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EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 DIVIDEND - CHICO'S FAS, INC.divexhibit992fy17q4cashdiv.htm
8-K - 8-K Q3 EARNINGS RELEASE - CHICO'S FAS, INC.q32017earningsrelease8-k.htm
Exhibit 99.1

chicosfasbrandlogosupdatea06.jpg

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

Chico's FAS, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results

Ÿ Delivered third quarter EPS of $0.13 despite the unfavorable impact of hurricanes
Ÿ Maintained strong cash position and value-focused capital allocation

Fort Myers, FL - November 21, 2017 - Chico’s FAS, Inc. (NYSE: CHS) (the "Company") today announced its financial results for the fiscal 2017 third quarter ended October 28, 2017.
For the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2017 (the "third quarter"), the Company reported net income of $16.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to net income of $23.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the thirteen weeks ended October 29, 2016. Results for the third quarter include the unfavorable impact of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria (collectively, the "Hurricanes") of approximately $5.0 million after-tax, or $0.04 per diluted share. Results for the third quarter of 2016 include the unfavorable impact of restructuring and strategic charges and Boston Proper of $2.8 million after-tax, or $0.02 per diluted share.
For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017, the Company reported net income of $73.0 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, compared to net income of $77.7 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016. Results for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 include the unfavorable impact of the Hurricanes of approximately $5.0 million after-tax, or $0.04 per diluted share. Results for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 include the unfavorable impact of restructuring and strategic charges and Boston Proper of $15.4 million after-tax, or $0.12 per diluted share.
“Results this quarter were in line with our expectations, and we are pleased with the progress on our strategic initiatives to better address customer needs and transform our business," said Shelley Broader, CEO and President. "The Company’s performance shows that we are continuing to benefit from our organizational changes and our operating efficiency initiatives. We remain focused on driving top line growth and are making important improvements across our brands, including the expansion of special sizes, the broadening of omni-channel engagement and the creation of alternative sales channels to fuel growth. I also want to thank our team for their response to the challenges brought by the hurricanes this past quarter and am grateful that those impacted remained safe.” 
Net Sales
For the third quarter, net sales were $532.3 million compared to $596.9 million in last year’s third quarter. This decrease of 10.8% primarily reflects a comparable sales decline of 8.2%, driven by lower average dollar sale and a decline in transaction count.
The comparable sales calculation excludes the negative impact of stores closed four or more days.

Page 1


Comparable Sales
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
October 29, 2016
 
October 28, 2017
 
October 29, 2016
Chico's
 
(5.8
)%
 
(5.6
)%
 
(8.3
)%
 
(5.4
)%
White House Black Market
 
(14.1
)%
 
(5.5
)%
 
(11.5
)%
 
(3.5
)%
Soma
 
(1.7
)%
 
0.4
 %
 
(1.1
)%
 
0.6
 %
Total Company
 
(8.2
)%
 
(4.9
)%
 
(8.4
)%
 
(4.0
)%
Gross Margin
For the third quarter, gross margin was $196.7 million, or 37.0% of net sales, compared to $230.3 million, or 38.6% of net sales, in last year’s third quarter. This 160 basis point decrease primarily reflects deleverage of store occupancy costs as a percent of sales and store impairment charges related to the Hurricanes, partially offset by an improvement in merchandise margin.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
For the third quarter, selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $171.4 million, or 32.3% of net sales, compared to $188.4 million, or 31.6% of net sales, for last year's third quarter. This decrease of $16.9 million, or 9.0%, primarily reflects the impact of a reduction in employee-related costs and marketing spend.
Income Tax Expense
For the third quarter, the effective tax rate was 32.9% compared to 22.9% for last year's third quarter. The third quarter effective tax rate of 32.9% includes a 430 basis point tax benefit related to income tax credits. The third quarter of 2016 effective tax rate of 22.9% was favorably impacted by the disposition of Boston Proper's stock and the recognition of income tax credits.
Inventories
At the end of the third quarter of 2017, inventories totaled $265.0 million compared to $261.3 million at the end of the third quarter last year. Inventories at the end of the third quarter include a $15.1 million increase compared to the prior year date due to a change in shipping terms with a supplier. Excluding the impact of the change in shipping terms, inventory decreased 4.3%.
Share Repurchase Program
During the third quarter, under its $300.0 million share repurchase program announced in November 2015, the Company repurchased 0.6 million shares for $5.0 million, at a weighted average of $8.18 per share. There is $137.9 million remaining for future share repurchases under the program.
Hurricane Impact
In the third quarter, the Company was impacted by the Hurricanes, resulting in reduced operating hours or the temporary closure of more than 300 stores as well as a decline in direct to consumer sales. The business interruption of the Hurricanes had a significant impact on the Company’s operations. The impact to income from operations due to lower net sales, impairment charges and other incremental Hurricane related expenses was approximately $10 million. On an after-tax basis, the Hurricane related impact to net income was $5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share.


Page 2


Fiscal 2017 4th Quarter Outlook
For the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company expects comparable sales to be down high single-digits. The fiscal 2017 53rd week is not included in the comparable sales calculation. Net sales for the 53rd week are expected to approximate $30 million. The Company anticipates fourth quarter gross margin rate to be approximately flat to up slightly compared to last year. The Company also expects fourth quarter SG&A expenses to decrease compared to last year, largely offset by costs from the 53rd week.

ABOUT CHICO’S FAS, INC.
The Company, through its brands – Chico's, White House Black Market and Soma, is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women’s private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates and complementary accessories.

As of October 28, 2017, the Company operated 1,474 stores in the US and Canada and sold merchandise through franchise locations in Mexico. The Company’s merchandise is also available at www.chicos.com, www.whbm.com and www.soma.com. For more detailed information on Chico's FAS, Inc., please go to our corporate website at www.chicosfas.com. The information on our corporate website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this press release or incorporated into our federal securities law filings.


SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 
This press release contains “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. These statements, including without limitation statements made in Ms. Broader's quotes and in the section entitled "Fiscal 2017 4th Quarter Outlook," 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,” “estimates,” “approximately,” “our planning assumptions,” “future outlook,” and similar expressions. Except for historical information, matters discussed in such statements 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, we cannot guarantee their accuracy or our future 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, changes in the general economic and business environment; changes in the general or specialty retail or apparel industries; the availability of quality store sites; the ability to successfully execute and achieve the expected results of our business strategies, particular strategic initiatives, and organizational redesign; the integration of our new management team; changes in the political environment that create consumer uncertainty; significant changes to product import and distribution costs (such as unexpected consolidation in the freight carrier industry, and the impact associated with our shift to a predominantly FOB shipping structure); new or increased taxes or tariffs; significant shifts in consumer behavior; and those other factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and in the “Forward-Looking Statements” disclosure in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our latest annual report on Form 10-K. There can be no assurance that the actual future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur. Investors using forward-looking statements are encouraged to review the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K, including management’s discussion and analysis therein, its filings on Form 10-Q, the Company’s filings on Form 8-K, and other federal securities law filings for a description of other important factors that may affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. All forward-looking statements that are made or attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that projected results expressed or implied in such statements will not be realized.



(Financial Tables Follow)

Executive Contact:
Julie Lorigan
Vice President – Investor Relations,
Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Chico’s FAS, Inc.
(239) 346-4199

Page 3




Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)


 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
October 28, 2017
 
October 29, 2016
 
October 28, 2017
 
October 29, 2016
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
 
Amount
 
% of
Sales
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chico's
$
284,560

 
53.5
 
$
312,203

 
52.3

 
$
896,904

 
53.0

 
$
995,067

 
53.0

White House Black Market
175,265

 
32.9
 
210,389

 
35.2

 
552,993

 
32.6

 
633,420

 
33.8

Soma
72,462

 
13.6
 
74,320

 
12.5

 
244,699

 
14.4

 
247,134

 
13.2

Total net sales
532,287

 
100.0
 
596,912

 
100.0

 
1,694,596

 
100.0

 
1,875,621

 
100.0

Cost of goods sold
335,585

 
63.0
 
366,618

 
61.4

 
1,051,380

 
62.0

 
1,142,182

 
60.9

Gross margin
196,702

 
37.0
 
230,294

 
38.6

 
643,216

 
38.0

 
733,439

 
39.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses
171,424

 
32.3
 
188,350

 
31.6

 
527,605

 
31.2

 
583,117

 
31.1

Restructuring and strategic charges

 
0.0
 
10,820

 
1.8

 

 
0.0

 
31,027

 
1.6

Income from operations
25,278

 
4.7
 
31,124

 
5.2

 
115,611

 
6.8

 
119,295

 
6.4

Interest expense, net
(388
)
 
0.0
 
(526
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(1,286
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(1,474
)
 
(0.1
)
Income before income taxes
24,890

 
4.7
 
30,598

 
5.1

 
114,325

 
6.7

 
117,821

 
6.3

Income tax provision
8,200

 
1.6
 
7,000

 
1.1

 
41,300

 
2.4

 
40,100

 
2.2

Net income
$
16,690

 
3.1
 
$
23,598

 
4.0

 
$
73,025

 
4.3

 
$
77,721

 
4.1

Per share data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per common share-basic
$
0.13

 
 
 
$
0.18

 
 
 
$
0.57

 
 
 
$
0.59

 
 
Net income per common and common equivalent share–diluted
$
0.13

 
 
 
$
0.18

 
 
 
$
0.57

 
 
 
$
0.58

 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding–basic
124,957

 
 
 
128,753

 
 
 
125,550

 
 
 
129,830

 
 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding–diluted
124,989

 
 
 
128,996

 
 
 
125,591

 
 
 
129,999

 
 
Dividends declared per share
$

 
 
 
$

 
 
 
$
0.2475

 
 
 
$
0.2400

 
 

Page 4




Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)


 
October 28, 2017
 
January 28, 2017
 
October 29, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
125,646

 
$
142,135

 
$
80,331

Marketable securities, at fair value
60,411

 
50,370

 
50,411

Inventories
265,023

 
232,363

 
261,341

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
48,876

 
52,758

 
68,557

Total Current Assets
499,956

 
477,626

 
460,640

Property and Equipment, net
424,961

 
477,185

 
495,587

Other Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
96,774

 
96,774

 
96,774

Other intangible assets, net
38,930

 
38,930

 
38,930

Other assets, net
16,581

 
18,479

 
18,382

Total Other Assets
152,285

 
154,183

 
154,086

 
$
1,077,202

 
$
1,108,994

 
$
1,110,313

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
135,004

 
$
116,378

 
$
125,532

Current debt
15,000

 
16,250

 
10,000

Other current and deferred liabilities
118,495

 
170,232

 
148,706

Total Current Liabilities
268,499

 
302,860

 
284,238

Noncurrent Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
57,335

 
68,535

 
74,768

Deferred liabilities
108,000

 
118,543

 
122,848

Deferred taxes
7,961

 
9,883

 
9,320

Total Noncurrent Liabilities
173,296

 
196,961

 
206,936

Commitments and Contingencies
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock

 

 

Common stock
1,278

 
1,288

 
1,301

Additional paid-in capital
463,502

 
452,756

 
445,787

Treasury stock, at cost
(411,766
)
 
(386,094
)
 
(366,081
)
Retained earnings
582,387

 
541,251

 
538,134

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
6

 
(28
)
 
(2
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
635,407

 
609,173

 
619,139

 
$
1,077,202

 
$
1,108,994

 
$
1,110,313



Page 5




Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)


 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
October 28, 2017
 
October 29, 2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
73,025

 
$
77,721

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
73,968

 
82,585

Loss on disposal and impairment of property and equipment
5,204

 
6,434

Deferred income taxes
(1,483
)
 
(8,098
)
Stock-based compensation expense
14,739

 
15,483

Deferred rent and lease credits
(14,684
)
 
(14,264
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Inventories
(32,660
)
 
(27,506
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
4,506

 
(6,237
)
Income tax receivable
1,050

 
25,755

Accounts payable
18,758

 
(3,789
)
Accrued and other liabilities
(47,598
)
 
(3,391
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
94,825

 
144,693

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of marketable securities
(29,097
)
 
(43,266
)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
19,056

 
43,058

Purchases of property and equipment, net
(27,128
)
 
(35,663
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(37,169
)
 
(35,871
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Payments on borrowings
(12,500
)
 
(7,500
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
2,058

 
2,363

Dividends paid
(32,021
)
 
(31,936
)
Repurchase of common stock
(25,697
)
 
(76,334
)
Payments of tax withholdings related to stock-based awards
(6,034
)
 
(4,990
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(74,194
)
 
(118,397
)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
49

 
(45
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(16,489
)
 
(9,620
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of period
142,135

 
89,951

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of period
$
125,646

 
$
80,331


Page 6




Supplemental Detail on Net Income Per Share Calculation

In accordance with 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 performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) that have met their relevant performance criteria.

Net income per share is determined using the two-class method when it is more dilutive than the treasury stock method. Basic net income per share 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 net income per share reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from non-participating securities such as stock options, PSUs and restricted stock units. For the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, potential common shares were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS to the extent they were antidilutive.

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

 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
 
October 28, 2017
 
October 29, 2016
 
October 28, 2017
 
October 29, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
16,690

 
$
23,598

 
$
73,025

 
$
77,721

Net income and dividends declared allocated to participating securities
 
(394
)
 
(502
)
 
(1,683
)
 
(1,677
)
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
16,296

 
$
23,096

 
$
71,342

 
$
76,044

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
 
124,957

 
128,753

 
125,550

 
129,830

Dilutive effect of non-participating securities
 
32

 
243

 
41

 
169

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted
 
124,989

 
128,996

 
125,591

 
129,999

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.13

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.57

 
$
0.59

Diluted
 
$
0.13

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.57

 
$
0.58





Chico's FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Store Count and Square Footage
Thirteen Weeks Ended October 28, 2017
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 29, 2017
 
New Stores
 
Closures
 
October 28, 2017
 
 
Store count:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chico’s frontline boutiques
578

 

 
(2
)
 
576

 
 
Chico’s outlets
117

 

 

 
117

 
 
Chico's Canada
4

 

 

 
4

 
 
WHBM frontline boutiques
415

 

 
(3
)
 
412

 
 
WHBM outlets
70

 

 
(1
)
 
69

 
 
WHBM Canada
6

 

 

 
6

 
 
Soma frontline boutiques
273

 

 
(2
)
 
271

 
 
Soma outlets
19

 

 

 
19

 
 
Total Chico's FAS, Inc.
1,482

 

 
(8
)
 
1,474

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 29, 2017
 
New Stores
 
Closures
 
Other changes in SSF
 
October 28, 2017
Net selling square footage (SSF):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chico’s frontline boutiques
1,581,628

 

 
(4,119
)
 
340

 
1,577,849

Chico’s outlets
294,017

 

 

 
240

 
294,257

Chico's Canada
9,695

 

 

 

 
9,695

WHBM frontline boutiques
966,759

 

 
(8,059
)
 
(670
)
 
958,030

WHBM outlets
146,149

 

 
(1,950
)
 
(281
)
 
143,918

WHBM Canada
14,891

 

 

 

 
14,891

Soma frontline boutiques
517,254

 

 
(3,880
)
 
174

 
513,548

Soma outlets
35,637

 

 

 
(96
)
 
35,541

Total Chico's FAS, Inc.
3,566,030

 

 
(18,008
)
 
(293
)
 
3,547,729


As of October 28, 2017, the Company also sold merchandise through 94 international franchise locations.




Page 7




    
Chico's FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Store Count and Square Footage
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2017
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 28, 2017
 
New Stores
 
Closures
 
October 28, 2017
 
 
Store count:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chico’s frontline boutiques
587

 

 
(11
)
 
576

 
 
Chico’s outlets
116

 
1

 

 
117

 
 
Chico's Canada
4

 

 

 
4

 
 
WHBM frontline boutiques
423

 

 
(11
)
 
412

 
 
WHBM outlets
71

 

 
(2
)
 
69

 
 
WHBM Canada
6

 

 

 
6

 
 
Soma frontline boutiques
275

 
1

 
(5
)
 
271

 
 
Soma outlets
19

 

 

 
19

 
 
Total Chico’s FAS, Inc.
1,501

 
2

 
(29
)
 
1,474

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 28, 2017
 
New Stores
 
Closures
 
Other changes in SSF
 
October 28, 2017
Net selling square footage (SSF):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chico’s frontline boutiques
1,606,730

 

 
(24,718
)
 
(4,163
)
 
1,577,849

Chico’s outlets
291,455

 
2,337

 

 
465

 
294,257

Chico's Canada
9,695

 

 

 

 
9,695

WHBM frontline boutiques
984,754

 

 
(27,268
)
 
544

 
958,030

WHBM outlets
148,457

 

 
(4,316
)
 
(223
)
 
143,918

WHBM Canada
14,891

 

 

 

 
14,891

Soma frontline boutiques
519,945

 
2,189

 
(9,633
)
 
1,047

 
513,548

Soma outlets
35,637

 

 

 
(96
)
 
35,541

Total Chico’s FAS, Inc.
3,611,564

 
4,526

 
(65,935
)
 
(2,426
)
 
3,547,729


As of October 28, 2017, the Company also sold merchandise through 94 international franchise locations.


Page 8