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

 
FORM10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 2, 2019

OR

For the Quarter Ended:Commission File Number:
November 3, 2018001-16435TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from   to
Commission file number 001-16435
 
Chico’sChico'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, Florida33966
(Address of principal executive offices)
239-277-6200239-277-6200
(Registrant’sRegistrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per ShareCHSNew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ý No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large"large accelerated filer,” “accelerated" "accelerated filer,” “smaller" "smaller reporting company," and “emerging"emerging growth company”company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ý  Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company ¨
    Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’sissuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
At November 12, 2018,18, 2019, the registrant had 125,734,711118,620,321 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.




1



CHICO’SCHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE
FISCAL THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED NOVEMBER 3, 20182, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
  
 
   
   
   
   
  

2



PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHICO’SCHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)
(InDollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017 November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018 November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
                      
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$499,877
 100.0 % $532,287
 100.0% $1,606,412
 100.0 % $1,694,596
 100.0 %$484,706
 100.0 % $499,877
 100.0 % $1,510,790
 100.0 % $1,606,412
 100.0 %
Cost of goods sold318,899
 63.8
 335,585
 63.0
 1,001,699
 62.4
 1,051,380
 62.0
313,668
 64.7
 318,899
 63.8
 980,299
 64.9
 1,001,699
 62.4
Gross Margin180,978
 36.2
 196,702
 37.0
 604,713
 37.6
 643,216
 38.0
171,038
 35.3
 180,978
 36.2
 530,491
 35.1
 604,713
 37.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses178,394
 35.7
 171,424
 32.3
 538,902
 33.5
 527,605
 31.2
180,586
 37.3
 178,394
 35.7
 536,977
 35.5
 538,902
 33.5
Income from Operations2,584
 0.5
 25,278
 4.7
 65,811
 4.1
 115,611
 6.8
(Loss) Income from Operations(9,548) (2.0) 2,584
 0.5
 (6,486) (0.4) 65,811
 4.1
Interest income (expense), net97
 0.0
 (388) 0.0
 (458) 0.0
 (1,286) (0.1)25
 0.0
 97
 0.0
 79
 0.0
 (458) 0.0
Income before Income Taxes2,681
 0.5
 24,890
 4.7
 65,353
 4.1
 114,325
 6.7
(Loss) Income before Income Taxes(9,523) (2.0) 2,681
 0.5
 (6,407) (0.4) 65,353
 4.1
Income tax (benefit) provision(3,800) (0.8) 8,200
 1.6
 13,100
 0.8
 41,300
 2.4
(1,400) (0.3) (3,800) (0.8) 2,000
 0.2
 13,100
 0.8
Net Income$6,481
 1.3 % $16,690
 3.1% $52,253
 3.3 % $73,025
 4.3 %
Net (Loss) Income$(8,123) (1.7)% $6,481
 1.3 % $(8,407) (0.6)% $52,253
 3.3 %
Per Share Data:                              
Net income per common share-basic$0.05
   $0.13
   $0.41
   $0.57
  
Net income per common and common equivalent share–diluted$0.05
   $0.13
   $0.41
   $0.57
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding–basic122,201
   124,957
   124,069
   125,550
  
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding–diluted122,273
   124,989
   124,120
   125,591
  
Net (loss) income per common share - basic$(0.07)   $0.05
   $(0.07)   $0.41
  
Net (loss) income per common and common equivalent share – diluted$(0.07)   $0.05
   $(0.07)   $0.41
  
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic114,997
   122,201
   114,744
   124,069
  
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted114,997
   122,273
   114,744
   124,120
  

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

3

Table of Contents


CHICO’SCHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017 November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017
Net Income$6,481
 $16,690
 $52,253
 $73,025
Other comprehensive income:       
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities, net of taxes(1) (47) 54
 (15)
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains(388) (60) (475) 49
Comprehensive Income$6,092
 $16,583
 $51,832
 $73,059
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018 November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
Net (loss) income$(8,123) $6,481
 $(8,407) $52,253
Other comprehensive (loss) income:       
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of taxes14
 (1) 208
 54
Foreign currency translation losses(286) (388) (265) (475)
Comprehensive (loss) income$(8,395) $6,092
 $(8,464) $51,832

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

4

Table of Contents


CHICO’SCHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)thousands, except per share amounts)
 
November 3, 2018 February 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 February 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
ASSETS          
Current Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents$169,380
 $160,071
 $125,646
$70,188
 $124,128
 $169,380
Marketable securities, at fair value59,484
 60,060
 60,411
57,253
 61,987
 59,484
Inventories266,100
 233,726
 265,023
277,473
 235,218
 266,100
Prepaid expenses and other current assets62,167
 60,668
 48,876
53,598
 63,845
 62,167
Total Current Assets557,131
 514,525
 499,956
458,512
 485,178
 557,131
Property and Equipment, net385,387
 421,038
 424,961
323,591
 370,932
 385,387
Right of Use Assets664,052
 
 
Other Assets:          
Goodwill96,774
 96,774
 96,774
96,774
 96,774
 96,774
Other intangible assets, net38,930
 38,930
 38,930
38,930
 38,930
 38,930
Other assets, net13,929
 16,338
 16,581
18,511
 15,220
 13,929
Total Other Assets149,633
 152,042
 152,285
154,215
 150,924
 149,633

$1,092,151
 $1,087,605
 $1,077,202
$1,600,370
 $1,007,034
 $1,092,151
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current Liabilities:          
Accounts payable$150,224
 $118,253
 $135,004
$151,664
 $143,404
 $150,224
Current debt
 15,000
 15,000
Current lease liabilities155,403
 
 
Other current and deferred liabilities126,337
 133,715
 118,495
112,456
 131,820
 126,337
Total Current Liabilities276,561
 266,968
 268,499
419,523
 275,224
 276,561
Noncurrent Liabilities:          
Long-term debt61,250
 53,601
 57,335
46,250
 57,500
 61,250
Long-term lease liabilities578,971
 
 
Other noncurrent and deferred liabilities93,323
 103,282
 108,000
8,512
 89,109
 93,323
Deferred taxes7,884
 7,372
 7,961
3,999
 5,237
 7,884
Total Noncurrent Liabilities162,457
 164,255
 173,296
637,732
 151,846
 162,457
Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 11)

 

 

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

 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 400,000 shares authorized; 158,407 and 156,585 and 156,697 shares issued respectively; and 125,743 and 127,471 and 127,780 shares outstanding, respectively1,257
 1,275
 1,278
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 400,000 shares authorized; 159,918 and 158,246 and 158,407 shares issued respectively; and 118,621 and 116,949 and 125,743 shares outstanding, respectively1,186
 1,169
 1,257
Additional paid-in capital482,340
 468,806
 463,502
490,281
 486,406
 482,340
Treasury stock, at cost, 32,664 and 29,114 and 28,917 shares, respectively(444,309) (413,465) (411,766)
Treasury stock, at cost, 41,297 and 41,297 and 32,664 shares, respectively(494,395) (494,395) (444,309)
Retained earnings614,349
 599,810
 582,387
546,461
 587,145
 614,349
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(504) (44) 6
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(418) (361) (504)
Total Shareholders’ Equity653,133
 656,382
 635,407
543,115
 579,964
 653,133
$1,092,151
 $1,087,605
 $1,077,202
$1,600,370
 $1,007,034
 $1,092,151

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

5

Table of Contents


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

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

Shares Par Value  Shares Amount   Total
BALANCE, August 4, 2018125,710
 $1,257
 $476,480
 32,658
 $(444,252) $607,643
 $(115) $641,013
Net income
 
 
 
 
 6,481
 
 6,481
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 (388) (388)
Issuance of common stock63
 
 768
 
 
 
 
 768
Dividends paid on common stock
 
 
 
 
 225
 
 225
Repurchase of common stock & tax withholdings related to share-based awards(30) 
 (193) 6
 (57) 
 
 (250)
Share-based compensation
 
 5,285
 
 
 
 
 5,285
BALANCE, November 3, 2018125,743
 $1,257
 $482,340
 32,664
 $(444,309) $614,349
 $(504) $653,133
                
BALANCE, July 29, 2017128,329
 $1,283
 $458,172
 28,306
 $(406,776) $565,650
 $113
 $618,442
Net income
 
 
 
 
 16,690
 
 16,690
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 (47) (47)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 (60) (60)
Issuance of common stock78
 1
 961
 
 
 
 
 962
Dividends paid on common stock
 
 
 
 
 47
 
 47
Repurchase of common stock & tax withholdings related to share-based awards(627) (6) (138) 611
 (4,990) 
 
 (5,134)
Share-based compensation
 
 4,507
 
 
 
 
 4,507
BALANCE, October 28, 2017127,780
 $1,278
 $463,502
 28,917
 $(411,766) $582,387
 $6
 $635,407






















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

Shares Par Value  Shares Amount   Total
BALANCE, August 3, 2019118,000
 $1,180
 $487,789
 41,297
 $(494,395) $554,694
 $(146) $549,122
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 (8,123) 
 (8,123)
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 14
 14
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 (286) (286)
Issuance of common stock640
 6
 690
 
 
 
 
 696
Dividends on common stock
 
 
 
 
 (110) 
 (110)
Repurchase of common stock and tax withholdings related to share-based awards(19) 
 (65) 
 
 
 
 (65)
Share-based compensation
 
 1,867
 
 
 
 
 1,867
BALANCE, November 2, 2019118,621
 $1,186
 $490,281
 41,297
 $(494,395) $546,461
 $(418) $543,115
                
BALANCE, August 4, 2018125,710
 $1,257
 $476,480
 32,658
 $(444,252) $607,643
 $(115) $641,013
Net income
 
 
 
 
 6,481
 
 6,481
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 (388) (388)
Issuance of common stock63
 
 768
 
 
 
 
 768
Dividends on common stock
 
 
 
 
 225
 
 225
Repurchase of common stock and tax withholdings related to share-based awards(30) 
 (193) 6
 (57) 
 
 (250)
Share-based compensation
 
 5,285
 
 
 
 
 5,285
BALANCE, November 3, 2018125,743
 $1,257
 $482,340
 32,664
 $(444,309) $614,349
 $(504) $653,133

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

6

Table of Contents



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

 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Treasury Stock Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income  
 Shares Par Value  Shares Amount   Total
BALANCE, February 3, 2018127,471
 $1,275
 $468,806
 29,114
 $(413,465) $599,810
 $(44) $656,382
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, ASU 2016-16 and ASU 2014-09 (see Note 1)
 
 
 
 
 (5,015) (39) (5,054)
BALANCE, February 3, 2018, as adjusted127,471
 $1,275
 $468,806
 29,114
 $(413,465) $594,795
 $(83) $651,328
Net income
 
 
 
 
 52,253
 
 52,253
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 54
 54
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 (475) (475)
Issuance of common stock2,179
 21
 1,427
 
 
 
 
 1,448
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.2550 per share)
 
 
 
 
 (32,699) 
 (32,699)
Repurchase of common stock & tax withholdings related to share-based awards(3,907) (39) (3,416) 3,550
 (30,844) 
 
 (34,299)
Share-based compensation
 
 15,523
 
 
 
 
 15,523
BALANCE, November 3, 2018125,743
 $1,257
 $482,340
 32,664
 $(444,309) $614,349
 $(504) $653,133
                
BALANCE, January 28, 2017128,753
 $1,288
 $452,756
 26,417
 $(386,094) $541,251
 $(28) $609,173
Net income
 
 
 
 
 73,025
 
 73,025
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 (15) (15)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 49
 49
Issuance of common stock1,965
 20
 2,038
 
 
 
 
 2,058
Dividends paid on common stock ($0.2475 per share)
 
 
 
 
 (31,889) 
 (31,889)
Repurchase of common stock & tax withholdings related to share-based awards(2,938) (30) (6,031) 2,500
 (25,672) 
 
 (31,733)
Share-based compensation
 
 14,739
 
 
 
 
 14,739
BALANCE, October 28, 2017127,780
 $1,278
 $463,502
 28,917
 $(411,766) $582,387
 $6
 $635,407


 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Treasury Stock Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  
 Shares Par Value  Shares Amount   Total
BALANCE, February 2, 2019116,949
 $1,169
 $486,406
 41,297
 $(494,395) $587,145
 $(361) $579,964
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-02 (see Note 1)
 
 
 
 
 (1,287) 
 (1,287)
BALANCE, February 2, 2019, as adjusted116,949
 1,169
 486,406
 41,297
 (494,395) 585,858
 (361) 578,677
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 (8,407) 
 (8,407)
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 208
 208
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 (265) (265)
Issuance of common stock2,129
 21
 1,067
 
 
 
 
 1,088
Dividends on common stock ($0.2625 per share)
 
 
 
 
 (30,990) 
 (30,990)
Repurchase of common stock & tax withholdings related to share-based awards(457) (4) (2,545) 
 
 
 
 (2,549)
Share-based compensation
 
 5,353
 
 
 
 
 5,353
BALANCE, November 2, 2019118,621
 $1,186
 $490,281
 41,297
 $(494,395) $546,461
 $(418) $543,115
                
BALANCE, February 3, 2018127,471
 $1,275
 $468,806
 29,114
 $(413,465) $599,810
 $(44) $656,382
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02, ASU 2016-16 and ASU 2014-09
 
 
 
 
 (5,015) (39) (5,054)
BALANCE, February 3, 2018, as adjusted127,471
 1,275
 468,806
 29,114
 (413,465) 594,795
 (83) 651,328
Net income
 
 
 
 
 52,253
 
 52,253
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 54
 54
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 (475) (475)
Issuance of common stock2,179
 21
 1,427
 
 
 
 
 1,448
Dividends on common stock ($0.255 per share)
 
 
 
 
 (32,699) 
 (32,699)
Repurchase of common stock & tax withholdings related to share-based awards(3,907) (39) (3,416) 3,550
 (30,844) 
 
 (34,299)
Share-based compensation
 
 15,523
 
 
 
 
 15,523
BALANCE, November 3, 2018125,743
 $1,257
 $482,340
 32,664
 $(444,309) $614,349
 $(504) $653,133


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

7

Table of Contents


CHICO’SCHICO'S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:      
Net income$52,253
 $73,025
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Net (loss) income$(8,407) $52,253
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization69,290
 73,968
67,876
 69,290
Loss on disposal and impairment of property and equipment3,592
 5,204
Deferred income taxes1,195
 (1,483)
Non-cash lease expense160,363
 
Loss on disposal and impairment of property and equipment, net225
 3,592
Deferred tax benefit(778) 1,195
Share-based compensation expense15,523
 14,739
5,353
 15,523
Deferred rent and lease credits(14,868) (14,684)
 (14,868)
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Inventories(33,198) (32,660)(42,255) (33,198)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(190) 5,556
(10,861) (190)
Accounts payable31,947
 18,758
8,261
 31,947
Accrued and other liabilities(6,780) (47,598)(2,600) (6,780)
Lease liability(169,970) 
Net cash provided by operating activities118,764
 94,825
7,207
 118,764
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:      
Purchases of marketable securities(31,300) (29,097)(35,020) (31,300)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities31,946
 19,056
39,967
 31,946
Purchases of property and equipment(36,601) (27,128)(22,126) (36,601)
Net cash used in investing activities(35,955) (37,169)(17,179) (35,955)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:      
Proceeds from borrowings61,250
 

 61,250
Payments on borrowings(68,750) (12,500)(11,250) (68,750)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock1,448
 2,058
1,088
 1,448
Dividends paid(32,674) (32,021)(30,992) (32,674)
Repurchase of common stock(30,879) (25,697)
 (30,879)
Payments of tax withholdings related to share-based awards(3,420) (6,034)(2,549) (3,420)
Net cash used in financing activities(73,025) (74,194)(43,703) (73,025)
   
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(475) 49
(265) (475)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents9,309
 (16,489)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(53,940) 9,309
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of period
160,071
 142,135
124,128
 160,071
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of period
$169,380
 $125,646
$70,188
 $169,380
      
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:      
Cash paid for interest$2,678
 $1,831
$1,654
 $2,678
Cash paid for income taxes, net$22,481
 $44,783
Cash (received) paid for income taxes, net$(506) $22,481

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

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

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Chico’sChico's FAS, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”"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 February 3, 2018,2, 2019, included in the Company’sCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”("SEC") on March 13, 2018.19, 2019 ("2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K").
As used in this report, all references to “we,” “us,” “our”"we," "us," "our" and “the"the Company," refer to Chico’sChico's FAS, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Furthermore, we refer to our Chico's® and White House Black Market® brands collectively as our "Apparel Group" and refer to our Soma® and TellTaleTM brands collectively as our "Intimates Group."
Our fiscal years end on the Saturday closest to January 31 and are designated by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. Operating results for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 20182, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
On August 17, 2018,Effective February 3, 2019, the SEC adopted a final rule that eliminates or amends certain disclosure requirements that were deemed redundant and outdated in light of changes in SEC requirements, U.S. GAAP or changes in technology or the business environment. The rule also requires registrants to include in their interim financial statements a reconciliation of changes in stockholders’ equity in the notes or as a separate statement. The analysis should reconcile the beginning balance to the ending balance of each caption in shareholders’ equity for each period for which an income statement is required to be filed. The final rule became effective November 5, 2018. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we have provided a reconciliation for both the quarterly and year-to-date periods as well as comparable prior periods in this Form 10-Q. The eliminated or amended disclosures did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we earlyCompany adopted the guidance ofFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”("ASU") 2018-15,2016-02, Intangibles - GoodwillLeases, which requires the recognition of lease assets and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accountinglease liabilities by lessees for Implementation Costs Incurredthose leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. The Company also adopted the package of practical expedients issued in subsequent ASUs related to ASU 2016-02. The original guidance required application on a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in a cloud computing arrangement (“CCA”) service contractmodified retrospective basis with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred for an internal-use software license. Under this guidance, entities that enter into hosted CCA service contracts willearliest period presented. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements, to Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 842, Leases ("ASC 842"), which included a provision to apply ASC 842 at the existing internal-use software guidanceadoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to determine which implementation costs are capitalized or expensed depending on the natureopening balance of retained earnings in the costs and project stage during which they are incurred. Capitalized implementation costs under ASU 2018-15 andperiod of adoption. The Company has elected to use the related amortization,initial application date as the effective date of ASC 842. Consequently, the comparative periods are presented in the same line items of the financial statements as the costs for the associated hosting arrangement. The provisions of ASU 2018-15 were adopted on a prospective basisaccordance with ASC 840, Leases, and didare not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reportedrestated in accordance with the previous guidance.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we early adopted the guidance of ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income, which provides entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings tax effects related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”) that have been stranded in accumulated OCI asASC 842. As a result of the Tax Cutsadoption of ASC 842, on February 3, 2019, we recorded operating lease right of use ("ROU") assets of $764.1 million and Jobs Actlease liabilities of 2017 (the “Tax Act”). The provisions of ASU 2018-02 were adopted on a prospective basis with a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings, and prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous guidance. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018,$845.7 million. On February 3, 2019, the Company recorded an immateriala cumulative effect adjustment of $1.3 million as an increasea decrease to opening retained earnings upon adoption of ASU 2018-02 as detailed in the table below.
In the second quarterASC 842. The adoption of fiscal 2018, we adopted the guidance of ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the second step from the quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this guidance, annual or interim goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge will then be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill. The provisions of ASU 2017-04 were adopted on a prospective basis and did not haveASC 842 had an immaterial impact on the Company’sour unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.results of operations and statement of cash flows for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019. Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in Note 4, Leases.
Leases
Beginning on February 3, 2019, the Company accounts for leases pursuant ASC 842 as established by ASU 2016-02. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in ROU assets, current lease liabilities and long-term lease liabilities in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company does not have finance leases in the periods presented.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. The operating lease ROU asset represents the net present value of fixed payments required under the lease, discounted at the Company's incremental borrowing rate, offset by impairments and lease incentives such as tenant improvements and deferred rent balances.
Our leases do not provide an implicit rate. Accordingly, we use the Company's incremental borrowing rate at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Furthermore, we elected to apply a portfolio approach, using the same discount rate applied to a portfolio of leases for similar asset types with a similar lease term.
Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. When it is reasonably certain that we will exercise an option to extend or terminate a lease, the Company will adjust its ROU asset and lease liability. For leases with no impairment of the ROU asset, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For stores with

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Inimpairment of the first quarterROU asset, lease expense consists of fiscal 2018,straight-line amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest expense on the lease liability.
We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. We have made a policy election to treat both lease and non-lease components as a single component and account for the full consideration as a single lease component. This policy election is applied to all asset classes for which the Company is a lessee.
We lease retail stores and a limited amount of office space under operating leases. The majority of our lease agreements provide for tenant improvement allowances, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Tenant improvement allowances, fixed rent escalation clauses and impairments are included in the ROU asset computation.
Certain leases provide for contingent rents based on defined criteria, such as gross sales in excess of a specified level. We record a contingent rent liability in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when the criteria has been achieved or is probable.
Additionally, we adoptedhave a nominal number of leases that meet the guidancestandard's definition of ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfersa "short-term lease" (a lease that, at the commencement date, has a lease term of Assets Other than Inventory, which requires companiestwelve months or less and does not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise). We have made a policy election to recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales or transfers of other assets in the income statementthese leases as income tax expense (benefit) in the period the sale or transfer occurs. Additionally, companies are required to evaluate whether the tax effects of the intercompany sales or transfers of non-inventory assets should be included in their estimates of annual effective tax rates by using today’s interim guidance on income tax accounting. The provisions of ASU 2016-16 were adopted on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings,incurred and prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous guidance. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recordedrecognized a cumulative effect adjustment of $5.7 million as a decrease to opening retained earnings upon adoption of ASU 2016-16. Any further tax impacts on salesROU asset or transfers of intercompany assets other than inventory will be recognized as incurred.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we adopted the guidance of ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, under which entitiescorresponding lease liability for them. The Company's short-term leases are no longer able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities they classify as available-for-sale in other comprehensive income but instead must recognize the change in fair value in net income. The updated guidance further eliminated equity security classification categories (i.e., trading and available-for-sale). The new standard does not change the guidance for classifying and measuring investments in debt securities. The provisions of ASU 2016-01 were adopted on a prospective basis and did not have an impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we adopted the guidance of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The updated guidance 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. Through our evaluation of the impact of this ASU 2014-09, we identified certain changes that were made to our accounting policies, practices, systems and controls which include: 1) revenue related to our online sales will be recognized at the shipping point rather than upon delivery to customer; 2) timing of our recognition of advertising expenses, whereby certain expenses that previously were amortized over their expected period of future benefit will be expensed the first time the advertisement appears; 3) presentation of estimated merchandise returns as both an asset, equal to the inventory value net of processing costs, and a corresponding return liability, compared to the previous practice of recording an estimated net return liability; and 4) the recognition of any future franchise development fees will be recognized over the license period. Upon adoption, the Company’s accounting policies and treatment over revenue recognition are consistent with the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and represent a faithful depiction of the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
The provisions of ASU 2014-09 were adopted on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings, and prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous guidance. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment of $0.7 million as an increase to opening retained earnings upon adoption of ASU 2014-09.material.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Adjustments to Presentation Upon Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
The following table presents the effects that the aforementioned adopted accounting standards had on our February 3, 2018 condensed consolidated balance sheet:
 
February 3, 2018
(As Reported)
 ASU 2018-02 ASU 2016-16 ASU 2014-09 
February 3, 2018
(As Adjusted)
ASSETS
Inventories$233,726
 $
 $
 $(824) $232,902
Prepaid expenses and other current assets60,668
 
 (500) 5,389
 65,557
Other assets, net16,338
 
 (5,206) 
 11,132
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Other current and deferred liabilities$133,715
 $
 $
 $3,677
 $137,392
Deferred taxes7,372
 
 
 236
 7,608
Retained earnings599,810
 39
 (5,706) 652
 594,795
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(44) (39) 
 
 (83)

Had the Company not adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-09, the effects of adoption of this standard on our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 and unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of November 3, 2018 were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 November 3, 2018 November 3, 2018
 As Reported Effects of Standard Balances Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Reported Effects of Standard Balances Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09
Sales$499,877
 $783
 $500,660
 $1,606,412
 $(3,295) $1,603,117
Cost of Goods Sold318,899
 237
 319,136
 1,001,699
 (1,934) 999,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses178,394
 5
 178,399
 538,902
 (631) 538,271
 November 3, 2018
 As Reported Effects of Standard Balances Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09
ASSETS
Inventory$266,100
 $1,383
 $267,483
Prepaid expenses and other current assets62,167
 (3,165) 59,002
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Other current and deferred liabilities$126,337
 $(1,052) $125,285



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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

2. NEWRECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”)FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments related to the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of ASU 2018-13 and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. We do not anticipate adoption to have a material impact on the Company’sCompany's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
In FebruaryJune 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02,2016-13, Leases,Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which replaces the existing guidance in Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 840, Leases.. The FASB has also issued subsequent ASUsupdate and additional changes, modifications, clarifications, or interpretations related to ASU 2016-02, which detail amendmentsthis guidance thereafter, changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The guidance is to be applied using the ASU, implementation considerations, narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients. ASU 2016-02modified-retrospective approach. The standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The guidance is required to be adopted using the modified retrospective approach, which provides an entity the option to apply the guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, or at the beginning of the period in which it is adopted. The standard 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 have made progress in our assessment phase and are in the process of compiling all agreements that are considered a lease under this new guidance.2019. We are finalizingcurrently evaluating the implementation of our leasing software solution, including identifying changes to our business processes, systems and controls to supportimpact the adoption in fiscal year 2019. Upon adoption of the standard, we expect to record material right-of-use assets and lease liabilitieswill have on the balance sheets approximating the present value of future lease payments.our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Disaggregated Revenue
The following table disaggregates our operating segment revenue by brand, which we believe provides a meaningful depiction of the nature of our revenue. Amounts shown include licensing and wholesale income,revenue, which is not a significant component of total revenue, and is aggregated within the respective brands in the table below.
Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017 November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018 November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
Chico's$259,503
 51.9% $284,560
 53.5% $847,247
 52.8% $896,904
 53.0%$249,973
 51.5% $259,503
 51.9% $795,599
 52.6% $847,247
 52.8%
WHBM167,805
 33.6
 175,265
 32.9
 519,391
 32.3
 552,993
 32.6
154,941
 32.0
 167,805
 33.6
 455,695
 30.2
 519,391
 32.3
Soma(1)72,569
 14.5
 72,462
 13.6
 239,774
 14.9
 244,699
 14.4
79,792
 16.5
 72,569
 14.5
 259,496
 17.2
 239,774
 14.9
Total Net Sales$499,877
 100.0% $532,287
 100.0% $1,606,412
 100.0% $1,694,596
 100.0%$484,706
 100.0% $499,877
 100.0% $1,510,790
 100.0% $1,606,412
 100.0%

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

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)


Accounting Policies    
The Company recognizes revenue pursuant ASC 606 as established by ASU 2014-09 (“("ASC 606”606"). Retail sales by our stores are recorded at the point of sale and are net of estimated customer returns, sales discounts under rewards programs and Company issued coupons, promotional discounts and employee discounts. Sales from our websites and catalogs are recognized at the time of shipment. Amounts related to shipping and handling costs billed to customers are recorded in net sales and the related shipping and handling costs are recorded in cost of goods sold in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income. Amounts paid by customers to cover shipping and handling costs are immaterial. Our policy towards taxes assessed by a government authority directly imposed on revenue producing transactions between a seller and a customer is, and has been, to exclude all such taxes from revenue. Licensing and wholesale income,revenue, which is not a significant component of total revenue, is recognized based upon delivery of products, except when the customer has a contractual right of return.    

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

We sell gift cards in stores, on our e-commerce website and through third parties. Our gift cards do not have expiration dates. We account for gift cards by recognizing a liability at the time the gift card is sold. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized, net of third party sales commissions, for gift cards upon redemption. In addition, we recognize revenue for the amount of gift cards expected to go unredeemed (commonly referred to as gift card breakage) under the redemption recognition method. This method records gift card breakage as revenue on a proportional basis over the redemption period based on our historical gift card breakage rate. We determine the gift card breakage rate based on our historical redemption patterns. We recognize revenue on the remaining unredeemed gift cards based on determining that the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote and that there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift cards to relevant jurisdictions.
Soma offers a points-based loyalty program in which customers earn points based on purchases. Attaining specified loyalty point levels results in the issuance of reward coupons to discount future purchases. As program members accumulate points, we accrue the estimated future liability, adjusted for expected redemption rates and expirations. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized for loyalty point reward coupons upon redemption. In addition, we recognize revenue on unredeemed points when it can be determined that the likelihood of the point being redeemed is remote and there is no legal obligation to remit the point value. We determine the loyalty point breakage rate based on historical and redemption patterns.
As part of the normal sales cycle, we receive customer merchandise returns related to store, website and catalog sales. To account for the financial impact of potential customer merchandise returns, we estimate future returns on previously sold merchandise. Reductions in sales and gross margin are recorded for estimated merchandise returns based on return history, current sales levels and projected future return levels.
The Company’sCompany's accounting policies and treatment over revenue recognition are consistent with the provisions of ASC 606 and represent a faithful depiction of the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
Contract Liability
Contract liabilities onin the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet weresheets are comprised of obligations associated with our gift card and customer loyalty programs. As of November 3, 20182, 2019 and February 3, 2018,2, 2019, contract liabilities primarily consisted of gift cards of $29.4$28.3 million and $43.6$42.6 million, respectively. For the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018,2, 2019, the Company recognized $3.7 million and $25.5$23.3 million, respectively, of revenue that was previously included in the gift card contract liability as of February 3, 2018.2, 2019. The contract liability for our loyalty program was not material as of November 3, 20182, 2019 or February 3, 2018.2, 2019.
Performance Obligation
For the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018,2, 2019, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods was not material. Revenue recognized in future periods related to performance obligations is not expected to be material.

4. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017, share-based compensation expense was $15.5 million and $14.7 million, respectively. As of November 3, 2018, approximately 7.0 million shares remain available for future grants of equity awards under our Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated effective June 22, 2017.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Restricted Stock Awards4. LEASES
We lease retail stores, a limited amount of office space and certain equipment under operating leases expiring in various years through the fiscal year ending 2029. All of our leases have been classified as operating leases and are recognized and measured as such.
Certain operating leases provide for renewal options that are at a pre-determined period and rental value. Furthermore, certain leases provide that we may cancel the lease if our retail sales at that location fall below an established level. Within the first few years of the initial lease term, a majority of our store operating leases contain cancellation clauses that allow the leases to be terminated at our discretion, if certain minimum sales levels are not met. In the normal course of business, operating leases are typically renewed or replaced by other leases.
Escalation of operating lease payments of certain leases depend on an existing index or rate, such as the consumer price index or the market interest rate. These are considered variable lease payments and are included in lease payments when the escalation is known.
Operating lease expense was as follows:
 November 2, 2019
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
Operating lease cost (1)
$62,696
 $189,939

(1) Restricted stock awards vestIncludes approximately $6.9 million and $20.0 million in equal annual installments over a three-year period from the date of grant.
Restricted stock award activityvariable lease costs for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 20182, 2019, respectively.     
Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows:

Number of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period2,328,259
 $13.08
Granted1,944,280
 9.68
Vested(1,047,063) 13.00
Forfeited(259,668) 11.85
Unvested, end of period2,965,808
 10.99
 November 2, 2019
Right of Use Assets$664,052
  
Current lease liabilities$155,403
Long-term lease liabilities578,971
Total operating lease liabilities$734,374
  
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (years)4.9
  
Weighted Average Discount Rate (1)
5.7%

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units
For(1) The incremental borrowing rate used by the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018, we granted performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), contingent uponCompany is based on the achievementrate at which the Company could borrow funds using its credit rating for a collateralized loan of Company-specific performance goals duringsimilar term to the three fiscal years 2018-2020. Any units earned aslease. The weighted average discount rate represents a resultweighted average of the achievement of this goal will vest 100% three years fromincremental borrowing rate for each lease weighted based on the date of grant and will be settled in shares of our common stock.remaining fixed lease obligations. 
Performance-based restricted stock unit activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018Supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases was as follows:
 Number of Units/
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period690,950
 $13.65
Granted725,300
 9.87
Vested(190,777) 13.08
Forfeited(88,188) 13.11
Unvested, end of period1,137,285
 11.40

Stock Option Awards
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017, we did not grant any stock options.
Stock option activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 was as follows:
 Number of
Options
 Weighted
 Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period368,745
 $12.36
Granted
 
Exercised(21,200) 4.46
Forfeited or expired(112,268) 13.39
Outstanding and exercisable, end of period235,277
 12.58
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 November 2, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: 
Operating cash outflows$169,970
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, non-cash22,346




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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows:
Fiscal Year Ending:
February 1, 2020 (1)
$36,572
January 30, 2021209,945
January 29, 2022185,251
January 28, 2023147,479
February 4, 2024100,312
Thereafter168,708
Total future minimum lease payments$848,267
Less imputed interest(113,893)
Total$734,374

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


5. RETAIL FLEET OPTIMIZATION PLAN
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company announced a retail fleet optimization plan to rebalance the mix between our physical store presence and our digital network with the closure of at least 250 stores in the United States in fiscal years 2019-2021. Under this plan, we expect to close approximately 100 Chico's, 90 WHBM and 60 Soma locations in fiscal years 2019-2021, with the majority of the closings occurring in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. During the fiscal 2019 year-to-date period, we had 45 net store closures consisting of 17 Chico's stores, 16 WHBM stores and 12 Soma stores. This initiative is part of the Company's efforts to better capitalize on its omnichannel platform, reduce costs and improve profitability and return on invested capital. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, the Company recorded $2.1 million and $9.9 million, respectively, in pre-tax accelerated depreciation of property and equipment within cost of goods sold associated with this retail fleet optimization plan. Accelerated depreciation on property and equipment reflects the impact of a change in the useful life of store assets for store closures added as a result of the Company's retail fleet optimization plan.

6. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, share-based compensation expense was $5.4 million and $15.5 million, respectively. As of November 2, 2019, approximately 4.3 million shares remain available for future grants of equity awards under our Amended and Restated 2012 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the "Amended Omnibus Plan"), which was amended and restated effective June 22, 2017.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period from the date of grant, except for a restricted stock award granted to our CEO, which vests over a four-year period from the date of grant and is described further in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on August 20, 2019.
Restricted stock award activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was as follows:

Number of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period2,715,466
 $10.92
Granted3,563,105
 4.22
Vested(1,266,059) 11.28
Forfeited(1,638,433) 7.11
Unvested, end of period3,374,079
 5.56


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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, we granted performance-based restricted stock units ("PSUs"), contingent upon the achievement of Company-specific performance goals. The annual PSU grants in March 2019 have a performance period of the three fiscal years 2019 - 2021. Special PSU grants in August and October 2019 have a performance period of part of fiscal year 2019 through the end of fiscal year 2021. Any units earned as a result of the achievement of the performance goals of the PSUs will vest three years from the date of grant for the March 2019 grants and in March 2022 for the August and October 2019 grants and will be settled in shares of our common stock. All PSUs granted during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 were granted under our Amended Omnibus Plan, except for one PSU granted as an inducement award as permitted under New York Stock Exchange Rule 303A.08. The inducement award was granted to our CEO outside of the Amended Omnibus Plan and is described further in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on August 20, 2019.
Performance-based restricted stock unit activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was as follows:
 Number of Units/
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested, beginning of period1,067,338
 $11.40
Granted2,740,650
 2.87
Vested(244,628) 13.19
Forfeited(1,297,434) 7.24
Unvested, end of period2,265,926
 3.27

Stock Option Awards
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, we did not grant any stock options.
Stock option activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was as follows:
 Number of
Options
 Weighted
 Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period214,277
 $13.54
Granted
 
Exercised
 
Forfeited or expired(2,000) 13.26
Outstanding and exercisable, end of period212,277
 13.54


7. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes is based on a current estimate of the annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. Our effective income tax rate may fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of a variety of factors, including changes in our assessment of certain tax contingencies, valuation allowances, changes in tax law, outcomes of administrative audits, the impact of discrete items and the mix of earnings.
For the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, and October 28, 2017, the Company’sCompany's effective tax rate was 14.7% and (141.7)% and 32.9%, respectively. The Company’seffective tax rate of 14.7% for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 was primarily the result of an income tax benefit on the third quarter operating loss, offset by an unfavorable fiscal 2018 provision-to-return adjustment, and a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets for charitable contributions with limitations. The favorable effective tax rate of (141.7)% for the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2018 includeswas primarily due to the impact of acceleratedCompany’s ability to accelerate certain income tax deductions into the 2017 federal income tax return. Due toreturn as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the acceleration of these deductions into 2017 resulted in the Company recognizing cash savings that increased its deferred income tax liability, which, upon remeasurement to the 21% rate, resulted in permanent expense savings in the quarter(the "Tax Act").

14

Table of approximately $4.9 millionContents
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and a net tax benefit of $3.8 million. This resulted in an effective tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2018 of (141.7)% compared to 32.9% for the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2017.per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, the incomeCompany's effective tax provisionrate was $13.1 million compared to $41.3 million(31.2)% and 20.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate of (31.2)% for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017. ForNovember 2, 2019 was primarily the result of an income tax benefit on the year-to-date operating loss, offset by additional tax expense related to employee share-based awards, an unfavorable fiscal 2018 provision-to-return adjustment, and a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets for charitable contributions with limitations. The effective rate of 20.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017, the Company’s effective tax rate was 20.0% and 36.1%, respectively. The 16.1% reduction in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the result of the acceleration ofCompany's ability to accelerate certain income tax deductions into the 2017 federal income tax return as discussed above.
In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, we have reflected the income tax effects of the aspectsa result of the Tax Act, for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. Our provision for income taxes does include estimates around the timing of certain deductions. To the extent those estimates change, there could be effects to incomepartially offset by additional tax expense duerelated to the change in the tax rate. Additionally, the final impact of the Tax Act may differ from our estimates due to additional regulations that may be issued or changes in interpretations as we gain a more thorough understanding of the tax law. These items remain provisional estimates. Pursuant to SAB 118, the Company will complete the accounting for the tax effects of all of the provisions of the Tax Act within the required measurement period, which ends in December 2018.

employee share-based awards.

6.8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
In accordance with relevant accounting guidance, unvested share-based payment awards that include non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities. As a result, such awards are required to be included in the calculation of earnings per common share pursuant to the “two-class”"two-class" method. For the Company, participating securities are comprised entirely of unvested restricted stock awards and PSUs that have met their relevant performance criteria.
Earnings per share (“EPS”("EPS") is determined using the two-class method when it is more dilutive than the treasury stock method. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including participating securities. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from non-participating securities such as stock options, PSUs and restricted stock units.

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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

The following table sets forth the computation of net (loss) income per basic and diluted EPSshare shown on the face of the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income:
Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017 November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018 November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
Numerator              
Net income$6,481
 $16,690
 $52,253
 $73,025
Net (loss) income$(8,123) $6,481
 $(8,407) $52,253
Net income and dividends declared allocated to participating securities(182) (394) (1,365) (1,683)
 (182) 
 (1,365)
Net income available to common shareholders$6,299
 $16,296
 $50,888
 $71,342
Net (loss) income available to common shareholders$(8,123) $6,299
 $(8,407) $50,888
Denominator              
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic122,201
 124,957
 124,069
 125,550
114,997
 122,201
 114,744
 124,069
Dilutive effect of non-participating securities72
 32
 51
 41

 72
 
 51
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted122,273
 124,989
 124,120
 125,591
114,997
 122,273
 114,744
 124,120
Net Income per Share:       
Net (loss) income per common share:       
Basic$0.05
 $0.13
 $0.41
 $0.57
$(0.07) $0.05
 $(0.07) $0.41
Diluted$0.05
 $0.13
 $0.41
 $0.57
$(0.07) $0.05
 $(0.07) $0.41

For the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, and October 28, 2017, 0.20.5 million and 0.70.2 million potential shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the diluted per share calculation relating to non-participating securities, because the effect of including these potential shares was antidilutive.
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, and October 28, 2017, 0.80.3 million and 0.70.8 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.


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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Our financial instruments consist of cash, money market accounts, marketable securities, assets held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan, accounts receivable and payable, and debt. Cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments.
Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and as of November 3, 20182, 2019 generally consist of corporate bonds, commercial paper, U.S. government agencies and municipal securities, and commercial paper with $41.1$31.3 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $18.4$26.0 million with maturity dates over one year and less than two years.
We consider all marketable securities available-for-sale, including those with maturity dates beyond 12 months, and therefore classify these securities within current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as they are available to support current operational liquidity needs. Marketable securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized holding gains and losses, net of income taxes, reflected in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income until realized. For the purposes of computing realized and unrealized gains and losses, cost is determined on a specific identification basis.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Entities are required to use a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: 
 Level 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 consolidated balance sheets.
From time to time, we measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis. This includes the evaluation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment using Company-specific assumptions which would fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
We assess the carrying amount of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses market participant rents to calculate the fair value of ROU assets and discounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group using a discount rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant to quantify fair value for other long-lived assets. The asset group is defined as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available and largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which for our retail stores, is primarily at the store level. On February 3, 2019, the Company recorded a transition day fair value impairment on our ROU asset of $1.3 million, after-tax, as a decrease to opening retained earnings upon adoption of ASC 842.
To assess the fair value of goodwill, we utilize both an income approach and a market approach. Inputs used to calculate the fair value based on the income approach primarily include estimated future cash flows, discounted at a rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant. Inputs used to calculate the fair value based on the market approach include identifying sales and EBITDA multiples based on guidelines for similar publicly traded companies and recent transactions.

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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

To assess the fair value of trade names, we utilize a relief from royalty approach. Inputs used to calculate the fair value of the trade names primarily include future sales projections, discounted at a rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant and an estimated royalty rate.
The carrying value of goodwill for the Chico's and White House Black Market ("WHBM") reporting units and WHBM trade name as of November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 was $36.4 million, $60.4 million and $34.0 million, respectively. NaN impairment charges were recognized for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018. If profitability trends do not improve as projected for our Chico's and WHBM reporting units, it is possible that a future interim test, or our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, may result in an impairment of these assets.
As of November 2, 2019 and February 2, 2018, our revolving loan and letter of credit facility approximates fair value as this instrument has a variable interest rate which approximates current market rates (Level 2 criteria).
To assess the fair value of long-term debt as of November 3, 2018, we utilizeutilized a discounted future cash flow model using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturities.
Fair value calculations contain significant judgments and estimates, which may differ from actual results due to, among other things, economic conditions, changes to the business model or changes in operating performance.
During the quarter ended November 3, 2018,2, 2019, we did not make any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets. Furthermore, as of November 2, 2019, February 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018, February 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017, we did not have any Level 3 financial assets measured on a recurring basis. We conduct reviews on a quarterly basis to verify pricing, assess liquidity and determine if significant inputs have changed that would impact the fair value hierarchy disclosure.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

In accordance with the provisions of the guidance, we categorized our financial assets and liabilities which are valued on a recurring basis, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique for the instruments, as follows:
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
Balance as of November 2, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial Assets:       
Current Assets       
Cash equivalents:       
Money market accounts$6,898
 $6,898
 $
 $
Marketable securities:       
Corporate bonds54,264
 
 54,264
 
Commercial paper2,989
 
 2,989
 
Noncurrent Assets       
Deferred compensation plan7,168
 7,168
 
 
Total$71,319
 $14,066
 $57,253
 $
Financial Liabilities:       
Long-term debt$46,250
 $
 $46,250
 $
       
Balance as of February 2, 2019      
Financial Assets:       
Current Assets       
Cash equivalents:       
Money market accounts$711
 $711
 $
 $
Marketable securities:       
Corporate bonds60,281
 
 60,281
 
Commercial paper1,706
 
 1,706
 
Noncurrent Assets       
Deferred compensation plan6,644
 6,644
 
 
Total$69,342
 $7,355
 $61,987
 $
Financial Liabilities:       
Long-term debt$57,500
 $
 $57,500
 $
  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using       
Balance as of November 3, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Balance as of November 3, 2018      
Financial Assets:              
Current Assets              
Cash equivalents:              
Money market accounts$2,691
 $2,691
 $
 $
$2,691
 $2,691
 $
 $
Marketable securities:              
Municipal securities2,306
 
 2,306
 
2,306
 
 2,306
 
Corporate bonds57,178
 
 57,178
 
57,178
 
 57,178
 
Noncurrent Assets              
Deferred compensation plan6,966
 6,966
 
 
6,966
 6,966
 
 
Total$69,141
 $9,657
 $59,484
 $
$69,141
 $9,657
 $59,484
 $
Financial Liabilities:              
Long-term debt (1)
$61,250
 $
 $61,529
 $
       
Balance as of February 3, 2018      
Financial Assets:       
Current Assets       
Cash equivalents:       
Money market accounts$1,250
 $1,250
 $
 $
Marketable securities:       
Municipal securities6,557
 
 6,557
 
U.S. government agencies12,744
 
 12,744
 
Corporate bonds37,030
 
 37,030
 
Commercial paper3,729
 
 3,729
 
Noncurrent Assets       
Deferred compensation plan7,315
 7,315
 
 
Total$68,625
 $8,565
 $60,060
 $
Financial Liabilities:       
Long-term debt (1)
$68,601
 $
 $69,036
 $
       
Balance as of October 28, 2017      
Financial Assets:       
Current Assets       
Cash equivalents:       
Money market accounts$861
 $861
 $
 $
Marketable securities:       
Municipal securities6,637
 
 6,637
 
U.S. government agencies16,756
 
 16,756
 
Corporate bonds30,901
 
 30,901
 
Commercial paper6,117
 
 6,117
 
Noncurrent Assets       
Deferred compensation plan6,925
 6,925
 
 
Total$68,197
 $7,786
 $60,411
 $
Financial Liabilities:       
Long-term debt (1)
$72,335
 $
 $72,786
 $
Long-term debt$61,250
 $
 $61,529
 $

(1) The carrying value of long-term debt as of October 28, 2017 and February 3, 2018 includes the current and long-term portions and the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs. As of November 3, 2018, long-term debt consists only of borrowings under our revolving credit facility as further discussed in Note 8.


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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

8.10. DEBT
On August 2, 2018, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Agreement”) as borrowers and guarantors, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent, letter of credit issuer and swing line lender, and certain lenders party thereto. Our obligations under the Agreement are guaranteed by the subsidiary guarantors and secured by a lien on certain assets of the Company and the subsidiary borrowers and guarantors, including inventory, accounts receivable, cash deposits, and certain insurance proceeds. The Agreement provides for a five-year asset-basedasset-

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(Unaudited)

based senior secured revolving loan and letter of credit facility of up to $200 million, maturing August 2, 2023. In addition, during the term of the Agreement, the Company may increase the commitments under the Agreement by up to an additional $100 million, subject to customary conditions, including obtaining the agreements from the lenders to provide such commitment increase. The interest rate applicable to the loans under the Agreement will be equal to, at the Company’sCompany's option, either a base rate, determined by reference to the federal funds rate, plus an interest rate margin, or a LIBO rate, plus an interest rate margin, in each case, depending on availability under the Agreement. The Company expects borrowings to be at a LIBO rate, plus an interest rate margin. In addition, the Company will pay a commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the commitments under the Agreement.
The Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and affirmative covenants, as well as customary negative covenants, that, among other things restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries to: (i) incur liens, (ii) make investments, (iii) issue or incur additional indebtedness, (iv) undergo significant corporate changes, including the requirement to maintainmergers and acquisitions, (v) make dispositions, (vi) make restricted payments, (vii) prepay other indebtedness and (viii) enter into certain financial ratios.other restrictive agreements. The Company was in compliance withmay pay cash dividends and repurchase shares under its share buyback program, subject to certain thresholds of available borrowings based upon the applicable ratio requirementslesser of the aggregate amount of commitments under the Agreement and other covenants at November 3, 2018. the borrowing base, determined after giving effect to any such transaction or payment, on a pro forma basis.
As of November 3, 2018,2, 2019, our outstanding debt consisted of $61.3$46.3 million in borrowings under the Agreement, resulting in $138.7$153.7 million available for borrowings under the revolving loan and letter of credit facility. As of November 3, 2018, an unamortized debt discount2, 2019, deferred financing costs of $0.6$0.5 million was outstanding related to the Agreement and is presented in other current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The credit agreement entered into on May 4, 2015 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and other lenders, which was unsecured and had provided for a term loan commitment in the amount of $100 million and a $100 million revolving credit facility, was terminated on August 2, 2018 in connection with the Company entering into the Agreement described above, and all outstanding amounts thereunder were repaid. We used the proceeds from the initial draw of the revolving loan of the Agreement to repay such obligations.
The following table provides additional detail on our outstanding long-term debt:
 November 3, 2018 February 3, 2018 October 28, 2017
Credit Agreement, net$61,250
 $68,601
 $72,335
Less: current portion
 (15,000) (15,000)
Total Long-Term Debt$61,250
 $53,601
 $57,335
 November 2, 2019 February 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
Credit Agreement$46,250
 $57,500
 $61,250

9. SHARE REPURCHASES
During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018, under our $300 million share repurchase program announced in November 2015, we repurchased 3.5 million shares at a total cost of approximately $30.9 million, at a weighted average of $8.70 per share. As of November 3, 2018, the Company has $105.4 million remaining for future repurchases under the 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.

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


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(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and where otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

On April 9, 2018, the District Court, sua sponte, issued an order granting WHBM’sWHBM's earlier 2016 request to appeal, to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals (“("Eleventh Circuit”Circuit"), the District Court’sCourt's ruling that the plaintiff has standing to maintain the lawsuit. On April 19, 2018, WHBM filed a petition for review in the Eleventh Circuit. In the meantime, the District Court stayed all further proceedings in the case pending the outcome of the appeal in the Eleventh Circuit.
On July 12, 2018, the plaintiff and WHBM notified the Eleventh Circuit that the plaintiff and WHBM had reached a class settlement on all claims and therefore voluntarily dismissed WHBM’sWHBM's appeal to the Eleventh Circuit. On August 2, 2018, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia reopened the case for purposes of reviewing/approving the proposed settlement. On October 22, 2018, the plaintiff filed the settlement papers with the District Court, along with a motion to stay the District Court’sCourt's consideration of the settlement pending the Eleventh Circuit’sCircuit's final disposition of Muransky v. Godiva Chocolatier, Inc., in which the Eleventh Circuit held, in an opinion issued October 3, 2018, that the display of the first five and last four digits of a credit or debit card number on a customer’scustomer's receipt given at the point of sale establishes a “concrete injury”"concrete injury" sufficient to confer Article III standing, enabling the customer to maintain a lawsuit. The motion to stay was granted on November 15, 2018. A petition for rehearing on the October 2018 opinion was filed in the Muransky case on October 24, 2018. The Eleventh Circuit issued a new opinion on April 22, 2019, sua sponte, superseding the October 2018 opinion, and reaffirming the establishment of Article III standing in the Muransky case.  A petition for rehearing on that April 2019 opinion was filed on May 13, 2019 and is currently pending before the Eleventh Circuit. The Muransky opinion, if not altered on the petition for rehearing, would bind the District Court in the Altman case and likely establish that the plaintiff has standing to maintain her lawsuit against WHBM. In such event, the

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

stay will be lifted and the proposed settlement will be reviewed by the District Court. If the Eleventh Circuit does not find standing in the Muransky case, the parties have agreed to submit the proposed settlement to the Superior Court for Cobb County, Georgia for approval. The proposed settlement would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’sCompany's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
However, no assurance can be given that the proposed settlement will be approved. If the proposed settlement is rejected and the case were to proceed as a class action and WHBM were to be unsuccessful in its defense on the merits, then the ultimate resolution of the case could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2016, Chico’sChico's Retail Services, Inc. (“CRS”("CRS") was named as a defendant in Corporate Cleaners, Inc. v. Chico’sChico's Retail Services, Inc., an action filed in the Circuit Court, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida.of Florida (“Seventeenth Judicial Circuit”). The plaintiff alleges that CRS breached a contract (and related amendments thereto) with the plaintiff by, among other reasons, failing to pay outstanding invoices and failing to allow the plaintiff the exclusive right to provide certain cleaning services. The plaintiff seeks an award of lost profits, lost revenue, as well as attorneys’attorneys' fees and costs. CRS denies the material allegations brought by the plaintiff and filed a counterclaim seeking recovery of amounts associated with alleged misrepresentations by the plaintiff as to the quantity of inventory units cleaned by the plaintiff. Discovery, including document productions, depositions, as well as expert discovery, remain ongoing.
On September 4,Mediation commenced in 2018, CRS and the plaintiff participated in mediation. Although unsuccessful at that time, the mediation remainsbut was adjourned with the expectation that the parties willwould continue mediation after expert disclosures have been exchanged. All final discovery must be initiated by January 18,CRS' expert was deposed in April 2019. A trial date iswas set for March 5,September 17, 2019; however, on August 15, 2019, the parties entered into a settlement agreement for an amount that was not material to our annual consolidated financial statements. On October 28, 2019, the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit dismissed the case with prejudice upon the Company's satisfaction of the terms of the settlement agreement.
In May 2019, the Company was named as a defendant in Fisher v. Chico's FAS, Inc., a putative class action filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. The complaint alleges that the Company advertised fictitious prices and corresponding phantom discounts on its made-for-outlet products in its Chico's outlets in violation of California's Unfair Competition Laws, California's False Advertising Laws and the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act. The plaintiff seeks disgorgement of the Company's profits and alleged unjust enrichment resulting from such advertising practices, injunctive relief, a corrective advertising campaign, as well as attorneys' fees and costs. The Company was served on May 10, 2019. No assuranceOn October 22, 2019, the parties attended a mediation, where they discussed potential settlement terms, subject, to among other things, agreement upon final terms, the execution of definitive documentation and court approval. The terms of the settlement as discussed would not be material to our annual consolidated financial statements.
There can be givenno assurances that CRSa settlement agreement will be successfulreached or that a settlement agreement, once finalized, will be approved. If the matter were instead to proceed as a class action and the Company were to be unsuccessful in its defense of this case or in its counterclaim. However, management does not believe that anyon the merits, then the ultimate resolution of the case wouldcould have a material adverse effect on the Company’sCompany's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Other than as noted above, we are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings other than claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. All such matters are subject to uncertainties, and outcomes may not be predictable. Consequently, the ultimate aggregate amounts of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of November 3, 20182, 2019 are not estimable. However, while such matters could affect our consolidated operating results when resolved in future periods, management believes that upon final disposition, any monetary liability or financial impact to us would not be material to our annual consolidated financial statements.


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

11.12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 9, 2018,25, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.085$0.0875 per share on our common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 21, 201820, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 10, 2018.9, 2019. Although it is our Company’s intention to continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend in the future, any decision to pay future cash dividends will be made by the Board of Directors and will depend on future earnings, financial condition and other factors.


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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’SMANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“("MD&A”&A") should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Form 10-Q and in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2019 ("2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K").

Executive Overview

We are a leading omni-channelomnichannel specialty retailer of women’swomen's private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy apparel, intimates and complementary accessories, operating under the Chico’s,Chico's® , White House Black Market (“WHBM”® ("WHBM"), Soma® and SomaTellTaleTM brand names in the United States ("U.S."), Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. We refer to our Chico's and WHBM brands collectively as our "Apparel Group" and refer to our Soma and TellTale brands collectively as our "Intimates Group." Our distinct lifestyle brands serve the needs of fashion-savvy women 35 years and older. We earn revenuesrevenue and generate cash through the sale of merchandise in our domestic and international retail stores, our various Company-operated e-commerce websites, and our call center which(which takes orders for all of our brands,brands), through an unaffiliated franchise partner in Mexico and through third partythird-party channels.

We utilize an integrated, omni-channelomnichannel approach to managing our business. We want our customers to experience our brands holistically and to view the various retail channels we operate as a single, integrated experience rather than as separate sales channels operating independently. This approach allows our customers to browse, purchase, return or exchange our merchandise through whatever sales channel and at whatever time is most convenient. As a result, we track total sales and comparable sales on a combined basis.

The Company reported a third quarter EPS of $0.05loss per diluted share of $0.07, compared to $0.13$0.05 earnings per diluted share in last year’syear's third quarter. Comparable store sales were down 6.8%2.2%, driven by a decrease in transaction count and lower average dollar sale. Comparable store sales for the Chico’s brand were down 10.2%. The Company has implemented a Chico’s brand performance improvement plan discussed below.sale, partially offset by an increase in transaction count.

Fiscal 2019 Third Quarter Business Highlights
Soma reported positive comparable sales of 2.4%. This better-than-expected performance was primarily driven by the ongoing success of the EnblissTM collection and Cool NightsTM sleepwear. October was the brand’s fifth consecutive month of positive comparable sales.
White House Black Market is continuing with
The following fiscal 2019 third quarter business highlights reflect the Company’s progress executing on its brand repositioning. Merchandise marginsthree strategic priorities: (i) driving stronger sales through improved significantly,product and marketing; (ii) optimizing the customer journey by simplifying, digitizing and extending the Company’s unique and personalized service; and (iii) transforming sourcing and supply chain operations to increase product speed to market and improve quality.
Chico’s reported sequential improvement in comparable sales, reflecting a focus on key items and a more balanced inventory position between basics and fashion.
WHBM reported sequential improvement in comparable sales enabled by changes made in talent, merchandising and product design.
Soma reported double-digit positive comparable sales growth for the second consecutive quarter, driven by better full-price selling compared to last year’sproduct innovation and inventory and marketing investments.
In the third quarter.
quarter, the Company strengthened its product teams and made investments in growth areas, such as digital and customer experience. The Company’s Endless Aisle, or shared inventory system, has been connected to all stores enabling customers to purchase onlineCompany also repositioned some departments, consolidated others, and ship from store, and is exceeding management’s expectations.reduced areas where the Company can operate more efficiently with fewer resources.
The Company continued to advancecompleted the implementation of its omni-channel capabilities withBuy On-Line, Pick-up In-Store (BOPIS) capability across all of its brands.
The Company is actively diversifying its country of origin mix and reducing manufacturing penetration in China, thereby mitigating the launchmajority of Client Book, an enhanced platform that provides digitized clienteling tools to store associates to personalize the customer experience. With Client Book, store associates now offer customers personalized online store fronts of curated product based on their attributes and prior purchase behavior, as well as the opportunity to work online with a personal stylist. Full rollout to all stores is expected in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.tariff increases.

Chico’s Brand Performance Improvement Plan
Following the Chico’s brand refresh in February 2018, merchandise and marketing were heavily weighted to boho styles, bold colors and original artisanal prints. The Company has determined that this shift was successful in attracting new customers and in reactivating some customers who aspired to the brand’s heritage. However, there was not enough depth in clean, classic polished silhouettes or in basics and top key items to appeal to the brand’s more polished and traditional customers.
Accordingly, the Company has implemented the following actions to improve performance at the Chico’s brand:
Initiated a leadership transition for the Chico’s brand and announced that Diane Ellis is departing as the Chico’s brand president, effective November 30, 2018. The Company has initiated a search to identify a new Chico’s brand president. In the interim, the Chico’s brand will be led by Shelley Broader, the Company’s CEO and President.
Adjusted the spring assortments to appropriately balance its merchandise architecture, reducing planned receipts and chasing more classic merchandise that is performing well.

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Repositioned marketing touchpoints to be more inclusive of all customers by adjusting in-store merchandising and display, print and digital media to feature more clean, classic silhouettes along with boho artisanal styling.
Adjusted planning and allocation strategies to improve in-stock and stronger penetration in basics and top key items.

Current Trends
RiskMacroeconomic Impacts
The Company has exposure to volatility of sales and gross margin volatility existthe macroeconomic environment due to political uncertainty and potential future changes into international trade agreements, such as new tariffs imposed on certain Chinese-made products imported to the United States. The potential exists that tariff ratesU.S. During fiscal 2018, the U.S. began to impose duties on Chinese imports maycertain Chinese-made imported products. In May 2019, the current administration announced an increase and additionalto the tariffs may becurrently being imposed on Chinese-made products. Increased tariffs oncertain imports from China,10% to 25%, effective May 10, 2019, which was further increased to 30% beginning on October 1, 2019. In August 2019, the administration announced plans to implementcountrytariff of 15% on approximately $300 billion of products imported into the U.S. from whichChina.  On August 13, 2019, the Company’s imports are highly concentrated, could result in higher costslist of goods and potentially adverselysubject to the tariff, referred to as List 4, was divided into two parts. The tariffs for products on List 4a became effective as of September 1, 2019. The tariffs for imported goods on List 4b are subject to a delay until December 15, 2019, which is not expected to have a material impact sales and gross margin.on the Company. To minimize this risk,these increased tariffs, the Company is actively reducing its penetration of Chinese-made imported products sourced from China and in the event such tariffs are imposed, will engagehas engaged vendor participation to negotiate cost-sharing agreements, and managemanaged and adjustadjusted spring buys and product pricing. There can be no assurance that these actions will mitigate the impact of new and/or incremental tariffs and consequentially future net sales, income from operations and net income may be adversely impacted at a material level.
Our Business Strategy
Our overall business strategy is focused on building a collection of distinct high-performing retail brands serving the fashion needs of women 35 and older. We seek to accomplish this strategy throughThe primary function of the Company is the production and procurement of beautiful merchandise that delivers the brand promise and brand positioning of each of our five focus areas: (1) evolving the customer experience, (2)brands and resonates with customers. To that end, we are further strengthening our brands’ positions, (3) leveraging actionable retail science, (4) building growth platformsmerchandise and (5) achieving operational excellence.design capabilities in the coming months and enhancing our sourcing and supply chain to deliver product in a timely manner to our customers while also concentrating on improvements to the quality and aesthetic of our merchandise. Over the long term, we may build our brand portfolio by organic development or acquisition of other specialty retail concepts if research indicates that the opportunity complements our current brands and is appropriate and in the best interest of the shareholders.
We pursue improving the performance of our brands by building our omni-channelomnichannel capabilities, which includes managing our store base, and growing our online presence, by executing marketing plans, by effectively leveraging expenses, by considering additional sales channels and markets, and by optimizing the merchandise offerings of each of our brands. We continue to invest heavily in advancing our omni-channelomnichannel capabilities, to allowso our customers tocan fully experience our brands in the manner they choose.
We view our stores and Company-operated e-commerce websites as a single, integrated sales function rather than as separate, independently operated sales channels operating independently. To that end, we often refer to our brands’ respective websites as the brand’s “largest store.” Customers may shop in one place and consummate the purchase somewhere else. Our domestic customers can return merchandise to a store or to our distribution center (“DC”), regardless of where they purchased it.channels. As a result, we maintain a shared inventory platform for our operations, allowing us to fulfill orders for all channels from our DCdistribution center ("DC") in Winder, Georgia. We also fulfillOur domestic customers can return merchandise to a store or to our DC, regardless of the original purchase location. Using our enhanced "Locate" tool, we ship in-store orders directly from other stores.locations directly to the customer, expediting delivery times while reducing our shipping costs. In addition, we expanded our omnichannel capabilities in fiscal 2018 with the launch of Endless Aisle, our shared inventory system, enabling customers to purchase online and ship from store.
We seek to acquire new customers and retain existing customers by leveraging existing customer-specific data and through targeted marketing, including digital marketing, social media, television, catalogs and mailers. We seek to optimize the potential of our brands with improved product offerings, potential new merchandise opportunities, and brand extensions that enhance the current offerings, as well as through our continued emphasis on our “Mosttrademark "Most Amazing Personal Service”Service" standard. We also will continue to consider potential alternative sales channels for our brands, including international franchisingfranchise, wholesale, licensing and licensing, wholesale opportunities and others.other opportunities.
In fiscal 2016, we began implementingimplemented cost reduction and operating efficiency initiatives, including realigning marketing and digital commerce, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing non-merchandise expenses. In fiscal 2017, we strengthenedfocused on our brand positioning and began preparing for future growth. We are now intently focused on evolving the customer experience and leveraging actionable retail science to drive profitable retail sales. Additionally,In fiscal 2018, we have launched multiple initiatives that utilize technology and new platforms to drive growth.growth such as Endless Aisle and STYLECONNECTTM (which enables store associates to personalize the customer experience). As a result of these multi-year initiatives, we have the technology and tools in place to leverage our omnichannel capabilities, which should allow us to capture and stay connected with our customers, whether in-store or online.




To support our supply chain strategy, we are working diligently to consolidate our vendor base. Through ongoing negotiations with our vendors, we believe there is opportunity for even more consolidation and scale. Throughout fiscal 2020, we plan to significantly reduce our base to a key set of top vendors. We intend to supplement that with a subset of smaller niche vendors to support us where we have unique needs. As we exit 2019, we anticipate a reduction in our vendor base of an additional 25% on top of last year’s 25% reduction. As we reach scale with key vendors, we believe we will have stronger partnerships, greater control over product quality, and the ability to achieve better terms and lower costs.

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We also continue to reduce our exposure in China by diversifying into other countries of origin. Throughout fiscal 2020, we anticipate we will be in the low 30% range compared to our current penetration in China of approximately 40% as we shift more of our sourcing to other countries. We are also working on mitigating strategies with respect to tariffs imposed in the second half of fiscal 2019, including engaging with our vendors on cost-sharing agreements and managing and adjusting our forward buys and product pricing. 
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we announced a retail fleet optimization plan to rebalance the mix between our physical store presence and our digital network with the closure of at least 250 stores in the U.S. in fiscal years 2019-2021. The Company had a challenging conclusion to fiscal 2018 and, under the direction of our Board of Directors ("the Board"), are addressing these challenges and taking steps to better position the Company for growth and future success.
On April 24, 2019, the Company announced a CEO transition plan and appointed Bonnie Brooks, former Vice Chair, President and CEO of Hudson’s Bay Company and a member of the Company's Board, as Interim CEO of the Company. Ms. Brooks made significant changes to leadership and reset the Company’s priorities for growth and value creation in fiscal 2019. Actions are underway across the brands with a focus on three distinct areas that we believe will positively impact results. These are:
Driving stronger sales through improved product and marketing;
Optimizing the customer journey by simplifying, digitizing and extending our unique and personalized service; and
Transforming our sourcing and supply chain operations to increase product speed to market and improve quality.
On July 18, 2019, the Company announced the appointment of Ms. Brooks as CEO and President of Chico's FAS, Inc. and a new leadership structure to drive a simpler, nimbler organization. The responsibility of our apparel brands, Chico’s and WHBM, was consolidated under one leader, Molly Langenstein, President, Apparel Group, to create clear lines of responsibility and accelerate sales driving priorities. The Company’s intimate brands, Soma and TellTale, are led by Mary van Praag, President, Intimates Group.
In the third quarter, Ms. Brooks continued her consolidation and transformation efforts at the Company. As a result of these efforts, the Company took action to reduce costs and reposition its organizational structure.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONSResults of Operations
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 3, 20182, 2019 Compared to the Thirteen Weeks Ended October 28, 2017November 3, 2018
Net Sales
The following table depicts net sales by Chico’s,Chico's, WHBM and Soma in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 20182, 2019 (the “third quarter”"third quarter") and the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2017 (“November 3, 2018 ("last year’syear's third quarter”quarter"):
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
      
(dollars in millions)
(dollars in millions) (1)
Chico's$260
 51.9% $285
 53.5%$250
 51.5% $260
 51.9%
WHBM168
 33.6
 175
 32.9
155
 32.0
 168
 33.6
Soma(2)73
 14.5
 72
 13.6
80
 16.5
 73
 14.5
Total Net Sales$500
 100.0% $532
 100.0%$485
 100.0% $500
 100.0%

(1) May not foot due to rounding
(2) Includes TellTale net sales, which is not a significant component of Soma revenue.
For the third quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, net sales were $500$485 million compared to $532$500 million in last year’syear's third quarter, aquarter. This decrease of 6.1%. Excluding the 1.6%, or $9 million, impact of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria (collectively, the “Hurricanes”) from last year’s third quarter, sales decreased 7.7% in the third quarter, which primarily3.0% reflects a comparable sales decline of 6.8%2.2% as well as the impact of 4358 net store closures since last year’syear's third quarter. The comparable sales decline was driven by a decrease in transaction count and lower average dollar sale.sale, partially offset by an increase in transaction count. In the third quarter, comparable sales at Soma were up positive double-digits for the second consecutive quarter while Chico's and WHBM posted sequential quarter-over-quarter improvement by adjusting product assortment and presentation.
The following table depicts comparable sales percentages by Chico’s,Chico's, WHBM and Soma for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017:2018:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
November 3, 2018 (1)
 October 28, 2017
Chico's(10.2)% (5.8)%
WHBM(5.1) (14.1)
Soma2.4
 (1.7)
Total Company(6.8)% (8.2)%
(1)Comparable sales for the third quarter have been adjusted to eliminate the impact of the calendar shift due to the fifty-third week in fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2018 comparable sales represent sales for the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2018 compared to sales for the thirteen weeks ended November 4, 2017.
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
Chico's(3.6)% (10.2)%
WHBM(5.7) (5.1)
Soma11.3
 2.4
Total Company(2.2) (6.8)
Cost of Goods Sold/Gross Margin
The following table depicts cost of goods sold (“COGS”("COGS") and gross margin in dollars and gross margin as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017:2018:
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
      
(dollars in millions)(dollars in millions)
Cost of goods sold$319
 $336
$314
 $319
Gross margin181
 197
171
 181
Gross margin percentage36.2% 37.0%35.3% 36.2%

For the third quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, gross margin was $171 million, or 35.3% of net sales, compared to $181 million, or 36.2% of net sales, compared to $197 million, or 37.0% of net sales, in last year’syear's third quarter. This 80 basis90-basis point decrease was primarily drivenreflects accelerated depreciation as a result of our previously announced retail fleet optimization plan, severance and other related net charges (collectively, “Severance Charges”) in connection with actions taken to reposition our organizational structure, the clearance of seasonal merchandise and the impact of tariffs, partially offset by an improvement in maintained margin that was more than offset byoccupancy costs related to the continued expansionas a percent of our omni-channel programs.sales.


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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table depicts selling, general and administrative expenses (“("SG&A”&A"), which includes direct operating expenses, marketing expenses and National Store Support Center ("NSSC") expenses, (“NSSC”), in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017:2018:
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
      
(dollars in millions)(dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative expenses$178
 $171
$181
 $178
Percentage of total net sales35.7% 32.3%37.3% 35.7%

For the third quarter of fiscal 2018,2019, SG&A was $181 million, or 37.3% of net sales, compared to $178 million, or 35.7% of net sales, for last year's third quarter. This $2 million increase primarily includes Severance Charges in connection with our revised organizational structure.
Retail Fleet Optimization Plan
In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recorded approximately $2 million in pre-tax accelerated depreciation charges of property and equipment within cost of goods sold related to our retail fleet optimization plan. The third quarter after-tax impact of these charges was approximately $2 million.
Severance Charges
In the third quarter, the Company recorded pre-tax Severance Charges of approximately $3 million. These charges are reflected in the financial statements as approximately $1 million, or 20 basis points, in COGS and approximately $2 million, or 40 basis points, in SG&A. The third quarter after-tax impact of these charges was approximately $2 million.
Income Taxes
For the third quarter, the effective tax rate was 14.7% compared to $171 million, or 32.3% of net sales, in(141.7)% for last year’s third quarter. This increaseThe 14.7% effective tax rate was primarily the result of $7 million, or 340 basis points,an income tax benefit on the third quarter operating loss, offset by an unfavorable fiscal 2018 provision-to-return adjustment, and a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets for charitable contributions with limitations. The favorable prior year effective tax rate was primarily reflects investments in marketingdue to the Company’s ability to accelerate certain income tax deductions into the 2017 federal tax return as well as contract terminationa result of the Tax Cuts and legal costs.Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act").
Provision for    Net (Loss) Income Taxesand Earnings per Diluted Share
For the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the $4 million income tax benefit resulted in an effective tax rate of (141.7)% compared to 32.9% for last year’s third quarter. The reduction in the effective tax rate for the third quarter was primarily the result of accelerated income tax deductions into the 2017 federal income tax return. Due to the Tax Act, which reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, the acceleration of these deductions into 2017 resulted in2019, the Company recognizing cash savings that increased its deferred income tax liability, which upon remeasurement to the 21% rate, resulted in permanent expense savings in the quarter of approximately $5 million andreported a net tax benefitloss of $4 million.
    Net Income and Earnings per Diluted Share
For the third quarter of fiscal 2018, net income was $6$8 million, or $0.05$0.07 loss per diluted share, compared to net income of $17$6 million, or $0.13$0.05 earnings per diluted share in last year’syear's third quarter. Results for the third quarter include a favorable tax benefit of approximately $5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, related to the Tax Act. Results for last year’s third quarter include the unfavorable impact of the Hurricanesaccelerated depreciation of approximately $5$2 million, after-tax, or $0.04 per diluted share.related to our retail fleet optimization plan and Severance Charges of approximately $2 million, after-tax, related to our revised organizational structure. The change in earnings per diluted share reflects a decrease in net income partially offset by the impact of approximately 3.7 million shares repurchased since the end of the third quarter last year.income.
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 3, 20182, 2019 Compared to the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 28, 2017November 3, 2018
Net Sales
The following table depicts net sales by Chico’s,Chico's, WHBM and Soma in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017:2018:
Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
      
(dollars in millions)(dollars in millions)
Chico's$847
 52.8% $897
 53.0%$796
 52.6% $847
 52.8%
WHBM519
 32.3
 553
 32.6
456
 30.2
 519
 32.3
Soma(1)240
 14.9
 245
 14.4
259
 17.2
 240
 14.9
Total net sales$1,606
 100.0% $1,695
 100.0%$1,511
 100.0% $1,606
 100.0%
Net(1) Includes TellTale net sales, for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 decreased to $1,606 million from $1,695 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017,which is not a decreasesignificant component of 5.2%. Excluding the 0.5%, or $9 million, impact of the Hurricanes from fiscal 2017, sales decreased 5.7% in fiscal 2018, which primarily reflects a comparable sales decline of 5.3% as well as the impact of 43 net store closures since last year’s third quarter. The comparable sales decline was driven by a decrease in transaction count and lower average dollar sale.
The following table depicts comparable sales percentages by Chico’s, WHBM and Soma for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017:revenue.

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 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 
November 3, 2018 (1)
 October 28, 2017
Chico's(6.4)% (8.3)%
WHBM(5.1) (11.5)
Soma(1.6) (1.1)
Total Company(5.3)% (8.4)%
(1)Comparable sales for the year-to-date period have been adjusted to eliminate the impact of the calendar shift due to the fifty-third week in fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2018 comparable sales representNet sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 compared2, 2019 decreased to sales$1,511 million from $1,606 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 4, 2017.3, 2018. This decrease of 6.0% reflects a comparable sales decline of 5.2% as well as the impact of 58 net store closures since last year's third quarter. The comparable sales decline was driven by lower average dollar sale and a decrease in transaction count.
The following table depicts comparable sales percentages by Chico's, WHBM and Soma for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018:
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
Chico's(5.8)% (6.4)%
WHBM(10.6) (5.1)
Soma8.6
 (1.6)
Total Company(5.2) (5.3)
Cost of Goods Sold/Gross Margin
The following table depicts COGS and gross margin in dollars and gross margin as a percentage of total net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017:2018:
Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
      
(dollars in millions)(dollars in millions)
Cost of goods sold$1,002
 $1,051
$980
 $1,002
Gross margin605
 643
530
 605
Gross margin percentage37.6% 38.0%35.1% 37.6%
Gross margin for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 20182, 2019 was $605$530 million, or 37.6%35.1% of net sales, compared to $643$605 million, or 38.0%37.6% of net sales, for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017.November 3, 2018. This 40 basis250-basis point decrease was primarily driven by an improvement in maintained margin that was more than offset by costsreflects charges related to the continued expansionour omnichannel programs, an effort to clear dated merchandise through discounts and liquidations and accelerated depreciation as a result of our omni-channel programs.previously announced retail fleet optimization plan.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table depicts SG&A, which includes store and direct operating expenses, marketing expenses and NSSC expenses, in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017:2018:
Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
November 3, 2018 October 28, 2017November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
      
(dollars in millions)(dollars in millions)
Selling, general and administrative expenses$539
 $528
$537
 $539
Percentage of total net sales33.5% 31.2%35.5% 33.5%
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018,2, 2019, SG&A was $539$537 million, or 33.5%35.5% of net sales, compared to $528$539 million, or 31.2%33.5% of net sales, for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017.November 3, 2018. This increase200-basis point decrease primarily reflects deleverage of $11 million, or 230 basis points, primarily reflectsstore operating expenses as well as investments in marketing as well as contract termination and legal costs, partially offset by a decline in store operating expenses.our Intimates Group.
Provision for Income TaxesRetail Fleet Optimization Plan
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018,2, 2019, the income tax provision was $13Company recorded approximately $10 million comparedin pre-tax accelerated depreciation of property and equipment within cost of goods sold related to $41 millionour retail fleet optimization plan. The after-tax impact of these charges for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017. November 2, 2019 was approximately $7 million.
Severance Charges
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 and October 28, 2017,2, 2019, the effective tax rate was 20.0% and 36.1%, respectively. The 16.1% reductionCompany recorded pre-tax Severance Charges of approximately $3 million. These charges are reflected in the effective tax rate was primarily the result of the Tax Act,financial statements as well as theapproximately $1.0 million, or 10 basis points, within COGS and approximately $2 million, or 10 basis points, within SG&A. The after-tax impact of these charges for the accelerated income tax deductions into the 2017 federal income tax return.thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 was approximately $2 million.

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Income Taxes
For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019, the income tax provision was $2 million compared to $13 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018. The effective tax rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 was (31.2)% and 20.0%, respectively. The (31.2)% effective tax rate was primarily the result of an income tax benefit on the year-to-date operating loss, offset by additional tax expense related to employee share-based awards, an unfavorable fiscal 2018 provision-to-return adjustment, and a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets for charitable contributions with limitations. The prior year effective tax rate was primarily due to the Company's ability to accelerate certain income tax deductions into the 2017 federal tax return as a result of the Tax Act, partially offset by additional tax expense related to employee share-based awards.
Net (Loss) Income and Earnings per Diluted Share
Net income forFor the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 was $522, 2019, the Company reported a net loss of $8.4 million, or $0.41$(0.07) earnings per diluted share, compared to net income of $73$52 million, or $0.57$0.41 earnings per diluted share, for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2017.November 3, 2018. Results for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 3, 2018 include the favorable tax benefit of approximately $5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, related to the Tax Act. Results for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 20172, 2019 include the unfavorable impact of the Hurricanesaccelerated depreciation charges of approximately $5$7 million, after-tax, or $0.04 per diluted share.related to our retail fleet optimization plan and Severance Charges of approximately $2 million, after-tax, related to our revised organizational structure. The change in earnings per diluted share reflects a decrease in net income partially offset by the impact of approximately 3.7 million shares repurchased since the end of the third quarter last year.income.
Fiscal 2017 Third Quarter Hurricane Impact
As a reminder, in last year’s third quarter, the Company was impacted by the Hurricanes, resulting in reduced operating hours or the temporary closure of more than 300 stores as well as a decline in direct to consumer sales. The business interruption of the Hurricanes had a significant impact on the Company’s operations. The impact to income from operations due to lower net sales, impairment charges and other incremental Hurricane-related expenses was approximately $10 million. On an after-tax basis, the Hurricane-related impact to net income was $5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share.
Cash, Marketable Securities and Debt
At the end of the third quarter, cash and marketable securities totaled $229$127 million an increase of $43 million compared to last year’s third quarter, while debt totaled $61 million, a decrease of $11 million from last year’s third quarter. This $43 million increase in cash and marketable securities primarily reflects cash generated from operating activities, partially offset by cash utilized for capital expenditures, return of cash to shareholders and debt payments.$46 million.
Inventories
At the end of the third quarter, inventories totaled $266$277 million compared to $265$266 million at the end of last year’syear's third quarter. This $1$11 million, or 0.4%4.3%, increase primarily reflects continued investment in Soma inventory to fund growth.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
As discussed in Note 1 and Note 4 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, we adopted ASC 842, Leases, as of February 3, 2019. As of November 2, 2019, we had $664 million, $155 million, and $579 million of operating lease right of use assets, current portion of operating lease liabilities and noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities, respectively, as a result of the timingadoption of product liquidations throughASC 842.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for a third party.description of certain newly issued accounting pronouncements which may impact our financial statements in future reporting periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe that our existing cash and marketable securities balances, cash generated from operations, available credit facilities and potential future borrowings will be sufficient to fund capital expenditures, working capital needs, dividend payments, potential share repurchases, commitments and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, while it is our intention to repurchase our stock and pay a quarterly cash dividend in the future, any determination to repurchase additional shares of our stock or pay future dividends will be made by the Board of Directors and will depend on our stock price, future earnings, financial condition and other factors considered by the Board.
Our ongoing capital requirements will continue to be primarily for enhancing and expanding our omni-channelomnichannel capabilities, including expanded, relocated and remodeled stores; information technology; and information technology.supply chain.
The following table summarizes cash flows for the year-to-date period November 2, 2019 compared to last year's year-to-date period November 3, 2018:

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 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 November 2, 2019 November 3, 2018
 (dollars in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities$7
 $119
Net cash used in investing activities(17) (36)
Net cash used in financing activities(44) (73)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents$(54) $10
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20182019 was $119$7 million compared to $95$119 million in last year’syear's year-to-date period. This $24 million increaseThe change in net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects lower 2019 net income. Other factors for the timing of payroll accruals, payments made in fiscal 2017 for outside services related to our previously disclosed restructuring program,decline include the impact of lower incentive compensation, paymentsthe timing of payables, and investment in fiscal 2018 comparedSoma inventory to fiscal 2017, and improved accounts payable leverage, partially offset by a decrease in fiscal 2018 net income and an increase in income tax receivables.fund growth.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20182019 was $36$17 million compared to $37$36 million in last year’syear's year-to-date period. This $1period, primarily reflecting a $14 million decrease reflects a $11 million net decline in marketable securities activity as a result of timing on the reinvestment of matured securities, partially offset by a $9 million increase in purchases of property and equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year-to-date period of fiscal 20182019 was $73$44 million compared to $74$73 million in last year’syear's year-to-date period. The $1 million decreaseperiod, primarily reflectsreflecting a $5$31 million decrease in net payments on borrowings and a $3 million impact associated with tax withholdings upon vesting of share-based payment awards, partially offset by a $5 million increase in share repurchases.

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Credit Facility
On August 2, 2018, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Agreement”) as borrowers and guarantors, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent, letter of credit issuer and swing line lender, and certain lenders party thereto. Our obligations under the Agreement are guaranteed by the subsidiary guarantors and secured by a lien on certain assets of the Company and the subsidiary borrowers and gurantors,guarantors, including inventory, accounts receivable, cash deposits, and certain insurance proceeds.
The Agreement provides for a five-year asset-based senior secured revolving loan and letter of credit facility of up to $200 million, maturing August 2, 2023. In addition, during the term of the Agreement, the Company may increase the commitments under the Agreement by up to an additional $100 million, subject to customary conditions, including obtaining the agreements from the lenders to provide such commitment increase. The interest rate applicable to the loans under the Agreement will be equal to, at the Company’sCompany's option, either a base rate, determined by reference to the federal funds rate, plus an interest rate margin, or a LIBO rate, plus an interest rate margin, in each case, depending on availability under the Agreement. The Company expects borrowings to be at a LIBO rate, plus an interest rate margin. In addition, the Company will pay a commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the commitments under the Agreement.
The credit agreement entered into on May 4, 2015 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and other lenders, which was unsecured and had provided for a term loan commitment in the amount of $100 million and a $100 million revolving credit facility, was terminated on August 2, 2018 in connection with the Company entering into the Agreement described above, and all outstanding amounts thereunder were repaid. We used the proceeds from the initial draw of the revolving loan of the Agreement to repay such obligations.
As of November 3, 2018, $612, 2019, $46 million in net borrowings were outstanding under the Agreement and is reflected as long-term debt in the accompanying unaudited condensed balance sheet.sheet included in this Form 10-Q.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pending discontinuation of, or transition away from, LIBOR will have on the Agreement. We have been in discussions with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association regarding this and do not expect the move to have a significant impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Store and Franchise Activity
During the fiscal 20182019 year-to-date period, we had 2945 net store closures consisting of 9 Chico’s17 Chico's stores, 1216 WHBM stores and 812 Soma stores. Currently, we expect an additional 10As part of our retail fleet optimization plan, the Company expects to 20 net store closuresclose approximately 100 Chico's, 90 WHBM and 60 Soma locations in fiscal 2018.years 2019-2021, with the majority of the closings occurring in fiscal years 2020-2021. We continuously evaluate the appropriate store positioningbase in light of economic conditions and our business strategy and may adjust our strategythe openings and closures as conditions require or as opportunities arise. As of November 3, 2018, we also sold merchandise through 63 Chico’s2, 2019, the Company's franchise operations consisted of 89 international retail locations in Mexico and 20 Soma international franchise2 domestic airport locations.


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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and believes the assumptions and estimates, as set forth in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018, are significant to reporting our results of operations and financial position. Other than adoption of recent accounting standards as discussed in Note 2 to the notes of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, thereThere have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018.adoption of ASC 842, Leases. See Note 1 and Note 4 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q for further information on our adoption of ASC 842.


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Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q may contain certain “forward-looking statements”"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect our current views with respect to certain events that could have an effect on our future financial performance, including but without limitation, statements regarding our plans, objectives, and the future success of our store concepts and our business initiatives. These statements may address items such as future sales and sales initiatives, including the Chico’s Brand Performance Improvement Plan,business strategies and strategic initiatives, customer traffic, gross margin expectations, SG&A expectations, including expected savings, operating margin expectations, earnings per share expectations, planned store openings, closings and expansions, proposed business ventures, new channels of sales or distribution, future tax rates, the expected impact of tariffs, taxes or other import regulations, particularly with respect to China, the Tax Act, expected impact of ongoing litigation, future stock repurchase plans, future plans to pay dividends, future comparable sales, future product sourcing plans, future inventory levels, including the ability to leverage inventory management and targeted promotions, planned marketing expenditures, planned capital expenditures and future cash needs.
These statements relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical fact and may include the words or phrases such as “will,” “should,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “estimates,” “approximately,” “our"will," "should," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "estimates," "approximately," "our planning assumptions,” “future outlook”" "future outlook" and similar expressions. Except for historical information, matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely on information currently available to our management and on our current expectations, assumptions, plans, estimates, judgments and projections about our business and our industry, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those currently anticipated. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of performance and there are a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors (many of which are outside our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there is no assurance that our expectations will, in fact, occur or that our estimates or assumptions will be correct, and we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors”"Risk Factors" in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 13, 2018 and the following:
The financial strength of retailing in particular and the economy in general; the extent of financial difficulties or economic uncertainty that may be experienced by customers; our ability to secure and maintain customer acceptance of styles and in-store and online concepts; the ability to leverage inventory management and targeted promotions; the ability to effectively manage our inventory and maintain an appropriate level of inventory;allocation processes; the extent and nature of competition in the markets in which we operate; the ability to remain competitive with customer shipping terms and costs pertaining to product deliveries and returns; the extent of the market demand and overall level of spending for women’swomen's private branded clothing and related accessories; the effectiveness of our brand strategies, awareness and marketing programs; the ability to coordinate product development with buying and planning; the quality and timeliness of merchandise received from suppliers; changes in the costs of manufacturing, raw materials, transportation, distribution, labor and advertising; the availability of quality store sites; our ability to manage our store fleet and the risk that our investments in merchandise or marketing initiatives may not deliver the results we anticipate; our ability to successfully navigate the increasing use of on-line retailers for fashion purchases and the pressure that puts on traffic and transactions in our physical stores; the ability to operate our own retail websites in a manner that produces profitable sales; the ability to successfully identify and implement additional sales and distribution channels; the ability to successfully execute our business strategies and particular strategic initiatives (including, but not limited to, the Company’s revised organizational structure, retail fleet optimization plan and three operating priorities which are driving stronger sales through improved product and marketing; optimizing the customer journey by simplifying, digitizing and extending the Company’s

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unique and personalized service; and transforming sourcing and supply chain operations to increase product speed to market and improve quality), sales initiatives and multi-channel strategies, and to achieve the expected results from them; the continuing performance, implementation and integration of management information systems; the impact of any systems failures, cyber security or other data or security breaches, including any security breaches that result in theft, transfer, or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee, or company information or our compliance with domestic and foreign information security and privacy laws and regulations in the event of such an incident; the ability to hire, train, motivate and retain qualified sales associates, managerial employees and other employees; the successful recruitment of leadership transition forand the Chico’s brand and successful integration of the new members of our senior management team; uncertainties regarding future unsolicited offers to buy the Company and our ability to respond effectively to them as well as to actions of activist shareholders and others; the ability to utilize our distribution center and other support facilities in an efficient and effective manner; the ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights and to protect our reputation and brand images; the risk that natural disasters, public health crises, political uprisings, uncertainty or unrest, or other catastrophic events could adversely affect our operations and financial results; the impact of unanticipated changes in legal, regulatory or tax laws; the risks and uncertainties that are related to our reliance on sourcing from foreign suppliers, including significant economic (including the impact of changes in tariffs, taxes or other import regulations, particularly with respect to China), labor, political or other shifts; and changes in governmental policies in or towards foreign countries; currency exchange rates and other similar factors.
All forward-looking statements that are made or attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The market risk of our financial instruments as of November 3, 20182, 2019 has not significantly changed since February 3, 2018.2, 2019. We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on any future indebtedness and our marketable securities and from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates in part to our revolving line of credit with our bank. On August 2, 2018, we entered into a new credit agreement, as further discussed in Note 8.10 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q. The Agreement, which matures on August 2, 2023, has borrowing options which accrue interest, at our election, at either a base rate, determined by reference to the federal funds rate, plus an interest rate margin, or LIBOR, plus an interest rate margin, as defined in the Agreement. An increase or decrease in market interest rates of 100 basis points would not have a material effect on annual interest expense. 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the pending discontinuation of, or transition away from, LIBOR will have on the Agreement. We have been in discussions with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association regarding this and do not expect the move to have a significant impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy which identifies allowable investments, specifies credit quality standards and limits the credit exposure of any single issuer. Our investment portfolio consists of cash equivalents and marketable securities primarily including municipal securities, corporate bonds, U.S. government agenciescommercial paper and commercial paper.municipal securities. The marketable securities portfolio as of November 3, 2018,2, 2019, consisted of $41.1$31.3 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $18.4$26.0 million with maturity dates over one year and less than or equal to two years. We consider all marketable securities available-for-sale, including those with maturity dates beyond 12 months, and therefore classify these securities as short-term investments within current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as they are available to support current operational liquidity needs. As of November 3, 2018,2, 2019, an increase or decrease of 100 basis points in interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair value of our marketable securities portfolio.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’sSEC's rules and forms.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance in timely alerting them to material information relating to us (including our consolidated subsidiaries) and that information required to be disclosed in our reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as required to be included in our periodic SEC filings.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect our disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the date of the above referenced evaluation. Furthermore, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors during the quarterly period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

During the quarter ended April 4, 2019, we implemented controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our contracts and properly assessed the impact of the new lease accounting standard on our financial statements in connection with the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, on February 3, 2019.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In July 2015, White House Black Market, Inc. (“WHBM”) was named as a defendant in Altman v. White House Black Market, Inc., a putative class action filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The complaint alleges that WHBM, in violation of federal law, willfully published more than the last five digits of a credit or debit card number on customers’ point-of-sale receipts. The plaintiff seeks an award of statutory damages of $100Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 11 to $1,000 for each alleged willful violation of the law, as well as attorneys’ fees, costs and punitive damages. WHBM denies the material allegations of the complaint and believes the case is without merit. On February 12, 2018, the District Court issued an order certifying the class.
On April 9, 2018, the District Court, sua sponte, issued an order granting WHBM’s earlier 2016 request to appeal, to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals (“Eleventh Circuit”), the District Court’s ruling that the plaintiff has standing to maintain the lawsuit. On April 19, 2018, WHBM filed a petition for review in the Eleventh Circuit. In the meantime, the District Court stayed all further proceedings in the case pending the outcome of the appeal in the Eleventh Circuit.
On July 12, 2018, the plaintiff and WHBM notified the Eleventh Circuit that the plaintiff and WHBM had reached a class settlement on all claims and therefore voluntarily dismissed WHBM’s appeal to the Eleventh Circuit. On August 2, 2018, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia reopened the case for purposes of reviewing/approving the proposed settlement. On October 22, 2018, the plaintiff filed the settlement papers with the District Court, along with a motion to stay the District Court’s consideration of the settlement pending the Eleventh Circuit’s final disposition of Muransky v. Godiva Chocolatier, Inc., in which the Eleventh Circuit held, in an opinion issued October 3, 2018, that the display of the first five and last four digits of a credit or debit card number on a customer’s receipt given at the point of sale establishes a “concrete injury” sufficient to confer Article III standing, enabling the customer to maintain a lawsuit. The motion to stay was granted on November 15, 2018. A petition for rehearing was filed in the Muransky case on October 24, 2018 and is currently pending before the Eleventh Circuit. The Muransky opinion, if not altered on the petition for rehearing, would bind the District Court in the Altman case and likely establish that the plaintiff has standing to maintain her lawsuit against WHBM. In such event, the stay will be lifted and the proposed settlement will be reviewed by the District Court. If the Eleventh Circuit does not find standing in the Muransky case, the parties have agreed to submit the proposed settlement to the Superior Court for Cobb County, Georgia for approval. The proposed settlement would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’sour unaudited condensed consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
However, no assurance can be given thatstatements included in this Form 10-Q under the proposed settlement will be approved. If the proposed settlement is rejectedheading "Commitments and the case were to proceed as a class action and WHBM were to be unsuccessful in its defense on the merits, then the ultimate resolution of the case could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2016, Chico’s Retail Services, Inc. (“CRS”) was named as a defendant in Corporate Cleaners, Inc. v. Chico’s Retail Services, Inc., an action filed in the Circuit Court, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida. The plaintiff alleges that CRS breached a contract (and related amendments thereto) with the plaintiff by, among other reasons, failing to pay outstanding invoices and failing to allow the plaintiff the exclusive right to provide certain cleaning services. The plaintiff seeks an award of lost profits, lost revenue, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. CRS denies the material allegations brought by the plaintiff and filed a counterclaim seeking recovery of amounts associated with alleged misrepresentations by the plaintiff as to the quantity of inventory units cleaned by the plaintiff. Discovery, including document productions, depositions, as well as expert discovery, remain ongoing.
On September 4, 2018, CRS and the plaintiff participated in mediation. Although unsuccessful at that time, the mediation remains adjourned with the expectation that the parties will continue mediation after expert disclosures have been exchanged. All final discovery must be initiated by January 18, 2019. A trial date is set for March 5, 2019. No assurance can be given that CRS will be successful in its defense of this case or in its counterclaim. However, management does not believe that any resolution of the case would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Other than as noted above, we are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings other than claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. All such matters are subject to uncertainties, and outcomes may not be predictable. Consequently, the ultimate aggregate amounts of monetary liability or financial impact with respect to these matters as of November 3, 2018 are not estimable. However, while such matters could affect our consolidated operating results when resolved in future periods, management believes that upon final disposition, any monetary liability or financial impact to us would not be material to our annual consolidated financial statements.

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Contingencies."
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information discussed in this report, the factors described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed withand in Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the SEC on March 13, 2018quarters ended May 4, 2019 and August 3, 2019, should be considered as they could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.
There have not been any significant changes with respect to the risks described in our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as described below,for those risks updated in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended May 4, 2019 and August 3, 2019, but these are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

On November 22, 2019, the Company received a comment letter from the Staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC asking for an explanation of how long the Company expects to record accelerated depreciation on property and equipment due to a change in the useful life of store assets for store closures added as a result of the Company's retail fleet optimization plan. The risk factor below updatescomment letter was issued on the financial statements and supersedesrelated disclosures of the risk factor associated with our business previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” on our 2017Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2018.2, 2019 filed March 19, 2019 and Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 28, 2019. There were no other comments.

13. Reliance on foreign sources of production
The majority of the merchandise we sell is produced outside the United States. As a result, our business remains subject to the various risks of doing business in foreign markets and importing merchandise from abroad, such as: geo-political instability, non-compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-corruption laws and regulations, potential changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement and other international trade agreements, imposition of new legislation relating to import quotas, imposition of new or increased duties, taxes, or other charges on imports, foreign exchange rate challenges and pressures presented by implementation of U.S. monetary policy, challenges from local business practices or political issues, transportation disruptions, our shift to a predominantly FOB (free on board) shipping structure rather than predominantly DDP (delivered duty paid), natural disasters, delays in the delivery of cargo due to port security considerations or government funding; seizure or detention of goods by U.S. Customs authorities, or a reduction in the availability of shipping sources caused by industry consolidation or other reasons. We continue to source a substantial portion of our merchandise from Asia, including China. A change in exchange rates, labor laws or policies affecting the costs of goods in Asia could negatively impact our merchandise costs. Furthermore, delays in production or shipping product, whether due to work slow-downs, work stoppages, strikes, port congestion, labor disputes, product regulations and customs inspections or other factors, could also have a negative impact.

Furthermore, risk of sales and gross margin volatility exist due to potential future changes in international trade agreements, such as new tariffs imposed on certain Chinese-made products imported to the United States. The potential exists that tariff rates on Chinese imports may increase and additional tariffs may be imposed on Chinese-made products. Increased tariffs on imports from China, a country from which the Company’s imports are highly concentrated, could result in higher costs of goods and potentially adversely impact sales and gross margin. However, trade restrictions, including increased tariffs, or more restrictive quotas, including safeguard quotas, or anything similar (particularly with respect to China), applicable to apparel items could affect the importation of apparel generally and, in that event, could increase the cost, or reduce the supply, of apparel available to us or may require us to modify our supply chain organization or other business practices, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company is preparing to respond to the comment letter to the SEC and will submit its response within the requested time frame.



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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
August 5, 2018 - September 1, 20188,430
 $9.17
 6,300
 $105,364
September 2, 2018 - October 6, 201811,107
  8.33
 
  105,364
October 7, 2018 - November 3, 201810,979
  7.71
 
  105,364
Total30,516
  8.34
 6,300
  

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
August 4, 2019 - August 31, 2019
 $
 
 $55,192
September 1, 2019 - October 5, 20197,951
  3.71
 
  55,192
October 6, 2019 - November 2, 201910,175
  3.52
 
  55,192
Total18,126
  3.60
 
  


(a) Total number of shares purchased includes 24,216consists of 18,126 shares of restricted stock repurchased in connection with employee tax withholding obligations under employee compensation plans, which are not purchases under any publicly announced plan.
(b) In November 2015, we announced a $300 million share repurchase plan. There was approximately $105.4$55.2 million remaining under the program as of the end of the third quarter. The repurchase program has no specific termination date and will expire when we have repurchased all securities authorized for repurchase thereunder, unless terminated earlier by our Board of Directors. The Company has no continuing obligation to repurchase shares under this authorization, and the timing, actual number and value of any additional shares to be purchased will depend on the performance of our stock price, market conditions and other considerations.

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

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

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ITEM 6.EXHIBITS
(a)The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Exhibit 3.2
Exhibit 10.61
Exhibit 10.62
Exhibit 10.63
Exhibit 10.64
Exhibit 10.65
Exhibit 10.66
 Exhibit 31.1  
   
 Exhibit 31.2  
   
 Exhibit 32.1  
   
 Exhibit 32.2  
   
 Exhibit 101.INS101  iXBRL Instance DocumentThe following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 2, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags.
   
 Exhibit 101.SCH104 iXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 2, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL (included within Exhibit 101.CALiXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEFiXBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LABiXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.PREiXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document101).



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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’SCHICO'S FAS, INC.
     
Date:November 29, 201827, 2019   By:/s/ Shelley G. BroaderBonnie R. Brooks
      Shelley G. BroaderBonnie R. Brooks
      President, Chief Executive Officer President and Director
     
Date:November 29, 201827, 2019   By:/s/ Todd E. Vogensen
      Todd E. Vogensen
      Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Corporate Secretary
       
Date:November 29, 201827, 2019   By:/s/ David M. Oliver
      David M. Oliver
      Senior Vice President - Finance, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

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