Retail and Consumer Archives

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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*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.

SKYX Platforms (SKYX) – Noble Virtual Conference Highlights

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

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

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.

Highlights from Noble’s Emerging Growth Virtual Conference. Lenny Sokolow, Co-CEO, presented at Noble’s Virtual Equity conference June 4 & 5th. Mr. Sokolow discussed the company’s innovative technology, commercial partnerships, and its quest for mandatory standardization with the NEC, among other topics. A rebroadcast is available here.

Mandatory standardization efforts getting a boost. Management remains optimistic about its push for mandatory standardization, citing recent backing from a prominent government safety leader. The company’s “Code Team” expects further support from key safety organizations to advance its ceiling receptacle technology as a regulatory standard.

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Xcel Brands (XELB) – Positioned For A Much Bigger Company

Posted on June 11, 2025June 11, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Wednesday, June 11, 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.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Q1 results. First quarter results indicated a modest improvement from Q4, but it was a slow start to the year. First quarter revenues were $1.3 million, and the company reported an adj. EBITDA loss of $0.7 million from continuing operations. We believe the company is well positioned to benefit from a number of favorable developments, including the launch of new brands, contributions from Halston, and a lower cost base.

Strategic partnerships. Notably, the company announced a series of new strategic partnerships this year with Jenny Martinez, Gemma Stafford, and Cesar Millan. These new strategic partnerships expand the company’s product offerings into pet products, bakeware, kitchenware, and home essentials. Furthermore, the new celebrity partnerships bring a large number of social media followers, which supports the company’s effort to reach 100 million social media followers in 2026.

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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 – Vince Announces Reporting Date for First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Posted on June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on VNCE

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Vince Holding Corp., (NYSE: VNCE) (“VNCE” or the “Company”), a global contemporary retailer, today announced that it plans to report its first quarter 2025 financial results pre-market on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The Company also plans to hold a conference call to discuss its financial results on the same day at 8:30 a.m. ET. During the conference call, the Company may answer questions concerning business and financial developments, trends and other business or financial matters. The Company’s responses to these questions, as well as other matters discussed during the conference call, may contain or constitute information that has not been previously disclosed.

Those who wish to participate in the call may do so by dialing 833-470-1428, conference ID 598215. Any interested party will also have the opportunity to access the call via the Internet at http://investors.vince.com/. To listen to the live call, please go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register and download any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a recording will be available for 12 months after the date of the event. Recordings may be accessed at http://investors.vince.com/.

ABOUT VINCE HOLDING CORP.

Vince Holding Corp. is a global retail company that operates the Vince brand women’s and men’s ready to wear business. Vince, established in 2002, is a leading global luxury apparel and accessories brand best known for creating elevated yet understated pieces for every day effortless style. Vince Holding Corp. operates 44 full-price retail stores, 14 outlet stores, and its e-commerce site, vince.com, as well as through premium wholesale channels globally. Please visit www.vince.com for more information.

This press release is also available on the Vince Holding Corp. website (http://investors.vince.com/).

Contacts

Investor Relations:
ICR, Inc.
Caitlin Churchill, 646-277-1274
Caitlin.Churchill@icrinc.com

Consumer Inflation Expectations Cool in May as Tariff Fears Subside

Posted on June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– Consumers now expect inflation to rise 3.2% over the next year, down from 3.6% in April, signaling easing price concerns.
– President Trump’s decision to pause aggressive tariff plans appears to have calmed inflation fears.
– Fewer Americans expect job losses or missed debt payments, and optimism about the stock market has ticked up.

Americans appeared more optimistic about inflation in May, as expectations for rising prices declined across the board, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The improvement coincides with President Donald Trump’s decision to ease back on his sweeping tariff threats, providing some relief to consumers and policymakers alike.

The Fed’s Survey of Consumer Expectations, released Monday, showed that the anticipated inflation rate one year from now fell to 3.2%, down from 3.6% in April. It marks one of the sharpest monthly drops in recent years and suggests Americans are growing more confident that inflation may not spiral out of control.

Longer-term inflation outlooks also improved. The three-year expectation ticked down to 3%, while the five-year projection eased to 2.6%. While still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, the declines point to a growing belief among households that price pressures could be moderating.

The shift comes after the White House softened its stance on some of its more aggressive trade proposals. In April, President Trump announced sweeping 10% tariffs on all U.S. imports and floated the idea of “reciprocal” duties on specific countries. But by early May, the administration introduced a 90-day negotiation period and paused additional tariff hikes, calming fears of an escalating trade war.

The easing rhetoric appears to have had a measurable effect on consumer sentiment, at a time when officials at the Federal Reserve are closely monitoring expectations to determine the future path of interest rates.

“The inflation outlook is coming down, even as tariff collections rise,” said National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett in an interview Monday. “It runs counter to the narrative that tariffs automatically lead to higher inflation.”

April’s core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, remained at 2.5% — stable, but not accelerating. Headline PCE, which includes food and energy, dipped slightly to 2.1%, one of the lowest levels in over three years.

The New York Fed’s survey also found that inflation expectations declined across several major spending categories. While Americans still expect food prices to climb by 5.5% over the next year — up slightly from April — they foresee smaller increases in gas, rent, medical care, and college tuition.

In addition to inflation, the report included promising data on labor market confidence and household finances. The percentage of respondents who believe they’ll lose their job in the next 12 months dropped to 14.8%, a slight but notable improvement. Meanwhile, fewer Americans expect to miss a minimum debt payment in the near term, with that figure falling to 13.4%, the lowest since January.

Consumers also seem to be gaining confidence in the markets. The share of respondents expecting stock prices to be higher a year from now rose to 36.3%, reflecting optimism despite geopolitical uncertainty.

As policymakers weigh inflation, tariffs, and rate decisions, these improving expectations may offer a signal: Americans are cautiously optimistic that the worst inflation fears could be fading.

Steelcase (SCS) – Noble Virtual Conference Highlights

Posted on June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, June 09, 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.

Noble Virtual Conference. Steelcase CFO Dave Sylvester and Director of IR Mike O’Meara presented at the Noble Virtual Conference. Highlights included return-to-office (RTO) trends, the international business, and tariffs. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/steelcase-scs-noble-capital-markets-virtual-conference-replay.

RTO Trends. While overall office occupancy improvement trends have somewhat flattened, Steelcase’s key end market, firms in Class A office space, are improving as more large companies are becoming more aggressive about employees returning to the office. And split working environments can be a benefit to Steelcase as employees need to set up work-from-home offices. Steelcase continues to lead the transformation of the workplace.

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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).

FAT Brands (FAT) – Noble Virtual Conference Highlights

Posted on June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Monday, June 09, 2025

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.

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

Noble Virtual Conference. FAT Brands Chairman Andy Wiederhorn and Co-CEO Ken Kuick presented at the Noble Virtual Conference. Highlights included the new store pipeline, Twin Hospitality, and factory utilization. A rebroadcast is available at https://www.channelchek.com/videos/fat-brands-fat-noble-capital-markets-virtual-conference-replay

Pipeline. FAT Brands new store pipeline consists of approximately 1,100 units already paid for by franchisees, which will add some $50-60 million of incremental EBITDA once opened. With some 250 new unit agreements per year and some 100+ new openings per year, we expect the pipeline to be a key driver of financial performance going forward.

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Xcel Brands (XELB) – Positive Cash Flow Outlook Still In Tact

Posted on June 5, 2025June 5, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Thursday, June 05, 2025

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.

Q1 Results. First quarter results indicated a modest improvement from Q4, but it was a slow start to the year. First quarter revenues were $1.3 million, and the company reported an adj. EBITDA loss of $0.7 million from continuing operations. We believe the company is well positioned to benefit from a number of favorable developments, including the launch of new brands, contributions from Halston, and a lower cost base.

Positive outlook. The company indicated that it plans to be adj. EBITDA $1 million to $2.5 million positive for full year 2025 in spite of the potential impact of trade policies and disruption from headquarter consolidation at HSN and QVC. The outlook is supported by significant cost reductions that are expected to be at a run rate of $2.5 million per quarter and building royalty revenue from GIII and its Halston brand. Most of the trade policy uncertainty is focused on the second half of the year.

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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).

Xcel Brands (XELB) – Building A Sizeable Social Media Presence

Posted on May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Friday, May 30, 2025

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.

Lackluster Q4 results. The company reported Q4 revenue of $1.2 million and an adj. EBITDA loss of $0.8 million, both of which were well below our estimates of $2.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as illustrated in Figure #1 Q4 Results. Notably, while Q4 results were softer than expected, the company has signed several new brands this year, which have yet to impact operating results. Importantly, the new brand launches have increased the company’s total social media following from 5 million to 45 million over the past five months, a significant step towards reaching its goal of 100 million followers.

Preliminary Q1 results. Additionally, the company provided preliminary Q1 results of $1.33 million in revenue, a decrease from $2.18 million last year, and an expected net loss of roughly $2.67 million, which is an improvement from a net loss of $6.35 million last year. The improvement in net loss is attributable to a $0.8 million improvement in core operating results and a $2.3 million impairment charge recorded in the prior year period.

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E.l.f. Beauty Bets Big on Skincare, Acquires Hailey Bieber’s Rhode for $1 Billion

Posted on May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– E.l.f. acquires Hailey Bieber’s Rhode to expand into high-end skincare.
– Rhode hit $212M in sales in 3 years, driven by DTC and social media.
– Rhode to launch in Sephora; Bieber stays on as creative head.

E.l.f. Beauty is making a bold move into the luxury skincare space with its acquisition of Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand, Rhode, in a deal valued at up to $1 billion. The acquisition, announced Wednesday, marks E.l.f.’s largest to date and signals a strategic shift to broaden its appeal and strengthen its skincare portfolio.

The deal includes $800 million in cash and stock, with an additional $200 million contingent on Rhode’s performance over the next three years. It’s expected to close later this year, during the second quarter of E.l.f.’s fiscal 2026.

Founded in 2022 by Bieber and co-founders Michael and Lauren Ratner, Rhode has skyrocketed to success in just three years, generating $212 million in net sales with a minimalist product lineup. The brand’s direct-to-consumer model and social media dominance — particularly on TikTok — have driven exponential growth and massive brand awareness.

“I’ve been in the consumer space for 34 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said E.l.f. CEO Tarang Amin. “Rhode disrupted the skincare market with just 10 products and a clear, authentic voice.”

Hailey Bieber will stay on as Rhode’s Chief Creative Officer and Head of Innovation, continuing to oversee marketing and product development. In a statement, she expressed excitement about scaling Rhode with E.l.f., saying the partnership will “elevate and accelerate” their reach and global distribution.

While Rhode has operated exclusively through its website, it is set to launch in Sephora stores across North America and the U.K. before year-end — a move expected to significantly boost retail presence and revenue.

Goldman Sachs analysts called the acquisition a “strategic positive,” praising Rhode’s potential to elevate E.l.f.’s brand value and attract a higher-income customer segment. Rhode’s average product price — in the high $20 range — complements E.l.f.’s affordable core products, which start around $6.50.

This move follows E.l.f.’s 2023 acquisition of Naturium for $355 million, underscoring its commitment to expanding in skincare — a category with growing demand among younger consumers.

However, the timing poses challenges. E.l.f. is funding $600 million of the deal with debt amid high interest rates, and it faces uncertainty around tariffs on Chinese imports, from which it sources 75% of its products. The company is also planning a $1 price hike beginning in August to counter rising costs.

Despite these headwinds, E.l.f. reported strong Q4 results: earnings per share of $0.78 (vs. $0.72 expected) and $333 million in revenue (vs. $328 million forecasted). But due to ongoing trade tensions and tariff risks, the company declined to offer guidance for fiscal 2026.

The Rhode deal reflects E.l.f.’s confidence in premium skincare’s resilience—even in a shaky economic climate—and positions the brand to capture a larger share of the beauty market with innovative, high-impact products.

Release – XCEL BRANDS, INC. Receives NASDAQ notice regarding delinquent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filing

Posted on May 28, 2025May 28, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on XELB

PDF Version

NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) (“Xcel” or the “Company”), today announced that on May 22, 2025, it received a delinquency notification letter from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that since Nasdaq has not received the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025 indicating that, and because the Company remains delinquent in filing its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, does not comply with Nasdaq’s Listing Rules for internal listing. The Nasdaq notice has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

Nasdaq has informed the Company that in accordance with its April 29, 2025 letter to the Company that the Company has until June 30, 2025 to submit a plan (the “Plan”) to regain compliance with respect to the delinquent reports and that any exception to allow the Company to regain compliance, if granted, will be limited to October 13, 2025. The Company filed the delinquent Form 10-K on May 28, 2025 and intends to file the delinquent Form 10-Q as soon as practicable and, in any event, on or prior to June 30, 2025 and thereby regain compliance with the Nasdaq continued listing requirements and eliminate the need for the Company to submit a Plan.

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 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, and over 20,000 hours of live-stream 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

For further information please contact:

Seth Burroughs
Marketing and Public Relations, Xcel Band, Inc..
347 532 5894
sburroughs@xcelbrands.com

Release – Xcel Brands, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial Results, Shows Improvements as a Result of Its “Project Fundamentals” Restructuring Program

Posted on May 28, 2025May 29, 2025 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on XELB

PDF Version

Fourth quarter 2024 net loss of $7.1 million, compared with a net loss of $6.8 million for the prior year quarter.
Net loss on a non-GAAP basis was $1.6 million for the fourth quarter 2024, representing a 53% improvement from the fourth quarter of 2023 non-GAAP net loss of $3.5 million.
Net loss on a non-GAAP basis was $5.1 million for the full year 2024, representing a 58% improvement from 2023 non-GAAP net loss of $12.2 million.
Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter 2024 was negative $0.8 million, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of negative $1.2 million for the fourth quarter 2023, representing a 31% improvement.
Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2024 was negative $3.5 million, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of negative $5.7 million for 2023, representing a 40% improvement.

NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) (“Xcel” or the “Company”), a media and consumer products company with significant expertise in livestream shopping and social commerce, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xcel commented, “Despite headwinds in the industry from tariffs and other external forces, I am extremely pleased with where we are headed given our recent new brand launches. The social media following of our brand portfolio has grown from 5 million to 45 million followers over the past five months. We believe this positions us well to drive new business growth and is a significant step toward our goal of reaching 100 million followers across our brands”.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.2 million, representing a decrease of approximately $1.1 million (-47%) from the fourth quarter of 2023. This decrease was predominantly driven by a decline in net licensing revenue – specifically, the June 30, 2024 divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand, partially offset by increased licensing revenues generated by the Company’s other brands.

Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands stockholders for the quarter was approximately $7.1 million, or $(3.00) per share, compared with a net loss of $6.8 million, or $(3.43) per share, for the prior year quarter.

After adjusting for certain cash and non-cash items, results on a non-GAAP basis were a net loss of approximately $1.6 million, or $(0.69) per share for the current quarter and a net loss of approximately $3.5 million, or $(1.76) per share, for the prior year quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA also improved on a year-over-year basis, from negative $1.2 million in the prior year quarter to negative $0.8 million for the current quarter – an improvement of 31%.

Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Total revenue for the fiscal year was $8.3 million, representing a decrease of approximately $9.5 million (-53%) from fiscal year 2023. This decline was predominantly driven by the decrease in net product sales due to the Company’s discontinuance of its wholesale businesses as part of its Project Fundamentals plan in 2023.

Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately $22.4 million, or $(9.84) per share, compared with a net loss of $21.1 million, or ($10.68) per diluted share, for the prior year. The fiscal year 2024 period includes significant one-off non-cash items, including a $3.8 million gain on the divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand, a $3.5 million charge related to the exit and sublease of the Company’s prior office space, and $10.0 million of charges stemming from the valuation of and contractual contingent obligations related IM Topco, LLC.

After adjusting for certain cash and non-cash items, results on a non-GAAP basis were a net loss of approximately $5.1 million, or ($2.23) per share for the current year and a net loss of approximately $12.2 million, or ($6.17) per share, for the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA improved significantly on a year-over-year basis, from negative $5.7 million in fiscal year 2023 to negative $3.5 million for fiscal year 2024; this 40% improvement was attributable to the restructuring of the business and entry into the new long-term license agreements in 2023 for the Halston, Judith Ripka, C Wonder, and Longaberger brands.

Balance Sheet

The Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2024, reflected stockholders’ equity of approximately $28 million, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.3 million, and a working capital (exclusive of the current portion of lease obligations, deferred revenue, and contingent obligations payable in shares or via other non-cash means) of approximately $1.0 million. The Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2024, also reflected $6.6 million of long-term debt.

In April 2025, the Company refinanced its term loan debt, resulting in a net increase of approximately $3.0 million in the Company’s liquidity.

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call with members of the executive management team to discuss these results and together with the first quarter of 2025 results. Details of the date and time of this call will be released shortly

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 TowerHill by Christie Brinkley co-branded collaboration and LB70 by Lloyd Boston co-branded collaboration, and also 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 is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retailers, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop. The company’s brands have generated in excess of $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone, and over 20,000 hours of live-stream 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

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “appears,” “suggests,” “future,” “likely,” “goal,” “plans,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “should,” “would,” “guidance,” “confident” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our anticipated revenue, expenses, profitability, strategic plans and capital needs. These statements are based on information available to us on the date hereof and our current expectations, estimates and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including, without limitation, the risks discussed in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and its other filings with the SEC, which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors, nor can we address the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason.

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

View full release here.

DICK’S Sporting Goods to Acquire Foot Locker in $2.5B Deal, Creating Sports Retail Powerhouse

Posted on May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– DICK’S to acquire Foot Locker for $2.4B equity value, $2.5B enterprise value
– Combined company to operate globally across 20+ countries
– Deal expected to be accretive to earnings and unlock $100M–$125M in cost synergies
– Foot Locker to remain a standalone brand under the DICK’S portfolio

In a bold move set to reshape the global sports retail landscape, DICK’S Sporting Goods announced plans to acquire Foot Locker in a transaction valued at approximately $2.5 billion. The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2025, creates a retail giant capable of reaching a broader demographic—from performance-driven athletes to sneaker culture enthusiasts—across more than 20 countries.

Under the terms of the agreement, Foot Locker shareholders will have the option to receive either $24 per share in cash or 0.1168 shares of DICK’S common stock for each Foot Locker share. This represents a premium of 66% over Foot Locker’s recent 60-day volume-weighted average price. The acquisition multiple stands at roughly 6.1x Foot Locker’s 2024 adjusted EBITDA.

The merger significantly expands DICK’S international footprint while preserving Foot Locker’s brand identity. DICK’S plans to operate Foot Locker as a standalone business unit, retaining its portfolio of popular sub-brands like Champs Sports, Kids Foot Locker, WSS, and atmos. Combined, the companies will operate over 3,200 stores and generate nearly $20 billion in annual revenue.

For investors, this acquisition represents a strategic play to unlock long-term value through scale and operational efficiency. DICK’S expects the deal to be accretive to earnings in the first full fiscal year following the close—excluding one-time costs—and estimates $100–$125 million in medium-term cost synergies. These savings are projected to come from procurement, direct sourcing, and supply chain optimization.

The move also marks DICK’S entry into international markets and builds on its successful House of Sport concept by leveraging Foot Locker’s expertise in sneaker culture. The combined company will cater to a more diverse consumer base with differentiated store concepts and enhanced digital experiences.

Leadership at both companies highlighted the strategic and cultural alignment behind the deal. DICK’S Executive Chairman Ed Stack emphasized Foot Locker’s brand equity and cultural relevance, while CEO Lauren Hobart noted that the merger creates a new global platform for sports and sneaker culture.

Foot Locker CEO Mary Dillon framed the acquisition as a natural evolution of the brand’s mission and a value-creating opportunity for shareholders, giving them the choice between immediate liquidity and future growth participation.

The transaction will be financed through a combination of cash-on-hand and new debt, with Goldman Sachs providing committed bridge financing. Regulatory approval and a shareholder vote are the final hurdles, with no major obstacles expected.

For small-cap investors, this deal has wide implications. While neither DICK’S nor Foot Locker are in the small-cap bracket themselves, the merger sends a strong signal that retail consolidation is accelerating. The competitive pressures and strategic partnerships that follow could impact suppliers, regional chains, and logistics companies that serve the growing global sports retail ecosystem.