reach the age of 75 prior to the next annual meeting of shareholders to submit a letter of resignation from the Board, subject to Board acceptance, to be considered at the first Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the “Committee”) meeting following the immediately preceding annual meeting. The Committee is then required to make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the director’s resignation offer. In accordance with this requirement, director Stephen E. Watson, who will turn 75 in January 2020, provided to the Board Chair written notice of his offer, subject to Board acceptance, to resign from the Board, effective as of the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. In the Committee’s deliberations with respect to Mr. Watson’s offer to resign, the Committee considered a number of factors, including the fact that Mr. Watson’s continued service would contribute to the right mix of tenured and newer directors, the desire for Mr. Watson’s expertise on the Board to navigate various strategic matters, as well as the importance of having Board continuity as the new executive leadership transitions into their new roles and Mr. Watson’s expertise in continuing to drive shareholder value during the Company’s turn-around. Based on the foregoing, on September 17, 2019, the Committee recommended to the Board that it reject Mr. Watson’s offer to resign from the Board, which the Board approved. Pursuant to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Committee and the Board will reconsider the issue after the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, if Mr. Watson is reelected.

34



ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
(a)
The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
 
Exhibit 3.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.61
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.62
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.63
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.64
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.65
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.66
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 32.2
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101
  
The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 2, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags.
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 104
 
The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 2, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL (included within Exhibit 101).


35



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:
November 27, 2019
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Bonnie R. Brooks
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bonnie R. Brooks
 
 
 
 
 
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 27, 2019
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Todd E. Vogensen
 
 
 
 
 
 
Todd E. Vogensen
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 27, 2019
 
 
 
By:
/s/ David M. Oliver
 
 
 
 
 
 
David M. Oliver
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President - Finance, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

36
Exhibit 3.2

RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
CHICO’S, FAS, INC.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act, CHICO’S FAS, INC., a Florida corporation (“Corporation”), hereby restates its Articles of Incorporation as follows:

ARTICLE I

Name

The name of this Corporation shall be:

CHICO’S FAS, INC.

ARTICLE II

Term of Existence

This Corporation is to exist perpetually.

ARTICLE III

General Purpose

The general purpose for which this Corporation is organized is the transaction of any and all lawful business for which corporations may be incorporated under the Business Corporation Act of the State of Florida, and any amendments thereto, and in connection therewith, this Corporation shall have and may exercise any and all powers conferred from time to time by law upon corporations formed under such Act.

ARTICLE IV

Capital Stock

1.    Authorized Capitalization.

(a)    The total number of shares of capital stock authorized to be issued by this Corporation shall be:

2,500,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”);

400,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”); and

(b)    The designation, relative rights, preferences and liabilities of each class of stock, itemized by class, shall be as follows:


Page 1

Exhibit 3.2

(i)    Preferred. Shares of the Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The board of directors of this Corporation (hereafter the “Board of Directors” or “Board”) by resolution shall establish each series of Preferred Stock and fix and determine the number of shares and the designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights of each such series, provided that all shares of the Preferred Stock shall be identical except as to the following relative rights and preferences, as to which there may be variations fixed and determined by the Board of Directors between different series:

(A)    The rate or manner of payment of dividends.

(B)    Whether shares may be redeemed and, if so, the redemption price and the terms and conditions of redemption.

(C)    The amount payable upon shares in the event of voluntary and involuntary liquidation.

(D)    Sinking fund provisions, if any, for the redemption or purchase of shares.

(E)    The terms and conditions, if any, on which the shares may be converted.

(F)    Voting rights, if any.

(G)    Any other rights or preferences now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the State of Florida as variations between different series of preferred stock.

(ii)    Common. Each share of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, except matters required to be voted on exclusively by holders of Preferred Stock or of any series of Preferred Stock. The holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors from time to time, provided that required dividends, if any, on the Preferred Stock have been paid or provided for. In the event of the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, of this Corporation, the assets and funds of this Corporation available for distribution to stockholders, and remaining after the payment to holders of Preferred Stock of the amounts to which they are entitled, shall be divided and paid to the holders of the Common Stock according to their respective shares.

2.    No Preemptive Rights.

(a)    Preferred Stock. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the terms of the Preferred Stock, the holders of any class of Preferred Stock of this Corporation shall have no preemptive right to subscribe for and purchase their proportionate share of any additional Preferred Stock (of the same class or otherwise) or Common Stock issued by this Corporation, from and after the issuance of the shares originally subscribed for by the stockholders of this Corporation, whether such additional shares be issued for cash, property, services or any other consideration and whether or not such shares be presently authorized or be authorized by subsequent amendment to these Articles of Incorporation.

(b)    Common Stock. The holders of Common Stock of this Corporation shall have no preemptive right to subscribe for and purchase their proportionate share of any additional Preferred Stock or Common Stock issued by this Corporation, from and after the issuance of the shares originally subscribed for by the stockholders of this Corporation, whether such additional shares be issued for cash, property, services or

Page 2

Exhibit 3.2

any other consideration and whether or not such shares be presently authorized or be authorized by subsequent amendment to these Articles of Incorporation.

3.    Payment for Stock. The consideration for the issuance of shares of capital stock may be paid, in whole or in part, in cash, in promissory notes, in other property (tangible or intangible), in labor or services actually performed for this Corporation, in promises to perform services in the future evidenced by a written contract, or in other benefits to the Corporation at a fair valuation to be fixed by the Board of Directors. When issued, all shares of stock shall be fully paid and non-assessable.

4.    Treasury Stock. The Board of Directors of this Corporation shall have the authority to acquire by purchase and hold from time to time any shares of its issued and outstanding capital stock for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors in its discretion shall deem proper and reasonable in the interest of this Corporation.

ARTICLE V    

Directors

1.    Number. The Board of Directors of this Corporation shall consist of not less than three (3) and not more than twelve (12) members, the exact number of directors to be fixed from time to time as provided in the bylaws of this Corporation.

2.    Terms. The directors elected prior to the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, shall be and are divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly equal in number as possible and each such director shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of his or her election and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office. Each director elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the annual meeting in 2017, shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders held after such director’s election and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock issued by this Corporation shall have the right, voting separately by class or series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of these Articles of Incorporation or the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to Article IV hereof.

3.    Powers. The business and affairs of this Corporation shall be managed by the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of this Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

4.    Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Board of Directors shall be a majority of the number of directors determined from time to time to comprise the Board of Directors, and the act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the directors.

5.    Removal. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any or all of the directors of this Corporation may be removed from office for cause by the

Page 3

Exhibit 3.2

stockholders of this Corporation at any annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of this Corporation. Notice of any such annual or special meeting of stockholder shall state that the removal of a director or directors for cause is among the purposes of the meeting. Directors may not be removed by the stockholders without cause.

6.    Vacancies. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors or any vacancy on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, or by the stockholders. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

7.    Elections. When a quorum is present at any meeting for the election of directors, the vote required for election of a director by stockholders, other than in a contested election, shall be the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast with respect to the director nominee. A majority of votes cast means that the number of votes cast “for” a director must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that director. In a contested election, the nominees receiving the greatest number of votes “for” their election, up to the number of directors to be elected, shall be elected. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not count as votes either “for” or “against” a nominee.

The election is “contested” if (i) the Secretary of the Corporation has received a notice that a stockholder has nominated a person for election to the Board of Directors in compliance with the advance notice requirements for stockholder nominees for director set forth in Article V, Section 8 hereof and (ii) such nomination has not been withdrawn by such stockholder on or prior to the tenth business day preceding the date the Corporation first mails its notice of meeting to the stockholders.

8.    Nominations. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors at meetings of stockholders.

Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of this Corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders by or at the direction of: (a) the Board of Directors; (b) by any nominating committee or person appointed by the Board; (c) or by any stockholder of this Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Article V, Section 8.

Nominations by stockholders shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of this Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must by delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of this Corporation not less than 60 days prior to the date of the meeting at which the director(s) are to be elected, regardless of any postponements, deferrals or adjournments of that meeting to a later date; provided, however, that if less than 70 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the scheduled meeting is given or made, notice by the stockholder, to be timely, must be so delivered or received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which notice was given or such public disclosure was made.

A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (iii) the class and number

Page 4

Exhibit 3.2

of shares of capital stock of this Corporation which are beneficially owned by the person, and (iv) any other information relating to the person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to Schedule 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice (i) the name and address, as they appear on this Corporation’s books, of the stockholder and (ii) the class and number of shares of this Corporation’s stock which are beneficially owned by the stockholder on the date of such stockholder notice. This Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by this Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of this Corporation.

The presiding officer of the meeting shall determine and declare at the meeting whether the nomination was made in accordance with the terms of this Article V, Section 8. If the presiding officer determines that a nomination was not made in accordance with the terms of this Article V, Section 8, he or she shall so declare at the meeting and any such defective nomination shall be disregarded.

ARTICLE VI

Address

The address of the principal office and mailing address of this Corporation shall be:

11215 Metro Parkway
Ft. Myers, Florida 33966

ARTICLE VII

Stockholder Meetings

1.    Annual Meetings. At any annual meeting of stockholders, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted upon, as shall have been brought before the annual meeting (a) by, or at the direction of, the Board of Directors, or (b) by any stockholder of this Corporation who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Article VII, Section 1 and the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For a proposal to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of this Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of this Corporation not less than 60 days prior to the scheduled annual meeting, regardless of any postponements, deferrals or adjournments of that meeting to a later date; provided, however, that if less than 70 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of that date of the scheduled annual meeting is given or made, notice by the stockholder, to be timely, must be so delivered or received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the earlier of the day on which such notice of the date of the scheduled annual meeting was given or the day on which such public disclosure was made.

A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (a) a brief description of the proposal desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, (b) the name and address, as they appear on this Corporation’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business and any other stockholders known by such stockholder to be supporting such proposal, (c) the class and number of shares of this Corporation’s stock which are beneficially owned by the stockholder on the date of such stockholder

Page 5

Exhibit 3.2

notice and by any other stockholders known by such stockholder to be supporting such proposal on the date of such stockholder notice, and (d) any financial interest of the stockholder in such proposal.

The presiding officer of the annual meeting shall determine and declare at the annual meeting whether the stockholder proposal was made in accordance with the terms of this Article VII, Section 1. If the presiding officer determines that a stockholder proposal was not made in accordance with the terms of this Article VII, Section 1, he or she shall so declare at the annual meeting and any such proposal shall not be acted upon at the annual meeting.

This provision shall not prevent the consideration and approval or disapproval at the annual meeting of reports of officers, directors and committees of the Board of Directors, but, in connection with such reports, no new business shall be acted upon at such annual meeting unless stated, filed and received as herein provided.

2.    Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders of this Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by (a) the Board of Directors; (b) the Chairman of the Board of Directors (if one is so appointed); (c) the President of this Corporation; or (d) by holders of not less than 25% of all the votes entitled to be cast on any issue proposed to be considered at the proposed special meeting, if such stockholders sign, date and deliver to this Corporation’s secretary one or more written demands for the meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held. Special meetings of the stockholders of this Corporation may not be called by another person or persons.

At any special meeting of stockholders, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted upon, as shall have been set forth in the notice of such special meeting.

3.    Written Consents. Effective beginning as of June 1, 1993, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of this Corporation may be taken only upon the vote of such stockholders at an annual or special meeting duly called in accordance with the terms of this Article VII, Section 1 and 2, and may not be taken by written consent of such stockholders.

ARTICLE VIII

Amendments

This Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provisions contained in these Articles of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon the stockholders herein are subject to this reservation. Notwithstanding anything contained in these Articles of Incorporation to the contrary, the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of this Corporation shall be required to amend or repeal Articles V or VII of these Articles of Incorporation or to adopt any provision inconsistent therewith.

ARTICLE IX

Bylaws

1.    Adoptions, Amendments, Etc. The power to adopt the bylaws of this Corporation, to alter, amend or repeal the bylaws, or to adopt new bylaws, shall be vested in the Board of Directors of this Corporation; provided, however, that any bylaw or amendment thereto as adopted by the Board of Directors may be altered, amended, or repealed by vote of the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, or a new bylaw

Page 6

Exhibit 3.2

in lieu thereof may be adopted by the stockholders, and the stockholders may prescribe in any bylaw made by them that such bylaw shall not be altered, amended or repealed by the Board of Directors.

2.    Scope. The bylaws of this Corporation shall be for the government of this Corporation and may contain any provisions or requirements for the management or conduct of the affairs and business of this Corporation, provided the same are not inconsistent with the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation, or contrary to the laws of the State of Florida or of the United States.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CHICO’S FAS, INC. has caused these Restated Articles of Incorporation to be executed and acknowledged by its President and Secretary this 30th day of September, 2019.

ATTEST:                        CHICO’S FAS, INC.



/s/ Gregory S. Baker                    /s/ Bonnie Brooks            
Gregory S. Baker, Secretary                Bonnie Brooks, CEO and President






Page 7

Exhibit 10.61
September 23, 2019                
Todd Vogensen
Chief Financial Officer

Dear Todd:
It gives me great pleasure to offer you a one-time, special Performance Share Grant. Your contribution and commitment to our organization will allow us to continue to drive sales growth and enhance our customer experience, for the benefit of our stakeholders.

In addition, you are receiving a one-time, special Performance Share Grant of 80,000 Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) at target. The PSUs have a performance period that begins October 1, 2019 and ends at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 (28 months). There are two performance requirements. One is the minimum performance requirement of any four quarters of total company positive comp sales (over 0%). If the MPR is achieved in the performance period, then a requirement is the threshold stock price above $5.00 with escalating value as the stock moves upward. This is designed to allow you to increase your personal earnings aligned to the stock. Once the MPR is met, the number of PSUs earned is based on the table below.

Performance Level
Highest Stock Price Achieved
Percent of Target PSU Vesting
Earnings Potential
Outstanding
$10.00 or higher
150%
$1,200,000+
Target
$7.50
100%
$600,000
Threshold
$5.00
50%
$200,000
Below Threshold
< $5.00
0%
$0

Additional details on the Grant of PSUs will be contained in an award agreement (the “PSU Agreement”), which you will receive on or about October 1, 2019.
This Performance Share Grant is contingent upon you signing the PSU Agreement. Please note that the PSU Agreement contains a one-year non-competition obligation and a two year non-solicit obligation, which is generally consistent with your existing non-competition and non-solicitation obligation contained in your prior equity grant agreements.
Congratulations!
Regards,
/s/ Bonnie R. Brooks
Bonnie R. Brooks
CEO and President

Acknowledgement of Offer:


/s/ Todd Vogensen                        9/25/19
Todd Vogensen                            Date




Exhibit 10.62

September 23, 2019            
Molly Langenstein
President, Apparel Group

Dear Molly:
It gives me great pleasure to present you with these compensation adjustments. I shared with you that a salary review for leading the combined Apparel brands would happen quickly and based on that review, we have adjusted your base salary. In addition, you are also being offered a one-time, special Performance Share Grant. Your contribution and commitment to our organization will allow us to continue to drive sales growth and enhance our customer experience, for the benefit of our stakeholders.

Your base salary will increase to $900,000 annually, effective October 1, 2019.

In addition, you are receiving a one-time, special Performance Share Grant of 100,000 Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) at target. The PSUs have a performance period that begins October 1, 2019 and ends at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 (28 months). There are two performance requirements. One is the minimum performance requirement of any four quarters of total company positive comp sales (over 0%). If the MPR is achieved in the performance period, then a requirement is the threshold stock price above $5.00 with escalating value as the stock moves upward. This is designed to allow you to increase your personal earnings aligned to the stock. Once the MPR is met, the number of PSUs earned is based on the table below.
Performance Level
Highest Stock Price Achieved
Percent of Target PSU Vesting
Earnings Potential
Outstanding
$10.00 or higher
150%
$1,500,000+
Target
$7.50
100%
$750,000
Threshold
$5.00
50%
$250,000
Below Threshold
< $5.00
0%
$0

Additional details on the Grant of PSUs will be contained in an award agreement (the “PSU Agreement”), which you will receive on or about October 1, 2019. This compensation adjustment and Performance Share Grant is contingent upon you signing the PSU Agreement. Please note that the PSU Agreement contains a one-year non-competition obligation and a two year non-solicit obligation, which is generally consistent with your existing non-competition and non-solicitation obligation contained in your prior equity grant agreement.
I am so pleased to offer you this compensation adjustment. Congratulations!
Regards,
/s/ Bonnie R. Brooks
Bonnie R. Brooks
CEO and President

Acknowledgement of Offer:

/s/ Molly Langenstein                        9/30/19
Molly Langenstein                        Date





Exhibit 10.63
September 23, 2019    

Ann Joyce

Dear Ann:
It gives me great pleasure to present you with these compensation adjustments. These adjustments are to recognize and reward the positive contribution you are making in digital, supply chain and operations in Chico’s FAS. In addition, you are also being offered a one-time, special Performance Share Grant. Your contribution and commitment to our organization will allow us to continue to drive sales growth and enhance our customer experience, for the benefit of our stakeholders.

Your base salary will increase to $650,000 annually and your title will change to Chief Operations Officer, effective October 1, 2019.

Performance Level
Highest Stock Price Achieved
Percent of Target PSU Vesting
Earnings Potential
Outstanding
$10.00 or higher
150%
+
Target
$7.50
100%
$600,000
Threshold
$5.00
50%
$200,000
Below Threshold
< $5.00
0%
$0
In addition, you are receiving a one-time, special Performance Share Grant of 80,000 Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) at target. The PSUs have a performance period that begins October 1, 2019 and ends at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 (28 months). There are two performance requirements. One is the minimum performance requirement of any four quarters of total company positive comp sales (over 0%). If the MPR is achieved in the performance period, then a requirement is the threshold stock price above $5.00 with escalating value as the stock moves upward. This is designed to allow you to increase your personal earnings aligned to the stock. Once the MPR is met, the number of PSUs earned is based on the table below.

Additional details on the Grant of PSUs will be contained in an award agreement (the “PSU Agreement”), which you will receive on or about October 1, 2019. This compensation adjustment and Performance Share Grant is contingent upon you signing the PSU Agreement. Please note that the PSU Agreement contains a one-year non-competition obligation and a two year non-solicit obligation, which is generally consistent with your existing non-competition and non-solicitation obligation contained in your prior equity grant agreements.
I am so pleased to offer you this compensation adjustment. Congratulations!
Regards,
/s/ Bonnie R. Brooks
Bonnie R. Brooks
CEO and President

Acknowledgement of Offer:

/s/ Ann Joyce                             9/23/19
Ann Joyce                            Date



Exhibit 10.64

September 23, 2019            
Mary van Praag
President, Intimates

Dear Mary:
It gives me great pleasure to present you with these compensation adjustments. These adjustments are to recognize and reward the positive contribution you are making in growth of the Soma brand and value to Chico’s FAS. In addition, you are also being offered a one-time, special Performance Share Grant. Your contribution and commitment to our organization will allow us to continue to drive sales growth and enhance our customer experience, for the benefit of our stakeholders.

Your base salary will increase to $675,000 annually, effective October 1, 2019.

Performance Level
Highest Stock Price Achieved
Percent of Target PSU Vesting
Earnings Potential
Outstanding
$10.00 or higher
150%
$1,500,000+
Target
$7.50
100%
$750,000
Threshold
$5.00
50%
$250,000
Below Threshold
< $5.00
0%
$0
In addition, you are receiving a one-time, special Performance Share Grant of 100,000 Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) at target. The PSUs have a performance period that begins October 1, 2019 and ends at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 (28 months). There are two performance requirements. One is the minimum performance requirement of any four quarters of total company positive comp sales (over 0%). If the MPR is achieved in the performance period, then a requirement is the threshold stock price above $5.00 with escalating value as the stock moves upward. This is designed to allow you to increase your personal earnings aligned to the stock. Once the MPR is met, the number of PSUs earned is based on the table below.

Additional details on the Grant of PSUs will be contained in an award agreement (the “PSU Agreement”), which you will receive on or about October 1, 2019. This compensation adjustment and Performance Share Grant is contingent upon you signing the PSU Agreement. Please note that the PSU Agreement contains a one year non-competition obligation and a two year non-solicit obligation, which is generally consistent with your existing non-competition and non-solicitation obligation contained in your prior equity grant agreements.
I am so pleased to offer you this compensation adjustment. Congratulations!
Regards,
/s/ Bonnie R. Brooks
Bonnie R. Brooks
CEO and President

Acknowledgement of Offer:

/s/ Mary van Praag                        9/25/19
Mary van Praag                            Date


Exhibit 10.65

CHICO’S FAS, INC.
FORM OF
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 OMNIBUS STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE AWARD AGREEMENT
FOR PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS
EMPLOYEE
This Performance Award Agreement (this “Performance Award Agreement”) is effective as of <<date>> (the “Grant Date”), and is entered into between Chico’s FAS, Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Company”), and <<Employee>> (the “Employee”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Performance Award Agreement. All references to specified paragraphs pertain to paragraphs of this Performance Award Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.
The Human Resources, Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) approved this Performance Award grant, in the form of performance share units (“PSUs”), pursuant to the Plan, provided that the Employee continues to be employed as an employee of the Company on the Grant Date.
In consideration of the mutual promises set forth below, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.Grant of PSUs. The Company hereby grants to the Employee the right to receive the target number of PSUs indicated on Exhibit 1 hereto (the “Target”) at the end of the Restriction Period set forth in Paragraph 5, with the earn-out opportunity to receive PSUs equal to <<%>> - <<%>> of the Target, subject to the achievement of the Minimum Performance Requirement and Performance Goals set forth in Paragraph 2. After the achievement and certification of the Minimum Performance Requirement and Performance Goals as provided in Paragraph 2.b, each earned PSU shall entitle the Employee to receive one share of Common Stock of the Company, payable on the Payment Date (as defined below), provided the applicable service requirements of Paragraphs 5, 6 and 7 are met. The PSUs are granted pursuant to the Plan and are subject to the provisions of the Plan, as well as the provisions of this Performance Award Agreement. The Employee agrees to be bound by all of the terms, provisions, conditions and limitations of the Plan and this Performance Award Agreement. To the extent the terms of the Plan and this Performance Award Agreement are in conflict, the terms of the Plan shall govern.
2.    Earning the Award, Minimum Performance Requirement and Performance Goals. The Employee’s right to receive the PSUs is subject to the following conditions (and the PSUs shall not be considered earned until all of the below conditions are met):
a.    The Employee continues to be employed through the Vesting Date as set forth in Paragraph 5, subject to the provisions in Paragraphs 6 and 7; and

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b.    The minimum performance requirement (the “Minimum Performance Requirement”) and performance goals (the “Performance Goals”) established by the Committee are achieved as provided in this Paragraph 2.b and Exhibit 1 hereto. (The Minimum Performance Requirement and the Performance Goals are sometimes collectively referred to hereinafter as the “Performance Requirements under Paragraph 2.b”.) The Minimum Performance Requirement is based on certain comparable sales goals during at least <<#>> quarters during the period beginning on the Grant Date through <<date>> (the “Performance Period”) as described in more detail on Exhibit 1 hereto. The Performance Goals are based on the highest twenty (20) trading day average closing price of the Common Stock during the last <<#>> quarters of the Performance Period and have threshold, target and maximum goals and payouts as described in more detail on Exhibit 1 hereto. The Committee may not adjust the Minimum Performance Requirement or Performance Goals during the Performance Period. If either the Minimum Performance Requirement is not met or the performance level with regard to the Performance Goals is below the established threshold, no PSUs shall be payable under this Performance Award Agreement. If the performance level with regard to the Performance Goals is above the established maximum, no PSUs shall be payable above such maximum. The Committee shall determine and certify whether the Minimum Performance Requirement has been met and the level of performance with regard to the Performance Goals after the end of the Performance Period. Except as provided otherwise in Paragraph 7.c (with regard to a Change in Control during the Performance Period), any PSUs that are not, based on the Committee’s determination, earned by performance during the Performance Period shall be cancelled and forfeited.
3.    No Transfer of PSUs. During the Restriction Period (as defined in Paragraph 5), the Employee shall have no rights to or with respect to such PSUs except as specifically set forth in this Performance Award Agreement, and, during the Restriction Period, such nonvested PSUs shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or by qualified domestic relations order 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 Employee.
4.    Risk of Forfeiture. Subject to Paragraphs 6 and 7: (a) upon the Employee’s termination of employment (as determined under Paragraph 8) or (b) following the Employee’s Termination Date (as defined in Paragraph 8), upon the Committee’s determination that the Employee has violated any of the covenants in Paragraphs 13 through 18 herein, in each case prior to the Vesting Date and regardless of whether the Performance Requirements under Paragraph 2.b are achieved, the Employee shall forfeit the right to receive all PSUs and all PSUs shall be automatically cancelled.
5.    Vesting Date and Payment Date. Subject to the forfeiture provisions in Paragraph 4 and the accelerated vesting provisions in Paragraphs 6 and 7, if the employment requirements are met and to the extent the Performance Requirements under Paragraph 2.b are achieved, the restrictions applicable to the PSUs will lapse on <<date>> (the “Vesting Date”). The period from the Grant Date to the Vesting Date is sometimes referred to as the “Restriction Period”. To the extent not previously forfeited, the vested and earned PSUs shall be paid on <<date>> (the “Payment

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Date”) in the form of unrestricted shares of Common Stock as provided in Paragraph 9, subject to the provisions in Paragraph 12.
6.    Termination of Employment. The Employee’s voluntary or involuntary termination of employment (as determined under Paragraph 8) shall affect the Employee’s rights under this Performance Award Agreement as follows:
a.    Voluntary Termination or Termination for Cause. If, other than as specified below, the Employee voluntarily terminates employment with the Company or the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause prior to the Vesting Date, then the Employee shall forfeit the right to receive all nonvested PSUs. For purposes of this Performance Award Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:
(i)
If the Employee has an Employment Agreement (as defined in Paragraph 27.b) in effect on the Grant Date that defines Cause, Cause as defined in the Employment Agreement; or
(ii)
If the Employee does not have an Employment Agreement or such Employment Agreement does not define Cause, the Employee’s engaging in any of the following conduct:
1.
Conduct resulting in a conviction of, or entering a plea of no contest to, any felony;
i.
Conduct resulting in a conviction of, or entering a plea of no contest to, any crime related to employment, but specifically excluding traffic offenses;
ii.
Continued neglect, gross negligence, or willful misconduct by the Employee in the performance of the Employee’s duties, which has a material adverse effect on the Company or its subsidiaries;
iii.
Willful failure to take actions permitted by law and necessary to implement the policies of the Company or its subsidiaries as such policies have been communicated to the Employee;
iv.
Material breach of the terms of this Performance Award Agreement, including but not limited to Paragraphs 13 through 18 herein; or
v.
Drug or alcohol abuse to the extent that such abuse has an obvious and material adverse effect on the Company or its subsidiaries or upon the Employee’s ability to perform his or her duties and responsibilities.
b.    Involuntary Termination without Cause. Unless Paragraph 7.c applies, if the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause prior to the Vesting Date,

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then the Employee shall forfeit the right to receive all nonvested PSUs. The Committee, or its delegee, as applicable, shall retain the authority to accelerate time-vesting, but not the Payment Date, of all or a portion of the PSUs in its sole discretion, provided, however, in such event, any time-based vested PSUs shall remain subject to the Performance Requirements under Paragraph 2.b and further subject to forfeiture upon violation of any covenant referenced in Paragraph 4.b and, to the extent earned, the PSUs shall be issued and delivered as unrestricted shares of Common Stock on the Payment Date as provided in Paragraph 9.
7.    Retirement, Death or Disability, or Change in Control. The Employee’s Retirement, or death or Disability, or a Change in Control, shall affect the Employee’s rights under this Performance Award Agreement as follows
a.    Retirement. Unless Paragraph 7.c applies, if the Employee’s employment with the Company is terminated due to Retirement prior to the Vesting Date, to the extent not previously vested or forfeited, then the Prorated Portion (as defined below) of the PSUs shall become fully time-based vested but shall remain subject to the Performance Requirements under Paragraph 2.b and further subject to forfeiture upon violation of any covenant referenced in Paragraph 4.b and, to the extent earned, the Prorated Portion of the PSUs shall be issued and delivered as unrestricted shares of Common Stock on the Payment Date as provided in Paragraph 9. For these purposes, the “Prorated 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 Vesting Date, multiplied by (ii) the total number of PSUs. For these purposes, the Employee’s position as an employee of the Company will not be considered to be terminated by “Retirement” unless prior to the Termination Date: (i) the Employee provides written notice to the Company of intent to formally retire; (ii) the Employee has reached age 55; (iii) the Employee’s combined age and years of service with the Company as an employee is equal to 65 or greater; and (iv) the Company approves the Employee’s termination as a “Retirement” for purposes of this Performance Award Agreement, which approval is in the sole discretion of the Committee, or its delegee, as applicable.
b.    Death or Disability. Unless Paragraph 7.c applies, if the Employee’s employment with the Company is terminated by death or due to a Disability prior to the Vesting Date, to the extent not previously vested or forfeited, then the PSUs shall become fully time-based vested but shall remain subject to the Performance Requirements under Paragraph 2.b and further subject to forfeiture upon violation of any covenant referenced in Paragraph 4.b and, to the extent earned, the PSUs shall be issued and delivered as unrestricted shares of Common Stock on the Payment Date as provided in Paragraph 9. For purposes of this Performance Award Agreement, the Employee has a “Disability” if the Employee is determined to be disabled in accordance with the applicable disability insurance program of the Company. If the Employee is not then covered by the Company’s disability insurance program, the Employee’s Disability status shall be determined using the same criteria and by the same persons as provided in the Company’s disability insurance program, in consultation with the Committee as needed.

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c.    Change in Control. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Performance Award Agreement, the provisions of this Paragraph 7.c shall apply following a Change in Control.
(i)
If a Change in Control shall occur prior to the Payment Date and the successor company does not assume, convert, continue, or otherwise replace the PSUs on proportionate and equitable terms, to the extent not previously vested or forfeited, then the PSUs shall become fully time-based vested, shall be subject to the performance requirements set forth in subparagraph (iii) below, and shall be paid no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the Change in Control pursuant to and in accordance with the requirements of Treasury Regulations 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix)(B) (related to termination of all similar plans and agreements subject to Code Section 409A).
(ii)
If a Change in Control shall occur prior to the Payment Date and the successor company does assume, convert, continue or otherwise replace the PSUs on proportionate and equitable terms, then the PSUs shall be vested and paid as provided in the following sentence and shall be subject to the performance requirements set forth in subparagraph (iii) below. To the extent not previously vested or forfeited, the PSUs shall vest on the Vesting Date provided the Employee is employed on the Vesting Date. If the employment of the Employee is terminated without Cause or due to the Employee’s Retirement, in each case within twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control, then the PSUs earned in accordance with subparagraph (iii) below shall vest upon such termination of employment and shall be paid within ninety (90) days following the Employee’s separation from service (as defined in Paragraph 23.a) subject to any applicable six-month delay. If the employment of the Employee is terminated without Cause or due to the Employee’s Retirement after twenty-four (24) months following the Change in Control, then the PSUs earned in accordance with subparagraph (iii) below shall vest upon such termination of employment but shall be paid on the Payment Date. If the employment of the Employee is terminated due to the Employee’s death or Disability, then the PSUs earned in accordance with subparagraph (iii) below shall vest upon such death or Disability but shall be paid upon the Payment Date set forth in Paragraph 9.a. If the Employee is terminated for Cause, all PSUs shall be immediately forfeited.
(iii)
For PSUs subject to subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above, (i) if a Change in Control occurs during the Performance Period, then (A) attainment of performance with regard to the Performance Goals shall be based on the stock price provided to shareholders for each share of Common Stock under the definitive agreement governing the Change in Control, as determined by the members of the Committee in place immediately prior to the Change in Control and (B) the Minimum Performance Requirement shall not apply, but (ii) if a Change in Control occurs after the end of the Performance Period but before the Payment Date, then the Performance Requirements under

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Paragraph 2.b shall apply. For PSUs subject to subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above, the forfeiture provision in Paragraph 4.b shall not apply following the Employee’s Termination Date.
(iv)
For purposes of this Paragraph 7.c, a Change in Control shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan, provided that such definition shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A.
8.    Definition of Employment and Termination Date. For purposes of this Performance Award Agreement, “employment” means employment by the Company and/or its subsidiary (as “subsidiary” is defined under the Plan). “Termination Date” means the date upon which the Employee is separated from employment, whether voluntary or involuntary. Neither the transfer of the Employee from employment by the Company to employment by a subsidiary, nor the transfer of the Employee from employment by a subsidiary to employment by the Company, nor the transfer of the Employee from employment by a subsidiary to employment by another subsidiary shall be deemed to be a termination of employment of the Employee. Furthermore, except as required in Paragraph 23.a (related to a permanent reduction in hours), in no event shall employment be deemed terminated under this Performance Award Agreement unless and until the Employee’s employment by the Company, to the extent applicable, and each of its subsidiaries, to the extent applicable, is terminated such that the Employee is no longer employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Moreover, the employment of the Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated because of absence from active employment on account of temporary illness or during authorized vacation or during temporary leaves of absence from active employment granted by the Company or a subsidiary for reasons of professional advancement, education, health, or government service, or during military leave for any period if the Employee returns to active employment within ninety (90) days after the termination of military leave, or during any period required to be treated as a leave of absence by virtue of any valid law or agreement. Notwithstanding the above, for purposes of determining the time of payment of PSUs upon an involuntary termination of employment or due to Retirement within twenty-four (24) months following a Change in Control under Paragraph 7.c(ii), any termination must be a separation from service as defined in Paragraph 23.a. Subject to the requirement of Code Section 409A, the Plan Administrator’s determination in good faith regarding whether a termination of employment of any type or Disability has occurred shall be conclusive and determinative.
9.    Issuance and Delivery of Shares; Ownership Rights.
a.    Issuance and Delivery of Shares. With respect to PSUs that become vested as provided in Paragraph 5, 6 or 7, the shares of Common Stock will be issued and delivered to the Employee via electronic delivery to the Employee’s account with the Company’s stock plan administrator on the Payment Date and will be freely transferable by the Employee (subject to compliance with applicable securities laws). The Committee may change the above procedure for issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock at any time but may not change the Payment Date except to the extent allowed under Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Performance Award Agreement, the issuance and delivery of the shares of Common Stock

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under this Paragraph 9 shall be subject to the requirements of Paragraph 12, including restrictions on transfer as provided therein to the extent applicable.
b.    Ownership Rights and Dividend Equivalents. The Employee has no voting or ownership rights with regard to the shares of Common Stock underlying the PSUs prior to the issuance of such shares. The Employee shall be credited with dividend equivalents for all dividends paid with record dates subsequent to the Grant Date and prior to the Payment Date. The Employee shall be entitled to receive such dividend equivalents in cash to the extent the underlying PSUs are vested and earned and shall in all events be paid at the same time as the PSUs are paid. To the extent any nonvested PSUs are forfeited, the dividend equivalents attributable to such PSUs shall also be forfeited. After the issuance and delivery of the shares of Common Stock, the Employee shall have all voting and ownership rights as provided to other shareholders.
10.    Reorganization of Company and Subsidiaries. The existence of this Performance Award 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 PSUs 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.
11.    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 (each a “Recapitalization Event”), then for all purposes references herein to Common Stock or to PSUs 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 PSUs.
12.    Certain Restrictions. By accepting the Performance Award, the Employee agrees that if at the time of delivery of the shares of Common 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 Employee will acquire the Common Stock for the Employee’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 Employee 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 Performance Award Agreement.
13.    Confidentiality. By accepting the Performance Award, the Employee agrees that both during the Employee’s employment with the Company and thereafter, the Employee will (i) exercise the utmost diligence to protect and safeguard Confidential Information; (ii) not use or disclose to any third party the Company’s and/or its subsidiaries’ Confidential Information, except in the faithful performance of the Employee’s duties for the Company or as required by law; and

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(iii) not use, directly or indirectly, for the Employee’s own benefit or for the benefit of another, any Confidential Information.  For purposes of this Performance Award 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 procedures; (j) compensation, benefits, performance history and other information relating to the 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 Employee’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 shall be construed to prohibit communications among associates regarding their compensation or any other terms and conditions of employment.  Nothing in this Performance Award Agreement is intended to or will be used in any way to limit the Employee’s rights to communicate with a government agency, as provided for, protected under or warranted by applicable law.
14.    Non-Competition. By accepting the Performance Award, the Employee agrees that during the Restricted Period (as defined below), the Employee will not, directly or indirectly, perform any job, task, function, skill, or responsibility for a Competing Business within the Restricted Territory that the Employee has provided for the Company (or its subsidiaries) within the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the Employee’s Termination Date.  For purposes of this Performance Award Agreement, a Competing Business shall mean any direct competitor of the 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.  The “Restricted Period” means the twelve (12) month period immediately after the Employee’s Termination Date. The “Restricted Territory” means where Company’s products are marketed as of the Employee’s Termination Date. The Employee acknowledges that the foregoing restrictions may impair the Employee’s ability to engage in certain business activities during the defined period, but acknowledges that these restrictions are reasonable consideration for the grant of the Performance Award hereunder.
15.    Nonsolicitation of Employees. By accepting the Performance Award, the Employee agrees that during the Restricted Period, the Employee will not directly or indirectly solicit, induce or encourage any Company employee (including any Company’s subsidiaries’ employee) to terminate or alter his or her relationship with the Company and/or its subsidiaries.     

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16.    Nonsolicitation of Customers, Suppliers, and Business Associates. By accepting the Performance Award, the Employee agrees that during the Restricted Period, the Employee will not directly or indirectly induce, solicit or encourage any customer, supplier or other business associate of the Company to terminate or alter its relationship with the Company and/or its subsidiaries, or introduce, offer or sell to or for any customer or business associate, any products or services that compete with a Company product, service, marketing item, or other item which presently exists, or which was under development or active consideration during the Employee’s employment with the Company.
17.    Non-Disparagement.   By accepting the Performance Award, both during the Employee’s employment with the Company and thereafter, the Employee agrees that the Employee shall not, directly or indirectly, disparage the 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.
18.    Reasonable Cooperation.  By accepting the Performance Award, the Employee acknowledges and agrees that, during the course of the Employee’s employment with the Company, the Employee will be 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, both during the Employee’s employment with the Company and for a period of five (5) years after the Employee’s Termination Date, the Employee agrees to cooperate fully with any investigation into, defense or prosecution of, or other involvement in, claims to which the Employee has personal and relevant knowledge that are or may be made by or against the Company. This agreement to cooperate includes talking to or meeting with such persons at times and in such places as the Company and the Employee reasonably agree to, as well as giving truthful evidence and truthful testimony. The Company shall reimburse the Employee for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred in connection with such assistance. The Employee also promises to notify the Company within five (5) days if the Employee is subpoenaed or contacted by a third party seeking information about Company activities.
19.    Noncompliance Reporting. By accepting the Performance Award, the Employee agrees that if, at any time, the Employee learns of information suggesting conduct by an officer or employee of the Company (including of the Company’s subsidiaries) or a member of the Company’s Board of Directors that is unlawful, unethical, or constitutes a material violation of any Company policy, regardless of the source of such information, the Employee 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 Performance Award Agreement is intended to or will be used in any way to limit the Employee’s rights to communicate with a government agency, as provided for, protected under or warranted by applicable law.
20.    Amendment and Termination. No amendment or termination of this Performance Award Agreement which would impair the rights of the Employee shall be made by the Board of

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Directors, the Committee or the Plan Administrator at any time without the written consent of the Employee. No amendment or termination of the Plan will adversely affect the right, title and interest of the Employee under this Performance Award Agreement or to the Performance Award granted hereunder without the written consent of the Employee.
21.    No Guarantee of Employment. This Performance Award Agreement shall not confer upon the Employee any right with respect to continuance of employment 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 Employee’s employment or other service at any time.
22.    Withholding of Taxes. The Company shall have the right to (i) make deductions from the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon satisfaction of the conditions precedent under this Performance Award Agreement (and other amounts payable under this Performance Award Agreement) in an amount sufficient to satisfy withholding of any federal, state or local taxes required by law, or (ii) take such other action as may be necessary or appropriate to satisfy any such tax withholding obligations, provided, in any event, the Company shall withhold only the minimum amount necessary to satisfy applicable statutory withholding requirements unless the Employee has elected to have an additional amount (up to the maximum allowed by law) withheld.
23.    Tax Provisions.
(i)    Code Section 409A Compliance. This Performance Award Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and any right or benefit which is provided pursuant to or in connection with this Performance Award Agreement which is considered to be nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A (referred to as a “409A Award”) shall be provided and paid in a manner, and at such time and in such form, as complies with the applicable requirements of Code Section 409A to avoid the unfavorable tax consequences provided therein for non-compliance. Consequently, this Performance Award Agreement is intended to be administered, interpreted and construed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employee and his or her successor in interest shall be solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on the Employee or his or her successor in interest in connection with this Performance Award Agreement (including any taxes and penalties under Code Section 409A); and neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold the Employee or his or her successor in interest harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.
Except as permitted under Code Section 409A, any 409A Award payable to the Employee or for his or her benefit with respect to the Performance Award may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by the Employee to the Company or any of its affiliates.
To the extent that entitlement to payment of any 409A Award occurs due to termination or cessation of employment, termination or cessation of employment shall be read to mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A. A “separation from service” shall occur where it is reasonably anticipated that no further services will be performed after that date or that the level

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of bona fide services the Employee will perform after that date (whether as an employee or independent contractor of the Company or an affiliate) will permanently decrease to less than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period.  Continued services solely as a director of the Company or an affiliate shall not prevent a separation from service from occurring by the Employee as permitted by Code Section 409A. Where entitlement to payment occurs by reason of a separation from service and the Employee is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as applicable to the Company and its affiliates and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time in accordance with Code Section 409A) on the date of his or her “separation from service”, then payment of such 409A Award shall be delayed (without interest) until the first business day after the end of the six (6) month delay period required under Code Section 409A or, if earlier, after the Employee’s death.
b.    No Guarantee of Tax Consequences. Neither the Company nor any subsidiary or successor nor the Plan Administrator or Committee 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 Performance Award Agreement.
24.    Entire Agreement. This Performance Award 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.
25.    Severability. In the event that any provision of this Performance Award 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 Performance Award Agreement and this Performance Award Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision had never been included herein.
26.    Governing Law. This Performance Award 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.
27.    Miscellaneous Provisions.
a.    Not a Part of Salary. The grant of this Performance Award is not intended to be a part of the salary of the Employee.
b.    Conflicts with Any Employment Agreement. Notwithstanding Paragraph 24 above, if the Employee has an employment or change in control agreement with the Company or any of its subsidiaries (an “Employment Agreement”) which contains different or additional provisions relating to vesting of restricted stock unit awards, or otherwise conflicts with the terms of this Performance Award Agreement, the provisions of the Employment Agreement shall govern.
c.    Independent Covenants. The Employee acknowledges that the promises set forth herein by either party are independent of each other and are independent of any other provision in any other agreement between the Employee and the Company and the existence of any claim or

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cause of action the Employee may have against the Company shall not constitute a defense to enforcement of the Employee’s promises herein.
d.    Electronic Delivery and Signatures. The Employee hereby consents and agrees to electronic delivery of share(s) of Common Stock, Plan documents, proxy materials, annual reports and other related documents. The Company has established procedures for an electronic signature system for delivery and acceptance of Plan documents (including documents relating to any programs adopted under the Plan and this Performance Award Agreement). The Employee 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 Employee 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.
e.    Plan and Prospectus. A copy of the Plan, as well as a prospectus for the Plan, has been provided to the Employee, and the Employee acknowledges receipt thereof.
28.    Clawback Provision. As a condition of receiving the Performance Award, the Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Employee’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to the PSUs and the shares of Common Stock underlying the PSUs shall be subject to such recovery or clawback as may be required pursuant to any applicable federal or other law or regulation, any applicable listing standard of any national securities exchange or system on which the Common Stock is then listed or reported or the terms of the Company’s Incentive Compensation Clawback Policy or similar policy as may be adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors or the Committee, which could in certain circumstances require repayment or forfeiture of the PSUs or any shares of Common Stock or other cash or property received with respect to the PSUs. Except where offset of, or recoupment from, incentive compensation covered by Code Section 409A is prohibited by Code Section 409A, to the extent allowed by law and as determined by the Committee, the Employee agrees that such repayment may, in the discretion of the Committee, be accomplished by withholding of future compensation to be paid to the Employee by the Company. Any recovery of incentive compensation covered by Code Section 409A shall be implemented in a manner which complies with Code Section 409A.

To evidence its grant of the Performance Award and the terms, conditions and restrictions thereof, the Company has signed this Performance Award Agreement as of the Grant Date. This Performance Award Agreement shall not become legally binding unless the Employee has accepted this Performance Award Agreement within thirty (30) days after the Grant Date by signing below. If the Employee fails to timely accept this Performance Award Agreement, the grant of the Performance Award shall be cancelled and forfeited ab initio.


Page | 12


ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED







_______________________
[______________]
EMPLOYEE

CHICO’S FAS, INC.





By:          
[Bonnie R. Brooks]
[Chief Executive Officer and President]


Page | 13

Exhibit 10.65

Exhibit 1 to Performance Award Agreement
Grant Date:    <<date>>
Vesting Date: <<date>>
Payment Date: <<date>>
Target PSU:    <<#>> Units
Performance Period: <<date>> through <<date>>

Minimum Performance Requirement: In order to be eligible to vest in any PSUs, the Company must achieve <<#>> quarters of positive comparable sales growth (at the Company level)* during the Performance Period.

Performance Goals and Payouts:

Performance Level
Highest Stock Price Achieved**
Payout as Percentage of Target***
Threshold Performance Goal
<<$>>
<<%>>
Target Performance Goal
<<$>>
<<%>>
Maximum Performance Goal
<<$>> or higher
<<%>>
* To constitute a quarter of positive comparable sales growth, quarter-to-quarter growth must be above 0%; improvement in comparable sales while quarter-to-quarter comparisons remain negative (i.e., below 0%) is not sufficient to constitute a quarter of positive comparable sales growth.

** “Highest Stock Price” means the highest twenty (20) trading day average closing price of the Common Stock during the last <<#>> quarters of the Performance Period (<<date>> through <<date>>).

*** If performance for Performance Period is between the Threshold and Target or between the Target and Maximum Performance Goals, the “Percentage of Target” achieved will be determined by applying straight line interpolation to both the Highest Stock Price achieved and the payout as percentage of Target.


Any fractional PSU earned will be rounded up or down to the nearest whole PSU.
No payout will be made if Minimum Performance Requirement is not met or if the Threshold Performance Goal is not met.


Page | 1



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 November 2, 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: November 27, 2019
/s/ Bonnie R. Brooks
Name:
 
Bonnie R. Brooks
Title:
 
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 November 2, 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: November 27, 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, 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 November 2, 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
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: November 27, 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 November 2, 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: November 27, 2019