Release – Ocugen Appoints Robert J. Hopkins, MD, MPH & TM, FACP, FIDSA, as Chief Medical Officer and Promotes Arun Upadhyay, PhD, to Chief Scientific Officer



Ocugen Appoints Robert J. Hopkins, MD, MPH & TM, FACP, FIDSA, as Chief Medical Officer and Promotes Arun Upadhyay, PhD, to Chief Scientific Officer

Research, News, and Market Data on Ocugen

September 1, 2022

MALVERN, Pa., Sept. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines, today announced the appointment of Robert J. Hopkins, MD, MPH & TM, FACP, FIDSA, as Chief Medical Officer. Arun Upadhyay, PhD, previously Senior Vice President, Research & Development, will now serve as the Company’s Chief Scientific Officer, overseeing the development and manufacturing of Ocugen’s clinical and commercial product portfolio and evaluating new technologies.

“We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Hopkins driving our clinical programs as his expertise across the industry along with his work at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will provide us with tremendous insights in bringing innovative solutions to patients,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Ocugen.

“Dr. Upadhyay has been invaluable in establishing Ocugen’s unique modifier gene delivery platform and collaborating with our partner Bharat Biotech in the development of COVAXIN™,” said Dr. Musunuri. “It’s truly been a pleasure working alongside him for the past several years, and we look to his scientific leadership to deliver new breakthroughs in medicine.”

Dr. Hopkins has more than 25 years’ experience as a physician and clinical researcher. In addition to his work in government organizations, he has held senior level positions at Merck Research Labs, DynPort Vaccine Company, Emergent BioSolutions, and Aeras. He has developed and commercialized multiple vaccine and therapeutic products, Phases 1 through 4. Prior to joining Ocugen, he was the Chief Medical Officer at Adaptive Phage Therapeutics where he oversaw regulatory affairs, clinical development, and clinical operations.

“I look forward to bringing my vaccines and therapeutics experience to Ocugen,” said Dr. Hopkins. “It’s imperative that we provide additional options in the fight against COVID-19, as well as deliver new gene and cell therapies to address unmet medical need.”

Dr. Upadhyay has spent more than 20 years in discovery research and innovation developing novel therapeutic modalities and drug-delivery technologies. He has been leading nonclinical, early-to-late-stage global product development and manufacturing, bioanalyses, and clinical trial supply management. Dr. Upadhyay has led multiple successful regulatory submissions in the U.S. He has worked extensively in drug development—ranging from small molecules to biologics, and advanced cell and gene therapy modalities. Prior to joining Ocugen, he led ophthalmic drug development and delivery research at the University of Colorado Denver in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. There, Dr. Upadhyay was instrumental in developing novel approaches for sustained and targeted drug delivery of peptides, proteins, RNA, and DNA to cells and tissues. Dr. Upadhyay also led engineering of polymeric micro and nano carriers’ system of vaccine antigens to enhance immunogenicity and protective immunity.

“I’m excited to expand my role at Ocugen and lead our R&D and manufacturing teams to advance our product pipeline and evolve the Company in gene therapy and regenerative medicine,” said Dr. Upadhyay.

Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Upadhyay are part of Ocugen’s leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs.

Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to
risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,”
“believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,”
“expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or
other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify
these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous
important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or
results to differ materially from our current expectations. These and other
risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors
described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual
reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make
in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except
as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking
statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
IR@ocugen.com

 

 


Release – 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports Revenue Growth of 4.0 Percent To $2.21 Billion for its Fiscal 2022 Full Year



1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports Revenue Growth of 4.0 Percent To $2.21 Billion for its Fiscal 2022 Full Year

Research, News, and Market Data on 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

Sep 01, 2022

Full Year Highlights:

  • Total Net Revenues
    increased 4.0 percent to a record $2.21
    billion
    , compared with $2.12
    billion
     in the prior year.
  • Net Income was $29.6
    million
    , or $0.45 per
    diluted share, compared with Net Income of $118.7
    million
    , or $1.78 per
    diluted share, in the prior year period. Adjusted Net Income
    1 was $32.9
    million
    , or $0.50 per
    diluted share, compared with $122.6
    million
    , or $1.84 per
    diluted share, in the prior year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 was $99.0
    million
    , compared with $213.1
    million
     in the prior year, primarily reflecting significantly
    higher year-over-year cost increases in labor, shipping, commodities, and
    digital marketing.

Fourth Quarter Highlights:

  • Total Net Revenues were $485.9
    million
    , compared with $487.0
    million
     in the prior year period.
  • Net Loss was $22.3
    million
    , or ($0.34)
    per share, compared with net income of $13.3
    million
    , or $0.20 per
    diluted share, in the prior year period. Adjusted Net Loss
    1 was $21.8
    million
    , or ($0.34)
    per share, compared with Adjusted Net Income
    1 of $13.3
    million
    , or $0.20 per
    diluted share in the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 loss was $16.8
    million
    , compared with Adjusted EBITDA
    1 of $30.2
    million
     in the prior year period, primarily reflecting
    significantly higher year-over-year cost increases in labor, shipping,
    commodities, and digital marketing.

(1 Refer to “Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and
the tables attached at the end of this press release for reconciliation of
Non-GAAP (“Adjusted”) results to applicable GAAP results.)

JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS), a leading provider of gifts designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships, today reported results for its fiscal 2022 fourth quarter and full year ended July 3, 2022.

Chris McCann, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., said, “We finished our fiscal year 2022 with revenues essentially flat in our fourth quarter and full year revenues up 4.0 percent compared with the prior year, and up more than 75 percent compared with our fiscal 2019, prior to the pandemic. Our growth for the year illustrates our ability to retain and build on the gains we achieved over the past two years despite macroeconomic uncertainty and changes in consumer behavior. This reflects the healthy growth we have seen in our customer file combined with our expanded product offering and our ever-increasing focus on engaging with our customers through a combination of highly relevant content and unique experiences.

“Inflationary cost increases continued to pose challenges for us in both the fourth quarter and full year. The unprecedented, rapid rise in costs impacted our gross margins and operating expenses – including labor, shipping, commodities, and digital marketing. As a result, our bottom-line results for both the fourth quarter and the full year came in below our expectations.”

McCann said that the Company is focused on addressing those cost issues that are within its control by leveraging its balance sheet to invest in its operating platform, including ongoing investments to automate warehouse and distribution facilities, optimize outbound shipping operations and buy and build inventory early. “We anticipate that the combination of our investments, along with strategic pricing programs and moderation in cost inputs, will enable us to gradually improve our gross margins and our bottom-line results during the latter half of our current fiscal year.”

McCann noted that, during the fourth quarter and throughout the fiscal year, the Company continued to execute on its initiatives to “build a community with our customers. Our expanding range of communication channels feature relevant content, like our weekly Celebrations Pulse Newsletter, and interactive engagement opportunities, like our Alice’s Table® events. Taken together with our expanded product offerings, these initiatives helped us attract more than 1.5 million new customers during the fourth quarter and more than 5.0 million for the year. In addition, membership in our Celebrations Passport® loyalty program continued to grow at a double-digit rate for the year. We believe the significant size and robust growth of our customer file and our Celebrations Passport loyalty program over the past several years, along with our expanded product offerings, positions us well to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships and continue to grow our business over the long term.”

Fiscal 2022 Fourth Quarter
Results:

For the fourth quarter of 2022, total net revenues were 
$485.9 million
, down 0.2 percent compared with 
$487.0 million
 in the prior year period. Excluding contributions from Vital Choice®, which the Company acquired in October of 2021, total revenue for the quarter was down 1.5 percent, compared with the prior year period. Revenues for the quarter increased 87.3 percent compared with total revenues of 
$259.4 million
 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Gross profit margin for the quarter was 33.7 percent, down 700 basis points, compared with 40.7 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significantly increased costs for labor, shipping, and commodities as well as write downs of perishable inventory. Operating expenses as a percent of total revenues was 39.2 percent, representing an increase of 170 basis points, compared with 37.5 percent in the prior year period. This primarily reflects higher digital marketing spend as well as higher depreciation, offset in part by lower incentive compensation and the performance of our non-qualified deferred compensation plan, compared with the prior year period.

As a result, Adjusted EBITDA1 loss was 
$16.8 million
, compared with Adjusted EBITDA1 of 
$30.2 million
 in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significantly higher year-over-year costs for labor, shipping, commodities, and digital marketing. Net Loss was 
$22.3 million
, or (
$0.34) per share, compared with net income of 
$13.3 million
, or 
$0.20 per diluted share, in the prior year period. Adjusted Net Losswas 
$21.8 million, or (
$0.34) per share, compared with Adjusted Net Income1 of 
$13.3, or 
$0.20 per diluted share in the prior year period.

Fiscal 2022 Full Year Results:
Total net revenues for the full year increased 4.0 percent to 
$2.21 billion
, compared with 
$2.12 billion
 in the prior year. This increase reflected growth across the Company’s three business segments, and includes the contributions from Vital Choice and Personalization Mall®, which were acquired in October 2021 and August 2020, respectively. On a pro-forma basis, total net revenues grew 2.5 percent compared with the prior year. Total net revenues grew 76.8 percent compared with total net revenues of 
$1.25 billion
 in fiscal 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Gross profit margin for the year was 37.2 percent, down 500 basis points, compared with 42.2 percent in the prior year. This primarily reflected significantly increased costs for labor, shipping, commodities and the write down of perishable inventories. Operating expense as a percent of total revenues was 35.3 percent, representing an increase of 10 basis points, compared with 35.2 percent in the prior year. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA1 was 
$99.0 million
, compared with 
$213.1 million
 in the prior year. Net Income was 
$29.6 million
, or 
$0.45 per diluted share, compared with Net Income of 
$118.7 million
, or 
$1.78 per diluted share, in the prior year period. Adjusted Net Income1 was 
$32.9 million
, or 
$0.50 per diluted share, compared with 
$122.6 million
, or 
$1.84 per diluted share, in the prior year.

SEGMENT RESULTS:
The Company provides fiscal 2022 fourth quarter and full year selected financial results for its Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets, Consumer Floral and Gifts, and BloomNet® segments in the tables attached to this release and as follows:

  • Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets: Revenue for the quarter was 
    $148.4 million
    , down 2.4 percent compared with 
    $152.2 million
     in the prior year period. Excluding Vital Choice®, which the Company acquired in October 2021, revenue for the quarter was 
    $142.7 million
    . Revenue for the quarter was up 104.9 percent compared to the same period in the Company’s fiscal 2019 fourth quarter. Gross profit margin was 23.2 percent, compared with 38.9 percent in the prior year period. Segment contribution margin1 loss was 
    $23.7 million
    , compared with segment contribution margin of 
    $4.2 million
     in the prior year period. This primarily reflected higher labor, shipping, commodity costs and perishable inventory write downs, as well as higher year-over-year marketing rates. For the year, revenue in this segment increased 5.1 percent to 
    $1.0 billion
    , compared with 
    $955.6 million
     in the prior year. Revenue increased 54.9 percent, compared with revenue in the Company’s fiscal year 2019, prior to the pandemic. Gross profit margin for the year was 34.2 percent, compared with 42.9 percent in the prior year. Adjusted segment contribution margin1 for the year was 
    $64.9 million, compared with 
    $148.9 million in the prior year.
  • Consumer Floral &
    Gifts
    : Revenue for the quarter increased 0.4 percent to 
    $299.0 million
    , compared with 
    $297.7 million
     in the prior year period. Revenues for the quarter increased 87.2 percent compared with the same period in the Company’s fiscal 2019 fourth quarter. Gross profit margin was 38.0 percent, compared with 41.1 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased labor and shipping costs. Segment contribution margin1 was 
    $26.4 million
    , compared with 
    $41.2 million
     in the prior year period. This primarily reflected the lower gross margin combined with higher, year-over-year digital marketing rates. For the year, revenues increased 3.4 percent to 
    $1.06 billion
    , compared with 
    $1.03 billion
     in the prior year. Revenues increased 112.9 percent, compared with the Company’s fiscal year 2019. Gross margin was 39.3 percent, compared with 41.1 percent in the prior year. Segment contribution margin1 was 
    $104.3 million
    , compared with 
    $128.6 million
     in the prior year.
  • BloomNet: Revenue for the quarter increased 3.2 percent to 
    $38.5 million
    , compared with 
    $37.3 million
     in the prior year period. Revenue for the quarter was up 41.2 percent compared to the same period in the Company’s fiscal 2019 fourth quarter. Gross profit margin was 39.6 percent, compared with 43.2 percent in the prior year period, primarily reflecting higher shipping costs as well as product mix. Segment contribution margin1 was 
    $10.0 million
    , compared with 
    $11.3 million
     in the prior year period. For the year, revenue increased 1.9 percent to 
    $145.7 million
    , compared with 
    $142.9 million
     in the prior year. Revenue increased 41.6 percent, compared with the Company’s fiscal year 2019. Gross profit margin was 42.3 percent, compared with 45.5 percent in the prior year. Segment contribution margin1 for the year was 
    $42.5 million
    , compared with 
    $45.9 million
     in the prior year.

COMPANY GUIDANCE

  • Based on the highly unpredictable nature of the current macro economy, the Company has decided to provide guidance on a quarter-by-quarter basis, including current business trends to date at the time of its regular quarterly results releases.
  • Through the first two months of the Company’s current fiscal first quarter, we have seen continued cautious consumer spending behavior reflecting the impact of price inflation, particularly in food and gasoline. As a result, the Company anticipates that its fiscal first quarter revenues will be down in a range of 3.0-to-6.0 percent, compared with the prior year period.
  • In terms of cost inputs, the Company anticipates that year-over-year costs for labor, shipping, commodities, and digital marketing will remain high through the first quarter, compared with the prior year period.
  • As a result, the Company anticipates that its Adjusted EBITDA loss1 for the current fiscal first quarter will be in a range of 
    $28.0 million
    -to-
    $33.0 million.
  • Looking ahead, the Company anticipates that the combination of the investments it has made – and continues to make – in its business platform, along with strategic pricing programs and moderation of cost inputs, will enable it to gradually achieve improved gross margins and bottom-line results during the latter half of the current fiscal year.
  • For the full year, the Company anticipates reduced capital expenditures as well as lower working capital needs compared with the prior year. As a result, the Company expects to generate substantial positive year-over-year free cash flow.

Definitions of non-GAAP
Financial Measures
:
We sometimes use financial measures derived from consolidated financial information, but not presented in our financial statements prepared in accordance with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Certain of these are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Non-GAAP financial measures referred to in this document are either labeled as “non-GAAP” or designated as such with a “1”. See below for definitions and the reasons why we use these non-GAAP financial measures. Where applicable, see the Selected Financial Information below for reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations for forward-looking figures would require unreasonable efforts at this time because of the uncertainty and variability of the nature and amount of certain components of various necessary GAAP components, including, for example, those related to compensation, tax items, amortization or others that may arise during the year, and the Company’s management believes such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors. For the same reasons, the Company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. The lack of such reconciling information should be considered when assessing the impact of such disclosures.

EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDA
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted for the impact of stock-based compensation, Non-Qualified Plan Investment appreciation/depreciation, and for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information for details on how EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA were calculated for each period presented. The Company presents EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because it considers such information meaningful supplemental measures of its performance and believes such information is frequently used by the investment community in the evaluation of similarly situated companies. The Company uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as factors to determine the total amount of incentive compensation available to be awarded to executive officers and other employees. The Company’s credit agreement uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to determine its interest rate and to measure compliance with certain covenants. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are also used by the Company to evaluate and price potential acquisition candidates. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. Some of the limitations are: (a) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company’s working capital needs; (b) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on the Company’s debts; and (c) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such capital expenditures. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should only be used on a supplemental basis combined with GAAP results when evaluating the Company’s performance.

Segment
Contribution Margin and Adjusted Segment Contribution Margin
We define Segment Contribution Margin as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, before the allocation of corporate overhead expenses. Adjusted Contribution Margin is defined as Contribution Margin adjusted for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information for details on how Segment Contribution Margin and Adjusted Segment Contribution Margin were calculated for each period presented. When viewed together with our GAAP results, we believe Segment Contribution Margin and Adjusted Segment Contribution Margin provide management and users of the financial statements meaningful information about the performance of our business segments. Segment Contribution Margin and Adjusted Segment Contribution Margin are used in addition to and in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures. The material limitation associated with the use of Segment Contribution Margin and Adjusted Segment Contribution Margin is that they are an incomplete measure of profitability as they do not include all operating expenses or non-operating income and expenses. Management compensates for these limitations when using this measure by looking at other GAAP measures, such as Operating Income and Net Income.

Adjusted
Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted or Comparable Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share:
We define Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted or Comparable Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share as Net Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share adjusted for certain items affecting period-to-period comparability. See Selected Financial Information below for details on how Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share and Adjusted or Comparable Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share were calculated for each period presented. We believe that Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted or Comparable Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share are meaningful measures because they increase the comparability of period-to-period results. Since these are not measures of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, GAAP Net Income (Loss) and Net Income (Loss) Per Common share, as indicators of operating performance and they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Free
Cash Flow:
We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. The Company considers Free Cash Flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after the purchases of fixed assets, which can then be used to, among other things, invest in the Company’s business, make strategic acquisitions, strengthen the balance sheet, and repurchase stock or retire debt. Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure that is frequently used by the investment community in the evaluation of similarly situated companies. Since Free Cash Flow is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. A limitation of the utility of free cash flow as a measure of financial performance is that it does not represent the total increase or decrease in the Company’s cash balance for the period.

About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM,
Inc.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of gifts designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Stock Yards® and Simply Chocolate®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad-range of products and services designed to help members grow their businesses profitably; Napco?, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers; and Alice’s Table®, a lifestyle business offering fully digital livestreaming floral, culinary and other experiences to guests across the country. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among the top 5 on the National Retail Federation’s 2021 Hot 25 Retailers list, which ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies, and was named to the Fortune 1000 list in 2022. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com or follow @1800FLOWERSInc on Twitter.

FLWS-COMP
FLWS-FN

Special Note Regarding Forward
Looking Statements
:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can generally be identified using statements that include words such as “estimate,” “expects,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “forecast,” “likely,” “will,” “target” or similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s ability to achieve its guidance for the fiscal year 2023 first quarter, the latter half of the current fiscal year and the full fiscal year; the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company; its ability to leverage its operating platform and reduce operating expense ratio; its ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and assets; its ability to successfully execute its strategic initiatives; its ability to cost effectively acquire and retain customers; the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings in the normal course of business; its ability to compete against existing and new competitors; its ability to manage expenses associated with sales and marketing and necessary general and administrative and technology investments; its ability to reduce promotional activities and achieve more efficient marketing programs; and general consumer sentiment and industry and economic conditions that may affect levels of discretionary customer purchases of the Company’s products. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, made in this release or in any of its SEC filings. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, refer to the Company’s SEC filings, including the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Conference Call:
The Company will conduct a conference call to discuss the above details and attached financial results today, Thursday, September 1, at 8:00 a.m. (ET). The conference call will be webcast from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.1800flowersinc.com. A recording of the call will be posted on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website within two hours of the call’s completion. A telephonic replay of the call can be accessed beginning at 2:00 p.m. (ET) today, through September 8, 2022, at: (US) 1-877-344-7529; (
Canada) 855-669-9658; (International) 1-412-317-0088; enter conference ID #: 4688547. If you have any questions regarding the above information, please contact the Investor Relations office at invest@1800flowers.com.

 

Note: The following tables are an integral
part of this press release without which the information presented in this
press release should be considered incomplete.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220901005099/en/

Investor Contact:

Joseph D. Pititto

(516) 237-6131

invest@1800flowers.com

Media Contact:

Kathleen Waugh

(516) 237-6028

kwaugh@1800flowers.com

Source: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

 


Vera Bradley (VRA) – Challenging 2Q23; but Signs of Better Times to Come

Thursday, September 01, 2022

Vera Bradley (VRA)
Challenging 2Q23; but Signs of Better Times to Come

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, 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.

2QFY23 Results. Net revenues totaled $130.4 million compared to $147.0 million in the prior year second quarter ended July 31, 2021. Vera Bradley reported a consolidated net loss of $29.8 million, or a loss of $0.95 per share versus net income of $9.1 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, last year. Non-GAAP net income was $2.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $9.5 million, or $0.28 per diluted share in 2Q22.

Bifurcation Continues. Vera Bradley continued to see a bifurcation of its customer base, with higher household incomes remaining engaged and continuing to spend, while inflationary pressures, especially higher gas prices, continued to negatively affect the purchases of customers with lower household incomes, as well as traffic and spending….

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. 

Permex Petroleum (OILCF) – Well Completions Demonstrate Two-Pronged Approach to Growth

Thursday, September 01, 2022

Permex Petroleum (OILCF)
Well Completions Demonstrate Two-Pronged Approach to Growth

Michael Heim, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

 Permex announced positive results for five well recompletions of previously shut-in wells. The wells came on line at an initial rate of 50 BOE/d and stabilized at 35 BOE/d. By comparison, the company just reported production of 8,946 BOE for the fiscal nine months ended June 30, 2022 which equates to 32.8 BBL/d. Production from these five well essentially doubles production to a reported level of 71 BOE/d. Assuming net revenues double to a level near $300,000/qtr. and G&A returns to a historical level of $250,000/qtr. (last quarter was $1 million due to one-time legal, accounting, and marketing costs) then the company should be close to cash flow neutral.

Well recompletion and stimulation provide a good balance to in-fill drilling. While we are clearly focused on new drilling in the Breedlove Field in Martin County, it is worth remembering that Permex has ample opportunity to perform lower cost, lower risk, well completions and stimulation. The company has an additional 62 shut-in oil, gas, and salt water disposal wells in each of its properties remaining to be brought online. Recompletions have a high return on investment and should help fund in-fill drilling. As a reminder, we expect the company to drill one vertical and one horizontal well before yearend. The company reported $5.4 million in cash as of June 30, 2022, which should fund one if not both of the wells….

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. 

Orion Group Holdings (ORN) – A New CFO

Thursday, September 01, 2022

Orion Group Holdings (ORN)
A New CFO

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, 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.

Filling in a Position. Yesterday, Orion fulfilled the other promise in the second quarter earning’s call with the announcement of  the vacant CFO position being fulfilled with Scott Thanisch. Mr. Thanisch is scheduled to assume his new duties on September 12, 2022.

Who is Scott Thanisch? In the press release, it states that Mr. Thanisch was CFO at a Texas commercial construction services company and a transport services, maintenance, and repair company before joining Orion. Mr. Thanisch is an operationally focused executive with broad experience in global corporate finance and proven results in corporate value creation….

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. 

Entravision Communications (EVC) – A Positive Message

Thursday, September 01, 2022

Entravision Communications (EVC)
A Positive Message

Entravision Communications Corporation is a diversified Spanish-language media company utilizing a combination of television and radio operations to reach Hispanic consumers across the United States, as well as the border markets of Mexico. Entravision owns and/or operates 53 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the top-ranked Univision television network and Univision’s TeleFutura network, with television stations in 20 of the nation’s top 50 Hispanic markets. The Company also operates one of the nation’s largest groups of primarily Spanish-language radio stations, consisting of 48 owned and operated radio stations.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Patrick McCann, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Non-deal road show highlights: Last week, EVC hosted meetings for investors in Kansas City. Chris Young, CFO, highlighted the company’s strong growth prospects, which have resulted from the company’s transition to a digitally based business. 

Expanding key Facebook relationship in LatinAm: Through its subsidiary, Cisneros, the company is the exclusive ad rep for Facebook in certain countries in Latin America. Notably, the company has expanded its Facebook relationship to include Honduras AND El Salvador, and will continue to seek opportunities to expand its valuable Facebook relationship.

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. 

Comstock Inc. (LODE) – Major Milestone Achieved with Receipt of Operating Permit

Thursday, September 01, 2022

Comstock Inc. (LODE)
Major Milestone Achieved with Receipt of Operating Permit

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Ahead of expectations. LiNiCo Corporation, of which Comstock owns 90%, was issued an operating permit by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. The permit authorizes LiNiCo to conduct lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling and related operations at its 137,000 square foot battery metal recycling facility in the Tahoe Reno Industrial (TRI) Center in Nevada. Previously, management anticipated receipt of the operating permit during the fourth quarter of 2022 and still expects to complete filings for modified air quality permits in the third quarter with approval expected during the second quarter of 2023.

Battery grade lithium production expected in the third quarter 2023. The operating permit is based on the first phase of LiNiCo’s advanced new LIB recycling technologies, including crushing, separating, lithium extraction, and precursor cathode active products. LiNiCo is building a commercial scale pilot facility for installation at the TRI facility with commencement of operations expected in mid-2023. Lithium extraction is planned for the third quarter of 2023.

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. 

Release – Kelly to Participate in the 15th Annual Barrington Research Virtual Fall Conference



Kelly to Participate in the 15th Annual Barrington Research Virtual Fall Conference

Research, News, and Market Data on Kelly

August 31, 2022

TROY, Mich.
Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — 
Kelly (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB), a leading specialty talent solutions provider, today announced it will participate in the 15th Annual 
Barrington Research Virtual Fall Conference on 
Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Peter Quigley , president and CEO,  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) connects talented people to companies in need of their skills in areas including Science, Engineering, Education, Office, Contact Center, 
Light Industrial
, and more. We’re always thinking about what’s next in the evolving world of work, and we help people ditch the script on old ways of thinking and embrace the value of all workstyles in the workplace. We directly employ more than 350,000 people around the world, and we connect thousands more with work through our global network of talent suppliers and partners in our outsourcing and consulting practice. Revenue in 2021 was 
$4.9 billion. Visit 
kellyservices.com and let us help with what’s next for you.

KLYA-FIN

ANALYST & MEDIA CONTACT:
James Polehna
(248) 244-4586
james.polehna@kellyservices.com

 


Two-Thirds Through 2022 and Markets Still Dropping



Image Credit: Brecht Bug (Flickr)


Worst Year for Stocks and Bonds Just Four Months to Recover

At two-thirds of the way through 2022, both stocks and bonds individually are having their worst performance in decades. For investors that have followed conventional wisdom and diversified with a 60/40 portfolio, the downside hasn’t really been offset by the asset mix. Equities and fixed income have never both been down this much, together, this late in the year. While real estate levels are still up, the most popular market index levels, often chosen for retirement savings, are making up for many good years in a row where they both climbed.

 

2022 Has Been a Bear

When interest rates rise, and you own a bond with lower interest rate payments or an entire fund of bonds during declining interest rates, those holdings are now not as valuable. Potential investors decide what they will pay for bonds, and this is the price that allows them to earn current rates (present value), not yesterday’s rates. And that provides a discounted or lower price for buyer and seller.

Obviously, this is very similar for stocks and stock funds; the current market price is the most you can get for your holdings, without regard to how much you paid. And since the first opening bell in 2022, rates have risen with a high reached on June 14, but with a renewed promise of what Chairman Powell called “pain” going forward in the bond market. Since his August address, where he used the “P” word twice, bond prices have resumed their orderly march downward. Year-to-date, the U.S. Treasury index is down 10.56%, and a high-grade corporate bond index (LQD) is down 15.79%.


Source: Koyfin


Stocks have gone in the same downward direction this year. They tend to be faster and more volatile than bonds on the way up, and if you consider that, market interest rates have a theoretical floor of 0.00%, and potential gains for any bond are limited. With this, stocks are underperforming bonds negative returns. The S&P 500 has taken back 16.52% from investors since January, and the Nasdaq 100 is 50% worse than the S&P at a negative 24.45%.

Will this continue? Should investors maintain a 60/40 portfolio (60% stocks, 40% bonds)? Is it foolish to stay invested now?


Answers

As with most other investment forecasts, the true answer is that it can’t be known. But, what is known is the statistics of previous years. And from these stats, probabilities can be ballparked. Previous performance is no guarantee of future performance, but it truly is the best we have to go on. Even the 60/40 “ideal portfolio” was designed by looking backward and doing the math.

Looking back 50 years, there have only been three other years where both U.S. stocks and U.S. bonds (including government and corporate debt) were both in the red through August. The years were 1973, 1974 and 1981. In 2008 and 2015, U.S. Treasuries were green (flight to safety), while investment grade corporates were red with stocks.


Source: Koyfin


According to an analysis by Bespoke Analytics, never have the year-to-date losses been as severe for both bonds and stocks simultaneously going into September. This is uncharted territory – it is thus far the worst year.


Unchartered Waters

There is no history to look back on. Any seasoned investor (or even boater) will advise when in unchartered waters, you navigate slowly and pay attention to the currents and crosscurrents.

One current that promises to continue is fewer and available
dollars
in the system
for asset purchases and other investing. This is because the Fed has promised to increase its pace of quantitative
tightening
beginning in September. The impact is $billions less direct investment in bonds and less money in the economy. The intent and likely impact of this is to push interest rates up, bonds down, and slow spending so demand more closely matches the supply of goods, services, and labor without pushing up prices.

Crosscurrents related to the Fed reducing money supply are that higher interest rates bring higher costs to businesses that tend to have high borrowing needs. Another crosscurrent is that investors who had moved into stocks because yields were near 1% may begin to find the new higher
yields
attractive, even if, after inflation the investors are worse off. This would reduce the amount investors put in the stock market. 


When Might Stocks Trend Upward?

Looking at the 20-year chart above, one might wonder why any investor with the ability to wait would invest any place but in the stock market. Nasdaq 100 is the big loser so far during the past eight months, along with the other stock indices, this year’s fall off is small compared to the growth over a longer time horizon. The probabilities would suggest this growth will continue at some point.

When will it continue upward? When there are more buyers than sellers. This happens when the people that have been holding on waiting for a turnaround finally give up. This could be soon, so much bad news is already known, and the idea of a recession (or continued recession) is already baked into prices. This has been the worst year ever through August for stocks and bonds. Bonds, it has been promised, are likely to continue down; for stocks it may be that the markets have been too negative and that brighter news than forecast is in store.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Suggested Content

Why Interest Rates Will Keep Rising

Money Supply Drives Stock Market Performance


Powell Answered the Market’s Three Most Pressing Questions at Jackson Hole Symposium

Is Michael Burry Frustrated that the Market Hasn’t Yet Crashed?

Sources

https://www.bespoke.bm/

https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/real-estate-trends#:~:text=With%20most%20current%20real%20estate,in%202022%E2%80%94by%207%25

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/2022-has-been-the-worst-year-for-markets-so-far-in-at-least-50-years-11661887865?mod=taxes


Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

Higher Education Among First to Embrace the Metaverse


Image Credit: Lilith Von Hexem (Flickr)


Six Benefits that the Metaverse Offers to Colleges and Universities

Even though it’s unclear what exactly the metaverse is and whether it even exists, colleges and universities have jumped onto the metaverse bandwagon. They have augmented in-person and remote video learning with features such as gamified interactive virtual worlds, virtual reality and mixed reality.

In one of the largest efforts thus far, 10 U.S. colleges and universities have teamed up with U.S. technology company Meta and Irish virtual reality platform Engage to create 3D digital versions of their campuses, known as a metaversity. Students will engage in learning wearing immersive virtual reality headsets.

This article was republished  with
permission from   The Conversation, a
news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It represents the
research-based findings and thoughts of  Nir Kshetri,
Professor of Management, University of North Carolina – Greensboro.

In my recent research, I have examined the metaverse and how it affects organizations and societies. I see six benefits that the metaverse offers to colleges.

 

1. Makes educational resources affordable

Colleges are facing budget constraints and lack access to resources necessary for learning. The metaverse can help them overcome such constraints.

For example, Nashville, Tennessee-based Fisk University hasn’t purchased cadavers due to high costs and maintenance challenges. The university is enhancing its pre-med program with virtual reality cadavers, which are a more affordable alternative.

In the virtual reality lab, a human heart can be pulled out from a cadaver’s chest cavity. It creates the sense that students can feel the weight of the heart in their hands and examine it. They can enlarge it. The class sees and touches the ventricle walls. Students can compare different hearts to understand the results of health decisions that humans made when they were alive. They engage in discussion and agree on the correct diagnosis.


Fisk University is using virtual cadavers for its pre-med program. Fisk University

Virtual cadavers don’t degrade and are easy to maintain. Additional features, such as surgical procedures and comparative learning between humans and animals, can be added over time.

 

2. Enhances student performance

Virtual training provides an effective means of visually demonstrating concepts with step-by-step instructions to illustrate tasks. They provide opportunities for learning by doing. Immersion in games can increase  engagement in learning activities.

Atlanta’s Morehouse College has piloted a metaversity that involves courses in world history, biology and chemistry. The college found that virtual reality classes increased student satisfaction, engagement and achievement compared to traditional and online formats and increased students’ academic performance. For instance, the virtual reality world history class had a 10% increase in students’ GPAs compared with the same class taught via Zoom and face-to-face the year before.

 

3. Makes virtual interactions more like real ones

The internet performs well for sending emails, spreadsheets and PDFs from one device to another to be reviewed or modified independently and asynchronously. It wasn’t built for person-to-person type live and interactive experiences, especially with many participants. Likewise, virtual spaces such as Zoom mostly allow a single conversation. In physical events, participants can move fluidly from one conversation to another.

Some universities are using metaverse technologies to overcome limitations of the internet and video meeting tools. Metaverse-related technologies bridge the gap between real-life and virtual interactions by allowing people to interact more naturally.

Professors and students at the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania use virtual meeting space Gather, which mimics features of real-life interactions. Users create avatars and navigate a virtual map that represents the physical environment, such as a building. The proximity chat feature make users feel that they are running into other students and professors in the hall. Users see and hear video and audio feeds of participants close to them. When they move away, the sounds cannot be heard and the video disappears. Unlike on Zoom, users aren’t forced to be in a single conversation. They can move fluidly between conversations as speakers or listeners.

The University of Pennsylvania’s computer and information science department used Gather to recreate Levine Hall, which is home to the department. The virtual building’s layout mimics classrooms, laboratories, elevators,  stairwells and other features of Levine Hall. The student-run hub of technological innovation, Weiss Tech House, has also been recreated virtually.

The Gather space accommodates 200 students and supports multiple conversations simultaneously. There are six virtual spaces that correspond the building’s six floors. Small groups can branch off into subgroups to work on tasks or engage in conversation.

 

4. Enables experimentation with hard-to-create phenomena

In some situations, learning in real-world environments, such as those involving chemical experiments and flying airplanes, is risky. In such cases, special equipment, such as virtual reality headsets, software and special gloves for haptic responses, can create immersive simulations of real environments. Learners feel as though the digital world is real.

These technologies can create scenarios that are impossible or impractical to create in the real world.

In Fisk University’s planned in-person history courses, students visit historically significant locations wearing virtual reality headsets. They include the Montgomery Bus Boycott; the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama; the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee; and the National Mall in Washington.

In chemistry classes, virtual reality allows visualization of how atoms are arranged in a protein. This insight helps pharmaceutical drug research.

 

5. Increases accessibility for remote students

Big gaps exist in higher education between rural and urban areas.

In 2015, 18% of men and 20% of women 25 and older living in rural areas of the U.S. had earned at least a bachelor’s degree compared with 32% and 33%, respectively, in urban areas.

Metaverse technologies can close this gap by making educational resources accessible to remote students. South Dakota State University expects that its metaversity will help reach the state’s rural students.


6. Attracts a young demographic

Children and young adults are the dominant populations in well-known metaverses, which are in the gaming sector.

About half of Roblox players are under 13 and 66% are under 16. Likewise, two-thirds of Fortnite’s players in 2021 were young adults. Compared with older generations, this demographic is more experience-driven and sees interesting and exciting learning opportunities in the metaverse.

Universities are using the metaverse to attract them. Southwestern Oregon Community College’s leaders think that its metaversity will increase enrollment. This is because higher proportions of younger generations, such as Generation Z, grew up with virtual reality technologies.

Younger generations show a higher level of interest and involvement in the metaverse. In a survey conducted in the U.S. in March 2022, 64% of Gen Z respondents were interested in having a digital avatar and 56% were interested in attending a music event in the metaverse. The proportions were 28% and 25% for baby boomers.

Unique experience provided by metaverse technologies, such as virtual reality, is thus appealing to younger generations and can become a key tool to attract them to universities.


Suggested Content



Why Zuckerberg Won’t be Adding a Cryptocurrency to Meta’s Features



Science Fiction Becoming Medicines Future





US and Chinese Authorities Reach Agreement to Prevent Delisting Chinese Stocks



Catalyst Series – BioSig Technologies (BSGM)

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

New Battery Concept has a Cost Per Cell of About One-Sixth that of Lithium-Ion



Image Credit: Rebecca Miller (MIT)


A New Concept for Low-Cost Batteries

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office

As the world builds out ever larger installations of wind and solar power systems, the need is growing fast for economical, large-scale backup systems to provide power when the sun is down and the air is calm. Today’s lithium-ion batteries are still too expensive for most such applications, and other options such as pumped hydro require specific topography that’s not always available.

Now, researchers at MIT and elsewhere have developed a new kind of battery, made entirely from abundant and inexpensive materials, that could help to fill that gap.

The new battery architecture, which uses aluminum and sulfur as its two electrode materials, with a molten salt electrolyte in between, is described today in the journal Nature, in a paper by MIT Professor Donald Sadoway, along with 15 others at MIT and in China, Canada, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

“I wanted to invent something that was better, much better, than lithium-ion batteries for small-scale stationary storage, and ultimately for automotive [uses],” explains Sadoway, who is the John F. Elliott Professor Emeritus of Materials Chemistry.

In addition to being expensive, lithium-ion batteries contain a flammable electrolyte, making them less than ideal for transportation. So, Sadoway started studying the periodic table, looking for cheap, Earth-abundant metals that might be able to substitute for lithium. The commercially dominant metal, iron, doesn’t have the right electrochemical properties for an efficient battery, he says. But the second-most-abundant metal in the marketplace — and actually the most abundant metal on Earth — is aluminum. “So, I said, well, let’s just make that a bookend. It’s gonna be aluminum,” he says.

Then came deciding what to pair the aluminum with for the other electrode, and what kind of electrolyte to put in between to carry ions back and forth during charging and discharging. The cheapest of all the non-metals is sulfur, so that became the second electrode material. As for the electrolyte, “we were not going to use the volatile, flammable organic liquids” that have sometimes led to dangerous fires in cars and other applications of lithium-ion batteries, Sadoway says. They tried some polymers but ended up looking at a variety of molten salts that have relatively low melting points — close to the boiling point of water, as opposed to nearly 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit for many salts. “Once you get down to near body temperature, it becomes practical” to make batteries that don’t require special insulation and anticorrosion measures, he says.

The three ingredients they ended up with are cheap and readily available — aluminum, no different from the foil at the supermarket; sulfur, which is often a waste product from processes such as petroleum refining; and widely available salts. “The ingredients are cheap, and the thing is safe — it cannot burn,” Sadoway says.

In their experiments, the team
showed that the battery cells could endure hundreds of cycles at exceptionally
high charging rates, with a projected cost per cell of about one-sixth that of
comparable lithium-ion cells.
They showed that the charging rate was highly dependent on the working temperature, with 110 degrees Celsius (230 degrees Fahrenheit) showing 25 times faster rates than 25 C (77 F).

Surprisingly, the molten salt the team chose as an electrolyte simply because of its low melting point turned out to have a fortuitous advantage. One of the biggest problems in battery reliability is the formation of dendrites, which are narrow spikes of metal that build up on one electrode and eventually grow across to contact the other electrode, causing a short-circuit and hampering efficiency. But this particular salt, it happens, is very good at preventing that malfunction.

The chloro-aluminate salt they chose “essentially retired these runaway dendrites, while also allowing for very rapid charging,” Sadoway says. “We did experiments at very high charging rates, charging in less than a minute, and we never lost cells due to dendrite shorting.”

“It’s funny,” he says, because the whole focus was on finding a salt with the lowest melting point, but the catenated chloro-aluminates they ended up with turned out to be resistant to the shorting problem. “If we had started off with trying to prevent dendritic shorting, I’m not sure I would’ve known how to pursue that,” Sadoway says. “I guess it was serendipity for us.”

What’s more, the battery requires no external heat source to maintain its operating temperature. The heat is naturally produced electrochemically by the charging and discharging of the battery. “As you charge, you generate heat, and that keeps the salt from freezing. And then, when you discharge, it also generates heat,” Sadoway says. In a typical installation used for load-leveling at a solar generation facility, for example, “you’d store electricity when the sun is shining, and then you’d draw electricity after dark, and you’d do this every day. And that charge-idle-discharge-idle is enough to generate enough heat to keep the thing at temperature.”

This new battery formulation, he says, would be ideal for installations of about the size needed to power a single home or small to medium business, producing on the order of a few tens of kilowatt-hours of storage capacity.

For larger installations, up to utility scale of tens to hundreds of megawatt hours, other technologies might be more effective, including the liquid metal batteries Sadoway and his students developed several years ago and which formed the basis for a spinoff company called Ambri, which hopes to deliver its first products within the next year. For that invention, Sadoway was recently awarded this year’s European Inventor Award.

The smaller scale of the aluminum-sulfur batteries would also make them practical for uses such as electric vehicle charging stations, Sadoway says. He points out that when electric vehicles become common enough on the roads that several cars want to charge up at once, as happens today with gasoline fuel pumps, “if you try to do that with batteries and you want rapid charging, the amperages are just so high that we don’t have that amount of amperage in the line that feeds the facility.” So having a battery system such as this to store power and then release it quickly when needed could eliminate the need for installing expensive new power lines to serve these chargers.

The new technology is already the basis for a new spinoff company called Avanti, which has licensed the patents to the system, co-founded by Sadoway and Luis Ortiz ’96 ScD ’00, who was also a co-founder of Ambri. “The first order of business for the company is to demonstrate that it works at scale,” Sadoway says, and then subject it to a series of stress tests, including running through hundreds of charging cycles.

Would a battery based on sulfur run the risk of producing the foul odors associated with some forms of sulfur? Not a chance, Sadoway says. “The rotten-egg smell is in the gas, hydrogen sulfide. This is elemental sulfur, and it’s going to be enclosed inside the cells.” If you were to try to open up a lithium-ion cell in your kitchen, he says (and please don’t try this at home!), “the moisture in the air would react and you’d start generating all sorts of foul gases as well. These are legitimate questions, but the battery is sealed, it’s not an open vessel. So I wouldn’t be concerned about that.”

The research team included members from Peking University, Yunnan University and the Wuhan University of Technology, in China; the University of Louisville, in Kentucky; the University of Waterloo, in Canada; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in Tennessee; and MIT. The work was supported by the MIT Energy Initiative, the MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation, and ENN Group.

 

Reprinted with permission from MIT News ( http://news.mit.edu/)

Suggested Content



EV Inflation Outpacing Traditional Cars



Toward Batteries that Pack Twice as Much Energy Per Pound




Enough US Produced Lithium to Exceed Today’s Demand



Lithium Battery vs. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles


Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

Crypto Token Instituting its Own Quantitative Tightening is Top Gainer



Image Credit: iamhenry (Flickr)


Shiba Inu Successfully Demonstrates How Token Burn Works

While the Federal Reserve promises to intensify its quantitative tightening (QT) in September by permanently removing more $US dollars from the economy, Shiba Inu holders are working on something similar with the cryptocurrency.  Token burning, or destroying a percentage of a specific token in circulation, should positively impact the value. This has been working well for SHIB.

When introduced in 2020, Shiba Inu was first characterized as a meme scheme or a satire of Dogecoin (DOGE). It has become the 12th largest token and is taking steps to shore up its worth as a currency. One step it’s taking, which has had a positive impact, is reducing tokens in circulation.


What is Token Burning?

“Burning” a token is the act of permanently removing it from any kind of exchange on the blockchain. It effectively destroys it, causing fewer tokens of the crypto to be available for use. This is done by anyone that sends tokens to a frozen private address, referred to as a burn address. A true burn address or null address is one from which the coins cannot be recovered. The definition demands that to be a burn address, there is no private key. Since a private key is needed to access the coins at an address, there is no access; the coins are no longer able to circulate  fewer tokens of the particular crypto are available.


What’s the Purpose?

Scarcity increases the value of an asset. This simply adjusts one side of the supply-demand dynamics of worth.

The higher the demand for a given asset, generally the higher its value. And similarly, the lower the supply, the higher its value. So, where the supply of a given coin or token is fixed (Bitcoin is a prime example of this, with the underlying smart contract ensuring on 21 million BTC can ever be generated) there is means to impact value by destroying some of the supply.

Basically, it’s used as an attempt to increase token value and/or create stability.  


Has it Helped Shiba Inu?

Crypto’s experienced an across the board boost in mid-August, but Shiba-Inu has outperformed all of the top 20 coins. SHIB, the 12th-largest cryptocurrency, has $8.01 billion in circulation and currently trades at around $0.00001235. The coin continues to have gained the most value on the month as others have since faltered.

SHIB’s upwards price action is considered the result of a spike in the token’s burn rate. Other factors include the launch of Shibarium (a layer-2 blockchain to be launched by Shiba Inu).

Nearly 110 million SHIB tokens have been burned over the past day (August 30), and 40% of the total SHIB supply has been burned to date, using data from Shibburn.


Source: Koyfin

Despite Shiba Inu’s outperformance and momentum in August, it is down over 80% from its all-time high recorded in October 2021. According to Coinglass Over $1.2 million in SHIB trades have been liquidated over the past 24 hours, predominantly from short positions, according to data from Coinglass which provides data and analytics on cryptocurrencies,

Total addresses holding SHIB have increased by 0.023% to just above 1.211 million in the last 24 hours, according to data from Etherscan.


DOGE Follows SHIB

The leading so-called meme coin, Dogecoin, is down on the month but also outperforming its peers and has seen increased trading volume. With a circulation of $9.3 billion, DOGE is the 10th-largest cryptocurrency.

The broader crypto market has leveled off after a recent shellacking.  Bitcoin (BTC) has recently risen and broken the psychological $20,000 mark.


Take Away

Removing some of a currency from circulation has a tendency to lift its value. The Federal Reserve does this by letting purchases mature and not buying more. Cryptocurrencies, although autonomous with no central authority, do this by limiting coins and even burning as Shiba Inu has done.

A stronger and more stable Shiba Inu will cause more people to want to keep it in their crypto wallet. The same is expected a more scarce higher demand crypto, and one of the reasons the dollar has strengthened so much during 2022.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Suggested Content



Dogecoin Group Works to Give Currency Greater Purpose



Crypto’s Ledger Technology is Keeping Track of Stock Ownership




MicroStrategy’s Huge Bitcoin Portfolio is Now Expected to Expand



Republicans Likely to Have the Majority in the House – Investors May Want to Pivot Early


Sources

https://ambcrypto.com/why-shiba-inus-400-ascension-ended-in-a-bone-afied-story/

https://decrypt.co/108212/shiba-inu-jumps-9-as-token-burn-intensifies

https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/shiba-inu/

https://www.shibburn.com/

https://www.coinglass.com/

Stay up to date. Follow us:

 

Release – Vera Bradley Announces Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Results



Vera Bradley Announces Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Research, News, and Market Data on Vera Bradley

Aug 31, 2022

Consolidated second quarter net revenues totaled $130.4 million

Second quarter net loss totaled ($29.8) million, or ($0.95) per diluted share; excluding certain items, non-GAAP net income totaled $2.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share

Balance sheet remains solid, with cash and cash equivalents of $38.3 million and no debt

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Aug. 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended July 30, 2022.

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.

Second Quarter Comments

Rob Wallstrom, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, “While total Company second quarter revenues of $130.4 million were modestly below our expectations and we continued to experience gross margin pressure due to logistics costs, we drove product innovation at both Vera Bradley and Pura Vida, initiated meaningful cost reduction actions, and completed $6.0 million of share repurchases, while maintaining a solid, debt-free balance sheet.

“We are continuing to see bifurcation in the spending of our customer base. At Vera Bradley, Direct Full-Price Channel comparable revenues were nearly flat to last year and up double digits to fiscal 2020 as customers with higher household incomes remained engaged and continued to spend. However, inflationary pressures, especially higher gas prices, continued to negatively affect the purchases of customers with lower household incomes as well as traffic and spending in our Vera Bradley factory stores. Our Vera Bradley Indirect Channel continued to experience a healthy year-over-year rebound. Pura Vida’s ecommerce revenues continued to be affected by the shift in social and digital media effectiveness and escalating digital media costs.

“We are taking decisive actions to strengthen our core brands and the overall enterprise,” Wallstrom added. “We have begun implementation of annualized targeted cost reductions of $25 million, which are expected to be fully realized next fiscal year. These cost reductions will help offset inflationary expense pressures and the recessionary spending behavior from lower-income households. 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. In addition, we are continuing to evaluate and execute strategic price increases for both brands to offset rising raw material and freight costs.

“At the Vera Bradley brand, we remain confident in our core strategy, by continuing to innovate and build on our lifestyle merchandising focus. We will continue to optimize the travel category, which is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels; maximize back-to-campus opportunities, with strategic assortment enhancements; continue with powerful product collaborations like Disney and Harry Potter; and add excitement by expanding our footwear and home assortments this fall.”

Wallstrom continued, “At Pura Vida, we are focused on stabilizing the business and returning the brand to long-term growth. Our number one priority is to build a more diverse, innovative, effective, and performance-based marketing program to drive ecommerce sales. Prudent store growth can play a key role in driving new customer acquisition as we continue to diversify our marketing platforms, and stores demonstrate the power a retail presence can have on driving digital sales, omni-channel loyalty, and spending. We opened one new Pura Vida store location in the quarter, which is exceeding expectations.

“On the product front, we continue to build customer excitement and engagement through collaborations like Disney, Harry Potter, Hello Kitty, and the World Surf League; partnering with key influencers; offering themed-collections centered around key events like Shark Week; and the launch of our new demi-fine collection.”

Wallstrom further noted, “We are planning for the macro environment to remain challenging for the balance of the year and into next year. And, despite the strength in Pura Vida’s store business and opportunity for new store openings, we expect it to take time to return Pura Vida’s ecommerce business to growth as rebuilding and transforming the marketing program is underway. We are taking critical actions that will further strengthen both core brands and our company as a whole, not only to successfully manage through this period but position us for the future. Our teams are focused, and our cash position and balance sheet remain solid. We have successfully managed through difficult business cycles before, and I am confident we will manage through this period as well. We look forward to returning both brands to steady growth.”

Summary of Financial Performance for the Second Quarter

Consolidated net revenues totaled $130.4 million compared to $147.0 million in the prior year second quarter ended July 31, 2021.

For the current year second quarter, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated net loss totaled ($29.8) million, or ($0.95) per diluted share. These results included $32.2 million of net after tax charges, comprised of $18.2 million of Pura Vida goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, $4.7 million of inventory adjustments associated with the exit of certain technology products and the write-off of excess mask inventory, $4.7 million of severance charges and other employee costs, $2.3 million of consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives and the CEO search, $0.9 million of purchase order cancellation fees for spring 2023 goods, $0.6 million of store impairment charges, $0.5 million of intangible asset amortization, and $0.3 million of goodMRKT exit costs. On a non-GAAP basis, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated second quarter net income totaled $2.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share.

For the prior year second quarter, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated net income totaled $9.1 million, or $0.26 per diluted share. These results included $0.4 million of net after tax charges related to intangible asset amortization. On a non-GAAP basis, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated second quarter net income totaled $9.5 million, or $0.28 per diluted share.

Summary of Financial Performance for the Six Months

Consolidated net revenues totaled $228.8 million for the current year six months ended July 30, 2022, compared to $256.1 million in the prior year six month period ended July 31, 2021.

For the current year six months, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated net loss totaled ($36.7) million, or ($1.15) per diluted share. These results included $33.1 million of net after tax charges, comprised of $18.2 million of Pura Vida goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, $4.7 million of inventory adjustments associated with the exit of certain technology products and the write-off of excess mask inventory, $4.7 million of severance charges and other employee costs, $2.4 million of consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives and the CEO search, $1.0 million of store and right-of-use asset impairment charges, $0.9 million of purchase order cancellation fees for spring 2023 goods, $0.9 million of intangible asset amortization, and $0.3 million of goodMRKT exit costs. On a non-GAAP basis, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated net loss for the six months totaled ($3.6) million, or ($0.11) per diluted share.

For the prior year six months, Vera Bradley, Inc’s consolidated net income totaled $6.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share. These results included $0.9 million of net after tax charges related to intangible asset amortization. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding these charges, Vera Bradley, Inc.’s consolidated net income for the prior year totaled $7.8 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the six months.

Non-GAAP Numbers

The current year non-GAAP second quarter and six-month income statement numbers referenced below exclude the previously outlined goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, inventory adjustments, severance charges and other employee costs, consulting fees, store and right-of-use asset impairment charges, purchase order cancellation fees, intangible asset amortization, and goodMRKT exit costs. The prior year non-GAAP second quarter and six-month income statement numbers referenced below exclude the previously outlined intangible asset amortization.

Second Quarter Details

Current year second quarter Vera Bradley Direct segment revenues totaled $87.0 million, a 10.4% decrease from $97.1 million in the prior year second quarter. Comparable sales declined 13.8% in the second quarter. The Company permanently closed eight full-line stores and opened six factory outlet stores in the last twelve months.

Vera Bradley Indirect segment revenues totaled $17.3 million, a 2.9% increase over $16.8 million in the prior year second quarter, reflecting an increase in certain key account orders.

Pura Vida segment revenues totaled $26.0 million, a 21.3% decrease from $33.1 million in the prior year.

Second quarter consolidated gross profit totaled $60.5 million, or 46.4% of net revenues, compared to $80.4 million, or 54.6% of net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, current year gross profit totaled $67.8 million, or 52.0% of net revenues. The current year gross profit rate was negatively impacted by higher inbound and outbound freight expense, deleverage of overhead costs, and channel mix changes, partially offset by price increases.

Second quarter consolidated SG&A expense totaled $74.0 million, or 56.8% of net revenues, compared to $68.7 million, or 46.7% of net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, consolidated SG&A expense totaled $64.0 million, or 49.1% of net revenues, for the current year second quarter, compared to $68.0 million, or 46.2% of net revenues, in the prior year. As expected, Vera Bradley’s non-GAAP SG&A current year expenses were lower than the prior year primarily due to a reduction in variable-related expenses due to the lower sales volume and other cost reduction initiatives.

The Company’s second quarter consolidated operating loss totaled ($42.8) million, or (32.8%) of net revenues, compared to consolidated operating income of $12.6 million, or 8.6% of net revenues, in the prior year second quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, the Company’s current year consolidated operating income totaled $3.9 million, or 3.0% of net revenues, compared to $13.4 million, or 9.1% of net revenues, in the prior year.

By segment:

  • Vera Bradley Direct operating income was $10.0 million, or 11.5% of Direct net revenues, for the second quarter, compared to $23.2 million, or 23.9% of Direct net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, current year Direct operating income totaled $16.2 million, or 18.6% of Direct revenues.
  • Vera Bradley Indirect operating income was $3.9 million, or 22.6% of Indirect net revenues, compared to $5.6 million, or 33.3% of Indirect net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, current year Indirect operating income totaled $4.9 million, or 28.4% of Indirect net revenues. 
  • Pura Vida’s operating loss was ($28.5) million, or (109.6%) of Pura Vida net revenues, in the current year, compared to operating income of $3.2 million, or 9.8% of Pura Vida net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, Pura Vida’s operating income was $2.6 million, or 9.8% of Pura Vida net revenues, compared to $4.0 million, or 12.1% of Pura Vida net revenues, in the prior year.

Details for the Six Months

Vera Bradley Direct segment revenues for the current year six-month period totaled $148.6 million, a 9.3% decrease from $163.9 million in the prior year. Comparable sales declined 12.7% for the six months.

Vera Bradley Indirect segment revenues for the six months totaled $34.3 million, a 6.9% increase over $32.1 million, last year, reflecting an increase in certain key and specialty account orders.

Pura Vida segment revenues totaled $45.9 million, a 23.8% decline from $60.2 million in the prior year.

Consolidated gross profit for the six months totaled $113.0 million, or 49.4% of net revenues, compared to $139.5 million, or 54.5% of net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, current year gross profit totaled $120.3 million, or 52.6% of net revenues. The current year gross profit rate was negatively affected by higher inbound and outbound freight expense, deleverage of overhead costs, and channel mix changes, partially offset by price increases.

For the six months, consolidated SG&A expense totaled $135.0 million, or 59.0% of net revenues, compared to $129.6 million, or 50.6% of net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, current year consolidated SG&A expense totaled $123.4 million, or 53.9% of net revenues, compared to $128.1 million, or 50.0% of net revenues, in the prior year. As expected, Vera Bradley’s non-GAAP SG&A current year expenses were lower than the prior year primarily due to a reduction in variable-related expenses due to the lower sales volume and other cost reduction initiatives.

For the six months, the Company’s consolidated operating loss totaled ($51.1) million, or (22.3%) of net revenues, compared to consolidated operating income of $10.7 million, or 4.2% of net revenues, in the prior year six-month period. On a non-GAAP basis, the Company’s current year consolidated operating loss was ($2.9) million, or (1.2%) of net revenues, compared to consolidated operating income of $12.2 million, or 4.8% or net revenues, in the prior year.

By segment:

  • Vera Bradley Direct operating income was $15.5 million, or 10.5% of Direct net revenues, compared to $34.0 million, or 20.8% of Direct net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, current year Direct operating income was $21.7 million, or 14.6% of Direct net revenues.
  • Vera Bradley Indirect operating income was $9.4 million, or 27.4% of Indirect net revenues, compared to $10.1 million, or 31.3% of Indirect net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, current year Indirect operating income totaled $10.4 million, or 30.3% of Indirect net revenues.
  • Pura Vida’s operating loss was ($27.5) million, or (59.9%) of Pura Vida net revenues, for the current year, compared to operating income of $5.7 million, or 9.5% of Pura Vida net revenues, in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, Pura Vida’s operating income was $4.4 million, or 9.5% of Pura Vida net revenues, compared to $7.3 million, or 12.1% of Pura Vida net revenues, in the prior year.

Balance Sheet

Net capital spending for the second quarter and six months totaled $2.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively.

Cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of July 30, 2022 totaled $38.3 million compared to $76.5 million at the end of last year’s second quarter. The Company had no borrowings on its $75 million ABL credit facility at quarter end.

Total quarter-end inventory was $179.6 million, compared to $148.0 million at the end of the second quarter last year. Current year inventory was higher than the prior year primarily due to approximately $24.0 million of additional inventory in-transit as the Company continues to navigate delays in the supply chain and ensures it has adequate inventory coverage going into the fall and holiday selling periods.

During the second quarter, the Company repurchased approximately $6.0 million of its common stock (approximately 1.0 million shares at an average price of $6.11), bringing year-to-date purchases through the end of the second quarter to approximately $16.5 million (approximately 2.4 million shares at an average price of $6.84). The Company has $29.3 million of remaining availability under its $50.0 million repurchase authorization that expires in December 2024.

Forward Outlook

Wallstrom also commented, “We expect the challenging macroeconomic environment to continue for the balance of the year and anticipate it will take additional time to return the Pura Vida ecommerce business to growth, high gas prices and other inflationary pressures will continue to impact the Vera Bradley factory channel, and there will be continued pressure on gross margin. Therefore, we believe it is appropriate to further adjust our outlook for the fiscal year.”

Excluding net revenues, all forward-looking guidance numbers referenced below are non-GAAP. The prior year SG&A and earnings per diluted share numbers exclude the previously disclosed net charges related to intangible asset amortization. Current year guidance excludes previously disclosed goodwill impairment charges, inventory adjustments, severance and other employee costs, consulting fees, store and right-of-use asset impairment charges, purchase order cancellation fees, intangible asset amortization, goodMRKT exit costs, and any similar charges.

For Fiscal 2023, the Company’s updated expectations are as follows:

  • Consolidated net revenues of $480 to $490 million. Net revenues totaled $540.5 million in Fiscal 2022. Year-over-year Vera Bradley revenues are expected to decline between 7% and 9%, and Pura Vida revenues are expected to decline between 16% and 21%.
  • A consolidated gross profit percentage of 53.7% to 54.1% compared to 53.3% in Fiscal 2022. The expected year-over-year increase is primarily related to incremental inbound and outbound freight expense and expected deleverage on overhead costs, more than offset by price increases.
  • Consolidated SG&A expense of $246 to $250 million compared to $258.8 million in Fiscal 2022. The reduction in SG&A expense is being driven by cost reduction initiatives and a reduction in compensation expense, marketing, and other variable-related expenses due to the expected sales decline from the prior year.
  • Consolidated operating income of $11.6 to $14.5 million compared to $30.1 million in Fiscal 2022.
  • Consolidated diluted EPS of $0.20 to $0.28 based on diluted weighted-average shares outstanding of 31.6 million and an effective tax rate of between 24.0 and 25.0%. Diluted EPS totaled $0.57 last year.
  • Net capital spending of approximately $8 to $10 million compared to $5.5 million in the prior year, reflecting investments associated with new Vera Bradley factory and Pura Vida store locations 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 free cash flow; cost of sales; gross profit; selling, general, and administrative expenses; impairment of goodwill and intangible assets; operating (loss) income; net (loss) income; net (loss) income attributable and available to Vera Bradley, Inc.; and diluted net (loss) income 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. A recast of the supplemental schedule for the current year first quarter has been provided to exclude the consulting fees related to the cost savings initiatives for consistency with the current year second quarter supplemental schedule.

Call Information

A conference call to discuss results for the second quarter is scheduled for today, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 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 (800) 437-2398, and enter the access code 3589431. A replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and remain available through September 14, 2022. To access the recording, listeners should dial (844) 512-2921, and enter the access code 3589431.

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 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 outlet stores in the United States, verabradley.com, 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.comwww.puravidabracelets.eu, and 
www.puravidabracelets.ca; through the distribution of its products to wholesale retailers and department stores; and through its two 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 plan; 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 COVID-19 or other 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 29, 2022. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement. Financial schedules are attached to this release.

CONTACTS:
Investors:

Julia Bentley, VP of Investor Relations and Communications
jbentley@verabradley.com
(260) 207-5116

Media:
mediacontact@verabradley.com
877-708-VERA (8372)

 

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 30, 2022

 

January 29, 2022

 

July 31, 2021

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

38,321

 

 

$

88,436

 

 

$

75,753

 

Short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

727

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

25,593

 

 

 

20,681

 

 

 

29,897

 

Inventories

 

179,557

 

 

 

144,881

 

 

 

148,048

 

Income taxes receivable

 

5,113

 

 

 

9,391

 

 

 

6,289

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

16,913

 

 

 

15,928

 

 

 

15,627

 

Total current assets

 

265,497

 

 

 

279,317

 

 

 

276,341

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating right-of-use assets

 

85,793

 

 

 

79,873

 

 

 

86,617

 

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

60,305

 

 

 

59,941

 

 

 

62,350

 

Intangible assets, net

 

32,769

 

 

 

44,223

 

 

 

45,759

 

Goodwill

 

24,833

 

 

 

44,254

 

 

 

44,254

 

Deferred income taxes

 

9,276

 

 

 

3,857

 

 

 

3,294

 

Other assets

 

4,748

 

 

 

6,081

 

 

 

6,444

 

Total assets

$

483,221

 

 

$

517,546

 

 

$

525,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

43,722

 

 

$

30,492

 

 

$

30,247

 

Accrued employment costs

 

16,018

 

 

 

12,463

 

 

 

15,465

 

Short-term operating lease liabilities

 

19,768

 

 

 

18,699

 

 

 

20,584

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

21,526

 

 

 

16,422

 

 

 

17,522

 

Income taxes payable

 

374

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

101,408

 

 

 

78,076

 

 

 

83,818

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

84,015

 

 

 

80,861

 

 

 

87,984

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

157

 

 

 

195

 

 

 

71

 

Total liabilities

 

185,580

 

 

 

159,132

 

 

 

171,873

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

23,491

 

 

 

30,974

 

 

 

30,364

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in-capital

 

107,941

 

 

 

107,907

 

 

 

106,455

 

Retained earnings

 

297,623

 

 

 

334,364

 

 

 

323,431

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(135

)

 

 

(29

)

 

 

(4

)

Treasury stock

 

(131,279

)

 

 

(114,802

)

 

 

(107,060

)

Total shareholders’ equity of Vera Bradley, Inc.

 

274,150

 

 

 

327,440

 

 

 

322,822

 

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and shareholders’ equity

$

483,221

 

 

$

517,546

 

 

$

525,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley, Inc.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

 

 

July 30, 2022

 

July 31, 2021

 

July 30, 2022

 

July 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

$

130,371

 

 

$

147,048

 

$

228,830

 

 

$

256,142

 

Cost of sales

 

69,854

 

 

 

66,687

 

 

115,799

 

 

 

116,617

 

Gross profit

 

60,517

 

 

 

80,361

 

 

113,031

 

 

 

139,525

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

74,042

 

 

 

68,729

 

 

134,956

 

 

 

129,625

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

29,338

 

 

 

 

 

29,338

 

 

 

 

Other income, net

 

42

 

 

 

1,016

 

 

209

 

 

 

789

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(42,821

)

 

 

12,648

 

 

(51,054

)

 

 

10,689

 

Interest expense, net

 

36

 

 

 

119

 

 

76

 

 

 

209

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(42,857

)

 

 

12,529

 

 

(51,130

)

 

 

10,480

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(5,956

)

 

 

2,672

 

 

(7,519

)

 

 

2,141

 

Net (loss) income

 

(36,901

)

 

 

9,857

 

 

(43,611

)

 

 

8,339

 

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

(7,134

)

 

 

807

 

 

(6,870

)

 

 

1,434

 

Net (loss) income attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc.

$

(29,767

)

 

$

9,050

 

$

(36,741

)

 

$

6,905

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

 

31,429

 

 

 

34,001

 

 

32,051

 

 

 

33,795

 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

 

31,429

 

 

 

34,500

 

 

32,051

 

 

 

34,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net (loss) income per share available to Vera Bradley, Inc. common shareholders

$

(0.95

)

 

$

0.27

 

$

(1.15

)

 

$

0.20

 

Diluted net (loss) income per share available to Vera Bradley, Inc. common shareholders

$

(0.95

)

 

$

0.26

 

$

(1.15

)

 

$

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

 

July 30,

2022

 

July 31,

2021

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

$

(43,611

)

 

$

8,339

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment

 

4,371

 

 

 

4,514

 

Amortization of operating right-of-use assets

 

10,621

 

 

 

10,026

 

Goodwill and intangible asset impairment

 

29,338

 

 

 

 

Other impairment charges

 

1,351

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,537

 

 

 

1,537

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

(119

)

 

 

26

 

Stock-based compensation

 

1,444

 

 

 

3,372

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(5,419

)

 

 

236

 

Other non-cash gain, net

 

 

 

 

(45

)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(4,793

)

 

 

(2,380

)

Inventories

 

(34,676

)

 

 

(6,632

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

348

 

 

 

2,153

 

Accounts payable

 

12,759

 

 

 

2,696

 

Income taxes

 

4,652

 

 

 

762

 

Operating lease liabilities, net

 

(12,910

)

 

 

(13,202

)

Accrued and other liabilities

 

7,989

 

 

 

5,085

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(27,118

)

 

 

16,487

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

 

(4,391

)

 

 

(2,281

)

Proceeds from maturities and sales of investments

 

 

 

 

565

 

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment

 

 

 

 

45

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4,391

)

 

 

(1,671

)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

Tax withholdings for equity compensation

 

(1,410

)

 

 

(2,350

)

Repurchase of common stock

 

(16,477

)

 

 

 

Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

(613

)

 

 

(879

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(18,500

)

 

 

(3,229

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(106

)

 

 

(9

)

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

$

(50,115

)

 

$

11,578

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

88,436

 

 

 

64,175

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

38,321

 

 

$

75,753

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley, Inc.

First Quarter Fiscal 2023

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2022

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

As Reported

 

Other Items

 

Non-GAAP (Excluding Items)

 

Gross profit

$

52,514

 

 

$

 

 

$

52,514

 

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

60,914

 

 

 

1,511

 

1

 

59,403

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(8,233

)

 

 

(1,511

)

 

 

(6,722

)

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(8,273

)

 

 

(1,511

)

 

 

(6,762

)

 

Income tax benefit

 

(1,563

)

 

 

(375

)

2

 

(1,188

)

 

Net loss

 

(6,710

)

 

 

(1,136

)

 

 

(5,574

)

 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

264

 

 

 

(192

)

 

 

456

 

 

Net loss attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc.

 

(6,974

)

 

 

(944

)

 

 

(6,030

)

 

Diluted net loss per share available to Vera Bradley, Inc. common shareholders

$

(0.21

)

 

$

(0.03

)

 

$

(0.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley Direct segment operating income

$

5,503

 

 

$

 

 

$

5,503

 

 

Vera Bradley Indirect segment operating income

$

5,479

 

 

$

 

 

$

5,479

 

 

Pura Vida segment operating income (loss)

$

1,056

 

 

$

(769

)

3

$

1,825

 

 

Unallocated corporate expenses

$

(20,271

)

 

$

(742

)

4

$

(19,529

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1Items include $769 for the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets; $592 for a right-of-use asset impairment charge; and $150 for consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives

 

2Related to the tax impact of the charges mentioned above

 

3Related to the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets

 

4Related to $592 for a right-of-use asset impairment charge and $150 for consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2023

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Thirteen Weeks Ended July 30, 2022

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

As Reported

 

Other Items

 

Non-GAAP (Excluding Items)

 

Gross profit (loss)

$

60,517

 

 

$

(7,276

)

1

$

67,793

 

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

74,042

 

 

 

10,076

 

2

 

63,966

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

29,338

 

 

 

29,338

 

 

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(42,821

)

 

 

(46,690

)

 

 

3,869

 

 

(Loss) Income before income taxes

 

(42,857

)

 

 

(46,690

)

 

 

3,833

 

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(5,956

)

 

 

(6,760

)

3

 

804

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

(36,901

)

 

 

(39,930

)

 

 

3,029

 

 

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

(7,134

)

 

 

(7,771

)

 

 

637

 

 

Net (loss) income attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc.

 

(29,767

)

 

 

(32,159

)

 

 

2,392

 

 

Diluted net (loss) income per share available to Vera Bradley, Inc. common shareholders

$

(0.95

)

 

$

(1.02

)

 

$

0.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley Direct segment operating income (loss)

$

10,044

 

 

$

(6,173

)

4

$

16,217

 

 

Vera Bradley Indirect segment operating income (loss)

$

3,918

 

 

$

(994

)

5

$

4,912

 

 

Pura Vida segment operating (loss) income

$

(28,534

)

 

$

(31,085

)

6

$

2,551

 

 

Unallocated corporate expenses

$

(28,249

)

 

$

(8,438

)

7

$

(19,811

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1Items include $6,142 for inventory adjustments associated with the exit of certain technology products and the goodMRKT brand, as well as excess mask products and $1,134 for PO cancellation fees

 

2Items include $5,714 for severance charges; $2,755 for consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives and CEO search; $768 for the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets; $759 for store impairment charges; and $80 for goodMRKT brand exit costs

 

3Related to the tax impact of the charges mentioned above, as well as goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges

 

4Related to $5,097 related to an allocation for certain inventory adjustments and PO cancellation fees; $759 for store impairment charges; $302 for goodMRKT brand exit costs; and $15 for severance charges

 

5Related to an allocation for certain inventory adjustments and PO cancellation fees

 

6Related to $29,338 of goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges; $963 for inventory adjustments associated with mask products; $768 for the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets; and $16 for severance charges

 

7Related to $5,683 for severance charges and $2,755 for consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives and CEO search

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2022

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Thirteen Weeks Ended July 31, 2021

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

 

As Reported

 

Other Items

 

Non-GAAP (Excluding Items)

 

Gross profit

$

80,361

 

 

$

 

 

$

80,361

 

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

68,729

 

 

 

768

 

1

 

67,961

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

12,648

 

 

 

(768

)

 

 

13,416

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

12,529

 

 

 

(768

)

 

 

13,297

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

2,672

 

 

 

(130

)

 

 

2,802

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

9,857

 

 

 

(638

)

 

 

10,495

 

 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

807

 

 

 

(192

)

 

 

999

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc.

 

9,050

 

 

 

(446

)

 

 

9,496

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share available to Vera Bradley, Inc. common shareholders

$

0.26

 

 

$

(0.01

)

 

$

0.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley Direct segment operating income

$

23,168

 

 

$

 

 

$

23,168

 

 

Vera Bradley Indirect segment operating income

$

5,601

 

 

$

 

 

$

5,601

 

 

Pura Vida segment operating income (loss)

$

3,226

 

 

$

(768

)

1

$

3,994

 

 

Unallocated corporate expenses

$

(19,347

)

 

$

 

 

$

(19,347

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1Includes the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley, Inc.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 30, 2022

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

 

 

As Reported

 

Other Items

 

Non-GAAP (Excluding Items)

 

Gross profit (loss)

$

113,031

 

 

$

(7,276

)

1

$

120,307

 

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

134,956

 

 

 

11,587

 

2

 

123,369

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 

29,338

 

 

 

29,338

 

 

 

 

 

Operating loss

 

(51,054

)

 

 

(48,201

)

 

 

(2,853

)

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(51,130

)

 

 

(48,201

)

 

 

(2,929

)

 

Income tax benefit

 

(7,519

)

 

 

(7,135

)

3

 

(384

)

 

Net loss

 

(43,611

)

 

 

(41,066

)

 

 

(2,545

)

 

Less: Net (loss) income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

(6,870

)

 

 

(7,963

)

 

 

1,093

 

 

Net loss attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc.

 

(36,741

)

 

 

(33,103

)

 

 

(3,638

)

 

Diluted net loss per share available to Vera Bradley, Inc. common shareholders

$

(1.15

)

 

$

(1.03

)

 

$

(0.11

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley Direct segment operating income (loss)

$

15,547

 

 

$

(6,173

)

4

$

21,720

 

 

Vera Bradley Indirect segment operating income (loss)

$

9,397

 

 

$

(994

)

5

$

10,391

 

 

Pura Vida segment operating (loss) income

$

(27,478

)

 

$

(31,854

)

6

$

4,376

 

 

Unallocated corporate expenses

$

(48,520

)

 

$

(9,180

)

7

$

(39,340

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1Items include $6,142 for inventory adjustments associated with the exit of certain technology products and the goodMRKT brand, as well as excess mask products and $1,134 for PO cancellation fees

 

2Items include $5,714 for severance charges; $2,905 for consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives and CEO search; $1,537 for the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets; $1,351 for store and right-of-use asset impairment charges; and $80 for goodMRKT brand exit costs

 

3Related to the tax impact of the charges mentioned above, as well as goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges

 

4Related to $5,097 related to an allocation for certain inventory adjustments and PO cancellation fees; $759 for store impairment charges; $302 for goodMRKT brand exit costs; and $15 for severance charges

 

5Related to an allocation for certain inventory adjustments and PO cancellation fees

 

6Related to $29,338 of goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges; $963 for inventory adjustments associated with mask products; $1,537 for the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets; and $16 for severance charges

 

7Related to $5,683 for severance charges; $2,905 for consulting fees associated with cost savings initiatives and CEO search; and $592 for a right-of-use asset impairment charge

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley, Inc.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 31, 2021

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

 

 

As Reported

 

Other Items

 

Non-GAAP (Excluding Items)

 

Gross profit

$

139,525

 

 

$

 

 

$

139,525

 

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

129,625

 

 

 

1,537

 

1

 

128,088

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

10,689

 

 

 

(1,537

)

 

 

12,226

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

10,480

 

 

 

(1,537

)

 

 

12,017

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

2,141

 

 

 

(293

)

 

 

2,434

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

8,339

 

 

 

(1,244

)

 

 

9,583

 

 

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

1,434

 

 

 

(384

)

 

 

1,818

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to Vera Bradley, Inc.

 

6,905

 

 

 

(860

)

 

 

7,765

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share available to Vera Bradley, Inc. common shareholders

$

0.20

 

 

$

(0.02

)

 

$

0.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vera Bradley Direct segment operating income

$

34,028

 

 

$

 

 

$

34,028

 

 

Vera Bradley Indirect segment operating income

$

10,062

 

 

$

 

 

$

10,062

 

 

Pura Vida segment operating income (loss)

$

5,734

 

 

$

(1,537

)

1

$

7,271

 

 

Unallocated corporate expenses

$

(39,135

)

 

$

 

 

$

(39,135

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1Includes the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets