Chico’s FAS, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results
The Company's third quarter highlights include: *Consistent strong results : Chico's FAS posted $0.20 net income per diluted share for the third quarter, driven by strong comparable sales growth and selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") leverage. This performance was more than 30% over the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2021 ("last year's third quarter") and the seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year double-digit earnings growth. *Powerful portfolio performance : For the third quarter, total Chico's FAS net sales grew 14.3% and comparable sales increased 16.5% versus last year's third quarter, led by the Company's apparel brands. Chico's and White House Black Market ("WHBM") comparable sales grew 28.8% and 17.0%, respectively, in the third quarter versus last year's third quarter. *Solid operating income growth: Third quarter income from operations was $31.6 million, or 6.1% of net sales, compared to $22.0 million, or 4.9% of net sales, in last year's third quarter, driven by strong sales growth and SG&A leverage, partially offset by higher raw material costs. *Strong balance sheet: The Company ended the third quarter with $140.7 million in cash and marketable securities, after repaying $30.0 million of long-term debt during the quarter.