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chico's FASZ NEWS RELEASE Chico's FAS , Inc. Reports Second Quarter Results 8/31/2021 - Total Company second quarter sales increased 54 % year - over - year - Second quarter EPS of $ 0.21 per diluted share ; best second quarter performance since 2013 - Gross margin improved to 38.4 % ; highest level in 13 consecutive quarters Cash and marketable securities of $ 137.2 million ; $ 34.8 million increase over first quarter FORT MYERS , Fla . , Aug. 31 , 2021 / PRNewswire / -- Chico's FAS , Inc. ( NYSE : CHS ) ( the " Company " or " Chico's FAS " ) today announced its financial results for the fiscal 2021 thirteen weeks ended July 31 , 2021 ( the " second quarter " ) . - " Our second quarter earnings performance was the best second quarter Chico's FAS has posted since 2013 , and these results show the incredible progress we continue to make in our turnaround strategy , despite pandemic challenges . Our return to profitability in the quarter was driven by our strategic actions that grew sales , expanded gross margin , and diligently controlled our expenses , " noted Molly Langenstein , Chico's FAS Chief Executive Officer and President . Langenstein continued , " Our robust second quarter sales across all three brands were propelled by our meaningful enhancements in product and marketing , which continued to drive full - price selling , reduce markdowns and produce higher gross margin . Soma® , which posted a 53 % sales increase over last year's second quarter , we believe is well positioned to become one of the largest intimate apparel brands in the U.S. Sales at both Chico's Ⓡ and White House Black Market® were strong , with year - over - year second quarter growth of 59 % and 48 % , respectively . Customers enthusiastically responded to our elevated styling and quality in both apparel brands , which led to faster sell - through rates and higher inventory productivity . Strategically planned inventories , operating discipline and the ongoing benefit of our prior cost reductions further added to our return to profitable growth . " We are a digital - first , customer - led company with a strong portfolio of three unique brands . We believe there are ample opportunities to further grow our customer bases , market share and sales in each of these amazing brands . We look forward to reporting our progress in the quarters ahead . " Business Highlights The Company's second quarter highlights include : ● Return to profitability : Chico's FAS returned to profitability , posting $ 0.21 net income per diluted share for the 1