BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Description of Business

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chico’s FAS, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“the Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”). We operate as an omni-channel specialty retailer of women’s private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing items. We currently sell our products through retail stores, catalogs, and via our websites at www.chicos.com, www.whbm.com, and www.soma.com. As of January 28, 2017, we had 1,501 stores located throughout the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada, and sold merchandise through 91 franchise locations in Mexico.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal years end on the Saturday closest to January 31 and are designated by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. The periods presented in these consolidated financial statements are the fiscal years ended January 28, 2017 (“fiscal 2016” or “current period”), January 30, 2016 (“fiscal 2015” or “prior period”) and January 31, 2015 (“fiscal 2014”). Fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 all contained 52 weeks.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Segment Information

Our brands, Chico’s, Soma, and White House Black Market ("WHBM") have been identified as separate operating segments and aggregated into one reportable segment due to the similarities of the economic and operating characteristics of the brands.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Change in Accounting Policy

Effective January 31, 2016, the Company made a voluntary change in accounting principle related to our classification of shipping expenses. Historically, we have presented shipping expenses within selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"). Under the new policy, the Company is presenting these expenses within cost of good sold ("COGS") in the audited consolidated statements of income. The Company believes that this change is preferable as the shipping expenses represent direct costs associated with the sale of our merchandise and improves comparability with the Company's peers. The accounting policy change was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. There was no change to consolidated net income, however, cost of sales increased by $37.3 million and $37.8 million, and SG&A decreased by the same amount for the years ended January 30, 2016, and January 31, 2015. The Company recorded $35.9 million in shipping expenses as a component of COGS during the year ended January 28, 2017.

Reclassification of Occupancy Expenses and Correction of Immaterial Accounting Error

The Company has changed its classification of store occupancy expenses. Historically, we have presented store occupancy expenses within SG&A. As now reclassified, the Company is presenting these expenses within COGS in the consolidated statements of income. The Company believes that store occupancy expenses represent direct costs associated with the sale of our merchandise and improves comparability with the Company’s peers. This reclassification was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. There was no change to consolidated net income, however, cost of sales increased by $384.9 million and $373.0 million, and SG&A decreased by the same amount for the years ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015. The Company recorded $381.0 million in store occupancy expenses as a component of COGS during the year ended January 28, 2017.

The Company has also elected to correct the historical classification of shipping revenue within SG&A. To correct the immaterial error, we are classifying shipping revenue as a component of net sales within the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. There was no change to consolidated net income, however, net sales increased by $18.3 million, $18.7 million, and SG&A increased by the same amount for the years ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015. The Company recorded $13.0 million in shipping revenue as a component of net sales during the year ended January 28, 2017.

Adjustments to Presentation

The above mentioned changes had no cumulative effect on the presentation of the consolidated statements of income, consolidated balance sheets, or consolidated statements of cash flows. The effects of the aforementioned accounting policy change, change in classification and error correction to the January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015 consolidated statements of income are as follows (dollars in thousands):



	As Previously Reported		% of Sales	Change in Accounting Policy			Effect of Change in Occupancy Classification			Effect of Error Correction		As Adjusted		% of Sales

Twelve Months Ended January 30, 2016
Net sales	$	2,642,309	100.0	$	—		$	—		$	18,326	$	2,660,635	100.0
Cost of goods sold	1,211,552		45.9	37,317			384,895			—		1,633,764		61.4
Gross Margin	1,430,757		54.1	(37,317		)	(384,895		)	18,326		1,026,871		38.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,282,585		48.5	(37,317		)	(384,895		)	18,326		878,699		33.0



	As Previously Reported		% of Sales	Change in Accounting Policy			Effect of Change in Occupancy Classification			Effect of Error Correction		As Adjusted		% of Sales

Twelve Months Ended January 31, 2015
Net sales	$	2,675,211	100.0	$	—		$	—		$	18,718	$	2,693,929	100.0
Cost of goods sold	1,248,889		46.7	37,815			372,987			—		1,659,691		61.6
Gross Margin	1,426,322		53.3	(37,815		)	(372,987		)	18,718		1,034,238		38.4
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,263,134		47.2	(37,815		)	(372,987		)	18,718		871,050		32.3

Footnotes to the consolidated financial statements herein have been adjusted to reflect the impact of these changes accordingly.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in banks, short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and payments due from banks for third-party credit card and debit transactions for approximately 3 to 5 days of sales.

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with the unrealized holding gains and losses, net of income taxes, reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. For the purposes of computing realized and unrealized gains and losses, cost and fair value are determined on a specific identification basis. We consider all securities available-for-sale, including those with maturity dates beyond 12 months, and therefore classify these securities within current assets on the consolidated balance sheets as they are available to support current operational liquidity needs.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our consolidated financial instruments consist of cash, money market accounts, marketable securities, assets held in our non-qualified deferred compensation plan, accounts receivable, accounts 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.

Inventories

We use the weighted average cost method to determine the cost of merchandise inventories. We identify potentially excess and slow-moving inventories by evaluating inventory aging, turn rates and inventory levels in conjunction with our overall sales trend. Further, inventory realization exposure is identified through analysis of gross margins and markdowns in combination with changes in current business trends. We record excess and slow-moving inventories at net realizable value and may liquidate certain slow-moving inventory through third parties. We estimate our expected shrinkage of inventories between physical inventory counts by using average store shrinkage experience rates, which are updated on a regular basis. Substantially all of our inventories consist of finished goods.

Costs associated with sourcing are generally capitalized while merchandising, distribution, and product development costs are generally expensed as incurred, and are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as a component of cost of goods sold. Approximately 23% of total purchases in fiscal 2016 and 23% of total purchases in 2015 were made from one supplier. In fiscal 2016 and 2015, approximately 55% and 54% of our merchandise cost originated in China, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives (generally 10 years or less) or the related lease term, plus one anticipated renewal when there is an economic cost associated with non-renewal.

Our property and equipment is generally depreciated using the following estimated useful lives:




	Estimated Useful Lives
Land improvements	15 - 35 years
Building and building improvements	20 - 35 years
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	2 - 20 years
Leasehold improvements	10 years or term of lease, if shorter

Maintenance and repairs of property and equipment are expensed as incurred, and major improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement, sale or other disposition of property and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization are eliminated from the accounts, and any gain or loss is charged to income.

Operating Leases

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 are recorded as a deferred lease credit within deferred liabilities and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. Rent escalation clauses, “rent-free” periods, and other rental expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases, including the construction period. This is generally 60 - 90 days prior to the store opening date, when we generally begin improvements in preparation for our intended use.

Certain leases provide for contingent rents, in addition to a basic fixed rent, which are determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. We record a contingent rent liability in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when specified levels have been achieved or when it is determined that achieving the specified levels during the lease year is probable.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment at least annually. We perform our annual impairment test during the fourth quarter, or more frequently should events or circumstances change that would indicate that impairment may have occurred.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level. Reporting units are defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, called a component. Using these criteria, we identified our reporting units and concluded that the goodwill related to the territorial franchise rights for the state of Minnesota should be allocated to the Chico’s reporting unit and the goodwill associated with the WHBM acquisition should be assigned to the WHBM reporting unit.

We evaluate the appropriateness of performing a qualitative assessment, on a reporting unit level, based on current circumstances. A two-step impairment test is performed only if the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We may elect to skip the qualitative assessment and perform the two-step impairment test. The first step of the impairment test compares the fair value of our reporting units with their carrying amounts, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of any impairment loss. Fair value is determined based on both an income approach and market approach. The income approach is based on estimated future cash flows, discounted at a rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant, while the market approach is based on sales or EBITDA multiples of similar companies and transactions or other available indications of value. For 2016, we performed a qualitative assessment of the goodwill associated with the Chico's and WHBM reporting units and concluded it was more likely than not that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount as of the annual assessment date. In fiscal 2015 and 2014, we performed a goodwill impairment assessment of the Boston Proper reporting unit and recorded pre-tax, non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $48.9 million and $25.8 million, respectively, as further discussed in Note 8. We completed the sale of the Boston Proper direct-to-consumer ("DTC") business in January 2016.

We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible is less than its carrying amount. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible is less than its carrying amount, we calculate the value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets using a discounted cash flow method, based on the relief from royalty concept, and compare the fair value to the carrying value to determine if the asset is impaired. We may elect to skip the qualitative assessment when appropriate based on current circumstances. For 2016, we performed a qualitative assessment of the WHBM trade name and concluded it was more likely than not that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount as of the annual assessment date. In fiscal 2015 and 2014 we performed an impairment assessment of Boston Proper indefinite-lived intangible assets and recorded pre-tax, non-cash impairment charges of $39.4 million and $4.3 million on the Boston Proper trade name as further discussed in Note 8.

Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the value of Boston Proper customer relationships. In fiscal 2015, we performed an impairment assessment of the Boston Proper customer relationships and recorded pre-tax, non-cash impairment charges of $24.2 million as further discussed in Note 8. All remaining Boston Proper intangible assets, including the Boston Proper trade name and customer relationships were included in the sale of the Boston Proper DTC business in fiscal 2015.

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale

Long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangibles, are reviewed periodically for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset are less than its carrying amount, an asset is determined to be impaired. The fair value of an asset is estimated using estimated future cash flows of the asset discounted by a rate commensurate with the risk involved with such asset while incorporating marketplace assumptions. The impairment loss recorded is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. In fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, we completed an evaluation of long-lived assets at certain underperforming stores for indicators of impairment and, as a result, recorded impairment charges of approximately $2.5 million, $1.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively, which are included in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Additionally, in connection with the restructuring program initiated in fiscal 2014 as further discussed in Note 2, we have identified approximately 150 stores, including the Boston Proper stores, to be closed from fiscal 2015 through 2017. As a result, in fiscal 2015 and 2014, we recorded additional impairment charges of approximately $12.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively, which are included in restructuring and strategic charges in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs of disposal. Upon retirement or disposition, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts, and a gain or loss is recognized based on the difference between the fair value of proceeds received and the asset’s carrying value.

Revenue Recognition

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. For sales from our websites and catalogs, revenue is recognized at the time we estimate the customer receives the product, which is typically within a few days 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 consolidated statements of income. Amounts paid by customers to cover shipping and handling costs are immaterial.

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 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 determined 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.

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.

Advertising Costs

Costs associated with the production of non-catalog advertising, such as writing, copying, printing, and other costs are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with communicating advertising that has been produced, such as television and magazine, are expensed when the advertising event takes place. Catalog expenses consist of the cost to create, print, and distribute catalogs. Such costs are amortized over their expected period of future benefit, which is typically less than six weeks. For fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, advertising expense was approximately $115.4 million, $159.9 million, and $153.1 million, respectively, and is included within SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation for all awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award, net of estimated forfeitures, and is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards. The fair value of restricted stock awards and performance-based awards is determined by using the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. Compensation expense for performance-based awards is recorded based on the amount of the award ultimately expected to vest, depending on the level and likelihood of the performance condition to be met.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs to transport goods to customers, amounted to $35.9 million, $37.3 million, and $37.8 million in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included within cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Occupancy and Store Pre-opening Costs

Occupancy and store pre-opening costs (including store-related costs and training expenses) incurred prior to the opening of new stores are expensed as incurred and are included within cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance, which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Additionally, we follow a comprehensive model to recognize, measure, present, and disclose in our consolidated financial statements the estimated aggregate tax liability of uncertain tax positions that we have taken or expect to take on a tax return. This model states that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable, based upon its technical merits.

The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of our foreign operations is generally the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the local functional currency are included in the consolidated statements of income.

Self-Insurance

We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers’ compensation, medical and general liability claims. Self-insurance claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based upon management’s estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims incurred based on historical experience. While we do not expect the amount we will ultimately pay to differ significantly from our estimates, self-insurance accruals could be affected if future claims experience differs significantly from the historical trends and assumptions.

Supplier Allowances

From time to time, we receive allowances and/or credits from certain of our suppliers. The aggregate amount of such allowances and credits, which is included in cost of goods sold, is immaterial to our consolidated results of operations.

Earnings Per Share

In accordance with relevant accounting guidance, unvested share-based payment awards that include non-forfeitable rights to dividends, whether paid or unpaid, are considered participating securities. As a result, such awards are required to be included in the calculation of earnings per common share pursuant to the “two-class” method. For us, participating securities are composed entirely of unvested restricted stock awards and performance-based stock units that have met their relevant performance criteria.

Under the two-class method, net income is reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the period for common stock and participating securities. The remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities as if all of the net income for the period had been distributed. 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 the participating securities. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from non-participating securities such as stock options and performance-based stock units.

Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. ASU 2016-16 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2016-16 requires companies to recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales or transfers of other assets in the income statement as income tax expense (benefit) in the period the sale or transfer occurs. Additionally, companies would evaluate whether the tax effects of the intercompany sales of 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. ASU 2016-16 will require modified retrospective transition with a cumulative catch-up adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption, which we expect to implement in fiscal 2018. At January 28, 2017 the Company had $6.2 million in assets related to the transfer of intra–entity asset transfers.

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2016-09 requires entities to recognize the income tax effects of awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. The standard also permits an employer to repurchase more of an employee's shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. We have performed preliminary assessments and have concluded that we will continue to estimate expected forfeitures and although the inclusion of excess tax benefits and deficiencies will increase volatility within our provision for income taxes, we do not anticipate a material impact to our consolidated results of operations based upon equity events. Further, the Company notes that all significant excess tax benefits have been realized through a reduction to income taxes payable.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which replaces the existing guidance in Accounting Standard Codification 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018 and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis. ASU 2016-02 requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability. For finance leases, the lessee would recognize interest expense and amortization of the right-of-use asset and for operating leases, the lessee would recognize straight-line total rent expense. Upon adoption of the standard, we expect to record material right–of–use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet approximating the present value of the remaining terms of our leases in fiscal 2019.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, under which entities will no longer be able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities they classify as available-for-sale in other comprehensive income but instead recognize the change in fair value in net income. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not anticipate adoption to have a material impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330). The amendments, which apply to inventory that is measured using any method other than the last-in, first-out (LIFO) or retail inventory method, require that entities measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and should be applied on a prospective basis. We do not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral of the effective date, to make it effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. The FASB has issued subsequent ASUs related to ASU No. 2014-09, which detail amendments to the ASU, implementation considerations, narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients. Through our evaluation of the impact of this ASU, we have identified certain changes that are expected to be made to our accounting policies, including: the timing of our recognition of advertising expenses, whereby certain expenses that are currently amortized over their expected period of future benefit will be expensed the first time the advertisement appears, and the balance sheet presentation of merchandise returns as both an asset equal to the inventory value, less estimated processing costs, and a related return liability, compared to the net returns liability currently recorded. We plan to adopt this ASU beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as opposed to retrospectively adjusting prior periods. We are continuing to evaluate the impact this ASU, and related amendments and interpretive guidance, will have on our consolidated financial statements.