Form 10-Q Vera Bradley, Inc. For: Apr 30

Form 10-Q Vera Bradley, Inc. For: Apr 30

Sign up for StreetInsider Free!

Sign up for StreetInsider Free!

Create E-mail Alert Related Categories

You May Also Be Interested In

Create E-mail Alert Related Categories

Free News Feed

Article Stock Quotes (1)

FREE Breaking News Alerts from StreetInsider.com!

StreetInsider.com Top Tickers, 4/16/2024

1. GS
2. JNJ
3. SPY
4. BK
5. UNH

6. SCHW
7. MS
8. TSLA
9. MSFT
10. BAC

Top News Most Read Special Reports

June 8, 2016 3:27 PM EDT

E-mail

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________

FORM 10-Q

___________________________



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended April 30, 2016



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From to

Commission File Number: 001-34918

___________________________

VERA BRADLEY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

___________________________



Indiana		27-2935063
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

12420 Stonebridge Road, Roanoke, Indiana		46783
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(877) 708-8372

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

___________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

The registrant had 37,004,561 shares of its common stock outstanding as of June 3, 2016.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2016, and January 30, 2016	4

	Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2016, and May 2, 2015	5

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2016, and May 2, 2015	6

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2016, and May 2, 2015	7

	Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements	8

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	24

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	24

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	25

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	25

Item 6.	Exhibits	26

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements refer to our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, strategies, future performance, and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” and “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, revenues, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates, and financial results, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, or the expected outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including:


•	possible inability to successfully implement our long-term strategic plan;


•	possible continued declines in our comparable sales;


•	possible inability to maintain and enhance our brand;


•	possible failure of our multi-channel distribution model;


•	possible adverse changes in general economic conditions and their impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending;


•	possible inability to predict and respond in a timely manner to changes in consumer demand;


•	possible inability to successfully open new stores and/or operate current stores as planned;


•	possible loss of key management or design associates or inability to attract and retain the talent required for our business; and


•	possible data security or privacy breaches or disruptions in our computer systems or website.

We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our operating plans and forecasts, which are based upon detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results.

For a discussion of these risks and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements, please refer to “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.

We caution you that the risks and uncertainties identified by us may not be all of the factors that are important to you. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

(unaudited)



	April 30, 2016			January 30, 2016
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	51,813		$	97,681
Short-term investments	30,013			—
Accounts receivable, net	27,691			31,294
Inventories	113,412			113,590
Income taxes receivable	2,766			785
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,947			10,292
Total current assets	237,642			253,642
Property, plant, and equipment, net	114,904			113,711
Deferred income taxes	11,142			11,363
Other assets	2,057			1,963
Total assets	$	365,745		$	380,679
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	26,378		$	24,606
Accrued employment costs	10,503			14,937
Other accrued liabilities	17,155			16,924
Income taxes payable	—			10,085
Total current liabilities	54,036			66,552
Long-term liabilities	29,445			28,872
Total liabilities	83,481			95,424
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock; 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock, without par value; 200,000 shares authorized, 40,905 and 40,804 shares issued and 37,449 and 37,701 shares outstanding, respectively	—			—
Additional paid-in-capital	85,706			85,436
Retained earnings	246,427			244,009
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(38		)	(43		)
Treasury stock	(49,831		)	(44,147		)
Total shareholders’ equity	282,264			285,255
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	365,745		$	380,679

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Net revenues	$	105,181	$	101,104
Cost of sales	45,525		49,410
Gross profit	59,656		51,694
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	56,376		57,612
Other income	577		947
Operating income (loss)	3,857		(4,971		)
Interest expense, net	48		77
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,809		(5,048		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,391		(912		)
Net income (loss)	$	2,418	$	(4,136	)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	37,547		39,884
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	37,724		39,884

Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.06	$	(0.10	)
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.06	$	(0.10	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

(unaudited)



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Net income (loss)	$	2,418	$	(4,136	)
Cumulative translation adjustment	5		10
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,423	$	(4,126	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	2,418		$	(4,136	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment	4,702			5,174
Provision for doubtful accounts	23			(381		)
Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment	—			52
Stock-based compensation	842			1,404
Deferred income taxes	221			348
Gain on short-term investment	(13		)	—
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	3,580			5,514
Inventories	178			(3,391		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,749		)	(320		)
Accounts payable	1,262			(2,905		)
Income taxes	(12,066		)	(2,523		)
Accrued and other liabilities	(3,395		)	394
Net cash used in operating activities	(3,997		)	(770		)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(5,594		)	(7,530		)
Purchase of short-term investments	(30,000		)	—
Net cash used in investing activities	(35,594		)	(7,530		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Tax withholdings for equity compensation	(572		)	(478		)
Repurchase of common stock	(5,694		)	(6,921		)
Other financing activities, net	(16		)	(24		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(6,282		)	(7,423		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	5			10
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(45,868		)	(15,713		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	97,681			112,292
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	51,813		$	96,579
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Non-cash operating, investing, and financing activities
Repurchase of common stock
Expenditures incurred but not yet paid as of April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015	$	426		$	374
Expenditures incurred but not yet paid as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015	$	436		$	116
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
Expenditures incurred but not yet paid as of April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015	$	3,173		$	3,391
Expenditures incurred but not yet paid as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015	$	2,872		$	2,172

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

1. Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation

The terms “Company” and “Vera Bradley” refer to Vera Bradley, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise or where otherwise indicated.

Vera Bradley is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand’s innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors continue to inspire and connect women.

Vera Bradley offers a unique, multi-channel sales model, as well as a focus on service and a high level of customer engagement. The Company sells its products through two reportable segments: Direct and Indirect. The Direct business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products through the Company’s full-line and factory outlet stores in the United States, verabradley.com, direct-to-consumer eBay sales, and the Company's annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As of April 30, 2016, the Company operated 111 full-line stores and 41 factory outlet stores. The Indirect business consists of sales of Vera Bradley products to approximately 2,600 specialty retail locations, substantially all of which are located in the United States, as well as department stores, national accounts, third-party e-commerce sites, the Company's wholesale customer in Japan, and third-party inventory liquidators.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been omitted. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016, filed with the SEC.

The interim financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company has eliminated intercompany balances and transactions in consolidation.

Fiscal Periods

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. References to the fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2016, and May 2, 2015, refer to the thirteen-week periods ended on those dates.

Operating Leases and Tenant-Improvement Allowances

The Company has leases that contain rent holidays and predetermined, fixed escalations of minimum rentals. For each of these leases, the Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis commencing on the date of initial possession of the leased property. The Company records the difference between the recognized rent expense and the amount payable under the lease as a deferred rent liability. As of April 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016, deferred rent liability was $11.8 million and $11.5 million, respectively, and is included within long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company receives tenant-improvement allowances from some of the landlords of its leased properties. These allowances generally are in the form of cash received by the Company from its landlords as part of the negotiated lease terms. The Company records each tenant-improvement allowance as a deferred credit and amortizes the allowance on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense over the term of the lease, commencing on the possession date. As of April 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016, the deferred lease credit liability was $16.5 million and $16.2 million, respectively. Of these amounts, $2.3 million is included within other accrued liabilities as of April 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016; and $14.2 million and $13.9 million is included within long-term liabilities as of April 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016, respectively.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The updated guidance changes how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payment awards to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as the classification of related matters in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted.

The Company early adopted this standard for the quarter ended April 30, 2016. The impact of the adoption of this standard was as follows:


•	approximately $55,000 of excess tax benefits was recorded through income tax expense as a discrete item, adopted on a prospective basis;


•	excess tax benefits were combined with other income tax cash flows within operating cash flows adopted on a prospective basis; and


•	cash paid by the Company when directly withholding shares to satisfy an employee's statutory tax obligations continued to be classified as a financing activity.


•	The Company has elected to continue its current policy of estimating forfeitures rather than recognizing forfeitures when they occur.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, which for the Company is fiscal 2019. Earlier application is permitted as of the original effective date, annual reporting periods beginning after December 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard, including the transition method, on its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory, which requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance and does not expect the application of this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by leases and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

2. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares represent outstanding restricted stock units. The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016		May 2, 2015
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	2,418	$	(4,136	)
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of common shares (basic)	37,547		39,884
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	177		—
Weighted-average number of common shares (diluted)	37,724		39,884
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.06	$	(0.10	)
Diluted	$	0.06	$	(0.10	)

As of April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, there were an immaterial number of additional shares issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units that were excluded from the diluted share calculations because they were anti-dilutive.

3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date:


•	Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;


•	Level 2 – Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly;


•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions.

The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement.

The carrying amounts reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, and payables as of April 30, 2016, and January 30, 2016, approximated their fair values.

Short-term investments consist of a certificate of deposit with an original maturity of one year and a one-time option to accelerate maturity to 31 days without penalty. The initial investment was $30.0 million and the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the certificate of deposit to maturity. The accrued interest on the certificate of deposit is recognized in interest expense, net, in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to the observable inputs, the certificate of deposit approximated its fair value as of April 30, 2016, and is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

4. Inventories

The components of inventories were as follows (in thousands):



	April 30, 2016		January 30, 2016
Raw materials	$	—	$	151
Finished goods	113,412		113,439
Total inventories	$	113,412	$	113,590

5. Debt

On July 15, 2015, Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. (“VBD”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among VBD, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as syndication agent, and KeyBank National Association, as documentation agent (the “Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated the Company's prior credit agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for certain credit facilities to VBD in an aggregate principal amount not to initially exceed $125.0 million, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes of VBD and its subsidiaries, including but not limited to Vera Bradley International, LLC and Vera Bradley Sales, LLC (collectively, the “Named Subsidiaries”).

Amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at VBD's option, at a per annum rate equal to either (A) the Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) plus the Applicable Margin, where the ABR is the highest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) Adjusted LIBOR for a one-month interest period plus 1%, and the Applicable Margin is a percentage ranging from 0.00% to 0.70% depending upon the Company's leverage ratio or (B) Adjusted LIBOR plus the Applicable Margin, where Adjusted LIBOR means LIBOR, as adjusted for statutory reserve requirements for eurocurrency liabilities, and Applicable Margin is a percentage ranging from 1.00% to 1.70% depending upon the Company's leverage ratio. Any loans made, or letters of credit issued, pursuant to the Credit Agreement mature on July 15, 2020.

VBD's obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and the Named Subsidiaries. The obligations of VBD under the Credit Agreement are secured by first priority security interests in all of the respective assets of VBD, the Company, and the Named Subsidiaries and a pledge of the equity interests of VBD and the Named Subsidiaries.

The Credit Agreement contains various restrictive covenants, including restrictions on the Company's ability to dispose of assets, make acquisitions or investments, incur debt or liens, make distributions to stockholders or repurchase outstanding stock, enter into related party transactions and make capital expenditures, other than upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Company is also required to comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants, including maintaining a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum ratio of EBITDAR to the sum of interest expense plus rentals (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and a limit on capital expenditures. Upon an event of default, which includes certain customary events such as, among other things, a failure to make required payments when due, a failure to comply with covenants, certain bankruptcy and insolvency events, a material adverse change (as defined in the Credit Agreement), defaults under other material indebtedness, and a change in control, the lenders may accelerate amounts outstanding, terminate the agreement and foreclose on all collateral.

As of April 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016, the Company had borrowing availability of $125.0 million under its second amended and restated credit agreement.

6. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for interim periods is based on an estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the impact of discrete items. Management judgment is required in projecting ordinary income to estimate the Company’s annual effective tax rate.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

The effective tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, was 36.5%, compared to 18.1% for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015. The year-over year increase is primarily due to an increase in income before income taxes in the current year, partially offset by the relative impact of permanent items, as well as an income tax reserve for uncertain tax positions in the prior year and a discrete item related to an excess tax benefit from share-based payments as a result of the early adoption of ASU 2016-09, as further described in Note 1 herein.

7. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense, for its awards of restricted stock units, in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date of the respective award.

The Company reserved 6,076,001 shares of common stock for issuance or transfer under the 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan, which allows for grants of restricted stock units, as well as other equity awards.

Awards of Restricted Stock Units

During the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, the Company granted 295,148 time-based and performance-based restricted stock units with an aggregate fair value of $5.8 million to certain employees and non-employee directors under the 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan compared to a total of 562,630 time-based and performance-based restricted stock units with an aggregate fair value of $9.1 million granted in the same period of the prior year. The Company determined the fair value of the awards based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

The majority of the time-based restricted stock units vest and settle in shares of the Company’s common stock, on a one-for-one basis, in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock units issued to non-employee directors vest after a one-year period from the grant date. The Company recognizes the expense relating to these units, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Performance-based restricted stock units vest upon the completion of a three-year period of time (cliff vesting), subject to the employee’s continuing employment throughout the three-year performance period and the Company’s achievement of annual earnings per share targets during the three-year performance period. The Company recognizes the expense relating to these units, net of estimated forfeitures, based on the probable outcome of achievement of the financial targets, on a straight-line basis over three years.

The following table sets forth a summary of restricted stock unit activity for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 (units in thousands):



	Time-based Restricted Stock Units				Performance-based Restricted Stock Units
	Number of Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (per unit)		Number of Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (per unit)
Nonvested units outstanding at January 30, 2016	463		$	18.05	303		$	20.95
Granted	169		19.73		126		19.76
Vested	(131	)	18.58		—		—
Forfeited	—		—		(46	)	23.63
Nonvested units outstanding at April 30, 2016	501		$	18.48	383		$	20.24

As of April 30, 2016, there was $9.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested restricted stock units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

8. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies arising in the normal course of business, including those relating to product liability, legal, employee benefit, environmental, and other matters. Management believes that it is not reasonably possible that any of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

9. Common Stock

On December 8, 2015, the Company's board of directors approved a share repurchase program (the “2015 Share Repurchase Program”) authorizing up to $50.0 million of repurchases of shares of the Company's common stock. The 2015 Share Repurchase Program expires in December 2017. The prior share repurchase program (the “2014 Share Repurchase Program”) was approved by the board of directors on September 9, 2014, and authorized share repurchases up to $40.0 million. The 2014 Share Repurchase Program was completed in fiscal 2016.

The Company purchased 354,052 shares at an average price of $16.05 per share, excluding commissions, for an aggregate amount of $5.7 million during the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, under the 2015 Share Repurchase Program. As of April 30, 2016, there was $40.2 million remaining available to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock under the 2015 Share Repurchase Program.

As of April 30, 2016, the Company held as treasury shares 3,456,404 shares of its common stock at an average price of $14.42 per share, excluding commissions, for an aggregate carrying amount of $49.8 million. The Company’s treasury shares may be issued under the 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan or for other corporate purposes.

10. Restructuring and Other Charges

In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company closed its manufacturing facility located in New Haven, Indiana. The Company incurred restructuring and other charges during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 of approximately $3.4 million ($2.1 million after the associated tax benefit), related to the facility closing. These charges include severance and benefit costs of approximately $1.7 million, lease termination costs of approximately $0.7 million, inventory-related charges of approximately $0.6 million, and other associated net costs, which include accelerated depreciation related to fixed assets, of approximately $0.4 million. These charges are reflected in cost of sales in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Management expects that the facility closure will reduce operating costs by approximately $12.0 million annually. All production from the facility was absorbed by the Company’s third party manufacturing suppliers. There are no remaining liabilities associated with the facility closure.

Additional charges affecting comparability of the financial results for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 totaled approximately $3.1 million ($2.1 million after the associated tax benefit) consisting of charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 of $1.3 million in employee severance (reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses), $1.2 million due to a retail store early lease termination agreement (reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses), and $0.6 million related to an increase in income tax reserves for uncertain federal and state tax positions related to research and development tax credits (reflected in income tax expense).

11. Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of a certificate of deposit with an original maturity of one year and a one-time option to accelerate maturity to 31 days without penalty. Interest income from the investment is included in interest expense, net, in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company’s objective with respect to this investment is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are otherwise not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term while maintaining a low level of investment risk with the positive intent and ability to hold this investment to maturity. As of April 30, 2016, the Company held $30.0 million in short-term investments. The Company did not have short-term investments as of January 30, 2016.

12. Segment Reporting

The Company has two operating segments, which are also its reportable segments: Direct and Indirect. These operating segments are components of the Company for which separate financial information is available and for

Table of Contents

Vera Bradley, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

which operating results are evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing the performance of the segments.

The Direct segment includes the Company’s full-line and factory outlet stores, the Company’s website, verabradley.com, direct-to-consumer eBay sales, and the annual outlet sale. Revenues generated through this segment are driven through the sale of Company-branded products from Vera Bradley to end consumers.

The Indirect segment represents revenues generated through the distribution of Company-branded products to specialty retailers representing approximately 2,600 locations, substantially all of which are located in the United States, as well as key accounts, which include department stores, national accounts, third-party e-commerce sites, the Company's wholesale customer in Japan, and third-party inventory liquidators.

Corporate costs represent the Company’s administrative expenses, which include, but are not limited to: human resources, legal, finance, information technology, design, merchandising, and various other corporate-level-activity-related expenses. All intercompany-related activities are eliminated in consolidation and are excluded from the segment reporting.

Company management evaluates segment operating results based on several indicators. The primary or key performance indicators for each segment are net revenues and operating income. Net revenues and operating income information for the Company’s reportable segments during the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, respectively, consisted of the following (in thousands):



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Segment net revenues:
Direct	$	72,946		$	70,433
Indirect	32,235			30,671
Total	$	105,181		$	101,104
Segment operating income:
Direct	$	12,137		$	8,027
Indirect	12,598			9,904
Total	$	24,735		$	17,931
Reconciliation:
Segment operating income	$	24,735		$	17,931
Less:
Unallocated corporate expenses	(20,878		)	(22,902		)
Operating income (loss)	$	3,857		$	(4,971	)

Table of Contents


ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity, and cash flows of the Company as of and for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016, and our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report. The results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Executive Summary

Below is a summary of our strategic progress and financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2017:

Strategic Progress


•	We opened one new full-line store in metropolitan Chicago and one new factory outlet store in Foley, Alabama during the first quarter and relocated our full-line Park Meadows store in metropolitan Denver to a higher traffic location. Both full-line stores feature our new, modern interior store design and updated logo and facade.


•	We are working with our store teams to drive traffic and sales through enhancing our sell-and-service culture, as well as nurturing more customer and community outreach.


•	We are continuing to reinvigorate and modernize our cotton assortment with new patterns, styles, silhouettes, hardware, and functionality. We are also continuing to innovate and drive sales with the addition of non-cotton offerings to our assortment.


•	We are continuing work on the redesign and conversion of verabradley.com to a new platform, creating a dynamic digital flagship which will be launched in September 2016. The new site will offer a number of of enhancements including the ability to strategically segment and personalize messaging, express check-out, and “order on-line, pickup in-store,” among many others.


•	We are positioning for additional department store growth not only by adding more distribution points but by building the productivity of our existing doors through editing and curating assortments by location, adding more floor space where appropriate, and delivering visual consistency across locations.


•	We opened a sourcing and procurement office in Hong Kong to lead our global supply chain in Asia.

Financial Summary (all comparisons are to the first quarter of fiscal 2016)


•	Net revenues increased 4.0% to $105.2 million.


•	Direct segment sales increased 3.6% to $72.9 million. Comparable sales (including e-commerce) decreased 6.7%.


•	Indirect segment sales increased 5.1% to $32.2 million.


•	Gross profit was $59.7 million, or 56.7% of net revenue.


•	Operating income was $3.9 million.


•	Net income was $2.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share.


•	Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $81.8 million at April 30, 2016.


•	Capital expenditures totaled $5.6 million.


•	Repurchases of common stock totaled $5.7 million.

Restructuring and Other Charges Affecting Comparability of the Periods ended April 30, 2016, and May 2, 2015

In the first quarter of fiscal 2016 (the comparable prior-year period), we closed our manufacturing facility located in New Haven, Indiana. We incurred restructuring and other charges during the first quarter of fiscal 2016 of approximately $3.4 million ($2.1 million after the associated tax benefit), related to the facility closing. These charges include severance and benefit costs of approximately $1.7 million, lease termination costs of approximately $0.7 million, inventory-related charges of approximately $0.6 million, and other associated net costs, which include accelerated depreciation related to fixed assets, of approximately $0.4 million. These charges are reflected in cost of sales in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We expect that the facility closure will reduce operating costs by approximately $12.0 million annually. All production from the facility was absorbed by our third party manufacturing suppliers.

Table of Contents

Additional charges affecting comparability of the financial results for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, totaled approximately $3.1 million ($2.1 million after the associated tax benefit) consisting of charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 of $1.3 million in employee severance (reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses), $1.2 million due to a retail store early lease termination agreement (reflected in selling, general, and administrative expenses), and $0.6 million related to an increase in income tax reserves for uncertain federal and state tax positions related to research and development tax credits (reflected in income tax expense).

How We Assess the Performance of Our Business

In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures.

Net Revenues

Net revenues reflect sales of our merchandise and revenue from distribution and shipping and handling fees, less returns and discounts. Revenues for the Direct segment reflect sales through our full-line and factory outlet stores, verabradley.com, direct-to-consumer eBay sales, and our annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Revenues for the Indirect segment reflect sales to specialty retail partners, department stores, national accounts, third-party e-commerce sites, our wholesale customer in Japan, and third-party inventory liquidators.

Comparable Sales

Comparable sales (including e-commerce) are calculated based upon our stores that have been open for at least 12 full fiscal months and net revenues from our e-commerce operations. Comparable store sales are calculated based solely upon our stores that have been open for at least 12 full fiscal months. Remodeled stores are included in comparable sales and comparable store sales unless the store was closed for a portion of the current or comparable prior period or the remodel resulted in a significant change in square footage. Some of our competitors and other retailers calculate comparable or “same store” sales differently than we do. As a result, data in this report regarding our comparable sales and comparable store sales may not be comparable to similar data made available by other companies. Non-comparable sales include sales from stores not included in comparable sales or comparable store sales.

Measuring the change in year-over-year comparable sales allows us to evaluate how our store base and e-commerce operations are performing. Various factors affect our comparable sales, including:


•	Overall economic trends;


•	Consumer preferences and fashion trends;


•	Overall levels of mall and e-commerce traffic;


•	Competition;


•	The timing of our releases of new patterns and collections;


•	Changes in our product mix;


•	Pricing and level of promotions;


•	The level of customer service that we provide in stores;


•	Our ability to source and distribute products efficiently;


•	The number of stores we open and close in any period; and


•	The timing and success of promotional and advertising efforts.

Gross Profit

Gross profit is equal to our net revenues less our cost of sales. Cost of sales includes the direct cost of purchased merchandise, distribution center costs, operations overhead, duty, and all inbound freight costs incurred. The components of our reported cost of sales may not be comparable to those of other retail and wholesale companies.

Gross profit can be impacted by changes in volume; fluctuations in sales price; operational efficiencies, such as leveraging of fixed costs; promotional activities, including free shipping; commodity prices, such as for cotton; and labor costs.

Table of Contents

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

SG&A expenses include selling; advertising, marketing, and product development; and administrative. Selling expenses include Direct business expenses, such as store expenses, employee compensation, and store occupancy and supply costs, as well as Indirect business expenses consisting primarily of employee compensation and other expenses associated with sales to Indirect retailers. Advertising, marketing, and product development expenses include employee compensation, media costs, creative production expenses, marketing agency fees, new product design costs, public relations expenses, and market research expenses. A portion of our advertising expenses may be reimbursed by Indirect retailers, and such amount is classified as other income. Administrative expenses include employee compensation for corporate functions, corporate headquarters occupancy costs, consulting and software expenses, and charitable donations.

Other Income

We support many of our Indirect retailers’ marketing efforts by distributing certain catalogs and promotional mailers to current and prospective customers. Our Indirect retailers reimburse us for a portion of the cost to produce these materials. Reimbursement received is recorded as other income. The related cost to design, produce, and distribute the catalogs and mailers is recorded as SG&A expense. Other income also includes proceeds from the sales of tickets to our annual outlet sale.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income (loss) is equal to gross profit less SG&A expenses plus other income. Operating income (loss) excludes interest income, interest expense, and income taxes.

Net Income (Loss)

Net income (loss) is equal to operating income less net interest expense and income taxes.

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following tables summarize key components of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated, both in dollars and as a percentage of our net revenues ($ in thousands):



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Statement of Income Data:
Net revenues	$	105,181		$	101,104
Cost of sales	45,525			49,410
Gross profit	59,656			51,694
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	56,376			57,612
Other income	577			947
Operating income (loss)	3,857			(4,971		)
Interest expense, net	48			77
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,809			(5,048		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,391			(912		)
Net income (loss)	$	2,418		$	(4,136	)
Percentage of Net Revenues:
Net revenues	100.0		%	100.0		%
Cost of sales	43.3		%	48.9		%
Gross profit	56.7		%	51.1		%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	53.6		%	57.0		%
Other income	0.5		%	0.9		%
Operating income (loss)	3.7		%	(4.9		)%
Interest expense, net	—		%	0.1		%
Income (loss) before income taxes	3.6		%	(5.0		)%
Income tax expense (benefit)	1.3		%	(0.9		)%
Net income (loss)	2.3		%	(4.1		)%

The following tables present net revenues and operating income by operating segment, both in dollars and as a percentage of associated net revenues, and store data for the periods indicated ($ in thousands, except as otherwise indicated):



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Net Revenues by Segment:
Direct	$	72,946		$	70,433
Indirect	32,235			30,671
Total	$	105,181		$	101,104
Percentage of Net Revenues by Segment:
Direct	69.4		%	69.7		%
Indirect	30.6		%	30.3		%
Total	100.0		%	100.0		%

Table of Contents



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Operating Income (Loss) by Segment:
Direct	$	12,137		$	8,027
Indirect	12,598			9,904
Less: Corporate unallocated	(20,878		)	(22,902		)
Total	$	3,857		$	(4,971	)
Operating Income (Loss) as a Percentage of Net Revenues by Segment:
Direct	16.6		%	11.4		%
Indirect	39.1		%	32.3		%
Store Data ⁽¹⁾:
Total stores open at end of period	152			135
Comparable sales (including e-commerce) decrease ⁽²⁾	(6.7		)%	(16.9		)%
Total gross square footage at end of period (all stores)	346,708			304,744
Average net revenues per gross square foot ⁽³⁾	$	128		$	130


(1)	Includes our full-line and factory outlet stores.

(2)

Comparable sales (including e-commerce) are calculated based upon our stores that have been open for at least 12 full fiscal months and net revenues from our e-commerce operations. Increase or decrease is reported as a percentage of the comparable sales for the same period in the prior fiscal year. Remodeled stores are included in comparable sales unless the store was closed for a portion of the current or comparable prior period or the remodel resulted in a significant change in square footage.


(3)	Dollars not in thousands. Average net revenues per gross square foot are calculated by dividing total net revenues for our stores that have been open at least 12 full fiscal months as of the end of the period by total gross square footage for those stores. Remodeled stores are included in average net revenues per gross square foot unless the store was closed for a portion of the period.

Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2016, Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015

Net Revenues

For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, net revenues increased $4.1 million, or 4.0%, to $105.2 million, from $101.1 million in the comparable prior-year period.

Direct. For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, net revenues in the Direct segment increased $2.5 million, or 3.6%, to $72.9 million, from $70.4 million in the comparable prior-year period. This change resulted from a $7.1 million contribution of revenue from our non-comparable stores, including two additional stores opened in the current fiscal year, which was partially offset by a comparable sales (including e-commerce) decrease of $4.1 million, or 6.7%. The decrease in comparable sales (including e-commerce) includes an 11.0% decrease in e-commerce sales and a 3.8% decrease in comparable store sales. The decline in comparable sales (including e-commerce) was primarily due to year-over-year declines in e-commerce and store traffic, as well as lower levels of e-commerce promotional activity.

Indirect. For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, net revenues in the Indirect segment increased $1.5 million, or 5.1%, to $32.2 million, from $30.7 million in the comparable prior-year period. This change was primarily due to incremental sales to certain non-department store key accounts and the timing of a product launch in the specialty channel, that shifted revenues into the second quarter of the prior year from the first quarter, partially offset by a decline in orders from the Company's specialty retail accounts.

Table of Contents

Gross Profit

For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, gross profit increased $8.0 million, or 15.4%, to $59.7 million, from $51.7 million in the comparable prior-year period. As a percentage of net revenues, gross profit increased to 56.7% for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, from 51.1% in the comparable prior-year period. The increase as a percentage of net revenues was primarily due to sourcing efficiencies (reduced overhead costs resulting from the closing of the Company's domestic manufacturing combined with lower product sourcing costs), operational efficiencies, and increased sales penetration of higher-margin made-for-outlet products. In addition, gross profit in the first quarter of the comparable prior-year period was impacted by restructuring charges of $3.4 million, or 3.4% as a percentage of net revenues, related to the closure of our manufacturing facility in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, as discussed in more detail in Note 10 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, SG&A expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 2.1%, to $56.4 million, from $57.6 million in the comparable prior-year period. As a percentage of net revenues, SG&A expenses decreased to 53.6% for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, from 57.0% in the comparable prior-year period. The decrease in SG&A expenses for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 was primarily due to $1.3 million in employee severance expense and $1.2 million in expense related to a retail store early termination agreement that occurred in the first quarter of the prior year and a current year reduction in advertising spending due to the timing of spending in the fiscal 2017 period, partially offset by incremental new store expenses in the current year (we opened 11 full-line and 7 factory outlet stores during the past 12 months). SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased primarily due to the aforementioned items, partially offset by fixed expenses being spread over lower comparable sales and deleveraging of store operating expenses as a result of lower comparable store sales.

Other Income

For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, other income decreased $0.3 million, or 39.1%, to $0.6 million, from $0.9 million in the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a decrease in reimbursement of co-op mailer expense from Indirect retailers.

Operating Income (Loss)

For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, operating income (loss) increased $8.9 million, or 178.0%, to $3.9 million in the current year, from $(5.0) million in the comparable prior-year period. As a percentage of net revenues, operating income (loss) was 3.7% and (4.9)% for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, respectively. Operating income (loss) for the comparable prior-year period was negatively impacted by the $5.9 million in restructuring and other charges described above under “Gross Profit” and “Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses.” The remaining increase in operating income was due to an increase in gross profit, partially offset by an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses (after accounting for $2.5 million in other charges), and a decrease in other income, as described above.

Direct. For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, operating income in the Direct segment increased $4.1 million, or 51.2%, to $12.1 million from $8.0 million in the comparable prior-year period. As a percentage of Direct segment net revenues, operating income in the Direct segment was 16.6% and 11.4% for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, respectively. The increase in operating income as a percentage of Direct segment net revenues was primarily due to $3.5 million, or 4.9% as a percentage of Direct segment net revenues, in restructuring and other charges related to the closure of our manufacturing facility and a retail store early termination agreement in the comparable prior-year period and an increase in gross profit as a percentage of net revenues, partially offset by investments in new stores and deleveraging of store operating expenses as a result of lower comparable store sales.

Indirect. For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, operating income in the Indirect segment increased $2.7 million, or 27.2%, to $12.6 million from $9.9 million in the comparable prior-year period. As a percentage of Indirect segment net revenues, operating income in the Indirect segment was 39.1% and 32.3% for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, respectively. The increase in operating income as a percentage of Indirect segment net revenues was primarily due to an increase in gross profit as a percentage of net revenues, as described above, as well as $1.1 million, or 3.7% as a percentage of Indirect segment net revenues, in restructuring charges related to the closure of our manufacturing facility in the comparable prior-year period.

Corporate Unallocated. For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, unallocated expenses decreased $2.0 million, or 8.8%, to $20.9 million from $22.9 million in the comparable prior-year period. The decrease in unallocated expenses was primarily a result of $1.3 million in employee severance expense in the comparable prior-year period but not the fiscal 2017 period, as well

Table of Contents

as a reduction in advertising expenses due to the timing of advertising spending in the fiscal 2017 period as compared to the comparable prior-year period.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Net Income (Loss)

For the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, net income (loss) increased $6.5 million, or 158.5%, to $2.4 million from $(4.1) million in the comparable prior-year period. The comparable prior-year period included restructuring and other charges of $6.5 million ($4.2 million after the associated tax benefit), as described in Note 10 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our primary source of liquidity is cash on hand and cash flow from operations. We also have access to additional liquidity, if needed, through borrowings under our $125.0 million second amended and restated credit agreement. There were no borrowings under this agreement at April 30, 2016. Historically, our primary cash needs have been for merchandise inventories; payroll; store rent; capital expenditures associated with operational equipment, buildings, information technology, and opening new stores; share repurchases; and debt repayments. The most significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, merchandise inventories, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other current liabilities.

We believe that cash flows from operating activities and the availability of borrowings under our second amended and restated credit agreement or other financing arrangements will be sufficient to meet working capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures, share repurchases, and debt payments for the foreseeable future.

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of a certificate of deposit with an original maturity of one year and a one-time option to accelerate maturity to 31 days without penalty. Interest income from the investment is included in interest expense, net, in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our objective with respect to this investment is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are otherwise not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term while maintaining a low level of investment risk with the intent and ability to hold this investment to maturity.

Cash Flow Analysis

A summary of operating, investing, and financing activities is shown in the following table (in thousands):



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	April 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Net cash used in operating activities	$	(3,997	)	$	(770	)
Net cash used in investing activities	(35,594		)	(7,530		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(6,282		)	(7,423		)

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities consists primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization, deferred taxes, and stock-based compensation, the effect of changes in assets and liabilities, and tenant-improvement allowances received from landlords under our store leases.

Net cash used in operating activities for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, was $4.0 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $0.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2015. The increase in cash used in operating

Table of Contents

activities was primarily due to an increase in tax payments of $9.5 million as a result of the net loss in the prior comparable-year period, partially offset by an increase of net income of $6.5 million.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Investing activities consist primarily of short-term investments and capital expenditures for growth related to new store openings, buildings, operational equipment, and information technology investments.

Net cash used in investing activities was $35.6 million and $7.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, respectively. The increase in investing activities was due to a $30.0 million short-term investment in a certificate of deposit made in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, partially offset by a decrease in property, plant, and equipment spending primarily due to two new stores opened in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 as compared to ten stores in the comparable-prior year period, as well as spending for the campus consolidation in the prior year which did not recur in the current year, partially offset by an increase in information technology investments.

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2017 are expected to be approximately $20.0 million.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $6.3 million and $7.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, respectively. The decrease in financing activities was primarily due to a lower amount of purchases of shares of the Company's common stock as compared to the prior year.

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

On July 15, 2015, Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. (“VBD”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among VBD, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as syndication agent, and KeyBank National Association, as documentation agent (the “Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated our prior credit agreement. The Credit Agreement provides for certain credit facilities to VBD in an aggregate principal amount not to initially exceed $125.0 million, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes of VBD and its subsidiaries, including but not limited to Vera Bradley International, LLC and Vera Bradley Sales, LLC (collectively, the “Named Subsidiaries”).

Table of Contents

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance-sheet financing or unconsolidated special-purpose entities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.

Certain accounting policies and estimates of the Company are considered critical, as these policies and estimates are the most important to the depiction of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and require significant, difficult, or complex judgments, often about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Such policies are summarized in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016. As of April 30, 2016, there was no significant change to any of the critical accounting policies and estimates described in the Annual Report.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1 Description of the Company and Basis of Presentation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

Table of Contents

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As of April 30, 2016, there was no material change in the market risks described in “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Disclosure Committee and management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 30, 2016.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS

There has been no material change to our risk factors as previously set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.


ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On December 8, 2015, the Company’s board of directors approved a share repurchase program (the “2015 Share Repurchase Program”) authorizing up to $50.0 million of repurchases of shares of the Company's common stock. The 2015 Share Repurchase Program expires in December 2017. During the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016, the Company repurchased 354,052 shares of the Company's common stock at an average price of $16.05 per share, excluding commissions.

Details on the shares repurchased under the program during the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2016 are as follows:



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Program
January 31, 2016 - February 27, 2016	186,492	$	14.75	186,492	$	43,101,545
February 28, 2016 - April 2, 2016	12,760	17.08		12,760	42,883,582
April 3, 2016 - April 30, 2016	154,800	17.54		154,800	40,168,648
	354,052	$	16.05	354,052

Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

a. Exhibits



Exhibit No.		Description

10.1		Fiscal 2017 Restricted Stock Unit/Performance Unit Terms and Conditions

10.2		Fiscal 2017 Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (Executives)

10.3		Form of Performance-Based Award Agreement under the 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan

31.1		CEO Section 302 Certification

31.2		CFO Section 302 Certification

32.1		Section 906 Certifications*

101		The following materials from Vera Bradley, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2016 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. **

*	Furnished, not filed.

**	Pursuant to Rule 406T of SEC Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files included as Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these Sections.

Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



		Vera Bradley, Inc. (Registrant)

Date: June 8, 2016		/s/ Kevin J. Sierks
		Kevin J. Sierks
		Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer

Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit No.		Description

10.1		Fiscal 2017 Restricted Stock Unit/Performance Unit Terms and Conditions

10.2		Fiscal 2017 Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (Executives)

10.3		Form of Performance-Based Award Agreement under the 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan

31.1		CEO Section 302 Certification

31.2		CFO Section 302 Certification

32.1		Section 906 Certifications*

101		The following materials from Vera Bradley, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2016 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. **

*	Furnished, not filed.

**	Pursuant to Rule 406T of SEC Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files included as Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these Sections.

Exhibit 10.1

Vera Bradley, Inc.

2010 Equity and Incentive Plan

FISCAL 2017 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT/PERFORMANCE UNIT

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.Definitions. Any term capitalized herein but not defined will have the meaning set forth in the Vera Bradley, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan (the "Plan").

2.Grant and Vesting of Restricted Stock Units.

(a)As of the grant date specified in the Award Agreement (the "Grant Date"), the Participant will be credited with the number of Restricted Stock Units set forth in the Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock Unit is a notional amount that represents one unvested share of Common Stock. Each Restricted Stock Unit constitutes the right, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this document, to the distribution of a Share if and when the Restricted Stock Unit vests.

(b)Restricted Stock Units will vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the Grant Date. If the Participant's Service with the Company and all of its Affiliates terminates before the date that a grant of Restricted Stock Units vests, his or her right to receive the Shares underlying such unvested Restricted Stock Units will be only as provided in Section 5.

3.Grant and Vesting of Performance Units ("Performance RSUs").

(a)As of the Grant Date, the Participant will be credited with the number of Performance RSUs set forth in the Award Agreement. Each Performance RSU is a notional amount that represents one unvested share of Common Stock. Each Performance RSU constitutes the right, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this document, to the distribution of a Share if and when the Performance RSU is deemed earned and vested.

(b)Performance RSUs granted under the Plan are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"). Performance RSUs (or tranches of such Performance RSUs) will become earned only if the Company achieves a stated level of "Earnings Per Share" (as defined below) during the applicable Performance Year within the Performance Period as set forth in the Award Agreement. Except as provided in Section 5, any earned Performance RSUs (and the Participant's right to receive the Shares underlying such Performance RSUs) will become vested only if the Participant remains continuously employed with the Company during the Performance Period. The following additional provisions apply to grants of Performance RSUs:

(i)Certification of Results. Before any award of Performance RSUs is deemed earned with respect to a Performance Period, the Committee shall certify, in accordance with Section 9.5 of the Plan, in writing (i) that the performance goals described in the Award Agreement has been achieved for the Performance Period, and (ii) the calculation of "Earnings Per Share" (as defined below) for each Performance Year within the Performance Period.

(ii)Definition of "Earnings Per Share." For purposes of this Subsection 3(b), the term "Earnings Per Share" means, with respect to any Awards of Performance RSUs, the Company's consolidated earnings per share, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, adjusted to exclude the effects, as shown on the financial statements furnished as part of Form 8-K (announcing the Company's fiscal year-end financial results) for any fiscal year of the Company ending with or within the Performance Period, of (i) any acquisition during the Performance Period, including the amortization expense of intangible assets acquired during the Performance Period, (ii) material charges or income arising from litigation, (iii) corporate restructuring, asset impairment (other than store impairment), or other special charges, and (iv) cumulative effect of changes to U.S. GAAP accounting.

(iii)Definition of "Performance Year." For purposes of this Subsection 3(b), the term "Performance Year" means, with respect to any Awards of Performance RSUs, each fiscal year of the Company ending within the Performance Period.

(iv)Finality of Committee Determinations. Any determination by the Committee of Earnings per Share and the level and entitlement to the Award of Performance RSUs, and any interpretation, rule, or decision adopted by the Committee under the Plan or in carrying out or administering the Plan, is final and binding for all purposes and upon all

interested persons, their heirs, and personal representatives. The Committee may rely conclusively on determinations made by the Company and its auditors to determine Earnings per Share and related information for purposes of administration of the Plan, whether such information is determined by the Company, its auditors, or a third-party vendor engaged to provide such information to the Company. This Subsection is not intended to limit the Committee's power, to the extent it deems proper in its sole discretion, to take any action permitted under the Plan and Code Section 162(m).

4.Rights as a Stockholder.

(a)Unless and until a Restricted Stock Unit or an earned Performance RSU, as applicable, has vested and the Share underlying it has been distributed to the Participant, the Participant will not be entitled to vote in respect of that Restricted Stock Unit or Performance RSU (as applicable) or that Share.

(b)If the Company declares a cash dividend on its Shares, then, on the payment date of the dividend, the Participant will be credited with dividend equivalents equal to the amount of cash dividend per Share multiplied by the number of outstanding Restricted Stock Units or Performance RSUs (as applicable) credited to the Participant through the record date. The dollar amount credited to a Participant under the preceding sentence will be credited to an account ("Account") established for the Participant for bookkeeping purposes only on the books of the Company. The amounts credited to the Account will be credited as of the last day of each month with interest, compounded monthly, until the amount credited to the Account is paid to the Participant. The rate of interest credited under the previous sentence will be the prime rate of interest as reported by the Midwest edition of the Wall Street Journal for the second business day of each fiscal quarter on an annual basis. The balance in the Account will be subject to the same terms regarding vesting and forfeiture as the Participant's Restricted Stock Units or Performance RSUs, as applicable, awarded under the applicable Award Agreement, and will be paid in cash in a single sum at the time that the Shares associated with the Participant's Restricted Stock Units or Performance RSUs, as applicable, are delivered (or forfeited at the time that the Participant's Restricted Stock Units or Performance RSUs, as applicable, are forfeited).

5.Termination of Service; Change in Control. If a Participant's Service is terminated for any reason during the applicable Restricted Period or Performance Period, the terms and conditions of the underlying Award Agreement will govern when and whether the Participant will forfeit the right to receive Shares underlying any Restricted Stock Units or Performance RSUs, as applicable, that have not yet vested. To the extent provided in the underlying Award Agreement, all or a portion of the previously unvested Restricted Stock Units or Performance RSUs, as applicable, then outstanding will vest immediately prior to or upon the consummation of a Change in Control.

For purposes hereof, a "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following: (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Exchange Act and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission as in effect on the date of this Award), other than (i) Barbara Baekgaard, Patricia Miller, Jill Nichols, Michael Ray and Kim Colby and their respective heirs and descendants and any trust established for the benefit of such Persons, (ii) the Company or a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company, or (iii) any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate, of securities of the Company representing more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; (b) the occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the Board nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated; or (c) the consummation of (i) an agreement for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's assets, or (ii) a merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Company with or involving any other corporation, other than a merger, consolidation or reorganization that results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company (or such surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or reorganization.

6.Timing and Form of Payment. Except as provided in this Section or in clauses 2(b) or 3(b) or Section 5, above, once a Restricted Stock Unit vests or a Performance RSU is earned and vested, as applicable, the Participant will be entitled to receive a Share in its place. Delivery of the Share will be made, including delivery with respect to a Disabled Participant, or to the estate of a deceased Participant, after the end of the Restricted Period or Performance Period, as applicable, and not later than the 15^th day of the third month following the end of the Restricted Period or Performance Period, as applicable. Shares will be credited to an account established for the benefit of the Participant with the Company's administrative agent. The Participant will have full legal and beneficial ownership with respect to the Shares at that time.

7.Assignment and Transfers. The Participant may not assign, encumber or transfer any of his or her rights and interests under the Award described in this document, except, in the event of his or her death, by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

8.Withholding Tax. The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local taxes (including FICA obligations), domestic or foreign, and other deductions required by law to be withheld with respect to the Award. Unless the Committee or its designee agrees to a different method for withholding such taxes, the number of Shares (underlying the Award) necessary to cover applicable withholdings will be withheld from the issuance of any Shares of exchange for the Award.

9.Securities Law Requirements.

(a)The Restricted Stock Units and Performance RSUs are subject to the further requirement that, if at any time the Committee determines in its sole discretion that the listing or qualification of the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units and Performance RSUs under any securities exchange requirements or under any applicable law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with, the issuance of Shares under it, then Shares will not be issued under the Restricted Stock Units and Performance RSUs, unless the necessary listing, qualification, consent or approval has been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.

(b)No person who acquires Shares pursuant to the Award reflected in this document may, during any period of time during which that person is an affiliate of the Company (within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act), sell the Shares, unless the offer and sale is made pursuant to (i) an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, which is current and includes the Shares to be sold, or (ii) an appropriate exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as that set forth in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. With respect to individuals subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, transactions under this Award are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3, or its successors under the Exchange Act. To the extent any provision of the Award or action by the Committee fails to so comply, the Committee may determine, to the extent permitted by law, that the provision or action will be null and void.

10.No Limitation on Rights of the Company. Subject to Sections 4.3, 14.1 and 14.2 of the Plan, the grant of the Award described in this document will not in any way affect the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications or changes in its capital or business structure, or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

11.Plan, Restricted Stock Units, Performance RSUs and Award Not a Contract of Employment. Neither the Plan, the Restricted Stock Units, the Performance RSUs nor any other right or interest that is part of the Award granted under the Plan or this document is a contract of employment, and no terms of employment or Service of the Participant will be affected in any way by the Plan, the Restricted Stock Units, the Performance RSUs, the Award, this document or related instruments, except as specifically provided therein. Neither the establishment of the Plan nor the Award will be construed as conferring any legal rights upon the Participant for a continuation of employment or Service, nor will it interfere with the right of the Company or any Affiliate to discharge the Participant and to treat him or her without regard to the effect that treatment might have upon him or her as a Participant.

12.Participant to Have No Rights as a Stockholder. Except as provided in Section 4 above, the Participant will have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units or Performance RSUs, as applicable, prior to the date on which he or she is recorded as the holder of those Shares on the records of the Company.

13.Notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder must be in writing and must be delivered personally, or sent by certified, registered or express mail, postage prepaid. Any such notice will be deemed given when so delivered personally or, if mailed, three days after the date of deposit in the United States mail, in the case of the Company to 12420 Stonebridge Road, Roanoke, Indiana 46783, Attn: Corporate Secretary, and, in the case of the Participant, to the last known address of the Participant in the Company's records.

14.Governing Law. This document and the Award will be construed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Indiana, determined without regard to its conflict of law rules.

15.Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision in this document, if a Participant is a "specified employee" (as such term is defined for purposes of Code Section 409A) at the time of his or her termination of Service, no amount that is subject to Code Section 409A and that becomes payable by reason of such termination of Service shall be paid to the Participant before the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of the Participant's termination of Service, and (ii) the date of the Participant's death.

16.Plan Document Controls. The rights granted under this document are in all respects subject to the provisions of the Plan to the same extent and with the same effect as if they were set forth fully therein. If the terms of this document or the Award conflict with the terms of the Plan, the Plan will control.

I/2776631.7

Exhibit 10.2

Senior Executive Annual Incentive Compensation Plan

Fiscal 2017

Plan Overview

Awards under this Senior Executive Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Annual Plan") are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Vera Bradley, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”), as amended. Any term capitalized herein but not defined will have the meaning set forth in the 2010 Plan.

This Annual Plan is designed to give each eligible Participant (as defined in the attached Administrative Guidelines) an opportunity to share in the Company's success for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017 (the "Performance Period"). The incentive opportunity for the Performance Period is based on a percentage of each Participant's Base Salary (as defined herein) and will be earned based on three to four independent performance measures as more fully described herein (collectively, the “FY17 Performance Measures”).

Calculation of Incentive Opportunity

The target incentive opportunity for each Participant is determined based on a percentage of each Participant's Base Salary (as defined below) based upon the Participant’s level.



	Incentive Opportunity (Percent of Base Salary)
Participant Level	Threshold	Target	Excellence
EVP	25%	50%	87.5%
SVP/VP2	25%	40%	65%

"Base Salary" is defined as the Participant's gross base salary (before taxes and deductions) paid by the Company to the Participant during the Performance Period.

Each Participant will have the opportunity to earn the incentive set forth above based on the level of achievement against the FY17 Performance Measures.

The applicability and weighting of the FY17 Performance Measures relative to the total incentive opportunity is also based upon the Participant’s level:



	Corporate Performance		Corporate Strategic Objective Performance	Individual Personal Financial Objectives	Individual Performance Evaluation
Participant Level	Net Revenue	Operating Income	Corporate Strategic Objective Performance	Individual Personal Financial Objectives	Individual Performance Evaluation
EVP	25%	25%	25%	25%	0%
SVP/VP2	12.5%	12.5%	25%	25%	25%

Corporate Performance

Payouts for Corporate Performance are based on meeting two independent financial metrics, net revenue and operating income. Each financial metric is weighted at 50% of the Corporate Performance goal. Assuming at least threshold levels of performance against the Corporate Performance goals are met during the Performance Period, the actual payout levels will range from 25%-200% of target. The actual amount of the Corporate Performance goals is considered to be confidential information and so is not included in this document, but can be obtained from Human Resources.



Net Revenue Performance Level	Payout as a Percentage of the Portion of Incentive Tied to Corporate Performance*
Threshold	25%
Target	100%
Excellence	200%



Operating Income Performance Level	Payout as a Percentage of the Portion of Incentive Tied to Corporate Performance
Threshold	25%
Target	100%
Excellence	200%

* Payout levels are determined using linear interpolation for results falling between the three performance levels.

Corporate Strategic Objective Performance

Payouts for performance against the Corporate Strategic Objectives will be based on performance against the following objectives, with underlying success measures to be provided by your manager:


•	Reignite the Brand: Reignite the brand to drive desirability and purchase intent, creating and ownable and differentiated market position centered on delivering beautiful solutions to our Day Maker consumer


•	Drive Core Growth: Profitably grow our core business - Delivering our core product (bags, travel and accessories) to our core Day Maker customers (current and future), in our core channels (yielding strong, positive comparable store sales)


•	Develop New Growth Vehicles: Find and obtain new avenues for growth - expanding the Day Maker lifestyle offering, creating new sources of consumer demand domestically and abroad, and leveraging the brand’s value through a strong network of collaborations


•	Power Performance Through People: Build a world-class team of empowered and high-performance individuals and teams, who rally around our brand and core values and are passionate about both winning together and bringing women together through the secret languate of beauty


•	Leverage Core Expense

Assuming threshold levels are met, the actual payout levels range from 0%-150% of target based on the schedule below.



Incentive Rating	Strategic Objectives Payout
Significantly Exceeded	150%
Exceeded	125%
Met All Expectations	100%
Met Most Expectations	75%
Did Not Meet Expectations	0%

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”) shall determine the level of performance achieved against the Corporate Objectives in its sole discretion.

Payout levels for achievement of the Corporate Strategic Objectives range from 0%-150% of that portion of incentive tied to Corporate Strategic Objectives.

Individual Financial Goals

Payouts for performance against the Individual Financial Goals will be based on a Participant’s overall achievement of personal financial objectives, as determined by the Participant’s supervisor. Payout levels for achievement of the Individual Financial Goals range from 0%-150% of that portion of incentive tied to the Individual Financial Goals.



Performance Against Individual Financial Goals	Payout
Significantly Exceeded	150%
Exceeded	125%
Met All Expectations	100%
Met Most Expectations	75%
Did Not Meet Expectations	0%

Individual Performance

Payouts for Individual Performance will be based on each Participant's overall annual performance score during the Performance Period. Payout levels for achievement of Individual Performance targets range from 0%-150% of that portion of incentive tied to Individual Performance



Individual Performance Rating	Payout
Outstanding	150%
Exceeding Expectations	125%
Meeting All Expectations	100%
Meeting Some Expectations/New to Role	75%
Not Meeting Expectations/Too New	0%

Administrative Guidelines - Provide additional information regarding how the Annual Plan will be administered.


1.	The CEO direct reports at a level of Vice President, Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President are eligible to participate

in this Annual Plan, except participants in any other annual incentive compensation plan. Any question regarding eligibility for participation in this Annual Plan shall be resolved by the Compensation Committee, in the Committee’s sole discretion.


2.	Participation in this Annual Plan neither gives any employee the right to be retained as an employee nor limits the Company's right to discharge or discipline any employee.


3.	Final payout of any bonus under this Plan is subject to the final approval of the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Human Resources.


4.	Certification of Results. Before any Awards under the Annual Plan are deemed earned with respect to a Performance Period, the Compensation Committee shall certify, in accordance with Section 9.5 of the 2010 Plan, in writing (i) that the performance goals have been met for the Performance Period, and (ii) the calculation of "Operating Income" and "Net Revenue" for the Performance Period.

Definition of "Operating Income". For purposes of this Annual Plan, the term "Operating Income" means, with respect to the Performance Period related to any Awards, the Company's consolidated operating income, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, adjusted to exclude the effects, as shown on the financial statements furnished as part of Form 8-K (announcing the Company's fiscal year-end financial results) for any fiscal year of the Company ending with or within the Performance Period, of (i) any acquisition during the Performance Period, including the amortization expense of intangible assets acquired during the Performance Period, (ii) material charges or income arising from litigation, (iii) corporate restructuring, asset impairment (other than store impairment), or other special charges, and (iv) cumulative effect of changes to U.S. GAAP accounting.


b.	Definition of "Net Revenue". For purposes of this Annual Plan, the term "Net Revenue" means, with respect to the Performance Period related to any Awards, the Company's consolidated net revenue, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.


5.	All Participants will receive an award that is prorated based on Base Salary earned during the Performance Period.


6.	In the event that a Participant joins the Company at any time during the final three fiscal months of the Performance Period, such participant will not be eligible to participate in this Plan.


7.	All goal attainment calculations will follow normal rounding guidelines (i.e., 93.1% to 93.49% = 93%; 93.5% to 93.9% = 94%).


8.	Payments under the Annual Plan will be paid in cash after the end of the Company's fiscal tax year but no later than the 15th day of the third month following the Company's fiscal tax year on which the annual incentives under this Annual Plan are based.


9.	The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local taxes (including FICA obligations), domestic or foreign, and other deductions required to be withheld by law with respect to this Award.


10.	Record keeping and computation required by this Annual Plan will be subject to review by third-party auditors, and by the Compensation Committee.

11.

Interpretations, determinations, and actions regarding plan administration shall be made by the Compensation Committee. Any such determinations and any interpretation, rule, or decision under the Annual Plan or in carrying out or administering the Annual Plan, is final and binding for all purposes and upon all interested persons, their heirs, and personal representatives. The Company or its designee may rely conclusively on determinations made by the Company and its auditors to determine related information for purposes of administration of the Annual Plan, whether such information is determined by the Company, its auditors, or a third-party vendor engaged to provide such information to the Company.


12.	While it is the intent of the Company to continue this Annual Plan as stated herein, the Company reserves the right to amend

or discontinue the plan at any time in its sole discretion.


13.	No Participant can assign, encumber or transfer any of his or her rights and interests under the Award described in this document, except, in the event of his or her death, by will or the laws of descent and distribution.


14.	The rights granted under this document are in all respects subject to the provisions of the 2010 Plan to the same extent and with the same effect as if they were set forth fully therein. If the terms of this document or the Award conflict with the terms of the 2010 Plan, the 2010 Plan will control.

Exhibit 10.3

[Date]

Re: Award Agreement - Grant of Performance Units

Dear ____________,

Congratulations! In recognition of your continued dedication to Vera Bradley, we are pleased to award you with a discretionary grant of Performance Units ("Award"). This letter constitutes an Award Agreement between you and Vera Bradley regarding the terms and conditions of the grant. In order for the Award referenced in this Award Agreement to become effective, you must electronically accept your grant no later than two weeks from the grant date.

While complete details of this grant are defined in the enclosed documents, a high-level summary of this Award is as follows:



Type of Grant	Discretionary grant of Performance Units (“Performance RSUs”). This is a one-time, discretionary grant to reward you for your continued contribution to the success of Vera Bradley.

Number of Performance RSUs	[Insert XX]

Date of Grant of Award	[Insert XX]

Performance Period	[Insert XX]

Earning of Performance RSUs	The Performance RSUs will be divided into three equal tranches of 1/3 each (each a separate "Tranche") of the total Award and allocated to each of the three fiscal years of the Company ending during the Performance Period, with each such fiscal year being considered a performance year ("Performance Year"). Importantly, each Tranche of Performance RSUs must be "earned" and "vested" before it will be settled in the form of Shares of the Company. Except as otherwise provided herein, (i) each Tranche of Performance RSUs will be deemed earned only if the Earnings Per Share (as defined in the FY17 Restricted Stock Unit/Performance Unit Terms and Conditions) of the Company for the applicable Performance Year meets or exceeds the threshold level established by the Compensation Committee for such Performance Year, and (ii) each Tranche of Performance RSUs will be deemed vested only if you are continuously employed with the Company throughout the Performance Period.



	Performance Level* for each Tranche
	Threshold	Target	Excellence
Performance Level Attainment as % of Target (FY17)	88%	100%	112%
Performance Level Attainment as % of Target (FY18)	88%	100%	112%
Performance Level Attainment as % of Target (FY19)	88%	100%	112%
Payout level** for Tranche of Performance RSUs	25%	100%	200%

* The actual number of Performance RSUs allocated to each Tranche that can be earned under this Award Agreement is based on the level of performance achieved (as summarized in the table above) during the applicable Performance Year and can range from 0% of the "Target" (for performance levels below the "Threshold" level) to a maximum of 200% of the "Target" (for performance levels at or above the "Excellence" level).

** Payout levels for each Tranche of Performance RSUs are based on the attained percentage of the target Earnings Per Share for each respective Performance Year (using linear interpolation for results falling between the three performance levels).



Termination of Service	In general, should your Service with Vera Bradley be terminated prior to the last day of the Performance Period, all then outstanding Performance RSUs (whether or not one or more Tranches have been earned as a result of the Earnings per Share for such Performance Year) will be forfeited to the Company. However, the following provisions will apply if, during the Performance Period, you cease providing Services due to death, Disability or Retirement (and provided that you have not otherwise engaged in an act that would constitute Cause):
		Ÿ Death or Disability: In the event that your Service with the Company terminates as a result of your death or Disability during the Performance Period, (i) with respect to Performance Years that have been completed at the time of such death or Disability, each such Tranche shall be earned only to the extent of actual performance for such Performance Year, and (ii) with respect to Performance Years that have not been completed at the time of such death or Disability, each such Tranche shall be deemed to be earned based on the "Target" level of performance for such Performance Year, but prorated based on the number of full fiscal months (in which you provided Service throughout such month) during the Performance Period. Any such earned Awards shall become fully vested and paid out in Shares of Company stock pursuant to the settlement provisions below. For purposes of this Award Agreement, "Disability" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the 2010 Plan.
		Ÿ Retirement: In the event your Service terminates as a result of your Retirement during the Performance Period, each Tranche of outstanding Awards shall be treated as earned (i) with respect to Performance Years that have been completed at the time of such Retirement, each such Tranche shall be earned and vested only to the extent of actual performance for such Performance Year, and (ii) with respect to Performance Years that have not been completed at the time of such Retirement, each such Tranche shall be deemed to be earned based on the actual performance level attained for such Performance Year, but prorated based on the number of full fiscal months (in which you provided Service throughout such month) during the Performance Period. Any such earned Awards shall become fully vested and paid out in Shares of Company stock pursuant to the settlement provisions below. For purposes of this Award Agreement, "Retirement" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the 2010 Plan.
	If your Service with the Company shall terminate during the Performance Period for any reason other than death, Disability, or Retirement, all Performance RSUs granted hereunder (whether or not a Tranche was previously earned) shall be forfeited to the Company.

Change in Control	Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Award Agreement, in the event of the consummation of a Change in Control of the Company (and provided that you remain continuously employed with the Company until such Change in Control) during the Performance Period, then each Tranche of outstanding Awards shall be treated as earned (i) with respect to Performance Years that have been completed at the time of such Change in Control, such Tranche shall be earned and vested only to the extent of actual performance for such Performance Year, and (ii) with respect to Performance Years that have not been completed at the time of such Change in Control, each such Tranche shall be deemed to be earned at the Target level, with any such earned Performance RSUs becoming fully vested. Performance RSUs payable upon a Change in Control shall be paid immediately prior to the Change in Control in the form of one Share of Company stock for each vested Performance RSU. Partial Shares (along with any accumulated dividends) will be paid in cash at the same time the Shares are delivered.

Settlement	Except as it applies to Tranches that are deemed to be earned at "Target" and become payable due to a Change in Control or due to termination of Service as a result of death or Disability, no Awards will become payable unless the Committee certifies that the performance goals in the Award Agreement have been attained with respect to the applicable Performance Year during the Performance Period in a manner that complies with Code Section 162(m) and the 2010 Plan. Any earned Performance RSUs will be paid in the form of one Share of Company stock for each earned whole Performance RSU. Delivery of the Share(s) will be made, including delivery with respect to a Disabled Participant, or to the estate of a deceased Participant, after the end of the Performance Period and not later than the 15^th day of the third month following the end of the Performance Period. Shares will be credited to an account established for the benefit of the Participant with the Company's administrative agent. The Participant will have full legal and beneficial ownership with respect to the Shares at that time. Partial Shares (along with any accumulated dividends) will be paid in cash at the same time the Shares are delivered.

Withholding Taxes	You acknowledge and agree that the Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local taxes (including your FICA obligation), domestic or foreign, required by law to be withheld with respect to this Award.

These Performance RSUs have been granted under and are governed by the terms and conditions of the Vera Bradley, Inc. 2010 Equity and Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”), as amended. The enclosed Statement of General Information and Availability of Information for the 2010 Plan forms part of a Section 10(a) prospectus covering securities that have been registered under the

Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This document is also enclosed to provide further information and background. Any term capitalized herein but not defined will have the meaning set forth in the 2010 Plan.

Please see the enclosed Fiscal 2017 Long Term Incentive Restricted Stock Unit/Performance Unit Terms and Conditions for further information regarding your Award. It is very important that you keep these documents in a safe place because they describe your rights and responsibilities under the Performance Units and 2010 Plan and explain where and how to obtain other documents and information to which you are entitled.

Again, thank you for your continued contribution to the success of our organization! Your efforts are applauded and truly appreciated. If you have any questions regarding this discretionary grant, please contact Julie North, Vice President - Human Resources, or Kevin Sierks - Chief Financial Officer.

Sincerely,

Kevin Sierks

Acknowledgement & Acceptance of Award Agreement and Related Terms

By your electronic acceptance of this grant and the signature of the Company’s representative (above) on this Award Agreement, you and the Company agree that this Award of Performance Units is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the 2010 Plan, the Fiscal 2017 Long Term Incentive Restricted Stock Unit/Performance Unit Terms and Conditions and this Award Agreement. You acknowledge that you have reviewed the 2010 Plan, Fiscal 2017 Long Term Incentive Restricted Stock Unit/Performance Unit Terms and Conditions, and this Award Agreement in their entirety, have had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Award Agreement, and fully understand all provisions of the 2010 Plan, Fiscal 2017 Long Term Incentive Restricted Stock Unit/Performance Unit Terms and Conditions and this Award Agreement. Further, by your electronic acceptance of this grant, you hereby agree to (i) accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the 2010 Plan, Fiscal 2017 Long Term Incentive Restricted Stock Unit/Performance Unit Terms and Conditions and this Award Agreement, and (ii) notify the Company upon any change in your residence address.

I/2785778.2

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Robert Wallstrom, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vera Bradley, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.



Date: June 8, 2016		/s/ Robert Wallstrom
		Robert Wallstrom
		Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Kevin J. Sierks, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vera Bradley, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.



Date: June 8, 2016		/s/ Kevin J. Sierks
		Kevin J. Sierks
		Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Robert Wallstrom, the Chief Executive Officer of Vera Bradley, Inc., certify that (i) the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2016 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Vera Bradley, Inc. as of the dates and for the periods set forth therein.



		/s/ Robert Wallstrom
		Robert Wallstrom
		Chief Executive Officer

		June 8, 2016
		Date

I, Kevin J. Sierks, the Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer of Vera Bradley, Inc., certify that (i) the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2016 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Vera Bradley, Inc. as of the dates and for the periods set forth therein.



		/s/ Kevin J. Sierks
		Kevin J. Sierks
		Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer

		June 8, 2016
		Date

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

SEC Filings

Receive full access to all new and archived articles, unlimited portfolio tracking, e-mail alerts, custom newswires and RSS feeds - and more!

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company