- Second quarter sales of $419.9 million with all brands reporting positive comparable store sales
- Quarter-end inventories decreased 10% per selling square foot
- Cash and marketable securities were $377.5 million at quarter-end
FORT MYERS, Fla., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chico's FAS, Inc. (NYSE: CHS) today announced its financial results for the 2009 second quarter ended August 1, 2009.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080211/CHICOSLOGO )
2009 Second Quarter and Six Months Financial Results
For the second quarter ended August 1, 2009, the Company had net income of $14.9 million or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to net income of $6.7 million, or $0.04 per diluted share for the second quarter ended August 2, 2008.
The second quarter 2009 results include non-cash impairment charges totaling approximately $3.1 million, net of tax, or nearly $0.02 per diluted share. These charges consist of $2.4 million, net of tax, related to the impaired portion of a note receivable and $0.7 million, net of tax, related to underperforming stores. Excluding these charges, the Company's second quarter net income approximated $18.0 million, or $0.10 per diluted share compared to net income of $6.7 million, or $0.04 per diluted share for the like period last year.
For the six months ended August 1, 2009, the Company had net income of $29.4 million or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to net income of $19.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share in the first six months of the prior year. Excluding all impairment charges recorded in the first half of 2009, the Company had net income of $37.6 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared to net income of $19.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share for the first six months of 2008.
Sales
Net sales for the thirteen-week period ended August 1, 2009 increased from $405.2 million to $419.9 million. Consolidated comparable store sales increased 1.3% for the thirteen-week period ended August 1, 2009 compared to the 15.9% decrease for the like period last year ended August 2, 2008. The Chico's/Soma brand's same store sales increased approximately 0.4% and the White House | Black Market (WH|BM) brand's same store sales increased approximately 3.7%. Direct-to-consumer sales, not included in comparable store sales, increased 46% over second quarter 2008.
Gross Margin
Gross margin for the second quarter of 2009 increased from $213.4 million to $231.0 million and increased 230 basis points, expressed as a percentage of net sales, to 55.0% from 52.7% in the prior year's second quarter. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to lower markdowns in the Chico's brand and to a lesser extent, higher initial markups for the WH|BM brand. However, the improvements in merchandise margins was partially offset by the continued investment in merchandise payroll including the support for planning and allocation initiatives.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for the second quarter of 2009 increased from $205.5 million in the prior period to $207.0 million in the current period. However, expressed as a percentage of net sales, SG&A in the current quarter decreased by approximately 140 basis points compared to the prior period primarily as the result of ongoing cost reduction strategies. The dollar savings from these implemented strategies were offset by the recognition of pre-tax impairment charges totaling $5.0 million. Excluding these charges, total SG&A expense would have decreased by $3.4 million, or 260 basis points, compared to the like period last year. The Company's expense reduction strategies were further offset in part by an increase in performance-based compensation accruals resulting from the Company's improved year-to-date results.
Store operating expenses for the second quarter of 2009 decreased by $2.8 million, or 210 basis points, primarily as a result of on-going store level cost reduction strategies including payroll, supplies and shipping costs.
Marketing expense for the second quarter 2009 decreased by $0.6 million due to reduced direct mail advertising in the current quarter versus the second quarter of 2008.
Shared services costs, including headquarters and other non-brand specific expenses, for the second quarter of 2009 were flat compared to the prior year's second quarter and includes the impact of the aforementioned performance-based compensation accruals.
Inventories
Consolidated inventory per selling square foot at the end of the second quarter was $50, reflecting a decrease of approximately 10% compared to $56 at the end of the prior year's second quarter. Quarter-ended inventory decreased $12.6 million or approximately 9% from the prior year's second quarter, while including approximately $5.4 million of incremental inventory in-transit over the prior period. Quarter-ended inventory for the WH|BM brand decreased approximately 18% per selling square foot over the prior year's second quarter while Chico's brand inventory was down 5% and includes the impact of $5.0 million of incremental in-transit inventory.
Cash and Marketable Securities
Cash and marketable securities at the end of the second quarter totaled $377.5 million, approximately $100 million higher than the prior year's second quarter end. Net cash provided from operating activities for the six months ended August 1, 2009 increased by $71.6 million compared to the prior year as a result of an increase in accounts payables and accrued expenses, lower inventory levels and higher cash flow from operations. Additionally, the Company expended $36.2 million in capital expenditures for the first six months in fiscal 2009 versus $69.5 million for the same period last year.
Note Receivable
During the second quarter of 2009, the Company determined that a note receivable which originated from a transaction in 2007 to sell a parcel of land was impaired. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $3.8 million. As of August 1, 2009, the note has been classified with a balance of approximately $22.0 million, within other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company expects to reclaim ownership of the land during the third quarter of 2009.
ABOUT CHICO'S FAS, INC.
The Company is a women's specialty retailer of private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing gift items. The Company operates 1,068 specialty stores, including stores in 48 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The Chico's brand currently operates 611 boutique and 40 outlet stores, publishes a catalog during key shopping periods throughout the year, and conducts e-commerce at www.chicos.com.
White House | Black Market currently operates 328 boutique and 16 outlet stores, publishes a catalog highlighting its latest fashions and conducts e-commerce at www.whitehouseblackmarket.com.
Soma Intimates is the Company's developing concept with 72 boutique stores and 1 outlet store today. Soma Intimates also publishes a catalog for its customers and conducts e-commerce at www.soma.com.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 Certain statements contained herein, including without limitation, statements addressing the beliefs, plans, objectives, estimates or expectations of the Company or future results or events constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known or unknown risks, including, but not limited to, general economic and business conditions, and conditions in the specialty retail industry. There can be no assurance that the actual future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur. Users of forward-looking statements are encouraged to review the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K, its filings on Form 10-Q, management's discussion and analysis in the Company's latest annual report to stockholders, the Company's filings on Form 8-K, and other federal securities law filings for a description of other important factors that may affect the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that projected results expressed or implied in such statements will not be realized.
For more detailed information on Chico's FAS, Inc., please go to our corporate website, www.chicosfas.com.
(Financial Tables Follow)
Chico's FAS, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
-------------------------------
August 1, 2009 August 2, 2008
-------------- --------------
Amount % of Amount % of
Sales Sales
-------- ---- -------- ----
Net sales by Chico's/Soma stores $552,417 66.5 $562,974 69.1
Net sales by White House | Black
Market stores 235,911 28.4 221,945 27.2
Net sales by direct-to-consumer 42,229 5.1 29,864 3.7
------ --- ------ ---
Net sales 830,557 100.0 814,783 100.0
Cost of goods sold 366,128 44.1 372,620 45.7
------- ---- ------- ----
Gross margin 464,429 55.9 442,163 54.3
Selling, general and administrative
expenses:
Store operating expenses 317,375 38.2 320,942 39.4
Marketing 34,002 4.1 39,630 4.9
Shared services 54,235 6.5 57,018 7.0
Impairment charges 13,026 1.6 - -
------ --- ---- ----
Total selling, general, and
administrative expenses 418,638 50.4 417,590 51.3
Income from operations 45,791 5.5 24,573 3.0
Interest income (expense), net 1,003 0.1 4,038 0.5
----- --- ----- ---
Income before income taxes 46,794 5.6 28,611 3.5
Income tax provision 17,400 2.1 9,200 1.1
------ --- ----- ---
Net income $29,394 3.5 $19,411 2.4
======= === ======= ===
Per share data:
Net income per common share-basic $0.17 $0.11
===== =====
Net income per common & common
equivalent share-diluted $0.17 $0.11
===== =====
Weighted average common shares 177,192 176,421
outstanding-basic ======= =======
Weighted average common & common 178,021 176,578
equivalent shares outstanding-diluted ======= =======
Thirteen Weeks Ended
------------------------------
August 1, 2009 August 2, 2008
-------------- --------------
Amount % of Amount % of
Sales Sales
-------- ----- -------- -----
Net sales by Chico's/Soma stores $279,911 66.7 $277,279 68.4
Net sales by White House |
Black Market stores 119,744 28.5 114,095 28.2
Net sales by direct-to-consumer 20,260 4.8 13,844 3.4
------ --- ------ ---
Net sales 419,915 100.0 405,218 100.0
Cost of goods sold 188,874 45.0 191,857 47.3
------- ---- ------- ----
Gross margin 231,041 55.0 213,361 52.7
Selling, general and
administrative expenses:
Store operating expenses 157,180 37.4 159,957 39.5
Marketing 16,168 3.9 16,786 4.1
Shared services 28,701 6.8 28,737 7.1
Impairment charges 4,968 1.2 - -
----- --- ---- ----
Total selling, general, and
administrative expenses 207,017 49.3 205,480 50.7
Income from operations 24,024 5.7 7,881 2.0
Interest income (expense), net (19) 0.0 1,799 0.4
--- --- ----- ---
Income before income taxes 24,005 5.7 9,680 2.4
Income tax provision 9,100 2.2 3,000 0.7
----- --- ----- ---
Net income $14,905 3.5 $6,680 1.7
======= === ====== ===
Per share data:
Net income per common share-basic $0.08 $0.04
===== =====
Net income per common &
common equivalent share-diluted $0.08 $0.04
===== =====
Weighted average common shares
outstanding-basic 177,228 176,473
======= =======
Weighted average common & common
equivalent shares outstanding-diluted 178,566 176,616
======= =======
Chico's FAS, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
August 1, January 31, August 2,
2009 2009 2008
---- ---- ----
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $44,143 $26,549 $25,381
Marketable securities, at
market 333,367 242,153 252,307
Receivables 6,110 33,993 38,293
Income tax receivable 1,156 11,706 -
Inventories 130,238 132,413 142,868
Prepaid expenses 26,088 21,702 23,004
Deferred taxes 15,555 17,859 15,276
------ ------ ------
Total Current Assets 556,657 486,375 497,129
Property and Equipment:
Land and land improvements 20,293 18,627 17,888
Building and building
improvements 83,600 74,998 73,021
Equipment, furniture and
fixtures 385,503 376,218 371,863
Leasehold improvements 416,003 418,691 421,771
------- ------- -------
Total Property and
Equipment 905,399 888,534 884,543
Less accumulated
depreciation and amortization (367,151) (327,989) (298,495)
-------- -------- --------
Property and Equipment,
Net 538,248 560,545 586,048
Other Assets:
Goodwill 96,774 96,774 96,774
Other intangible assets 38,930 38,930 38,930
Deferred taxes 38,261 38,458 25,601
Other assets, net 27,131 5,101 11,318
------ ----- ------
Total Other Assets 201,096 179,263 172,623
------- ------- -------
$1,296,001 $1,226,183 $1,255,800
========== ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $82,827 $56,542 $65,811
Accrued liabilities 108,719 88,446 80,339
Current portion of deferred
liabilities 2,002 1,748 1,606
----- ----- -----
Total Current Liabilities 193,548 146,736 147,756
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Deferred liabilities 169,958 177,251 170,799
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock 1,774 1,771 1,765
Additional paid-in capital 259,331 258,312 254,952
Retained earnings 671,372 641,978 680,526
Other accumulated
comprehensive income 18 135 2
-- --- --
Total Stockholders' Equity 932,495 902,196 937,245
------- ------- -------
$1,296,001 $1,226,183 $1,255,800
========== ========== ==========
Chico's FAS, Inc.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
----------------------
August 1, August 2,
2009 2008
--------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $29,394 $19,411
------- -------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities -
Depreciation and amortization, cost of
goods sold 3,271 5,465
Depreciation and amortization, other 45,359 45,750
Deferred tax expense (benefit) 2,501 (5,068)
Stock-based compensation expense, cost of goods
sold 1,435 1,807
Stock-based compensation expense, other 2,742 4,562
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation (115) (100)
Impairment charges 13,026 -
Deferred rent expense, net 1,133 4,123
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 711 181
Decrease (increase) in assets -
Receivables, net 2,048 (535)
Income tax receivable 10,550 23,973
Inventories 2,175 1,393
Prepaid expenses and other (4,416) (3,925)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities -
Accounts payable 26,285 (22,323)
Accrued and other deferred liabilities 8,263 (1,939)
----- -------
Total adjustments 114,968 53,364
------- ------
Net cash provided by operating activities 144,362 72,775
------- ------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
(Purchases) sales of marketable securities, net (91,331) 8,165
Purchases of property and equipment (36,235) (69,490)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (127,566) (61,325)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 773 163
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 115 100
Repurchase of common stock (90) (133)
---- -----
Net cash provided by financing activities 798 130
--- ---
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 17,594 11,580
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period 26,549 13,801
------ ------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period $44,143 $25,381
======= =======
SEC Regulation G - The Company reports its consolidated financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, to supplement these consolidated financial results, management believes that certain non-GAAP operating results, which exclude impairment and certain other non-recurring charges, may provide a more meaningful measure on which to compare the Company's results of operations between periods. The Company believes these non-GAAP results provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses that impact the comparability of the results. A reconciliation of second quarter and the first six months of 2009 earnings per diluted share on a GAAP basis to earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis is presented in the table below:
Chico's FAS, Inc.
Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation
Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS)
26 weeks ended 13 weeks ended
August 1, 2009 August 1, 2009
-------------- --------------
Diluted EPS on a GAAP basis
(as reported) $0.17 $0.08
Add: Impact of impairment charges 0.04 0.02
---- ----
Non-GAAP Diluted EPS $0.21 $0.10
===== =====
Executive Contact:
Robert C. Atkinson
Vice President - Investor Relations
Chico's FAS, Inc.
(239) 274-4199
SOURCE Chico's FAS, Inc.
Robert C. Atkinson, Vice President - Investor Relations, Chico's FAS, Inc., +1-239-274-4199