Category: Retail and Consumer

Release – Vera Bradley To Donate Percentage Of Sales To Breast Cancer Research For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on VRA

Oct 3, 2022

Company To Donate 100% Of Primary Net Proceeds From 1982 Collection NFTs, 100% Of Net Proceeds From Limited-Edition Hope Charity Pouch, And 20% Of Purchase Price From “Rose Toile” And “Happiness Returns Pink” Prints To The Vera Bradley Foundation For Breast Cancer

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Oct. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Bradley, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRA) today announced that Vera Bradley, its iconic American bag and luggage lifestyle brand, will donate 100% of primary net proceeds from its second NFT drop; 100% of net proceeds from its limited-edition Hope Charity Pouch; and 20% of the purchase price of its new Rose Toile and Happiness Returns Pink patterns, to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer (the “Foundation”) in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Vera Bradley’s second NFT drop, the 1982 Collection, is now available for purchase through The World of Vera Bradley, the brand’s new metaverse concept, or via OpenSea. The 1982 Collection is comprised of 1,982 generative backgrounds derived from 40 archived prints to commemorate the year the company was founded. Priced at $19.82 USD*, the 1982 Collection appeals to crypto lovers and breast cancer awareness supporters alike, with 100% of Vera Bradley’s primary net proceeds benefiting the Foundation, focusing its unique utility on advocacy and fundraising.

Designed to honor and give hope to those affected by breast cancer, Vera Bradley’s limited-edition Hope Charity Pouch features the word “HOPE,” surrounded by delicate floral embellishments and boldly emblazoned on a canvas zip-closure pouch. The Hope Charity Pouch, available online at www.verabradley.com and in Vera Bradley Full Line Stores nationwide, is priced at $20, with 100% of net proceeds directed to the Foundation.

Vera Bradley’s newest prints with a purpose, Rose Toile and Happiness Returns Pink, also support the critical, life-saving research taking place at the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. For every purchase of a style in Rose Toile and Happiness Returns Pink through October 31, 2022, Vera Bradley will donate 20% of the purchase price (up to a maximum contribution of $100,000) to the Foundation. Styles range in price from $4 – $155 and are available now in Vera Bradley Full Line Stores, participating Vera Bradley retailers nationwide, and online at www.verabradley.com.

“Vera Bradley has championed breast cancer research since 1993 when our co-founders Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller established the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer in memory of their dear friend, Mary Sloan,” noted Daren Hull, Vera Bradley Brand President. “With support from Vera Bradley’s customers and communities, the Foundation has since donated more than $38 million to fund research pursuing innovative and improved treatments that enable women and men to thrive, not just survive, after a breast cancer diagnosis. We invite our customers to join us in funding even more progressive research this October by purchasing Vera Bradley’s breast cancer awareness items or donating to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.”

*Please Note: The exact USD retail price will depend on gas prices at time of purchase.

ABOUT VERA BRADLEY
Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace. Visit www.verabradley.com and follow @verabradley to learn more.

ABOUT VERA BRADLEY FOUNDATION FOR BREAST CANCER
The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer raises funds for breast cancer research to find a cure and to improve the lives of the many affected by this disease. The Foundation has contributed $38.6 million to the Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research at the Indiana University School of Medicine and has pledged to raise a total of $50 million. The Center is focused on developing and dramatically improving therapies for some of the most difficult-to-treat types of breast cancer. Funds are raised through special events, partner events, and individual donations. For more information, visit www.verabradley.org.

CONTACTS
877-708-VERA (8372)
Mediacontact@verabradley.com

Hunter PR for Vera Bradley
verabradley@hunterpr.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ef5b555c-eb53-4e47-a57e-5ce7237887cd
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77e55081-cd84-4b7e-b96a-47409b8e7cc4

Bassett Furniture (BSET) – Reports Fiscal Third Quarter Results

Posted on by cpatches


Friday, September 30, 2022

Bassett Furniture Industries, Incorporated manufactures, markets, and retails home furnishings in the United States. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale, Retail, and Logistical Services. It is involved in the design, manufacture, sourcing, sale, and distribution of furniture products to a network of company-owned and licensee-owned Bassett Home Furnishings (BHF) retail stores, as well as independent furniture retailers; and wood and upholstery operations. As of September 16, 2017, the company operated a network of 91 company-and licensee-owned stores. It also provides shipping, delivery, and warehousing services to customers in the furniture industry. In addition, the company owns and leases retail store properties. It also distributes its products through other multi-line furniture stores, Bassett galleries or design centers, specialty stores, and mass merchants. Bassett Furniture Industries was founded in 1902 and is based in Bassett, Virginia.

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

3Q22 Results. Revenue for the fiscal third quarter ended August 27, 2022 was $118 million, up 12.5% over the prior year period. Wholesale revenue rose 8.3% to $79 million, while Retail revenue rose 21.0% to $70.9 million. Excluding a $4.6 million one-time gain, operating income was $6.1 million, up 22.1%. Bassett reported net income from continuing operations of $7.8 million, or $0.84 per share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $3.4 million, or $0.35 per share, in the prior year. We had forecast revenue of $120 million and EPS from continuing operations of $0.65.

Retail the Star. Once again, Bassett’s retail network was the quarter’s star performer, with “best ever” third quarter deliveries of $70.9 million and $4.5 million of operating profit. Segment operating profits in the first nine months exceed any full year performance to date.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Lifeway Foods (LWAY) – 2Q22 Operating Results Released

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com


Thursday, September 29, 2022

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

2Q22 Results. Lifeway reported mixed results in its delayed filing for the second quarter of 2022. Revenue of $33.5 million was up 14.8% y-o-y, but fell short of our $34.5 million estimate. Strong expense control, however, resulted in net income of $120,000, or $0.01 per share, compared to our forecast of a net loss of $340,000, or a loss of $0.02 per share.

GM Still Pressured. Unfavorable milk pricing continued to negatively impact gross margin in 2Q22. Combined with increased pricing of freight costs and other costs, gross margin in 2Q22 fell to 17.0% from 26.3% in 2Q21. We expect continued pressure in milk pricing in 2H22.


Get the Full Report

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 – Aurania Announces Positive Mapping Results at Tatasham and Awacha Porphyry Targets in Ecuador

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Research, News, and Market Data on AUIAF

Toronto, Ontario, September 26, 2022 – Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU; OTCQB: AUIAF; Frankfurt: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that an intensive “Anaconda method” mapping program (see press release dated August 8, 2022) at the Company’s Tatasham target has discovered highly prospective porphyritic felsic intrusive rock, and at the Awacha target area, mapping has confirmed diorite and other intrusive rocks, with local hydrothermal breccias. The intrusives are crosscut by several generations of quartz veinlets locally containing chalcopyrite and galena (see Figures 1 and 2).  These results are considered positive indications of porphyry-style mineralization at both localities.

Tatasham and Awacha are contained in Aurania’s large, 207,764-hectare concession block in southeastern Ecuador, located immediately north of the highly productive mineralized belt containing Solaris Resources’ Warintza and SolGold’s Porvenir porphyry copper deposits, as well as operating mines at Mirador (copper) and Fruta del Norte (gold).

The mapping program at Tatasham has been completed and is currently underway at Awacha.  This work is being carried out ahead of a drilling campaign which is anticipated to commence in the last quarter of 2022.

The Tatasham target is a blind geophysical target with no previously recognized alteration or mineralization at surface.  The 3-kilometre (km) x 1 km target is both a magnetic and resistivity high, flanked by conductive anomalies, that are speculated to represent a mixed magnetite skarn and porphyry cluster.

The Awacha target area comprises a cluster of geophysical anomalies representing porphyry targets located in an area approximately 9 km x 6 km in size.  These targets are covered by post-mineral sedimentary rock.  Where streams have cut down through these sediments, they have exposed the classic phyllic alteration envelope (quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration) which typically accompanies copper mineralization.  Low levels of copper and molybdenum have been returned in analyses of stream sediments in this area, as well as copper in soils (see press release dated April 19, 2022).

Figure 1: Quartz diorite porphyry from Tatasham

Figure 2: Hydrothermal breccia exposure at Awacha

Amendment to Option Terms

An amendment was made to the vesting period of the stock options granted to SRC Swiss Resource Capital AG (“SRC”), the details of which were announced in a press release dated August 18, 2022.  The 35,000 stock options granted to SRC at a price of $0.84 CAD, will vest in quarters with ¼ vesting three months from the date of grant, ¼ vesting six months from the date of grant, ¼ vesting at the one-year anniversary from the date of grant, and ¼ vesting at the two-year anniversary from the date of grant. All other terms remain unchanged.

Qualified Person

The geological information contained in this news release has been verified and approved by Jean-Paul Pallier, MSc. Mr. Pallier is a designated EurGeol by the European Federation of Geologists and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

About Aurania

Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America.  Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at  https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.

For further information, please contact:

Carolyn Muir VP Investor Relations Aurania Resources Ltd. (416) 367-3200 carolyn.muir@aurania.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information as such term is defined in applicable securities laws, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management’s current expectations and assumptions. The forward-looking information includes statements about: Investor Relations Activities (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) to be performed by SRC and the anticipated approval of the TSX-V for said activities, Aurania’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the corporation’s portfolio, treasury, management team and enhanced capital markets profile, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to Aurania, including the assumption that, there will be no material adverse change in metal prices, all necessary consents, licenses, permits and approvals will be obtained, including various local government licenses and the market. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information include, among other things, a failure to obtain or delays in obtaining the required regulatory licenses, permits, approvals and consents, an inability to access financing as needed, a general economic downturn, a volatile stock price, labour strikes, political unrest, changes in the mining regulatory regime governing Aurania, a failure to comply with environmental regulations and a weakening of market and industry reliance on precious metals and copper. Aurania cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive.

Release – Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express Continues Hot Growth with New 6-Store Sacramento Development Deal

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on FAT

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

Co-Branded Burger and Wings Pairing to Expand Footprint in California’s Capital City

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Buffalo’s Express and 15 other restaurant concepts, announces a new development deal to open six new franchised locations in the Sacramento area. In partnership with franchisee Raj Pooni, the co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express locations will open over the next six years with the first location set to open by the end of 2023.

“Fatburger is synonymous with California, so it is only fitting for us to expand further around the capital city, Sacramento,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “We are also pleased to have an existing franchise partner, Raj Pooni, who operates a Round Table Pizza location in the area, to open these new units. This speaks to our synergistic growth model of having our franchisees diversify their restaurant portfolios with additional FAT Brands concepts.”

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

From the Buffalo’s Express menu, patrons can choose bone-in or boneless wings accompanied by a range of original sauces. All of Buffalo’s Express’ wings are accompanied by celery, carrots, and blue cheese, ranch or honey mustard dressing.

For more information or to find a Fatburger near you, please visit www.fatburger.com. For more information or to find a Buffalo’s Express near you, please visit www.buffalos.com.

###

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual 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.

About Fatburger

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

About Buffalo’s Express

Founded in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia, Buffalo’s Express is a fast casual chain known for its world-famous chicken wings and proprietary wing sauces. Co-branded with over 100 Fatburger restaurants to date, Buffalo’s Express’ significant growth can be attributed to its high-quality menu offerings and unparalleled dining experience. Featuring a contemporary design and ambience, whether guests are dining-in or having take-out/delivery, Buffalo’s Express offers friends and families the flexibility to enjoy their world-famous chicken wings however they prefer. Buffalo’s Express – Where Everyone is Family™.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. (“we”, “our” or the “Company”) concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies, including but not limited to uncertainties surrounding the severity, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

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

Vera Bradley (VRA) – A New CEO

Posted on by cpatches


Wednesday, September 21, 2022

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Getting a New Officer. Yesterday, Vera Bradley announced the appointment of Jacqueline Ardrey as President and CEO effective November 1, 2022, replacing retiring CEO Robert Wallstrom. Wallstrom will be assisting Ardrey through December 2022 to provide a smooth transition, and Ardrey will be joining the Board of Directors on November 1, 2022 as well.

The Past. Robert Wallstrom had been President and CEO of Vera Bradley since 2013, in which he oversaw the Company’s portfolio expansion in 2019 with the Pura Vida acquisition. Under his leadership, Vera Bradley was named America’s #1 Best Midsize Employer and #11 Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes and Statista.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Vera Bradley, Inc. Names Jacqueline Ardrey New President And Chief Executive Officer

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on VRA

Sep 20, 2022

Ardrey will join the Company on November 1, 2022

Ardrey will replace Rob Wallstrom, who will remain with the Company through December 2022, to serve as an advisor to Ardrey and ensure a smooth transition

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Bradley, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) (the “Company”) today announced that Jacqueline Ardrey will join the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) effective November 1, 2022, replacing retiring President and CEO Robert Wallstrom. Wallstrom will work closely with Ardrey through December 2022 to ensure a smooth transition. Ardrey will also join the Company’s Board of Directors on November 1, 2022.

Ardrey is an accomplished, results-oriented leader with over 25 years of experience in multi-channel retail enterprises. Since 2018, she has held the post of President at home furnishings and seasonal décor catalog retailer Grandin Road, part of the Qurate Retail Group. Previously, Ardrey was CEO of Trading Company Holdings and Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Supply Chain for iconic omnichannel gourmet food and gifting brand Harry and David. Prior to that, she spent 14 years at multi-channel high-end children’s retailer Hanna Andersson in various roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Design, and Wholesale. Ardrey began her retail career with the May Company.      

Robert Hall, Chairman of the Vera Bradley, Inc. Board of Directors, noted, “Jackie Ardrey is a highly accomplished retail executive who is a strategic leader, a talent builder, and an innovative thinker with a strong record of operational excellence. On behalf of the entire Board, I am thrilled to welcome her to the Company. We are confident Jackie will be instrumental in developing the full potential of our two lifestyle brands, Vera Bradley and Pura Vida, and delivering consistent, sustainable growth and value to our stakeholders over the long term.”  

“I have long admired Vera Bradley, Inc. and believe both the Vera Bradley and Pura Vida brands have untapped potential in the marketplace,” Ardrey commented. “I look forward to working closely with the talented leadership team and the Board to build upon the Company’s heritage, leverage its many opportunities, and drive long-term, profitable growth.”  

Hall continued, “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Rob Wallstrom for his leadership, creativity, vision, and tireless work to evolve the Company and position it for growth. I am proud to have partnered with Rob over the last nine years, and we are grateful for his principled and collaborative leadership.”

Wallstrom has led Vera Bradley, Inc. as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2013, executing the Company’s business transformation while also championing corporate social responsibility; associate engagement; diversity, equity and inclusion; and philanthropy initiatives. Wallstrom oversaw the expansion of the Company’s portfolio in 2019 with the acquisition of lifestyle brand Pura Vida, which achieved B Corp Certification in 2022. Under Wallstrom’s leadership, in 2022, Vera Bradley, Inc. was named America’s #1 Best Midsize Employer and #11 Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes and Statista.

“It has been my great honor to serve as President and CEO of the Company over the last nine years, and it has been an incredible privilege to work with our highly talented, creative, and dedicated team of associates,” noted Wallstrom. “We have driven innovation across both of our brands, built strong engagement with our associates and customers, and enhanced our purpose-driven mission. I am excited about the future of Vera Bradley, Inc. and confident the Company will thrive under Jackie’s leadership.”   

Wallstrom has submitted his resignation from the Company’s Board of Directors effective November 1, 2022, in conjunction with Ardrey joining the Company and her election to the Board of Directors effective that same date.  

About Vera Bradley, Inc.

Vera Bradley, Inc. operates two unique lifestyle brands – Vera Bradley and Pura Vida. Vera Bradley and Pura Vida are complementary businesses, both with devoted, emotionally-connected, and multi-generational female customer bases; alignment as casual, comfortable, affordable, and fun brands; positioning as “gifting” and socially-connected brands; strong, entrepreneurial cultures; a keen focus on community, charity, and social consciousness; multi-channel distribution strategies; and talented leadership teams aligned and committed to the long-term success of their brands.

Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women’s handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories, and unique gifts.  Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns, and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace.

In July 2019, Vera Bradley, Inc. acquired a 75% interest in Creative Genius, Inc., which also operates under the name Pura Vida Bracelets (“Pura Vida”). Pura Vida, based in La Jolla, California, is a digitally native, highly-engaging lifestyle brand founded in 2010 by friends Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall. Pura Vida has a differentiated and expanding offering of bracelets, jewelry, and other lifestyle accessories.

Vera Bradley Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this release are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expected, including: possible adverse changes in general economic conditions and their impact on consumer confidence and spending; possible inability to predict and respond in a timely manner to changes in consumer demand; possible loss of key management or design associates or inability to attract and retain the talent required for our business; possible inability to maintain and enhance our brands; possible inability to successfully implement the Company’s long-term strategic plan; possible inability to successfully open new stores, close targeted stores, and/or operate current stores as planned; incremental tariffs or adverse changes in the cost of raw materials and labor used to manufacture our products; possible adverse effects resulting from a significant disruption in our distribution facilities; or business disruption caused by COVID-19 or other pandemics. Risks, uncertainties, and assumptions also include the possibility that Pura Vida acquisition benefits may not materialize as expected and that Pura Vida’s business may not perform as expected. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2022. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.

CONTACTS:
Investors:
Julia Bentley, VP of Investor Relations and Communications
jbentley@verabradley.com
(260) 207-5116

Media:           
mediacontact@verabradley.com
877-708-VERA (8372)

FAT Brands Inc. (FAT) – New York City NDRS

Posted on by cpatches


Monday, September 19, 2022

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, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

NYC NDRS. We hosted FAT Brands CEO Andrew Wiederhorn and members of the management team in New York City for investor meetings last week. The tone of the meetings was positive with management highlighting the significant opportunities to grow EBITDA.

Outstanding Franchisee Conference. In late August, the Company hosted its franchisees for a conference. Reports from the meeting indicate an upbeat franchisee group, with FAT inking 150 new franchisee contracts over the three day conference, driving the backlog of new locations to over 1,000. We believe the new contracts are an indicator of the franchisee groups’ confidence in the FAT Brands model.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Schwazze (SHWZ) – Expanding in Colorado

Posted on by cpatches


Friday, September 16, 2022

Schwazze (OTCQX:SHWZ, NEO:SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position. Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale. The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant to improve the human condition. Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes. The Company’s leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector. Schwazze is passionate about making a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and doing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices.

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Another Acquisition. Wednesday, Schwazze announced the Company has signed definitive documents to acquire certain assets of Lightshade Labs LLC, which contains two dispensaries located at 503 Havana St. in Aurora and 2215 E. Mississippi Ave. in Denver’s vibrant Washington Park neighborhood, which includes the University of Denver. The proposed acquisition is for $2.75 million in cash with an expected closing in the first quarter of 2023. Operating financials were not provided.

The Dispensaries. Both dispensaries are highly rated by Leafly and Weedmaps, with the Aurora location receiving 4.9 out of 5.0 ratings from each and the Washington Park store receiving 4.9 and 4.3 scores. With Schwazze already operating dispensaries about 2 miles away from each location, the acquisitions continue to fill-in existing white space on the map, in our view.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Bowlero (BOWL) – Hitting A Good Stride

Posted on by cpatches


Friday, September 16, 2022

Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment, media, and events. With more than 300 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves more than 26 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero, Bowlmor Lanes, and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero Corp. acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com.

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

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

Reports a strong year. The company reported another strong quarter. Q4 revenue of $267.7 million increased a strong 68% from year earlier levels and an impressive 42% above our estimate of $188.3 million. The strong revenue was attributed to favorable “walk-in” revenue. Adj. EBITDA was well above our estimate at $82.4 million, 45% higher than our forecast of $56.8 million.

The COVID bounce continues. Management noted the strong performance was driven in large part by a continuation of the COVID recovery. This is perhaps best illustrated by Group Event revenue which was $46 million, up 140% from the prior year period. Notably, the recovery of Event revenue will likely get an additional boost over the upcoming holiday season as year earlier results reflected lingering Covid issues.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Names Andy Milevoj Senior Vice President, Investor Relations; Joe Pititto to Retire December 31, 2022

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on FLWS

Sep 15, 2022

JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS) today announced that Andy Milevoj has been named Senior Vice President, Investor Relations effective September 19, 2022. Milevoj succeeds Joe Pititto who plans to retire on December 31, 2022, after 23 years of service to the company. In his new role, Milevoj will report to Bill Shea, Chief Financial Officer.

“Andy brings deep knowledge and experience in building investor relations programs, as well as a strong network of relationships within the investment community,” said Shea. “He has a keen understanding of the retail and e-commerce industries, and we look forward to leveraging his expertise in communicating our company’s value proposition to shareholders.” Shea further remarked, “I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Joe for his more than two decades of tireless commitment to our company during a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. His drive and passion for telling our growth story has been invaluable and we wish him all the best upon his retirement.”

Milevoj joins 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. from Barnes and Noble, where he spent most of his career with Barnes & Noble, Inc. and more recently served as Vice President, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations at Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. Milevoj began his career at the book retailer in 1998 as Investor Relations Coordinator, subsequently taking on roles of increasing responsibility for articulating the company’s strategic initiatives and financial metrics to its wide audience of analysts and investors. Prior to this, Milevoj worked at Kissel-Blake Inc. as a stock surveillance account executive. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY.

About1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of gifts designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Stock Yards® and Simply Chocolate®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad-range of products and services designed to help members grow their businesses profitably; Napco℠, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; DesignPac Gifts, LLC, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers; and Alice’s Table®, a lifestyle business offering fully digital livestreaming floral, culinary and other experiences to guests across the country. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among the top 5 on the National Retail Federation’s 2021 Hot 25 Retailers list, which ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies, and was named to the Fortune 1000 list in 2022. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com or follow @1800FLOWERSInc on Twitter.

FLWS-COMP
FLWS-FN

Investor:

Joseph D. Pititto

(516) 237-6131

E-mail: invest@1800flowers.com

Media:

Kathleen Waugh

(516) 237-6028

kwaugh@1800flowers.com

Source: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

Vera Bradley (VRA) – Review of 10-Q for July 30 Fiscal Second Quarter

Posted on by cpatches


Tuesday, September 13, 2022

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

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

10-Q Filing. Last week, Vera Bradley filed the 10-Q for the fiscal second quarter of 2023 ended July 30th and we had an opportunity to review. While the big picture remains the same from the August 31st earnings release, the 10-Q does provide some additional detail regarding the quarter’s performance.

VB Direct Comparable Sales. The overall 13.8% comp sales decline included a 20.1% decrease in comparable store sales, partially offset by a 3.1% increase in e-commerce sales. Non-comp stores contributed $2.6 million of revenue. The Company permanently closed eight full-line stores and opened six factory outlet stores in the last twelve months.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Bowlero Corp. to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research, News, and Market Data on BOWL

09/12/2022

Prepared remarks to be webcast at 4:30 PM ET on September 15

RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corp. (NYSE: BOWL) (“Bowlero” or the “Company”), the world’s largest owner and operator of bowling centers, will report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2022 on Thursday, September 15, 2022 after the U.S. stock market closes. Management will discuss the results via webcast at 4:30 PM ET on the same day.

The live webcast, replay and results presentation will be accessible in the Events & Presentations section of the Bowlero Investor Relations website at https://ir.bowlerocorp.com/overview/default.aspx.

About Bowlero Corp.

Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment, media, and events. With more than 300 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves more than 26 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero, Bowlmor Lanes, and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero Corp. acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com.

For Media:
ICR, Inc.
Tom Vogel
Tom.Vogel@icrinc.com

For Investors:
ICR, Inc.
Ashley DeSimone
Ashley.DeSimone@icrinc.com

Source: Bowlero Corp.