Consumer Archives - Page 2 of 40

Stocks Climb Toward Records as Retail Strength and Earnings Drive Optimism

Posted on July 17, 2025July 17, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– S&P 500 and Nasdaq near record highs as strong June retail sales and jobless claims data signal economic resilience.
– Tech sector leads gains, boosted by TSMC’s record earnings and rising AI-related demand.
– Investors look past political noise, focusing instead on steady consumer activity and strong corporate performance.

U.S. stock markets continued their upward momentum on Thursday, with major indexes climbing toward record highs as upbeat economic data and solid corporate earnings supported investor sentiment. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite were both on track to close at fresh all-time highs, bolstered by renewed strength in technology stocks and encouraging signals from consumers and the labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted modest gains, contributing to a broadly positive tone across equities.

Retail sales rose in June, easing concerns that recently imposed tariffs by President Donald Trump would dampen consumer spending. The rebound in sales provided reassurance that household demand remains resilient, even amid ongoing trade policy uncertainty. The data served as a key indicator of economic stability, reinforcing the notion that U.S. consumers—who drive a significant portion of economic activity—remain active despite geopolitical and financial headwinds.

At the same time, the Department of Labor reported that weekly jobless claims fell to 221,000 in the week ending July 12, the lowest in three months. After an uptick in claims earlier this spring, the recent decline suggests that the labor market remains relatively strong. The drop in new unemployment filings adds to growing optimism that the broader economy is on stable footing heading into the second half of the year.

Corporate earnings also played a major role in Thursday’s market momentum. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a key supplier to Nvidia and other major chipmakers, posted record quarterly profits, citing strong demand for artificial intelligence-related components. The announcement sent TSMC shares higher and sparked a rally among semiconductor stocks, further fueling the tech-heavy Nasdaq’s gains. Meanwhile, PepsiCo surprised investors with a revenue beat and revised its 2025 profit forecast to a smaller decline, suggesting stronger-than-expected consumer demand in the beverage and snack sectors.

Attention also turned to Netflix, which was scheduled to report earnings after the market close. As the first of the Big Tech companies to release quarterly results this season, the streaming giant’s performance is seen as a bellwether for investor expectations in the sector. Netflix shares have been on a strong run in 2025, reflecting optimism about its growth trajectory and content strategy.

In the background, political developments in Washington continued to simmer, with President Trump’s criticisms of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell drawing attention. While Trump said he had no current plans to remove Powell, his public comments have reignited speculation about potential interference with central bank policy. However, markets appeared to shrug off the rhetoric for now, focusing instead on tangible economic and earnings data.

Looking ahead, investors are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting in two weeks. Market expectations overwhelmingly point to no change in interest rates, as inflation data remains mixed and the Fed stays cautious. For the moment, the combination of strong consumer data, robust earnings, and a relatively stable economic outlook appears to be outweighing political noise, helping stocks push further into record territory.

Xcel Brands (XELB) – Seeking Fuel For Growth

Posted on July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, July 08, 2025

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.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Files S1. The company plans to sell 1.381 million shares on a “best efforts” basis and pre-funded warrants. Pre-funded warrants are exercisable at any time after the date of issuance and may be exercised at any time. Notably, management has indicated its interest in participating in the offering for up to 10% of the shares. Following the prospective sale, total shares outstanding would increase to 3.819 million shares.

Use of proceeds. Based on the current stock price and assuming all shares are sold, management expects to generate roughly $1.9 million in net proceeds from the offering. The company plans to use the proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes and toward a $50,000 principal loan payment to a company controlled by Robert D’Loren, the company’s Chairman and CEO.

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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.

Middle Markets Brace for Impact as Trump’s Tariff Expansion Rattles Markets

Posted on July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Middle market companies across manufacturing, retail, and technology sectors are scrambling to assess potential impacts after President Trump’s Monday announcement of 25% tariffs on Japanese and South Korean imports, set to take effect August 1st. The move sent shockwaves through equity markets, with major indices posting their worst single-day performance in weeks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted over 400 points, closing down 1.21%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite shed 0.98% and 1.03% respectively. For middle market investors, the selloff signals deeper concerns about how expanding trade tensions could reshape global supply chains and corporate profitability.

Middle market manufacturers with exposure to Japanese and South Korean suppliers face immediate headwinds. Companies in automotive parts, electronics components, and industrial machinery sectors are particularly vulnerable, as these industries rely heavily on specialized inputs from both countries.

Japan remains a critical supplier of precision machinery and automotive components, while South Korea dominates in semiconductors, displays, and advanced materials. The proposed 25% levy could force companies to either absorb significant cost increases or pass them to consumers, potentially crimping demand.

Trump’s escalation extends beyond Asia, with threatened tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% on imports from South Africa, Malaysia, and other nations. The President’s additional 10% levy on countries aligned with BRICS policies adds another layer of complexity for companies with emerging market exposure.

The timing proves particularly challenging as many middle market firms are still recovering from previous trade disruptions. Companies that invested heavily in supply chain diversification following earlier tariff rounds now face the prospect of further reorganization.

Technology-focused middle market companies face dual pressures from both component cost increases and potential retaliation affecting export opportunities. Manufacturing firms with just-in-time inventory systems may need to accelerate stockpiling, tying up working capital.

Retail-oriented middle market companies importing consumer goods from targeted countries could see margin compression if they cannot pass costs to price-sensitive customers. The uncertainty also complicates inventory planning and pricing strategies heading into the crucial back-to-school and holiday seasons.

Despite the volatility, some middle market investors see potential opportunities emerging. Companies with domestic supply chains or those positioned to benefit from supply chain reshoring could gain competitive advantages. Additionally, firms with strong balance sheets may find acquisition opportunities as smaller competitors struggle with increased costs.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s indication of potential deals in coming days provides some hope for resolution, though markets remain skeptical given the administration’s aggressive timeline. The focus on 18 major trading partners before expanding to over 100 countries suggests a systematic approach, but also highlights the scope of potential disruption.

With earnings season approaching, middle market companies will face intense scrutiny on guidance and cost management strategies. Thursday’s Delta Air Lines report kicks off what many analysts expect to be a challenging quarter for companies with significant international exposure.

The key question for middle market investors remains whether current valuations adequately reflect the potential for prolonged trade tensions. As markets digest the implications of Trump’s latest tariff expansion, portfolio positioning and risk management become increasingly critical for navigating the uncertain landscape ahead.

Commercial Vehicle Group (CVGI) – A Debt Refi

Posted on July 3, 2025July 3, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Thursday, July 03, 2025

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.

Refi. Commercial Vehicle Group successfully refinanced its debt, extending the maturity out to 2030 from 2027. We believe this should provide the Company with additional financial flexibility as management continues to drive further operational efficiency.

Details. The Company went from an $85 million term loan to a $95 million term loan and from a $125 million ABL to a $115 million ABL. Proceeds were used to repay $120.1 million outstanding under the previous facility. The initial interest rate on the term loan is 9.75%, although future rates will have a tiered interest cost based on the consolidated leverage ratio. The initial ABL rate is SOFR plus 1.75%.

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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).

ONE Group Hospitality (STKS) – Diners Seeking “Uniqueness and Entertainment”

Posted on July 3, 2025July 3, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Thursday, July 03, 2025

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.

Diner Views. Today’s diners are seeking out venues that prioritize entertainment and uniqueness, according to a Yelp survey that analyzed consumer web searches from January to March. The Yelp findings are in-line with recent research by hospitality management platform SevenRooms. According to SevenRooms’ 2025 U.S. Restaurant Industry Trends, consumers who dine out value unique experiences, even at a premium, with 74% of consumers returning to a restaurant after a unique experience.

A Vibe Dining Leader. As a leader in Vibe Dining, ONE Hospitality is well positioned to capitalize on this trend through its portfolio of concepts, including chains STK, Benihana, Kona Grill, and RA Sushi, as well as the Salt Water Social and Samurai concepts. These upscale and polished casual, high-energy restaurants and lounges provide entertainment and unique experiences for diners, as well as one-of-a-kind, celebratory experiences that bring customers back.

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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).

Release – Fatburger Accelerates Florida Growth with 40-Unit Development Deal

Posted on July 2, 2025July 2, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on FAT

07/02/2025

Download(opens in new window)

Iconic Burger Franchise to Increase Footprint in State to Over 40 Restaurants

LOS ANGELES, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces a new development deal with existing franchisee Whole Factor Inc., to open 40 additional Fatburger locations across Florida over the next 10 years, including new areas such as Jacksonville. Since 2021, Whole Factor Inc. has been steadily growing the Fatburger brand across the state with a 14-unit development deal to grow in the Orlando and Tampa areas, with two restaurants open to date in Riverview and Celebration.

“Two years ago, Fatburger made its return to the state of Florida after a 20-year absence, and we are not looking back,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Co-CEO and Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “Our Riverview and Celebration locations have exceeded expectations with an incredible fanbase that loves our cooked-to-order burgers, fries, and hand-scooped milkshakes. Whole Factor is an excellent partner that understands what makes Fatburger such a unique, beloved brand, and their future growth will cement Fatburger as a key burger player in the state of Florida.”

“We are excited to grow Fatburger across the state with Whole Factor Inc., bringing our fresh, handcrafted burgers to more communities in the Tampa and Orlando areas in addition to entering the Jacksonville market,” said Spike Singh, Owner of Whole Factor Inc. “With a new store opening later this year in Orange Park near Jacksonville, we are eager to share Fatburger’s iconic menu and vibrant atmosphere with even more fans.”

Ever since the first Fatburger opened in Los Angeles over 70 years ago, the chain has been known for its delicious, grilled-to-perfection and cooked-to-order burgers. Founder Lovie Yancey believed that a big burger with everything on it is a meal in itself; at Fatburger “everything” is not just the usual roster of toppings. Burgers can be customized with everything from bacon and eggs to chili and onion rings. In addition to its famous burgers, the Fatburger menu also includes Fat and Skinny Fries, sweet potato fries, scratch-made onion rings, Impossible™ Burgers, turkeyburgers, hand-breaded crispy chicken sandwiches, and hand-scooped milkshakes made from 100 percent real ice cream.

For more information on Fatburger, visit www.fatburger.com.

###

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, 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.

About Fatburger

An all-American, Hollywood favorite, Fatburger is a fast-casual restaurant serving big, juicy, tasty burgers, crafted specifically to each customer’s liking. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Fatburger’s extraordinary quality and taste inspire fierce loyalty amongst its fan base, which includes a number of A-list celebrities and athletes. Featuring a contemporary design and ambiance, Fatburger offers an unparalleled dining experience, demonstrating the same dedication to serving gourmet, homemade, custom-built burgers as it has since 1952 – The Last Great Hamburger Stand^™.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings and area development agreements. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we” or “our”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Mandzik, FAT Brands
emandzik@fatbrands.com
860-212-6509

Source: FAT Brands Inc.

Steelcase (SCS) – Post Call Commentary

Posted on June 27, 2025June 27, 2025 by cpatches

Friday, June 27, 2025

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.

Mixed Environment. Steelcase continues to face a mixed environment, both on a vertical basis and a geographical basis. The key large corporate customer cohort is doing well, driven by a number of factors such as return to office, but education and government have been hit by funding uncertainties. Germany and France remain sluggish in the key small-to-mid-sized business, but India and China are doing better.

International Actions. Steelcase is taking steps to implement additional cost reduction efforts in Europe, given the weak macroeconomic factors and lower demand in France and Germany. A goal of these actions is to get the International segment back to profitability.

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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).

Mortgage Rates Fall Below 6.8%, Offering Little Spark for Home Sales

Posted on June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– Mortgage rates fell to 6.77%, the lowest since May, as Treasury yields dipped.
– High rates and home prices continue to constrain homebuyer activity.
– Forecasters expect only modest rate relief through the end of the year.

Mortgage rates have inched lower for a fourth straight week, offering a glimmer of relief for homebuyers, but not enough to spark a major rebound in the housing market. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.77% this week, its lowest level since May, down slightly from 6.81% last week, according to data from Freddie Mac. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage also dipped to 5.89% from 5.96%.

This modest decline comes as geopolitical tensions ease and Treasury yields soften. A recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel helped calm global markets, while dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials increased expectations that rate cuts could come as early as July. These factors contributed to a dip in the 10-year Treasury yield, which mortgage rates tend to closely follow.

Though the Federal Reserve has not moved to lower interest rates yet, speculation around future cuts is already influencing mortgage rate behavior. Fed Chair Jerome Powell reiterated during recent congressional testimony that while rate cuts are not imminent, the central bank remains open to adjusting policy if inflation continues to cool or if economic conditions shift.

Despite the recent rate movement, mortgage rates are still hovering near the upper end of a narrow range. Since mid-April, rates have fluctuated within a tight 15-basis-point band, limiting their ability to meaningfully impact housing affordability.

High borrowing costs, coupled with persistently high home prices, have continued to dampen housing activity. While pending home sales rose by 1.8% in May from the previous month, and 1.1% year-over-year, the overall housing market remains subdued. New home sales, in contrast, fell sharply last month, plunging 14% — the steepest monthly drop in three years, highlighting buyer hesitation in the current rate environment.

Mortgage applications for new purchases were essentially flat last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, while refinancing activity saw a modest 3% increase. The latter suggests that some homeowners are finding incentive in even small rate drops to restructure their existing loans, though the overall refinancing market remains a fraction of what it was during the ultra-low rate environment of the pandemic.

Looking ahead, economists expect only gradual improvement. The Mortgage Bankers Association projects rates to close out the year around 6.7%, while Fannie Mae anticipates a slightly more optimistic 6.5%. Either way, most forecasts suggest a slow decline rather than a swift return to significantly lower levels.

For prospective buyers, this means affordability may improve modestly, but major relief remains unlikely in the short term. With inflation, Federal Reserve policy, and global uncertainty still in play, the mortgage market is expected to remain cautious.

Steelcase (SCS) – First Look At A Solid First Quarter

Posted on June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Thursday, June 26, 2025

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.

1Q26. Steelcase reported solid results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Revenue grew 7% y-o-y to $779 million, towards the upper end of guidance. We had forecast $760 million and the consensus was $762 million. Gross margin of 33.9% was up 170 bp y-o-y and above management’s 33% guide. Steelcase reported net income of $13.6 million, or EPS of $0.11, and adjusted EPS of $0.20, compared to $10.9 million, $0.09, and $0.16, respectively, last year. We were at adjusted EPS of $0.14, while consensus was $0.13.

Quarterly Drivers. The Americas business was up 9%, both on a reported and organic basis, driven by a higher beginning backlog compared to the prior year and included strong growth from large corporate, government, and healthcare customers. International was up 1% on a reported basis but down 1% on an organic basis, driven by declines in Germany and France, mostly offset by growth in India, the UK, and China.

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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).

Consumer Confidence Slips as Tariff Worries and Price Pressures Resurface

Posted on June 25, 2025June 25, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– Consumer confidence fell unexpectedly in June, driven by concerns over tariffs and inflation.
– Perceptions of the labor market have softened, with fewer respondents viewing jobs as readily available.
– Despite rising geopolitical tensions, trade policy and high prices remain the primary concerns for American consumers.

Consumer confidence took an unexpected step back in June, reflecting growing anxieties around tariffs and persistent inflation that continue to shape household sentiment. Despite a brief upswing the previous month, optimism around the economy and job market has moderated as Americans grow more cautious about future conditions.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dipped to 93 in June, a notable decline from 98.4 in May and below economists’ projections. The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ outlook for income, business, and labor conditions over the next six months, dropped to 69 from 73.6. The sharp decline follows what had been the largest one-month surge in sentiment since the financial crisis recovery in 2009.

Tariffs remained on top of consumers’ minds and were frequently associated with concerns about their negative impacts on the economy and prices. Inflation and high prices were another important concern cited by consumers in June.

Although the administration has delayed several rounds of tariffs in recent weeks, the effective U.S. tariff rate remains significantly elevated. According to estimates from the Yale Budget Lab, the current rate stands at approximately 14.7%—the highest since the Great Depression era in 1938. This has raised the cost of imported goods and weighed on consumer sentiment, especially for lower- and middle-income households who are more sensitive to rising everyday expenses.

Interestingly, geopolitical events, including renewed conflict in the Middle East, were not cited as major factors in consumer sentiment. The survey cutoff occurred amid increasing global tensions, but Guichard noted that topics like international conflict and social unrest “remained much lower on the list of topics affecting consumers’ views.”

Labor market perceptions also softened in June. The share of consumers who said jobs are “plentiful” declined to 29.2%, down from 31.1% the month before. At the same time, 18.1% of respondents said jobs were “hard to get,” nearly unchanged from May. The gap between these two numbers—known as the labor market differential—narrowed to 11.1 percentage points, its lowest level since early 2021 when the economy was emerging from pandemic-era shutdowns.

The cooling in labor sentiment mirrors recent trends in government data. Job openings have declined from earlier in the year, and unemployment claims have risen, suggesting some softening in what had been a resilient job market.

While the recent pullback in confidence does not necessarily signal a recession, it highlights the fragility of sentiment in the face of policy uncertainty and inflationary pressure. As the Federal Reserve continues to weigh interest rate decisions and the White House balances trade policy with economic growth, consumer perceptions will remain a key bellwether for the broader economic outlook.

QuoteMedia Inc. (QMCI) – Raising Price Target On Favorable Outlook

Posted on June 24, 2025June 24, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

QuoteMedia is a leading software developer and cloud-based syndicator of financial market information and streaming financial data solutions to media, corporations, online brokerages, and financial services companies. The Company licenses interactive stock research tools such as streaming real-time quotes, market research, news, charting, option chains, filings, corporate financials, insider reports, market indices, portfolio management systems, and data feeds. QuoteMedia provides industry leading market data solutions and financial services for companies such as the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, TMX Group (TSX Stock Exchange), Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE), London Stock Exchange Group, FIS, U.S. Bank, Broadridge Financial Systems, JPMorgan Chase, CI Financial, Canaccord Genuity Corp., Hilltop Securities, HD Vest, Stockhouse, Zacks Investment Research, General Electric, Boeing, Bombardier, Telus International, Business Wire, PR Newswire, FolioFN, Regal Securities, ChoiceTrade, Cetera Financial Group, Dynamic Trend, Inc., Qtrade Financial, CNW Group, IA Private Wealth, Ally Invest, Inc., Suncor, Virtual Brokers, Leede Jones Gable, Firstrade Securities, Charles Schwab, First Financial, Cirano, Equisolve, Stock-Trak, Mergent, Cision, Day Trade Dash and others. Quotestream®, QModTM and Quotestream ConnectTM are trademarks of QuoteMedia. For more information, please visit www.quotemedia.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.

Solid Q1 Results. The company reported solid Q1 results, with revenue growing 3% over the prior year period to $4.8 million, marking the highest quarterly revenue in the company’s history. Adj. EBITDA of $0.4 million in Q1 was moderately lower than our estimate of $0.5 million estimate. We believe its business pipeline appears to be improving and should gain momentum throughout the year and into 2026.

Capitalizing less development costs. Notably, the company capitalized less development costs in Q1 than in prior quarters, leading to more development costs expensed in Q1. While this impacted Q1, we believe that margins should improve as the company begins to recognize the revenue from the new business “wins” in future quarters. Furthermore, the company will be expensing development costs at a similar rate to Q1 moving forward.

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Release – Xcel Brands Announces Strategic Partnership with Global Fashion Icon Coco Rocha

Posted on June 23, 2025June 23, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on XELB

PDF Version

June 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM EDT

NEW YORK, June 23, 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 a groundbreaking new partnership with supermodel, advocate, and founder of Coco Rocha Model Camp, Coco Rocha.

With more than two decades at the highest level of the fashion industry—having graced over 100 magazine covers, been shot by top photographers across the globe, and walked runways for luxury fashion houses ranging from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, John Galliano, Prada and Schiaparelli to Jean Paul Gaultier, Tom Ford, Moschino, and Marc Jacobs—Coco Rocha brings a rare depth of experience and insight to this collaboration. Rocha’s illustrious career has granted her a front-row seat to the inner workings of the world’s most legendary designers. Together, Coco Rocha and Xcel Brands will develop a bold, thoughtfully crafted fashion brand designed for women who lead with both strength and style.

“What excites me about partnering with Xcel is the opportunity to finally channel all of those unbelievable lived experiences into something of my own,” said Rocha. “This isn’t about chasing trends or putting my name on a label—it’s about designing elevated essentials that reflect the life I live now as a mother, businesswoman, and creative.”

This collaboration aims to speak to women seeking pieces that feel as powerful and dynamic as their daily lives. Coco Rocha’s collection will deliver runway-inspired elegance with everyday practicality.

Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and CEO of Xcel Brands, said, “Coco Rocha is one of the most influential fashion figures of our time. Her perspective, creativity, and commitment to authenticity make her the perfect partner for our next brand launch. We are thrilled to work alongside her in building something empowering and extraordinary.”

This announcement further pushes Xcel’s commitment to redefining modern fashion through innovative partnerships with authentic, visionary creators. For more information, visit 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 co-branded collaboration brands TowerHill by Christie Brinkley, LB70 by Lloyd Boston, Trust. Respect. Love. by Cesar Millan, and GemmaMade by Gemma Stafford, and also holds noncontrolling interests or long-term license agreements in the Isaac Mizrahi brand, Orme Live and Jenny Martinez Live 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 40 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 Coco Rocha
Coco Rocha is an internationally acclaimed supermodel, entrepreneur, and educator who has redefined the role of a model through two decades of innovation and influence. Named Model of the Year by Elle and Marie Claire, and hailed by Vogue Paris and Vogue Italia as one of the top models of all time, she has graced the runways of every major fashion house and appeared in countless international campaigns and covers.

Widely known as the “Queen of Pose”, Coco is considered one of the most technically proficient and versatile models of her generation. In 2014, she authored Study of Pose, a 2,000-page visual encyclopedia that has become a go-to reference for models and photographers alike. A pioneer in digital influence, Coco was the first high-fashion model to fully embrace social media—amassing millions of followers and earning recognition from Time magazine and TikTok as a leading voice in fashion.

An outspoken advocate for model rights, she played a pivotal role in passing legislation in New York to protect underage models. In 2018, she launched the Coco Rocha Model Camp (CRMC), a first-of-its-kind program offering hands-on modeling training combined with career and business strategy. Nearly 5,000 students have trained under Coco—including Kendall Jenner, Alix Earle, Bryce Dallas Howard, Dixie D’Amelio, Tabria Majors, and more.

She has shared her expertise through guest lectures at Harvard, Brown, and SCAD, and co-founded Nomad MGMT, a boutique modeling agency with offices in three countries. Beyond fashion, Coco is an active investor and advisor to early-stage startups in tech, media, and commerce. She lives in New York with her husband and creative partner, James Conran, and their three children.

Coco Rocha is represented by The Lions Management.

For further information, please contact:
Seth Burroughs
Xcel Brands
sburroughs@xcelbrands.com

For press inquiries with Coco Rocha, please contact:
Bianca Bianconi
Bianca.Bianconi@42West.com
Devin Wolf
Devin.Wolf@42West.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9ea093c-b36d-40db-a59d-54596ed22710

Coco Rocha

Coco Rocha

Source: Xcel Brands, Inc

Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE) – Mitigates Tariff Risks Much Faster Than Expected

Posted on June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

500 5th Avenue 20th Floor New York, NY 10110 United States Sector(s): Consumer Cyclical Industry: Apparel Manufacturing Full Time Employees: 599 Key Executives Name Title Pay Exercised Year Born Mr. Jonathan CEO & Director 825.62k N/A 1958 Ms. Marie Fogel Senior VP and Chief Merchandising & Manufacturing Officer 633.19k N/A 1961 Mr. John Chief Financial Officer

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.

Solid Q1 results. the company reported Q1 revenue of $57.9 million and an adj. EBITDA loss of $3.0 million, both of which were better than our estimates of $56.0 million and a loss of $5.5 million, respectively. Notably, while revenue and adj. EBITDA are both modestly lower than the prior year period; we view the Q1 results favorably, given the company’s ability to manage the uncertain tariff outlook.

Tariff mitigation. The company highlighted that it has been taking steps to reduce its exposure to China, currently roughly 60% of its cost of goods sold. Notably, the company is sourcing from other countries and expects that China will be roughly 25% of its cost of goods by the end of 2025. The company has leadership located in the sourcing countries to ensure product quality.

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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).