Seth Burroughs Xcel Brands, Inc. sburroughs@xcelbrands.com About Xcel Brands Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel ...

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Brands announced a public offering of 2,181,818 shares at $1.10 per share and a concurrent private placement of 145,147 shares at $1.36 per share, with expected gross proceeds of approximately $2.6 million [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The public offering consists of 2,181,818 shares priced at $1.10 each, while the private placement involves 145,147 shares sold to insiders at $1.36, matching the closing price on July 31, 2025 [1]. - The closing of the offering is anticipated on or about August 4, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [1]. Group 2: Financial Proceeds - The combined gross proceeds from both the public offering and private placement are expected to be around $2.6 million before deducting fees and expenses [2]. - The net proceeds will be utilized for brand development, working capital, and other general corporate purposes, including settling outstanding payables [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Xcel Brands is a media and consumer products company focused on designing, licensing, and marketing branded consumer products, including apparel and home goods [5]. - The company has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through live streaming and digital channels, with a significant social media presence reaching over 43 million followers [5]. - Xcel Brands operates with a strategy that integrates interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, and social commerce to enhance consumer engagement [5].

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Brands, Inc. reported a challenging first quarter of 2025 with a significant decrease in total revenue, but showed improvements in operational costs and social media engagement, positioning the company for future growth [2][3][5]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $1.3 million, down approximately $0.9 million (-39%) from Q1 2024, primarily due to a decline in net licensing revenue following the divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand [3]. - Direct operating costs and expenses decreased by approximately $1.7 million (-42%) to $2.3 million in Q1 2025, with an expected annual run rate of less than $10 million [4]. - The net loss attributable to Xcel Brands stockholders for Q1 2025 was approximately $2.8 million, or $(1.18) per share, compared to a net loss of $6.3 million, or $(3.09) per share, in the prior year [5][10]. - Adjusted EBITDA improved from negative $1.6 million in Q1 2024 to negative $0.7 million in Q1 2025, representing a 56% improvement [6][10]. Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2025, the company had stockholders' equity of approximately $25.7 million, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of approximately $0.3 million, and a working capital deficit of approximately $0.6 million [7]. - The company also reported $8.5 million in long-term debt [7]. Brand and Market Position - The social media following of Xcel's brand portfolio increased from 5 million to 45 million followers over the past five months, with a goal of reaching 100 million followers [2]. - Xcel Brands has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through livestreaming and digital channels, with a broadcast reach into 200 million households [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q4 net sales were $119.5 million, representing a 4% decline year-over-year, while full-year net sales reached $422.2 million, a 5% decline year-over-year [7][30] - Total orders grew by 10% year-over-year in Q4 and 7% year-over-year for the full year, with repeat orders increasing by 18% in Q4 and 17% for the full year [8][30] - Gross margin expanded by 90 basis points year-over-year in Q4 to 59.6%, and by 270 basis points for the full year to 60.3% [9][32] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $6.9 million, with a margin of 5.8%, significantly exceeding guidance, while full-year adjusted EBITDA was $21.1 million, or a 5% margin [11][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Engagement rings showed improved year-over-year unit comps in Q4, with strong performance in price ranges under $5,000 [13][14] - The fine jewelry segment recorded strong double-digit bookings growth in Q4, contributing 27% of total bookings, a 600 basis point increase year-over-year [17][21] - The company launched the Flawless Collection, which has performed strongly, indicating customer trust in the brand [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened new showroom locations in New York City and Boston, contributing to increased customer engagement and bookings [20][21] - The fine jewelry assortment saw significant growth, particularly during the holiday season, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards gifting and self-purchase [18][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive sustainable long-term growth by enhancing the omnichannel experience, offering premium products, and investing in brand amplification [23][24] - Plans for 2025 include expanding showroom locations and continuing to innovate product offerings, particularly in fine jewelry [24][25] - The company is focused on maintaining a premium brand positioning while navigating a dynamic macroeconomic environment [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the trajectory of the bridal business and the overall engagement ring market, anticipating continued improvement in unit trends [26][63] - The company expects Q1 net sales to be slightly down year-over-year but anticipates a slight sequential improvement from Q4 [26][27] - For the full year, net sales are expected to grow slightly, with profitability anticipated to be lower due to strategic investments [27][43] Other Important Information - The company ended Q4 with approximately $162 million in cash, reflecting a year-over-year increase, and a net cash position of approximately $106 million [39][40] - The company has a disciplined approach to managing expenses, with operating expenses as a percentage of net sales slightly increasing year-over-year [34][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the gross margin guidance for 2025? - Management expects a high-50s gross margin for 2025, driven by brand strength and procurement efficiencies [48][49] Question: What strategies are in place to drive repeat orders? - The company focuses on brand resonance and customer experience, along with introducing new collections to drive repeat orders [51][54] Question: What are the engagement trends and how do they affect guidance? - Management noted improvements in engagement ring unit trends and expects continued growth driven by showroom investments and fine jewelry success [63][66] Question: How does the company view the balance between physical and digital sales? - The company sees opportunities in both channels and is strategic about showroom locations to enhance customer experience [71][72] Question: What are the key features of the investment story that may be underappreciated? - The company's consistent profitability, strong cash position, and unique brand resonance are highlighted as key strengths [73][75]