Vera Bradley Inc
For the period ended Nov 2, 2024. Filed Dec 11, 2024.
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Nov 2, 2024 · Filed Dec 11, 2024
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Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
- Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation
The term “Company” refers to Vera Bradley, Inc. and its wholly 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 causal, 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 we believe deeply resonates with its loyal consumer following. The Pura Vida brand 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 segment consists of sales of Vera Bradley products through Vera Bradley full-line and outlet stores in the United States; e-commerce sites (verabradley.com, outlet.verabradley.com, and international.verabradley.com); and the Vera Bradley annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As of November 2, 2024, the Company operated 40 full-line stores and 86 outlet stores.
The VB Indirect segment consists of revenues generated through the distribution of Vera Bradley-branded products to specialty retailers representing approximately 1,200 locations, substantially all of which are located in the United States; key accounts, which include department stores, national accounts, third-party e-commerce sites, and 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 and www.puravidabracelets.eu); through the distribution of Pura Vida-branded products to wholesale retailers, substantially all of which are located in the United States; and through its seven retail stores.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, filed with the SEC.
The interim financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year due to, in part, seasonal fluctuations in the business and the uncertainty of macroeconomic factors on future periods, including inflation and other related matters..
Principles of Consolidation
The condensed 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’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. References to the fiscal quarters ended November 2, 2024 and October 28, 2023 refer to the thirteen week periods ended on those dates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November, 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2024-03, "Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses". The ASU requires financial statement footnote disclosure of specified information about certain costs and expenses, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 (the Company’s fiscal year 2028) and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027 (interim periods for the Company’s fiscal year 2029). Public business entities are required to apply the guidance prospectively, however, retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU, but expects the impact to be limited to financial statement footnote disclosures.
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 (the Company's fiscal year 2025), and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 (the Company's fiscal year 2026). 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.
- Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following presents the Company's net revenues disaggregated by product category for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024 and October 28, 2023 (in thousands):
| Thirteen Weeks Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct Segment · VB Indirect Segment · Pura Vida Segment · Total | |||||||
| Product categories | |||||||
| Bags | $23,326 | $10,294 | $21 | $33,641 | |||
| Travel | 12,968 | 4,321 | — | 17,289 | |||
| Accessories | 8,704 | 1,764 | 9,721 | 20,189 | |||
| Home | 4,542 | 818 | — | 5,360 | |||
| Apparel/Footwear | 1,585 | 325 | 82 | 1,992 | |||
| Other | 1,350 | (1) | 486 | (2) | 271 | (3) | 2,107 |
| Total net revenues | $52,475 | (4) | $18,008 | (5) | $10,095 | (4) | $80,578 |
| (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) $17.6 million of net revenues related to product sales recognized at a point in time and $0.4 million of net revenues related to sales-based royalties recognized over time. | |||||||
| Thirteen Weeks Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct Segment · VB Indirect Segment · Pura Vida Segment · Total | |||||||
| Product categories | |||||||
| Bags | $30,970 | $13,167 | $111 | $44,248 | |||
| Travel | 15,374 | 5,038 | — | 20,412 | |||
| Accessories | 12,782 | 3,566 | 16,757 | 33,105 | |||
| Home | 7,824 | 1,415 | — | 9,239 | |||
| Apparel/Footwear | 3,601 | 1,081 | 357 | 5,039 | |||
| Other | 1,758 | (1) | 719 | (2) | 467 | (3) | 2,944 |
| Total net revenues | $72,309 | (4) | $24,986 | (5) | $17,692 | (4) | $114,987 |
| (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) $24.5 million of net revenues related to product sales recognized at a point in time and $0.5 million of net revenues related to sales-based royalties recognized over time. | |||||||
| Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct Segment · VB Indirect Segment · Pura Vida Segment · Total | |||||||
| Product categories | |||||||
| Bags | $79,290 | $29,912 | $57 | $109,259 | |||
| Travel | 44,633 | 10,663 | — | 55,296 | |||
| Accessories | 30,493 | 5,869 | 38,197 | 74,559 | |||
| Home | 15,795 | 2,103 | — | 17,898 | |||
| Apparel/Footwear | 6,357 | 1,051 | 385 | 7,793 | |||
| Other | 4,572 | (1) | 1,696 | (2) | 930 | (3) | 7,198 |
| Total net revenues | $181,140 | (4) | $51,294 | (5) | $39,569 | (4) | $272,003 |
| (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) $49.9 million of net revenues related to product sales recognized at a point in time and $1.4 million of net revenues related to sales-based royalties recognized over time. | |||||||
| Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct Segment · VB Indirect Segment · Pura Vida Segment · Total | |||||||
| Product categories | |||||||
| Bags | $89,267 | $31,123 | $348 | $120,738 | |||
| Travel | 50,740 | 11,696 | — | 62,436 | |||
| Accessories | 38,416 | 7,511 | 59,440 | 105,367 | |||
| Home | 22,890 | 2,956 | — | 25,846 | |||
| Apparel/Footwear | 10,591 | 1,865 | 1,117 | 13,573 | |||
| Other | 5,012 | (1) | 2,571 | (2) | 1,978 | (3) | 9,561 |
| Total net revenues | $216,916 | (4) | $57,722 | (5) | $62,883 | (4) | $337,521 |
| (1) Primarily includes net revenues from stationery, freight, and gift card breakage. | |||||||
| (2) Primarily includes net revenues from licensing agreements and freight. | |||||||
| (3) Related to freight. | |||||||
| (4) Net revenues were related to product sales recognized at a point in time. | |||||||
| (5) $55.8 million of net revenues related to product sales recognized at a point in time and $1.9 million of net revenues related to sales-based royalties recognized over time. | |||||||
Contract Balances
Contract liabilities as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024, were $2.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The balance as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Substantially all contract liabilities are recognized within one year. The Company did not have contract assets as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024.
The balance for accounts receivable from contracts with customers, net of allowances, as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024, was $23.8 million and $16.4 million, respectively, which is recognized within accounts receivable, net, on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The provision for doubtful accounts was $1.1 million as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024, 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 November 2, 2024.
- Leases
Discount Rate
The weighted-average discount rate as of November 2, 2024, and October 28, 2023 was 5.0% and 4.8%, respectively. The discount rate is not readily determinable in the lease; therefore, the Company estimated the incremental borrowing rate, at the commencement 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 November 2, 2024, there were no executed leases in which the Company did not have control of the underlying asset.
Amounts Recognized in the Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024 and October 28, 2023 (in thousands):
| Thirteen Weeks Ended | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2024 | October 28, 2023 | November 2, 2024 | October 28, 2023 | |
| Operating lease cost | $7,044 | $6,439 | $19,773 | $19,506 |
| Variable lease cost | 990 | 1,321 | 3,316 | 4,078 |
| Short-term lease cost | 98 | 100 | 502 | 455 |
| Less: Sublease income (1) | (105) | (105) | (315) | (315) |
| Total net lease cost | $8,027 | $7,755 | $23,276 | $23,724 |
| (1) Related to the sublease of a former Company location. | ||||
The weighted-average remaining lease term as of November 2, 2024 and October 28, 2023 was 4.8 years and 5.4 years, respectively.
Supplemental operating cash flow information was as follows (in thousands):
| Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2024 | October 28, 2023 | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities(1) | $22,544 | $22,111 |
| Right-of-use assets increase as a result of new and modified operating lease liabilities, net | $31,605 | $4,819 |
| (1) $2.8 million of lease liabilities were recorded within accounts payable on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 2, 2024, and were paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. | ||
- Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares represent outstanding restricted stock units.
The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
| Thirteen Weeks Ended | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2,2024 | October 28,2023 | November 2,2024 | October 28,2023 | |
| Numerator: | ||||
| Net (loss) income | $(12,800) | $5,118 | $(15,215) | $9,693 |
| Denominator: | ||||
| Weighted-average number of common shares (basic) | 28,074 | 30,814 | 29,339 | 30,836 |
| Dilutive effect of stock-based awards | — | 508 | — | 410 |
| Weighted-average number of common shares (diluted) | 28,074 | 31,322 | 29,339 | 31,246 |
| Net (loss) income per share: | ||||
| Basic | $(0.46) | $0.17 | $(0.52) | $0.31 |
| Diluted | $(0.46) | $0.16 | $(0.52) | $0.31 |
For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024, all potential common shares were excluded from the diluted share calculation because they were anti-dilutive due to the net loss in the period.
For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2023, 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.
- 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, and accounts payable as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024, approximated their fair values.
The following table details the fair value measurements of the Company's investments as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024 (in thousands):
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2024 | February 3, 2024 | November 2, 2024 | February 3, 2024 | November 2, 2024 | February 3, 2024 | |
| Cash equivalents(1) | $— | $55,262 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| (1) Cash equivalents primarily represent a money market fund that has a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. Due to the 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 $2.2 million for store property, plant, and equipment charges for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024. These charges are included in selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There wereno long-lived asset impairment charges for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2023.
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.
On a nonrecurring basis, assets recognized or disclosed at fair value on the consolidated financial statements include items such as property, plant, and equipment, including leasehold improvements, and operating lease assets, as well as intangible assets related to the Pura Vida acquisition. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. There wereno intangible asset impairment charges recorded during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024 or October 28, 2023. Refer to Note 13 herein for additional information.
- Debt
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 millionor 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.
As of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024, the Company hadno borrowings outstanding and availability of $75.0 million under the Credit Agreement.
- Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for interim periods is based on an estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the impact of discrete items. Management judgment is required in projecting ordinary income to estimate the Company’s annual effective tax rate.
The effective tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2024, was (23.5)%, compared to 27.6% for the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2023. The change in year-over-year effective tax rate was primarily due to a change in the projection of the Company's annual income in the current fiscal quarter. The year-over-year effective tax rate also reflects the relative impact of permanent and discrete items in the current-year period compared to the prior-year period, primarily as a result of the impact of foreign operations as well as non-deductible executive compensation.
The effective tax rate for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024, was 15.3%, compared to 28.3% for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2023. The change in year-over-year effective tax rate was primarily due to a change in the projection of the Company's annual income in the current fiscal quarter. The year-over-year effective tax rate also reflects the relative impact of permanent and discrete items in the current-year period compared to the prior-year period, primarily as a result of the impact of foreign operations as well as non-deductible executive compensation.
Refer to Note 12 herein for information regarding the deferred income tax adjustment associated with the purchase of the remaining 25% interest in Pura Vida on January 30, 2023.
- Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense, for its awards of restricted stock units, in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date of the respective award.
The Company reserved 6,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance or transfer under the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan, as amended, which allows for grants of restricted stock units, as well as other equity awards. The Company maintains the 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan for awards granted prior to the effectiveness of the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan.
Awards of Restricted Stock Units
The Company didnot grant restricted stock units during the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2024. During the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2023, the Company granted 15,267 time-based and performance-based restricted stock units with an aggregate fair value of $0.1 million to certain employees under the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan.
During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024, the Company granted 755,647 time-based and performance-based restricted stock units with an aggregate fair value of $5.1 million to certain employees and non-employee directors under the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan compared to 753,454 time-based and performance-based restricted stock units with an aggregate fair value of $4.4 million in the same period of the prior year.
Time-based restricted stock units vest and settle in shares of the Company’s common stock, on aone-for-one basis, with most vesting in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock units issued to non-employee directors vest after aone-year period from the grant date. The Company recognizes the expense relating to these units, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
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 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, based on the probable outcome of achievement of the financial targets, on a straight-line basis over three years.
The following table sets forth a summary of restricted stock unit activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024 (units in thousands):
| Time-basedRestricted Stock Units | Performance-basedRestricted Stock Units | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number ofUnits | Weighted-AverageGrant DateFair Value(per unit) | Number ofUnits | Weighted-AverageGrant DateFair Value(per unit) | |
| Nonvested units outstanding at February 3, 2024 | 683 | $4.58 | 840 | $4.42 |
| Granted | 422 | 6.71 | 333 | 6.71 |
| Vested | (336) | 5.76 | (47) | 10.22 |
| Forfeited | (23) | 6.48 | (42) | 6.54 |
| Nonvested units outstanding at November 2, 2024 | 746 | $5.58 | 1,084 | $5.79 |
As of November 2, 2024, there was $5.0 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 1.7 years, subject to meeting performance conditions.
- 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 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 2024, Marishka Filio filed suit seeking class certification for those who purchased products from the Company’s website Verabradley.com during the applicable statute of limitations. The complaint alleges various violations of the California Invasion of Privacy Act and the California Unfair Competition Law. In November 2024, the Company settled this matter with the Plaintiff for a non-material amount and with no admission of any liability nor wrongdoing.
- Common Stock
In December 2021, the Company's board of directors approved a 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.
The Company purchased 3,281,921 shares at an average price of $6.45 per share, excluding commissions, for an aggregate amount of $21.2 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024 under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program. There was $4.4 million remaining available to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program as of November 2, 2024.
As of November 2, 2024, the Company held as treasury shares 15,721,165 shares of its common stock at an average price of $9.94 per share, excluding commissions, for an aggregate carrying amount of $156.2 million. The Company’s treasury shares may be issued under the 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan (with respect to outstanding awards under that plan), under the 2020 Equity and Incentive Plan, or for other corporate purposes.
Subsequent to the end of the quarter, in December 2024, the Company's board of directors approved a new share repurchase plan (the “2024 Share Repurchase Program”) which authorized Company management to utilize up to $30.0 million of available cash for repurchases of shares of the Company's common stock. The 2024 Share Repurchase Program goes into effect beginning December 14, 2024 and expires in December 2027. The Company does not currently plan to purchase under the 2024 Share Repurchase Program, but anticipates utilizing it in the future depending on the Company's cash position.
- 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 Condensed 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 $2.4 million and $3.8 million as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024, respectively. Of this total, $1.5 million and $2.8 million was recorded within prepaid expenses and other current assets and $0.9 million and $1.0 million was recorded within other assets on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 2, 2024 and February 3, 2024, respectively. The CCA implementation costs are recorded within operating activities in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
- Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable noncontrolling interest represented the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) interest in Pura Vida not acquired by the Company until January 30, 2023.
On July 16, 2019, the Company purchased 75% of Pura Vida's outstanding equity interest and entered into a Put/Call Agreement with the Sellers (the “Put/Call Agreement”) providing for certain rights with respect to the purchase by the Company and sale by the Sellers of the Remaining Pura Vida Interests. 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 Creative Genius, LLC, a California limited liability company (“Pura Vida”).
Pursuant to the Interest Purchase Agreement, and subject to the terms and conditions thereof, on the closing date (January 30, 2023), the Company acquired the Remaining Pura Vida Interests (the “Transaction”) in exchange for cash consideration consisting of $10.0 million paid 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 owns 100% of the ownership interests in Pura Vida.
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 the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 2023. 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 the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 2023, was $1.3 million.
- 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.
| November 2, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands | Gross Basis | Accumulated Amortization(1) | Carrying Amount |
| Definite-lived intangible assets | |||
| Customer Relationships | $24,208 | $(24,208) | $— |
| Total definite-lived intangible assets | 24,208 | (24,208) | — |
| Indefinite-lived intangible asset | |||
| Pura Vida Brand | 6,237 | — | 6,237 |
| Total intangible assets | $30,445 | $(24,208) | $6,237 |
| (1) Amortization expense is recorded within the Pura Vida segment. | |||
| February 3, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| in thousands | Gross Basis | Accumulated Amortization(1) | Carrying Amount |
| Definite-lived intangible assets | |||
| 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, excluding goodwill | $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. | |||
- 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 thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2024 (in thousands):
| Reportable Segment | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct | VB Indirect | Pura Vida | Unallocated Corporate Expenses | Total Expense | |
| Severance charges | $186 | $14 | $— | $48 | $248 |
| Total (1) | $186 | $14 | $— | $48 | $248 |
| (1) Recorded within selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses | |||||
The Company incurred the following charges during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024 (in thousands):
| Reportable Segment | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct | VB Indirect | Pura Vida | Unallocated Corporate Expenses | Total Expense | |
| Severance charges | $321 | $231 | $— | $485 | $1,037 |
| Total (1) | $321 | $231 | $— | $485 | $1,037 |
| (1) Recorded within cost of goods sold and SG&A expenses | |||||
A summary of charges and related liabilities associated with the cost savings initiatives and severance charges are as follows (in thousands):
| Severance Charges and Cash Retention Payment Acceleration Charges (1) | |
|---|---|
| Liability as of February 3, 2024 | $541 |
| Fiscal 2025 charges | 1,037 |
| Cash payments | (1,562) |
| Liability as of November 2, 2024 | $16 |
| (1) Remaining liability is recorded within accrued employment costs | |
The Company incurred the following charges during the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2023 (in thousands):
| Reportable Segment | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct | VB Indirect | Pura Vida | Unallocated Corporate Expenses | Total Expense | |
| Severance charges | $— | $— | $— | $304 | $304 |
| Total (1) | $— | $— | $— | $304 | $304 |
| (1) Recorded within SG&A expenses | |||||
The Company incurred the following charges during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2023 (in thousands):
| Reportable Segment | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VB Direct | VB Indirect | Pura Vida | Unallocated Corporate Expenses | Total Expense | |
| Severance charges (1) | $342 | $— | $79 | $1,951 | $2,372 |
| Consulting fees and other costs (2) | — | — | — | 105 | 105 |
| Total (3) | $342 | $— | $79 | $2,056 | $2,477 |
| (1) Includes former CFO severance | |||||
| (2) Related to professional fees | |||||
| (3) Recorded within SG&A expenses | |||||
A summary of charges and related liabilities associated with the cost savings initiatives and severance charges are as follows (in thousands):
| Severance Charges and Cash Retention Payment Acceleration Charges (1) | Consulting Fees and Other Costs | |
|---|---|---|
| Liability as of January 28, 2023 | $3,083 | $60 |
| Fiscal 2024 charges | 2,372 | 105 |
| Cash payments | (5,250) | (165) |
| Liability as of October 28, 2023 | $205 | $— |
| (1) Remaining liability is recorded within accrued employment costs | ||
- 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; e-commerce sites (verabradley.com, outlet.verabradley.com, and international.verabradley.com); and the Vera Bradley annual outlet sale. Revenues generated from 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 Vera Bradley-branded products to specialty retailers representing approximately 1,200 locations, substantially all of which are located in the United States; key accounts, which include department stores, national accounts, third-party e-commerce sites, and 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 andwww.puravidabracelets.eu); through the distribution of Pura Vida-branded products to wholesale retailers, substantially all of which are located in the United States; and through the Pura Vida retail stores.
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. Net revenues and operating income (loss) information for the Company’s reportable segments during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2024 and October 28, 2023, respectively, consisted of the following (in thousands):
| Thirteen Weeks Ended | Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2,2024 | October 28,2023 | November 2,2024 | October 28,2023 | |
| Segment net revenues: | ||||
| VB Direct | $52,475 | $72,309 | $181,140 | $216,916 |
| VB Indirect | 18,008 | 24,986 | 51,294 | 57,722 |
| Pura Vida | 10,095 | 17,692 | 39,569 | 62,883 |
| Total | $80,578 | $114,987 | $272,003 | $337,521 |
| Segment operating income (loss): | ||||
| VB Direct | $2,104 | $15,708 | $19,530 | $43,669 |
| VB Indirect | 6,068 | 8,967 | 14,637 | 19,877 |
| Pura Vida | (2,711) | (580) | (3,824) | 4,982 |
| Total | $5,461 | $24,095 | $30,343 | $68,528 |
| Reconciliation: | ||||
| Segment operating income | $5,461 | $24,095 | $30,343 | $68,528 |
| Less: | ||||
| Unallocated corporate expenses | (15,935) | (17,309) | (49,375) | (55,257) |
| Operating (loss) income | $(10,474) | $6,786 | $(19,032) | $13,271 |
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.