Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 
FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarter Ended: Commission File Number:
August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 001-16435

 
Chico’s FAS, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
 

Florida 59-2389435
(State of Incorporation) 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
11215 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, Florida 33966
(Address of principal executive offices)
239-277-6200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ý  Accelerated filer ¨
    
Non-accelerated filer 
¨ (do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
At August 20, 2015,15, 2016, the registrant had 139,289,039132,033,005 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

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Table of Contents

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
  
 
   
   
   
   
  

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks EndedJuly 30, 2016 August 1, 2015 July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014 August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014    (as adjusted)     (as adjusted)
Amount 
% of
Sales
 Amount 
% of
Sales
 Amount 
% of
Sales
 Amount 
% of
Sales
Amount 
% of
Sales
 Amount 
% of
Sales
 Amount % of
Sales
 Amount % of
Sales
Net sales$1,373,691
 100.0 % $1,352,735
 100.0% $680,352
 100.0 % $671,130
 100.0 %$635,732
 100.0
 $685,826
 100.0
 $1,278,709
 100.0
 $1,383,592
 100.0
Cost of goods sold611,953
 44.5 % 618,372
 45.7% 314,384
 46.2 % 319,658
 47.6 %394,922
 62.1
 421,125
 61.4
 775,564
 60.7
 823,273
 59.5
Gross margin761,738
 55.5 % 734,363
 54.3% 365,968
 53.8 % 351,472
 52.4 %240,810
 37.9
 264,701
 38.6
 503,145
 39.3
 560,319
 40.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses636,654
 46.3 % 623,786
 46.1% 308,437
 45.3 % 304,737
 45.4 %186,626
 29.4
 207,170
 30.2
 394,767
 30.9
 435,235
 31.5
Goodwill and trade name impairment charges66,941
 4.9 % 
 0.0% 66,941
 9.8 % 
 0.0 %
Goodwill and intangible impairment charges
 0.0
 66,941
 9.8
 
 0.0
 66,941
 4.8
Restructuring and strategic charges31,041
 2.3 % 
 0.0% 16,166
 2.4 % 
 0.0 %16,556
 2.6
 16,166
 2.3
 20,207
 1.5
 31,041
 2.2
Income (loss) from operations27,102
 2.0 % 110,577
 8.2% (25,576) (3.7)% 46,735
 7.0 %37,628
 5.9
 (25,576) (3.7) 88,171
 6.9
 27,102
 2.0
Interest (expense) income, net(955) (0.1)% 31
 0.0% (502) (0.1)% (9) 0.0 %
Interest expense, net(489) (0.1) (502) (0.1) (948) (0.1) (955) (0.1)
Income (loss) before income taxes26,147
 1.9 % 110,608
 8.2% (26,078) (3.8)% 46,726
 7.0 %37,139
 5.8
 (26,078) (3.8) 87,223
 6.8
 26,147
 1.9
Income tax (benefit) provision(8,500) (0.6)% 40,600
 3.0% (28,200) (4.1)% 16,600
 2.5 %
Income tax provision (benefit)14,100
 2.2
 (28,200) (4.1) 33,100
 2.6
 (8,500) (0.6)
Net income$34,647
 2.5 % $70,008
 5.2% $2,122
 0.3 % $30,126
 4.5 %$23,039
 3.6
 $2,122
 0.3
 $54,123
 4.2
 $34,647
 2.5
Per share data:                              
Net income per common share-basic$0.24
   $0.46
   $0.02
   $0.20
  $0.17
   $0.02
   $0.41
   $0.24
  
Net income per common and common equivalent share–diluted$0.24
   $0.46
   $0.02
   $0.20
  $0.17
   $0.02
   $0.41
   $0.24
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding–basic140,992
   148,584
   138,606
   148,694
  129,215
   138,606
   130,406
   140,992
  
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding–diluted141,339
   149,127
   138,961
   149,218
  129,362
   138,961
   130,516
   141,339
  
Dividends declared per share$0.2325
   $0.2250
   $0.0775
   $0.0750
  $0.0800
   $0.0775
   $0.2400
   $0.2325
  

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

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015
August 2, 2014
August 1, 2015
August 2, 2014July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015 July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Net income$34,647
 $70,008
 $2,122
 $30,126
$23,039
 $2,122
 $54,123
 $34,647
Other comprehensive income (loss):              
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes(18) (52) (6) (24)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes121
 (3) 331
 6
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of taxes6
 (6) 39
 (18)
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of taxes4
 331
 (27) 121
Comprehensive income$34,750
 $69,953
 $2,447
 $30,108
$23,049
 $2,447
 $54,135
 $34,750

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

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
August 1, 2015 January 31, 2015 August 2, 2014July 30, 2016 January 30, 2016 August 1, 2015

   
     
ASSETS          
Current Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents$109,015
 $133,351
 $114,387
$100,532
 $89,951
 $109,015
Marketable securities, at fair value47,999
 126,561
 94,276
50,612
 50,194
 47,999
Inventories239,043
 235,159
 238,072
235,636
 233,834
 239,043
Prepaid expenses and other current assets68,979
 51,088
 50,744
43,135
 45,660
 50,190
Income tax receivable3,070
 29,157
 11,482
Assets held for sale85,941
 16,800
 
18,667
 16,525
 85,941
Total Current Assets550,977
 562,959
 497,479
451,652
 465,321
 543,670
Property and Equipment, net563,583
 606,147
 635,651
515,088
 550,953
 563,583
Other Assets:          
Goodwill96,774
 145,627
 171,427
96,774
 96,774
 96,774
Other intangible assets, net38,930
 109,538
 116,017
38,930
 38,930
 38,930
Other assets, net15,522
 14,310
 10,828
18,989
 14,074
 22,829
Total Other Assets151,226
 269,475
 298,272
154,693
 149,778
 158,533

$1,265,786
 $1,438,581
 $1,431,402
$1,121,433
 $1,166,052
 $1,265,786
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current Liabilities:          
Accounts payable$148,288
 $144,534
 $156,091
$136,761
 $129,343
 $148,288
Current debt10,000
 
 
10,000
 10,000
 10,000
Other current and deferred liabilities150,433
 158,396
 140,545
151,823
 158,788
 150,433
Liabilities held for sale7,297
 
 

 
 7,297
Total Current Liabilities316,018
 302,930
 296,636
298,584
 298,131
 316,018
Noncurrent Liabilities:          
Long-term debt87,186
 
 
77,252
 82,219
 87,186
Deferred liabilities138,815
 142,371
 141,704
126,377
 130,743
 138,815
Deferred taxes13,562
 49,659
 47,441
9,377
 15,171
 13,562
Total Noncurrent Liabilities239,563
 192,030
 189,145
213,006
 228,133
 239,563
Commitments and Contingencies
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity:          
Preferred stock
 
 

 
 
Common stock1,394
 1,529
 1,530
1,320
 1,355
 1,394
Additional paid-in capital422,387
 407,275
 393,031
440,038
 435,881
 422,387
Treasury stock, at cost(249,854) 
 
(346,062) (289,813) (249,854)
Retained earnings535,613
 534,255
 551,003
514,495
 492,325
 535,613
Accumulated other comprehensive income665
 562
 57
52
 40
 665
Total Stockholders’ Equity710,205
 943,621
 945,621
609,843
 639,788
 710,205
$1,265,786
 $1,438,581
 $1,431,402
$1,121,433
 $1,166,052
 $1,265,786

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

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Twenty-Six Weeks EndedTwenty-Six Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:      
Net income$34,647
 $70,008
$54,123
 $34,647
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities —   
Goodwill and trade name impairment charges, pre-tax66,941
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Goodwill and intangible impairment charges, pre-tax
 66,941
Depreciation and amortization61,672
 60,373
55,445
 61,672
Loss on disposal and impairment of property and equipment21,603
 209
3,542
 21,603
Deferred tax benefit(39,881) (4,443)(7,492) (39,881)
Stock-based compensation expense13,657
 12,684
9,623
 13,657
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation(2,170) (1,196)(220) (2,170)
Deferred rent and lease credits(9,219) (9,221)(9,523) (9,219)
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Inventories(15,165) 73
(1,802) (15,165)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(19,212) (1,645)
Prepaid expenses and accounts receivable(3,379) (8,325)
Income tax receivable26,087
 (10,887)
Accounts payable(3,045) 13,346
(3,130) (3,045)
Accrued and other liabilities2,254
 12,952
(1,588) 2,254
Net cash provided by operating activities112,082
 153,140
121,686
 112,082
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:      
Purchases of marketable securities(29,460) (42,700)(28,708) (29,460)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities107,994
 64,407
28,334
 107,994
Purchases of property and equipment, net(42,836) (62,966)(25,231) (42,836)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities35,698
 (41,259)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(25,605) 35,698
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:      
Proceeds from borrowings124,000
 

 124,000
Payments on borrowings(26,500) 
(5,000) (26,500)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock9,087
 4,297
1,272
 9,087
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation2,170
 1,196
220
 2,170
Dividends paid(22,160) (22,901)(21,405) (22,160)
Repurchase of common stock(258,834) (16,527)(60,560) (258,834)
Net cash used in financing activities(172,237) (33,935)(85,473) (172,237)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents121
 (3)(27) 121
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(24,336) 77,943
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents10,581
 (24,336)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of period
133,351
 36,444
89,951
 133,351
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of period
$109,015
 $114,387
$100,532
 $109,015
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:      
Cash paid for interest$1,570
 $151
$1,101
 $1,570
Cash paid for income taxes, net$45,285
 $36,812
$15,507
 $45,285

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

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Chico’s FAS, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such interim financial statements reflect all normal, recurring adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015,30, 2016, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 9, 2015.8, 2016.
As used in this report, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” and “the Company,” refer to Chico’s FAS, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Our fiscal years end on the Saturday closest to January 31 and are designated by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. Operating results for the thirteen weeks and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications of certain prior year balances were made in order to conform to the current year presentation.
Change in Accounting Policy
Effective January 31, 2016, the Company made a voluntary change in accounting principle related to our classification of shipping expenses. Historically, we have presented shipping expenses within selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"). Under the new policy, the Company is presenting these expenses within cost of good sold ("COGS") in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company believes that this change is preferable as the shipping expenses represent direct costs associated with the sale of our merchandise and improves comparability with the Company's peers. The accounting policy change was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. There was no change to consolidated net income, however, cost of sales increased by $9.5 million and SG&A decreased by the same amount for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015. The Company recorded $8.5 million in shipping expense as a component of COGS during the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016. For the year-to-date period ended August 1, 2015, cost of sales increased by $18.8 million and SG&A decreased by the same amount. The Company recorded $16.8 million in shipping expense as a component of COGS during the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016.
Reclassification of Occupancy Expenses and Correction of Immaterial Accounting Error
The Company has changed its classification of store occupancy expenses. Historically, we have presented store occupancy expenses within SG&A. As now reclassified, the Company is presenting these expenses within COGS in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company believes that the store occupancy expenses represent direct costs associated with the sale of our merchandise and improves comparability with the Company’s peers. This reclassification was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. There was no change to consolidated net income, however, cost of sales increased by $97.3 million and SG&A decreased by the same amount for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015. The Company recorded $96.1 million in store occupancy expenses as a component of COGS during the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016. For the year-to-date period ended August 1, 2015, cost of sales increased by $192.5 million and SG&A decreased by the same amount. The Company recorded $191.9 million in store occupancy expenses as a component of COGS during the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016.
The Company has also elected to correct the historical classification of shipping revenue within SG&A. To correct the immaterial error, we are classifying shipping revenue as a component of net sales within the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented. There was no change to consolidated net income, however, net sales increased by $5.5 million and SG&A increased by the same amount for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015. The Company recorded $3.7 million in shipping revenue as a component of net sales during the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016. For the year-to-date period ended August 1, 2015, net sales increased by $9.9 million and SG&A increased by the same amount. The Company recorded $6.7 million in shipping revenue as a component of net sales during the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016.


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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

Adjustments to Presentation
The above mentioned changes had no cumulative effect on the presentation of the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, or Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The effects of the aforementioned accounting policy change, change in classification and error correction to the August 1, 2015 unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income are as follows (dollars in thousands):
 As Previously Reported % of Sales Change in Accounting Policy Effect of Change in Occupancy Classification Effect of Error Correction As Adjusted % of Sales
              
Thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015:          
Net sales$680,351
 100.0 $
 $
 $5,475
 $685,826
 100.0
Cost of goods sold314,383
 46.2 9,484
 97,258
 
 421,125
 61.4
Gross Margin365,968
 53.8 (9,484) (97,258) 5,475
 264,701
 38.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses308,437
 45.3 (9,484) (97,258) 5,475
 207,170
 30.2
 As Previously Reported % of Sales Change in Accounting Policy Effect of Change in Occupancy Classification Effect of Error Correction As Adjusted % of Sales
              
Twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015:          
Net sales$1,373,690
 100.0 $
 $
 $9,902
 $1,383,592
 100.0
Cost of goods sold611,952
 44.5 18,825
 192,496
 
 823,273
 59.5
Gross Margin761,738
 55.5 (18,825) (192,496) 9,902
 560,319
 40.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses636,654
 46.3 (18,825) (192,496) 9,902
 435,235
 31.5
Footnotes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements herein have been adjusted to reflect the impact of these changes accordingly.

Note 2. New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2016-09 requires entities to recognize the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. The standard also permits an employer to repurchase more of an employee's shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. This standard will be effective and adopted for our first quarter 2017. We are currently assessing the new standard and its impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which replaces the existing guidance in Accounting Standard Codification 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability. For finance leases, the lessee would recognize interest expense and amortization of the right-of-use asset and for operating leases, the lessee would recognize straight-line total rent expense. We are currently assessing the new standard and its impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, under which entities will no longer be able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities they classify as available for sale in other comprehensive income but instead recognize the change in fair value in net income. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently assessing the new standard, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which modifies the presentation of noncurrent and current deferred taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2015, with retrospective presentation, as shown in our consolidated balance sheets. Our retrospective presentation resulted in a $7.3 million reclassification from current assets to other assets, net for the period ending August 1, 2015.
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330). The amendments, which apply to inventory that is measured using any method other than the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method, require that entities measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied on a prospective basis. We are currently assessing the potential impact of adopting this ASU, but do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which modifies the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, rather than the Company's current classification as a deferred asset within Other Assets. ASU 2015-03 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We elected to early adopt this guidance in the second quarter ended August 1, 2015, and have presented the debt issuance costs related to our revolving credit facility as a deferred asset within Other Assets, as is permitted by ASU No. 2015-15, Imputation of Interest, which was issued in August 2015. Such adoption did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial position.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In JulyAugust 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral of the effective date, to make it effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. The FASB has issued subsequent ASUs related to ASU No. 2014-09, which detail amendments to the ASU, implementation considerations, narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients. We are currently assessing the new standard and all related ASUs and its potential impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360). Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results would qualify as discontinued operations. The update also requires expanded disclosures for discontinued operations and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that don't qualify for discontinued operations reporting. ASU 2014-08 was effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. We adopted this standard beginning with the first quarter ended May 2, 2015 and have applied this standard to the Boston Proper disposal, as further discussed in Note 3.


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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015
(Unaudited)

Note 3. Restructuring and Strategic Charges
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we initiated a restructuring program, including the acceleration of domestic store closures and an organizational realignment, to ensure that resources are alignedalign with long-term growth initiatives, including omni-channel. In connection with this effort, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we recorded pre-tax restructuring and other charges of approximately $16.7 million primarily related to severance, store closures and other impairment charges.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, in connection with the restructuring program, we completed an evaluation of the Boston Proper brand, and initiated a plan (the "Plan") to sell the direct-to-consumer ("DTC") business and close its stores, allowing us to focus our efforts on our core omni-channel brands. The Boston Proper DTC business is currently being marketed by a third party on our behalf. As of August 1, 2015, all assets and liabilities of the Boston Proper DTC business have been recorded as held for sale in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value less costs to sell. While we currently expect to sell the Boston Proper DTC business, the sale is dependent on local and global economic factors and the existence of prospective buyers, among other factors. There can be no assurance that we will realize our expected proceeds or that the sale, if any, will be complete within a reasonable time. We assessed the disposal group and determined thatcompleted the sale of the Boston Proper DTCdirect-to-consumer business, will not have a major effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Accordingly,and closed its stores. 
During the disposal group is not presented in the financial statements as a discontinued operation. Pretax losses in the secondfirst quarter of fiscal 20152016, we announced an expansion of our restructuring program to further align the organizational structure with long-term growth initiatives, including transition of executive leadership, and 2014 for the Boston Proper DTC business were $1.4 millionto reduce COGS and $0.9 million, respectively. Pretax losses in the year-to-date period of fiscal 2015SG&A through strategic initiatives. These strategic initiatives include realigning marketing and 2014 were $4.4 milliondigital commerce, improving supply chain efficiency, and $2.6 million, respectively.
A summary of the restructuringreducing non-merchandise and strategic charges is presented in the table below:
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended
 August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014 August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014
        
 (in thousands)
Impairment charges$20,930
 $
 $14,978
 $
Continuing employee-related costs5,639
 
 14
 
Severance charges1,820
 
 186
 
Lease termination charges2,757
 
 1,688
 
Other(105) 
 (700) 
Total restructuring and strategic charges, pre-tax$31,041
 $
 $16,166
 $
During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded pre-tax restructuring and strategic charges in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income of $16.2 million, primarily related to $12.7 million in property and equipment impairment charges related to Boston Proper and a $2.0 million loss recognized on Boston Proper DTC assets held for sale. During the year-to-date period of fiscal 2015, wemarketing expenses. The Company recorded pre-tax restructuring and strategic charges of $31.0$3.6 million and $16.6 million in the first and second quarters, respectively. These charges primarily related to $20.9 million in propertyseverance, proxy solicitation costs and equipment impairment charges, $5.6 million in continuing employee-related costs, $1.8 million in severance charges and $2.8 million in lease termination charges.consulting fees.
In connection with the restructuring and strategic activities,program, we determined to increase the rate ofevaluated our domestic store closuresportfolio and identified 160-165 under-performingapproximately 175 stores for closure, with 82 stores across our brands, including the20 Boston Proper stores. Throughstores, closed through the second quarter of 2015, 20 stores across our brands have been closed. We plan to close an additional 53 stores, including the Boston Proper stores, in fiscal 2015, with the remainder to be closed in fiscal 2016 and 2017. 2016.As a result, we expect to incur additional cash charges related to lease termination expenses of approximately $9.4 million.$1.7 million through fiscal 2017 related to these future closures.


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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

A summary of the restructuring and strategic charges is presented in the table below:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015 July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
        
 (in thousands)
Impairment charges$1,453
 $14,978
 $1,453
 $20,930
Continuing employee-related costs
 14
 1,015
 5,639
Severance charges8,236
 186
 9,420
 1,820
Proxy solicitation costs4,524
 
 5,589
 
Lease termination charges127
 1,688
 348
 2,757
Consulting fees2,234
 
 2,234
 
Other charges(18) (700) 148
 (105)
Total restructuring and strategic charges, pre-tax$16,556
 $16,166
 $20,207
 $31,041
As of August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, a reserve of $6.3$17.2 million related to restructuring and strategic activities was outstanding and was included in other current and deferred liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. A roll-forward of the reserve is presented as follows:
Severance Charges Lease Termination Charges Other TotalContinuing employee-related costs Severance Charges Proxy Solicitation Costs Lease Termination Charges Consulting Fees Other charges Total
                    
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Beginning Balance, January 31, 2015$7,577
 $
 $486
 $8,063
Beginning Balance, January 30, 2016$2,549
 $1,678
 $
 $1,101
 $9
 $
 $5,337
Charges1,820
 2,757
 596
 5,173
1,015
 9,420
 5,589
 348
 2,234
 148
 18,754
Payments(5,564) (313) (1,082) (6,959)(3,001) (1,806) (1,056) (463) (424) (130) (6,880)
Ending Balance, August 1, 2015$3,833
 $2,444
 $
 $6,277
Ending Balance, July 30, 2016$563
 $9,292
 $4,533
 $986
 $1,819
 $18
 $17,211

Note 4. Goodwill and Trade Name Impairment Charges
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, in connection with the Plan, we recorded a pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $48.9 million, reducing the carrying value of goodwill to zero, and a pre-tax impairment charge related to the Boston Proper trade name of $18.0 million, reducing the carrying value of the trade name to $23.6 million. The carrying value of the Boston Proper trade name is included in assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of August 1, 2015.
The following table provides changes in the carrying amount of Boston Proper goodwill:
 August 1, 2015
  
 (in thousands)
Gross carrying amount$141,919
Cumulative impairment, January 31, 2015(93,066)
Impairment charges(48,853)
Cumulative impairment, August 1, 2015(141,919)
Net carrying amount$
Note 5.4. Stock-Based Compensation
For the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, and August 2, 2014, stock-based compensation expense was $13.7$9.6 million and $12.7$13.7 million, respectively. As of August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, approximately 6.85.3 million shares remain available for future grants of equity awards under our 2012 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock award activity for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 was as follows:
Number of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Number of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period3,918,189
 $15.70
2,585,392
 $16.60
Granted1,262,720
 18.14
1,648,110
 12.37
Vested(1,316,265) 16.04
(906,050) 17.16
Forfeited(410,879) 16.92
(415,285) 15.56
Unvested, end of period3,453,765
 16.32
2,912,167
 14.18

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units
For the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, we granted performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), contingent upon the achievement of a Company-specific performance goal during fiscal 2015.2016. Any units earned as a result of the achievement of this goal will vest over 3 years from the date of grant and will be settled in shares of our common stock.
Performance-based restricted stock unit activity for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 was as follows:
Number of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Number of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period213,453
 $15.01
469,898
 $18.23
Granted526,810
 18.23
733,360
 12.55
Vested(213,453) 15.01
(214,465) 18.23
Forfeited(1)(18,732) 18.23
(247,537) 15.79
Unvested, end of period508,078
 18.23
741,256
 13.43
(1) The performance goal for the PSUs granted in 2015 was not fully met. Forfeitures for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 include the portion of the fiscal 2015 PSUs that were not earned.
 Stock Option Awards
For the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, and August 2, 2014, we did not grant any stock options. In the years that we granted options, we used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value our stock options.
Stock option activity for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 was as follows:
Number of
Shares
 Weighted
 Average
Exercise Price
Number of
Shares
 Weighted
 Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period1,947,928
 $15.16
1,060,774
 $15.17
Granted
 

 
Exercised(695,461) 11.46
(23,100) 4.76
Forfeited or expired(110,866) 29.88
(125,219) 26.18
Outstanding and exercisable at August 1, 20151,141,601
 15.99
Outstanding and exercisable at July 30, 2016912,455
 13.93

Note 6.5. 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 July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, and August 2, 2014 the effective tax rate was 38.0% and (108.1)% and 35.5%, respectively. For the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016, the income tax provision was $14.1 million. The income tax benefit for the second quarter of 2015 of $28.2 million and effective tax rate of (108.1)% primarily reflected the tax benefit related to the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock and the tax benefitimpact of the Boston Proper goodwill and trade name impairment on the annual effective tax rate.
For the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, and August 2, 2014, the effective tax rate was 37.9% and (32.5)% and 36.7%, respectively. The income tax benefitprovision for fiscal 20152016 of $8.5$33.1 million and effective tax rate of (32.5)%37.9% primarily reflected the pre-tax net income during the period while the fiscal 2015 benefit primarily reflected the tax benefit related to the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock and the tax benefitimpact of the Boston Proper goodwill and trade name impairment on the annual effective tax rate.


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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

Note 7.6. 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

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015
(Unaudited)

included in the calculation of earnings per common share pursuant to the “two-class” method. For us, participating securities are composed entirely of unvested restricted stock awards and PSUs that have met their relevant performance criteria.
Earnings per share (“EPS”) is determined using the two-class method aswhen it is more dilutive than the treasury stock method. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including participating securities. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from non-participating securities such as stock options and PSUs.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS shown on the face of the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of incomeoperations (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014 August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015 July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
              
Numerator              
Net income$34,647
 $70,008
 $2,122
 $30,126
$23,039
 $2,122
 $54,123
 $34,647
Net income and dividends declared allocated to participating securities(804) (1,902) (28) (842)(506) (28) (1,155) (804)
Net income available to common shareholders$33,843
 $68,106
 $2,094
 $29,284
$22,533
 $2,094
 $52,968
 $33,843
Denominator              
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic140,992
 148,584
 138,606
 148,694
129,215
 138,606
 130,406
 140,992
Dilutive effect of non-participating securities347
 543
 355
 524
147
 355
 110
 347
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted141,339
 149,127
 138,961
 149,218
129,362
 138,961
 130,516
 141,339
Net income per common share:              
Basic$0.24
 $0.46
 $0.02
 $0.20
$0.17
 $0.02
 $0.41
 $0.24
Diluted$0.24
 $0.46
 $0.02
 $0.20
$0.17
 $0.02
 $0.41
 $0.24
For the twenty-sixthirteen weeks weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, and August 2, 2014, 0.8 million and 0.60.3 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 thirteentwenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, and August 2, 2014, 0.30.9 million and 0.60.8 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.

Note 8.7. Fair Value Measurements
Our financial instruments consist of cash, money market accounts, marketable securities, assets held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan, accounts receivable and payable, and debt. Cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. Refer to Note 11 for the fair value of the Company's outstanding debt instruments.
Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and as of August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 generally consist of corporate bonds, U.S. government agencies and commercial paper with $26.9$31.5 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $21.1$19.1 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

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015
(Unaudited)

losses, net of income taxes, reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. For the purposes of computing realized and unrealized gains and losses, cost is determined on a specific identification basis.

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

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 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
    
 Level 2Unadjusted 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 3Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability
We measure certain financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis, including our marketable securities, which are classified as available-for-sale securities, certain cash equivalents, specifically our money market accounts, and assets held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The money market accounts are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets. Our marketable securities are generally valued based on other observable inputs for those securities (including market corroborated pricing or other models that utilize observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves) based on information provided by independent third party pricing entities, except for U.S. government securities which are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets. The investments in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan are valued using quoted market prices and are included in other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
From time to time, we measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, including evaluation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment using company-specific assumptions which would fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of the current assets and liabilities held for sale related to the the Boston Proper DTC business approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature. We estimate the fair value of other assets held for sale using market values for similar assets which would fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we recorded $81.6 million in pre-tax impairment charges related to assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, comprised of $48.9 million in Boston Proper goodwill impairment, $18.0 million pre-tax in Boston Proper trade name impairment, $12.7 million in property and equipment impairment charges related to Boston Proper and a $2.0 million loss recognized on Boston Proper DTC assets held for sale.
To assess the fair value of Boston Proper goodwill,long-term debt, we utilized an income approach, which incorporated market assumptions. Inputs used to calculate the fair value based on the income approach primarily included estimatedutilize a discounted future cash flowsflow model using current borrowing rates for the DTC business, discounted at a rate that approximates a rate that would be used by a market participant. Inputs used to calculate the fair value also incorporated market assumptions and included considerationsimilar types of multiplesdebt of sales and earnings based on guidelines for publicly traded companies and recent transactions.
To assess the fair value of the Boston Proper trade name, we utilized a relief from royalty approach. Inputs used to calculate the fair value of the trade name primarily included future sales projections for the DTC business, discounted at a rate that approximates a rate that would be used by a market participant and estimated royalty rate.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 August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, we did not make any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets.instruments. Furthermore, as of July 30, 2016, January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, January 31, 2015 and August 2, 2014, we did not have any Level 3 cash equivalents or marketable securities.financial instruments. We conduct reviews on a quarterly basis to verify pricing, assess liquidity, and determine if significant inputs have changed that would impact the fair value hierarchy disclosure.

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

In accordance with the provisions of the guidance, we categorized our financial assets,instruments, 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  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Balance as of August 1, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Balance as of July 30, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
       (in thousands)
Financial Assets:       
Current Assets       
Cash equivalents:       
Money market accounts$110
 $110
 $
 $
Marketable securities:       
Municipal securities1,537
 
 1,537
 
U.S. government agencies23,928
 
 23,928
 
Corporate bonds21,672
 
 21,672
 
Commercial paper3,475
 
 3,475
 
Non Current Assets       
Deferred compensation plan8,401
 8,401
 
 
Total$59,123
 $8,511
 $50,612
 $
(in thousands)       
Financial Liabilities:       
Long-term debt1
$87,252
 $
 $87,677
 $
       
Balance as of January 30, 2016      
Financial Assets:       
Current Assets              
Cash equivalents:              
Money market accounts$2,332
 $2,332
 $
 $
$275
 $275
 $
 $
Marketable securities:              
U.S. government agencies17,022
 
 17,022
 
21,800
 
 21,800
 
Corporate bonds28,977
 
 28,977
 
26,149
 
 26,149
 
Commercial paper2,000
 
 2,000
 
2,245
 
 2,245
 
Non Current Assets              
Deferred compensation plan9,454
 9,454
 
 
7,023
 7,023
 
 
Total$59,785
 $11,786
 $47,999
 $
$57,492
 $7,298
 $50,194
 $
              
Financial Liabilities:       
Long-term debt$92,219
 $
 $92,647
 $
Balance as of January 31, 2015             
Balance as of August 1, 2015      
Financial Assets:       
Current Assets              
Cash equivalents:              
Money market accounts$338
 $338
 $
 $
$2,332
 $2,332
 $
 $
Marketable securities:              
Municipal securities16,663
 
 16,663
 
U.S. government securities1,402
 1,402
 
 
U.S. government agencies26,299
 
 26,299
 
17,022
 
 17,022
 
Corporate bonds79,202
 
 79,202
 
28,977
 
 28,977
 
Commercial paper2,995
 
 2,995
 
2,000
 
 2,000
 
Non Current Assets              
Deferred compensation plan8,461
 8,461
 
 
9,454
 9,454
 
 
Total$135,360
 $10,201
 $125,159
 $
$59,785
 $11,786
 $47,999
 $
              
Balance as of August 2, 2014      
Current Assets       
Cash equivalents:       
Money market accounts$2,424
 $2,424
 $
 $
Marketable securities:       
Municipal securities25,736
 
 25,736
 
U.S. government securities2,159
 2,159
 
 
U.S. government agencies15,520
 
 15,520
 
Corporate bonds50,861
 
 50,861
 
Non Current Assets       
Deferred compensation plan7,560
 7,560
 
 
Total$104,260
 $12,143
 $92,117
 $
Financial Liabilities:       
Long-term debt97,186
 
 124,000
 
1 The carrying value of long-term debt includes the remaining unamortized discount of $0.2 million on the issuance of debt.


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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

Note 9. Inventories
As of August 1, 2015, in connection with the Plan, Boston Proper DTC inventories of $11.3 million were reclassified to assets held for sale, as further discussed in Note 10. When including inventory related to the Boston Proper DTC business, inventories totaled $250.3 million compared to $238.1 million in last year's second quarter.
Note 10. Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
As of August 1, 2015, all assets and liabilities of the Boston Proper DTC business have been recorded as held for sale in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. All assets held for sale were measured at fair value less costs to sell, resulting in a loss of $2.0 million in the second quarter of 2015, which is reflected in restructuring and strategic charges in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
The following table summarizes the balances of assets and liabilities held for sale as of August 1, 2015. Other intangible assets is presented net of impairment charges, as further discussed in Note 4:
 August 1, 2015
  
 (in thousands)
Assets: 
Inventories$11,282
Other current assets1,709
Property and equipment, net565
Other intangible assets, net50,341
Boston Proper DTC assets63,897
Loss recognized on Boston Proper DTC assets held for sale(2,000)
Total Boston Proper DTC assets held for sale61,897
Land and other assets held for sale24,044
Total assets held for sale$85,941
  
Liabilities: 
Current liabilities$7,297
Total Boston Proper DTC liabilities held for sale$7,297

Note 11.8. Debt
On May 4,In fiscal 2015, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Agreement") among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and the Lenders party hereto. Our obligations under the Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our material U.S. subsidiaries. The Agreement provides"Agreement) providing for a term loan commitment in the amount of $100.0 million and a revolving credit facility of which $100.0 million was drawn at closing,million. The term loan and maturesrevolving credit facility mature on May 4, 2020 payable in quarterly installments, as defined in the Agreement, with the remainder due at maturity. The Agreement also provides for a $100.0 million revolving credit facility, of which $24.0 million was drawn at closing and was repaid in the second quarter of 2015. The revolving credit facility matures on May 4, 2020. The Agreement has borrowing options which accrue interest by reference, at our election, at either an adjusted eurodollar rate tied to LIBOR or an Alternate Base Rate plus an interest rate margin, as defined in the Agreement. The Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and affirmative covenants, including the requirement to maintain certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements and other covenants at August 1, 2015.
On May 4, 2015, in connection with our entry into the Agreement,July 30, 2016. As of July 30, 2016, we repaid and terminated, with no prepayment penalties, the $124.0had total available borrowing capacity of $100.0 million outstanding obligation under our 2011 revolving credit facility. We used the proceeds from the initial draw of the term loan and revolving credit facility of the Agreement to repay such obligations.

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
August 1, 2015
(Unaudited)

As of August 1, 2015, $97.2 million in net borrowings were outstanding under the Agreement, and are reflected as $10.0 million in current debt and $87.2 million in long-term debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of August 1, 2015, an unamortized debt discount of $0.7 million was outstanding related to the Agreement and is allocated to other assets and long-term debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The following table provides details on our debt outstanding as of July 30, 2016, January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, January 31, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
 August 1, 2015 January 31, 2015 August 2, 2014
      
 (in thousands)
Credit Agreement, net of unamortized debt discount$97,186
 $
 $
Less: current portion(10,000) 
 
Total long-term debt, net of unamortized debt discount$87,186
 $
 $
 July 30, 2016 January 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
 (in thousands)
Credit Agreement, net$87,252
 $92,219
 $97,186
Less: current portion(10,000) (10,000) (10,000)
Total long-term debt$77,252
 $82,219
 $87,186

Note 12.9. Share Repurchases
In December 2013,During the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016, we announced a $300.0repurchased 4.9 million shares, under our share repurchase authorization, and immediately prior toprogram announced in November 2015 at a total cost of approximately $56.3 million. As of July 30, 2016, the execution of the accelerated stock repurchase agreements ("ASR Agreements") described below, we had $290.0Company has $203.7 million remaining under the existing authority.share repurchase program. However, we have 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.

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
In June 2015, the Company was named as a defendant in Ackerman v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative representative Private Attorney General action filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The Complaint alleges numerous violations of California law related to wages, meal periods, rest periods, wage statements, and failure to reimburse business expenses, among other things. Plaintiff subsequently amended her complaint to make the same allegations on a class action basis. In June 2016, the parties submitted a proposed settlement of the matter to the court, and the court granted preliminary approval on August 26, 2016. If finally approved, the settlement will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In March 2016, the Company was named as a defendant in Cunningham v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative class action filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. Plaintiff seeks to represent current and former nonexempt employees of Soma Intimates in California. The Complaint alleges many of the same Labor Code violations as Ackerman, described above. The court has stayed the Cunningham case pending final approval of the Ackerman settlement in light of the fact that Ackerman was first filed and likely covers all of the claims that are alleged in Cunningham. As a result, at this time, the Company does not expect that the Cunningham case will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In June 2016, the Company was named as a defendant in Rodems v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative class action filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno. Plaintiff seeks to represent current and former nonexempt employees of Chico’s stores in California. The Complaint alleges many of the same Labor Code violations as Ackerman, described above. The court has stayed the matter pending final approval of the Ackerman settlement for the same reasons described in the Cunningham case discussion above. As a result, at this time, the Company does not expect that the Rodems case will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In July 2015, we entered into ASR Agreementsthe Company 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. The Complaint alleges that the Company, in violation of federal law, published more than the last five digits of a credit or debit card number or an expiration date on customers' receipts.​ The Company denies the material allegations of the complaint. Its motion to dismiss was denied on July 13, 2016, but the Company continues to believe that the case is without merit and is not appropriate for class treatment. It​ intends to vigorously defend the matter. At this time however, it is not possible to predict whether the proceeding will be

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Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
July 30, 2016
(Unaudited)

permitted to proceed as a class or the size of the putative class, and no assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in its defense on the merits or otherwise. Because the case is still in the early stages and class determinations have not been made, the Company is unable to estimate any potential loss or range of loss.
On July 28, 2016, the Company was named as a defendant in Calleros v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative class action filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. Plaintiff alleges that the Company failed to comply with eachCalifornia law requiring it to provide consumers cash for gift cards with a stored value of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fennerless than $10.00. The Company is reviewing the factual allegations in the Complaint and Smith Incorporated ("Merill Lynch"), as agent for Merrill Lynch International, and J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC ("JP Morgan"), as agent for JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,is not yet able to purchase $250.0 million in outstanding shares of our common stock. Underascertain the ASR Agreements, we made a payment of approximately $125.0 million to each of Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan and received from each of them an initial delivery of approximately 5.35 million common shares. Themerit or the value of the claims asserted. On initial shares receivedreview, the Company believes that the matter is not appropriate for class treatment; however, it is not possible to predict whether it will be permitted to proceed as a class or the size of the putative class, and no assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in its defense of this action on the date of purchase was approximately $187.5 million. Inmerits or otherwise. Because the second quarter of fiscal 2015, Merill Lynch and JP Morgan delivered an additional 3.9 million shares upon completion of the ASR Agreements, valued at approximately $62.5 million.
We accounted for the ASR Agreements as treasury stock repurchase transactions, reducing the shares outstanding by the 10.7 million common shares initially repurchased and resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share. The additional 3.9 million shares delivered resulted in a reduction of the outstanding shares on the date of deliverycase is in the second quartervery early stage and class determinations have not been made, the Company is unable to estimate any potential loss or range of fiscal 2015.loss.
FollowingOther than as noted above, we are not currently a party to any legal proceedings other than claims and lawsuits arising in the consummationnormal course of business. All such matters are subject to uncertainties and outcomes may not be predictable. Consequently, the ASR Agreements, we had approximately $40.0 million remaining underultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of July 30, 2016 are not estimable. However, while such matters could affect our share repurchase program. The repurchase program has no specific termination date and will expireconsolidated operating results when we have repurchased all securities authorized for repurchase thereunder, unless terminated earlier byresolved in future periods, management believes that upon final disposition, any monetary liability or financial impact to us would not be material to our Board of Directors.annual consolidated financial statements.

Note 13.11. Subsequent Events
The Company is not aware of any material subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and our 20142015 Annual Report to Stockholders.

Executive Overview
We are a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women’s private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing items operating under the Chico’s, White House | Black Market (“WH|BM”WHBM”), Soma and Boston ProperSoma brand names. We earn revenues and generate cash through the sale of merchandise in our domestic and international retail stores, on our various websites, through our call center which takes orders for all of our brands, and through an unaffiliated franchise partner in Mexico.
We utilize an integrated omni-channel approach to managing our business. We want our customers to experience our brands, not limited to a channel within our brands, and view our various sales channels as a single, integrated process rather than as separate sales channels operating independently. This approach allows our customers to browse, purchase, return, or exchange our merchandise through whatever sales channel and at whatever time is most convenient for her.convenient. As a result, we track total sales and comparable sales on a combined basis.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we completed an evaluation of the Boston Proper brand, including consideration of the long-term potential of stores for the brand, and initiated a plan (the "Plan") to sell the direct-to-consumer ("DTC") business and close its stores, as further discussed in Note 3, allowing us to focus our efforts on our core omni-channel brands.
Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 20152016 were $680.4$635.7 million an increase of 1.4% compared to $671.1$685.8 million in last year's second quarter. The increaseThis decrease of 7.3% included $26.3 million related to Boston Proper and reflected 23 net new stores for a 1.3% square footage increase since last year’s second quarter and a 0.5% increase3.1% decrease in comparable sales.sales and closed stores. The 0.5% increase3.1% decrease in comparable sales for the second quarter was on top offollowing a 0.3%0.5% increase in last year’s second quarter, reflecting an increase in average dollar sale partially offset by a decrease in transaction count.count and slightly lower average dollar sale.
NetWe reported net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 was $2.12016 of $23.0 million, or $0.02$0.17 per diluted share, compared to net income of $30.1$2.1 million, or $0.20$0.02 per diluted share, in last year’s second quarter. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 include the impact of restructuring and strategic charges of $10.3 million after-tax, or $0.08 per diluted share, primarily consisting of severance, proxy solicitation costs, and consulting fees. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 include the impact of Boston Proper non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges of $47.1 million after-tax, or $0.33 per diluted share, restructuring and strategic charges of $10.1 million after-tax, or $0.07 per diluted share, primarily related to property and equipment impairment charges for the Boston Proper stores, of $10.1 million after-tax, or $0.07 per diluted share, and a tax benefit related to the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock of $23.8 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. The change in earningsshare, and the operating loss related to Boston Proper of $2.0 million, or $0.01 per share also reflects a decrease in net income, partially offset by the impact of approximately 14.6 million shares repurchased since the end of the second quarter last year, all of which were repurchased in fiscal 2015.diluted share.
Net sales for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20152016 were $1.374$1.279 billion, an increasea decrease of 1.5%7.6% compared to $1.353$1.384 billion in last year’s year-to-date period. Net income for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20152016 was $34.6$54.1 million, or $0.24$0.41 per diluted share, compared to net income of $70.0$34.6 million, or $0.46$0.24 per diluted share, in last year's year-to-date period. Results for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2016 include the impact of restructuring and strategic charges of $12.5 million after-tax, or $0.09 per diluted share, primarily consisting of severance, proxy solicitation costs, and consulting fees. Results for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2015 include the impact of Boston Proper non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges of $47.1 million after-tax, or $0.33 per diluted share, restructuring and strategic charges of $19.3 million after-tax, or $0.13 per diluted share, primarily related to property and equipment impairment charges, employee-related costs and lease termination charges, of $19.3 million after-tax, or $0.13 per diluted share, and a tax benefit related to the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock of $23.8 million, or $0.17 per diluted share.The change in earningsshare, and the operating loss related to Boston Proper of $4.7 million, or $0.04 per share also reflects a decrease in net income, partially offset by the impact of approximately 14.6 million shares repurchased since the end of the second quarter last year, all of which were repurchased in fiscal 2015.diluted share.
Our Business Strategy
Our overall business strategy is focused on building and cultivating a portfolio of high-performing retail brands serving the fashion needs of women 35 years and older. In the near term, weolder.We are focused on increasing the sales volume and profitability of our existing brands.brands through our four focus areas: (1) evolving the customer experience, (2) strengthening our brands' positions, (3) leveraging actionable retail science, and (4) sharpening our financial principles. Over the long term, we may build our brand portfolio by considering the organic development or acquisition of other specialty retail concepts when ourif research indicates that the opportunity complements our current brands and is appropriate and in the best interest of the shareholders.

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We pursue the growth of the brands in our portfolio by building our omni-channel capabilities, which includes managing our store base and our growing online presence, executing innovative marketing plans, effectively leveraging expenses and optimizing the potential of each of our three brands. As part of our continuous efforts to improve our overall strategy while seeking to enhance and support our long-term growth,We have invested heavily in fiscal 2014, we initiated new capital allocation and cost reduction initiatives that are focused on advancing our omni-channel capabilities in order to improveallow customers to fully experience our brands, and not just a channel within our brands. In essence, we view our various sales channels as a single, integrated process rather than as separate sales channels operating independently. To that end, we often refer to our brands' respective websites as "our largest store" within the overall customer experience, reducing overall capital expenditures, re-balancing our store fleet, effectively managing other expenses and improving our inventory management. Additionally, in fiscal 2015, we completed an evaluation of the Boston Proper brand and initiated a Plan to sell the DTC business and close its stores, allowing us to focus our efforts on our core omni-channel brands.brand.


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Under this integrated, omni-channel approach, we encourage our customers to take advantage of each of our sales channels in whatever way best fits their needs. Customers may shop our products through one channel and consummate the purchase through a different channel. Our domestic customers have the option of returning merchandise to a store or to our distribution center, regardless of the channel used for purchase. We believe this omni-channel approach meets our customers’ expectations, enhances the customer experience, contributes to the overall success of our brands, reflects that our customers do not differentiate between channels, and is consistent with how we plan and manage our business. As a result, we maintain a shared inventory platform for our operations, allowing us to fulfill orders for all channels from our distribution center in Winder, Georgia. We also fulfill in-store orders directly from other stores or our distribution center and offer domestic online and catalog customers the option of returning items to our stores.
We seek to acquire and retain omni-channel customers by leveraging existing customer-specific data and through targeted marketing, including e-marketing, television, catalogs and mailers. We seek to optimize the potential of our brands with improved product offerings, which includes potential new merchandise opportunities and brand extensions that complement the current offerings, as well as our continued emphasis on our “Most Amazing Personal Service” standard.
In 2016, we announced new initiatives to realign marketing and digital commerce, improve supply chain efficiency, and reduce non-merchandise and marketing expenses. Actions taken as part of these initiatives are expected to reduce expenses and complexity, standardize processes and improve the Company's ability to respond in real-time to changes in customer demand for merchandise. Additionally, the Company announced an organizational redesign, which clarified roles, responsibilities and processes across our brands and shared service center.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Thirteen Weeks Ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 Compared to the Thirteen Weeks Ended August 2, 20141, 2015
Net Sales
The following table depicts net sales by Chico’s, WH|BM,WHBM, Soma and Boston Proper in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
       (dollars in thousands)
��(dollars in thousands)
Chico's$353,842
 52.0% $349,983
 52.1%$334,160
 52.6% $355,417
 51.8%
WH|BM212,437
 31.2% 213,914
 31.9%
WHBM208,038
 32.7
 213,275
 31.1
Soma89,864
 13.2% 81,905
 12.2%93,534
 14.7
 90,831
 13.2
Boston Proper24,209
 3.6% 25,328
 3.8%
 
 26,303
 3.9
Total net sales$680,352
 100.0% $671,130
 100.0%$635,732
 100.0% $685,826
 100.0%
Net sales for the second quarter increased 1.4%decreased to $680.4$635.7 million from $671.1$685.8 million in last year’s second quarter. This 7.3% decrease includes $26.3 million related to Boston Proper in last year’s second quarter and primarily reflecting 23reflects a 3.1% decrease in comparable sales and closed stores. Net sales reflects 31 net new stores forstore closures, including 20 Boston Proper store closures, or a 1.3%1.4% net decrease in selling square footage increase since last year's second quarter and a 0.5% increase in comparable sales.quarter. The 0.5% increase3.1% decrease in comparable sales for the second quarter was on top offollowed a 0.3%0.5% increase in last year’s second quarter,reflecting an increase in and reflected reduced transaction count and slightly lower average dollar sale partially offset by a decrease in transaction count.sale.
The following table depicts comparable sales percentages by Chico's, WH|BMWHBM and Soma for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Chico's0.9 % 0.7 %(5.1)% 0.9 %
WH|BM(1.9)% (1.9)%
WHBM(1.3)% (1.9)%
Soma5.1 % 4.7 %0.7 % 5.1 %
Total Company0.5 % 0.3 %(3.1)% 0.5 %
Cost of Goods Sold/Gross Margin
The following table depicts cost of goods sold and gross margin in dollars and gross margin as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014Thirteen Weeks Ended
   July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
(dollars in thousands)(dollars in thousands)
Cost of goods sold$314,384
 $319,658
$394,922
 $421,125
Gross margin$365,968
 $351,472
$240,810
 $264,701
Gross margin percentage53.8% 52.4%37.9% 38.6%
For the second quarter of fiscal 2015,2016, gross margin was $366.0$240.8 million, or 37.9%, compared to $351.5$264.7 million, or 38.6%, in last year’s second quarter. GrossWhen excluding Boston Proper from fiscal 2015, gross margin was 53.8%decreased 80 basis points in fiscal 2016 compared to gross margin of net sales, a 140 basis point increase from$255.3 million, or 38.7% last year’s second quarter, primarily reflecting ayear. This decrease in promotional activity in response to improved inventory management, and benefits from previously announced cost reduction efforts,gross margin rate primarily reflects sales deleverage of occupancy costs partially offset by ana slight increase in accrued incentive compensation.merchandise margin rate.


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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table depicts SG&A, which includes store and direct operating expenses, marketing expenses and National Store Support Center (“NSSC”) expenses, in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014Thirteen Weeks Ended
   July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
(dollars in thousands)(dollars in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expenses$308,437
 $304,737
$186,626
 $207,170
Percentage of total net sales45.3% 45.4%29.4% 30.2%
For the second quarter of fiscal 2015,2016, SG&A was $308.4$186.6 million compared to $304.7$207.2 million in last year’syear's second quarter. SG&A was 45.3%29.4% of net sales, a 10an 80 basis point decrease from last year’syear's second quarter, primarily reflecting benefits from previously announced cost reduction efforts, partially offset by an increasedue to $12.7 million of SG&A related to Boston Proper in accrued incentivethe second quarter of fiscal 2015, and lower store labor, stock-based compensation and occupancy costs.marketing expenses, resulting in a slight decline in SG&A rate.
Restructuring and Strategic Charges
In fiscal 2014, we initiated a restructuring program, including the acceleration of domestic store closures and an organizational realignment, to ensure that resources are aligned with long-term growth initiatives, including omni-channel. During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we announced an expansion of our restructuring program to further align the organizational structure with long-term growth initiatives, including transition of executive leadership, and to reduce COGS and SG&A through strategic initiatives. These strategic initiatives include realigning marketing and digital commerce, improving supply chain efficiency, and reducing non-merchandise and marketing expenses. During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company continued its cost reduction and operating efficiency initiatives and subsequently announced an organizational redesign which clarified roles, responsibilities and processes across our brands and shared service center.
In connection with this effort, in the second quarter of fiscal 2015,2016, we recorded pre-tax restructuring andas well as other strategic charges of $16.2totaling $16.6 million, primarily related to $12.7 million in propertyconsisting of severance, proxy solicitation costs, and equipment impairment charges related to Boston Proper and a $2.0 million loss recognized on Boston Proper DTC assets held for sale.consulting fees. The after-tax impact of the restructuring and strategic charges in the second quarter totaled $10.1$10.3 million, or $0.07$0.08 per diluted share.
In connection with the restructuring and strategic activities,program, we determined to increase the rate ofevaluated our domestic store closuresportfolio and identified 160-165 under-performingapproximately 175 stores for closure, with 82 stores across our brands, including the20 Boston Proper stores. Throughstores, closed through the second quarter of 2015, we have closed 20 stores across our brands. We plan to close an additional 53 stores, including the Boston Proper stores, in fiscal 2015, with the remainder to be closed in fiscal 2016 and 2017.2016. As a result, we expect to incur additional cash charges related to lease termination expenses of approximately $9.4 million.
Goodwill and Trade Name Impairment Charges
In the second quarter of$1.7 million through fiscal 2015, in connection with the Plan, the Company determined that certain Boston Proper intangibles were impaired and recorded $66.9 million in pre-tax, non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges. The $66.9 million Boston Proper impairment charges included $48.9 million2017 related to goodwill and $18.0 million related to the trade name.
The after-tax impact of the goodwill and trade name impairment charges totaled $47.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, inclusive of a $13.0 million non-cash tax benefit resulting from the tax effect of the goodwill impairment on the annual effective tax rate. The $13.0 million non-cash tax benefit in the second quarter is expected to be offset by approximately $13.0 million in non-cash tax charges in the balance of the fiscal year.these future closures.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate for the second quarter of fiscal 20152016 was (108.1)%38.0%, compared to an effective tax rate of 35.5%(108.1)% in last year's second quarter. The income tax benefit of $28.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 and effective tax rate of (108.1)% primarily reflected the tax benefit related to the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock and the tax benefit of Boston Proper goodwill impairment on the annual effective tax rate.  Excluding the tax benefit related to the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock and the tax benefit related toimpact of the Boston Proper goodwill and trade name impairment, charges, the 2015 second quarter effective tax rate would have been 37.7% comparedwhich is comparable to anthe 38.0% effective tax rate of 35.5% infor the second quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily reflecting favorable state tax settlements in fiscal 2014.thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2016.
Net Income and Earnings Per Diluted Share
NetWe reported net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 was $2.12016 of $23.0 million, or $0.02$0.17 per diluted share, compared to net income of $30.1$2.1 million, or $0.20$0.02 per diluted share in last year’s second quarter. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 20152016 include the impact of restructuring and strategic charges of $10.3 million after-tax, or $0.08 per diluted share, primarily related to severance, proxy solicitation costs and consulting fees. Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2015 include charges of $35.4 million after-tax, or $0.24 per diluted share, related to Boston Proper non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges, of $47.1 million after-tax, or $0.33 per diluted share, restructuring and strategic charges, primarily related to property and equipment impairment charges for the Boston Proper stores of $10.1 million after-tax, or $0.07 per diluted share, and a tax benefit related toas a result of the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock, and Boston Proper operating results.



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of Boston Proper's stock of $23.8 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. The change in earnings per share also reflects a decrease in net income, partially offset by the impact of approximately 14.6 million shares repurchased since the end of the second quarter last year, all of which were repurchased in fiscal 2015.
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 Compared to the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 2, 20141, 2015
Net Sales
The following table depicts net sales by Chico’s, WH|BM,WHBM, Soma and Boston Proper in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
       July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
(dollars in thousands)(dollars in thousands)
Chico's$722,334
 52.6% $722,271
 53.4%$682,864
 53.4% $725,276
 52.4%
WH|BM436,957
 31.8% 431,087
 31.9%
WHBM423,031
 33.1% 438,717
 31.7%
Soma166,410
 12.1% 149,738
 11.0%172,814
 13.5% 167,998
 12.1%
Boston Proper47,990
 3.5% 49,639
 3.7%
 0.0% 51,601
 3.8%
Total net sales$1,373,691
 100.0% $1,352,735
 100.0%$1,278,709
 100.0% $1,383,592
 100.0%
Net sales for the year-to-date period increased 1.5%decreased to $1.374$1.279 billion from $1.353$1.384 billion in last year’s year-to-date period. This 7.6% decrease includes $51.6 million related to Boston Proper in last year’s year-to-date period and primarily reflecting 23 net new stores forreflects a 1.3% square footage increase since last year's second quarter and a 0.2% increase3.7% decrease in comparable sales. The 0.2% increase3.7% decrease in comparable sales for the year-to-date period was following a 1.2% decrease0.2% increase in last year’s year-to-date period,primarily reflecting an increasea decrease in average dollar sale partially offset by a decrease inand transaction count.
The following table depicts comparable sales percentages by Chico's, WH|BMWHBM and Soma for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
Twenty-Six Weeks EndedTwenty-six weeks ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Chico's(0.8)% (0.1)%(5.3)% (0.8)%
WH|BM0.0 % (5.4)%
WHBM(2.7)% 0.0 %
Soma5.7 % 6.7 %0.6 % 5.7 %
Total Company0.2 % (1.2)%(3.7)% 0.2 %
Cost of Goods Sold/Gross Margin
The following table depicts cost of goods sold and gross margin in dollars and gross margin as a percentage of total net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
   July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
(dollars in thousands)(dollars in thousands)
Cost of goods sold$611,953
 $618,372
$775,564
 $823,273
Gross margin$761,738
 $734,363
$503,145
 $560,319
Gross margin percentage55.5% 54.3%39.3% 40.5%
Gross margin for the year-to-date period was $761.7$503.1 million, or 39.3%, compared to $734.4$560.3 million, or 40.5%, in last year’s year-to-date period. Gross margin was 55.5% of net sales, a 120 basis point increaseWhen excluding Boston Proper from fiscal 2014,2015, gross margin decreased 140 basis points in fiscal 2016 compared to $542.3 million, or 40.7%, in last year's year-to-date period. The decrease is primarily reflecting a decrease indue to sales deleverage of occupancy costs and increased promotional activity in response to improved inventory management, and benefits from previously announced cost reduction efforts, partially offset by the impact of product delayed by port issues in 2015 and an increase in accrued incentive compensation.lower traffic.
 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table depicts SG&A, which includes store and direct operating expenses, marketing expenses and NSSC expenses, in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014:2015:
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
August 1, 2015 August 2, 2014Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
   July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
(dollars in thousands)(dollars in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expenses$636,654
 $623,786
$394,767
 $435,235
Percentage of total net sales46.3% 46.1%30.9% 31.5%

SG&A forFor the year-to-date period of fiscal 2016, SG&A was $636.7$394.8 million compared to $623.8$435.2 million in last year’s year-to-date period. SG&A was 46.3%30.9% of net sales, a 2060 basis point increasedecrease from last year’syear's year-to-date period, primarily reflecting sales deleveragedue to $25.7 million of occupancy expenses,SG&A related to Boston Proper in the year-to-date period of fiscal 2015, and an increase in accruedlower store labor, incentive compensation partially offset by benefits from previously announced cost reduction efforts.and marketing expenses, resulting in a slight decline in SG&A rate.
Restructuring and Strategic Charges
Restructuring and strategic charges for the year-to-date period was $31.0were $20.2 million pre-tax, which consisted primarily consisting of $20.9 million in non-cash propertyseverance, proxy solicitation costs, and equipment impairment charges, $5.6 million in continuing employee-related costs, $2.8 million in lease termination charges and $1.8 million in severance charges.consulting fees. The after-tax impact of the restructuring and strategic charges totaled $19.3$12.5 million, or $0.13$0.09 per diluted share.
Goodwill and Trade Name Impairment Charges
In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, in connection with the Plan, the Company determined that certain Boston Proper intangibles were impaired and recorded $66.9 million in pre-tax, non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges. The $66.9 million Boston Proper impairment charges included $48.9 million related to goodwill and $18.0 million related to the trade name.
The after-tax impact of the goodwill and trade name impairment charges totaled $47.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, inclusive of a $13.0 million non-cash tax benefit resulting from the tax effect of the goodwill impairment on the annual effective tax rate. The $13.0 million non-cash tax benefit in the second quarter is expected to be offset by approximately $13.0 million in non-cash tax charges in the balance of the fiscal year.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate for the year-to-date period was (32.5)%,37.9% compared to an effective taxrate rate of 36.7%(32.5)% in last year's year-to-date period. The income tax benefitprovision of $8.5$33.1 million and effective tax rate of (32.5)%37.9% primarily reflected the pre-tax net income during the period. The income tax benefit and effective tax rate for fiscal 2015 reflected the tax benefit related to the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock and the benefitimpact of the Boston Proper goodwill and trade name impairment on the annual effective tax rate. Excluding the tax benefit related to the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock and the tax benefit related toimpact of the Boston Proper goodwill and trade name impairment, charges, the effective tax rate for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2015 would have been 37.7% compared to an effective tax rate of 36.7%37.9% in lastthe current year's year-to-date period.
Net Income and Earnings Per Diluted Share
Net income for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20152016 was $34.6$54.1 million, or $0.24$0.41 per diluted share, compared to net income of $70.0$34.6 million, or $0.46$0.24 per diluted share, in last year's year-to-date period. Results for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20152016 include the impact of restructuring and strategic charges of $12.5 million after-tax, or $0.09 per diluted share, primarily related to severance, proxy solicitation costs and consulting fees. Results for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2015 charges of $47.4 million after tax, or $0.33 per diluted share, related to Boston Proper non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges, of $47.1 million after-tax, or $0.33 per diluted share, restructuring and strategic charges, primarily related to property and equipment impairment charges, employee-related costs and lease termination charges, of $19.3 million after-tax, or $0.13 per diluted share, and thea tax benefit related toas a result of the expected disposition of Boston Proper's stock of $23.8 million, or $0.17 per diluted share.The change in earnings per share also reflects a decrease in net income, partially offset by the impact of approximately 14.6 million shares repurchased since the end of the second quarter last year, all of which were repurchased in fiscal 2015.and Boston Proper operating results.


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

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

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Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20152016 was $112.1$121.7 million, a decreasean increase of approximately $41.1$9.6 million from last year's year-to-date period. This decreaseincrease primarily reflected changesthe change in working capital, partially offset by higherlower net income compared to prior year when adjusted for non-cash impairment charges and the deferred tax benefit related to the exit of Boston Proper.Proper, as well as lower stock compensation expense and depreciation and amortization as a result of our strategic initiatives. The changeschange in working capital is primarily reflected the timing of payables,due to a decrease in accruals related to new store openings and an increase in net income tax receivable partially offset by an increase in accrued incentive compensation.
At the end of the second quarter of 2015, inventories totaled $250.3 million, when including inventory related to the Boston Proper DTC business, compared to $238.1 million in last year's second quarter. Inventories per selling square foot decreased 5.7%, when excluding in-transit inventories, primarily reflecting improved inventory management and lower average unit cost compared to the second quarter last year. In-transit inventories increased by $20.3 million, primarily reflecting longer in-transit times and accelerated shipping dates to facilitate timely merchandise receipts.inventories.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided byused in investing activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20152016 was $35.7$25.6 million compared to $41.3$35.7 million used inprovided by investing activities in last year's year-to-date period, primarily reflecting a $78.5$78.9 million decrease in marketable securities related to share repurchases in fiscal 2015 related to the partial funding of the ASR Agreements as further discussed in Note 12, compared to a $21.7 million decrease in the same period last year to fund general business operating needs.2015. Investing activities in the year-to-date periodsecond quarter of fiscal 20152016 included net purchases of property and equipment totaling $42.8$25.2 million compared to $63.0$42.8 million in the same period last year.year, consistent with our overall business strategy.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20152016 was $172.2$85.5 million compared to $33.9$172.2 million in last year's year-to-date period. The increasedecrease in net cash used in financing activities primarily reflects $250.0a decrease of $198.3 million in fiscal 2015 share repurchases under our ASR Agreements,in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015, partially offset by net borrowings of $97.5 million in net proceeds from borrowings under theour Credit Agreement as further discussed in Note 11.fiscal 2015.
Credit Facility
On May 4, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement (the "Agreement") among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and the Lenders party hereto. Our obligations under the Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our material U.S. subsidiaries. The Agreement provides for a term loan commitment in the amount of $100.0 million, of which $100.0 million was drawn at closing, and matures on May 4, 2020. The Agreement also provides for a $100.0 million revolving credit facility, of which $24.0 million was drawn at closing and was repaid in the second quarter of 2015. The revolving credit facility matures on May 4, 2020. The Agreement has borrowing options which accrue interest by reference, at our election, at either an adjusted eurodollar rate tied to LIBOR or an Alternate Base Rate plus an interest rate margin, as defined in the Agreement.
On May 4, 2015, in connection with our entry into the Agreement, we repaid and terminated, with no prepayment penalties, the $124.0 million outstanding obligation under our 2011 revolving credit facility. We used the proceeds from the initial draw of the term loan and revolving credit facility of the Agreement to repay such obligations.
As of August 1, 2015, $97.2 million in net borrowings were outstanding under the Agreement,and are reflected as $10.0 million in current debt and $87.2 million in long-term debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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Store and Franchise Activity
During the fiscal 20152016 year-to-date period, we had 1 net opening,store closure, consisting of net closures of 25 Chico's and 2 WH|BMWHBM stores, and net openings of 46 Soma and 1 Boston Proper store.stores. Currently, we expect 30-35an additional 20 net store closures in fiscal 2015,2016, reflecting approximately 620 net closures of Chico's stores, 126 net closures of WH|BMWHBM stores 4and 6 net openings of Soma stores and 19 net closures of Boston Proper stores. We continuously evaluate the appropriate new store growth rate in light of economic conditions and may adjust the growth rate as conditions require or as opportunities arise. As of August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, we also sold merchandise through 3378 international franchise locations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and believes the assumptions and estimates, as set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015,30, 2016, are significant to reporting our results of operations and financial position. There
In fiscal 2016 we implemented changes to our accounting policy for the classification of shipping expense, corrected an immaterial error in the classification of shipping revenue and changed the classification of occupancy expenses. Please see Note 1 in our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed description and reconciliation of these matters.
Other than discussed above, there have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.30, 2016.


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Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect our current views with respect to certain events that could have an effect on our future financial performance, including but without limitation, statements regarding our plans, objectives, the implementation of our previously announced restructuring program and organizational redesign for improved business performance, including our re-balancing of our store fleet and streamlining the headquarter workforce, and the future growth ratessuccess of our store concepts. These statements may address items such as future sales, gross margin expectations, SG&A expectations (particularly estimated expected savings), operating margin expectations, earnings per share expectations, planned store openings, closings and expansions, future comparable sales, future product sourcing plans, inventory levels, planned marketing expenditures, planned capital expenditures and future cash needs. In addition, from time to time, we may issue press releases and other written communications, and our representatives may make oral statements, which contain forward-looking information.
These statements, including those in this Form 10-Q and those in press releases or made orally, relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical fact and may include the words or phrases such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “approximately,” “our planning assumptions,” “future outlook,” and similar expressions. Except for historical information, matters discussed in such oral and written statements, including this Form 10-Q, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely on information currently available to our management and on our current expectations, assumptions, plans, estimates, judgments and projections about our business and our industry, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those currently anticipated. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of performance and there are a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors (many of which are outside our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there is no assurance that our expectations will, in fact, occur or that our estimates or assumptions will be correct, and we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 20158, 2016, those described in Item 1A herein, and the following:
These potential risks and uncertainties include: the financial strength of retailing in particular and the economy in general; the extent of financial difficulties that may be experienced by customers; our ability to secure and maintain customer acceptance of styles and store concepts; the ability to effectively manage and maintain an appropriate level of inventory; the extent and nature of competition in the markets in which we operate; the extent of the market demand and overall level of spending for women’s private branded clothing and related accessories; the effectiveness of our brand awareness and marketing programs; the adequacy and perception of customer service; the ability to respond to actions of activist shareholders and others; the ability to coordinate product development with buying and planning; the quality of merchandise received from suppliers; the ability to efficiently, timely and successfully execute significant shifts in the countries from which merchandise is supplied; the ability of

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our suppliers to timely produce and deliver clothing and accessories; the changes in the costs of manufacturing, labor and advertising; the availability of quality store sites; our ability to grow through newmanage our store openings;fleet and the buying public’s acceptance of any ofrisk that our new store concepts;investments in shopping initiatives may not deliver the results we anticipate; the risk that comparable sales and margins will experience fluctuations; the ability to successfully execute our business strategies; the continuing performance, implementation and integration of management information systems; the impact of any systems failures, cyber security or security breaches, including any security breaches that result in theft, transfer, or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee, or company information or our compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations in the event of such an incident; the ability to hire, train, energize and retain qualified sales associates, managerial employees and other employees; the successful integration of our new management team; the ability to achieve the results of our previously announced restructuring program; the ability to expand our distribution center and other support facilities in an efficient and effective manner; the ability to effectively and efficiently establish our websites; the ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights and to protect our reputation and brand images; and the ability to effectively and efficiently operate our brands; risks associated with terrorist activities; risks associated withrisk that natural disasters, such as hurricanespublic health crises, political rises, or other catastrophic events could adversely affect our operations and other risks.financial results. In addition, there are potential risks and uncertainties that are related to our reliance on sourcing from foreign suppliers, including the impact of work stoppages; transportation delays and other interruptions; political or civil instability; imposition of and changes in tariffs and import and export controls such as import quotas; changes in governmental policies in or towards foreign countries; currency exchange rates and other similar factors.
All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made or attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The market risk of our financial instruments as of August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 has not significantly changed since January 31, 2015.30, 2016. We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on any future indebtedness and our marketable securities and from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates in part to our revolving line of credit with our bank. On May 4, 2015, we entered into a credit agreement, as further discussed in Note 11.7. The Agreement, which matures on May 4, 2020, has borrowing options which accrue interest by reference, at our election, at either an adjusted eurodollar rate tied to LIBOR or an Alternate Base Rate plus an interest rate margin, as defined in the Agreement. An increase or decrease in market interest rates of 100 basis points would not have a material effect on annual interest expense. 
Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy which identifies allowable investments, specifies credit quality standards and limits the credit exposure of any single issuer. Our investment portfolio consists of cash equivalents and marketable securities including municipal securities, corporate bonds, U.S. government agencies and commercial paper. The marketable securities portfolio as of August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, consisted of $26.9$31.5 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $21.1$19.1 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 August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, an increase or decrease of 100 basis points in interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair value of our marketable securities portfolio.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance in timely alerting them to material information relating to us (including our consolidated subsidiaries) and that information required to be disclosed in our reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported as required to be included in our periodic SEC filings.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect our disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the date of the above referenced evaluation. Furthermore, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors during the quarterly period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In June 2015, the Company was named as a defendant in Ackerman v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative representative Private Attorney General action filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Ackerman v. Chico's FAS, Inc.Angeles. The Complaint attempts to allegealleges numerous violations of California law related to wages, meal periods, rest periods, wage statements, and failure to reimburse business expenses, among other things. The Company deniesPlaintiff subsequently amended her complaint to make the materialsame allegations on a class action basis. In June 2016, the parties submitted a proposed settlement of the Complaintmatter to the court, and filed its Answerthe court granted preliminary approval on July 27, 2015. The Company believes thatAugust 26, 2016. If finally approved, the case is without merit and intends to vigorously defend. As a result, the Company doessettlement will not believe that the case should have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In March 2016, the Company was named as a defendant in Cunningham v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative class action filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. Plaintiff seeks to represent current and former nonexempt employees of Soma Intimates in California. The Complaint alleges many of the same Labor Code violations as Ackerman, described above. The court has stayed the Cunningham case pending final approval of the Ackerman settlement in light of the fact that Ackerman was first filed and likely covers all of the claims that are alleged in Cunningham. As a result, at this time, the Company does not expect that the Cunningham case will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In June 2016, the Company was named as a defendant in Rodems v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative class action filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno. Plaintiff seeks to represent current and former nonexempt employees of Chico’s stores in California. The Complaint alleges many of the same Labor Code violations as Ackerman, described above. The court has stayed the matter pending final approval of the Ackerman settlement for the same reasons described in the Cunningham case discussion above. As a result, at this time, the Company does not expect that the Rodems case will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In July 2015, the Company was named as a defendant in Altman v. White House Black Market, Inc., a putative class action filed in July 2015 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Altman v. White House Black Market, Inc.Georgia. The Complaint alleges that the Company, in violation of federal law, published more than the last five digits of a credit or debit card number or an expiration date on customers' receipts.​The Company denies the material allegations of the complaint and will file its response bycomplaint. Its motion to dismiss was denied on July 13, 2016, but the required deadline.  The Company believescontinues to believe that the case is without merit and​and is not appropriate for class treatment. It​ intends to vigorously defend. Asdefend the matter. At this time however, it is not possible to predict whether the proceeding will be permitted to proceed as a result,class or the size of the putative class, and no assurance can be given that the Company doeswill be successful in its defense on the merits or otherwise. Because the case is still in the early stages and class determinations have not believebeen made, the Company is unable to estimate any potential loss or range of loss.
On July 28, 2016, the Company was named as a defendant in Calleros v. Chico’s FAS, Inc., a putative class action filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. Plaintiff alleges that the case should haveCompany failed to comply with California law requiring it to provide consumers cash for gift cards with a material adverse effectstored value of less than $10.00. The Company is reviewing the factual allegations in the Complaint and is not yet able to ascertain the merit or the value of the claims asserted. On initial review, the Company believes that the matter is not appropriate for class treatment; however, it is not possible to predict whether it will be permitted to proceed as a class or the size of the putative class, and no assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in its defense of this action on the Company’s consolidated financial conditionmerits or resultsotherwise. Because the case is in the very early stage and class determinations have not been made, the Company is unable to estimate any potential loss or range of operations.
loss.
Other than as noted above, we are not currently a party to any 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 amount of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 are not ascertainable.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.

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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 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 20158, 2016 should be considered as they could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. Other than as noted below, there have not been any significant changes with respect to the risks described in our 20142015 Form 10-K, but these are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we completed an evaluation of the Boston Proper brand and initiated a Plan to sell the DTC business and close its stores, as further
As discussed in Note 3. As3 in our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we are currently involved in significant strategic initiatives intended to increase the efficiency and productivity of August 1, 2015, all current year assetsour business processes. These initiatives require substantial internal change and liabilitieseffort, including reductions and changes in personnel and significant adjustments in how we design and source product and how we ultimately present it to our customers. While we are confident that these initiatives are appropriate for the long-term viability and success of our business, the process of implementing them places significant stress on the company and could result in unexpected short-term disruptions or negative impacts to our business, including, by way of example:
Unintended loss of key personnel or unexpected delay in the hiring of personnel whose expertise is needed for the successful implementation of the Boston Proper DTCinitiatives.
Disruption to our current business have been recordedprocesses as held for salewe migrate to the new processes, or failure to successfully migrate to those new processes, which could negatively impact product flow, product quality or inventory levels.
Inadvertent lapses or failures in our process, compliance or financial controls as we implement the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value less costs to sell. While we currently expect to sell the Boston Proper DTCnew initiatives.

These negative impacts, or others, could adversely affect our business the saleand results of operations. In addition, there is dependent on local and global economic factors and the existence of prospective buyers, among other factors. There can be no assurance that we will realize our expected proceedscan complete the implementation of these initiatives in the manner or in the time-frame planned, or that, once implemented, they will result in the sale, if any, will be complete within a reasonable time.expected increases in the efficiency or productivity of our business. Failure to successfully implement them or their failure to produce the savings and productivity increases we anticipate could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.


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ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table sets forth information concerning our purchases of common stock for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
PeriodTotal
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 (d)
May 3, 2015 - May 30, 20154,574
 $17.03
 
 $40,000
May 31, 2015 - July 4, 2015 (c)1,265,851
 $15.92
 1,249,264
 $40,000
July 5, 2015 - August 1, 2015 (c)2,682,484
 $15.91
 2,680,167
 $40,000
Total3,952,909
 $15.91
 3,929,431
 $40,000
PeriodTotal
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
May 1, 2016 - May 28, 20161,700,751
 $11.59
 1,696,670
 $203,706
May 29, 2016 - July 2, 201617,361
  11.01
 
  203,706
July 3, 2016 - July 30, 2016
  
 
  203,706
Total1,718,112
  11.59
 1,696,670
  203,706

(a) Includes 23,478Total number of shares purchased includes 21,442 shares of restricted stock repurchased in connection with employee tax withholding obligations under employee compensation plans, which are not purchases under any publicly announced plan.
(b) In December 2013,November 2015, we announced a $300.0 million share repurchase plan. There was approximately $40.0$203.7 million remaining under the program as of the end of the second quarter. The repurchase program has no specific termination date and will expire when we have repurchased all securities authorized for repurchase thereunder, unless terminated earlier by our Board of Directors.
(c) In March 2015, we entered into ASR Agreements, as further discussed in Note 12, under which we paid $250.0 million and received an initial delivery of 10,714,286 shares of our common stock, representing approximately 75% of the shares expected to be repurchased based on the share price on the date of the agreement. In the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we received an additional 3,929,431 shares valued at approximately $62.5 million, completing the repurchases under the ASR Agreements. Shares purchased pursuant to the ASR Agreements are presented in the above table in the periods in which they are received.
(d) As the entire $250.0 million payment made in March 2015 reduced the amount that may yet be purchased under our share repurchase program at that time, the delivery of the additional shares in the second quarter had no impact on the amount that may yet be purchased under our share repurchase plan.




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ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION
On September 1, 2016, the Company approved an Amended and Restated Officer Severance Plan ("the Officer Severance Plan"), which consolidated the current separate Vice President Severance Plan and Executive Severance Plan into one plan document. Benefits under the Officer Severance Plan are unchanged except in the event of a Change in Control ( as defined therein) in which case a second triggering event has been added and benefits enhanced, all as fully described in the Plan, included as Exhibit 10.62 to this Form 10-Q.

The foregoing description of the Officer Severance Plan is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such agreement included as Exhibit 10.62 to this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS
(a)The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
 Exhibit 3.13.3 Composite Amended and Restated By-laws of Chico's FAS, Inc.
Exhibit 10.62Amended and Restated Officer Severance Plan
    
 Exhibit 31.1  Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Executive Officer
   
 Exhibit 31.2  Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Subsidiaries Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Chief Financial Officer
   
 Exhibit 32.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Exhibit 32.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Exhibit 101.INS  XBRL Instance Document
   
 Exhibit 101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
 Exhibit 101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
 Exhibit 101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
   
 Exhibit 101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
 Exhibit 101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document



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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
      CHICO’S FAS, INC.
     
Date:August 28, 2015September 1, 2016   By:/s/ David F. DyerShelley G. Broader
      David F. DyerShelley G. Broader
      President and Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
     
Date:August 28, 2015September 1, 2016   By:/s/ Todd E. Vogensen
      Todd E. Vogensen
      Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary
       
Date:August 28, 2015September 1, 2016   By:/s/ David M. Oliver
      David M. Oliver
      Group Vice President Finance - Controller, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

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