“The Biggest Valentine’s Day in its History”

 

Lifestyle adjustments made because of the pandemic have created winners and losers across many business types. On the whole, Internet retailers have benefitted; meanwhile, in-person retail stores, movies, and restaurants have all suffered. Businesses that typically look forward to St. Valentine’s as a high revenue-producing few weeks are experiencing a very different dynamic.

Commerce resulting from Valentine’s Day in the past has followed a similar pattern across the various ways that couples express their appreciation for the other. There had been a growing trend toward gifts being sent to the office rather than the home. This year fewer people are going to the office, so delivered gifts are more likely to arrive where people live. The holiday this year falls on a Sunday, in years when the romantic holiday fell on a Saturday or Sunday, gifts and flowers drew less business as couples would make it a date night. This year Valentine’s falls on a Sunday, and online retailers selling popular romantic gifts such as chocolate or flowers can expect to do better than they might otherwise as many parts of the country still discourage too many patrons at a public place.

An annual survey released by The National Association of Retailers (NAR) found 52% of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2021; it projects the spending to be $21.8 billion, down from $27 billion a year ago. Fewer than a quarter of consumers (24%) plan to spend an evening out, this is the least amount in the survey’s history. Many plan instead on having a special dinner at home instead.

The NRF survey shows an increase in sales of less expensive gifts and greeting cards

 

Source: National Retail Federation

 

Based on the circumstances, Chris McCann, CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com Inc. (FLWS), believes his company will enjoy the biggest Valentine’s Day in its history. McCann shared this with Forbes Magazine, “Coming off a record end-of-year holiday season, we see a continuation of the accelerated momentum that began for us back in 2018, but picked up even more during the pandemic.”

1-800-Flowers.com maintains their own data on Valentine’s Day, Channelchek shares this information each year for the benefit of our readers:

Most popular flowers ordered for Valentine’s Day.

    Roses, lilies, tulips, Gerbera daisies, orchids  

Most popular flower colors ordered. 

    Red, pink, hot pink, purple  

Estimated percentage of flowers (by color) that will be ordered in 2021. 

    Red: 55% 

    Pink (Shades of Pink): 35% 

    Purple: 10% (limited availability in season) 

What do the colors of roses mean?

    Red: I love you

    Pale Pink: I appreciate you

    Purple: I always knew you were the one

    Hot Pink: I’m grateful you’re in my life

What do the other popular flowers mean?

    Lilies: Purity and refined beauty 

    Tulips: Perfect love, charity and royalty

    Daisies: Innocence and joy

    Orchids: Love, fertility, thoughtfulness and charm

How many different types of roses does 1-800-Flowers.com offer?

    90

Total number of stems expected to sell in 2021? 

    22 million  

Number of roses expected to sell in 2021? 

    14 million

Most popular greeting card messages used at 1-800-Flowers.com

    Every year with you is sweeter than the last 

    Happy Valentine’s Day 

    I send a kiss inside the petals of each rose… 

    You take my breath away…today and every day 

    All my love 

    Love and kisses 

    I love you 

    How sweet it is to be loved by you 

    Love you 

Take-Away

Although the economy has not fully recovered, most online retailers have been in a position to benefit from the changed needs of shoppers across the country. The competition for celebrant’s dollars on Valentine’s Day along with Mother’s Day has always included going out versus a heartfelt gift. Although less money will be spent this year, online retail may have its best year as fewer people feel it wise to surround themselves with others in public places. A large percentage of those are choosing to show they care with a gift or a home cooked meal instead. 

Suggested Reading:

Valentines 2020 Article

College Scholarships for Esports Gamers

Investment of Excess Corporate Cash

Source:

1-(800)-FLOWERS

Valentine’s Day Kicks Off A Booming Year For Gifts, Predicts 1-800-Flowers CEO

 

 

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Monday, February 08, 2021

Schwazze (SHWZ)
Adds Two More Star Buds Locations; Five To Go

Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. is now operating under its new trade name, Schwazze. Schwazze is executing its strategy to become a leading vertically integrated cannabis holding company with a portfolio consisting of top-tier licensed brands spanning cultivation, extraction, infused-product manufacturing, dispensary operations, consulting, and a nutrient line. Schwazze leadership includes Colorado cannabis leaders with proven expertise in product and business development as well as top-tier executives from Fortune 500 companies. As a leading platform for vertical integration, Schwazze is strengthening the operational efficiency of the cannabis industry in Colorado and beyond, promoting sustainable growth and increased access to capital, while delivering best-quality service and products to the end consumer. The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Two More Star Buds Locations. Schwazze has completed the acquisition of two more Star Buds locations, leaving five more locations to be acquired, which we continue to expect to occur in the first quarter. The two new locations are in Denver, Colorado’s largest cannabis market. Significantly, Star Buds is just the beginning as Schwazze continues to have aggressive expansion plans in other areas of the state.


Terms.  Schwazze paid $9.3 million for the two locations, consisting of $3.5 million in cash, $3.5 million in seller’s notes, and $2.3 million of preferred stock. The acquisition was funded by $6.1 million in proceeds from a private placement with Dye Capital and unaffiliated investors. We are particularly pleased to see Schwazze was able to include unaffiliated investors in this round of capital …

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. 

Thursday, February 04, 2021

Esports Entertainment Group, Inc. (GMBL)
Raising Price Target; Closes In On Acquisitions

Esports Entertainment Group Inc is a development-stage online gambling company focused purely on esports. The company’s principal business operations include design, develop and test wagering systems.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

NobleCon 17 highlights. This report highlights a presentation and Q&A at NobleCon 17 with CEO Grant Johnson. A rebroadcast may be obtained by clicking here. Topics that were discussed included the company’s strategy to create a vertically integrated approach to the esports market, updates on the acquisition timeline, anticipated revenue in fiscal 2022, and future acquisition prospects.


Acquisition timeline.  The EGL acquisition closed the day after the presentation. Lucky Dino is expected to close within the month of February. The bigger transaction, ggCircuit/Helix transaction should close late March or early April, and will be a debt and equity transaction …

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. 

Wednesday, February 03, 2021

Bassett Furniture (BSET)
Furniture on Sale, Initiating Coverage on Bassett Furniture

Bassett Furniture Industries Inc is a manufacturer, importer, and retailer of home furnishings products in the United States. It operates through the following segments: The Wholesale segment focuses on the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale, and distribution of furniture products. The Retail segment consists of company-owned stores. The Logistical Services segment offers shipping, delivery, and warehousing services.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Initiating coverage of Bassett Furniture Industries. We believe Bassett provides attractive upside from the current price with a very favorable furniture environment, lowered costs due to a 2020 restructuring, and growth initiatives focused around a “Made in America” strategy and expanding e-commerce opportunities.


Leading Custom Furniture Manufacturer and Retailer.  Bassett is one of the largest integrated furniture manufacturers and retailers in the U.S. The Company currently manufactures product in five domestic facilities, producing about 75% of its furniture in the U.S. Bassett operates a 97 store retail network, consisting of 63 corporate owned stores and 34 licensed stores, and sells to over 700 …

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. 

Friday, January 29, 2021

1-800-Flowers.com (FLWS)
At Some Point This Will Happen

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is the leading provider of gourmet and floral gifts for all occasions. For nearly 40 years, 1-800-FLOWERS® has been helping deliver smiles for customers with gifts for every occasion, including fresh flowers, premium, gift-quality fruits, and other gourmet items from Harry & David®, popcorn and specialty treats from The Popcorn Factory®; cookies and baked gifts from Cheryl’s®; premium chocolates and confections from Fannie May®; gift baskets and towers from 1-800-Baskets.com®; premium English muffins and other breakfast treats from Wolferman’s; carved fresh fruit arrangements from FruitBouquets.com; and top quality steaks and chops from Stock Yards®. The Company’s BloomNet® international floral wire service provides a broad range of quality products and value-added services designed to help professional florists grow their businesses profitably.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Significantly beats expectations. Fiscal second quarter revenue of $877.3 million exceeded expectations by 17%, due to stronger than expected performance at its recent acqusition, PersonalizationMall.com. Cash flow, as measured by adjusted EBITDA, exceeded expectations by 19% to $160.5 million.


Fiscal Q3 guidance better than expected.  Fiscal Q3 revenue guidance was better than expected, anticipated to show growth between 45% to 50%, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $4 million and $5 million, a quarter that typically reports seasonal losses …

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. 

Monday, January 25, 2021

Schwazze (SHWZ)
Sit Down With CEO Justin Dye

Medicine Man Technologies, Inc. is now operating under its new trade name, Schwazze. Schwazze is executing its strategy to become a leading vertically integrated cannabis holding company with a portfolio consisting of top-tier licensed brands spanning cultivation, extraction, infused-product manufacturing, dispensary operations, consulting, and a nutrient line. Schwazze leadership includes Colorado cannabis leaders with proven expertise in product and business development as well as top-tier executives from Fortune 500 companies. As a leading platform for vertical integration, Schwazze is strengthening the operational efficiency of the cannabis industry in Colorado and beyond, promoting sustainable growth and increased access to capital, while delivering best-quality service and products to the end consumer. The corporate entity continues to be named Medicine Man Technologies, Inc.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Sit Down With Justin Dye. Last week, we were able to sit down with Schwazze CEO Justin Dye and received his high level views of the Company. As one would expect, Mr. Dye remains very upbeat about the near and long-term prospects of the Company and its ability to build CPG brands. Colorado is just the beginning. Once a solid base is built, Schwazze will look to other states for growth, applying the lessons learned from not only Colorado but the grocery business to be successful.


Star Buds Acquisition.  Mr. Dye continues to expect the remaining Star Buds location to be acquired by the end of the first quarter. Once completed, this will drive the growth engine, in our view. But we believe Star Buds is just the beginning. We continue to believe Schwazze will announce additional acquisitions in its drive to become the largest cannabis player in Colorado …

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. 

Monday, January 25, 2021

FAT Brands Inc. (FAT)
FAT Brands at NobleCon17

FAT Brands Inc is a multi-brand restaurant franchising company. It develops, markets, and acquires predominantly fast casual restaurant concepts. The company provides turkey burgers, chicken Sandwiches, chicken tenders, burgers, ribs, wrap sandwiches, and others. Its brand portfolio comprises Fatburger, Buffalo’s Cafe and Express, and Ponderosa and Bonanza. The company’s overall footprint covers nearly 32 countries. Fatburger generates maximum revenue for the company.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

NobleCon17. We hosted FAT Brands CEO Andrew Wiederhorn at NobleCon17. A replay can be accessed at https://channelchek.vercel.app/news-channel/NobleCon17_Rebroadcast . Mr. Wiederhorn provided an in-depth review of where the Company has been, where it is today, and where it is going. The integration of Johnny Rockets is proceeding nicely. FAT is close to re-franchising all the previously owned locations. Cross selling of franchise concepts is proceeding apace with a goal of opening some 70 new locations in 2021.


Restaurants Rebounding.  Relaxation of COVID restrictions and increased take out and to go orders are driving improvement in overall sales, illustrated by the 53% sequential systemwide sales increase in the third quarter. Notably, the casual dining concepts have been comping at over 100% of normalized revenue, while the burger concepts are north of 80%, even with a number of locations still …

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. 

Monday, January 25, 2021

ACCO Brands Corporation (ACCO)
CEO Boris Elisman at NobleCon17

ACCO Brands Corporation designs, manufactures, sources, markets, and sells office products, academic supplies, and calendar products primarily in the United States, Canada, Northern Europe, Brazil, Australia, and Mexico. It operates through three segments: ACCO Brands North America, ACCO Brands EMEA, and ACCO Brands International. The company offers office products, such as stapling, binding and laminating equipment, and related consumable supplies, as well as shredders and whiteboards; and academic products, including notebooks, folders, decorative calendars, and stationery products. It also provides private label products, as well as business machine maintenance and repair services. The company offers its business, academic, and calendar product lines under the Artline, AT-A-GLANCE, Derwent, Esselte, Five Star, GBC, Hilroy, Leitz, Marbig, Mead, NOBO, Quartet, Rapid, Rexel, Swingline, Tilibra, Wilson Jones, and other brand names. In addition, it designs, sources, distributes, markets, and sells accessories for laptop and desktop computers, and tablets comprising security products; input devices, such as presenters, mice, and trackballs; ergonomic aids, including foot and wrist rests; docking stations; and other personal computers and tablet accessories under the Kensington, Microsaver, and ClickSafe brand names. The company sells its products to consumers and commercial end-users primarily through resellers, including traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers, mass merchandisers, and retailers, as well as directly to consumers through on-line and direct mail. ACCO Brands Corporation is headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois.

Joe Gomes, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

NobleCon17. We hosted a fireside chat with ACCO CEO Boris Elisman during NobleCon17. A rebroadcast is available at https://channelchek.vercel.app/news-channel/NobleCon17_Rebroadcast. Mr. Elisman provided insight into ACCO’s current and near-term business, the PowerA acquisition, and future direction of the Company.


More Consumer Facing.  Faced with a challenging low growth environment, ACCO embarked on a journey to strengthen, improve, and diversify its business, resulting in today’s ACOO which is faster growing, more profitable, more resilient, and more immune to shocks that may occur in a particular geography or product line. The Company has achieved considerable success with new product introductions, such …

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. 

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Stem Holdings (STMH) CEO Adam Berk at NobleCon17 – Noble Capital Markets 17th Annual Small & Microcap Investor Conference – January 2021. Following the formal presentation, Noble Capital Markets Senior Research Analyst Joe Gomes joins Adam to moderate a Q&A session. NobleCon 17 Complete Rebroadcast

Sierra Metals (SMTS) VP, IR Michael McAllister at NobleCon17 – Noble Capital Markets 17th Annual Small & Microcap Investor Conference – January 2021. Following the formal presentation, Noble Capital Markets Senior Research Analyst Mark Reichman joins Michael to moderate a Q&A session. NobleCon 17 Complete Rebroadcast

Rritual Superfoods CEO David Kerbel at NobleCon17 – Noble Capital Markets 17th Annual Small & Microcap Investor Conference – January 2021. Following the formal presentation, Noble Capital Markets Senior Research Analyst Joe Gomes joins David to moderate a Q&A session. NobleCon 17 Complete Rebroadcast

Playboy Enterprises CEO Ben Kohn at NobleCon17 – Noble Capital Markets 17th Annual Small & Microcap Investor Conference – January 2021. Following the formal presentation, Noble Capital Markets Senior Research Analyst Michael Kupinski joins Ben to moderate a Q&A session. NobleCon 17 Complete Rebroadcast