Zacks Research Upgrades Vera Bradley (NASDAQ:VRA) to Hold

Vera Bradley (NASDAQ:VRA) was upgraded by Zacks Research from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report issued on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Separately, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Vera Bradley from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Sunday, October 26th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Reduce”.

Vera Bradley Stock Up 4.2%

NASDAQ:VRA opened at $2.72 on Tuesday. Vera Bradley has a 52 week low of $1.39 and a 52 week high of $3.52. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $2.50 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $76.04 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.78 and a beta of 1.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 2.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08.

Vera Bradley (NASDAQ:VRA) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 11th. The textile maker reported ($0.04) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.11) by $0.07. Vera Bradley had a negative return on equity of 18.30% and a negative net margin of 34.23%.The firm had revenue of $62.25 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $61.69 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned ($0.27) EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Vera Bradley will post -0.25 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at Vera Bradley

In other Vera Bradley news, Director Andrew Meslow purchased 50,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 15th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $1.93 per share, for a total transaction of $96,500.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 600,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,158,000. This trade represents a 9.09% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 12.10% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Catalyst Funds Management Pty Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Vera Bradley in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. purchased a new position in Vera Bradley in the second quarter valued at about $26,000. Jump Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vera Bradley during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Vera Bradley during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $49,000. Finally, Emissary Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vera Bradley in the 4th quarter worth approximately $51,000. 59.88% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Vera Bradley Company Profile

Vera Bradley, Inc (NASDAQ: VRA) is a lifestyle and accessories designer specializing in colorful, patterned handbags, luggage, travel accessories and coordinated home décor. Founded in 1982 by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the company first gained recognition for its quilted cotton bags sold at craft shows before expanding into an established fashion brand. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Vera Bradley has built a reputation for distinctive prints and functional design aimed primarily at women’s casual and travel needs.

The company’s product portfolio includes day bags, weekenders, backpacks, wallets, and organizational cases, as well as an expanding range of travel gear such as rolling luggage and travel pouches.