Xcel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 United States https:/Sector(s): Consumer Cyclical Industry: Apparel Manufacturing Full Time Employees: 84 Key Executives Name Title Pay Exercised Year Born Mr. Robert W. D’Loren Chairman, Pres & CEO 1.27M N/A 1958 Mr. James F. Haran CFO, Principal Financial & Accou
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.
Collaboration with a UTG. United Trademark Group (UTG) made a $9 million strategic investment in Xcel Brands and announced a strategic partnership. The investment bolstered the company’s balance sheet and provided more favorable debt covenant terms. In addition, UTG has performance warrants, exercisable over 7 years, that could bring in an additional $13 million if exercised.
Increased financial flexibility. United Trademark Group (UTG) took a $9 million strategic investment in the form of a Paid In Kind (PIK) loan. UTG was also issued performance based warrants that could add $13 million, if exercised. We believe that the funds will be used to support the growth of recently announced brands and provide financial flexibility to acquire or develop additional brands.
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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.
ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Esselte®, Five Star®, GBC®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Quartet®, Rapid®, Rexel®, Swingline®, Tilibra®, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, can be found at www.accobrands.com.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Solid 1Q25. In the historically smallest quarter, ACCO reported revenue in-line with guidance while exceeding adjusted EPS guidance during the quarter. However, increased market uncertainties driven by global trade dynamics is resulting in limited visibility beyond 2Q25. Management’s strategic management of its supplier base and ability to accelerate supply chain moves should lessen the impact of tariffs.
1Q25 Results. Revenue of $317.4 million was within management’s $315-$325 million guidance. We were at $315 million. Revenue was down 11.6% y-o-y, with comp sales off 8.3%. Adverse forex reduced revenue by 3.3%. The revenue decline was driven by softer global demand for certain office products and gaming accessories, partially offset by growth in computer accessories. Gross margin improved 60bp y-o-y to 31.4%.
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.
Key Points: – The U.S. added 177,000 jobs in April, beating expectations and holding the unemployment rate steady at 4.2%. – Wage growth slowed slightly, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve amid ongoing inflation concerns. – Tariff impacts on jobs may not be fully visible yet, but early signs suggest employers are holding steady.
The U.S. labor market showed surprising resilience in April, even in the wake of President Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs that unsettled financial markets and raised fears of economic slowdown. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy added 177,000 nonfarm payroll jobs last month, beating economists’ expectations of 138,000. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.2%, maintaining stability in the face of mounting trade and inflation concerns.
Wage growth was slightly softer than anticipated, with average hourly earnings rising 0.2% over the prior month and 3.8% year-over-year. While these figures were modestly below forecasts, they suggest continued income gains without reigniting inflationary pressure — a welcome balance for policymakers and investors alike.
Markets responded positively to the data. Major indexes rose in early Friday trading, as investors interpreted the report as a sign that the economy may weather the storm from Trump’s tariff strategy better than initially feared. The CME FedWatch Tool showed reduced expectations for an immediate rate cut, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve to act in response to short-term volatility.
A closer look at industry-level data reveals both strength and shifting dynamics within the labor market. Healthcare once again proved to be a cornerstone of job creation, adding 51,000 positions in April. The transportation and warehousing sector also saw a notable rebound, gaining 29,000 jobs after a sluggish March, possibly linked to pre-tariff import activity that boosted freight demand.
The leisure and hospitality sector, which has seen uneven recovery since the pandemic, added 24,000 jobs, signaling that consumer demand for services remains strong. However, federal government employment fell by 9,000 amid ongoing changes tied to the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. Overall government hiring, including state and local positions, rose by 10,000.
Revisions to March’s job gains showed a slight decline, with the updated total now at 185,000, down from the previously reported 228,000. Still, the broader trend remains steady: the U.S. has averaged 152,000 job additions per month over the past year — enough to sustain growth without overheating the economy.
Timing Matters in Evaluating Tariff Impact
While Friday’s data offered a reassuring picture, economists caution that it may not fully capture the impact of the April 2 tariff announcement. Because payroll data is based on employment status during the pay period including the 12th of the month, many businesses may not have had time to implement layoffs or hiring freezes in response to the policy shift.
Still, early indicators suggest employers have not moved swiftly to cut staff. Initial jobless claims, while ticking up slightly in late April, remain relatively low. Private sector hiring data from ADP showed only 62,000 new jobs in April, the lowest since last July, suggesting a possible lag in response from employers.
Outlook for Small and Micro-Cap Investors
For investors focused on small and micro-cap stocks, April’s labor report offers a cautiously optimistic signal. Employment strength — especially in transportation, healthcare, and services — supports consumer demand and business stability. However, uncertainty tied to trade policy and inflation remains a risk factor. As the second quarter unfolds, close attention to hiring trends, inflation data, and Fed decisions will be critical for navigating market volatility and spotting growth opportunities.
Key Points: – Roku will acquire Frndly TV for $185 million in cash, aiming to expand its affordable live and on-demand TV offerings. – Frndly TV offers 50+ family-friendly channels and unlimited DVR for $6.99/month, appealing to cost-conscious consumers. – The acquisition supports Roku’s platform revenue strategy while preserving Frndly TV’s availability across all major devices.
Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Frndly TV, a low-cost subscription streaming service offering live and on-demand television content. The $185 million all-cash deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025 and marks Roku’s latest effort to expand its content offerings and drive subscription revenue through its growing streaming platform.
Founded in 2019 and based in Denver, Colorado, Frndly TV has built a loyal subscriber base by offering more than 50 family-friendly channels—including A&E, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and The History Channel—for just $6.99 per month. The service also includes thousands of hours of on-demand content and unlimited cloud-based DVR functionality, appealing to value-conscious viewers seeking alternatives to more expensive cable or streaming bundles.
Roku, already the No. 1 TV streaming platform in the U.S. by hours streamed, sees the acquisition as a natural extension of its efforts to grow platform revenue and bolster its direct-to-consumer subscription business. In a competitive streaming landscape dominated by major players like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, Roku’s focus on aggregation, accessibility, and affordability gives it a unique position to appeal to mainstream households and budget-conscious consumers.
“Frndly TV has carved out an impressive niche by delivering high-quality, feel-good programming at a very competitive price,” said Roku CEO Anthony Wood. “This acquisition enhances our ability to serve the growing segment of viewers seeking live TV without the high cost of traditional cable. It’s a move that supports both our customer-first philosophy and our monetization goals.”
The deal structure includes a $75 million performance-based holdback, contingent on Frndly TV achieving certain subscription and revenue milestones over the next two years. Frndly TV’s leadership team, including co-founder and CEO Andy Karofsky, will remain with the company post-acquisition to maintain continuity and support its growth within the Roku ecosystem.
Importantly, Frndly TV will continue to operate as a multi-platform service. It will remain available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android and Google TV, Samsung and Vizio smart TVs, as well as on mobile apps and the web—ensuring that existing subscribers can continue accessing their content without disruption.
For Roku, the acquisition aligns with its broader strategy to offer comprehensive content at competitive price points while continuing to invest in its proprietary advertising and subscription infrastructure. The company has made it clear that adding subscription value—especially live TV and family-friendly entertainment—is a core component of its growth model moving forward.
This move also puts Roku in a stronger position to compete in the live TV space, where rivals like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer broader packages at significantly higher price points. By acquiring Frndly TV, Roku gains a differentiated product that serves an underserved market segment.
With stable subscriber growth, brand trust, and a growing library of original and licensed content, Roku’s purchase of Frndly TV is poised to pay long-term dividends, particularly as consumers continue to shift from traditional cable to more flexible and affordable streaming solutions.
CULVER CITY, Calif., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, today highlighted major milestones across its portfolio for April 2025, including expansions within the ARK franchise, a content milestone for Bellwright, and multiple IP launches under Wandering Wizard, the Company’s independent indie publishing label.
ARK Franchise Strengthens with New Content Snail Games continued to build on the momentum of its flagship sandbox survival IP with two major content updates:
Eggcellent Adventure Returns to ARK: Survival Ascended The seasonal Eggcellent Adventure event reinforces seasonal events as a key strategy for retention and re-engagement.
Extinction Map Launches in ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition The rollout of the Extinction map on mobile represents a continued push into high-growth mobile markets. This update supports Snail Games’ long-term vision of delivering premium survival experiences across multiple platforms, making the IP more accessible to a broader audience of players.
In addition to new content releases, Snail Games continues to prepare for the 10-year anniversary of its flagship ARK: Survival Evolved, with the anticipated upcoming release of its new expansion map DLC, ARK: Aquatica.
BellwrightMarks One Year in Early Access with Major Update April 2025 also marked the one-year Early Access anniversary for Bellwright. The update introduced significant new content and player-requested features. With a growing player base and positive community sentiment, Bellwright reflects Snail’s commitment to long-term support and scalable IP growth.
Notable Update Features include:
Animal Husbandry & Advanced Resource Systems Players can now raise livestock through new husbandry structures, producing essential resources like milk, eggs, and meat. Paired with the new Butchery system, this deepens the economy and rewards strategic village management.
Fishing & Exploration Enhancements A full-featured fishing system with diverse fish types, mini-games, and a Fishing Hut adds immersive gameplay variety. New locations, including caves, swamps, and mountain trails, further expand the world’s exploration potential.
Quality-of-Life Upgrades & Narrative Expansion A major crafting UI overhaul, savable squad rosters, and over 25 new quests enhance both accessibility and long-term player retention.
Wandering WizardCelebrates New Game Launches and Acquisition Snail Inc’s indie publishing label Wandering Wizard deepened its footprint in the horror space with two notable releases and a strategic publishing deal.
Launches of The Cecil: The Journey Beginsand Chasmal Fear In April 2025, Wandering Wizard expanded its catalog with the launch of two horror titles, The Cecil: The Journey Begins and Chasmal Fear. Both games highlight the creativity and passion of small indie teams — with The Cecil: The Journey Begins crafted by a solo developer and Chasmal Fear brought to life by a duo of brothers. These releases underscore Wandering Wizard’s commitment to empowering independent creators and bringing bold, fresh voices to the gaming community.
Publishing Rights Secured for Whispers of West Grove The acquisition of publishing rights to Whispers of West Grove adds another indie horror experience to the Wandering Wizard portfolio, aligning with Snail Games’ strategy of identifying high-potential indie IPs with organic audience momentum.
These achievements reflect Snail Games’ continued execution across its core franchises, emerging IPs, and strategic publishing initiatives. As the Company moves into the second quarter, it remains focused on the 10-year anniversary of ARK: Survival Evolved, the anticipated launch of the ARK: Aquatica DLC, expanding its global reach, investing in scalable growth opportunities, and delivering fresh experiences that engage players across multiple platforms and genres.
For Creators interested in collaborative opportunities reach out to creatordirect@noiz.gg
For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional details, please contact: press@snailgamesusa.com
About Snail, Inc. Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. For more information, please visit: https://snail.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expansions within the ARK franchise, development of new content, a content milestone for Bellwright, and multiple IP launches under Wandering Wizard, the Company’s independent indie publishing label. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Investor Contact: John Yi and Steven Shinmachi Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 SNAL@gateway-grp.com
Key Points – Consumer confidence fell to 86 in April, its lowest since early 2020. – Job openings declined to a four-year low, with inflation expectations hitting 7%. – Short-term economic outlook dropped sharply, signaling rising recession fears.
US consumer confidence took a sharp hit in April, falling for the fifth consecutive month and hitting its lowest level since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid growing anxieties around job security and inflation, data released Tuesday paints a sobering picture of how consumers view the economy — and their personal financial futures — under the growing shadow of President Trump’s trade escalation.
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 86 in April from a revised 92.9 in March, falling short of economist expectations. Most striking was the steep drop in the Expectations Index, which gauges consumers’ short-term outlook for income, employment, and business conditions. It fell to 54.4 — a level not seen since 2011 and well below the recession-warning threshold of 80.
“Consumers were very much surprised by the severity of those tariffs,” said Yelena Shulyatyeva, senior U.S. economist at the Conference Board. “They actually expect tariffs to affect their finances and their jobs.”
April’s consumer survey, which overlapped with President Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariff announcement, reflects mounting public concern about how those policies will ripple through household budgets and the broader economy. Inflation expectations surged, with the average 12-month forecast rising to 7%, the highest in over two years.
Labor market sentiment, too, is souring. The share of respondents expecting fewer jobs in the next six months jumped to 32.1%, matching levels not seen since April 2009 during the Great Recession. That pessimism is echoed in the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), which revealed that job openings slid to 7.19 million in March — the lowest since late 2020. While hiring held steady at 5.4 million, the ratio of openings to unemployed workers dropped, signaling reduced employer appetite for expansion.
“The hiring rate remains stuck at relatively low levels, which is usually consistent with a higher level of unemployment,” said Oxford Economics’ Nancy Vanden Houten, noting that the current pace of layoffs has artificially kept the unemployment rate in check.
Worryingly, consumer outlooks on income have also turned negative for the first time in five years. Fewer people now expect their income to grow, suggesting that inflation and employment concerns are affecting personal financial sentiment, not just macroeconomic views.
Still, perceptions of present-day conditions — such as current job availability and business activity — remain relatively stable. This disconnect between the present and future suggests a market caught between hope and unease, with near-term fears driven by rising costs and a softening labor environment.
Looking ahead, the April jobs report due Friday will offer a more detailed snapshot. Economists expect it to show a slowdown, with 133,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.2%. If confirmed, that would mark a meaningful shift from the stronger figures seen earlier this year.
For now, both consumers and economists are bracing for what may come next — from potential rate cuts to new fiscal shocks — in a climate increasingly shaped by political volatility and global economic uncertainty.
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Fazoli’s Securitization. FAT Brands amended the Fazoli’s whole business securitization credit facility. The amendments extended the repayment and call dates from January 2025 to July 2026 and from July 2023 to October 2025, respectively, while also relaxing certain covenants, providing FAT greater operational flexibility. The new agreement also permits FAT to sell off the corporate-owned Fazoli locations.
France Growth. Also, during the month, FAT announced a new partnership to expand Fatburger across France, with the opening of 30 units over the next three years, with five units expected to be opened in 2026. FAT’s partner has a vast amount of experience within the restaurant space and successfully operates their own restaurant franchise in the country.
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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.
LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 18, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 23, 2025.
About ACCO Brands Corporation
ACCO Brands is the leader in branded consumer products that enable productivity, confidence and enjoyment while working, when learning and while playing. Our widely recognized brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Five Star®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Mead®, PowerA®, Swingline®, Tilibra® and many others. More information about ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) can be found at www.accobrands.com.
Key Points: – Tesla’s stock price jumps significantly following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s new self-driving car regulations. – The potential entry into the Indian market adds another positive catalyst for the electric vehicle and technology giant. – CEO Elon Musk’s reduced involvement in the Trump administration is seen as a positive for the brand.
Tesla (TSLA) has seen a dramatic resurgence this week, with its stock price soaring on a wave of positive news, positioning it for a near-20% weekly gain. This rally comes after a challenging period for the electric vehicle (EV) and technology leader, which saw its stock plummet 50% from its December highs to its yearly lows.
The latest spark igniting investor enthusiasm came from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT), which unveiled a new framework for self-driving car regulations late Thursday. This framework includes measures to “streamline” reporting requirements for vehicles equipped with automated or driver-assist systems. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the administration’s focus on outpacing China in innovation, stating that the new rules aim to cut red tape and establish a unified national standard that encourages both innovation and safety.
Adding to the positive momentum, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced an expansion of an existing program. This program, which previously exempted certain foreign-made autonomous vehicles from some review processes to accelerate testing, will now include U.S.-made vehicles. This development is seen as a significant tailwind for Tesla, which has been aggressively pursuing advancements in autonomous driving technology.
During the company’s recent earnings call, CEO Elon Musk reiterated Tesla’s expectation to begin “selling fully autonomous rides in June in Austin.” He further emphasized the company’s long-term vision, stating that “the future of the company is fundamentally based on large-scale autonomous cars and large-scale … numbers of autonomous humanoid robots.” Musk believes that Tesla’s ability to produce truly useful autonomous vehicles and robots at scale and low cost positions the company for “staggering” future value.
Beyond self-driving advancements, Tesla’s stock also received a boost from a Bloomberg report suggesting a potential imminent entry into the Indian market. The report indicated that some customers who had previously placed reservation deposits were receiving refunds, often seen as a precursor to a formal market entry. Tesla acknowledged on its earnings call that it had been “very careful trying to figure out when is the right time” to enter India, given the current tariff structure that could significantly inflate the price of its vehicles. This renewed speculation of entering a potentially massive market like India has clearly excited investors.
Earlier in the week, Tesla’s stock experienced its most significant jump following Elon Musk’s announcement during the earnings call that he would be “significantly” reducing his time spent in the Trump administration, specifically his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk’s involvement in the administration had reportedly weighed on the brand’s perception, particularly in Europe, contributing to slower sales growth in the early part of the year.
Noted Tesla bull Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities described Musk’s step back from his government role as “an off ramp” from a period of “global brand damage” and “political firestorm.” Ives believes this move will allow Musk to refocus on Tesla’s core strengths, particularly autonomous driving and robotics, potentially ushering in a “brighter chapter” for the company.
While this week’s rally has been significant, pushing the stock to its highest level in a month, it’s important to note that Tesla’s stock remains down approximately 30% year-to-date. Ives also cautioned that the “brand damage” caused by Musk’s political involvement “will not go away just by this move” and could have some lasting impact.
Nevertheless, the combination of favorable regulatory developments in the self-driving space, renewed hopes for entry into the Indian market, and a perceived positive shift in Elon Musk’s focus has created a powerful upward momentum for Tesla’s stock, offering a glimmer of hope for investors who have endured a challenging start to 2025.
BOCA RATON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apr. 23, 2025– The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) (“ODP,” or the “Company”), a leading provider of products, services, and technology solutions to businesses and consumers, will announce first quarter 2025 financial results before the market open on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025. The ODP Corporation will webcast a call with financial analysts and investors that day at 9:00 am Eastern Time which will be accessible to the media and the general public.
To listen to the conference call via webcast, please visit The ODP Corporation’s Investor Relations website at investor.theodpcorp.com. A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours following the event. A copy of the earnings press release, supplemental financial disclosures and presentation will also be available on the website.
About The ODP Corporation The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of products and services through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform and omni-channel presence, which includes 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.
ODP and ODP Business Solutions are trademarks of ODP Business Solutions, LLC. Office Depot is a trademark of The Office Club, LLC. OfficeMax is a trademark of OMX, Inc. Veyer is a trademark of Veyer, LLC. Grand&Toy is a trademark of Grand & Toy, LLC in Canada. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Key Points: – New home sales rose 7.4% in March, driven by increased inventory and strong spring demand, especially in the South. – Tariffs on steel and aluminum are expected to raise construction costs, with builders warning of price hikes later in 2025. – Mortgage rates near 7% continue to limit affordability, but buyer activity remains resilient due to builder incentives and more supply.
New home sales in the U.S. saw a notable boost in March, as builders responded to seasonal demand with more inventory, despite challenges from rising mortgage rates and looming tariff-related cost hikes. The spring buying season got a lift, with the Census Bureau reporting a 7.4% jump in new home sales to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 724,000 units — handily beating Bloomberg’s forecast of 685,000.
The increase reflects a strong start to what is typically the busiest time of the year for housing. Supply also played a critical role. Inventory rose to 503,000 new homes for sale at the end of March, the highest level since 2007, giving buyers more options amid a tight resale market. This bump in supply helped spur activity, especially in the South, where sales jumped at the fastest pace in nearly four years. The Midwest also saw gains, while activity declined in the West and Northeast.
The housing market’s momentum comes despite ongoing headwinds. Mortgage rates, which hover near 7%, continue to limit affordability for many buyers. These rates follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which has climbed recently amid investor unease about U.S. fiscal policy and political volatility. President Trump’s tariff policies and recent public threats to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell have created further market anxiety, causing bond yields to rise and adding pressure on borrowing costs.
High interest rates aren’t the only affordability hurdle. The average new home sales price rose 1% in March to $497,700, while the median price dropped 7.5% to $403,600. This pricing mix suggests more movement in entry-level housing, likely a response to strong demand from first-time buyers and younger households.
Still, looming tariff pressures threaten to raise construction costs and squeeze builder margins. During a recent earnings call, PulteGroup warned that tariffs could increase construction expenses by about 1% in the back half of 2025, translating to an average of $5,000 more per home. CEO Ryan Marshall said the added costs would impact “every single price point and consumer group,” raising concerns about future pricing flexibility.
Taylor Morrison, another major builder, echoed these concerns, forecasting low single-digit housing cost inflation for the year. The culprit: U.S. tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, which are integral to HVAC systems, cable infrastructure, and other construction materials. These added costs are expected to hit hardest in Q4, as builders begin new projects under higher input prices.
To sustain buyer interest, many builders have leaned on incentives — including mortgage rate buydowns and design upgrades — but the staying power of this strategy remains uncertain. As cost pressures grow and rate cuts remain off the table for now, builders may have to choose between profit margins and affordability.
Despite these challenges, the resilience in March’s new home sales shows that the housing market still has underlying strength. For now, buyers appear willing to move forward when supply meets their needs — even in the face of higher borrowing costs.
Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Initiating Research Coverage. We are initiating research coverage of The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. (NASDAQ:STKS) with an Outperform rating and a $5 price target. The ONE Group is an international restaurant company that develops and operates upscale and polished casual, high-energy restaurants and lounges and provides hospitality management services for hotels, casinos and other high-end venues both in the U.S. and internationally.
A Leader in Vibe Dining. ONE Group is a leader in the “Vibe Dining” subsegment. Vibe Dining is characterized by a quality culinary experience complimented with an engaging social scene, such as DJ’s and dancing. While not a new theme, Vibe Dining is being pushed by a generation of consumers looking for more than just food for their dollar. As a category, Vibe Dining is projected to continue to grow at above average rates.
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.
NEW YORK, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB), an industry leading media and consumer products company specializing in building influencer-driven brands through social commerce and livestreaming, is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Latina home and lifestyle creator Jenny Martinez. Jenny is a national best selling cookbook author and creator of Happy Bellies by Jenny. Together, they will launch a food and kitchenware brand designed to bring tradition and taste to every meal.
Jenny believes food connects, inspires, and creates lasting memories. Rooted in Mexican culture, her mission is to bring joy and creativity to every kitchen with thoughtfully designed, high-quality food and kitchenware. From authentic Latino flavors to new creations, Jenny Martinez products will bring the warmth of tradition into every bite.
“I’m so excited to partner with Xcel to create a truly authentic line of food and kitchenware that speaks to the Latina customer,” said Ms Martinez. “Xcel brings products to life for my audience to see and purchase directly.”
Jenny’s deep connection with her community and joyful approach to cooking made her a natural partner for Xcel Brands, which is committed to creating powerful lifestyle brands that resonate across cultures and generations. With a devoted following across social media and her growing online platforms, Jenny’s influence continues to bring families together through food, storytelling, and cultural pride.
“We are thrilled to partner with Jenny Martinez to launch this brand. Her expertise and deep love of cooking and her influence align perfectly with Xcel’s vision of creating innovative, lifestyle-driven consumer brands,” stated Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xcel Brands. “This collaboration brings us one step closer to our goal of reaching over 100 million social media followers across our brand portfolio, reinforcing our commitment to transforming how consumers engage with the brands they love.”
This partnership will provide more than just high-quality products and educational resources— it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and authenticity. The Jenny Martinez Live brand is set to launch on live shopping channels and select retailers later this year. Stay updated on this exciting journey at www.xcelbrands.com
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 Tower Hill by Christie Brinkley co-branded collaboration, and holds noncontrolling interests in the Isaac Mizrahi brand and Orme Live. Xcel also owns and manages the Longaberger brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing LLC. Xcel has recently announced the launch of new pet brand, Trust-Respect-Love by Cesar Millan and bakeware and cooking brand with Gemma Stafford. 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 retail, 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, growing social media presence approximately 40 million followers across their brand profile and talent, and over 20,000 hours of livestream content production time and social commerce. 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. www.xcelbrands.com
About Jenny Martinez Jenny Martinez is well-known across social media platforms for sharing her authentic Mexican family recipes to the delight of millions of fans on TikTok and Instagram. Jenny was born in Mexico and moved to Los Angeles at age four, yet she has never lost touch with her Mexican heritage. The traditional recipes she shares with her followers have been passed down for generations in her family. Although she later mastered her culinary arts on her own, Jenny started by learning most of her mother’s recipes at the age of thirteen. Jenny considers a well-fed family the key to a happy family and believes that dinner should be celebrated every day. Food brings people together, and Jenny’s videos and recipes convey the spirit of family and community. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. Jenny’s first cookbook My Mexican Mesa, Y Listo! (Simon & Schuster) debuted in Spring 2024 featuring 100 recipes ranging from breakfast, appetizers & entrees to desserts, and even cocktails! Providing family-style recipes for every occasion & beautifully photographed to capture the authentic spirit of the cuisine, the cookbook is a must-have for home cooks looking for their next delicious meal. In 2024, Jenny launched her own line of cookware and dinnerware/tabletop at over 600 department stores nationally, as well as a spice line sold in grocery stores and online.
Jenny is represented by John Frierson at The Bureau New York City and managed by Lisa Shotland at Shotlandia. Her attorney is Phil Daniels at Ginsberg Daniels Kallis LLP
