Senior Vice President Susan Lynch honored by the Northern Virginia Technology Council
MCLEAN, Va. – V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) proudly announces Chief Financial Officer, Susan Lynch, was named this year’s Greater Washington Public Company CFO of the Year by the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC). This award reflects Lynch’s exceptional financial leadership, strategic awareness, and dedication to driving the company’s success.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire finance team at V2X,” Lynch said. “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, it highlights our commitment to excellence. It also honors the tireless efforts of over 15,000 V2X employees that has enabled us to achieve our financial goals and drive substantial growth. Thank you to the NVTC and congratulations to all of the other winners.”
The Public Company CFO of the Year award recognizes financial executives who demonstrate outstanding leadership, financial stewardship, and exemplary performance. Lynch’s contributions, innovative thinking, and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes earned her this prestigious accolade.
This achievement comes during a pivotal time in V2X’s growth. Lynch and a cohort of outstanding leaders have shepherded the company through a transformative post-merger period. Her strategic financial guidance remains instrumental in leading the company to enduring success and delivering value to its customers, stakeholders, and investors.
ABOUT V2X
V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure – from base to battlefield – by aligning people, actions, and outputs. Formed by the merger of Vectrus and Vertex, we bring a combined 120 years of successful mission support. Our lifecycle solutions improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness.
The Company delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. Our global team of approximately 15,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation to operations, to sustainment, as it tackles the most complex challenges with agility, grit, and dedication.
TROY, Mich., June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB), a leading specialty talent solutions provider, today announced it will participate in the Sidoti Virtual Investor Conference on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Olivier Thirot, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and James Polehna, chief investor relations officer and corporate secretary, will participate in virtual one-on-one meetings. A copy of Kelly’s investor presentation is also available at kellyservices.com.
About Kelly®
Kelly Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) helps companies recruit and manage skilled workers and helps job seekers find great work. Since inventing the staffing industry in 1946, we have become experts in the many industries and local and global markets we serve. With a network of suppliers and partners around the world, we connect more than 450,000 people with work every year. Our suite of outsourcing and consulting services ensures companies have the people they need, when and where they are needed most. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, we empower businesses and individuals to access limitless opportunities in industries such as science, engineering, technology, education, manufacturing, retail, finance, and energy. Revenue in 2022 was $5.0 billion. Learn more at kellyservices.com.
MELVILLE, N.Y. – June 7, 2023– Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) today announced the appointment of former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment the Hon. Ellen M. Lord and former U.S. Army Chief Information Officer (CIO) Lieutenant General (LTG) (retired) Bruce T. Crawford to its Board of Directors. With the appointment of Ms. Lord and LTG (retired) Crawford, the company’s Board will consist of nine members, eight of whom will be independent.
With decorated careers across government and commercial sectors as well as differentiated expertise in capability development, organizational structures, acquisitions, budgets, and end-to-end technology deployments, Ms. Lord and LTG (retired) Crawford will bring extensive knowledge, unique insights, and new guidance that is well aligned with Comtech’s strategic priorities and global growth trajectories.
“As proven thought leaders with a deep understanding of ever-changing technology landscapes, Ellen and Bruce bring unique perspectives to the Board that will be incredibly valuable for Comtech’s transformation as a company as well as our continued innovation and growth trajectories,” said Ken Peterman, President and CEO, Comtech. “I know their extensive experience navigating complex challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities will help Comtech empower organizations and individuals across the globe with access to smart-enabled, insightful technologies.”
Ms. Lord served from August 2017 until January 2021 as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, reporting to the Secretary of Defense with oversight of a $400 billion per year budget. Previously, she spent 33 years at Textron, a global multiple industry corporation, where she ultimately was appointed as President and CEO of Textron Systems. During her time at the Department of Defense, Ms. Lord’s team rewrote the Pentagon’s acquisition policy with a focus on speed and simplicity, while adding procedures for cybersecurity, intellectual property, and software development. Ms. Lord now serves on public (AAR and Parsons), private (LightRidge and Voyager Space), and non-profit boards, as well as advising companies in the aerospace and defense sector.
LTG (retired) Crawford brings over 37 years of leadership, executive management, national security, enterprise information technology (IT) and cybersecurity experience to the Comtech Board of Directors. Having recently served as a Senior Vice President at a Fortune 500 company and holding Board positions in both public and private companies, he also brings prior corporate board experience to Comtech. In 2020, LTG (retired) Crawford culminated 34 years of military service as the Army’s CIO and Senior IT professional with responsibility for digital modernization, data and cloud migrations and governance, and oversight of the Army’s $15 billion IT budget. LTG (retired) Crawford’s responsibilities also included IT support from the enterprise to the tactical edge in 143 countries at 288 locations worldwide. LTG (retired) Crawford is a Distinguished Military Graduate of South Carolina State University with Masters’ degrees from both The National Defense University and Central Michigan University.
About Comtech
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions.For more information, please visit www.comtech.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
MCLEAN, Va., June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) was awarded a position on the Training Systems Acquisition IV (TSA IV) program with the United States Air Force. The multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract vehicle is valued up to $32.5 billion over ten-years, including all option periods. The contract aids in the development, installation, and long-term support of cutting-edge training systems designed for aircrew, maintenance personnel, and system-specific training. These systems are instrumental in enhancing global warfighter training efforts.
V2X wins seat on $32.5bn US Air training systems contract
“This partnership enables us to develop, install, and provide long-term support for cutting-edge technologies that shape the future of warfighter training,” said Chuck Prow, V2X President and CEO. “This win provides an opportunity for V2X to leverage its decades of Army training expertise to now deliver innovative training solutions to the Air Force. V2X is well-positioned to modernize system-specific training that enhances the capabilities and readiness of the Air Force and our armed forces.”
Benefiting from the collaboration of V2X and 36 other industry leaders, the Air Force will be able to significantly enhance its training programs and empower its personnel with the skills and knowledge to excel in their missions.
About V2X
V2X builds smart solutions designed to integrate physical and digital infrastructure – from base to battlefield – by aligning people, actions, and outputs. Formed by the merger of Vectrus and Vertex, we bring a combined 120 years of successful mission support. Our lifecycle solutions improve security, streamline logistics, and enhance readiness.
The Company delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. Our global team of approximately 15,000 employees brings innovation to every point in the mission lifecycle, from preparation to operations, to sustainment, as it tackles the most complex challenges with agility, grit, and dedication.
Media Contact Angelica Spanos Deoudes Senior Media Strategist Communications@goV2X.com 571-338-5195
Investor Contact Mike Smith, CFA Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations IR@goV2X.com 571-337-3862
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 7, 2023 / Eskay Mining Corp. (“Eskay” or the “Company”) (TSXV:ESK) (OTCQX:ESKYF) (Frankfurt:KN7)(WKN:A0YDPM) wishes to announcethat, further to its News Release of November 12, 2021, Eskay, Seabridge Gold Inc. (“Seabridge”) and Seabridge’s wholly-owned subsidiary, KSM Mining ULC (“KSM”), have signed an agreement (the “Termination and Mutual Release Agreement”) to terminate the amended agreement (the “Amended Cost Sharing Agreement”) whereby Seabridge and Eskay were to fund the costs of construction of the first 9 kilometres (the “First Segment of the CCAR”) of the Coulter Creek Access Road (“CCAR”), estimated to cost $12.5 million, with a limit on Eskay’s contribution to a maximum of $6,250,000. Seabridge provided Eskay with a $3 million revolving loan facility at an interest rate of 3% per year to give Eskay flexibility with funding its share of the costs of construction.
At the end of 2022, the costs incurred in respect of the construction of the First Segment of the CCAR were approximately $6 million. Seabridge had suspended delivering cash calls before year end and Eskay’s share of cash calls to year end was funded through the drawdown of approximately $2.7 million of the loan facility provided by Seabridge pursuant to the Amended Cost Sharing Agreement. Seabridge completed 3.2 km of the road in 2022 and due to Seabridge concentrating its current road building activities on its Treaty Creek Access Road, it is uncertain when Seabridge will complete the First Segment of the CCAR.
Eskay will not have access to or use of the First Segment of the CCAR for its 2023 exploration program. Therefore, Eskay, Seabridge and KSM agreed to terminate the Amended Cost Sharing Agreement and release each other from all obligations under the Amended Cost Sharing Agreement including any obligations relating to the completion of the First Segment of the CCAR, any obligation of Eskay to contribute to construction costs relating to the First Segment of the CCAR or any obligation of Seabridge to provide further loans or of Eskay to repay loans provided by Seabridge, or interest thereon. In addition, the 500,000 Bonus Warrants issued to Seabridge were cancelled.
Pursuant to the terms of the Termination and Mutual Release Agreement, Eskay will have the right after completion of the First Segment of the CCAR, as long as KSM or its assignee operates the relevant CCAR segment, to request a road use agreement for the use of the First Segment of the CCAR. Pursuant to the terms of the road use agreement, Eskay will be required to pay an industry standard portion of maintenance costs and $100,000 per year for up to eight years (which may be non-consecutive years) for use of the First Segment of the CCAR.
About Eskay Mining Corp:
Eskay Mining Corp (TSX-V:ESK) is a TSX Venture Exchange listed company, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Eskay is an exploration company focused on the exploration and development of precious and base metals along the Eskay rift in a highly prolific region of northwest British Columbia known as the “Golden Triangle,” 70km northwest of Stewart, BC. The Company currently holds mineral tenures in this area comprised of 177 claims (52,600 hectares).
All material information on the Company may be found on its website at www.eskaymining.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such as actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
IRVING, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Salem Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SALM) announced today that the “Main Street Matters” podcast, produced by Job Creators Network, will join the Salem Podcast Network, effective June 7, 2023.
Main Street Matters is America’s small business megaphone and will feature inspirational real-life stories of the struggles and successes of small business owners. By highlighting their grit, determination, and passion Main Street Matters will prove the American Dream is still alive. The podcast will be co-hosted by Alfredo Ortiz, President and CEO of Job Creators Network, and Elaine Parker, President of Job Creators Network Foundation. Two episodes of the podcast will be released each week.
“We are so happy to add a podcast to our lineup that talks to small business owners and entrepreneurs — the lifeblood of the economy,” said Salem Senior Vice President of Spoken Word, Phil Boyce. “Alfredo and Elaine are two of the best voices out there in this space and will be able to help so many people grow and succeed.”
“Job Creators Network is proud to partner with Salem to launch this important podcast,” said Alfredo Ortiz. “‘Main Street Matters’ will elevate the concerns of small business job creators and promote the positive American vision of entrepreneurship. This small business message is needed now to counter big government narratives and policies.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, yet they are under constant pressure from bad government policy,” said Elaine Parker. “Job Creators Network is excited to tell their stories in the new podcast, ‘Main Street Matters’, to build public support for policies that help them flourish. We are excited to partner with Salem, the premiere audio distribution channel of conservative thought.”
The Job Creators Network (JCN) is the country’s leading organization fighting for economic freedom by advocating for pro-growth policies and pushing back against government overreach. JCN provides business and community leaders with the tools and training to become an effective voice for free enterprise in the media, in Congress, in state capitals, and with their employees. By creating advocates, we can hold politicians accountable and reduce the efforts of big government to over-regulate and overtax America’s small business owners.
As the president and CEO of the Job Creators Network, Alfredo Ortiz has led the defense of small businesses from the onslaught of bad government policies. He has testified before legislative committees about the impact of taxation and regulation on small business growth. He served as a Commissioner to the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative. Ortiz was instrumental in helping pass the historic tax cuts bill of 2017. Before joining JCN, Ortiz was a marketing and corporate strategy consultant, working for various Fortune 500 companies. He has been widely published in major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNBC, The Hill, and U.S. News & World Report and is a frequent guest on cable news networks and national radio talk shows, including CNN, Fox News, Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, and the Dennis Prager Show as well as C-SPAN. Ortiz received his MBA at the University of Michigan and graduated from Pomona College with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Elaine Parker has more than 20 years of experience in the communications field, beginning her career as a Public Relations Manager for Chrysler. She later became an independent communications consultant specializing in public policy advocacy, media strategies, and crisis communications. In her roles with the Job Creators Network and the Job Creators Network Foundation, she frequently appears as a guest on television and nationally syndicated radio shows and has published op-eds in FoxNews.com, Washington Examiner, Los Angeles Daily News, RealClear Policy, Townhall, The Hill, The Orange County Register, the Orlando Sentinel and other national publications. Parker is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she studied Business Administration.
The Salem Podcast network launched in January 2021 and is ranked as the 10th most listened to podcast network on the Triton Digital platform, with 17 million average downloads per month.
ABOUT SALEM MEDIA GROUP:
Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing. Each day Salem serves a loyal and dedicated audience of listeners and readers numbering in the millions nationally. With its unique programming focus, Salem provides compelling content, fresh commentary and relevant information from some of the most respected figures across the Christian and conservative media landscape. Learn more about Salem Media Group, Inc. at www.salemmedia.com, Facebook and Twitter.
Net loss totaled ($4.7) million, or ($0.15) per diluted share; non-GAAP net loss totaled ($2.6) million, or ($0.09) per diluted share
Balance sheet remains strong, with cash and cash equivalents of $25.3 million, no debt, and year-over-year inventories down 11.8%
Management increases guidance for fiscal year
FORT WAYNE, Ind., June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended April 29, 2023.
In this release, Vera Bradley, Inc. or “the Company” refers to the entire enterprise and includes both the Vera Bradley and Pura Vida brands. Vera Bradley on a stand-alone basis refers to the Vera Bradley brand.
First Quarter Comments
Jackie Ardrey, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, noted, “We are pleased that meaningful gross margin expansion and diligent expense control led to significant year-over-year improvement in bottom-line performance for the quarter.
“On the revenue side, Vera Bradley factory stores experienced challenging traffic trends in March and April that led to weaker-than-expected performance for the quarter. This was partially offset, however, by several positive highlights in other areas of our business.
“First, we experienced our first positive quarterly revenue performance in five quarters at Pura Vida, primarily driven by non-comparable retail store sales. We also saw improved year-over-year sales trends in both our Pura Vida wholesale and e-commerce channels. Second, we delivered strong Vera Bradley e-commerce performance and solid Vera Bradley full-line store revenues. Vera Bradley Indirect revenues declined, as expected, due to a non-recurring key account order that took place in last year’s first quarter, but the underlying business remains healthy.”
“We are building a collaborative team with the mindset of generating long-term revenue increases, expanding gross margin, and ensuring strong financial discipline and cost control, which we expect will drive long-term profitable growth,” Ardrey continued. “The team is working hard and taking strategic, proactive steps to steadily grow Pura Vida’s revenues and to reverse the trends in Vera Bradley’s factory channel through the expansion of successfully tested targeted marketing programs designed to drive traffic and average order size.”
Ardrey added, “The hard work on Project Restoration began in the first quarter, which is focused on four key pillars of the business for each brand – Consumer, Brand, Product, and Channel – to drive this long-term profitable growth. To support Project Restoration and lay the foundation for our success, we made additional corporate changes and announced $12 million in incremental annualized cost reductions, including the elimination of approximately 25 corporate positions as part of an overall plan to further right-size the expense structure of the Company.”
Michael Schwindle joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer on May 8, 2023. “His track record of driving profitable growth, along with his passion for retail and operational excellence, will be instrumental as the Company executes Project Restoration and in the years beyond,” Ardrey noted. The Company also made several organizational changes in the Marketing, E-commerce, Product Design, and Product Development areas that flattened and streamlined the organizational structure to improve execution; make faster decisions; and provide support for the four pillars of Project Restoration. These most recent organizational changes and non-payroll expense reductions are expected to produce annualized savings of approximately $12 million, on top of the Company’s Fiscal 2023 cost reductions.
“We are committed to delivering improved value to our shareholders,” Ardrey continued. “These efforts will allow us to simplify our structure, be a more agile organization, and reset our expense base, so we can focus fully on Project Restoration and on delivering both healthy top- and bottom-line growth in the future.”
Summary of Financial Performance for the First Quarter
Consolidated net revenues totaled $94.4 million compared to $98.5 million in the prior year first quarter ended April 30, 2022.
For the current year first quarter, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated net loss totaled ($4.7) million, or ($0.15) per diluted share. These results included $2.0 million of net after tax charges, comprised of $1.4 million of severance charges, $0.5 million for the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets, and $0.1 million of consulting and professional fees primarily associated with cost saving and strategic initiatives. On a non-GAAP basis, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated first quarter net loss totaled ($2.6) million, or ($0.09) per diluted share.
For the prior year first quarter, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated net loss totaled ($7.0) million, or ($0.21) per diluted share. These results included $0.9 million of net after tax charges, comprised of $0.4 million of intangible asset amortization and $0.4 million of impairment charges, and $0.1 million of consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives. On a non-GAAP basis, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated first quarter net loss totaled ($6.0) million, or ($0.18) per diluted share.
Non-GAAP Numbers
The current year non-GAAP first quarter income statement numbers referenced below exclude the previously outlined severance charges, intangible asset amortization, and consulting and professional fees. The prior year non-GAAP first quarter income statement numbers referenced below exclude the previously outlined intangible asset amortization, impairment charges, and consulting fees.
First Quarter Details
Current year first quarter Vera Bradley Direct segment revenues totaled $58.9 million, a 4.4% decrease from $61.6 million in the prior year first quarter. Comparable sales declined 3.3% in the first quarter, primarily due to weakness in the factory channel. The Company permanently closed 19 full-line and two factory outlet stores and opened five factory outlet stores over the last twelve months.
Vera Bradley Indirect segment revenues totaled $15.4 million, a 9.4% decrease from $17.0 million in the prior year first quarter. Prior year revenues reflected a large one-time key account order that was not repeated in the current year.
Pura Vida segment revenues totaled $20.1 million, a 1.2% increase over $19.8 million in the prior year first quarter, primarily driven by new store growth resulting in non-comparable retail store sales.
First quarter consolidated gross profit totaled $51.7 million, or 54.8% of net revenues, compared to $52.5 million, or 53.3% of net revenues, in the prior year first quarter. The current year gross profit rate was favorably impacted by lower year-over-year inbound and outbound freight expense and the sell-through of previously-reserved inventory, partially offset by an increase in promotional activity.
Consolidated SG&A expense totaled $58.5 million, or 62.0% of net revenues, for the quarter, compared to $60.9 million, or 61.9% of net revenues, for the prior year first quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, consolidated SG&A expense totaled $55.6 million, or 58.9% of net revenues, for the current quarter, compared to $59.4 million, or 60.3% of net revenues, for the prior year first quarter. Vera Bradley’s current year non-GAAP SG&A expenses were lower than the prior year primarily due to cost reduction initiatives and a reduction in variable-related expenses related to lower sales volume.
The Company’s first quarter consolidated operating loss totaled ($6.4) million, or (6.8%) of net revenues, compared to an operating loss of ($8.2) million, or (8.4%) of net revenues, in the prior year first quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, the consolidated operating loss totaled ($3.5) million, or (3.7%) of net revenues, compared to ($6.7) million, or (6.8%) of net revenues, in the prior year.
By segment:
Vera Bradley Direct’s first quarter operating income was $7.3 million, or 12.5% of Direct net revenues, compared to operating income of $5.5 million, or 8.9% of Direct net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, Vera Bradley Direct’s current year first quarter operating income was $7.7 million, or 13.0% of Direct net revenues, compared to $5.5 million, or 8.9% of Direct net revenues, in the prior year.
Vera Bradley Indirect’s first quarter operating income was $4.7 million, or 30.6% of Indirect net revenues, compared to $5.5 million, or 32.3% of Indirect net revenues, in the prior year.
Pura Vida’s first quarter operating income was $1.6 million, or 7.8% of Pura Vida net revenues, compared to $1.1 million, or 5.3% of Pura Vida net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, Pura Vida’s current year first quarter operating income was $2.3 million, or 11.4% of Pura Vida net revenues, compared to $1.8 million, or 9.2% of Pura Vida net revenues, in the prior year.
Balance Sheet
Net capital spending for the first quarter totaled $0.8 million compared to $1.7 million in the prior year.
Cash and cash equivalents as of April 29, 2023 totaled $25.3 million compared to $46.6 million at fiscal year end. The Company had no borrowings on its $75 million ABL credit facility at quarter end.
Total quarter-end inventory was $142.7 million, compared to $161.8 million at the end of the first quarter last year.
During the first quarter, the Company repurchased approximately $0.7 million of its common stock (approximately 0.1 million shares at an average price of $5.71). $27.0 million remains under the Company’s $50.0 million repurchase authorization that expires in December 2024.
Forward Outlook
Management is updating guidance for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2024 (“Fiscal 2024”) based on first quarter performance, Company initiatives underway, and current macroeconomic trends and expectations.
Excluding net revenues, all forward-looking guidance numbers referenced below are non-GAAP. The prior year income statement numbers exclude the previously disclosed charges for goodwill and intangible asset impairment; net inventory and purchase order-related adjustments; severance, retention, and stock-based retirement compensation; consulting and professional fees primarily associated with cost savings initiatives, the CEO search, and strategic initiatives; amortization of definite-lived intangible assets; store and right-of-use asset impairment charges; new CEO sign-on bonus and relocation; and goodMRKT exit costs. Current year guidance excludes any similar charges.
For Fiscal 2024, the Company’s expectations are as follows:
Consolidated net revenues of $490 to $510 million. Net revenues totaled $500.0 million in Fiscal 2023. Both Vera Bradley and Pura Vida revenues are expected to be approximately flat on a year-over-year basis.
A consolidated gross profit percentage of 52.8% to 53.8% compared to 51.4% in Fiscal 2023. The Fiscal 2024 gross margin rate is expected to be favorably impacted by lower year-over-year freight expense, cost reduction initiatives, and the sell-through of previously-reserved inventory, partially offset by an increase in promotional activity.
Consolidated SG&A expense of $237 to $247 million compared to $245.3 million in Fiscal 2023. An expected decline in SG&A expense is being driven by Company-wide cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by restoring short-term and long-term incentive compensation to more normalized levels and incremental marketing investment intended to accelerate customer file growth.
Consolidated operating income of $24 to $28 million compared to $12.3 million in Fiscal 2023.
Free cash flow of between $35 and $40 million compared to a cash usage of $21.7 million in Fiscal 2023.
Consolidated diluted EPS of $0.57 to $0.67 based on diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of 30.7 million and an effective tax rate of approximately 28%. Diluted EPS totaled $0.24 last year.
Net capital spending of approximately $5 million compared to $8.2 million in the prior year, reflecting investments associated with new Vera Bradley Factory stores and technology and logistics enhancements.
Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Measures
The Company’s management does not, nor does it suggest that investors should, consider the supplemental non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Further, the non-GAAP measures utilized by the Company may be unique to the Company, as they may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.
The Company believes that the non-GAAP measures presented in this earnings release, including (cash usage) free cash flow; gross profit; selling, general, and administrative expenses; operating loss; net loss; net loss attributable and available to Vera Bradley, Inc.; and diluted net loss per share available to Vera Bradley, Inc. common shareholders, along with the associated percentages of net revenues, are helpful to investors because they allow for a more direct comparison of the Company’s year-over-year performance and are consistent with management’s evaluation of business performance. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures can be found in the Company’s supplemental schedules included in this earnings release.
Call Information
A conference call to discuss results for the first quarter is scheduled for today, Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. A broadcast of the call will be available via Vera Bradley’s Investor Relations section of its website, www.verabradley.com. Alternatively, interested parties may dial into the call at (888) 394-8218, and enter the access code 9903988. A replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and remain available through June 21, 2023. To access the recording, listeners should dial (844) 512-2921, and enter the access code 9903988.
About Vera Bradley, Inc.
Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. 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, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace.
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”). Pura Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a digitally native, highly-engaging lifestyle brand founded in 2010 by friends Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall. Pura Vida has a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle accessories. The Company acquired the remaining 25% of Pura Vida in January 2023.
The Company has three 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 Factory stores in the United States, www.verabradley.com, www.verabradley.ca, Vera Bradley’s online outlet site, and the Vera Bradley annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The VB Indirect business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products to approximately 1,700 specialty retail locations throughout the United States, as well as select 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 consists of sales of Pura Vida products through the Pura Vida websites, www.puravidabracelets.com, www.puravidabracelets.eu, and www.puravidabracelets.ca; through the distribution of its products to wholesale retailers and department stores; and through its Pura Vida retail stores.
Website Information
We routinely post important information for investors on our website www.verabradley.com in the “Investor Relations” section. We intend to use this webpage as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Relations section of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our webpage is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.
Investors and other interested parties may also access the Company’s most recent Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report outlining its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives at https://verabradley.com/pages/corporate-responsibility.
Vera Bradley Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this release are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including: possible adverse changes in general economic conditions and their impact on consumer confidence and spending; possible inability to predict and respond in a timely manner to changes in consumer demand; possible loss of key management or design associates or inability to attract and retain the talent required for our business; possible inability to maintain and enhance our brands; possible inability to successfully implement the Company’s long-term strategic plans; possible inability to successfully open new stores, close targeted stores, and/or operate current stores as planned; incremental tariffs or adverse changes in the cost of raw materials and labor used to manufacture our products; possible adverse effects resulting from a significant disruption in our distribution facilities; or business disruption caused by pandemics. Risks, uncertainties, and assumptions also include the possibility that Pura Vida acquisition benefits may not materialize as expected and that Pura Vida’s business may not perform as expected. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement. Financial schedules are attached to this release.
Research Directed by Faculty of the Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital
TNX-1500 is Expected to Enter Phase 1 Clinical Development in Third Quarter 2023
CHATHAM, N.J, June 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced data from two oral presentations and one poster presentation at the 2023 American Transplant Congress (ATC) by faculty at the Center for Transplantation Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital. The data involve studies of Tonix’s TNX-1500 (Fc-modified anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody) in development for the prevention of organ transplant rejection. The molecular target of TNX-1500 is CD40-ligand (CD40L), which is also known as CD154. Copies of the presentations are available on the Tonix Pharmaceuticals website at www.tonixpharma.com.
The oral presentations titled, “Fc-Modified anti-CD154 Mab Induced Long Term Renal Allograft Survival without Thromboembolic Complications” by Dr. Ryo Otsuka et al. and “Efficacy of CD154 Blockade with TNX-1500 to prevent heart allograft immune injury” by Dr. Ikechukwu Ileka et al., and the poster presentation titled “anti-CD154 mAb (TNX-1500) Alone, or in Combination with Rapamycin, MMF, or anti-CD28 mAb (VEL-101) Prolongs Cynomolgus Cardiac Allograft Survival” by Dr. Kohei Kinoshita et al. include data demonstrating that TNX-1500 showed activity in preventing organ rejection and was well tolerated in non-human primates. Blockade of CD40L with TNX-1500 monotherapy consistently prevented pathologic alloimmunity in non-human primate kidney and cardiac allograft models without clinical thrombosis. Dr. Kinoshita was recognized with “Poster of Distinction” for his poster presentation.
“The animal studies found that TNX-1500 retains activity to prevent rejection and preserve graft function, which we believe provides strong rationale for us to pursue development of TNX-1500 to prevent rejection in human transplant,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “We expect to begin a Phase 1 trial with TNX-1500 in the third quarter of 2023. There remains a significant need for new treatments with improved activity and tolerability to prevent organ transplant rejection. TNX-1500 is a third generation anti-CD40L mAb that has been designed by protein engineering to decrease FcγRII binding and to reduce the potential for thrombosis. We believe TNX-1500 has the potential for treating and preventing organ transplant rejection. Beyond transplantation, we believe TNX-1500 has potential for treating autoimmune conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome and multiple sclerosis.”
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*
Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Enrollment in a Phase 2 study has been completed, and topline results are expected in the third quarter of 2023. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), in development for chronic migraine, is currently enrolling with topline data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-601 ER (tianeptine hemioxalate extended-release tablets), a once-daily formulation being developed as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), is also currently enrolling with interim data expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. TNX-4300 (estianeptine) is a small molecule oral therapeutic in preclinical development to treat MDD, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA. A Phase 2 study of TNX-1300 is expected to be initiated in the third quarter of 2023. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the third quarter of 2023. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes TNX-801, a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and mpox, for which a Phase 1 study is expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2024. TNX-801 also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine platform for other infectious diseases. The infectious disease portfolio also includes TNX-3900 and TNX-4000, classes of broad-spectrum small molecule oral antivirals.
*All of Tonix’s product candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.
This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; delays and uncertainties caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 13, 2023, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.
Toronto, Ontario, June 6, 2023 – Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU; OTCQB: AUIAF; Frankfurt: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) announces that its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) will be held at 2:30pm EST on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at the Company’s offices at 8 King Street East, Suite 1800, Toronto, ON M5C 1B5. The formal part of the Meeting will be followed by a brief presentation. Shareholders are invited to follow along the proceedings of the Meeting via Zoom Events. Questions may be posed in person at the Meeting or sent online during the Zoom Event.
Zoom Event Details
Event Date and Time: June 14, 2023, 2:30 PM America/New York
Event Name: Aurania Resources Ltd. Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders
Aurania shareholders can click this link to register and join the event on June 14th.
Meeting ID: VwX2aCzERRe17va7iquBMg
Proxy Voting Deadline
The Zoom Event is for listening to the proceedings of the Meeting only. To ensure your vote is counted, please cast your vote prior to Monday, June 12th, 2022, at 2:30pm EST as per the details in your form of proxy. Meeting materials can be found on Aurania’s website under the Annual General Meeting tab.
Financial Statements and MD&A (Management’s Discussion & Analysis)
Aurania’s annual financial statements for the year-ended December 31, 2022, and the interim financial statements and MD&A for three months ended March 31, 2022, are available on SEDAR and the Company’s website.
About Aurania
Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.
For further information, please contact:
Carolyn Muir
VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations
Aurania Resources Ltd.
(416) 367-3200
carolyn.muir@aurania.comNeither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
PDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of molecularly targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on the Company’s proprietary Versamune® and Infectimune™ T-cell activating technology platforms. Our Versamune®-based products have demonstrated the potential to overcome the limitations of current immunotherapy by inducing in vivo, large quantities of high-quality, highly potent polyfunctional tumor specific CD4+ helper and CD8+ killer T-cells. PDS Biotech has developed multiple therapies, based on combinations of Versamune® and disease-specific antigens, designed to train the immune system to better recognize diseased cells and effectively attack and destroy them. The Company’s pipeline products address various cancers including HPV16-associated cancers (anal, cervical, head and neck, penile, vaginal, vulvar) and breast, colon, lung, prostate and ovarian cancers.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
ASCO Presentation On Head and Neck Cancer Reviewed. PDS Biotechnology held a conference call to review data from the Phase 2 VERSATILE-002 trial that was presented at the annual ASCO meeting on Monday, June 5. Management also briefly commented on a misinterpretation posted on social media sites that caused a sharp price decline and a trading halt in the stock.
VERSATILE-002 Data Consistent With Previous Results. As discussed in our Research Note from May 30, the presentation updated the Phase 2 VERSATILE trial data presented at ASCO ’22. At that time, preliminary data from the first 17 patients to reach the 9-month evaluation post was presented. The update included data from 34 patients that had reached the 12-month evaluation point.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Results from Telbel deep drilling program. Maple Gold released complete gold assay results from the first phase of deep drilling at the Telbel Mine area of the Joutel Gold Project which is held in the 50/50 joint venture between Maple and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Multi-element assay results are pending. The joint venture completed a total of 7,343 meters of drilling in three master drill holes and four wedge drill holes with holes TB-22-001 and TB-22-003 and their respective wedges testing the down-plunge extension of gold mineralization beneath the historic Telbel workings. Hole TB-22-002 was a step-out to test the southeast continuity of the Eagle-Telbel system.
High-grade potential at depth. Results from the deep drilling program support the strike and depth continuity of the Eagle-Telbel Mine Horizon beyond the current limits of drilling and the presence of multiple mineralized horizons along with the presence of high-grade gold mineralization beneath the underground mine workings and deepest historical gold intercepts. All three holes intersected significant horizons of semi-massive to massive sulfides, with Hole TB-23-003W2 intersecting significant gold mineralization approximately 575 meters below the lowest level of historic mining at Telbel.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.
Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Twin Peaks IPO. FAT Brands announced plans to pursue an initial public offering of its Twin Peaks restaurant business. Management previously had indicated the significant value creating potential of Twin Peaks for FAT Brands’ shareholders, although the timing is sooner than we had expected. FAT expects to retain a majority ownership.
The Business. Twin Peaks recently opened its 100th location and should end the year with approximately 115 lodges, an almost 40% increase in unit count since the acquisition. The brand also has a committed development pipeline for an additional 109 franchise locations. Over the next several years, Twin Peaks plans to double its unit count to more than 200 lodges with about 80% franchised. The planned unit growth is expected to increase systemwide sales to approximately $1.0 billion. Over the next three years, Twin Peaks’ contribution to FAT Brands adjusted EBITDA should increase from $40 million to $60 million.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Pilot plant program. The Wicheeda REE project pilot plant is being configured to produce a high purity rare earth precipitate suitable as feed stock for a rare earths element (REE) separation plant. The objective of the pilot plant is to demonstrate, at a larger scale, the processing of Wicheeda flotation concentrate to produce rare earths using the acid bake hydrometallurgy process and to collect data for a preliminary feasibility study (PFS) which is expected to be completed during the first half of 2024.
Phase II completed. Defense Metals recently completed Phase II hydrometallurgical pilot plant test work and has commenced work on the Wicheeda preliminary feasibility study. Phase II operations were performed by SGS Canada Inc. at Lakefield, Ontario and were completed in early May and entailed processing 370 kilograms (kg) of flotation concentrate produced in an earlier flotation pilot plant operation. The recent work provided the metallurgical test data required for Defense Metals’ engineering consultants to commence the design work that is an important part of the PFS.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
