Vera Bradley Sales Miss Estimates

Vera Bradley Inc. reported a first-quarter net loss of $4.05 million, or 11 cents per share, after net income of $2.41 million, or 6 cents per share, for the same period last year. The adjusted loss was 9 cents per share, versus a FactSet consensus for a 13-cent loss. Revenue was $96.1 million, down from $105.2 million and below the FactSet consensus of $96.6 million. Same-store sales, including e-commerce, were down 12.5%, which reflects a 7.8% decline in comparable-store sales and a 22% decrease in e-commerce sales. The company maintained its guidance, forecasting second quarter revenue of $111.0 million to $115.0 million, EPS of 9 cents to 11 cents. The FactSet consensus is for EPS of 13 cents and revenue of $113.0 million. For the full-year, the company expects revenue of $460.0 million to $480.0 million and EPS of 40 cents to 50 cents. The FactSet consensus is for sales of $467.1 million and EPS of 44 cents. Vera Bradley shares are up 1.2% in Wednesday premarket trading and down 44.5% for the past year. The S&P 500 index is up 15.1% for the last 12 months.