Category: Consumer

Release – ACCO Brands Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results and Provides Outlook for 2026

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ACCO

03/09/2026

Full Year 2025

  • Reported net sales of $1.525 billion; in line with the Company’s outlook
  • Diluted earnings per share of $0.44, adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.84, in line with the Company’s outlook
  • In the Americas segment sales trends improved, reflecting growth in Technology Accessories and moderating declines in core categories; 2026 outlook anticipates continued trend improvement
  • Multi-year cost reduction program has yielded more than $60 million of savings since inception, on track to deliver $100 million by the end of 2026
  • On January 30, 2026 closed on the EPOS acquisition, part of the Company’s strategic pivot to higher growth technology peripherals

LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and twelve-months ended December 31, 2025.

“In the fourth quarter we delivered sales and adjusted EPS in line with our outlook. I am proud of how our teams responded to the ever-changing operating dynamics throughout 2025. We executed well on our multi-year cost reduction program delivering approximately $35 million of savings in 2025, bringing the cumulative total to $60 million. We recently closed on the acquisition of EPOS, a premium audio solutions company, which strengthens our technology peripherals business in markets we know well. This acquisition is another step in our repositioning of ACCO Brands toward higher growth technology peripheral categories,” stated ACCO Brands’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Tedford.

Mr. Tedford continued, “We remain confident in our ability to deliver future value creation for our shareholders. Our proven ability to acquire and manage a portfolio of leading brands, our optimized operational structure, strong cash flows and refined strategic focus, provide a strong platform to support our growth initiatives.”

Fourth Quarter Results

Net sales were $428.8 million, down 4.3 percent from $448.1 million in 2024. Favorable foreign exchange increased sales by $15.8 million, or 3.5 percent. Comparable sales decreased 7.8 percent. The decline in net sales reflects softer global demand for some of our core products, partially offset by growth in gaming accessories.

Operating income was $40.0 million, versus $42.0 million in 2024. Restructuring expense was $8.4 million, compared to $10.7 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating income was $60.1 million, compared to $64.2 million in 2024. The decline in adjusted operating income reflects lower sales volume, reduced fixed-cost absorption, and unfavorable product mix, which were partially offset by cost savings and lower incentive compensation expense.

Net income was $21.3 million, or $0.23 per share, compared with prior-year net income of $20.6 million, or $0.21 per share. The increase in net income reflects items noted above in operating income, as well as the benefit of discrete tax items of $2.0 million, compared to expense of $0.8 million in the prior year. Adjusted net income was $35.5 million, compared to adjusted net income of $37.5 million in 2024, and adjusted earnings per share were $0.38, compared to $0.39 in 2024.

Full Year Results

Net sales were $1.525 billion, down 8.5 percent from $1.666 billion in 2024. Net sales declines reflect the impact of softer global demand and tariff-related disruptions.

Operating income was $92.3 million, versus an operating loss of $37.0 million in 2024, primarily due to non-cash impairment charges of $165.2 million related to goodwill and intangible assets within the Americas segment in the prior year. Restructuring expense associated with our multi-year cost reduction program was $21.6 million, compared to $16.8 million in the prior year. Current year operating income benefited from a net gain on sale of assets of $6.8 million. Adjusted operating income was $153.3 million, down from $189.7 million in 2024. Adjusted operating income decline reflects lower sales volume and tariff-related impacts, which were partially offset by cost savings and lower incentive compensation expense.

Net income was $41.3 million, or $0.44 per share, compared to a net loss of $101.6 million, or $(1.06) per share, in 2024. Current year net income was positively impacted by $13.0 million as a result of the reversal of tax reserves for Brazil. The prior year loss reflects the items noted above in operating income. Adjusted net income was $78.8 million, compared to $99.2 million in 2024, and adjusted earnings per share were $0.84 per share, compared to $1.02 per share in 2024.

Cash Flow, Debt and Dividend

For the full year, operating cash flow was $68.7 million versus $148.2 million in the prior year. Adjusted free cash flow of $69.5 million, which includes $18.7 million from asset sales, compared to $132.3 million in the prior year. The Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as of December 31, 2025 was 4.1x.

In 2025, the Company paid dividends of $27.0 million and repurchased 3.2 million shares of common stock for $15.1 million.

On February 27, 2026, ACCO Brands announced that its board of directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share. The dividend will be paid on March 26, 2026 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2026.

Business Segment Results

ACCO Brands Americas – Fourth quarter segment net sales of $244.4 million decreased 2.7 percent from $251.3 million in the prior year. Net sales in the quarter were negatively impacted by softer demand in core categories, partly offset by growth in gaming and computer accessories and price increases.

Fourth quarter operating income was $31.4 million, compared to $31.2 million a year earlier. Restructuring expense associated with the multi-year cost reduction program was $4.5 million, compared to $3.1 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating income was $43.3 million, up from $41.6 million in the prior year. The increase in adjusted operating income reflects cost savings, price realization and lower incentive compensation, more than offsetting lower sales volume, reduced fixed-cost absorption and unfavorable product mix.

ACCO Brands International – Fourth quarter segment net sales of $184.4 million decreased 6.3 percent from $196.8 million in the prior year. Favorable foreign exchange increased sales by 5.4 percent. Comparable sales were $173.7 million, down 11.7 percent versus the prior year. Comparable sales declines reflect reduced demand for our core product categories and a difficult sales comparison in Europe.

Fourth quarter operating income was $17.8 million, compared to $24.0 million in the prior year. Restructuring expense associated with the multi-year cost reduction program of $3.9 million, compared to $4.2 million in the prior year. Adjusted operating income was $26.0 million, compared with $32.4 million in the prior year. The decrease in adjusted operating income reflects the impact of lower sales volume and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by price increases and cost savings.

2026 Outlook

“We expect the combination of the EPOS acquisition, improved end markets and foreign exchange to drive positive revenue growth in 2026. Our commitment to operational excellence through continued cost management and productivity programs position us to deliver improved profits and cash flow. With our optimized operational structure and portfolio of leading brands, we have a strong platform to generate consistent free cash flow while investing in faster growing categories,” concluded Mr. Tedford.

For the full year, the Company expects reported sales to be in the range of flat to up 3.0%. Full year adjusted EPS is expected to be within the range of $0.84 to $0.89. The Company expects 2026 free cash flow to be within the range of $75 million to $85 million, with a consolidated leverage ratio within a range of 3.7x to 3.9x.

In the first quarter, the Company expects reported sales to be in the range of flat to up 3.0% and adjusted loss per share within a range of ($0.06) to ($0.03).

Webcast

At 8:30 a.m. ET on March 9, 2026, ACCO Brands Corporation will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s fourth quarter 2025 results. The call will be broadcast live via webcast. The webcast can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of www.accobrands.com. The webcast will be in listen-only mode and will be available for replay following the event.

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.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to financial results reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we have provided certain non-GAAP financial information in this earnings release to aid investors in understanding the Company’s performance. Each non-GAAP financial measure is defined and reconciled to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure in the “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this earnings release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained herein, other than statements of historical fact, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth, strategies, business operations and similar matters, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, and those relating to cost reductions and anticipated pre-tax savings and restructuring costs are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management based on information available to us at the time such statements are made. These statements, which are generally identifiable by the use of the words “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “future”, “project,” “plan,” and similar expressions, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty or obligation to update them. Forward-looking statements are subject to the occurrence of events outside the Company’s control and actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Investors and others are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the Company’s securities.

Our outlook is based on certain assumptions which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These include, without limitation, assumptions regarding consumer demand, tariffs, global geopolitical and economic uncertainties, and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and the other factors described below.

Among the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are: changes in trade policy and regulations, including changes in trade agreements and the imposition of tariffs, and the resulting consequences; global political and economic uncertainties; a limited number of large customers account for a significant percentage of our sales; sales of our products are affected by general economic and business conditions globally and in the countries in which we operate; risks associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; challenges related to the highly competitive business environment in which we operate; our ability to develop and market innovative products that meet consumer demands and to expand into new and adjacent product categories; our ability to successfully expand our business in emerging markets and the exposure to greater financial, operational, regulatory, compliance and other risks in such markets; the continued decline in the use of certain of our products; risks associated with seasonality, the sufficiency of investment returns on pension assets, risks related to actuarial assumptions, changes in government regulations and changes in the unfunded liabilities of a multi-employer pension plan; any impairment of our intangible assets; our ability to secure, protect and maintain our intellectual property rights, and our ability to license rights and receive certifications from equipment and software businesses to support our technology accessories business; the introduction by third parties of new and successful gaming consoles; our ability to grow profitably through acquisitions, and successfully integrate them; our ability to successfully execute our multi-year restructuring and cost savings program and realize the anticipated benefits; continued disruptions in the global supply chain; risks associated with inflation and other changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, transportation, labor, and other necessary supplies and services and the cost of finished goods; risks associated with outsourcing production of certain of our products, information technology systems and other administrative functions; the failure, inadequacy or interruption of our information technology systems or their supporting infrastructure; risks associated with a cybersecurity incident or information security breach, including that related to a disclosure of personally identifiable information; risks associated with the use by us and other suppliers of artificial intelligence, risks associated with our indebtedness, including limitations imposed by restrictive covenants, our debt service obligations, and our ability to comply with financial ratios and tests; a change in or discontinuance of our stock repurchase program or the payment of dividends; product liability claims, recalls or regulatory actions; the impact of litigation or other legal proceedings; the impact of additional tax liabilities stemming from our global operations and changes in tax laws, regulations and tax rates; our failure to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations and self-regulatory requirements, the costs of compliance and the impact of changes in such laws; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the volatility of our stock price; risks associated with circumstances outside our control, including those caused by telecommunication failures, labor strikes, power and/or water shortages, public health crises, such as the occurrence of contagious diseases, severe weather events, war, terrorism and other geopolitical incidents; and other risks and uncertainties described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

View full release here.

Christopher McGinnis
Investor Relations
(847) 796-4320

Kori Reed
Media Relations
(224) 501-0406

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation

Jobs Report Shock: U.S. Economy Loses 92,000 Jobs in February as Unemployment Ticks Higher

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The U.S. labor market delivered an unpleasant surprise in February.

According to new Labor Department data released Friday, the economy lost 92,000 jobs, sharply missing economists’ expectations for a 55,000-job gain. The report also pushed the unemployment rate up to 4.4%, adding to concerns that the early-year hiring rebound may be losing momentum.

For investors and policymakers watching closely, the data suggests the labor market may be entering a softer phase after months of uneven job growth.

A Sudden Shift in the Hiring Trend

February’s decline stands in stark contrast to January’s previously reported 130,000 payroll increase, which had raised hopes that hiring was stabilizing. However, revisions to prior months painted a weaker picture.

January’s gains were revised down by 4,000 jobs, while December’s data was adjusted from a 48,000 increase to a loss of 17,000 positions. Combined, those revisions removed 69,000 jobs from prior employment estimates.

Taken together with February’s decline, the labor market appears significantly weaker than many economists expected at the start of 2026.

Guy Berger, director of economic research at the Burning Glass Institute, described the data bluntly on social media, calling the release an “ugly report.”

The combination of falling payrolls and rising unemployment reinforced concerns that labor demand may be cooling across multiple sectors.

Long-Term Unemployment Edges Higher

Another notable signal from the report was the rise in long-term unemployment.

The share of workers unemployed for 27 weeks or longer climbed to 25.3% of total unemployed workers, suggesting that some displaced workers are taking longer to reenter the workforce.

While still well below levels seen during major recessions, the increase may indicate early stress in certain parts of the job market.

Labor economists often watch this metric closely because rising long-term unemployment can signal a more persistent slowdown in hiring.

Healthcare Disruptions Skew the Numbers

One key factor behind February’s weak headline number was disruption in the healthcare sector.

Healthcare payrolls fell by 28,000 jobs, largely due to strike activity. A major labor dispute involving 31,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in California and Hawaii temporarily removed employees from payroll counts during the survey period.

Healthcare and social assistance have been among the most reliable sources of job creation in recent years, making the decline especially notable.

Without the strike-related losses, February’s employment picture may have looked somewhat stronger.

A Narrow Engine for Job Growth

Even with the healthcare setback, social assistance jobs—such as home health and personal care aides—rose by 9,000 positions, representing one of the few areas of expansion in the report.

The data highlights how concentrated job growth has become in recent years. Healthcare and social services have carried much of the employment expansion while other sectors remain more uneven.

For markets, the report could carry implications for Federal Reserve policy expectations, as investors assess whether cooling labor conditions might influence interest-rate decisions later this year.

While a single report does not define a broader trend, February’s numbers underscore how fragile the labor market recovery may be heading into the spring.

Codere Online (CDRO) – Favorable Operating Momentum

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Monday, March 02, 2026

Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group. Codere Online offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile application. Codere currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and the City of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Codere Online’s online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence in the region.

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 Q4 Results. The company reported Q4 revenue of €60.7 million and adj. EBITDA of €6.7 million, both of which surpassed our estimates of €57.0 million and €3.0 million, respectively. Notably, the company benefited from strong user activity in the quarter, both in monthly active users and first time deposits (FTD), as well as an improved cost per acquisition (CPA).

Favorable fundamentals. Notably, in Q4, the company benefited from strong activity in Mexico, which generated revenue of €32.8 million, up 31% YoY. The favorable performance in Mexico was supported by 99,000 average monthly users, up 43% YoY. On a consolidated basis, the company averaged 177,000 monthly active users, up 20% YoY. Furthermore, the company benefited from efficient CPA spend of €166, with 89,000 FTD recorded in Q4, which is up 22% over the prior year period.


Get the Full Report

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. 

Wholesale Inflation Heats Up: Producer Prices Jump 0.5% in January, Complicating Fed Outlook

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

U.S. wholesale inflation came in hotter than expected in January, adding a fresh wrinkle to the Federal Reserve’s already delicate balancing act on interest rates.

The Labor Department reported Friday that its Producer Price Index (PPI) — which measures price changes before they reach consumers — rose 0.5% from December and 2.9% from a year earlier. Economists surveyed by FactSet had forecast a 0.3% monthly increase and a 1.6% annual gain.

The upside surprise didn’t stop there.

Excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core wholesale prices climbed 0.8% month over month and 3.6% from a year ago — both well above expectations. The annual core increase was the largest since March of last year.

Services Drive the Upside

Much of January’s acceleration came from services, particularly higher profit margins for retailers and wholesalers.

That detail is significant.

It suggests companies may be maintaining — or expanding — pricing power, even as tariff costs shift and input prices fluctuate. Samuel Tombs, chief U.S. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, noted that while retailers’ tariff bills have edged down in recent months, selling prices have continued to rise.

Core goods prices also strengthened, rising 0.7% from December and 4.2% year over year. Hefty increases were reported in categories including cosmetics, pet food, certain metals, and metal-cutting machinery.

In contrast, energy prices provided some relief. Gasoline prices dropped 5.5% from December and were down 15.7% from a year earlier. Wholesale food prices also declined.

A Mixed Inflation Picture

The hotter PPI report comes just two weeks after consumer price data showed more moderation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.4% year over year in January — moving closer to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

But wholesale inflation can act as an early indicator of future consumer price pressures. Some PPI components — particularly health care and financial services — also feed directly into the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index.

In December, PCE inflation rose 2.9% year over year, marking its fastest pace since March 2024.

For policymakers, that backdrop complicates the rate outlook.

The Fed cut its benchmark rate three times last year in response to a cooling labor market. However, it has since adopted a more cautious stance, signaling it wants clearer evidence that inflation is sustainably moving toward 2%.

Following Friday’s report, Nationwide economist Ben Ayers said he expects the Fed to remain on pause at its upcoming March meeting.

Why It Matters for Investors

Markets have been wrestling with two competing narratives in 2026: moderating consumer inflation versus persistent underlying price pressures.

The stronger-than-expected wholesale reading reinforces the idea that inflation may prove stickier than hoped — especially in services and core goods. For equities, that could mean renewed volatility if bond yields rise on expectations of prolonged higher rates.

For fixed-income investors, it underscores that the path to further rate cuts may not be straightforward.

In short, January’s data doesn’t signal a resurgence of runaway inflation. But it does suggest the Fed’s job isn’t finished — and markets may need to recalibrate expectations for how quickly monetary easing resumes.

Release – ACCO Brands Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ACCO

02/27/2026

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 March 26, 2026, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 20, 2026.

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.

Chris McGinnis
Investor Relations
(847) 796-4320

Kori Reed
Media Relations
(224) 501-0406

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation

Codere Online (CDRO) – Delivers Operating Leverage

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Friday, February 27, 2026

Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group. Codere Online offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile application. Codere currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and the City of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Codere Online’s online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence in the region.

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 Q4 Results.  The company reported Q4 revenue of €60.7 million and adj. EBITDA of €6.7 million, both of which surpassed our estimates of €57.0 million and €3.0 million, respectively, as illustrated in Figure #1 Q4 Results. Notably, the company benefited from strong user activity in the quarter, both in monthly active users and first time deposits (FTD), as well as an improved cost per acquisition (CPA).

Favorable fundamentals. Notably, in Q4, the company benefited from strong activity in Mexico, which generated revenue of €32.8 million, up 31% YoY. The favorable performance in Mexico was supported by 99,000 average monthly users, up 43% YoY. On a consolidated basis, the company averaged 177,000 monthly active users, up 20% YoY. Furthermore, the company benefited from efficient CPA spend of €166, with 89,000 FTD recorded in Q4, which is up 22% over the prior year period.


Get the Full Report

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. 

Perfect (PERF) – Revenue Growth Story Intact

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Wednesday, February 25, 2026

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.

Q4 results. Perfect reported Q4 revenue of $18.1 million, up 14.2% Y/Y and largely in line with our estimate of $18.2 million, while adj. EBITDA of $1.4 million exceeded our forecast of $1.0 million, representing 8% margins. Excluding a one-time goodwill write-off, the company would have generated operating income, underscoring improving cost discipline and operating leverage.

B2C momentum the primary growth driver. Management noted that strong demand for AI-powered content creation is driving engagement across the YouCam app portfolio. Generative AI photo and video tools remain key contributors, and we believe Perfect’s expertise with these technologies positions it well to benefit from sustained demand for personalized, AI-enabled digital experiences.


Get the Full Report

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. 

Housing Stocks Slide as Policy Hopes Fade and Outlooks Darken

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Housing-linked equities took a sharp hit Wednesday, pressured by cautious corporate outlooks and the absence of new housing initiatives in President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

The S&P Composite Homebuilders Index dropped as much as 5.2%, marking its steepest decline since last April’s tariff-driven selloff. The retreat swept across builders, suppliers, and mortgage-related names, underscoring just how sensitive the group remains to policy signals and macro sentiment.

Among the hardest hit were Green Brick Partners, Lennar, Champion Homes, Dream Finders Homes, Installed Building Products, D.R. Horton, and TopBuild. Mortgage-exposed firms such as Rocket Cos. also traded lower as investors reassessed the near-term demand outlook.

The pullback followed a subdued forecast from Lowe’s Cos., which projected full-year sales below Wall Street expectations. Shares of the home improvement retailer fell more than 5% intraday. The guidance came on the heels of cautious commentary from Home Depot, reinforcing concerns that housing-related spending may remain muted in 2026.

For investors, the message was clear: the housing market is still searching for a catalyst.

Executives pointed to persistent affordability challenges, elevated mortgage rates, and broader economic uncertainty. Lowe’s Chief Executive Marvin Ellison cited inflationary pressures and subdued consumer confidence. He also highlighted the ongoing “lock-in effect,” where homeowners are reluctant to sell because they would need to refinance at significantly higher mortgage rates.

Home Depot’s finance chief echoed similar themes earlier in the week, noting that while homeowners remain relatively healthy financially, uncertainty around affordability and employment is weighing on decision-making.

Expectations had been building that the administration might unveil fresh housing initiatives. Instead, the president largely reiterated previous comments about potentially restricting institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes and suggested that lower interest rates would ultimately address affordability concerns. Broader housing policy proposals were absent.

That lack of clarity appeared to disappoint investors who had hoped for targeted measures to stimulate supply or ease affordability pressures.

The selloff extended beyond homebuilders. The S&P Composite 1500 Building Products Index fell as much as 2.5%, with companies such as Hayward Holdings, UFP Industries, and Builders FirstSource among the largest percentage decliners.

For small- and mid-cap investors, the volatility highlights how exposed housing-related equities remain to macro swings. Many regional builders and specialty suppliers operate with narrower margins and less diversified revenue streams than large-cap peers. That makes them particularly sensitive to changes in mortgage rates, input costs, and consumer confidence.

At the same time, prolonged weakness in transaction volumes can ripple across the ecosystem — from building products manufacturers to installation services and mortgage originators. When turnover slows, renovation activity, new construction starts, and related spending often follow.

The broader question for 2026 is whether easing financial conditions materialize quickly enough to offset affordability headwinds. While policymakers and corporate executives continue to point to the potential for rate relief, timing remains uncertain.

Until clearer signals emerge — either from monetary policy, fiscal initiatives, or a sustained improvement in housing demand — the sector may continue to trade on headlines rather than fundamentals.

For investors in small- and middle-market housing names, that likely means heightened volatility, selective capital flows, and a continued premium on balance sheet strength.

SEGG Media Corporation (SEGG) – Strengthens Its Portfolio

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Tuesday, February 24, 2026

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.

Increases its stake in Veloce Media Group. SEGG Media increases its stake from 12.4% to over 51% in Veloce Media Group, a UK-based digital media and gaming company focused on esports, gaming content, and motorsport entertainment, valuing the company at $61 million. Veloce current management is expected to manage the business and the company has nominated Daniel Bailey, co-founder and CEO of Veloce, to the SEGG board. 

Could own up to 75%. The purchase was for cash and stock, with the vast majority for stock. The company issued 2.52 million shares in the transaction, valuing the SEGG shares at $10 per share. SEGG extended the offer for a portion of the remaining interest in Veloce it does not own, and, as such, SEGG may control a larger percentage once the transaction is completed within the next few weeks. 


Get the Full Report

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. 

Release – ACCO Brands Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Webcast

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ACCO

02/23/2026

LAKE ZURICH, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today announced that it will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings before the market opens on March 9, 2026. The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results on March 9 at 8:30 a.m. EST. The webcast can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of www.accobrands.com and will be available for replay.

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.

Chris McGinnis
Investor Relations
(847) 796-4320

Kori Reed
Media Relations
(224) 501-0406

Source: ACCO Brands Corporation

Release – Superior Group of Companies to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on SGC

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGC) (the “Company”) today announced that it will release the results of its operations for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 after the market close on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Michael Benstock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mike Koempel, President and Chief Financial Officer, will host a teleconference at 5:00 pm Eastern Time that day to discuss the Company’s results.

The live webcast and archived replay can be accessed in the investor relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.superiorgroupofcompanies.com/presentations. Interested individuals may also join the teleconference by dialing 1-844-861-5505 for U.S. dialers and 1-412-317-6586 for international dialers. The Canadian toll-free number is 1-866-605-3852. Please ask to join to the Superior Group of Companies call.

A telephone replay of the teleconference will be available through March 17, 2026. To access the replay, dial 1-855-669-9658 in the United States and Canada or 1-412-317-0088 from international locations. Please reference conference number 6514610 for replay access.

About Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (SGC):
Established in 1920, Superior Group of Companies is comprised of three attractive business segments each serving large, fragmented and growing addressable markets. Across Healthcare Apparel, Branded Products and Contact Centers, each segment enables businesses to create extraordinary brand engagement experiences for their customers and employees. SGC’s commitment to service, quality, advanced technology, and omnichannel commerce provides unparalleled competitive advantages. We are committed to enhancing shareholder value by continuing to pursue a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. For more information, visit www.superiorgroupofcompanies.com.

Contact:
Investor Relations
Investors@superiorgroupofcompanies.com

Japanese Forestry Giant Sumitomo Acquires Tri Pointe Homes in $4.5 Billion Deal

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In one of the most significant transactions in the American homebuilding sector this year, Tokyo-based Sumitomo Forestry has announced its acquisition of Tri Pointe Homes for $4.5 billion, marking a major expansion of Japanese investment in the U.S. residential real estate market.

The all-cash deal values Tri Pointe Homes at $47 per share, representing a substantial 29% premium over the company’s February 12 closing price and a remarkable 42% premium to its 90-day volume weighted average price. The transaction even surpasses Tri Pointe’s all-time high closing stock price, delivering exceptional value to shareholders while positioning both companies for accelerated growth in America’s competitive housing market.

Founded in 2009, Tri Pointe Homes has established itself as one of the nation’s premier homebuilders with operations spanning 13 states and the District of Columbia. The company delivered over 6,400 homes in 2024 alone and has completed more than 58,000 housing units throughout its 17-year history. With more than 150 active communities across the Western, Southwestern, and Southeastern United States, Tri Pointe brings substantial geographic diversification to Sumitomo Forestry’s portfolio.

For Sumitomo Forestry, this acquisition represents a critical milestone in achieving its Mission TREEING 2030 vision, which targets annual delivery of 23,000 homes in the United States by decade’s end. The Japanese company has maintained a strategic presence in American homebuilding for over two decades, consistently investing in locally led builders while emphasizing sustainable growth and quality construction.

The combination comes at a crucial time for the American housing market, which continues to grapple with significant supply constraints and affordability challenges. Both companies emphasize their shared commitment to expanding the availability of affordable, high-quality housing options for American families. The enhanced financial capacity resulting from this merger is expected to accelerate home production and broaden the range of housing solutions available to buyers across multiple price points.

In a move that reflects Sumitomo Forestry’s proven approach to acquisitions, Tri Pointe Homes will continue operating as a distinct brand under its existing management team. CEO Doug Bauer and President Tom Mitchell will remain at the helm, maintaining the company’s headquarters in Irvine, California, along with its 17 regional divisions and financial services operations.

This strategy aligns with Sumitomo Forestry’s established track record of respecting local autonomy while providing the capital, resources, and expertise needed to support long-term growth. The approach has proven successful across the company’s portfolio of American homebuilders, each maintaining their unique market positioning while benefiting from association with a well-capitalized international parent company.

The transaction, which has received unanimous approval from both boards of directors, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending Tri Pointe stockholder approval and standard regulatory clearances. Upon completion, Tri Pointe Homes stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, marking the end of its run as a publicly traded company and the beginning of a new chapter within Sumitomo Forestry’s expanding American operations.

Snail (SNAL) – Noble Virtual Conference Highlights

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Friday, February 13, 2026

Snail 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.

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.

Noble Virtual Conference. On February 4th,  Heidy Chow, CFO, and Peter Lin, Senior Manager FP&A, presented at the Noble Virtual Conference to the investment community. The presentation highlighted strong engagement on its core franchise and recent releases, a busy 2026 release roadmap, and the advancement of its digital assets strategy. The full presentation is available here.

Strong ARK Engagement. The ARK franchise remains a key driver of engagement and monetization for the company, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue, more than 100 million installs, and 4.2 billion gameplay hours since its release. Management noted that the ARK franchise benefits from a highly active core audience, with 42% of players averaging 380 hours of total gameplay. Furthermore, management noted a 55% paid downloadable content (DLC) conversion rate for ARK, with new content releases driving spikes in player activity.


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