Vera Bradley Announces First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Results

Core Insights - Vera Bradley, Inc. reported first quarter consolidated net revenues of $51.7 million, a decrease from $67.9 million in the same period last year [3][32] - The company experienced a net loss from continuing operations of $18.3 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $7.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share in the prior year [4][5] - The financial condition remains strong with $86 million in liquidity and no debt [1] Financial Performance Summary - The first quarter gross profit was $22.8 million, representing 44.1% of net revenues, down from $34.0 million or 50.1% in the prior year [10] - Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses totaled $40.8 million, or 79.0% of net revenues, compared to $45.1 million, or 66.4% in the prior year [12] - The operating loss from continuing operations was $17.9 million, or (34.6%) of net revenues, compared to a loss of $10.6 million, or (15.6%) in the prior year [13] Segment Performance - Vera Bradley Direct segment revenues were $43.1 million, a 23.6% decrease from $56.4 million in the prior year [8] - Comparable sales declined by 25.0%, primarily due to reduced traffic and conversion rates in full-line and outlet stores [8] - The Indirect segment revenues totaled $8.6 million, a 25.6% decrease from $11.5 million in the prior year, attributed to a decline in specialty and key account orders [9] Balance Sheet Highlights - Cash and cash equivalents as of May 3, 2025, were $11.3 million, down from $43.8 million at the end of the previous year's first quarter [13] - Total quarter-end inventory was $99.2 million, compared to $101.8 million at the end of the prior year's first quarter [14] Strategic Outlook - The company announced several executive and Board leadership changes and has suspended forward guidance due to significant uncertainty in the consumer environment [15]