(Filed Under Financial and General Interest News). Chico’s FAS, Inc., parent company of Soma Intimates, reported a 11.5 percent increase in net sales to $537.2 million for the first quarter, up from $481.6 million last year.

Chico’s net income of $45.9 million, or 26 cents a share, beat analysts’ predictions of 25 cents a share. It was a welcome increase from last year’s first quarter income: $35.4 million, or 20 cents a share.

Additionally, the Soma Intimates brand comparable sales increased 7.8 percent following a 16.1 percent increase for the same period one year ago. Chico’s White House Black Market comparable sales rose 7.4 percent, and direct-to-consumer sales for the company inched up 7.7 percent.

Chico’s FAS, Inc. is based in Fort Myers, Fla. and operates a total of 1,184 stores, including 134 Soma Intimates boutiques and 10 outlet stores.

more Financial and General Interest News >>

Published 05-26-2011 by Katherine Rautenberg