Core Viewpoint - Vera Bradley reported a significant decline in fiscal Q2 2026 revenue, missing analyst expectations, which led to a drop in stock price [1][6]. Revenue Performance - Consolidated net revenues from continuing operations decreased by 24.6% to $70.9 million, falling short of Wall Street's forecast of $78.5 million [1]. - Direct segment revenue fell by 16.2% to $60.5 million compared to $72.2 million a year earlier, with comparable sales dropping by 17.3% [3]. - Indirect segment revenue saw a substantial decline of 52.5%, down to $10.3 million from $21.8 million, attributed to lower orders from key accounts and reduced liquidation activity [4]. Loss and Sales Trends - The company managed to narrow its adjusted net loss to 2 cents per share, outperforming the expected loss of 15 cents [2]. - Comparable sales experienced a 17.3% decline, indicating lower conversion rates across various sales channels [2][3]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is undergoing a product design revamp, reintroducing iconic styles while balancing fabrics, silhouettes, and prints [5]. - A comprehensive strategy involving merchandising, innovation, marketing, and multi-channel engagement is being implemented to reconnect with loyal customers and attract new audiences [5]. - The company closed seven underperforming full-line stores and one outlet as part of its footprint rationalization efforts [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter, the company reported revenues of $70.9 million, a decline of approximately 25% compared to the previous year, aligning with internal forecasts [9][22] - The net loss from continuing operations for the quarter was -$0.5 million, or -$0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $2.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share in the prior year [22] - Gross margin was $35.4 million, or 49.9% of net revenues, slightly up from 49.8% in the prior year [23][24] - SG&A expenses totaled $36.3 million, or 51.2% of net revenues, compared to $43.6 million, or 46.4% of net revenues a year ago [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct segment revenues for the second quarter were $60.5 million, a 16.2% decrease from $72.2 million in the prior year [23] - Comparable sales declined 17.3%, driven by conversion declines in full line, outlet, and e-commerce channels [23] - Indirect segment revenues totaled $10.3 million, a 52.5% decrease from $21.8 million in the prior year, primarily due to a decline in key account orders and liquidation sales [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced sequential improvement in comparable store sales across its store fleet and online channels during the second quarter [9] - Inventory decreased by 13.2% to $96.7 million compared to $111.4 million at the end of the second quarter last year [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing a comprehensive strategy to revitalize its market position by leveraging its brand's emotional connection with consumers [4][5] - Five key strategic initiatives have been identified: sharpening brand focus, developing a cohesive omnichannel strategy, updating the outlet strategy, improving the operating model, and reimagining organizational structure [10][16][20][21] - The company is focusing on product innovation and targeted marketing to re-engage loyal customers and expand reach to new market segments [5][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges in the current operating environment but expresses confidence in the ongoing transformation efforts and the sequential improvements observed [21][26] - The company is not providing guidance due to the dynamic consumer environment but is focused on enhancing operational discipline [26] Other Important Information - The company is in the process of searching for a new CEO and is meeting with promising candidates [8] - The company estimates an annualized impact of $11 million from tariffs and is working to mitigate these impacts [26] Q&A Session Summary - The Q&A session was conducted but no specific questions or answers were documented in the provided content [27]

Vera Bradley (NasdaqGS:VRA) Q2 2026 Earnings Call September 11, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsMarty Layding - CFOIan Bickley - Executive ChairmanMark Dely - Chief Administrative OfficerOperatorWelcome to the Vera Bradley second quarter fiscal 2026 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. You may be placed in the question queue at any time by pressing star one on your telephone keypad. As a re ...

Vera Bradley (NasdaqGS:VRA) Q2 2026 Earnings Call September 11, 2025 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsMark Dely - Chief Administrative OfficerIan Bickley - Executive ChairmanMartin Layding - CFOOperatorWelcome to the Vera Bradley second quarter fiscal 2026 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. You may be placed in the question queue at any time by pressing star one on your telephone keypad. As a r ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2026, the company reported revenues of $70.9 million, a decline of approximately 25% compared to the previous year, aligning with internal forecasts [10][24] - The net loss from continuing operations was -$0.5 million, or -$0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net income of $2.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share in the prior year [24] - Gross margin was $35.4 million, or 49.9% of net revenues, slightly up from 49.8% in the prior year [25][26] - SG&A expenses totaled $36.3 million, or 51.2% of net revenues, compared to $43.6 million, or 46.4% of net revenues a year ago [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct segment revenues for Q2 totaled $60.5 million, a 16.2% decrease from $72.2 million in the prior year, with comparable sales down 17.3% [25] - Indirect segment revenues were $10.3 million, a 52.5% decrease from $21.8 million in the prior year, primarily due to a decline in key account orders and liquidation sales [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced sequential improvement in comparable store sales across its store fleet and online channels during the second quarter [10] - Inventory decreased by 13.2% to $96.7 million compared to $111.4 million at the end of the second quarter last year [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing a comprehensive strategy to revitalize its market position, focusing on brand strength, product innovation, and targeted marketing [5][6] - Five key strategic initiatives have been identified: sharpening brand focus, developing a cohesive omnichannel strategy, updating the outlet strategy, improving the operating model, and reimagining organizational structure [10][18][21][22] - The company is also focusing on enhancing its wholesale strategy and building new retail partnerships to reach new consumer segments [15][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenging operating environment but expresses confidence in the current trends and improvements being made [22][28] - The company is not providing guidance due to the dynamic consumer environment but is focused on enhancing operational discipline and improving financial results [28] Other Important Information - The company is in the process of searching for a new CEO, which is a major focus for the management team [9] - The anticipated annualized impact of tariffs is estimated at $11 million, with efforts underway to mitigate these impacts [28] Q&A Session Summary - The Q&A session was conducted but no specific questions or answers were documented in the provided content [30]

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) (the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending January 31, 2026 (“Fiscal 2026”). Second Quarter Comments “Our second quarter results were in line with our internal expectations. Notably we saw sequential improvement versus the first quarter in comparable store sales across our store fleet and on VB.com, and in each month during the second quarter. We are encouraged th ...