Vera Bradley (VRA $41.13 -6.53) reported first quarter earnings of
$0.28 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.27.
Revenues rose 19.3% year/year to $101.4 million versus the $100.2 mln consensus.
For the first quarter, gross profit rose 16% to $56.4 million, and gross margin
was 55.7%, compared to expectations of 55.8% and 57.4% in the first quarter of
fiscal 2011.
For the second quarter, the company guided earnings of $0.27 to $0.29 versus
$0.26 Thomson Reuters consensus and sees revenues of $95 million to $98 million
versus the $94.85 million Thomson Reuters consensus.
For its fiscal year 2012, the company expects earnings to fall in the range of
$1.27-1.30 versus $1.28 Thomson Reuters consensus and sees revenues; of $430
million to $435 million versus the $433.69 million Thomson Reuters consensus.
"Our performance reflects significant demand for Vera Bradley as we expand our
product offerings and increase our presence in underpenetrated markets. In
addition, we have some exciting new initiatives underway, including the
introduction of our brand in Japan and our initial entry into the department
store channel."






