Lucky Strike Entertainment is one of the world’s premier location-based entertainment platforms. With over 360 locations across North America, Lucky Strike Entertainment provides experiential offerings in bowling, amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers. The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions of fans around the globe. For more information on Lucky Strike Entertainment, please visit ir.luckystrikeent.com.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
A solid finish to the year. The company beat our fiscal Q4 revenue and adj. EBITDA estimates, culminating in a transitional fiscal full year 2025 with improving revenue trends. Total Q4 revenues of $318.0 million, beat our $292.0 million estimate, and adj. EBITDA of $88.7 million was better than our $83.0 million estimate.
Improving revenue trends. Same store revenues, while down 4.1%, reflecting sequential monthly improvement from the down 6% in April, negative 3% in May and flat in June. Management indicated that same store revenue trends were up over 1% in July.
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In a landmark move that underscores its ambition to become a dominant global insurance player, Sompo Holdings, Inc. announced it will acquire Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited for $3.5 billion. The deal, structured as an all-cash transaction at $37.50 per share, represents a 35.6 percent premium to Aspen’s unaffected share price and signals Sompo’s determination to build a diversified property and casualty (P&C) platform with international reach.
Under the agreement, all outstanding Class A ordinary shares of Aspen will be redeemed for cash, while its preference shares will remain outstanding. Once complete, Aspen will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The transaction has already been unanimously approved by both companies’ boards and is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
For Sompo, the acquisition is more than a geographic expansion. Aspen brings over $4.6 billion in annual gross written premiums and decades of expertise across specialty insurance and reinsurance lines, including cyber risk, credit and political risk, property catastrophe, casualty reinsurance, and management liability. Its Lloyd’s syndicate provides an additional foothold in complex and high-value global markets.
Strategic acquisitions have long been a part of Sompo’s growth plan to build a robust and diversified global P&C platform, and Aspen represents a strong opportunity at the right time in the market cycle.
Beyond underwriting, Aspen also brings an alternative capital advantage. Its Aspen Capital Markets (ACM) platform, which manages more than $2 billion in assets, allows third-party investors to provide capital for reinsurance risk, generating steady management and performance fees. In 2024, 80 percent of ACM’s income came from long-tail, non-catastrophe business, making it a reliable revenue driver. For Sompo, this fee-based income will offer both diversification and a tool to better manage capital volatility.
Aspen has worked in recent years to streamline operations, reduce exposure to volatile risks, and fortify its balance sheet. With a 2024 combined ratio of 87.9 percent and an operating return on equity of 19.4 percent, the company is entering the deal on strong footing.
For Sompo, the transaction aligns with its strategic targets of achieving adjusted ROE of 13 to 15 percent and EPS growth above 12 percent by fiscal year 2026. Management expects the deal to be immediately accretive to earnings and return on equity, while delivering cost and capital synergies across the group.
As global insurance markets face mounting challenges ranging from climate risk to cyber threats, scale, diversification, and access to alternative capital are increasingly vital. With Aspen in its portfolio, Sompo is positioning itself as a global leader capable of underwriting complex risks, supporting brokers and clients, and driving long-term shareholder returns.
Keurig Dr Pepper announced plans to acquire European coffee powerhouse JDE Peet’s in a landmark $18 billion all-cash deal, signaling a major reshaping of the company’s portfolio. Once finalized, the transaction will split the business into two separate entities: a coffee-focused company combining Keurig’s single-serve pods with JDE Peet’s global coffee brands, and a soft drink company housing iconic beverages such as Dr Pepper, Snapple, and 7UP.
The deal is being framed as a strategic response to shifting consumer trends and mounting pressures in the coffee market. While the beverage segment has remained strong, Keurig Dr Pepper’s coffee business has faced challenges in recent years due to rising coffee bean prices, supply disruptions, and competition from store brands. By separating the two businesses, the company aims to allow each entity to pursue tailored growth strategies suited to their respective markets.
The new coffee company, projected to generate around $16 billion in annual sales, will be headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with international operations managed from Amsterdam. Meanwhile, the beverage business, with roughly $11 billion in annual sales, will operate out of Frisco, Texas. This structural shift allows both companies to focus on specialized operational efficiencies and innovation. Keurig Dr Pepper executives expect that the coffee-focused entity will be better equipped to navigate global commodity pressures, including droughts in major coffee-exporting regions like Brazil and Vietnam, as well as newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Brazilian coffee imports.
JDE Peet’s brings nearly 50 coffee and tea brands from around the world, including France’s L’Or, Germany’s Jacobs coffee, and New Zealand’s Ti Ora tea. The company has demonstrated strong pricing power, with first-half sales rising nearly 20% to just under $6 billion, driven primarily by strategic price increases. Keurig Dr Pepper anticipates leveraging JDE Peet’s international reach and brand diversity to accelerate innovation and expand global market share.
In contrast, Keurig Dr Pepper’s soft drink division has outperformed in recent quarters, with sales rising 10.5% year-over-year to $2.7 billion, fueled by strong demand for flavored beverages. By keeping this segment distinct, management aims to maintain focus on profitable core brands while continuing to pursue growth in emerging beverage trends.
Industry analysts view the transaction as part of a broader trend among major food and beverage companies to realign portfolios. Similar moves in recent years include Kellogg’s spin-off of its snack brands and the acquisition activity by Mars and Ferrero, highlighting the increasing importance of market specialization in maintaining competitiveness.
The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. Management changes are also slated: Timothy Cofer, CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper, will lead the beverage business, while CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi will oversee the newly formed coffee company. Executives emphasize that the separation will create two highly focused, growth-oriented companies, each with the agility to respond to consumer demand and evolving market conditions.
As consumer habits continue to evolve and commodity prices fluctuate, the split positions Keurig Dr Pepper to optimize value across both the coffee and soft drink markets, potentially unlocking growth and operational efficiencies that were harder to achieve under a unified structure.
Strategic partnership accelerates ODP Business Solutions’ growth in hospitality sector
BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 25, 2025– The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP), a leading provider of products, services and technology solutions to businesses and customers, today announced a hospitality purchasing contract with OMNIA Partners through the ODP Business Solutions division, a reliable supplier of workplace solutions and services. OMNIA Partners is the nation’s largest and most experienced group purchasing organization for the public and private sectors. With this contract, ODP Business Solutions will provide members hospitality-focused products and services, such as high-quality linens, terry cloth towels, bathroom amenities and all other in-room supplies.
“Our growing collaboration with OMNIA Partners is a testament to our ability to support a multi-faceted and expansive customer base across the hospitality industry,” said David Centrella, executive vice president of The ODP Corporation and president of ODP Business Solutions. “Our solutions and services are as diverse as OMNIA Partners’ membership and their needs, making this an ideal partnership that expands our presence in the hospitality sector.”
Products and services supporting the hospitality industry represent a growing $16 billion segment, and OMNIA Partners members are a key part of this sector.
“Adding ODP Business Solutions’ products and solutions is a perfect addition to the OMNIA Partners portfolio,” said Jeff Gillmer, Senior Vice President of Private Sector Sales at OMNIA Partners. “Its high-quality selection of products and solutions and global supply chain will undeniably deliver greater value and savings to the organizations we serve.”
OMNIA Partners is advancing its presence in the hospitality segment by providing members with greater purchasing power, streamlined procurement, and access to high-quality, hospitality-focused products and services. This partnership underscores OMNIA Partners’ commitment to helping hospitality operators reduce costs, improve operational efficiency and elevate the guest experience.
About The ODP Corporation The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of products, services, and technology solutions through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omnichannel presence, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals, online presence and a network of Office Depot and OfficeMax retail stores. Through its operating companies ODP Business Solutions, LLC; Office Depot, LLC; and Veyer, LLC, The ODP Corporation empowers every business, professional, and consumer to achieve more every day. For more information, visit theodpcorp.com.
About OMNIA Partners As your ally in the purchasing process, OMNIA Partners is dedicated to improving the way your organization identifies, evaluates and procures what they need at the best value. With free membership, you’ll gain immediate access to our portfolio of leading national suppliers as well as OPUS — our ecommerce platform where you can buy online and check product availability. Additionally, access to spend visibility, analytics, and guidance from subject matter experts collaboratively identify more strategic and efficient ways to procure. We are here to help you optimize procurement for your organization. Discover a better way to buy at www.omniapartners.com.
About ODP Business Solutions ODP Business Solutions is a trusted partner with more than 30 years of experience working with businesses to adapt to the ever-changing world of work. From technology transformation, sustainability, innovative workspace design, cleaning and breakroom, and everything in between, ODP Business Solutions has the integrated products and services businesses need. Powered by a collaborative team of experienced business consultants, world-class logistics, and trusted brand names, ODP Business Solutions advances how the working world gets work done. To learn more about ODP Business Solutions, visit www.odpbusiness.com.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS – THE ODP CORPORATION This communication may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements or disclosures may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations, cash flow or financial condition, or state other information relating to, among other things, The ODP Corporation (“the Company”), based on current beliefs and assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “expectations”, “outlook,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “propose” “aim” or other similar words, phrases or expressions, or other variations of such words. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company’s control. There can be no assurances that the Company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct, and therefore investors and stakeholders should not place undue reliance on such statements. Investors and shareholders should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
U.S. home sales showed signs of renewed momentum in July, offering a glimmer of relief for buyers and sellers navigating one of the tightest housing markets in years. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, sales of previously owned homes increased 2% from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.01 million units. That figure also marked a 0.8% gain compared with July 2024, defying expectations of a modest decline.
The pickup in activity reflects contracts that were signed earlier in the summer, when mortgage rates began to edge down from their spring highs. The average 30-year fixed mortgage briefly exceeded 7% in May but had retreated to around 6.67% by the end of June. That shift helped unlock demand from buyers who had been sidelined by affordability challenges.
At the same time, supply conditions continued to improve. The number of homes available for sale at the end of July climbed to 1.55 million, up nearly 16% from a year ago. That level represents a 4.6-month supply at the current sales pace, the highest since May 2020 but still short of the six-month threshold considered a balanced market. For prospective buyers, the increase in inventory has translated into more choice and slightly less upward pressure on prices.
Even so, home values remain stubbornly high. The median price of an existing home sold in July reached $422,400, a record for the month and 0.2% higher than a year earlier. That marked the 25th consecutive month of annual price gains, underscoring how persistent demand and limited long-term supply continue to shape the market. Still, with wage growth now outpacing home price appreciation in some regions, economists suggest the market could be approaching an inflection point where affordability begins to improve.
Regional and price-segment dynamics reveal additional shifts. Sales activity has been strongest at the higher end of the market, with transactions on homes priced above $1 million jumping more than 7% from a year ago. In contrast, sales of properties priced below $250,000 remained flat or declined, squeezed by limited availability and still-elevated borrowing costs. In the South, where condominium prices have fallen over the past year, demand for that segment showed particular resilience.
Market behavior also reflects growing participation from investors and cash buyers. Investors accounted for 20% of transactions in July, up sharply from 13% a year earlier, likely taking advantage of the increased supply. Meanwhile, 31% of sales were completed with all cash, compared with 27% last July. That unusually high share suggests that wealth from equities and housing gains is playing a greater role in the market.
Homes are also taking longer to sell. The typical property stayed on the market for 28 days in July, compared with 24 days a year ago. First-time buyers accounted for just 28% of sales, slipping from both June and the same month last year, reflecting the ongoing affordability strain at the entry level of the market.
Overall, July’s data points to a housing sector that is slowly recalibrating. Rising inventory and moderating mortgage rates are offering incremental relief, yet prices remain elevated, and demand is concentrated in higher price tiers. Whether the market has reached a true turning point may depend on the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates and how quickly supply can return to more balanced levels.
U.S. mortgage rates dropped this week to their lowest point in nearly a year, offering a glimmer of relief for homeowners and prospective buyers navigating an expensive housing market. According to Freddie Mac data, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate slipped to 6.58%, down from 6.63% last week and the lowest reading since October 2024. The 15-year fixed rate also eased slightly, falling to 5.71%.
The decline comes as financial markets grow more confident that the Federal Reserve will cut benchmark interest rates in September. Although mortgage rates aren’t set directly by the Fed, they tend to move in tandem with expectations about the central bank’s future policy decisions.
Weak job growth in recent months and inflation figures that undershot economists’ projections have increased the likelihood of a rate cut. Traders now see a more than 90% probability of the Fed reducing rates by 25 basis points next month. That anticipation has already been factored into mortgage pricing, helping push borrowing costs lower.
Economists caution that borrowers shouldn’t assume today’s levels will continue falling. With much of the expected Fed policy shift already “priced in,” mortgage rates may hover in the current range rather than dropping sharply after the central bank makes its move. Some analysts even suggest volatility could return as new economic data on jobs, wages, and consumer spending is released in the coming weeks.
In other words, the window for buyers to lock in a rate in the mid-6% range may be limited.
For now, the latest decline in borrowing costs has sparked a modest uptick in refinancing activity. Applications to refinance existing mortgages rose 23% in the past week, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Purchase applications, however, barely moved, rising just 1% as affordability challenges continue to weigh heavily on potential buyers.
Even at 6.58%, mortgage rates remain well above pre-2022 levels, when many borrowers were able to secure loans below 4%. Combined with elevated home prices and limited housing supply, that means affordability remains stretched for first-time buyers in particular.
The direction of mortgage rates through the rest of 2025 will depend largely on how quickly the economy cools and how aggressive the Fed becomes in easing monetary policy. If inflation continues to trend lower and job growth slows further, rates could remain at the lower end of their recent range. However, any surprises in economic data could push borrowing costs higher again.
For now, borrowers considering a purchase or refinance may find this moment to be one of the most favorable opportunities since late last year.
Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Q2 results. SKYX reported Q2 revenue of $23.1 million, up 7.5% year over year and 14.7% sequentially. Gross margin expanded 190bps to 30.3%, supported by a favorable mix shift toward proprietary tech-embedded products. The adj. EBITDA loss of $2.6 million was slightly wider than our forecast of a $2.3 million loss but reflects underlying operating leverage as revenue scales.
Smart City partnership reinforces revenue growth trajectory. The company’s partnership with the $3 billion Smart City development in Miami’s Little River District positions it for sustained long-term growth. We expect the rollout to drive meaningful topline and branding impact over time, with strategic visibility among large-scale developers likely to reinforce future adoption of SKYX’s technology in both residential and commercial verticals.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
A fresh reading on inflation in July has left the Federal Reserve facing a difficult policy choice: act quickly to support a cooling labor market or hold steady to ensure inflation returns to target. Core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which strips out food and energy, rose 3.1% year over year in July — above economists’ 3.0% forecast and up from 2.9% in June. On a monthly basis, core CPI increased 0.3%, matching expectations. Headline CPI rose 2.7% year over year, a touch below the 2.8% consensus.
The mixed picture — a slightly softer headline print but hotter core inflation — complicates the Fed’s September decision. Markets, however, have already swung toward loosening: futures traders are pricing in roughly a 92% chance of a 25-basis-point cut in September. That reflects growing concern about recent labor-market weakness and the potential political impetus for easing.
Employment data released earlier this month deepened that concern. The U.S. added only 73,000 jobs in July, the unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, and May and June payrolls were revised sharply lower by a combined 258,000. The three-month average for job growth is now about 35,000 — a pace many economists view as consistent with a significant cooling in hiring. Those revisions have amplified calls from some quarters of the Fed to move sooner on rate cuts to cushion the labor market.
At the same time, services inflation, the historically stickier component of the CPI, moved higher in July after moderating earlier in the year. Certain goods categories such as furniture and footwear also showed renewed upward pressure. Because core CPI and core PCE (the Fed’s preferred gauge) tend to move together, the stronger core CPI reading raises the risk that core PCE will also show another above-target reading in coming reports, analysts say.
Policy makers at the Fed remain divided. Several regional presidents and officials have emphasized caution, arguing that elevated inflation — still more than a full percentage point above the Fed’s 2% goal on a core basis — counsels patience. Others have pointed to the softening employment trend as a compelling reason to begin easing policy soon. That split was evident in recent public remarks from Fed officials, who ranged from urging a patient approach to signaling readiness to cut if labor-market deterioration continues.
The White House has also weighed in, increasing political pressure on the Fed to move. That intervention adds another dimension to an already fraught decision, though policymakers stress their commitment to independence and data-driven decisions.
Looking ahead, the Fed will watch August inflation components closely along with incoming employment and consumer spending data. If services inflation continues to run hot, the case for holding rates rises; if job growth further weakens and labor-market indicators soften, arguments for a September cut will strengthen.
For now, the July CPI leaves the Fed between two difficult paths: risk undermining the inflation fight by cutting too soon, or risk further labor-market deterioration by waiting. The choice in September will hinge on the next tranche of inflation and jobs data — and on how policymakers weigh those competing risks.
NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) (“Xcel” or the “Company”), today announced that it will report its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 14, 2025. The Company will hold a conference call with the investment community on August 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET.
Interested parties unable to access the conference call via the webcast may dial 800-715-9871 or 646-307-1963 and use the Conference ID 9043618. A replay of the webcast will be available on Xcel’s website.
About Xcel Brands
Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel owns the Halston, Judith Ripka, and C. Wonder brands, as well as the co-branded collaboration brands TowerHill by Christie Brinkley, LB70 by Lloyd Boston, Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan, GemmaMade by Gemma Stafford, and a brand in development with Coco Rocha and also holds noncontrolling interests or long-term license agreements in the Isaac Mizrahi brand, Orme Live, and Mesa Mia Live by Jenny Martinez. Xcel also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing, LLC. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retailers, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone, and over 20,000 hours of content production time in live-stream and social commerce. The brand portfolio reaches in excess of 43 million social media followers with broadcast reach into 200 million households. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. For more information, visit www.xcelbrands.com.
NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB), a media and consumer products company known for building influential, creator-led brands, today announced a strategic partnership with TSC Product Lab to launch GemmaMade by Gemma Stafford—a new kitchenware brand created in close collaboration with chef and baking expert Gemma Stafford, designed to bring stylish, functional, and approachable tools to everyday bakers and home cooks.
This collaboration blends Xcel’s omnichannel brand-building capabilities with TSC Product Lab’s innovation-driven product development, delivering a thoughtfully designed assortment of kitchen products that reflect Stafford’s personal passion for joyful, stress-free cooking and baking at home. The product line will include bakeware, kitchen tools, food storage solutions, mixing bowls, and more—each created to support everyday needs with ease, charm, and reliability.
“GemmaMade is a celebration of the home kitchen,” said Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and CEO of Xcel Brands. “We’re thrilled to partner with Gemma and TSC Product Lab to bring her vision to life through products that are as inviting and dependable as the content she shares with her loyal audience.”
With millions of fans and years of experience as a professionally trained chef, Gemma Stafford has built one of the most trusted and beloved baking communities in the world through her digital brand Bigger Bolder Baking. As both the creator and namesake behind GemmaMade, Gemma has worked hands-on with Xcel and TSC to develop a line that reflects her bold baking philosophy, her Irish heritage, and her belief that anyone can create delicious food with the right tools and a little confidence
“At the heart of GemmaMade is a simple promise: to super-serve home bakers and cooks with tools they can trust and love,” said Gemma Stafford. “I created this line for the everyday bakers and cooks who show up for birthdays, holidays, after-school snacks, and Sunday mornings—because they deserve products that are as joyful and reliable as they are. With Xcel and TSC, I’m excited to share the warmth of Irish hospitality through every bowl, pan, and spatula. In my kitchen, everyone’s welcome—because in a way, everyone is Irish.”
Rick Lapine, President of TSC Product Lab, added: “We are proud to be working with Gemma and Xcel to launch a brand that blends tradition and GemmaMade by Gemma Stafford reinforces Xcel Brands’ ongoing mission to build creator-led businesses that resonate with modern consumers and support how people live, cook, and share today.”
About Xcel Brands Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel owns the Halston, Judith Ripka, and C. Wonder brands, as well as the co-branded collaboration brands TowerHill by Christie Brinkley, LB70 by Lloyd Boston, Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan, GemmaMade by Gemma Stafford, and a brand in development with Coco Rocha and also holds noncontrolling interests or long-term license agreements in the Isaac Mizrahi brand, Orme Live and Mesa Mia by Jenny Martinez brands. Xcel also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing, LLC. Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retailers, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone and consisting of over 20,000 hours of content production time in live-stream and social commerce. The brand portfolio reaches in excess of 43 million social media followers with broadcast reach into 200 million households. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. For more information, visit www.xcelbrands.com.
About TSC Lab Products The Sneaky Chef Product Lab (“TSC”) is a cost-effective product development and sourcing company specializing in innovative solutions for the home. The Company’s mission is to create products and brands for leading retailers. Since 2007, TSC has built a diverse portfolio of owned, private label and exclusively licensed brands and has partnered with such legacy names such as Martha Stewart, Sodastream, GreenPan and Calvin Klein. Its network of retail partners includes HSN, QVC, Walmart, Amazon and TJX Companies among others.
Led by Rick Lapine, an industry veteran with decades of experience, TSC is supported by a full-time team of passionate experts, bringing over 30 years of combined expertise in sourcing and production. This team has helped establish TSC as a trusted partner for efficient product development, manufacturing, and logistics, with the capability to execute projects rapidly and reliably.
About Gemma Stafford
For more than a decade, Irish-born chef Gemma Stafford has been bringing her passion for teaching people how to bake with confidence to her top online baking show and brand, Bigger Bolder Baking. Today, with more than 8 million followers (“Bold Bakers”) and half a billion video views to date, Bigger Bolder Baking has become the leading – and indispensable – multimedia destination for bakers. Gemma’s unique combination of expertise, bold recipes, and approachable techniques have led to appearances as a judge on Netflix’s Nailed It!, Food Network’s Best Baker in America, and Hulu’s Baker’s Dozen, along with appearances on national and local TV nationwide. Gemma is also the co-creator and host of the #1 baking entertainment podcast, Knead To Know, which releases every week in partnership with HRN. In 2025, she will launch the first-ever baking TV network, the Bold Baking Network, on connected television (CTV) and free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms dedicated to educating and entertaining home bakers 24/7.
JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS) (the “Company”),a leading provider of thoughtful expressions designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships, today announced that the Company will release financial results for its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and year end on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The press release will be issued before the market opens and will be followed by a conference call with members of senior management at 8:00 a.m. (ET).
The conference call will be available via live webcast from the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.1800flowersinc.com/investors. A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the live event has concluded. A telephonic replay of the call can be accessed beginning at 2:00 p.m. (ET) on September 4, 2025, through September 11, 2025, by dialing (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088 for international callers; the passcode is 9381429.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
Some of the statements contained in the Company’s scheduled Thursday, September 4, 2025, press release and conference call regarding its results for its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter and year end, other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the applicable statements. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, please refer to the Company’s SEC filings including its Annual Reports and Forms 10K and 10Q available at the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at 1800flowersinc.com. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements made in the scheduled conference call and any recordings thereof, or in any of its SEC filings, except as may be otherwise stated by the Company.
About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of thoughtful expressions designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Things Remembered®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Simply Chocolate® and Scharffen Berger®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge on eligible products across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad-range of products and services designed to help members grow their businesses profitably; Napco℠, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers; Alice’s Table®, a lifestyle business offering fully digital livestreaming and on demand floral, culinary and other experiences to guests across the country; and Card Isle®, an e-commerce greeting card service. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was also recognized as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces for 2025 by Newsweek and was named to the Fortune 1000 list in 2022. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com.
Key Points: – Administration aims to take mortgage giants public by year-end, potentially valuing them at $500B+. – Fannie and Freddie have been under federal conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis. – Privatization could reshape the $12T U.S. housing finance system.
President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing ahead with plans to take mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public before the end of 2025, a move that could mark one of the largest and most closely watched privatizations in U.S. history.
According to people familiar with the matter, discussions are underway that could value the two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) at a combined $500 billion or more. The share sales could raise roughly $30 billion, injecting fresh capital into companies that have been under federal control since the 2008 financial crisis.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play a central role in the U.S. housing market, buying mortgages from lenders, packaging them into mortgage-backed securities (MBS), and guaranteeing timely payment of principal and interest to investors. By recycling capital back to banks and mortgage companies, they help ensure a steady flow of financing for homebuyers, multifamily developers, and real estate investors.
Both companies were placed into conservatorship in September 2008 after the housing market collapse left them on the brink of insolvency. The U.S. Treasury provided a combined $191 billion in support, receiving preferred shares in return. Over the years, the companies have paid the government more than that amount in dividends, but attempts to return them to private ownership have repeatedly stalled amid political divisions and the complexity of reforming the $12 trillion mortgage market they underpin.
Trump has long signaled his desire to end federal conservatorship of the mortgage giants, including during his first term. His return to the White House has revived optimism among investors who have held shares in the companies for years in anticipation of privatization. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a prominent shareholder, has said he expects Trump to complete the process.
Still, the road to IPOs is unlikely to be straightforward. Fannie and Freddie guarantee or own about half of all U.S. home loans, meaning any shift in ownership must be carefully managed to avoid disrupting housing finance. The administration is expected to keep some form of oversight in place even after the companies are privatized, with Trump previously saying in May that he intends to retain a role for federal supervision.
Market reaction to the Wall Street Journal report on the IPO plan was swift. Shares of both companies, which trade over the counter, surged more than 21%, hitting their highest levels in over a month.
In recent days, Trump has met with the CEOs of major banks including Citigroup and Bank of America to discuss the potential privatization, according to earlier Reuters reporting. Financial institutions are expected to play a critical role in structuring the offerings and preparing the companies for life after conservatorship.
If successful, the IPOs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would represent a historic shift in the U.S. housing finance system—one that could reshape the secondary mortgage market, alter investor participation in MBS, and redefine the federal government’s role in backstopping the nation’s home loan market.
Office Depot, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, supplies a range of office products and services. It offers merchandise, such as general office supplies, computer supplies, business machines and related supplies, and office furniture through its chain of office supply stores under the Office Depot, Foray, Ativa, Break Escapes, Worklife, and Christopher Lowell brand names. The company also provides graphic design, printing, reproduction, mailing, shipping, and other services through design, print, and ship centers. It has operations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Central America. The company also sells its products and services through direct mail catalogs, contract sales force, Internet sites, and retail stores, through a mix of company-owned operations, joint ventures, licensing and franchise agreements, alliances, and other arrangements. As of December 31, 2008, Office Depot operated 1,267 North American retail division office supply stores and 162 international division retail stores, as well as participated under licensing and merchandise arrangements in 98 stores. The company was founded in 1986 and is based in Boca Raton, Florida.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Q2 Overview. During the quarter, ODP saw improved revenue trends and delivered solid operating results, highlighted by stronger adjusted free cash flow generation. The results reflect ongoing improvements across both the consumer and B2B businesses. Retail meaningfully improved same-store sales trends versus last year, while the B2B business achieved approximately a 200-basis point improvement in year-over-year revenue trends.
Q2 Results. The ODP Corporation reported revenue of $1.59 billion in 2Q25, down from $1.72 billion in 2Q24. We had estimated $1.58 billion. Adjusted EBITDA was $47 million, down from $57 million a year ago and in-line with our $44 million estimate. Adjusted EPS came in at $0.51 compared to $0.56 in 2Q24 and our $0.23 estimate.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
