(Mark One) 

For the Quarterly Period Ended January 28, 2017

or

Commission File Number: 0-11736

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(551) 777-6700

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý

The Registrant had 194,938,225 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 2, 2017 .

See accompanying notes.

See accompanying notes.

See accompanying notes.

See accompanying notes.

1. Description of Business

ascena retail group, inc., a Delaware corporation ("ascena" or the "Company"), is a leading national specialty retailer of apparel for women and tween girls. On August 21, 2015, the Company acquired ANN INC. (" ANN "), a retailer of women's apparel, shoes and accessories sold primarily under the Ann Taylor and LOFT brands (the " ANN Acquisition"). The Company operates, through its 100% owned subsidiaries, ecommerce operations and approximately 4,900 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Company had annual revenues for the fiscal year ended July 30, 2016 of approximately $7.0 billion . The Company and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the "Company," "ascena," "we," "us," "our" and "ourselves," unless the context indicates otherwise.

In connection with the Change for Growth program, as more fully described in Note 7, effective with the beginning of Fiscal 2017, the Company reorganized into four operating segments: Premium Fashion , Value Fashion , Plus Fashion and Kids Fashion . All of our segments sell fashion merchandise to the women's and girls' apparel market across a wide range of ages, sizes and demographics. Our segments consist of specialty retail, outlet and ecommerce as well as licensed franchises in international territories at our Kids Fashion segment. Our Premium Fashion segment consists of our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands; our Value Fashion segment consists of our maurices and dressbarn brands; our Plus Fashion segment consists of our Lane Bryant and Catherines brands; and our Kids Fashion segment consists of our Justice brand. For a more detailed description of each brand's products and markets in which they serve, see Part I, Item 1 "Business" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 30, 2016 (the "Fiscal 2016 10-K").

The Company's brands had the following store counts as of January 28, 2017 : Ann Taylor 328 stores; LOFT 678 stores; maurices 1,012 stores; dressbarn 795 stores; Lane Bryant 770 stores; Catherines 369 stores; and Justice 926 stores.

2. Basis of Presentation

Interim Financial Statements

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and are unaudited. In the opinion of management, however, such condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial condition, results of operations, comprehensive loss and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. In addition, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") have been condensed or omitted from this report as permitted by the SEC's rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures herein are adequate to ensure that the information is fairly presented.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of July 30, 2016 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Fiscal 2016 10-K, which should be read in conjunction with these interim financial statements. Reference is made to the Fiscal 2016 10-K for a complete set of financial statements.

Fiscal Period

The Company utilizes a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in July. Fiscal year 2017 will end on July 29, 2017 and will be a 52-week period ("Fiscal 2017"). Fiscal year 2016 ended on July 30, 2016 and was a 53-week period ("Fiscal 2016"). The three months ended January 28, 2017 and the three months ended January 23, 2016 are both 13-week periods. The six months ended January 28, 2017 and the six months ended January 23, 2016 are both 26-week periods.

Prior year results for the three and six month periods ending January 23, 2016 for our Premium Fashion segment include one-week reporting lags, which resulted from different reporting calendars between ANN INC. and ascena. Prior year three month results for our Premium Fashion segment represent the period from November 1, 2015 to January 30, 2016 and prior year six month results for our Premium Fashion segment represent the period from August 22, 2015 to January 30, 2016. The effect of these one-week reporting period differences is not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements for either the three or six months ended January 23, 2016 . As of the end of Fiscal 2016, our Premium Fashion segment is on the same fiscal calendar as the rest of the Company's operating segments.

Reclassification

During the third quarter of Fiscal 2016, the Company determined that, for the first six months of Fiscal 2016, an expense for our Premium Fashion segment, which should have been classified as Buying, distribution and occupancy expenses, had been incorrectly classified as Cost of goods sold. As a result, the Company restated its prior period information by reclassifying $16.5 million ( $6.6 million for the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 and $9.9 million for the second quarter of Fiscal 2016) of these costs to Buying, distribution and occupancy expenses from Cost of goods sold, thereby increasing Gross margin. This change had no effect on the previously reported Operating loss or Net loss.

3. Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value. The standard has tiered effective dates, starting in 2020 for calendar-year public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." The guidance simplifies the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and the classification in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and its impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." The guidance requires the lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with terms of 12 months or more. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and its impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), "Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)." The guidance requires that an entity recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance, which was deferred in July 2015, is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein. The guidance may be applied retrospectively to each period presented or with the cumulative effect recognized as of the initial date of application. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and its impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

4. Acquisition of ANN INC.

On August 21, 2015, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of ANN for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.1 billion . The purchase price consisted of approximately $1.75 billion in cash and the issuance of 31.2 million shares of the Company's common stock valued at approximately $345 million , based on the Company's stock price on the date of the acquisition. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded with borrowings under a $1.8 billion seven -year, variable-rate term loan described in Note 8. The acquisition is intended to diversify our portfolio of brands that serve the needs of women of different ages, sizes and demographics.

The Company expensed $20.5 million of transaction costs during the first quarter of Fiscal 2016, which are included within Acquisition and integration expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Company expensed $22.7 million and $126.9 million during the three and six months ended January 23, 2016 , respectively, related to the amortization of the write-up of ANN 's inventory to its fair value.

There were no measurement-period adjustments recorded during Fiscal 2017 and the allocation of the purchase price was finalized at the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The following table summarizes the final allocation of fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the ANN Acquisition.

The following pro forma information has been prepared as if the ANN Acquisition and the issuance of stock and debt to finance the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of Fiscal 2015:

The Fiscal 2016 pro forma amounts reflect the historical operational results for ascena as well as those of ANN for the three-week stub period preceding the close of the transaction on August 21, 2015. The pro forma amounts also reflect the effect of pro forma adjustments of $14.1 million and $84.1 million , net of taxes, for the three and six months ended January 23, 2016 , respectively. These adjustments primarily reflect transaction costs and the amortization of the fair value adjustment to inventory, which are included in the reported results and are excluded from the Fiscal 2016 pro forma amounts due to their non-recurring nature.

The pro forma weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for each period assumes that 31.2 million shares of ascena common stock issued in connection with the acquisition had been issued as of the beginning of Fiscal 2015. The pro forma weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding for the six months ended January 23, 2016 includes the potential dilutive shares of 1.6 million , which are excluded from the reported weighted-average diluted shares outstanding due to the net loss reported for the period. The weighted-average numbers of diluted shares for other periods were not adjusted as the pro forma amounts were the same as the reported amounts.

The pro forma financial information is not indicative of the operational results that would have been obtained had the transactions actually occurred as of that date, nor is it necessarily indicative of the Company's future operational results.

5. Inventories

Inventories substantially consist of finished goods merchandise. Inventory by segment is set forth below:

6. Long-Lived Assets Impairment

The charges below reduced the net carrying value of certain long-lived assets to their estimated fair value, which was determined based on discounted expected cash flows. These impairment charges were primarily related to the lower-than-expected operating performance of certain retail stores. Impairment losses for retail store-related assets and finite-lived intangible assets are included as a component of Selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for all periods. There were no finite-lived intangible asset impairment losses recorded for any of the periods presented.

Impairment charges related to long-lived tangible assets by segment are as follows:

7. Restructuring and Other Related Charges

In October 2016, the Company initiated a restructuring plan with the objective of supporting sustainable long-term growth and increasing shareholder value (the "Change for Growth" program). The Change for Growth program is expected to (i) refine the Company's operating model to increase its focus on key customer segments, (ii) reduce the time to bring product to market, (iii) reduce working capital requirements and (iv) enhance the Company's ability to serve customers on any purchasing platform, all while better leveraging the Company's shared service platform. The Company's new operating model is designed to focus on enhancing customer-facing capabilities while eliminating organization overlap.

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, as part of refining the operating model, the Company eliminated a number of executive positions and made organizational changes resulting in the creation of the Premium Fashion , Value Fashion , Plus Fashion and Kids Fashion operating segments. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2017, the Company announced further consolidation of certain support functions into its shared service group, including Human Resources, Real Estate, Non-Merchandise Procurement and Asset Protection. The changes are expected to further reduce organizational redundancies and integrate processes within the Company. The Company expects to incur significant additional charges, and incremental capital expenditures may be required, in future periods as restructuring plans are fully defined and executed. However, certain identified plans are in their preliminary stages as of January, 28, 2017 and additional charges and capital expenditures are not able to be quantified at this time. Actions associated with the Change for Growth program are expected to continue until substantial completion in Fiscal 2019.

As a result of the Change for Growth program, the Company incurred the following charges, which are included within Restructuring and other related charges, for all periods presented:

_______

(a) Other related charges consist of professional fees incurred in connection with the identification and implementation of transformation initiatives associated with the Change for Growth program.

A summary of activity for the six months ended January 28, 2017 in the restructuring-related liabilities associated with the Change for Growth program, which is included within Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, is as follows:

8. Debt

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(a) The unamortized debt issuance costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the amended revolving credit agreement.

(b) The original issue discount and debt issuance costs for the term loan are amortized over the life of the term loan using the interest rate method based on an imputed interest rate of approximately 6.3% .

Amended Revolving Credit Agreement

The Company's amended revolving credit agreement (the "Amended Revolving Credit Agreement") provides aggregate revolving commitments up to $600 million , with an optional increase of up to $200 million and expires in August 2020. There are no mandatory reductions in aggregate revolving commitments throughout the term of the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement. However, borrowing availability under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement (the "Availability") is limited by the amount of eligible cash, inventory and receivables as defined in the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement.

The Amended Revolving Credit Agreement may be used for the issuance of letters of credit, to fund working capital requirements and capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. The Amended Revolving Credit Agreement includes a $350 million letter of credit sub-limit, of which $100 million can be used for standby letters of credit, and a $30 million swing loan sub-limit.

Throughout the term of the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, the Company can elect to borrow either Alternative Base Rate Borrowings ("ABR Borrowings") or Eurodollar Borrowings. Eurodollar Borrowings bear interest at a variable rate using the LIBOR for such Interest Period plus an applicable margin ranging from 125 basis points to 150 basis points based on the Company's average availability during the previous fiscal quarter. ABR Borrowings bear interest at a variable rate determined using a base rate equal to the greatest of (i) prime rate, (ii) federal funds rate plus 50 basis points , or (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 100 basis points ; plus an applicable margin ranging from 25 basis points to 50 basis points based on the average availability during the previous fiscal quarter.

Under the terms of the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, the unutilized commitment fee ranges from 20 basis points to 25 basis points per annum based on the Company's average utilization during the previous fiscal quarter.

As of January 28, 2017 , we had no borrowings outstanding under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement. After taking into account the $25.1 million in outstanding letters of credit, the Company had $404.6 million of availability under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement.

Term Loan

In connection with the ANN Acquisition, the Company entered into a $1.8 billion variable-rate term loan (the "Term Loan"), which was issued at a 2% discount and provides for an additional term facility of $200 million . The Company is also eligible to borrow an unlimited amount, as long as the Company maintains a minimum senior secured leverage ratio as defined in the Term Loan (the "Senior Secured Leverage Ratio") among other factors.

The Term Loan matures on August 21, 2022 and requires quarterly repayments of $4.5 million during the first half of Fiscal 2017 and $22.5 million thereafter, with a remaining balloon payment of approximately $1.2 billion required at maturity. For the six months ended January 28, 2017 , the Company made repayments totaling $122.5 million , which were applied to the future quarterly scheduled payments such that the Company is not required to make its next quarterly payment until May 2018. The Company is also required to make mandatory prepayments in connection with certain prepayment events, including (i) commencing with the fiscal year ending July 29, 2017 if the Company has excess cash flow, as defined in the Term Loan, for any fiscal year and the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio for such fiscal year exceeds certain predetermined limits and (ii) from Net Proceeds, as defined in the Term Loan, of asset dispositions and certain casualty events that are greater than $25 million in the aggregate in any fiscal year and not reinvested (or committed to be reinvested) within one year , in each case subject to certain conditions and exceptions. The Company has the right to prepay the Term Loan in any amount and at any time with no prepayment penalties.

At the time of initial borrowings and renewal periods throughout the term of the Term Loan, the Company may elect to borrow either ABR Borrowings or Eurodollar Borrowings. Eurodollar Borrowings bear interest at a variable rate using LIBOR (subject to a 75 basis points floor) plus an applicable margin of 450 basis points . ABR Borrowings bear interest at a variable rate determined using a base rate (subject to a floor of 175 basis points ) equal to the greatest of (i) prime rate, (ii) federal funds rate plus 50 basis points , or (iii) LIBOR plus 100 basis points , plus an applicable margin of 350 basis points . As of January 28, 2017 , borrowings under the Term Loan consisted entirely of Eurodollar Borrowings at a rate of 5.31% .

Restrictions under the Term Loan and the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement (collectively the "Borrowing Agreements")

Under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, the Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, of at least 1.00 to 1.00 any time in which the Company is in a covenant period, as defined in the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement (the "Covenant Period"). Such Covenant Period is in effect if Availability is less than the greater of (a) 10% of the Credit Limit (the lesser of total Revolving Commitments and the Borrowing Base) and (b) $45 million for three consecutive business days and ends when Availability is greater than these thresholds for 30 consecutive days. The Covenant Period was not in effect as of January 28, 2017 .

The Borrowing Agreements contain customary negative covenants, subject to negotiated exceptions, on (i) liens and guarantees, (ii) investments, (iii) indebtedness, (iv) significant corporate changes including mergers and acquisitions, (v) dispositions and (vi) restricted payments, cash dividends, stock repurchases and certain other restrictive agreements. The Borrowing Agreements also

contain customary events of default, such as payment defaults, cross-defaults to certain material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency, the occurrence of a defined change in control, or the failure to observe the negative covenants and other covenants related to the operation of the Company's business, in each case subject to customary grace periods.

The Company's Amended Revolving Credit Agreement allows us to make restricted payments, including dividends and share repurchases subject to the Company satisfying certain conditions set forth in the Company's Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, notably that at the time of and immediately after giving effect to the restricted payment, (i) there is no default or event of default and (ii) Availability is not less than 20% of the aggregate revolving commitments. The Company's Term Loan allows us to make restricted payments, including dividends and share repurchases up to a predetermined dollar amount. The dollar amount limitation is waived upon the satisfaction of certain conditions under the Term Loan, notably that at the time of and immediately after giving effect to such restricted payment, (i) there is no default or event of default and (ii) the total leverage ratio, as defined in the Term Loan agreement, is below predetermined limits. Dividends are payable when declared by our Board of Directors.

The Company's obligations under the Borrowing Agreements are guaranteed by certain of its domestic subsidiaries (the "Subsidiary Guarantors"). As collateral under the Borrowing Agreements and the guarantees thereof, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have granted to the administrative agents for the benefit of the lenders a first priority lien on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, including, without limitation, certain domestic inventory and certain material real estate.

Maturities of Debt

The Company's debt matures as follows:

9. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In evaluating the fair value measurement techniques for recording certain financial assets and liabilities, there is a three-level valuation hierarchy under which financial assets and liabilities are designated. The determination of the applicable level within the hierarchy of a particular financial asset or liability depends on the lowest level of inputs used that are significant to the fair value measurement as of the measurement date as follows:

As of January 28, 2017 and July 30, 2016, the Company believes that the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale investments, accounts and other receivables and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair values due to the short maturities of these financial instruments. As the Company's revolving credit facility is variable rate, the Company believes that there is no significant difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value as of January 28, 2017 and July 30, 2016. The fair value of the Term Loan was determined to be $1.461 billion as of January 28, 2017 and $1.683 billion as of July 30, 2016 based on quoted market prices from recent transactions, which are considered Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

The Company's non-financial instruments, which primarily consist of goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair values on a recurring basis and are reported at their carrying values. However, on a periodic basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable (and at least annually for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets), non-financial instruments are assessed for impairment and, if applicable, written-down to (and recorded at) fair values.

10. Equity

Common Stock Repurchase Program

In December 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a $200 million share repurchase program (the "2016 Stock Repurchase Program"). Under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program, purchases of shares of common stock may be made at the Company's discretion from time to time, subject to overall business and market conditions. Currently, share repurchases in excess of $100 million are subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the Company's Borrowing Agreements, as more fully described in Note 8. Repurchased shares are retired and treated as authorized but unissued. The excess of repurchase price over the par value of common stock for the repurchased shares is charged entirely to retained earnings.

There were no repurchases of common stock by the Company during the six months ended January 28, 2017 . The remaining availability under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program was approximately $181.4 million at January 28, 2017 .

Net Loss per Common Share

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common shares after preferred dividend requirements, if any, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share adjusts basic net income per common share for the effects of outstanding stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and any other potentially dilutive financial instruments, only in the periods in which such effect is dilutive under the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive instruments are not included in the computation of net loss per share as the impact of those items would be anti-dilutive due to the net loss incurred for the period.

The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic net loss per common share is reconciled to those shares used in calculating diluted net loss per common share as follows:

(a) There was no dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units for the three and six months ended January 28, 2017 and January 23, 2016 as the impact of these items was anti-dilutive because of the Company's net loss incurred during the period.

Options to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price greater than the average market price of the common stock during the reporting period are anti-dilutive, and therefore not included in the computation of diluted net loss per common share. In addition, the Company has outstanding restricted stock units that are issuable only upon the achievement of certain service conditions. Any performance or market-based restricted stock units outstanding are included in the computation of diluted shares only to the extent the underlying performance or market conditions (a) are satisfied prior to the end of the reporting period or (b) would be satisfied if the end of the reporting period was the end of the related contingency period, and the result would be dilutive under the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive instruments are not included in the computation of net loss per share for the three and six months ended January 28, 2017 and January 23, 2016 as the impact of those items would have been anti-dilutive due to the net loss incurred for the period. For the three and six months ended January 28, 2017 and January 23, 2016 , 21.2 million and 18.0 million shares, respectively, of anti-dilutive options and/or restricted stock units were excluded from the diluted share calculations.

11. Stock-based Compensation

As of January 28, 2017 , there were approximately 16.8 million shares remaining under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan available for future grants. The Company issues new shares of common stock when stock option awards are exercised and restricted stock units vest.

Impact on Results

A summary of the total compensation expense and associated income tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation arrangements is as follows:

Stock Options

The Company's weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted during the periods presented were as follows:

A summary of the stock option activity under all plans during the six months ended January 28, 2017 is as follows:

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As of January 28, 2017 , there was $21.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.0 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended January 28, 2017 was de minimus and during the six months ended January 23, 2016 was approximately $7.1 million . The amounts exercised during the three months ended January 28, 2017 and January 23, 2016 , respectively, were de minimus. The total grant date fair value of options that vested during the six months ended January 28, 2017 was approximately $13.1 million and during the six months ended January 23, 2016 was approximately $13.2 million . Of these amounts, $0.3 million was vested during the three months ended January 28, 2017 and $0.5 million was vested during the three months ended January 23, 2016 .

Restricted Equity Awards

A summary of restricted equity awards activity during the six months ended January 28, 2017 is as follows:

As of January 28, 2017 , there was $17.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the service-based Restricted Equity Awards, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.5 years .

12. Employee Benefit Plans

Long-Term Incentive Plan

During Fiscal 2016, the Company created a long-term incentive program ("LTIP") for vice presidents and above under the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The LTIP entitles the holder to either a cash payment, or a stock payment for certain officers at the

Company's option, equal to a predetermined target amount earned at the end of a performance period and is subject to (a) the grantee's continuing employment and (b) the Company's achievement of certain performance goals over a one, two or three-year performance period. Compensation expense for the LTIP is recognized over the related performance periods based on the expected achievement of the performance goals.

The Company recognized $6.4 million in compensation expense for the six months ended January 28, 2017 and $10.1 million for the six months ended January 23, 2016 , which was recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Of these amounts, $2.7 million was recognized during the three months ended January 28, 2017 and $9.3 million was recognized during the three months ended January 23, 2016 . As of January 28, 2017 , there was $33.0 million of expected unrecognized compensation cost related to the LTIP, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of 2.0 years . As of January 28, 2017 , the liability for LTIP Awards was $16.1 million , of which $3.2 million was classified within Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $12.9 million was classified within Other non-current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the Company paid $10.4 million to settle such liabilities during the six months ended January 28, 2017 . No amounts were paid during the three months ended January 28, 2017 .

Defined Benefit Plan

In connection with the ANN Acquisition, the Company assumed ANN 's pension plan which was frozen and for which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeded the plan's assets by approximately $12 million as of July 30, 2016. In Fiscal 2016, the Company made a decision to terminate the plan whereby, under the terms of liquidation, some participants elected to receive lump-sum payments while the others elected to remain in the plan. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, lump sum payments were made to its participants, and during the second quarter of Fiscal 2017 the remaining obligation was transferred to a third-party and settled through a non-participating annuity contract. As of January 28, 2017 , the trust was fully liquidated. During the three months ended January 28, 2017 , the remaining accumulated actuarial loss of $4.1 million (less an income tax benefit of $1.6 million ) was reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Acquisition and integration expenses. For the six months ended January 28, 2017 , the Company expensed $8.0 million reflecting settlement charges and professional fees, which is included within Acquisition and integration expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

13. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

Justice Pricing Litigation

The Company is a defendant in a number of class action lawsuits that allege that Justice 's promotional practices violated state comparative pricing laws in connection with advertisements promoting a 40% discount. The plaintiffs further allege false advertising, violation of state consumer protection statutes, breach of contract, breach of express warranty and unfair benefit to  Justice . The plaintiffs seek to stop Justice 's allegedly unlawful practice and obtain damages for Justice 's customers in the named states. They also seek interest and legal fees.

In July 2015, an agreement was reached with the plaintiffs in the Rougvie case to settle the lawsuits on a class basis with all Justice customers who made purchases between January 1, 2012 and February 28, 2015 for approximately $51 million , including payments to members of the class, payment of legal fees and expenses of settlement administration. As a result, the Company established a reserve for approximately $51 million during Fiscal 2015. 

The proposed Settlement Agreement was filed with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for preliminary approval on September 24, 2015 and received preliminary approval by the court on October 27, 2015. The Company paid approximately $51 million representing the agreed settlement amount into an escrow account on November 16, 2015. Formal notice of settlement was sent to the class members on December 1, 2015. The final approval hearing was held on May 20, 2016, and on July 29, 2016, the Court granted the parties' joint motion for final approval of settlement and dismissed the case with prejudice. In reaching this conclusion, the Court rejected virtually all of the objections to the settlement that had been raised, but did reduce the amount of attorneys' fees to be paid to plaintiffs' counsel, which will not affect the total amount of the settlement. The Court's decision has been appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Once there is a final non-appealable approval of the Settlement Agreement, it will resolve all claims in all of the outstanding class actions on behalf of customers who made purchases between January 1, 2012 and February 28, 2015.

Potential claims related to purchases made in 2010 and 2011 have been raised and it is possible that individual class members who excluded themselves from the settlement may seek to pursue their own individual or class claims not subject to the broader settlement. The Company believes it has strong defenses to any such claims and is prepared to defend against them. The Company believes that the liability associated with any such claims would not be material. If the matters described herein do not occur and the pricing lawsuits are not finally resolved, the ultimate resolution of these matters may or may not result in an additional material loss, which cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

Reference is made to the Fiscal 2016 10-K which includes a description of the lawsuits comprising the Justice pricing litigation and should be read in conjunction with the foregoing update.

Steven Linares v. ANN INC.

On December 29, 2015, plaintiff, Steven Linares, a former ANN sales associate, filed a class action complaint on behalf of all sales leads, sales associates and stock associates working in California from December 29, 2011 through the present, in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Plaintiff alleges on behalf of the class that ANN did not properly provide overtime pay, minimum wage pay, meal and rest breaks, and waiting time pay, among other claims under the California Business and Professions Code and California Labor Code.

At mediation, the parties agreed to settle all claims in the suit for a total of $3.5 million to settle both the pending claims and other wage-and-hour claims that could have been brought as part of the lawsuit (including claims for penalties under the Private Attorneys' General Act). The Company believes that such amount reflects a liability that is both probable and reasonably estimable, thus a reserve for approximately $3.5 million was established in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The parties executed a formal Joint Stipulation for Class Action Settlement and Release, dated February 6, 2017. A Preliminary Approval Hearing is scheduled for March 14, 2017.

Other litigation

The Company is involved in routine litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

14. Segment Information

Historically, the Company organized its businesses into six reportable segments following a brand-focused approach: ANN , Justice , Lane Bryant , maurices , dressbarn and Catherines . In connection with the Change for Growth program, the Company shifted from a brand-based focus to a customer-based focus in order to reduce organizational overlap and maximize operational efficiencies. In connection therewith, effective with the beginning of Fiscal 2017, the Company reorganized its businesses into four operating segments: Premium Fashion , Value Fashion , Plus Fashion and Kids Fashion . Each segment is led by a segment manager who is directly accountable for that segment's financial performance and maintains regular contact with the Company's chief operating decision maker (the "CODM") to review the operating activities, financial results, forecasts and business plans of the segment. Accordingly, the Company's CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources at the segment level. The four  operating segments are as follows:

The accounting policies of the Company's operating segments are consistent with those described in the Fiscal 2016 10-K. All intercompany revenues are eliminated in consolidation. Corporate overhead expenses are allocated to the segments based upon specific usage or other reasonable allocation methods.

Due to changes in the Company's operating segments discussed above, segment information for the three and six months ended January 23, 2016 has been recast to conform to the current period's presentation. These changes related entirely to combining the previously reported brand-based segment information into the new customer-based operating model and had no impact on total net sales, total operating income or total depreciation and amortization expense.

Net sales, operating (loss) income and depreciation and amortization expense for each operating segment are as follows:

_______

(c) Restructuring and other related charges are as follows:

(i) During Fiscal 2017, the Company recorded severance-related charges from the elimination of positions under the Company's Change for Growth program, as more fully described in Note 7.

(ii) Other related charges consist of professional fees incurred in connection with the identification and implementation of transformation initiatives associated with the Change for Growth program.

15. Additional Financial Information

Non-cash Transactions

In connection with the ANN Acquisition during the six months ended January 23, 2016 , as more fully described in Note 4, the Company issued 31.2 million shares of common stock valued at approximately $345 million , based on the Company's stock price on the date of the acquisition. Non-cash investing activities include accrued purchases of fixed assets in the amount of $17.8 million as of January 28, 2017 and $42.4 million as of January 23, 2016 .

Item 2 – MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

Various statements in this Form 10-Q, in future filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in our press releases and in oral statements made from time to time by us or on our behalf constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "we believe," "is or remains optimistic," "currently envisions" and similar words or phrases and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and judgments and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control. A detailed discussion of risk factors that have the potential to cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 30, 2016 (the "Fiscal 2016 10-K"). There are no material changes to such risk factors, nor are there any identifiable previously undisclosed risks as set forth in Part II, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" of this Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

OVERVIEW

Our Business

ascena retail group, inc., a Delaware corporation ("ascena" or the "Company"), is a leading national specialty retailer of apparel for women and tween girls. On August 21, 2015, the Company acquired ANN INC. (" ANN "), a retailer of women's apparel, shoes and accessories sold primarily under the Ann Taylor and LOFT brands (the " ANN Acquisition"). The results of ANN are represented by our Premium Fashion segment. The Company had annual revenue for the fiscal year ended July 30, 2016 of approximately $7.0 billion . The Company and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the "Company," "ascena," "we," "us," "our" and "ourselves," unless the context indicates otherwise.

General Business Conditions

Our performance is subject to macroeconomic conditions and their impact on levels and patterns of consumer spending. Some of the factors that could negatively impact discretionary consumer spending include general economic conditions, high unemployment, lower wage levels, reductions in net worth, higher energy and other prices, increasing interest rates and low consumer confidence.

In addition, consumer spending habits continue to shift on an accelerated pace towards an increasing preference to purchase merchandise digitally as opposed to in traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores. These factors could have a material negative effect on our business, operational results, financial condition and cash flows.

During our second quarter of Fiscal 2017, the U.S. economy continued to show signs of recovery. However, improved employment and modest wage growth have not translated into higher spending in nondurable goods, as consumer spending continues to shift towards experiences, services, health care and durable goods such as automotive and home improvements. Although retail sales experienced modest growth during the holiday season, brick-and-mortar retailers continued to face intense competition and channel disruption. Consequently, consumer store traffic remained relatively weak and inconsistent during the quarter. Since store sales still comprise a majority of our sales mix, store traffic declines resulted in lower comparable sales which, in turn, led to a more promotional operating environment. We expect negative store traffic trends to continue during the remainder of Fiscal 2017, and as described under the section Change for Growth Program below, we have responded by scaling back overall spending levels and we continue to refine our operating model to ensure we remain competitive in our rapidly evolving sector.

Change for Growth Program

In October 2016, the Company initiated a restructuring plan with the objective of supporting sustainable long-term growth and increasing shareholder value (the "Change for Growth" program). The Change for Growth program is expected to (i) refine the Company's operating model to increase its focus on key customer segments, (ii) reduce the time to bring product to market, (iii) reduce working capital requirements, and (iv) enhance the Company's ability to serve customers on any purchasing platform, all while better leveraging the Company's shared service platform.

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, the Company eliminated a number of executive positions and made organizational changes resulting in the creation of the Premium Fashion , Value Fashion , Plus Fashion and Kids Fashion operating segments. The Company's new operating model is designed to allow its operating segments to focus on enhancing customer-facing capabilities while eliminating organization overlap. During the second quarter of Fiscal 2017, the Company announced further consolidation of certain support functions into its shared service group, including Human Resources, Real Estate, Non-Merchandise Procurement, and Asset Protection. The changes are expected to further reduce organizational redundancies and integrate processes within the Company. As a result of these changes, the Company recorded a $32.1 million charge during the six months ended January 28, 2017 , including $20.3 million of severance and other related expenses and $11.8 million of professional fees incurred in connection with the identification and implementation of transformation initiatives. During the three months ended January 28, 2017 , $20.2 million was expensed in connection with the Change for Growth program.

The Company realized approximately $10 million in cost savings related to the Change for Growth program for the six months ended January 28, 2017 and expects to realize additional cost savings of approximately $35 million for the remainder of Fiscal 2017 and approximately $105 million over Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2019, bringing the total expected annual cost savings to $150 million. These savings are expected to be achieved through (i) operating expense reductions in the areas of professional services, travel and facilities management, among others and (ii) further refinement of our operating model to eliminate organization redundancies and increase utilization of our shared services functions. These savings are expected to be realized in our operating segment results generally in proportion to their sales.

The Company expects to incur significant additional charges, and incremental capital expenditures may be required, in future periods as restructuring plans are fully defined and executed. However, certain identified plans are in their preliminary stages as of January, 28, 2017 and additional charges and capital expenditures are not able to be quantified at this time. Actions associated with the Change for Growth program are expected to continue until substantial completion in Fiscal 2019.

See Notes 7 and 14 to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information on the charges incurred in connection with the Change for Growth program.

Integration of ANN

During Fiscal 2017, the Company (i) completed the integration of our Premium Fashion segment's ecommerce fulfillment into our Greencastle facility, (ii) negotiated favorable contracts with vendors and (iii) realized cost reductions from sourcing merchandise through third-party buying agents. As a result of these initiatives, the Company has realized cost savings of approximately $50 million for the six months ended January 28, 2017 , with approximately $30 million in freight and product cost savings related to the Company's ongoing supply chain integration and cost of goods sold initiative at the Premium Fashion segment, approximately $5 million in Buying, distribution and occupancy synergies related to the consolidation of the Premium Fashion segment brands into the Company's ecommerce fulfillment center and approximately $15 million in Selling, general and administrative synergies primarily related to the elimination of overlapping leadership and non-merchandise procurement savings. We expect to realize additional synergies of approximately $45 million during the remainder of Fiscal 2017 and approximately $75 million in Fiscal 2018, bringing the total annual synergies and cost savings, including amounts achieved in Fiscal 2016, to approximately $235 million.

Seasonality of Business

Our individual segments are typically affected by seasonal sales trends primarily resulting from the timing of holiday and back-to-school shopping periods. In particular, sales at our Kids Fashion segment tend to be significantly higher during the fall season, which occurs during the first and second quarters of our fiscal year, as this includes the back-to-school period and the December holiday season. Our Plus Fashion segment tends to experience higher sales during the spring season, which include the Easter and Mother's Day holidays. Our Premium Fashion and Value Fashion segments have relatively balanced sales across the Fall and Spring seasons. As a result, our operational results and cash flows may fluctuate materially in any quarterly period depending on, among other things, increases or decreases in comparable store sales, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of certain holidays and changes in merchandise mix. 

Summary of Financial Performance

Second Quarter Summary and Key Developments

Operating highlights for the second quarter are as follows: 

Liquidity highlights for the six month period ended January 28, 2017 are as follows:

Transactions Affecting Comparability of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

The comparability of the Company's operational results for the periods presented herein has been affected by certain transactions. A summary of the effect of these items on pretax income for each applicable period presented is noted below:

(a) Fiscal 2017 primarily represented settlement charges and professional fees related to a pension plan acquired in the ANN Acquisition and severance and retention costs associated with the post-acquisition integration of ANN 's operations. Fiscal 2016 primarily represented costs related to the acquisition and integration of ANN .

(b) Fiscal 2017 primarily represented severance and other related expenses and professional fees incurred in connection with the identification and implementation of transformation initiatives associated with the Change for Growth program.

The preceding discussion highlights, as necessary, the significant changes in operating results arising from these items and transactions. However, unusual items or transactions may occur in any period. Accordingly, investors and other financial statement users should individually consider the types of events and transactions that have affected operating trends.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended January 28, 2017 compared to Three Months Ended January 23, 2016

The following table summarizes operating results for certain financial statement line items: