Vera Bradley Inc
For the period ended Feb 3, 2024. Filed Mar 29, 2024.
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FY2024 · Filed Mar 29, 2024
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- Description of the Company
The term “Company” refers to Vera Bradley, Inc. and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise or where otherwise indicated.
Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. We believe Vera Bradley and Pura Vida are complementary businesses, both with devoted, emotionally-connected, and multi-generational female customer bases; alignment as casual, comfortable, affordable, and fun brands; positioning as “gifting” and socially-connected brands; strong, entrepreneurial cultures; a keen focus on community, charity, and social consciousness; multi-channel distribution strategies; and talented leadership teams aligned and committed to the long-term success of their brands.
Vera Bradley is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand’s innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors continue to inspire and connect women.
In July 2019, Vera Bradley, Inc. acquired a 75% interest in Creative Genius, Inc., which also operates under the name Pura Vida Bracelets (“Pura Vida”). On January 30, 2023, the Company purchased the remaining 25% interest in Pura Vida. Pura Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a digitally native lifestyle brand that has a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle accessories.
The Company hasthree reportable segments: Vera Bradley Direct (“VB Direct”), Vera Bradley Indirect (“VB Indirect”), and Pura Vida.
The VB Direct business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products through Vera Bradley full-line and outlet stores in the United States; verabradley.com; outlet.verabradley.com; and typically the Vera Bradley annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As of February 3, 2024, the Company operated 43 full-line stores and 81 outlet stores. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company cancelled its calendar year 2022 and 2021 annual outlet sales. The sale resumed in calendar year 2023.
The VB Indirect business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products to approximately 1,600 specialty retail locations, substantially all of which are located in the United States, as well as department stores, national accounts, third-party e-commerce sites, third-party inventory liquidators, and royalties recognized through licensing agreements related to the Vera Bradley brand.
The Pura Vida segment represents revenues generated through the Pura Vida websites (www.puravidabracelets.com, www.puravidabracelets.ca, and www.puravidabracelets.eu); the distribution of Pura Vida-branded products to wholesale retailers, substantially all of which are located in the United States; and through its five retail stores.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Pura Vida. The Company has eliminated intercompany balances and transactions in consolidation.
Fiscal Periods
The Company utilizes a 52-53 week fiscal year ended on the Saturday closest to January 31. As such, fiscal year 2024, ending on February 3, 2024 reflected a 53-week period. Fiscal years 2023 and 2022, ending on January 28, 2023 and January 29, 2022 respectively, each reflected a 52-week period.
- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Significant Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the Company’s assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as the disclosures relating to contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates include the valuation of inventories, valuation of long-lived assets, including operating right-of-use assets, valuation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, accounts receivable valuation allowances, and sales return allowances. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand, deposits with financial institutions, and investments with an original maturity of three months or less.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, excess quantities, and other factors, including the popularity of a pattern or product, in evaluating net realizable value. Substantially all inventory relates to finished goods.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated or amortized over the following estimated useful lives using the straight-line method:
| Buildings and building improvements .............................................. | 39.5 years |
| Land improvements ........................................................................... | 5 – 15 years |
| Furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements ........................ | 3 – 10 years |
| Equipment ......................................................................................... | 7 years |
| Vehicles ............................................................................................. | 5 years |
| Computer equipment and software ................................................... | 3 – 5 years |
The Company recognizes depreciation and amortization expense within cost of sales for expenditures related to distribution center, sourcing, and other related functions and selling, general, and administrative expenses for all other expenditures. Leas ehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the asset or the lease term. Lease terms typically range from three toten years.
When a decision is made to abandon property, plant, and equipment prior to the end of the previously estimated useful life, depreciation or amortization estimates are revised to reflect the use of the asset over the shortened estimated useful life. At the time of disposal, the cost of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting loss is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Property, plant, and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset groups may not be recoverable. The reviews are conducted at the lowest identifiable level of cash flows, which is at the retail store level for store-related assets. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the property, plant, and equipment and operating right-of-use assets are less than the carrying value, the Company recognizes a loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value, as further defined below in “Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”
Routine maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.
The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with acquiring, modifying, and installing internal-use software. Capitalized costs are included in property, plant, and equipment and are amortized over three tofive years. Software costs that do not meet capitalization criteria are expensed as incurred.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
Vera Bradley and Pura Vida product sales to customers, including amounts billed to customers for shipping fees, as well as royalties from licensing arrangements related to the Vera Bradley brand, are included in net revenues. Costs related to shipping of product are classified in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company has elected to treat shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as an activity to fulfill the promise to transfer the product rather than as an additional promised service. Net revenues exclude sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities from the transaction price.
Revenue from the sale of the Company’s products is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized using the five-step model. These steps are: (i) identify the contract with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation; and (v) recognize revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied.
The Company collects payment at the point of sale for Vera Bradley and Pura Vida full-line and outlet store transactions, upon shipment for Vera Bradley e-commerce transactions, and upon purchase for Pura Vida e-commerce transactions. The Company generally collects payment in arrears in accordance with established payment terms for each customer within the VB Indirect segment and for Pura Vida wholesale retailers.
Historical experience provides the Company the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of product sales that customers will return. Product returns are often resalable through multiple channels. Additionally, the Company reserves for customer allowances for certain VB Indirect retailers based upon various contract terms and other potential product credits granted to VB Indirect retailers.
The returns and credits reserve and the related activity for each fiscal year presented were as follows (in thousands):
| Balance atBeginning of Year | ProvisionCharged toNet Revenues | AllowancesTaken / Written Off | Balance at Endof Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiscal year ended February 3, 2024 | $1,801 | $9,697 | $(10,076) | $1,422 |
| Fiscal year ended January 28, 2023 | 1,582 | 12,320 | (12,101) | 1,801 |
| Fiscal year ended January 29, 2022 | 1,714 | 17,043 | (17,175) | 1,582 |
The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and customer-specific identification and believes that collections of receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, are reasonably assured. The allowance for doubtful accounts was approxima tely $1.1 million and $0.8 millionas of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, respectively. The provision for doubtful accounts is based upon the likelihood of default expected during the life of the receivable.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales includes material and labor costs, freight, inventory shrinkage, operating lease costs, duty, and other operating expenses, including depreciation of the Vera Bradley distribution center and equipment. Costs and related expenses to purchase and distribute the products are recorded as cost of sales when the related revenues are recognized.
Operating Leases
The Company recognizes lease liabilities at the lease commencement date based upon the present value of the remaining lease payments. Operating right-of-use assets are based on the lease liability adjusted for prepaid rent, deferred rent, and tenant allowances received from certain of the Company’s landlords, primarily for its retail store locations.
Operating lease liabilities are amortized based upon the effective interest method. Operating right-of-use assets are amortized based upon the straight-line lease expense less interest on the lease liability. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable rent expense is recognized in the period incurred.
Operating right-of-use assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The reviews are conducted at the lowest identifiable level of cash flows, which is at the retail store level for store-related assets. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the operating right-of-use assets are less than the carrying value, the Company recognizes a loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value, as further defined below in “Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”
Refer to Note 4 herein for additional information regarding the Company's leases.
Store Pre-Opening, Occupancy, and Operating Costs
The Company charges costs associated with the opening of new stores to selling, general, and administrative expenses as incurred. Selling, general, and administrative expenses also include store operating costs, store employee compensation, and store occupancy and supply costs.
Business Combination
In connection with a business combination, the Company records the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contingent consideration liabilities, if any, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at their acquisition-date fair values. Goodwill is measured indirectly as the excess of the sum of (1) the consideration transferred (including contingent consideration, if any) and (2) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree over the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Refer to Note 14 herein for additional information regarding the noncontrolling interest in Pura Vida as of February 3, 2024.
These fair value assessments require management judgment and include the use of significant estimates and assumptions including future cash flows, discount and other market rates, and asset lives, among other items.
As of February 3, 2024 identifiable intangible assets consisted of the Pura Vida brand and customer relationships. Goodwill was fully impaired during fiscal 2023, leaving no balance. Our Pura Vida brand, an indefinite-lived asset, is not amortized but assessed for impairment at least annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the brand may be impaired. The Pura Vida customer relationship, a definite-lived intangible asset, is amortized over its estimated useful life and is also subject to impairment testing, similar to the Company’s other long-lived assets.
We test the Pura Vida brand for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Our annual impairment test may be completed through a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of the Pura Vida brand is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount. If we elect to bypass the qualitative assessment, or if a qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the estimated carrying value exceeds the fair value, we test for impairment using a quantitative process. Our quantitative process includes comparing the carrying value to the fair value of the Pura Vida brand, with any excess recognized as an impairment loss. Fair value is estimated using a relief-from-royalty method. The estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of the Pura Vida brand include the projected revenue growth, long-term growth rate, the royalty rate, and discount rate.
Prior to fiscal 2024, the Company performed an annual impairment test for its goodwill.
As of February 3, 2024, the carrying value of the Pura Vida brand was $6.2 million. For the annual impairment analysis performed in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company performed a quantitative analysis and no impairment was recorded. Subsequent to the annual impairment test, the Company performed an additional quantitative analysis of the carrying value of the Pura Vida brand due to triggering events and recorded an impairment charge of $5.4 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, further described in Note 15 herein.
For the annual impairment analysis performed during fiscal 2023, the Company performed a quantitative analysis, as well as subsequent analyses due to triggering events, further described in Note 15 herein. Impairment charges of $44.3 million and $25.0 million were recorded during fiscal 2023 for goodwill and the Pura Vida brand, respectively.
The estimated fair value of the Pura Vida brand is subject to change as a result of many factors, including changing economic conditions. Should actual and estimated cash flows change from the estimates we used in our fiscal 2024 impairment analysis, we may record additional impairment charges in future years.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
On July 16, 2019, as contemplated by the Interest Purchase Agreement, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and the owners of the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) ownership interest in Pura Vida (the “Sellers”) which was not acquired by the Company (the “Remaining Pura Vida Interest”) entered into a Put/Call Agreement (the “Put/Call Agreement”). Pursuant to the Put/Call Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, the Sellers had the right to sell all of the Remaining Pura Vida Interest to the Company, and the Company had the right to purchase all of the Remaining Pura Vida Interests from Sellers, in each case generally at any time following the fifth anniversary of the closing date of the transaction until the tenth anniversary thereof. The purchase price for any Remaining Pura Vida Interest put to, or called by, the Company was determined based on the arithmetic average of a multiple of adjusted EBITDA of Pura Vida and a multiple of adjusted EBITDA of the Company, as defined in the Put/Call Agreement, over the twelve-month period ending on the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which an exercise notice was delivered by a relevant party. In the event of a change in control of the Company, the parties had the right to exercise a portion of their put and call rights prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing date (as defined in the Put/Call Agreement).
As a result of this redemption feature, the Company recorded the noncontrolling interest as redeemable and classified it in temporary equity within its Consolidated Balance Sheets initially at its acquisition-date fair value. The noncontrolling interest was adjusted each reporting period for income (or loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest. A measurement period adjustment, if any, was then made to adjust the noncontrolling interest to the higher of the redemption value or carrying value each reporting period. These adjustments were recognized through retained earnings and were not reflected in net income or net income attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc. When calculating earnings per share attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc., the Company adjusted net income attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc. for the measurement period adjustment to the extent the redemption value exceeds the fair value of the noncontrolling interest on a cumulative basis. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was estimated using a combination of the income approach, a discounted cash flow analysis, and the market approach, utilizing the guideline company method. The reporting unit’s discounted cash flow analysis required significant management judgment with respect to revenue, total direct costs, selling, general, and administrative expenses, capital expenditures, and the selection and use of an appropriate discount rate. The projected revenue and expense assumptions and capital expenditures were based on our annual and long-term business plans. Discount rates reflected market-based estimates of the risks associated with the projected cash flows directly resulting from the use of those assets in operations.
On January 23, 2023, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Interest Purchase Agreement”) with Creative Genius Holdings, Inc. a California corporation, Creative Genius Investments, Inc., a California corporation, Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman (collectively “Sellers”) to purchase the remaining 25% of the outstanding membership interests (the "Remaining Pura Vida Interests") of Pura Vida. The closing date of the Transaction was January 30, 2023.
Pursuant to the Interest Purchase Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, on the closing date, the Company indirectly acquired the Remaining Pura Vida Interests (the “Transaction”) in exchange for cash consideration consisting of approximately $10 million payable at closing, subject to certain adjustments. The Transaction was not subject to financing conditions. The Company’s existing available cash and cash equivalents funded the purchase price. Following completion of the Transaction, the Company owned one hundred percent (100%) of the ownership interests in Pura Vida. The Interest Purchase Agreement also included certain non-competition and customer, supplier and employee non-solicitation and non-interference covenants from the Sellers in favor of the Company during the four-year period beginning on the closing date of the Transaction.
The Interest Purchase Agreement provides that, as of the closing of the Transaction, all rights and obligations of the Company and the Sellers under any agreements among the parties, including the Put/Call Agreement, were terminated.
As a result of the Transaction, the Company recorded a decrease to redeemable noncontrolling interest of $10.7 million. The difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the balance of the redeemable noncontrolling interest resulted in $0.7 million recognized in additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) during fiscal 2024. In addition, there was an APIC adjustment of $0.6 million related to deferred income taxes for the purchase of the redeemable noncontrolling interest. The total APIC adjustment for this matter during fiscal 2024 was $1.3 million.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the fair-value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Stock Compensation. Under these provisions, for its awards of restricted stock and restricted-stock units, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date of the respective award. The Company recognizes this expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
Advertising Costs
The Company expenses advertising costs at the time the promotion first appears in media, in stores, or on its websites, and includes those costs in selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Total advertising expense was as follows (in thousands):
| Fiscal year ended February 3, 2024 | $54,999 |
|---|---|
| Fiscal year ended January 28, 2023 | 54,941 |
| Fiscal year ended January 29, 2022 | 61,223 |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as 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. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly;
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions.
The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement.
The carrying amounts reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, approximated their fair values.
The following table details the fair value measurements of the Company’s investments as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023 (in thousands):
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | |
| Cash equivalents (1) | $55,262 | $360 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| (1) Cash equivalents primarily represent money market funds that have a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. Due to its short maturity, the Company believes the carrying value approximates fair value. | ||||||
The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets, which includes property, plant, and equipment and lease right-of-use assets, on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Store-level assets and right-of-use assets are grouped at the individual store-level for the purpose of the impairment assessment. Recoverability of an asset group is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. The fair value of the store assets is determined using the discounted future cash flow method of anticipated cash flows through the store’s lease-end date using fair value measurement inputs classified as Level 3. The fair value of right-of-use assets is estimated using market comparative information for similar properties. Level 3 inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. The Company recorded$1.4 million and $0.1 million in impairment charges primarily related to store assets including property, plant, and equipment and lease right-of-use assets during the fiscal years ended January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, respectively. No impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2024 for long-lived assets.
Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value on the consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include items such as property, plant, and equipment, including leasehold improvements, and operating lease assets, as well as assets related to the Pura Vida acquisition including goodwill and intangible assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. Refer to Note 15 herein regarding the Pura Vida Brand impairment test and fiscal 2024 impairments charges and the 2023 Pura Vida Brand and goodwill impairment test and fiscal 2023 impairment charges.
The discounted cash flow models used to estimate the applicable fair values involve numerous estimates and assumptions that are highly subjective. Changes to these estimates and assumptions could materially impact the fair value estimates. The estimates and assumptions critical to the overall fair value estimates include: (1) estimated future cash flow generated at the store level; (2) discount rates used to derive the present value factors used in determining the fair values; and (3) market rentals at the retail store. These and other estimates and assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and our expectations and may change in the future based on period-specific facts and circumstances. If economic conditions were to deteriorate, future impairment charges may be required which may be material.
Income Taxes
The Company accrues income taxes payable or refundable and recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse, and recognizes the effect of a change in enacted rates in the period of enactment.
When measuring deferred tax assets, the Company considers both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. This evidence includes recent operating results, projected future taxable income, the reversal of existing taxable differences, tax planning strategies, among other factors. When necessary, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets to their anticipated realizable value.
The Company establishes liabilities for uncertain positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns, using a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. The Company includes in income tax expense any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
Cloud Computing Arrangements
The Company capitalizes implementation costs associated with its Cloud Computing Arrangements (“CCA”) consistent with costs capitalized for internal-use software. The CCA costs are amortized over the term of the related hosting agreement, taking into consideration renewal options, if any. The renewal period is included in the amortization period if determined that the option is reasonably certain to be exercised. The amortization expense is recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, which is within the same line item as the related hosting fees. The balance of the unamortized CCA implementation costs totaled $3.8 million and $6.4 million as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, respectively. Of this total, $2.8 million and $3.0 million was recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets and $1.0 million and $3.4 million was recorded within other assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, respectively. The CCA implementation costs are recorded within operating activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2023-06, "Disclosure Improvements." The amendments in this update modify the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of topics in the codification. Certain of the amendments represent clarifications to or technical corrections of the current requirements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for interim periods beginning after June 30, 2027. The Company is currently evaluating the impacts of the provisions of ASU 2023-06.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, "Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures". This ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment's profit or loss. This ASU also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Adoption of the ASU should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is also permitted. This ASU will likely result in additional required disclosures when adopted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its disclosures; however, adoption will not impact our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, "Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures". This ASU establishes new income tax disclosure requirements in addition to modifying and eliminating certain existing requirements. Under the new guidance, entities must consistently categorize and provide greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation. They must also further disaggregate income taxes paid. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact on its disclosures; however, adoption will not impact our consolidated financial statements.
- Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following presents the Company's net revenues disaggregated by product category for the fifty-three weeks ended February 3, 2024, and fifty-two weeks ended January 28, 2023 and January 29, 2022 (in thousands):
| Fifty-Three Weeks Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct Segment · VB Indirect Segment · Pura Vida Segment · Total | |||||||
| Product categories | |||||||
| Bags | $119,705 | $39,609 | $407 | $159,721 | |||
| Travel | 75,927 | 14,922 | — | 90,849 | |||
| Accessories | 52,930 | 9,547 | 82,731 | 145,208 | |||
| Home | 37,587 | 4,022 | — | 41,609 | |||
| Apparel/Footwear | 16,526 | 2,461 | 1,450 | 20,437 | |||
| Other | 7,235 | (1) | 3,242 | (2) | 2,485 | (3) | 12,962 |
| Total net revenues | $309,910 | (4) | $73,803 | (5) | $87,073 | (4) | $470,786 |
| (1) Primarily includes net revenues from stationery, freight, and gift card breakage. | |||||||
| (2) Primarily includes net revenues from licensing agreements, freight, and merchandising. | |||||||
| (3) Related to freight. | |||||||
| (4) Net revenues were related to product sales recognized at a point in time. | |||||||
| (5) $71.4 million of net revenues related to product sales recognized at a point in time and $2.4 million of net revenues related to sales-based royalties recognized over time. | |||||||
| Fifty-Two Weeks Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct Segment · VB Indirect Segment · Pura Vida Segment · Total | |||||||
| Product categories | |||||||
| Bags | $131,432 | $38,587 | $1,249 | $171,268 | |||
| Travel | 79,585 | 14,283 | — | 93,868 | |||
| Accessories | 58,932 | 10,312 | 90,743 | 159,987 | |||
| Home | 38,040 | 4,233 | — | 42,273 | |||
| Apparel/Footwear(6) | 12,701 | 2,236 | 3,844 | 18,781 | |||
| Other | 7,541 | (1) | 3,665 | (2) | 2,578 | (3) | 13,784 |
| Total net revenues | $328,231 | (4) | $73,316 | (5) | $98,414 | (4) | $499,961 |
| (1) Primarily includes net revenues from stationery, freight, and gift card breakage. | |||||||
| (2) Primarily includes net revenues from licensing agreements, freight, and merchandising. | |||||||
| (3) Related to freight. | |||||||
| (4) Net revenues were related to product sales recognized at a point in time. | |||||||
| (5) $70.7 million of net revenues related to product sales recognized at a point in time and $2.6 million of net revenues related to sales-based royalties recognized over time. | |||||||
| (6) Includes mask sales. | |||||||
| Fifty-Two Weeks Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct Segment · VB Indirect Segment · Pura Vida Segment · Total | |||||||
| Product categories | |||||||
| Bags | $138,910 | $33,125 | $974 | $173,009 | |||
| Travel | 82,507 | 12,150 | — | 94,657 | |||
| Accessories | 65,219 | 10,021 | 111,248 | 186,488 | |||
| Home | 41,987 | 4,416 | — | 46,403 | |||
| Apparel/Footwear(6) | 18,592 | 2,406 | 4,110 | 25,108 | |||
| Other | 7,660 | (1) | 3,883 | (2) | 3,245 | (3) | 14,788 |
| Total net revenues | $354,875 | (4) | $66,001 | (5) | $119,577 | (4) | $540,453 |
| (1) Primarily includes net revenues from stationery, freight, and gift card breakage. | |||||||
| (2) Primarily includes net revenues from licensing agreements, freight, and merchandising. | |||||||
| (3) Related to freight. | |||||||
| (4) Net revenues were related to product sales recognized at a point in time. | |||||||
| (5) $63.1 million of net revenues related to product sales recognized at a point in time and $2.9 million of net revenues related to sales-based royalties recognized over time. | |||||||
| (6) Includes mask sales. | |||||||
Contract Balances
Contract liabilities as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, were$2.6 million and$3.2 million, respectively. The balance consisted of unredeemed gift cards, unearned revenue related to the monthly bracelet and jewelry clubs of the Pura Vida segment, Pura Vida loyalty club points, and Pura Vida customer deposits and payments collected before shipment. These contract liabilities are recognized within other accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Substantially all contract liabilities are recognized within one year. The Company didnot have contract assets as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023.
The balance for accounts receivable from contracts with customers, net of allowances, as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023 was$16.4 million and$20.7 million, respectively, which is recognized within accounts receivable, net, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The provision for doubtful accounts was$1.1 million and$0.8 million as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, respectively. The provision for doubtful accounts is based upon the likelihood of default expected during the life of the receivable.
Performance Obligations
The performance obligations for the VB Direct, VB Indirect, and Pura Vida segments include the promise to transfer distinct goods (or a bundle of distinct goods). The VB Indirect segment also includes the right to access intellectual property (“IP”) related to the Vera Bradley brand.
Remaining Performance Obligations
The Company does not have remaining performance obligations in excess of one year or contracts that it does not have the right to invoice as of February 3, 2024.
Significant Judgments
Product Sales
In the Vera Bradley and Pura Vida retail stores (recognized within the VB Direct segment and the Pura Vida segments), control is transferred and net revenue is recognized at the point of sale. Product shipments for the Company’s e-commerce channels (recognized within the VB Direct and Pura Vida segments) and shipments to its wholesale retailers (recognized within the VB Indirect segment and Pura Vida segment) are generally shipped Free on Board (“FOB”) shipping point typically from its distribution center in Roanoke, Indiana, for Vera Bradley products and primarily from its third-party fulfillment center in Tijuana, Mexico for Pura Vida products. Net revenue is recognized upon shipment consistent with when control is transferred to the customer. Upon shipment, the customer has the right to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the benefits from, the product.
Licensing Royalties
The Company grants rights to access its Vera Bradley IP and accounts for any resulting sales-based royalty revenue over time, as the subsequent sales occur. The Company has contractually guaranteed minimum royalties in certain of its sales-based royalty arrangements which are recognized straight-line over the remaining license period once determined that the minimum sales level will not be achieved. Licensing royalties are recognized within VB Indirect segment net revenues.
Transaction Price and Amounts Allocated to Performance Obligations
The transaction price is the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in a sales transaction. The transaction price is net of discounts, estimated variable consideration (if any), and any customer allowances offered or estimated, including those offered to certain Indirect retailers based on various contract terms. The transaction price also is net of allowances for product returns, which the Company is able to reasonably estimate based upon historical experience. The transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation in the contract based upon the standalone selling price.
Contract Costs
Sales commissions are paid to certain employees based upon specific sales achieved during a time period. As the Company’s contracts related to these sales commissions do not exceed one year, these incentive payments are expensed as incurred.
Other Practical Expedients
Significant Financing Components
The Company does not adjust for the time value of money as the majority of its contracts have an original expected duration of one year or less; contracts that are greater than one year are related to net revenues that are constrained until the subsequent sales occur. The net revenues associated with these contracts are immaterial, and the Company does not adjust for the time value of money.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Five customers represented approximately 54.0% of the balance of accounts receivable, net as of February 3, 2024.
- Leases
Nature of Leases
The Company has operating leases at all of its Vera Bradley and Pura Vida retail stores (including storage spaces), as well as for its New York office, the California Pura Vida office, Asia sourcing office, and showrooms. The Company does not have residual value guarantees, restrictions, or covenants imposed by leases.
Determination of Lease Terms
Retail store leases have remaining terms of up to 10 years as of February 3, 2024. These leases generally have early termination rights when certain sales thresholds are not met for a specified measurement period. The Company's other leases generally have remaining terms of up to approximately three years as of February 3, 2024. If the lease contains a renewal period at the Company's option, the renewal period is included in the lease term if determined the option is reasonably certain to be exercised at lease commencement. The Company's lease options generally do not include termination rights other than those mentioned. The Company did not have financing leases as of February 3, 2024.
Variable Rental Payments
The Company's retail store leases contain variable rental payments based on each location's monthly gross sales, the majority of which have specified sales breakpoints. In addition, the majority of the Company's leases contain real estate taxes, common area maintenance, and similar items that are billed as pass-through charges from its landlords. These rental payments are not included in the measurement of the lease liability, but are recognized as variable lease cost in the period incurred.
Certain of the Company's leases also contain lease components with increases based upon an index or rate. These lease components are included on the Company's balance sheet at the rate as of lease commencement. Future changes in the index or rate will generally be included as variable lease cost.
Significant Judgments and Assumptions
Determination of Whether a Contract Contains a Lease
The Company determines whether a contract is or contains a lease at the inception of the contract. The contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company generally must also have the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the property, plant, and equipment and have the right to direct its use.
Discount Rate
The weighted-average discount rate as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, was 4.8% and 4.6%, respectively. The discount rate is not readily determinable in the lease; therefore, the Company estimated the incremental borrowing rate, at the commencement or remeasurement date of each lease, which is the rate of interest it would have to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term with similar payments.
Leases Not Yet Commenced
As of February 3, 2024, the Company had one lease which was executed but for which it did not have control of the underlying asset; therefore, the lease liability and right-of-use asset are not recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. This lease contain undiscounted lease payments, which will be included in the determination of the lease liability, totaling approximately $0.8 million and has a term of approximately 5 years commencing in fiscal year 2025.
Practical Expedients (Policy Elections)
The Company has elected the following practical expedients as policy elections upon the adoption of ASC Topic 842.
| Short-Term Leases | The Company elected to exclude leases with a term of 12 months or less from recognition on the balance sheet for all leases. |
|---|---|
| Not Separating Lease and Nonlease Components | The Company elected to combine lease and nonlease components and recognize as a single lease component for all leases. |
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements
The following lease expense is recorded within cost of sales for the Asia sourcing office and certain equipment leases and within selling, general, and administrative expenses for all other leases, including retail store leases, in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022 (in thousands):
| Fifty-Three Weeks Ended · Fifty-Two Weeks Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | January 29, 2022 | |
| Operating lease cost | $25,826 | $25,118 | $25,200 |
| Variable lease cost | 5,295 | 5,975 | 7,560 |
| Short-term lease cost | 578 | 476 | 515 |
| Less: Sublease income (1) | (420) | (234) | — |
| Total lease cost | $31,279 | $31,335 | $33,275 |
| (1) Related to the sublease of a former Company location. | |||
The weighted-average remaining lease term as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023 was 5.3 years and 5.4 years, respectively.
Supplemental operating cash flow information was as follows (in thousands):
| Fifty-Three Weeks Ended · Fifty-Two Weeks Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| February 3, 2024 | January 28, 2023 | January 29, 2022 | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | $29,554 | $30,014 | $33,517 |
| Right-of-use assets increase as a result of new and modified operating lease liabilities, net | $9,859 | $20,379 | $11,584 |
Maturity Analysis of Operating Lease Liabilities
Maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities (undiscounted) reconciled to its lease liability as of February 3, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):
| Operating Leases | |
|---|---|
| Fiscal 2025 | $21,921 |
| Fiscal 2026 | 19,123 |
| Fiscal 2027 | 14,413 |
| Fiscal 2028 | 10,962 |
| Fiscal 2029 | 8,703 |
| Thereafter | 16,988 |
| Total remaining obligations | 92,110 |
| Less: Interest | (11,105) |
| Present value of lease liabilities | $81,005 |
- Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
| February 3,2024 | January 28,2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Land and land improvements | $5,981 | $5,981 |
| Building and building improvements | 46,203 | 46,276 |
| Furniture, fixtures, leasehold improvements, computer equipment and software | 86,584 | 86,180 |
| Equipment and vehicles | 28,493 | 28,528 |
| Construction in progress | 302 | 489 |
| 167,563 | 167,454 | |
| Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (113,307) | (108,780) |
| Property, plant, and equipment, net | $54,256 | $58,674 |
Depreciation and amortization expense associated with property, plant, and equipment, excluding impairment charges (in thousands):
| Fiscal year ended February 3, 2024 | $7,968 |
|---|---|
| Fiscal year ended January 28, 2023 | 8,854 |
| Fiscal year ended January 29, 2022 | 9,315 |
- Debt
As of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, the Company hadno borrowings outstanding and availability of $75.0 million under its Credit Agreement.
Credit Agreement
On September 7, 2018, Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. (“VBD”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an asset-based revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among VBD, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. On August 3, 2023, certain subsidiaries of the Company, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent, and lenders from time to time party thereto, entered into a Third Amendment (the “Third Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement dated September 7, 2018.
The Credit Agreement provides for certain credit facilities to VBD in an aggregate principal amount not to initially exceed the lesser of $75.0 million or the amount of borrowing availability determined in accordance with a borrowing base of certain assets. Any proceeds of the credit facilities will be used to finance general corporate purposes of VBD and its subsidiaries, including but not limited to Vera Bradley International, LLC, Vera Bradley Sales, LLC, and Creative Genius, LLC (collectively, the “Named Subsidiaries”). The Credit Agreement also contains an option for VBD to arrange with lenders to increase the aggregate principal amount by up to $50.0 million.
Amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a per annum rate equal to (i) for CBFR borrowings (including swingline loans), the CB Floating Rate, where the CB Floating Rate is the greater of the prime rate or 2.5%, plus the Applicable Rate, where the Applicable Rate is a percentage spread ranging from -1.25% to -1.50%, (ii) for each Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, where the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate is the Term SOFR rate for such interest period plus 0.10% for the interest period in effect for such borrowing, plus the Applicable Rate, where the Applicable Rate is a percentage ranging from 1.25% to 1.50%, or (iii) for RFR Loans, the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR Rate, where the adjusted Daily Simple SOFR Rate is equal to the Daily Simple SOFR plus 0.10%, plus the Applicable Rate, where the Applicable Rate is a percentage ranging from 1.25% to 1.50% The applicable CB Floating Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Term SOFR Rate, Daily Simple SOFR, and Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR shall be determined by the administrative agent. The Credit Agreement also requires VBD to pay a commitment fee for the unused portion of the revolving facility of up to 0.30% per annum.
VBD’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and the Named Subsidiaries. The obligations of VBD under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the respective assets of VBD, the Company, and the Named Subsidiaries and are further secured by the equity interests in VBD and the Named Subsidiaries.
The Credit Agreement contains various affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions on the Company's ability to incur debt or liens; engage in mergers or consolidations; make certain investments, acquisitions, loans, and advances; sell assets; enter into certain swap agreements; pay dividends or make distributions or make other restricted payments; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and amend, modify, or waive any of its rights related to subordinated indebtedness and certain charter and other organizational, governing, and material agreements. The Company may avoid certain of such restrictions by meeting payment conditions defined in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement also requires the loan parties, as defined in the Credit Agreement, to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 during periods when borrowing availability is less than the greater of (A) $9.4 million, and (B)12.5% of the lesser of (i) the aggregate revolving commitment, and (ii) the borrowing base. The fixed charge coverage ratio, availability, aggregate revolving commitment, and the borrowing base are further defined in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including, among other things: (i) the failure to pay any principal, interest, or other fees under the Credit Agreement; (ii) the making of any materially incorrect representation or warranty; (iii) the failure to observe or perform any covenant, condition, or agreement in the Credit Agreement or related agreements; (iv) a cross default with respect to other material indebtedness; (v) bankruptcy and insolvency events; (vi) unsatisfied material final judgments; (vii) Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) events that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect; and (viii) a change in control (as defined in the Credit Agreement).
The Credit Agreement matures in May 2028.
- Income Taxes
The components of the income tax expense (benefit) were as follows (in thousands):
| February 3,2024 | January 28,2023 | January 29,2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current: | |||
| Federal | $918 | $680 | $5,923 |
| Foreign | 337 | 562 | 279 |
| State | 478 | 803 | 555 |
| 1,733 | 2,045 | 6,757 | |
| Deferred: | |||
| Federal | 1,322 | (15,517) | (1,300) |
| State | 439 | (2,168) | 973 |
| 1,761 | (17,685) | (327) | |
| Total income tax expense (benefit) | $3,494 | $(15,640) | $6,430 |
A breakdown of the Company’s income (loss) before income taxes is as follows (in thousands):
| February 3,2024 | January 28,2023 | January 29,2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | $9,159 | $(98,539) | $24,881 |
| Foreign | 2,173 | 3,515 | 1,767 |
| Total income (loss) before income taxes | $11,332 | $(95,024) | $26,648 |
A reconciliation of the income taxexpense (benefit) to the amount computed at the federal statutory rate is as follows (in thousands):
| February 3,2024 · January 28,2023 · January 29,2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal taxes at statutory rate | $2,380 | 21.0% | $(19,955) | 21.0% | $5,596 | 21.0% |
| State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit | 754 | 6.7 | (1,063) | 1.1 | 1,175 | 4.4 |
| Impact related to redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | 4,126 | (4.3) | (508) | (1.9) |
| (Windfall) shortfall from stock-based compensation | (47) | (0.4) | 271 | (0.3) | (472) | (1.8) |
| Impact of foreign rate differential | (109) | (1.0) | (167) | 0.2 | (82) | (0.3) |
| Change in uncertain tax positions | (30) | (0.3) | (15) | — | 32 | 0.1 |
| Non-deductible executive compensation | 487 | 4.3 | 1,150 | (1.2) | 471 | 1.8 |
| Other | 59 | 0.5 | 13 | — | 218 | 0.8 |
| Total income tax expense (benefit) | $3,494 | 30.8% | $(15,640) | 16.5% | $6,430 | 24.1% |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
| February 3,2024 | January 28,2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Operating lease liabilities | $22,511 | $25,262 |
| Compensation and benefits | 2,815 | 2,602 |
| Inventories | 4,122 | 2,298 |
| Investment in subsidiary | 12,904 | 14,595 |
| Other | 1,654 | 1,519 |
| Subtotal deferred tax assets | 44,006 | 46,276 |
| Less: valuation allowances | (48) | (48) |
| Total deferred tax assets | 43,958 | 46,228 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Operating lease assets | (17,863) | (19,858) |
| Property, plant, and equipment | (2,930) | (2,966) |
| Other | (2,810) | (1,862) |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (23,603) | (24,686) |
| Net deferred tax assets | $20,355 | $21,542 |
The Company considered both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it was more likely than not that some, or all, of the deferred tax assets would not be realized in its valuation allowance assessment. Based on this assessment, the Company recorded immaterial valuation allowances as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023
Uncertain Tax Positions
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) is as follows (in thousands):
| February 3,2024 | January 28,2023 | January 29,2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning balance | $73 | $92 | $55 |
| Net increases in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of current year activity | — | 2 | 37 |
| Lapse of statute of limitations | (34) | (21) | — |
| Ending balance | $39 | $73 | $92 |
As of February 3, 2024, the Company had an immaterial amount of total unrecognized tax benefits, net of federal benefit, that would, if recognized, favorably affect the effective tax rate in future periods. Total unrecognized tax benefits are currently not expected to decrease by a significant amount in the next twelve months. The Company recognized an immaterial amount of interest only, no penalties, related to unrecognized tax benefits in the fiscal years ended January 28, 2023 and January 29, 2022. Unrecognized tax benefits are included within other long-term liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for fiscal years 2021 and forward. With a few exceptions, the Company is subject to audit by various state and foreign taxing authorities for fiscal 2020 through the current fiscal year.
- Stock-Based Compensation
The Company’s stock-based compensation consists of awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of$2.9 million, $3.2 million, and $4.9 millionin the fiscal years ended February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, respectively.
Awards of Restricted-Stock Units
The Company reserved 3,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance or transfer under the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan, which allows for grants of restricted stock units, as well as other equity awards.
During the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, the Company granted a total of 753,454 time-based and performance-based restricted stock units to certain employees and non-employee directors under the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan with an aggregate fair value of $4.4 million. The Company determined the fair value of the units based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.
The majority of time-based restricted stock units vest and settle in shares of the Company’s common stock, on aone-for-one basis, in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock unit awards issued to non-employee directors vest after aone-year period from the grant date. The Company recognizes the expense relating to these awards, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
The majority of performance-based restricted stock units vest upon the completion of athree-year period of time (cliff vesting), subject to the employee’s continuing employment throughout the three-year performance period and the Company’s achievement of annual earnings per share targets, or other Company performance targets, during the three-year performance period. The Company recognizes the expense relating to these units, net of estimated forfeitures and based on the probable outcome of achievement of the financial targets, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
The following table summarizes information about restricted-stock units as of and for the year ended February 3, 2024 (units in thousands):
| Time-basedRestricted Stock Units | Performance-basedRestricted Stock Units | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number ofUnits | Weighted-AverageGrantDate FairValue(per unit) | Number ofUnits | Weighted-AverageGrantDate FairValue(per unit) | |
| Nonvested units outstanding at January 28, 2023 | 965 | $5.74 | 523 | $4.71 |
| Granted | 438 | 5.89 | 315 | 5.82 |
| Change due to performance condition achievement | — | — | 229 | 5.39 |
| Vested | (529) | 6.18 | (94) | 4.08 |
| Forfeited | (191) | 9.02 | (133) | 10.79 |
| Nonvested units outstanding at February 3, 2024 | 683 | $4.58 | 840 | $4.42 |
As of February 3, 2024, there was $4.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested restricted stock units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years, subject to meeting performance conditions. The total fair value of restricted stock units for which restrictions lapsed (vested) during fiscal 2024 was $3.9 million.
- Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies arising in the normal course of business, including those relating to product liability, legal claims, employee benefits, environmental issues, and other matters. Management believes that at this time it is not probable that any of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. However, the outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Company are subject to uncertainty and future developments could cause these actions or claims, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of a particular reporting period.
In August of 2019, Vesi Incorporated (“Vesi”) filed suit against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio related to the Company’s licensing business and alleging breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, defamation, and tortious interference with prospective business relationships. The complaint seeks damages in an amount not less than $10.0 million for punitive damages, attorney fees, prejudgment interest, and any other additional relief. The Company has denied any liability and intends to vigorously defend itself in the case. In November 2019, the Company filed a counterclaim against the principals of Vesi as personal guarantors for monies owed to the Company by Vesi. The Company filed a motion for summary judgement asking the Court to dismiss all claims with prejudice and grant judgement on its counterclaim. On January 4, 2023, the Court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment dismissing Vesi’s claims and also granted judgment on the Company’s counterclaims against the principals of Vesi for an immaterial amount. Vesi appealed this decision. On November 9, 2023 the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued an opinion affirming the District Court’s judgment in favor of the Company dismissing Vesi’s claims and granting the Company’s counterclaims.
The Company is subject to other legal proceedings from time to time in the ordinary course of business but does not believe any of these such claims would have a material adverse impact on the Company at this time.
10.401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
The Company has a 401(k) profit sharing plan and trust for all qualified employees and provides a 100% match for the first 3% of employee contributions and a 50% match for the next 2% of employee contributions, for a maximum Company match of 4% of employee contributions, limited to the annual legal allowable limit. Additionally, the Company has the option of making discretionary profit sharing payments to the plan as approved by the board of directors. As of February 3, 2024, January 28, 2023, and January 29, 2022, no discret ionary profit sharing payments had been approved. The Company recognizes 401(k) Company contributions within cost of sales for employees related to distribution center, sourcing, and other related functions and selling, general, and administrative expenses for all other employees. Total Company contributions to the plan were as follows (in thousands):
| Fiscal year ended February 3, 2024 | $1,897 |
|---|---|
| Fiscal year ended January 28, 2023 | 1,854 |
| Fiscal year ended January 29, 2022 | 1,929 |
- Related-Party Transactions
Charitable Contributions. The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer (the “Foundation”) was founded by one of the Company’s directors, who is also on the board of directors of the Foundation. The liability associated with commitments to the Foundation was approximately $0.1 million as of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023. The liability consisted of pass-through donations from customers and is included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The associated expense for contributions to the Foundation, which is included in selling, general, and administrative expenses, was as follows (in thousands):
| Fiscal year ended February 3, 2024 | $139 |
|---|---|
| Fiscal year ended January 28, 2023 | 191 |
| Fiscal year ended January 29, 2022 | 160 |
- Earnings Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding restricted stock and restricted-stock units. The components of basic and diluted net income (loss) pershare are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
| Fiscal Year Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| February 3,2024 | January 28,2023 | January 29,2022 | |
| Numerator: | |||
| Net income (loss) | $7,838 | $(79,384) | $20,218 |
| Less: Net (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | (19,649) | 2,380 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc. | $7,838 | $(59,735) | $17,838 |
| Denominator: | |||
| Weighted-average number of common shares (basic) | 30,833 | 31,503 | 33,785 |
| Dilutive effect of stock-based awards | 481 | — | 652 |
| Weighted-average number of common shares (diluted) | 31,314 | 31,503 | 34,437 |
| Net income (loss) per share attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc.: | |||
| Basic | $0.25 | $(1.90) | $0.53 |
| Diluted | $0.25 | $(1.90) | $0.52 |
As of February 3, 2024, there were an immaterial number of additional shares issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units that were excluded from the diluted share calculations because they were anti-dilutive. The diluted share calculations include performance-based restricted stock units for completed performance periods.
As of January 28, 2023, all potential common shares were excluded from the diluted share calculation because they were anti-dilutive due to the net loss in the period.
As of January 29, 2022, there were an immaterial number of additional shares issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units that were excluded from the diluted share calculations because they were anti-dilutive. The diluted share calculations include performance-based restricted stock units for completed performance periods.
- Common Stock
On November 29, 2018, the Company's board of directors approved a share repurchase plan (the “2018 Share Repurchase Program”) authorizing up to $50.0 million of repurchases of shares of the Company's common stock. On December 3, 2020, the 2018 Share Repurchase Program was extended through December 11, 2021.
In December 2021, the Company's board of directors approved a new share repurchase plan (the “2021 Share Repurchase Program”) which authorized Company management to utilize up to $50.0 million of available cash for repurchases of shares of the Company's common stock. The 2021 Share Repurchase Program went into effect beginning December 13, 2021 and expires in December 2024.
During the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, the Company purchased and held 359,554 shares at an average price of$6.10 per share, excluding commissions, for an aggregate amount of $2.2 million, under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program.
During the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023, the Company purchased and held 2,820,949 shares at an average price of $6.40 per share, excluding commissions, for an aggregate amount of $18.1 million, under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program.
During the fiscal year ended January 29, 2022, the Company purchased and held 865,534 shares at an average price of $8.94 per share, excluding commissions, for an aggregate amount of $7.7 million, under the 2018 and 2021 Share Repurchase Programs.
As of February 3, 2024, there was $25.5 million remaining available to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program.
As of February 3, 2024, the Company held as treasury shares 12,439,244 shares of its common stock at an average price of$10.86 per share, excluding commissions, for an aggregate carrying amount of $135.1 million. The Company’s treasury shares may be issued under the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan, or for other corporate purposes.
- Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable noncontrolling interest represents the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) interest in Pura Vida not acquired by the Company. On January 30, 2023, the Company purchased the remaining 25% interest in Pura Vida. Refer to Note 2 herein for additional information.
Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest for the fifty-three weeks ended February 3, 2024, and fifty-two weeks ended January 28, 2023 and January 29, 2022 were as follows (in thousands):
| Balance at January 30, 2021 | $29,809 |
|---|---|
| Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | 2,380 |
| Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest | (1,215) |
| Balance at January 29, 2022 | $30,974 |
| Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | (19,649) |
| Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest | (613) |
| Balance at January 28, 2023 | $10,712 |
| Adjustment for purchase of noncontrolling interest | (10,712) |
| Balance at February 3, 2024 | $— |
- Intangible Assets
The following tables detail the carrying value of the Company’s intangible assets related to the acquisition of a majority interest in Pura Vida.
| February 3, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands | Gross Basis | Accumulated Amortization(1) | Carrying Amount |
| Definite-lived intangible asset | |||
| Customer Relationships | $24,208 | $(22,872) | $1,336 |
| Total definite-lived intangible assets | 24,208 | (22,872) | 1,336 |
| Indefinite-lived intangible asset | |||
| Pura Vida Brand (2) | 6,237 | — | 6,237 |
| Total intangible assets | $30,445 | $(22,872) | $7,573 |
| (1) Amortization expense is recorded within the Pura Vida segment. | |||
| (2) An impairment charge of $5.4 million was recorded within the Pura Vida segment during fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. | |||
| January 28, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands | Gross Basis | Accumulated Amortization(1) | Carrying Amount |
| Definite-lived intangible assets | |||
| Customer Relationships | $24,208 | $(19,956) | $4,252 |
| Non-competition Agreements | 788 | (788) | — |
| Total definite-lived intangible assets | 24,996 | (20,744) | 4,252 |
| Indefinite-lived intangible asset | |||
| Pura Vida Brand (2) | 11,666 | — | 11,666 |
| Total intangible assets | $36,662 | $(20,744) | $15,918 |
| (1) Amortization expense is recorded within the Pura Vida segment. | |||
| (2) Impairment charges of $9.9 million and $15.1 million were recorded within the Pura Vida segment during the second and fourth quarters of fiscal 2023. | |||
The amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
| Amortization Expense | |
|---|---|
| Fiscal 2025 | 1,336 |
| Total | $1,336 |
Fiscal 2024 Impairment
The Company performed its fiscal 2024 annual impairment test over the indefinite-lived Pura Vida brand during the second quarter of fiscal 2024 and no impairment was recorded. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company identified triggering events and determined that the fair value of the Pura Vida brand was less than its carrying value, recording an impairment charge of $5.4 million. The Company continued to experience lower sales from its Pura Vida e-commerce channel due to a continued decline in social and digital media effectiveness, as well as continued lower sales from the wholesale channel. These lower sales volumes had a negative impact on the fair value determination of the aforementioned assets. The fair value of the Pura Vida brand was estimated using a relief-from-royalty method. The estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of the Pura Vida brand included the projected revenue growth, long-term growth rate, the royalty rate, and discount rate.
While we consider our assumptions in the determination of the fair value of these assets to be reasonable, they are complex and highly subjective. Adverse changes in key assumptions in future periods may result in further declines in the fair value estimates of the Pura Vida brand below its carrying value resulting in additional impairment charges, which could be material. Our key assumptions (as described above in the valuation methodologies used in the determination of fair value) may be impacted by macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures and the impact on consumer discretionary spending, supply chain challenges, as well as a sustained decline in stock price and potential changes in business strategy. Refer to Note 2 herein for additional information regarding fair value measurement.
Fiscal 2023 Impairments
The Company performed its fiscal 2023 annual impairment test over goodwill and the indefinite-lived Pura Vida brand during the second quarter of fiscal 2023.
The fair value of the Pura Vida reporting unit was determined using a combination of an income-based approach (discounted cash flows) and a market-based approach (guideline transaction method). The discounted cash flow method involved subjective estimates and assumptions such as projected revenue growth, operating profit, and the discount rate. The guideline transaction method involved transaction multiples derived from the acquisition of controlling interests in stocks of companies that are engaged in the same or similar lines of business as the reporting unit.
During the assessment for the fiscal 2023 annual test, it was determined that the fair values of the Pura Vida reporting unit and the Pura Vida brand were less than their carrying values. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $9.9 million and $19.4 million for the Pura Vida brand and goodwill, respectively, during the second quarter of fiscal 2023 within the Pura Vida segment.
We identified triggering events during the subsequent quarters of fiscal 2023, due to lower operating profit compared to previous forecasts, as well as changes in the long-range plan such as a pause on the opening of new Pura Vida retail stores. We performed further testing on the Pura Vida reporting unit and Pura Vida brand as a result. These analyses caused additional impairment charges to be recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 of $15.1 million and $24.9 million for the Pura Vida brand and goodwill, respectively, which reflects a full goodwill impairment. Collectively, impairment charges for the Pura Vida brand and goodwill during fiscal 2023 totaled $69.3 million.
- Cost Savings Initiatives and Other Charges
Cost Savings Initiatives and Severance Charges
During fiscal 2023, the Company began implementation of its targeted cost reductions, which are expected to be fully realized in fiscal 2025. Expense savings are being derived across various areas of the Company, including retail store efficiencies, marketing expenses, information technology contracts, professional services, logistics and operational costs, and corporate payroll.
The Company incurred the following charges during the 53-weeks ended February 3, 2024 (in thousands):
| Reportable Segment | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct | VB Indirect | Pura Vida | Unallocated Corporate Expenses | Total Expense | |
| Severance charges(1) | $574 | $309 | $79 | $1,951 | $2,913 |
| Consulting fees and other costs(2) | — | — | — | 105 | 105 |
| Total (3) | $574 | $309 | $79 | $2,056 | $3,018 |
| (1) Includes former CFO severance | |||||
| (2) Related to professional fees | |||||
| (3) Charges are recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses | |||||
A summary of charges and related liabilities associated with the cost savings initiatives and severance charges are as follows (in thousands):
| Severance Charges (1) | Consulting Fees and Other Costs | |
|---|---|---|
| Liability as of January 28, 2023 | $3,083 | $60 |
| Fiscal 2024 charges | $2,913 | $105 |
| Cash payments | (5,455) | (165) |
| Liability as of February 3, 2024 | $541 | $— |
| (1) Remaining liability is recorded within accrued employment costs | ||
The Company incurred the following charges during the 52-weeks ended January 28, 2023:
| Reportable Segment | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct | VB Indirect | Pura Vida | Unallocated Corporate Expenses | Total Expense | |
| Severance charges and cash retention payment acceleration charges (1) | $15 | $— | $422 | $8,745 | $9,182 |
| Consulting fees and other costs (2) | 302 | — | 179 | 3,976 | 4,457 |
| Total (3) | $317 | $— | $601 | $12,721 | $13,639 |
| (1) Includes CEO retirement severance and Vera Bradley brand executive officer severance | |||||
| (2) Includes $3.9 million for fees related to cost savings initiatives and CEO search; $0.3 million for concept brand exit costs; and $0.3 million for certain professional fees | |||||
| (3) $13.4 million of the charges are recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses and $0.2 million are recorded within cost of sales | |||||
| Severance Charges and Cash Retention Payment Acceleration Charges (1) | Consulting Fees and Other Costs (2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fiscal 2023 charges | $9,182 | $4,457 |
| Cash payments | (6,083) | (4,095) |
| Non-cash charges and adjustments | (16) | (302) |
| Liability as of January 28, 2023 | $3,083 | $60 |
| (1) Remaining liability is recorded within accrued employment costs | ||
| (2) Remaining liability is recorded within accounts payable | ||
There wereno similar charges during fiscal year 2022.
Other Charges
Fiscal 2024. During the fifty-three weeks ended February 3, 2024, the Company recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses $0.8 million of professional fees associated with strategic initiatives and other costs.
Collectively, $0.2 million was recorded within the Pura Vida segment and $0.6 million was recorded within corporate unallocated expenses.
Fiscal 2023. During the fifty-two weeks ended January 28, 2023, the Company recorded within cost of sales $18.1 million of inventory adjustments which consisted of: $8.9 million of excess Pura Vida inventory recognized in the fourth quarter as a result of a change in the Company’s liquidation strategy during the quarter; $6.4 million related to the exit of certain technology products and excess mask products recognized in the second and fourth quarters; $1.2 million of valuation adjustments to write discounted inventory down to its net realizable value recognized in the fourth quarter; and $1.6 million for purchase order cancellation fees related to spring 2023 product and certain raw materials.
During the fifty-two weeks ended January 28, 2023, the Company recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses: $1.0 million for CEO sign-on bonus and relocation expenses; $0.4 million for former CEO salary retention payments and stock-based compensation associated with retirement; and $0.2 million of professional fees associated with strategic initiatives and other costs.
Collectively, $6.2 million was recorded within the Direct segment, $1.7 million was recorded within the Indirect segment,$10.2 million was recorded within the Pura Vida segment, and $1.6 million was recorded within corporate unallocated expenses.
There wereno similar charges during fiscal year 2022.
- Segment Reporting
The Company hasthree operating segments, which are also its reportable segments: VB Direct, VB Indirect, and Pura Vida. These operating segments are components of the Company for which separate financial information is available and for which operating results are evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing the performance of the segments.
The VB Direct segment includes Vera Bradley full-line and outlet stores, the Vera Bradley websites (verabradley.com, outlet.verabradley.com), and the Vera Bradley annual outlet sale. Revenues generated through this segment are driven through the sale of Vera Bradley-branded products from Vera Bradley to end consumers.
The VB Indirect segment represents revenues generated through the distribution of Company-branded products to specialty retailers representing approximately 1,600 locations, substantially all of which are located in the United States, as well as select department stores, national accounts, third-party e-commerce sites, third-party inventory liquidators, and licensing agreements related to the Vera Bradley brand. No customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s net revenues during fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022.
The Pura Vida segment represents revenues generated through the Pura Vida websites (www.puravidabracelets.com, www.puravidabracelets.ca, and www.puravidabracelets.eu), Pura Vida retail stores, and through the distribution of Pura Vida-branded products to wholesale retailers, substantially all of which are located in the United States.
Corporate costs represent the Company’s administrative expenses, which include, but are not limited to: human resources, legal, finance, information technology, design, product development, merchandising, corporate-level marketing and advertising, and various other corporate-level-activity-related expenses not directly attributable to a reportable segment. All intercompany-related activities are eliminated in consolidation and are excluded from the segment reporting.
Company management evaluates segment operating results based on several indicators. The primary or key performance indicators for each segment are net revenues and operating income. The table below represents key financial information for each of the Company’s operating and reportable segments: VB Direct, VB Indirect, and Pura Vida.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2. The Company does not report depreciation or amortization expense, total assets, or capital expenditures by segment as such information is neither used by management nor accounted for at the segment level.
Net revenues and operating income (loss) information for the Company’s reportable segments consisted of the following (in thousands):
| Fiscal Year Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| February 3,2024 | January 28,2023 | January 29,2022 | |
| Segment net revenues: | |||
| VB Direct | $309,910 | $328,231 | $354,875 |
| VB Indirect | 73,803 | 73,316 | 66,001 |
| Pura Vida | 87,073 | 98,414 | 119,577 |
| Total | $470,786 | $499,961 | $540,453 |
| Segment operating income (loss): | |||
| VB Direct | $61,873 | $51,097 | $73,506 |
| VB Indirect | 24,279 | 22,965 | 20,323 |
| Pura Vida | (2,321) | (78,591) | 9,519 |
| Total | $83,831 | $(4,529) | $103,348 |
| Reconciliation: | |||
| Segment operating income (loss): | $83,831 | $(4,529) | $103,348 |
| Less: | |||
| Unallocated corporate expenses | (73,389) | (90,342) | (76,437) |
| Operating income (loss) | $10,442 | $(94,871) | $26,911 |
Sales outside of the United States were immaterial for all periods presented.
Revenues from external customers for Vera Bradley brand products are attributable to sales of bags, accessories, travel, apparel/footwear, and home items. Other revenues from Vera Bradley external customers primarily include revenues associated with our freight, stationery, licensing, merchandising, and gift card breakage.
Revenues from external customers for Pura Vida brand products are primarily attributable to sales of accessories and apparel. Other revenues from Pura Vida external customers include revenues associated with freight.
Refer to Note 3 herein for disaggregation of net revenues by reportable segment.
As of February 3, 2024 and January 28, 2023, substantially all of the Company’s long-lived assets were located in the United States.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.