XCel Brands Inc

Previous wording

Xcel Brands, Inc. (“Xcel,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) 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 one thing. Currently, the Company’s brand portfolio consists of the following:

Current wording

Xcel Brands, Inc. (“Xcel,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) 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.

Previous wording

Xcel continues to pioneer a true omni-channel and social commerce sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, and e-commerce channels, to be everywhere its customers shop. Our brands have generated over $5 billion in retail sales via live streaming in interactive television and digital channels alone, and our brands collectively reach over 5 million social media followers through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. All of the followers may not be unique followers, as many followers may follow multiple brands and follow our brands on multiple platforms.

Current wording

Xcel is pioneering a true modern consumer products sales strategy 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. Our brands have generated over $5 billion in retail sales via live streaming in interactive television and digital channels alone and over 20,000 hours of content production time in live-stream and social commerce. Our portfolio reaches in excess of 40 million social media followers and 200 million households.

Previous wording

This decrease was primarily attributable to a $0.87 million reduction in net licensing revenue, which declined from $2.38 million in the prior year quarter to $1.51 million in the current quarter, and was mainly driven by the June 30, 2024 divestiture of the Lori Goldstein Brand, partially offset by increased licensing revenues generated by our other brands.

Current wording

Current quarter net revenue decreased $0.85 million to $1.33 million from $2.18 million for the prior year quarter. This decrease was primarily attributable to the June 30, 2024 divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand and the loss of the licensing revenues associated with that brand, partially offset by increased licensing revenues generated by our other brands, particularly for the C Wonder brand and the TowerHill by Christie Brinkley brand.

Previous wording

Direct operating costs and expenses decreased approximately $2.79 million, from $5.62 million in the prior year quarter to $2.83 million in the current quarter. This decrease was primarily attributable to the 2023 restructuring and transformation of our business operating model, along with additional cost reduction actions taken by management in the current year, which have significantly reduced the Company’s payroll, operating, and overhead costs. As of the third quarter of 2024, the Company has reduced its direct operating expenses to a current run rate of approximately $11 million per annum.

Current wording

Direct operating costs and expenses decreased approximately $1.68 million, from $3.96 million in the prior year quarter to $2.28 million in the current quarter. This decrease was primarily attributable to the 2023 restructuring and transformation of our business operating model, along with additional cost reduction actions taken by management in 2024, which have significantly reduced the Company’s payroll, operating, and overhead costs. Management has continued to implement additional cost cutting measures throughout the first quarter of 2025 to further optimize the Company’s cost structure. As of the end of the first quarter of 2025, the Company has reduced its direct operating expenses to an expected run rate of less than $10 million per annum.

Previous wording

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased approximately $0.77 million, from $1.68 million in the prior year quarter to $0.91 million in the current quarter. This decrease is primarily attributable to the June 30, 2024 divestiture of the Lori Goldstein Brand, which included trademarks related to that brand with a net book value of approximately $1.93 million at the time of the divestiture.

Current wording

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased approximately $0.69 million, from $1.59 million in the prior year quarter to $0.90 million in the current quarter. This decrease is primarily attributable to the June 30, 2024 divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand, which included trademarks related to that brand with a net book value of approximately $1.93 million at the time of the divestiture.

Previous wording

We recognized equity method losses related to our equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates (IM Topco, LLC and Orme Live Inc.) of $0.59 million and $0.52 million for the current quarter and prior year quarter, respectively, due to the operations of those businesses and the distribution provisions applicable to each. The equity method losses for each quarter related to IM Topco, LLC consisted of $0.52 million of amortization expense of the Isaac Mizrahi intellectual property assets.

Current wording

We recognized losses related to our equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates (IM Topco, LLC and ORME Live Inc.) of $0.58 million and $0.53 million for the current quarter and prior year quarter, respectively, due to the operations of those businesses, the distribution provisions applicable to each, and (in the current quarter) changes in estimated fair value. However, effective January 2025, the Company no longer applies the equity method of accounting to its investment in ORME, and effective April 2025, the Company will no longer apply the equity method of accounting to its investment in IM Topco. Going forward, the Company’s investments in these unconsolidated affiliates will be valued at adjusted cost basis, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes of an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.

Previous wording

Also during the current nine months, we recognized asset impairment charges of approximately $3.48 million related to our exit from and sublease of our offices at 1333 Broadway, of which approximately $3.1 million related to the operating lease right-of-use asset and approximately $0.4 million related to leasehold improvements at that location.

Current wording

During the prior year quarter we recognized asset impairment charges of $2.30 million related to our exit from and sublease of our offices at 1333 Broadway, of which approximately $1.9 million related to the operating lease right-of-use asset and approximately $0.4 million related to leasehold improvements at that location. There were no similar asset impairment charges recognized during the current quarter.

Previous wording

The estimated annual effective income tax rate for the current quarter and the prior year quarter was approximately 0% for both periods, resulting in an income tax benefit of $0 for both periods.

Current wording

The estimated annual effective income tax rate for the current quarter and the prior year quarter was approximately -1.8% and 0%, respectively, resulting in an income tax provision (benefit) of $0.05 million and $0, respectively.

Previous wording

For both periods, the effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate due to the recording of a valuation allowance against the benefit that would have otherwise been recognized, as it was considered not more likely than not that the net operating losses generated during each period will be utilized in future periods.

Current wording

For both the current quarter and the prior year quarter, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate due to the recording of a valuation allowance against the benefit that would have otherwise been recognized, as it was considered not more likely than not that the net operating losses generated during each period will be utilized in future periods.

Previous wording

We had a net loss of $9.21 million for the current quarter, compared with a net loss of $5.14 million for the prior year quarter, due to the combination of the factors outlined above.

Current wording

We had a net loss of $2.80 million for the current quarter, compared with a net loss of $6.29 million for the prior year quarter, due to the combination of the factors outlined above.

Previous wording

We had a non-GAAP net loss of approximately $1.33 million, or $0.06 per diluted share (“non-GAAP diluted EPS”), for the current quarter and a non-GAAP net loss of $3.05 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. Non-GAAP net income (loss) is a non-GAAP unaudited term, which we define as net income (loss) attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders, exclusive of amortization of trademarks, income (loss) from equity method investments, changes in ownership interests of equity method investments, stock-based compensation and cost of licensee warrants, gains on sales of assets and investments, gain on lease termination, asset impairment charges, and income taxes (if any). Non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP diluted EPS measures do not include the tax effect of the aforementioned adjusting items, due to the nature of these items and the Company’s tax strategy.

Current wording

We had a non-GAAP net loss of approximately $1.37 million, or $0.58 per diluted share (“non-GAAP diluted EPS”), for the current quarter and a non-GAAP net loss of $1.80 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. Non-GAAP net income (loss) is a non-GAAP unaudited term, which we define as net income (loss) attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders, exclusive of amortization of trademarks, income (loss) from equity method investments, change in contingent reduction in equity ownership of IM Topco, LLC, stock-based compensation and cost of licensee warrants, asset impairment charges, and income taxes (if any). Non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP diluted EPS measures do not include the tax effect of the aforementioned adjusting items, due to the nature of these items and the Company’s tax strategy.

Previous wording

We had Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $(1.05) million for the current quarter, compared with approximately $(1.41) million for the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP unaudited measure, which we define as net (loss) income attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders before asset impairment charges, depreciation and amortization, income (loss) from equity method investments, changes in ownership interests of equity method investments, interest and finance expenses (including loss on extinguishment of debt, if any), accretion of lease liability for exited leases, income taxes (if any), other state and local franchise taxes, stock-based compensation and cost of licensee warrants, gains on sales of assets and investments, gain on lease termination, costs of restructuring of operations, and losses from discontinued businesses.

Current wording

We had Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $(0.70) million for the current quarter, compared with approximately $(1.57) million for the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP unaudited measure, which we define as net income (loss) attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders before interest and finance expenses (including loss on extinguishment of debt, if any), accretion of lease liability for exited leases, income taxes, other state and local franchise taxes, depreciation and amortization, income (loss) from equity method investments, change in contingent reduction in equity ownership of IM Topco, LLC, asset impairment charges, stock-based compensation and cost of licensee warrants, and costs associated with restructuring of operations.

Previous wording

relating to the Company’s results of operations. Management believes non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA are also useful because these measures adjust for certain costs and other events that management believes are not representative of our core business operating results, and thus, these non-GAAP measures provide supplemental information to assist investors in evaluating the Company’s financial results.

Current wording

Management uses non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA as measures of operating performance to assist in comparing performance from period to period on a consistent basis and to identify business trends relating to the Company’s results of operations. Management believes non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA are also useful because these measures adjust for certain costs and other events that management believes are not representative of our core business operating results, and thus, these non-GAAP measures provide supplemental information to assist investors in evaluating the Company’s financial results.

Previous wording

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $0.24 million and $3.00 million, respectively. Restricted cash at September 30, 2024 (included within other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet) consisted of $0.7 million of cash deposited with Israel Discount Bank of New York as collateral for a standby letter of credit associated with a real estate lease; there was no restricted cash as of December 31, 2023.

Current wording

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents were $0.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

Previous wording

Our principal capital requirements have been to fund working capital needs, acquire new brands, and to a lesser extent, capital expenditures. Our current “licensing plus” operating model is a working capital light business model, and generally does not require material capital expenditures. As of September 30, 2024, we have no significant commitments for future capital expenditures.

Current wording

Our principal capital requirements have generally been to fund working capital needs and acquire new brands. Our current “licensing plus” operating model is a working capital light business model, and generally does not require material capital expenditures. As of March 31, 2025, we have no significant commitments for future capital expenditures.

Previous wording

Commentary on the components of our cash flows for the current nine months as compared with the prior year nine months is set forth below.

Current wording

Commentary on the components of our cash flows for the current quarter as compared with the prior year quarter is set forth below.

Previous wording

The current nine months net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the combination of the net loss of $(15.40) million plus non-cash items of approximately $11.99 million and the net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $0.11 million. Non-cash items were primarily comprised of approximately $6.25 million for the change in value of contingent obligations, $4.04 million of depreciation and amortization expense, $3.48 million of asset impairment charges, and our $1.68 million undistributed proportional share of net losses from equity method investees, partially offset by a $(3.80) million gain on the divestiture of the Lori Goldstein Brand. The net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily comprised of decreases in accounts receivable and inventory of approximately $0.59 million and $0.45 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in lease-related assets and liabilities of $(0.71) million.

Current wording

The current quarter net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the combination of the net loss of $(2.80) million plus non-cash items of approximately $1.45 million and the net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $(0.08) million. Non-cash items were comprised of approximately $0.90 million of depreciation and amortization expense, $0.34 million of non-cash expenses related to our equity method investees, $0.11 million of stock-based compensation and cost of licensee warrants, and $0.10 of amortization of deferred finance costs. The net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily comprised of a decrease in deferred revenue of $(0.21) million and a decrease in lease-related assets and liabilities of $(0.08) million, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of approximately $0.16 million.

Previous wording

The prior year nine months cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the combination of the net loss of $(15.04) million plus non-cash items of approximately $7.07 million and the net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $5.16 million. Non-cash items were primarily comprised of $5.26 million of depreciation and amortization expense, our $1.55 million undistributed proportional share of net loss of equity method investee, and a $0.76 million charge related to the restructuring of certain contractual arrangements, partially offset by a $(0.35) gain on the sale of a financial asset and a $(0.44) gain on the settlement of a lease liability. The net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily comprised of (i) an increase in deferred revenue of approximately $4.68 million, which was mainly attributable to the upfront payment received for the Halston Master License agreement entered into during the prior year nine months, (ii) a decrease in inventory of approximately $1.85 million, driven by the sale of all of our C Wonder apparel inventory to HSN and the sale of all of our Judith Ripka fine jewelry inventory to JTV, as part of the restructuring and transformation of our business operating model. Partially offsetting these net changes in operating assets and liabilities were decreases in various operating liabilities of approximately $(1.40) million.

Current wording

The prior year quarter cash used in operating activitieswas primarily attributable to the combination of the net loss of $(6.35) million plus non-cash items of approximately $4.59 million and the net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $(0.85) million. Non-cash items were primarily comprised of asset impairment charges of approximately $2.30 million, $1.59 million of depreciation and amortization, and the $0.53 million undistributed proportional share of net loss of equity method investees. The net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily comprised of (i) a decrease in deferred revenue of approximately $(0.22) million, mainly related to the Halston Master License agreement, (ii) a decrease in various operating liabilities of $(0.56) million, and (iii) a decrease in lease-related assets and liabilities of $(0.24) million.

Previous wording

Net cash used in investing activities in the current nine months was comprised of purchases of furniture and fixtures totaling approximately $0.11 million.

Current wording

Net cash used in investing activities in the current quarter was comprised of purchases of equipment totaling approximately $0.01 million.

Previous wording

Public Offering and Private Placement Transactions

Current wording

Net cash provided by financing activities in the prior year quarter was $1.90 million, attributable to the net proceeds received from the March 2024 public offering and private placement transactions in which the Company issued an aggregate of 357,889 shares of common stock along with warrants exercisable for an additional 18,293 shares of common stock.

Previous wording

On December 12, 2024, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a new loan and security agreement with FEAC Agent, LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent, FEF Distributors, LLC, as lead arranger, and Restore Capital, LLC, as agent for certain lenders, pursuant to which the lenders made term loans to the Companyand agreed to make additional term loans to the Company upon the satisfaction of a condition precedent described in the loan agreement. The term loans under the loan agreement are as follows: (1) a term loan in the amount of $3.95 million (“Term Loan A”) was made on the closing date, (2) a term loan in the amount of $4.0 million (“Term Loan B”) was made on the closing date, and (3) a term loan in the amount of $2.05 million (“Delayed Draw Term Loan”; Term Loan A, Term Loan B and Delayed Draw Term Loan are referred to as “Term Loans”) which will be made upon the satisfaction of a condition precedent described in the loan agreement. The proceeds from Term Loan A and Term Loan B were used to repay the remaining balance of the Company’s October 2023 term loan with IDB, as well as to pay fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with entering into the new loan agreement, and the balance may be used for working capital purposes. The proceeds from the Delayed Draw Term Loan will be deposited in a bank account to satisfy a liquidity covenant in the loan agreement.

Current wording

On April 21, 2025, the Company and its lenders and FEAC Agent, LLC entered into an amendment of the December 12, 2024 loan and security agreement, which provided for $1.5 million repayment of the $3.95 million Term Loan A and an additional Term Loan B in the amount of $5.12 million. The term loans outstanding after giving effect to the April 21, 2025 amendment and the application of the proceeds of the additional Term Loan B are as follows: (1) Term Loan A in the amount of $2.45 million, (2) Term Loan B in the amount of $9.12 million, and (3) Delayed Draw Term Loan in the amount of $2.05 million. The proceeds from the additional Term Loan B were used to repay a portion of Term Loan A, as well as to pay fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with entering into the April 21, 2025 amendment, and the balance will be used for working capital purposes.

Previous wording

Principal amounts on Term Loans are payable on a pro rata basis in quarterly installments of $250,000 on each of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on March 31, 2026, with the unpaid balance due at the maturity date of December 12, 2028.

Current wording

Principal on the Term Loan A is payable on a pro rata basis in quarterly installments of $250,000 on each of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on March 31, 2026, with the unpaid balance due on

Previous wording

Interest on Term Loans accrues at an annual rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for an interest period equal to three months, subject to a 2.0% floor, plus (i) 8.5% for Term Loan A and Delayed Draw Term Loan and (ii) 13.5% for Term Loan B. Interest on amounts outstanding under the Term Loans accrues daily and is payable at the end of each calendar month.

Current wording

From and after April 21, 2025, interest on each Term Loan A accrues at an annual rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for an interest period equal to three months, subject to a 2.0% floor, plus 8.5%. From and after April 21, 2025, interest on each Term Loan B accrues at an annual rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for an interest period equal to three months, subject to a 2.0% floor, plus 6.5%. From and after April 21, 2025 through March 31, 2027, interest on the Term Loan B will be paid in-kind by being capitalized and added to the principal amount of the Term Loan B at the end of each calendar month.

Previous wording

The Term Loans are guaranteed by certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company, and are secured by all of the asset of the Company and such subsidiaries. The loan agreement contains various customary financial covenants and reporting requirements, as specified and defined in the loan agreement.

Current wording

The Term Loans are guaranteed by certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company, and are secured by all of the assets of the Company and such subsidiaries. The April 21, 2025 amendment contains various customary financial covenants and reporting requirements, as specified and defined therein; the Company is currently in compliance with all applicable covenants.

Previous wording

We continue to seek to expand and diversify the types of licensed products being produced under our brands. We plan to continue to diversify the distribution channels within which licensed products are sold, in an effort to reduce dependence on any particular retailer, consumer, or market sector within each of our brands. The Halston brand, C Wonder brand, and TowerHill by Christie Brinkley brand have a core business in fashion apparel and accessories. The Ripka brand is a fine jewelry business, and the Longaberger brand focuses on home good products, which we believe helps diversify our industry focus while at the same time complements our business operations and relationships.

Current wording

We continue to seek to expand and diversify the types of licensed products being produced under our brands. We plan to continue to diversify the distribution channels within which licensed products are sold, in an effort to reduce dependence on any particular retailer, consumer, or market sector within each of our brands. The Halston brand, C Wonder brand, TowerHill by Christie Brinkley brand, and the LB70 by Lloyd Boston brand have a core business in fashion apparel and accessories. The Ripka brand is a fine jewelry business, and the Longaberger brand focuses on home good products, which we believe helps diversify our industry focus while at the same time complements our business operations and relationships.

Previous wording

While the 2022 sale of a majority interest in the Isaac Mizrahi brand resulted in a decrease in our licensing revenues, as that brand represented a significant portion of our historical licensing revenues, we have taken and continue to take actions to replace those revenues in the long-term with new strategic business initiatives, as we concentrate our resources on growing our brands, launching new brands, and entering into new business partnerships. We continue to seek new opportunities, including expansion through interactive television, live streaming, and additional domestic and international licensing arrangements, and acquiring and collaborating with additional brands, including the C Wonder by Christian Siriano business on HSN, and the recently-launched TowerHill by Christie Brinkley brand.

Current wording

While the 2022 sale of a majority interest in the Isaac Mizrahi brand and the 2024 divestiture of the LOGO by Lori Goldstein brand resulted in significant decreases in our licensing revenues, we have taken and continue to take actions to replace those revenues with new strategic business initiatives, as we concentrate our resources on growing our brands, launching new brands, and entering into new business partnerships. We continue to seek new opportunities, including expansion through interactive television, live streaming, and additional domestic and international licensing arrangements, and acquiring and collaborating with additional brands, including the TowerHill by Christie Brinkley brand and LB70 by Lloyd Boston brand, both of which launched in 2024. We recently announced two new co-branded collaborations, which are planned to launch in Spring 2026.

Previous wording

During 2023, we restructured our business operations by shifting our business from a wholesale/licensing hybrid model into a “licensing plus” business model. These efforts included entering into new structured contractual arrangements with best-in-class business partners in order to more efficiently operate our wholesale and e-commerce businesses and reduce and better manage our exposure to operating risks. These restructuring initiatives were originally expected to provide us with approximately $15 million of cost savings on an annualized basis compared to our previous operating model. Based on additional actions taken by management during the first nine months of 2024 and the recent divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand, the Company’s direct operating costs on an annualized basis have been reduced from approximately $8 million per quarter under our previous operating model to approximately $2.5 to $3.0 million per quarter on a going-forward basis. This represents approximately $21 million of cost savings on an annualized basis compared to our cost structure in 2022.

Current wording

During 2023 and throughout 2024, we have restructured our business operations into a leaner, more focused “licensing plus” business model. We have entered into structured contractual arrangements with best-in-class business partners in order to more efficiently operate our former wholesale and e-commerce businesses while reducing and better managing our exposure to operating risks, and taken additional actions to generate cost savings. Based on all of these actions taken to date, plus additional measures implemented during the first quarter of 2025 to further optimize the Company’s cost structure, the Company’s direct operating costs on an annualized basis have been reduced from approximately $8 million per quarter under our previous operating model to less than $2.5 million per quarter on a going-forward basis. This represents more than $22 million of cost savings on an annualized basis compared to our cost structure in 2022.

Previous wording

Nonetheless, we continue to face a number of headwinds in the current macroeconomic environment. Poor economic and market conditions, including the impacts of recent inflation and rising consumer debt levels, may negatively impact market sentiment, decreasing the demand for apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods, and other consumer products, which would adversely affect our operating income and results of operations. If we are unable to take effective measures in a timely manner to mitigate the impact of inflation and/or a potential recession, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

sentiment, decreasing the demand for apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods, and other consumer products, which would adversely affect our operating income and results of operations. If we are unable to take effective measures in a timely manner to mitigate the impact of inflation and/or a potential recession, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 19, 2024, for a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, there were no material changes to our critical accounting policies or estimates.

Current wording

Please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on May 28, 2025, for a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, there were no material changes to our critical accounting policies or estimates.