UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File Number: 001-37527

XCEL BRANDS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		76-0307819
(State or Other Jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)		Identification No.)

	1333 Broadway, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018
	(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(347) 727-2474

(Issuer’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share	XELB	NASDAQ Global Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒	Smaller reporting company ☒
	Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of ~~November 6, 2020,~~October 27, 2021, there were ~~19,231,040~~19,558,813 shares of common stock, $.001 par value per share, of the issuer outstanding.

Table of Contents

XCEL BRANDS, INC.

INDEX

	a
		Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3

Item 1.	Financial Statements	3

	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3

	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	4

	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	5

	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6

	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	2324

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	33

~~Item 4.~~	~~Controls and Procedures~~	33

~~PART II - OTHER INFORMATION~~		34

Item 1.4.	~~Legal Proceedings~~Controls and Procedures	34

~~Item 1A.~~PART II - OTHER INFORMATION		~~Risk Factors~~	3435

Item 2.1.	Legal Proceedings	35

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	35

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	35

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	35

Item 5.	Other Information	35

Item 6.	Exhibits	36

~~Item 3.~~	~~Defaults Upon Senior Securities~~Signatures	36

~~Item 4.~~	~~Mine Safety Disclosures~~	36

~~Item 5.~~	~~Other Information~~	36

~~Item 6.~~	~~Exhibits~~	36

	~~Signatures~~	37

Table of Contents

PART 1.I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

September 30, 2020

December 31, 2019

(Unaudited)

(Note 1)
Assets




Current Assets:




Cash and cash equivalents

$
4,783

$
4,641
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,163 and $155, respectively

8,188

10,622
Inventory

723

899
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,426

1,404
Total current assets

15,120

17,566
Property and equipment, net

3,604

3,666
Operating lease right-of-use assets

9,019

9,250
Trademarks and other intangibles, net

107,675

111,095
Restricted cash

1,109

1,109
Other assets

297

505
Total non-current assets

121,704

125,625

Total Assets

$
136,824

$
143,191

Liabilities and Equity




Current Liabilities:




Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

$
2,908

$
4,391
Accrued payroll

618

1,444
Current portion of operating lease obligation

1,917

1,752
Current portion of long-term debt

2,850

2,250
Total current liabilities

8,293

9,837
Long-Term Liabilities:




Long-term portion of operating lease obligation

9,101

9,773
Long-term debt, less current portion

14,523

16,571
Contingent obligation

900

900
Deferred tax liabilities, net

7,165

7,434
Other long-term liabilities

224

224
Total long-term liabilities

31,913

34,902
Total Liabilities

40,206

44,739

Commitments and Contingencies





Equity:




Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

—

—
Common stock, $.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, and 19,231,040 and 18,866,417 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively

19

19
Paid-in capital

102,236

101,736
Accumulated deficit

(6,198)

(3,659)
Total Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders' equity

96,057

98,096
Noncontrolling interest

561

356
Total Equity

96,618

98,452

Total Liabilities and Equity

$
136,824

$
143,191


	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)		(Note 1)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,981	$	4,957
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,284 and $1,151, respectively		10,949		8,889
Inventory		3,430		1,216
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,711		1,085
Total current assets		20,071		16,147
Non-current Assets:
Property and equipment, net		3,481		3,367
Operating lease right-of-use assets		6,831		8,668
Trademarks and other intangibles, net		99,859		93,535
Restricted cash		739		1,109
Other assets		222		228
Total non-current assets		111,132		106,907

Total Assets	$	131,203	$	123,054

Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	5,444	$	4,442
Accrued payroll		683		973
Current portion of operating lease obligations		1,315		2,101
Current portion of long-term debt		4,998		2,800
Total current liabilities		12,440		10,316
Long-Term Liabilities:
Long-term portion of operating lease obligations		7,295		8,469
Long-term debt, less current portion		20,233		13,838
Contingent obligations		7,539		900
Deferred tax liabilities, net		1,038		3,052
Other long-term liabilities		591		224
Total long-term liabilities		36,696		26,483
Total Liabilities		49,136		36,799

Commitments and Contingencies

Equity:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, NaN issued and outstanding		—		—
Common stock, $.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, and 19,541,921 and 19,260,862 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		20		19
Paid-in capital		102,936		102,324
Accumulated deficit		(21,836)		(16,595)
Total Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders' equity		81,120		85,748
Noncontrolling interest		947		507
Total Equity		82,067		86,255

Total Liabilities and Equity	$	131,203	$	123,054

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share and per share data)


	For the Three Months Ended				For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues
Net licensing revenue	$	6,854	$	5,236	$	17,385	$	15,378
Net sales		4,407		2,155		12,449		6,590
Net revenue		11,261		7,391		29,834		21,968
Cost of goods sold (sales)		2,865		1,270		7,763		3,923
Gross profit		8,396		6,121		22,071		18,045

Operating costs and expenses
Salaries, benefits and employment taxes		4,185		2,968		12,286		9,798
Other selling, general and administrative expenses		3,463		2,159		9,591		7,153
Stock-based compensation		163		49		754		780
Depreciation and amortization		1,891		1,437		4,949		4,069
Government assistance - Paycheck Protection Program and other		—		(176)		—		(1,816)
Asset impairment charges		—		31		—		113
Total operating costs and expenses		9,702		6,468		27,580		20,097

Other income		—		46		—		46

Operating loss		(1,306)		(301)		(5,509)		(2,006)

Interest and finance expense
Interest expense - term loan debt		565		303		1,363		926
Other interest and finance charges (income), net		23		1		127		(29)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—		—		821		—
Total interest and finance expense		588		304		2,311		897

Loss before income taxes		(1,894)		(605)		(7,820)		(2,903)

Income tax benefit		(535)		(145)		(2,019)		(269)

Net loss		(1,359)		(460)		(5,801)		(2,634)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(223)		(26)		(560)		(95)
Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders	$	(1,136)	$	(434)	$	(5,241)	$	(2,539)

Loss per share attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$	(0.06)	$	(0.02)	$	(0.27)	$	(0.13)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		19,541,774		19,231,040		19,418,469		19,078,453

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

For the Three Months Ended

For the Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,


2020

2019

2020

2019

Revenues









Net licensing revenue

$
5,236

$
6,428

$
15,378

$
21,094

Net sales

2,155

4,504

6,590

9,277

Net revenue

7,391

10,932

21,968

30,371

Cost of goods sold (sales)

1,270

2,950

3,923

6,549

Gross profit

6,121

7,982

18,045

23,822

Operating costs and expenses









Salaries, benefits and employment taxes

2,968

4,045

9,798

12,038

Other design and marketing costs

706

797

2,336

2,352

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

1,642

1,356

5,027

4,014

(Recovery of) costs in connection with potential acquisition

(189)

126

(210)

231

Stock-based compensation

49

295

780

777

Depreciation and amortization

1,437

991

4,069

2,939

Government assistance - Paycheck Protection Program and other

(176)

—

(1,816)

—

Property and equipment impairment

31

—

113

—

Total operating costs and expenses

6,468

7,610

20,097

22,351

Other income

46

—

46

2,850

Operating (loss) income

(301)

372

(2,006)

4,321

Interest and finance expense









Interest expense and other finance charges

304

330

897

968

Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

—

—

189

Total interest and finance expense

304

330

897

1,157

(Loss) income before income taxes

(605)

42

(2,903)

3,164

Income tax (benefit) provision

(145)

137

(269)

1,280

Net (loss) income

(460)

(95)

(2,634)

1,884

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

(26)

—

(95)

—

Net (loss) income attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders

$
(434)

$
(95)

$
(2,539)

$
1,884

(Loss) earnings per share attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. common stockholders:









Basic net (loss) income per share:

$
(0.02)

$
(0.01)

$
(0.13)

$
0.10

Diluted net (loss) income per share:

$
(0.02)

$
(0.01)

$
(0.13)

$
0.10

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:









Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

19,231,040

18,975,265

19,078,453

18,839,424

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

19,231,040

18,975,265

19,078,453

18,840,149

Table of Contents

Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity

(in thousands, except share data)


	Xcel Brands, Inc. Stockholders
	Common Stock
	Number of			Paid-In		Accumulated		Noncontrolling		Total
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Deficit		Interest		Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2019	18,866,417	$	19	$	101,736	$	(3,659)	$	356	$	98,452

Shares issued to employees related to stock grants for bonus payments	336,700		—		220		—		—		220

Shares repurchased from employees in exchange for withholding taxes	(155,556)		—		(102)		—		—		(102)

Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock	—		—		91		—		—		91

Net loss	—		—		—		(805)		(33)		(838)

Balance as of March 31, 2020	19,047,561		19		101,945		(4,464)		323		97,823

Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock	—		—		55		—		—		55

Shares issued to employees related to restricted stock grants	270,728		—		265		—		—		265

Shares repurchased from employees in exchange for withholding taxes	(87,249)		—		(85)		—		—		(85)

Additional investment in Longaberger Licensing, LLC by non-controlling interest holder	—		—		—		—		300		300

Net loss	—		—		—		(1,300)		(36)		(1,336)

Balance as of June 30, 2020	19,231,040		19		102,180		(5,764)		587		97,022

Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock	—		—		56		—		—		56

Net loss	—		—		—		(434)		(26)		(460)

Balance as of September 30, 2020	19,231,040	$	19	$	102,236	$	(6,198)	$	561	$	96,618

Balance as of December 31, 2020	19,260,862	$	19	$	102,324	$	(16,595)	$	507	$	86,255

Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock	—		—		169		—		—		169

Shares issued on exercise of stock options, net	1,667		—		—		—		—		—

Net loss	—		—		—		(2,547)		(81)		(2,628)

Balance as of March 31, 2021	19,262,529		19		102,493		(19,142)		426		83,796

Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock	—		—		52		—		—		52

Shares issued to executive related to stock grants for bonus payments	181,179		1		282		—		—		283

Shares issued to consultants related to restricted stock grants	14,045		—		25		—		—		25

Shares issued to directors related to restricted stock grants	50,000		—		—		—		—		—

Shares issued on exercise of stock options	23,102		—		—		—		—		—

Net loss	—		—		—		(1,558)		(256)		(1,814)

Balance as of June 30, 2021	19,530,855		20		102,852		(20,700)		170		82,342

Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock	—		—		59		—		—		59

Shares issued to consultants related to restricted stock grants	9,399		—		25		—		—		25

Shares issued on exercise of stock options	1,667		—		—		—		—		—

Additional investment in Longaberger Licensing, LLC by non-controlling interest holder	—		—		—		—		1,000		1,000

Net loss	—		—		—		(1,136)		(223)		(1,359)

Balance as of September 30, 2021	19,541,921	$	20	$	102,936	$	(21,836)	$	947	$	82,067

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of ~~Stockholders’ Equity~~Cash Flows

(in ~~thousands, except share data)~~thousands)

Xcel Brands, Inc. Stockholders

Retained

Common Stock

Earnings

Number of

Paid-In

(Accumulated

Noncontrolling

Total


Shares

Amount

Capital

Deficit)

Interest

Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2018

18,138,616

$
18

$
100,097

$
(233)

$
—

$
99,882

Issuance of common stock in connection with the acquisition of Halston Heritage

777,778

1

1,057

—

—

1,058

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock

—

—

347

—

—

347

Net income

—

—

—

127

—

127

Balance as of March 31, 2019

18,916,394

19

101,501

(106)

—

101,414

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock

—

—

135

—

—

135

Shares issued to employees in connection with restricted stock grants

60,000

—

—

—

—

—

Net income

—

—

—

1,852

—

1,852

Balance as of June 30, 2019

18,976,394

19

101,636

1,746

—

103,401

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock

—

—

127

—

—

127

Shares repurchased including vested restricted stock in exchange for withholding taxes

(18,147)

—

(24)

—

—

(24)

Net loss

—

—

—

(95)

—

(95)

Balance as of September 30, 2019

18,958,247

$
19

$
101,739

$
1,651

$
—

$
103,409

Balance as of December 31, 2019

18,866,417

$
19

$
101,736

$
(3,659)

$
356

$
98,452

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock

—

—

91

—

—

91

Shares issued to executive in connection with stock grants for bonus payments

336,700

—

220

—

—

220

Shares repurchased from executive in exchange for withholding taxes

(155,556)

—

(102)

—

—

(102)

Net loss

—

—

—

(805)

(33)

(838)

Balance as of March 31, 2020

19,047,561

19

101,945

(4,464)

323

97,823

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock

—

—

55

—

—

55

Shares issued to employees in connection with stock grants

270,728

—

265

—

—

265

Shares repurchased from employees in exchange for withholding taxes

(87,249)

—

(85)

—

—

(85)

Additional investment in Longaberger Licensing, LLC by non-controlling interest holder

—

—

—

—

300

300

Net loss

—

—

—

(1,300)

(36)

(1,336)

Balance as of June 30, 2020

19,231,040

19

102,180

(5,764)

587

97,022

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock

—

—

56

—

—

56

Net loss

—

—

—

(434)

(26)

(460)

Balance as of September 30, 2020

19,231,040

$
19

$
102,236

$
(6,198)

$
561

$
96,618


	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$	(5,801)	$	(2,634)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		4,949		4,069
Asset impairment charges		—		113
Amortization of deferred finance costs included in interest expense		211		72
Stock-based compensation		754		780
Provision for doubtful accounts		132		1,054
Loss on extinguishment of debt (non-cash portion)		454		—
Deferred income tax benefit		(2,019)		(269)
Net gain on sale of assets		—		(46)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(2,192)		1,380
Inventory		(2,214)		176
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(620)		187
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities		572		(2,403)
Cash paid in excess of rent expense		(122)		(276)
Other liabilities		367		—
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		(5,529)		2,203

Cash flows from investing activities
Cash consideration for acquisition of Lori Goldstein assets		(3,661)		—
Net proceeds from sale of assets		—		46
Purchase of other intangible assets		(39)		—
Purchase of property and equipment		(1,049)		(700)
Net cash used in investing activities		(4,749)		(654)

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		5		—
Shares repurchased including vested restricted stock in exchange for withholding taxes		—		(187)
Cash contribution from non-controlling interest		1,000		300
Proceeds from revolving loan debt		2,498		—
Proceeds from long-term debt		25,000		—
Payment of deferred finance costs		(1,204)		(20)
Payment of long-term debt		(18,000)		(1,500)
Payment of breakage fees associated with extinguishment of long-term debt		(367)		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		8,932		(1,407)

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(1,346)		142

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period		6,066		5,750

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$	4,720	$	5,892

Reconciliation to amounts on consolidated balance sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,981	$	4,783
Restricted cash		739		1,109
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	4,720	$	5,892

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	(722)	$	797
Operating lease obligations	$	(722)	$	797
Contingent obligation related to acquisition of Lori Goldstein assets at fair value	$	6,639	$	—
Liability for equity-based bonuses and other equity-based payments	$	140	$	93

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for interest	$	1,346	$	1,092
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$	18	$	58

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

~~Table of Contents~~

~~Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries~~

~~Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows~~

~~(in thousands)~~

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,


2020

2019
Cash flows from operating activities




Net (loss) income

$
(2,634)

$
1,884
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:


Depreciation and amortization expense

4,069

2,939
Property and equipment impairment

113

—
Amortization of deferred finance costs

72

114
Stock-based compensation

780

777
Amortization of note discount

—

16
Allowance for doubtful accounts

1,054

(144)
Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

189
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

(269)

1,280
Net gain on sale of assets

(46)

—
Gain on reduction of contingent obligation

—

(2,850)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

1,380

1,182
Inventory

176

(87)
Prepaid expenses and other assets

187

(14)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

(2,403)

(1,744)
Cash paid in excess of rent expense

(276)

(337)
Other liabilities

—

(196)
Net cash provided by operating activities

2,203

3,009

Cash flows from investing activities




Cash consideration for acquisition of Halston Heritage assets

—

(8,830)
Net proceeds from sale of assets

46

—
Purchase of property and equipment

(700)

(918)
Net cash used in investing activities

(654)

(9,748)

Cash flows from financing activities




Shares repurchased including vested restricted stock in exchange for withholding taxes

(187)

(24)
Cash contribution from non-controlling interest

300

—
Payment of deferred finance costs

(20)

(315)
Proceeds from long-term debt

—

7,500
Payment of long-term debt

(1,500)

(3,742)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(1,407)

3,419

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

142

(3,320)

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

5,750

10,319

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

$
5,892

$
6,999

Reconciliation to amounts on consolidated balance sheets:




Cash and cash equivalents

$
4,783

$
5,890
Restricted cash

1,109

1,109
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

$
5,892

$
6,999

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:




Operating lease right-of-use asset

$
797

$
10,409
Operating lease obligation

$
797

$
13,210
Accrued rent offset to operating lease right-of-use assets

$
—

$
2,801
Settlement of seller note through offset to receivable

$
—

$
600
Settlement of contingent obligation through offset to note receivable

$
—

$
100
Issuance of common stock in connection with Halston Heritage assets acquisition

$
—

$
1,058
Contingent obligation related to acquisition of Halston Heritage assets at fair value

$
—

$
900
Liability for equity-based bonuses

$
93

$
168

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:




Cash paid during the period for income taxes

$
58

$
91
Cash paid during the period for interest

$
1,092

$
1,108

~~See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.~~

Table of Contents

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, ~~2020~~2021

(Unaudited)

1. Nature of Operations, Background, and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, ~~2019~~2020 (which has been derived from audited financial statements) and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes necessary for a comprehensive presentation of financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared following the same policies and procedures used in the preparation of the audited consolidated financial statements and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows of Xcel Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or "Xcel"). The results of operations for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year or for any future interim periods. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2019,~~2020, as filed with the SEC on April ~~14, 2020.~~23, 2021.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year comparable period financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year – specifically, the classification and aggregation / disaggregation of certain types of operating costs and expenses, and the disaggregation of the components of interest and finance expense. These reclassifications had no impact on total operating costs and expenses, total interest and finance expense, net loss, stockholders’ equity, or cash flows as previously reported.

The Company is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, production, marketing, live streaming, wholesale distribution, and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. ~~The Company has developed a design, production, and supply chain capability driven by its proprietary integrated technology platform.~~ Currently, the Company’s brand portfolio consists of the Isaac Mizrahi brands (the "Isaac Mizrahi Brand"), the LOGO by Lori Goldstein brand, the Judith Ripka brands (the "Ripka Brand"), the Halston brands (the "Halston Brands"), the C Wonder brands (the "C Wonder Brand"), and other proprietary brands. The Company also manages the Longaberger brand ~~(“the Longaberger~~(the “Longaberger Brand”) through its 50% ownership interest in Longaberger Licensing, ~~LLC.~~ LLC; the Company consolidates Longaberger Licensing, LLC and recognizes noncontrolling interest for the remaining ownership interest held by a third party. The Company acquired the LOGO by Lori Goldstein brand, and the various labels under the brand, on April 1, 2021 (see Note 2).

The Company designs, produces, markets, and distributes products, ~~and in certain cases,~~ licenses its brands to third parties, and generates licensing ~~fees.~~revenues. The Company and its licensees distribute through ~~a ubiquitous-channel~~an omni-channel retail sales strategy, which includes distribution through interactive television, ~~the internet, and traditional~~digital live-stream shopping, brick-and-mortar retail, ~~channels.~~wholesale, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers shop.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

~~The~~On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. ~~2018‑13, “Fair Value Measurement~~2019‑12, “Income Taxes (Topic ~~820)~~740): ~~Disclosure Framework – Changes~~Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This ASU removes certain exceptions to the ~~Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” effective January 1, 2020. This~~general principles in Topic 740, including, but not limited to, intraperiod tax allocations and interim period tax calculations. The ASU ~~adds, modifies,~~also provides additional clarification and ~~removes several disclosure requirements relative~~guidance related to ~~the three levels~~recognition of ~~inputs used to measure fair value~~franchise taxes and changes in ~~accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”~~tax laws. The adoption of this new guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

Table of Contents

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, ~~2020~~2021

(Unaudited)

2. Acquisitions

Acquisition of LOGO by Lori Goldstein Brand

On March 30, 2021, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Gold Licensing, LLC, entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Lori Goldstein, Ltd. (the “Seller”) and Lori Goldstein (“Shareholder”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire, and the Seller and Shareholder agreed to sell, certain assets of the Seller, including the “LOGO by Lori Goldstein” trademark and other intellectual property rights relating thereto. On April 1, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), the Company completed the acquisition of the assets specified in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, on the Closing Date, the Company delivered $1.6 million in cash consideration to the Seller. In addition, the Company was required to deliver $2.0 million in cash consideration to the Seller on the earlier of (i) the Company’s receipt of the first royalty payment from QVC, Inc. in respect of the acquired assets, or (ii) July 29, 2021. This payment was made in July 2021.

In addition to the consideration described above, the Seller is eligible to earn additional consideration of up to $12.5 million (the “Lori Goldstein Earn-Out”), which would be payable, in cash, within 45 days after the end of each applicable calendar year during the six calendar year period commencing 2021 in an amount equal to 75% percent of the Royalty Contribution (as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement) for such calendar year. The Company recorded a contingent obligation of $6.6 million related to the Lori Goldstein Earn-Out, based on the difference between the fair value of the acquired assets of the LOGO by Lori Goldstein brand and the total consideration paid, in accordance with the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 805-50.

The LOGO by Lori Goldstein brand acquisition was accounted for as an asset purchase. The following represents the aggregate purchase price of $10.3 million:


($ in thousands)
Cash paid at closing	$	1,600
Cash paid subsequent to closing		2,045
Total direct initial consideration		3,645
Direct transaction expenses		16
Contingent obligation (Lori Goldstein Earn-Out)		6,639
Total consideration	$	10,300

The aggregate purchase price has been allocated entirely to the trademarks of the brand. Such trademarks have been determined by management to have a finite useful life, and accordingly, amortization is recorded in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Lori Goldstein trademarks are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful life of four years.

Upon the consummation of the acquisition of the LOGO by Lori Goldstein brand as described above, the Company incurred cash bonuses totaling $175,000 to certain members of the Company’s senior management (including $100,000 to the Chief Executive Officer, and $25,000 each to the Chief Financial Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, and

Table of Contents

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

Executive Vice President of Business Development and Treasury), such success-related bonuses having been approved by the Board of Directors on March 18, 2021. These bonuses were subsequently paid in May 2021.

Additionally, concurrent with the acquisition, the Company also entered into a 10-year employment agreement with the Shareholder to serve as the LOGO by Lori Goldstein brand’s Chief Creative Officer and Spokesperson, with a base salary of $0.9 million per annum through December 31, 2021 and $1.2 million per annum thereafter, and the opportunity to earn additional incentives based on the future net royalties related to the brand. Further, the Company concurrently entered into a consulting agreement with the Seller to provide creative advice and consultation, for a fee of $0.6 million per annum through December 31, 2021 and $0.8 million per annum thereafter.

3. Trademarks and Other Intangibles

Trademarks and other intangibles, net consist of the following:


	Weighted							Weighted
	Average	September 30, 2020						Average	September 30, 2021
	Amortization	Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying		Amortization	Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying
($ in thousands)	Period	Amount		Amortization		Amount		Period	Amount		Amortization		Amount
Trademarks (indefinite-lived)	n/a	$	44,500	$	—	$	44,500	n/a	$	44,500	$	—	$	44,500
Trademarks (finite-lived)	15 years		34,613		6,291		28,322	15 years		20,386		6,674		13,712
Trademarks (finite-lived)	18 years		38,194		3,660		34,534	18 years		38,194		5,786		32,408
Trademarks (finite-lived)								4 years		10,300		1,287		9,013
Other intellectual property	7 years		762		510		252	7 years		762		619		143
Copyrights and other intellectual property	10 years		190		123		67	9 years		229		146		83
Total		$	118,259	$	10,584	$	107,675		$	114,371	$	14,512	$	99,859


	Weighted							Weighted
	Average	December 31, 2019						Average	December 31, 2020
	Amortization	Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying		Amortization	Gross Carrying		Accumulated		Net Carrying
($ in thousands)	Period	Amount		Amortization		Amount		Period	Amount		Amortization		Amount
Trademarks (indefinite-lived)	n/a	$	62,900	$	—	$	62,900	n/a	$	44,500	$	—	$	44,500
Trademarks (finite-lived)	15 years		16,213		4,560		11,653	15 years		20,386		5,640		14,746
Trademarks (finite-lived)	18 years		38,194		2,067		36,127	18 years		38,194		4,192		34,002
Other intellectual property	7 years		762		428		334	7 years		762		537		225
Copyrights and other intellectual property	10 years		190		109		81	10 years		190		128		62
Total		$	118,259	$	7,164	$	111,095		$	104,032	$	10,497	$	93,535

Amortization expense for intangible assets was approximately $1.56 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2021 (the "current quarter") and was approximately $1.14 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2020 (the ~~"current quarter") and was approximately $0.83 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2019 (the~~ "prior year quarter"). Amortization expense for intangible assets was approximately $4.02 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021 (the “current nine months”) and was approximately $3.42 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020 (the ~~“current nine months”) and was approximately $2.43 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 (the~~ “prior year nine months”).

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company determined that the Ripka Brand, inclusive of all its trademarks, has a finite life of 15 years, and is amortized on a straight-line basis accordingly. Prior to January 1, 2020, the Ripka Brand trademarks were considered indefinite-lived assets.

The trademarks related to the Isaac Mizrahi Brand have been determined to have indefinite useful lives and, accordingly, no amortization has been recorded for these assets.

Table of Contents

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, ~~2020~~2021

(Unaudited)

3.Estimated future amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets over the remaining useful lives is as follows:


($ in thousands)	Amortization
Year Ending December 31,	Expense
2021 (October 1 through December 31)	$	1,555
2022		6,220
2023		6,220
2024		6,199
2025		4,257
Thereafter		30,908
Total	$	55,359

4. Significant Contracts and Concentrations

QVC Agreements

Under the Company’s agreements with Qurate Retail Group (“Qurate”), collectively referred to as the QVC ~~QVC~~Agreements, Qurate is required to pay the Company fees based primarily on a percentage of its net sales of Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka, Lori Goldstein, and ~~H Halston~~Longaberger branded merchandise. ~~QVC~~Qurate royalty revenue represents a significant portion of the Company’s total revenues.

●

~~Total revenues~~Revenues from the QVC Agreements totaled ~~$4.70~~$6.05 million and ~~$5.16~~$4.70 million for the current and prior year quarter, respectively, representing approximately ~~64%~~54% and ~~47%~~64% of the Company’s total net revenues for the current and prior year quarter, respectively.

●

~~Total revenues~~Revenues from the QVC Agreements totaled ~~$13.44~~$15.24 million and ~~$17.96~~$13.44 million for the current and prior year nine months, respectively, representing approximately ~~61%~~51% and ~~59%~~61% of the Company’s total net revenues for the current and prior year nine months, respectively.

●

As of September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and December 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the Company had receivables from ~~QVC~~Qurate of ~~$4.72~~$6.19 million and ~~$5.30~~$4.46 million, respectively, representing approximately ~~58%~~57% and 50% of the Company’s total ~~receivables,~~accounts receivable, respectively.

4.5. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are presented on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets net of allowances of ~~$1,163,000~~$1,284,000 and ~~$155,000~~$1,151,000 as of September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and December 31, ~~2019,~~2020, respectively. The Company recognized bad debt expense of ~~$371,000~~$0 and $0$371,000 for the current quarter and prior year quarter, respectively, and recognized bad debt expense of ~~$1,054,000~~$132,000 and ~~a recovery of $(144,000)~~$1,054,000 for the current nine months and prior year nine months, respectively.

~~Included within these~~The bad debt expense amounts for the ~~current quarter and~~ current nine months, ~~reflect~~prior year quarter, and prior year nine months include $132,000, $385,000, and $971,000, respectively, of bad debt expense related to the bankruptcy of ~~several~~and economic impact on certain retail customers due to the ~~novel coronavirus disease~~COVID-19 pandemic. The total allowance of ~~$971,000~~$1.1 million against such customers’ outstanding receivable balances of ~~$1.21~~$1.5 million at September 30, ~~2020~~2021 represents management’s best estimate of collectibility, based on information currently available.

Table of Contents

5.XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

6. Leases

The Company has operating leases for its current office, former office, and a ~~planned~~ retail store location, as well as certain equipment with a term of 12 months or less. The Company’s real estate leases have remaining lease terms of between ~~1 to 8~~5 months and 7.25 years.

Under GAAP, a lessee is generally required to recognize a liability for its obligation to make future lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset for the lease term. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are recorded in operating lease ROU assets, current portion of operating lease liabilities, and long-term operating lease liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not recognize lease liabilities and ROU assets for lease terms of 12 months or less, but recognizes such lease payments in ~~net income~~operations on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.

Operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s leases typically do not provide an implicit rate, the Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain

~~Table of Contents~~

~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating lease payments ~~related to office leases~~ is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense for operating lease payments related to retail leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period of operation, as this is representative of the pattern in which benefit is derived from the lease.

For both the current and prior year quarter, lease expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations was approximately $0.4 million. For the current and prior year nine months, lease expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations was approximately $1.2 million.

As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, the weighted average remaining operating lease term was ~~6.4~~approximately 5.9 years and the weighted average discount rate for operating leases was ~~6.25%~~8.64%.

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was ~~$0.6~~$0.4 million in ~~both~~ the current quarter, ~~and prior year quarter, $1.2~~$1.7 million in the current nine months, $0.6 million in the prior year quarter, and ~~$1.8~~$1.2 million in the prior year nine months.

As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, the maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:


($ in thousands)
Remainder of 2020	$	711
2021		2,544
2021 (October 1 through December 31)			$	539
2022		1,891		1,891
2023		1,711		1,711
2024		1,711		1,711
After 2024		4,886
2025				1,710
After 2025				3,579
Total lease payments		13,454		11,141
Less: Discount		2,436		2,531
Present value of lease liabilities		11,018		8,610
Current portion of lease liabilities		1,917		1,315
Non-current portion of lease liabilities	$	9,101	$	7,295

In Note 12 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020, the Company had previously disclosed (as a subsequent event) that it had entered into an assignment and assumption agreement with the landlord and subtenant at its former office location at 475 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY. However, this agreement was later voided during the current quarter, and ultimately was not consummated.

~~6. Debt~~

~~The Company’s net carrying amount of debt was comprised of the following:~~

September 30,

December 31,

($ in thousands)

2020

2019

Xcel Term Loan

$
17,500

$
19,000

Unamortized deferred finance costs related to term loan

(127)

(179)

Total

17,373

18,821

Current portion of long-term debt

2,850

2,250

Long-term debt

$
14,523

$
16,571

1011

Table of Contents

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, ~~2020~~2021

(Unaudited)

~~Xcel~~7. Debt

The Company’s net carrying amount of debt was comprised of the following:


	September 30,		December 31,
($ in thousands)	2021		2020
Term loan debt	$	23,750	$	16,750
Unamortized deferred finance costs related to term loan debt		(1,017)		(112)
Revolving loan debt		2,498		—
Total		25,231		16,638
Current portion of debt (i)		4,998		2,800
Long-term debt	$	20,233	$	13,838

(i)	The current portion of debt as of September 30, 2021 consists of $2.5 million of term loan debt and $2.5 million of revolving loan debt; the current portion of debt as of December 31, 2020 is related solely to term loan debt.

Previous Term Loan Debt

On February 11, 2019, the Company entered into an amended loan agreement with Bank Hapoalim B.M. (“BHI”), which amended and restated ~~the~~a prior Xcel Term Loan. Immediately prior to February 11, 2019, the aggregate principal amount of the prior Xcel Term Loan was $14.5 million. Pursuant to the Xcel Term Loan agreement, the Lenders extended to Xcel an additional term loan ~~in the amount of $7.5 million,~~with BHI, such that, as of February 11, 2019, the aggregate outstanding balance of all the term loans extended by BHI to Xcel was $22.0 million, which amount was divided ~~under the Xcel Term Loan agreement~~ into ~~two~~2 term loans: (1) a term loan in the amount of $7.3 million and (2) a term loan in the amount of $14.7 million. Such loan agreement was subsequently amended on April 13, 2020 and again on August 18, 2020; such amendments changed the timing and amount of quarterly installment payments, but did not change the total principal balance, interest rate, or maturity date. These amendments during 2020 were accounted for as debt modifications and, accordingly, no gain or loss was recorded.

Current Term Loan Debt

On April 14, 2021 (the “Loan Closing Date”), Xcel, as Borrower, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (each a “Guarantor” and collectively, the “Guarantors”), entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with BHI as administrative agent and collateral agent, FEAC Agent, LLC (“FEAC”) as co-collateral agent, and the financial institutions party thereto as lenders (the “Lenders”). Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Lenders made 2 term loans: (1) a term loan in the amount of $10.0 million (“Term Loan A”) and (2) a term loan in the amount of ~~$14.7~~$15.0 million (“Term Loan B” and, together with Term Loan A, the “Term Loans”).

The ~~terms and conditions of~~Loan Agreement also provided that the Xcel Term Loan resulted in significantly different debt service payment requirements compared with the prior term debt with BHI. Management assessed and determined that this amendment resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt and recognized a loss of $0.2 million (consisting of unamortized deferred finance costs) during the prior year quarter. Upon entering into the Xcel Term Loan, Xcel paid an upfront fee in the amount of $0.09 million to BHI.

~~The Xcel Term Loan also allows that BHI and any other lender party to the Xcel Term Loan (collectively, the “Lenders”) can provide~~Lenders make available to Xcel a revolving loan facility ~~and~~in an amount up to $4.0 million on a ~~letter~~discretionary basis, but not to exceed 85% of ~~credit facility,~~ the ~~terms~~amount of ~~each of which~~eligible accounts receivable, as defined. Xcel shall be agreed to by Xcel and the Lenders. Amounts advanced under the revolving loan facility (the “Revolving Loans”) will be used for the purpose of consummating acquisitions by Xcel or its subsidiaries that are or become parties to the Xcel Term Loan. Xcel will have the right to ~~convert Revolving Loans~~request the Lenders to make incremental term loans (the “Incremental Term Loans”) of up to $25.0 million.

Management assessed and determined that this new agreement resulted in ~~minimum amounts of $5.0 million. The Company has not drawn down any funds under either the revolving loan facility or letter of credit facility.~~

On April 13, 2020, the Company amended its Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement with BHI. Under this amendment, the quarterly installment payment due March 31, 2020 was deferred, and the amountsan extinguishment of the ~~quarterly installment~~previous term loan debt, and accordingly recognized a loss of approximately $0.8 million (consisting of $0.1 million of unamortized deferred finance costs and $0.7 million of breakage fees owed to the old lender under the terms of the previous debt agreement) during the current quarter. Approximately $367,000 of such aforementioned breakage fees were paid at time of extinguishment, with the remaining $367,000 of such fees payable in 3 equal payments ~~due throughout~~on each of May 1, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Upon entering into the ~~remainder of 2020 were reduced, while~~Loan Agreement, Xcel paid a 2.5% closing fee in the amount of ~~principal to be repaid through variable payments based on excess cash flow was increased. In addition, there were multiple changes and waivers~~$0.625 million to the ~~various financial covenants. Further, this amendment permitted Xcel to incur unsecured debt through~~administrative agent for the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), and excludes any associated PPP debt and debt service from the covenant calculations. There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, or maturity date.

~~On August 18, 2020,~~benefit of each Lender having a term loan commitment; the Company further amended its Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement with BHI. Under this amendment, the amounts of the quarterly installment payments due throughout 2021 were reduced, and the amount of principal to be repaid through variable payments based on excess cash flow was increased. In addition, there were multiple changes and waivers to the various financial covenants. There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, or maturity date.

The Term Loans mature on December 31, 2023; Incremental Term Loans shall mature on the date set forth in the applicable term note; and Revolving Loans and the letter of credit facility shall mature on such date as agreed upon by Xcel and the Lenders. Any letter of credit issued under the Xcel Term Loan shall terminate no later than one year following the date of issuance thereof.also paid approximately $0.6 million

1112

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, ~~2020~~2021

(Unaudited)

~~The remaining principal balance~~of various legal and other fees in connection with the execution of the ~~Xcel Term~~ Loan Agreement. These fees and costs totaling approximately $1.2 million have been deferred on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as ~~amended, outstanding at~~of September 30, ~~2020 is payable in fixed installments~~2021 as a reduction of the carrying value of the Term Loans, and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Term Loans using the effective interest method.

The Term Loans mature on April 14, 2025, Incremental Term Loans shall mature on the date set forth in the ~~following table, plus~~applicable term note, and Revolving Loans mature on April 14, 2022 or such later date as agreed upon by Xcel and the ~~variable payments as described below:~~

($ in thousands)
Installment Payment Dates

Amount
December 31, 2020

$
750

March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2021

$
700

March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2022

$
1,125

March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2023

$
1,250

~~In addition to~~Lenders. Principal on the ~~fixed~~Term Loans is payable in 16 quarterly installments ~~outlined above, commencing with the fiscal quarter ended~~of $625,000 on each of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on June 30, 2021 and ending on March 31, 2025, with a final payment of $15.0 million on the ~~Company is required to repay a portion~~maturity date of ~~the Xcel Term Loan in an~~April 14, 2025. An amount equal to ~~50%~~80 percent (80%) of ~~the excess cash flow for the fiscal quarter, provided that no early termination fee~~each quarterly principal installment payment shall be ~~payable with respect~~applied to ~~any~~the Term Loan A and the remaining 20 percent (20%) of each such ~~payment. Excess cash flow means, for any period, cash flow from operations (before certain permitted distributions) less (i) capital expenditures not made through~~quarterly principal installment shall be applied to the ~~incurrence~~Term Loan B until the outstanding principal balance of ~~indebtedness, (ii) all cash~~Term Loan A is paid in full. Thereafter, one hundred percent (100%) of each such quarterly principal ~~paid or payable during such period, and (iii) all dividends declared and paid (or which could have been declared and paid) during such period~~installment shall be applied to ~~equity holders of any credit party treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes. To~~ the ~~extent that the cumulative amount of such variable repayments made is less than $4.45 million as of March 31, 2022, any such shortfall must be repaid at that date.~~Term Loan B.

~~Thus, the~~The aggregate remaining annual scheduled principal payments under the ~~Xcel~~ Term ~~Loan are~~Loans at September 30, 2021 were as follows:


	Amount of		Amount of
($ in thousands)	Principal		Principal
Year Ending December 31,	Payment		Payment
2020	$	750
2021		2,800
2021 (October 1 to December 31)			$	625
2022		8,950		2,500
2023		5,000		2,500
2024				2,500
2025				15,625
Total	$	17,500	$	23,750

Xcel ~~has~~shall have the right upon 30 days’ prior written notice to ~~prepay~~(i) terminate the ~~Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans,~~Revolving Loan facility and repay all Revolving Loans ~~and obligations with respect to letters of credit~~ and accrued and unpaid interest thereon and ~~to terminate~~(ii) prepay all or any portion of the ~~Lenders’ obligations to make Revolving~~Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans and ~~issue letters of credit;~~accrued and unpaid interest thereon, provided that any prepayment of ~~less than all of~~ the ~~outstanding balances of the Term Loans and Incremental~~ Term Loans shall be applied first to prepay the Term Loan A in full, second to prepay the Term Loan B, and third to the ~~remaining amounts due~~Incremental Term Loans in ~~inverse order of maturity.~~accordance with the terms agreed to by Xcel, the Lenders, and the administrative agent.

If any Term Loan ~~or any Incremental Term Loan~~ is prepaid in whole or in part on or prior to the third anniversary of the Loan Closing Date (including as a result of an event of default), Xcel shall pay ~~an early termination fee~~a prepayment premium as follows: an amount equal to the principal amount of the Term Loan ~~or Incremental Term Loan, as applicable, being~~ prepaid multiplied by: (i) ~~two~~the greater of 3 percent (3.00%) and the Lost Yield Revenue (as defined below) if such prepayment occurs on or before the first anniversary of the Loan Closing Date; (ii) 2 percent (2.00%) if such prepayment occurs at any time after the first anniversary of ~~Term~~the Loan ~~B or any Incremental Term Loan is prepaid~~Closing Date and on or ~~before~~prior to the second anniversary of the ~~later of the~~Loan Closing ~~Date or the date such Incremental Term Loan was made, as applicable; (ii) one~~Date; and (iii) 1 percent (1.00%) if such prepayment occurs at any ~~of Term Loan A is prepaid on or before the second anniversary of the Closing Date; (iii) one percent (1.00%) if any of Term Loan B or any Incremental Term Loan is prepaid~~time after the second anniversary of the ~~later of the~~Loan Closing Date ~~or such Incremental Term Loan was made, as applicable, but~~ on or ~~before~~prior to the third anniversary of ~~such date; (iv) one-half of one percent (0.50%)~~the Loan Closing Date. Xcel is not obligated to pay a prepayment premium if ~~any of~~the Term ~~Loan A is prepaid after the second anniversary of the Closing Date, but on or before the third anniversary of such date; or (v) zero percent (0.00%) if any Term Loan or any Incremental Term Loan is~~Loans are prepaid after the third anniversary of the ~~later~~Loan Closing Date. “Lost Yield Revenue” means, with respect to any payment of Term Loans at any time on or prior to the first anniversary of the Loan Closing Date or(excluding regularly scheduled amortization payments), the ~~date~~amount of interest (including interest at the Default Rate to the extent the Default Rate is being charged under the Loan Agreement) that would have accrued on the repaid Term Loans during the first 12 months of the term of the Loan Agreement minus the portion of such ~~Incremental~~interest on such Term ~~Loan was made, as applicable.~~Loans that actually has been paid.

1213

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, ~~2020~~2021

(Unaudited)

Notwithstanding the above, Xcel may make a voluntary prepayment of up to $0.75 million without any early termination fees. Any such prepayment would be applied against the April 30, 2021 fixed installment payment and would be excluded from the computation of excess cash flows.

Xcel’s obligations under the ~~Xcel Term~~ Loan Agreement are guaranteed by the Guarantors and secured by all of the assets of Xcel and ~~its wholly owned subsidiaries, as~~the Guarantors (as well as any subsidiary formed or acquired that becomes a credit party to the ~~Xcel Term~~ Loan ~~agreement (the “Guarantors”)~~Agreement) and, subject to certain limitations contained in the ~~Xcel Term~~ Loan Agreement, equity interests of the ~~Guarantors.~~ Guarantors (as well as any subsidiary formed or acquired that becomes a credit party to the Loan Agreement).

Xcel also granted the Lenders a right of first offer to finance any acquisition for which the consideration therefor will be paid other than by cash of Xcel or bythe Guarantors, the issuance of equity interest of ~~Xcel.~~Xcel, or the issuance of notes to the applicable seller.

The Loan Agreement contains customary covenants, including reporting requirements, trademark preservation, and financial covenants (on a consolidated basis with Xcel and the Guarantors under the Loan Agreement).

On August 12, 2021, the Company, BHI, FEAC, and the Lenders amended the Loan Agreement entered into on April 14, 2021. Under this amendment, the EBITDA financial covenant for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was eliminated, and the financial covenants related to EBITDA, fixed charge coverage ratio, and leverage ratio were lowered for the remainder of 2021 and for the 12 months ending March 31, 2022. Additionally, the maximum amount available under the revolving loan facility was reduced from $4.0 million to $1.5 million until the Company meets or exceeds certain financial targets as set forth in the amendment. There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, or any other terms of the Loan Agreement.

On September 29, 2021, the Company, BHI, FEAC, and the Lenders amended the Loan Agreement entered into on April 14, 2021. Under this amendment, the maximum amount available under the revolving loan facility was changed to $2.5 million for the period from September 29, 2021 to November 15, 2021, and $1.5 million thereafter until the Company meets or exceeds certain financial targets as set forth in the amendment. There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, or any other terms of the Loan Agreement.

On November 12, 2021, the Company, BHI, FEAC, and the Lenders amended the Loan Agreement entered into on April 14, 2021. Under this amendment, certain financial covenants were modified or eliminated for certain time periods. There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, or any other terms of the Loan Agreement

The Company’s financial covenants under the Loan Agreement, as amended, are as follows:

●

minimum EBITDA at the end of specified fiscal periods as set forth below;


Fiscal Period	Minimum EBITDA
April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021	$	2,200,000
April 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021	$	3,426,000
April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022	$	4,515,000
July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022	$	5,146,000
October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022	$	6,500,000
For the trailing twelve month periods ending December 31, 2022, March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023	$	7,000,000
For the trailing twelve month periods ending December 31, 2023, March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024, September 30, 2024, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025	$	7,500,000

●

liquid assets of at least 4.0 million at all times;

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

●

a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than (a) 1.00 to 1.00 for the nine month period ending on December 31, 2021, (b) 1.00 to 1.00 for the twelve fiscal month period ending March 31, 2022, and (c) 1.25 to 1.00 for the twelve fiscal month period ending at the end of each fiscal quarter commencing with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2022;

●

a leverage ratio for the twelve fiscal month period ending at the end of each fiscal quarter not exceeding (a) 6.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2021, (b) 5.30 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2022, and (c) 4.00 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending on and after June 30, 2022; and

●

a loan to value ratio not exceeding 50%.

The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants as of September 30, 2021, inclusive of the aforementioned amendment executed on November 12, 2021.

Interest on the Term Loan A ~~accrues~~will accrue at ~~a fixed rate of 5.1%~~LIBOR plus 4.0% per annum, interest on the Term Loan B will accrue at LIBOR plus 8.0% per annum, and is payable on each day on which the scheduled principal payments on Term Loans are required to be made. Interest on Term Loan B accrues at a fixed rate of 6.25% per annum and is payable on each day on which the scheduled principal payments on Term Loans are required to be made. Interestinterest on the Revolving Loans will accrue at either the Base Rate plus 1.5% per annum or LIBOR plus 3.75%, as elected by ~~Xcel, plus a margin to be agreed to by Xcel and~~Xcel. Interest on the ~~Lenders and will be~~Loans is payable on the ~~first~~last business day of each calendar month. Base Rate is defined in the ~~Xcel Term~~ Loan ~~agreement~~Agreement as the greater of (a) BHI’s stated prime rate or (b) 2.00% per annum plus the overnight federal funds rate published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. LIBOR is defined in the Loan Agreement as the greater of (a) the rate of interest per annum for deposits in dollars for an interest period equal to one month as published by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited or a comparable or successor quoting service at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such date of determination or (b) 1.0% per annum. Interest on the Incremental Term Loans will accrue at rates and will be paid on dates to be agreed to by Xcel and the ~~Lenders and will be payable on each day on which the scheduled principal payments under the applicable note are required to be made.~~

The Xcel Term Loan contains customary covenants, including reporting requirements, trademark preservation, and the following financial covenants of Xcel (on a consolidated basis with Xcel and the Guarantors under the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement):

●

~~net worth as defined in the loan agreements of at least $90.0 million at the end of each fiscal quarter;~~

●

liquid assets of at least $3.0 million through December 31, 2020, at least $2.5 million for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2021 through September 30, 2021, at least $3.0 million for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2021, and at least $5.0 million thereafter;

●

~~EBITDA shall not be less than $5.0 million for the twelve month fiscal period ending September 30, 2020;~~

●

~~the fixed charge coverage ratio for the twelve fiscal month period ending at the end of each fiscal quarter shall not be less than the ratio set forth below:~~


~~Fiscal Quarter End~~		~~Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio~~
~~December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2021~~		~~1.25 to 1.00~~
~~March 31, 2022, and thereafter~~		~~1.10 to 1.00~~

●

capital expenditures (excluding any capitalized compensation costs) shall not exceed $1.6 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, and $0.7 million for any fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2020; and

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~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

●

~~the leverage ratio for the twelve fiscal month period ending at the end of each fiscal period set forth below shall not exceed the ratio below:~~


~~Fiscal Period~~		~~Maximum Leverage Ratio~~
~~September 30, 2020~~		~~4.00 to 1.00~~
~~December 31, 2020~~		~~3.50 to 1.00~~
~~March 31, 2021~~		~~3.15 to 1.00~~
~~June 30, 2021~~		~~3.00 to 1.00~~
~~September 30, 2021~~		~~2.75 to 1.00~~
~~December 31, 2021~~		~~2.50 to 1.00~~
~~March 31, 2022 and each Fiscal Quarter end thereafter~~		~~1.50 to 1.00~~

~~The Company was in compliance with all applicable covenants as of September 30, 2020.~~Lenders.

For the current and prior year quarter, the Company incurred ~~aggregate~~ interest expense related to term loan debt of approximately ~~$281,000~~$565,000 and ~~$317,000,~~$303,000, respectively. For the current nine months and prior year nine months, the Company incurred ~~aggregate~~ interest expense related to term loan debt of approximately ~~$854,000~~$1,363,000 and ~~$903,000,~~$926,000, respectively. The effective interest rate related to term loan debt was approximately ~~6.6%~~9.6% and 8.4% for the current quarter and current nine months, respectively, and was approximately ~~6.7%~~6.6% for both the prior year quarter and ~~approximately 6.8% for the~~ prior year nine months.

On June 24, 2021, Xcel borrowed $1.5 million under the aforementioned revolving loan facility, and on September 30, 2021, Xcel borrowed $998,000 under the aforementioned revolving loan facility. The Company incurred related interest expense for the current quarter and current nine months of approximately $18,000 and $19,000, respectively.

7.8. Government ~~assistance~~Assistance

Paycheck Protection Program ~~(PPP)~~(“PPP”)

On April 20, 2020, the Company executed a promissory note (the “Promissory Note”) with Bank of America, N.A., which ~~provides~~provided for an unsecured loan in the amount of $1.806 million, pursuant to the ~~PPP~~Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES ~~Act.~~Act”). The loan ~~has~~had a two-year term and ~~bears~~bore interest at a fixed rate of 1.0% per ~~annum. Monthly~~annum, and monthly principal and interest payments ~~are~~were deferred for six months after the date of disbursement. The ~~loan may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. The~~ Promissory Note ~~contains~~contained events of default and other provisions customary for a loan of this type. The loan was funded on April 23, 2020.

The PPP also provides that ~~this~~such a loan may be partially or wholly forgiven if the funds are used for certain qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act, and later amended by the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the "Flexibility Act") signed into law on June 5, 2020. Such forgiveness ~~will be~~is determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of loan proceeds for payment of payroll costs and any payments of mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. ~~While management believes that it is probable that the loan will be forgiven in full, no definite assurance can be provided that forgiveness for any portion~~

Table of ~~the loan will be obtained. Management's determination that full forgiveness is probable is based on qualification under the Flexibility Act.~~Contents

XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

Management evaluated the legal and contractual terms associated with the loan, and concluded that, although the legal form of the loan iswas debt, it ~~represents~~represented in substance a government grant that iswas expected to be forgiven. Given the lack of definitive authoritative guidance under GAAP for accounting for government grants, the Company analogized to accounting guidance under International Accounting Standard No. 20, “Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance.” Under such guidance, once it is probable that the conditions attached to the assistance will be met, the earnings impact of government grants is recorded on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognizes as expenses the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. Accordingly, the Company recognized approximately $166,000 and $1,806,000 as a reduction to operating expenses in the ~~current~~prior year quarter and ~~current~~prior year nine months, respectively. NoNaN interest expense related to the loan ~~has been~~was recorded in the Company’s ~~unaudited~~ condensed consolidated financial statements.

~~Table~~On September 29, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration, as authorized by the CARES Act, remitted payment of ~~Contents~~$1,806,000 to Bank of America, N.A. for full forgiveness of the Company’s Promissory Note under the PPP.

~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

Economic Incentive Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Concurrently with the PPP loan, in May 2020 the Company also received a $10,000 Economic Incentive Disaster Loan ~~(EIDL)~~(“EIDL”) Advance through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The EIDL Advance represents a grant that does not have to be repaid, and as such, the Company ~~has~~ recognized $10,000 as a reduction to operating expenses in the ~~current~~prior quarter and ~~current~~prior year nine months.

In total for both the PPP and EIDL, the Company recognized approximately $176,000 and $1,816,000 as a reduction to operating expenses in the ~~current~~prior year quarter and ~~current~~prior year nine months, respectively.

8.9.Stockholders’ Equity

2011 Equity Incentive Plan

The Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”), is designed and utilized to enable the Company to provide its employees, officers, directors, consultants, and others whose past, present, and/or potential contributions to the Company have been, are, or will be important to the success of the Company, an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company. A total of 13,000,000 shares of common stock are eligible for issuance under the Plan. The Plan provides for the grant of any or all of the following types of awards: stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards. The Plan is administered by the Company’s Board of Directors, or, at the Board’s discretion, a committee of the Board.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ~~ASC~~Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” by recognizing the fair value of stock-based compensation as an operating expense over the service period of the award or term of the corresponding contract, as applicable.

The fair value of options and warrants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The valuation determined by the Black-Scholes option pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate for the expected life at the time of grant, volatility is based on the ~~average~~ long-term implied volatilities of ~~peer companies,~~the Company’s stock, and expected life is based on the estimated average of the life of options and warrants using the simplified method. The Company utilizes the simplified method to determine the expected life of the options and warrants due to insufficient exercise activity during recent years as a basis from which to

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

estimate future exercise patterns. The expected dividend assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.

Restricted stock awards are valued using the fair value of the Company’s stock at the date of ~~grant.~~

The Company accounts for non-employee awards in accordance with ASU 2018-07, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” Such awards are measured at the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments to be issued, and the Company recognizes compensation cost for grants to non-employees on a straight-line basis over the period of the grant.

For stock option awards for which vesting is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance targets, the timing and amount of compensation expense recognized is based upon the Company’s projections and estimates of the relevant performance metric(s) until the time the performance obligation is satisfied.

Forfeitures are accounted for as a reduction of compensation cost in the period when such forfeitures occur.

~~Table of Contents~~

~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

Stock Options

Options granted under the Plan expire at various times -– either five, seven, or ten years from the date of grant, depending on the particular grant.

A summary of the Company’s stock options activity for the current nine months is as follows:


				Weighted						Weighted
				Average						Average
		Weighted		Remaining				Weighted		Remaining
		Average		Contractual	Aggregate			Average		Contractual	Aggregate
	Number of	Exercise		Life	Intrinsic		Number of	Exercise		Life	Intrinsic
	Options	Price		(in Years)	Value		Options	Price		(in Years)	Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2020	7,222,625	$	3.33	5.82	$	—
Outstanding at January 1, 2021							7,179,375	$	3.14	4.93	$	0
Granted	481,250		1.43				510,390		1.91
Canceled	—		—				(8,050)		1.86
Exercised	—		—				(99,700)		1.77
Expired/Forfeited	(200,000)		1.55				(1,771,070)		5.63
Outstanding at September 30, 2020, and expected to vest	7,503,875	$	3.26	5.06	$	—
Exercisable at September 30, 2020	3,067,125	$	4.92	1.45	$	—
Outstanding at September 30, 2021, and expected to vest							5,810,945	$	2.32	5.56	$	0
Exercisable at September 30, 2021							1,931,778	$	3.40	2.10	$	0

On ~~January 1, 2020,~~March 15, 2021, the Company granted options to purchase ~~5,000~~an aggregate of 365,390 shares of common stock to ~~a board observer.~~various employees. The exercise price of the options is ~~$4.00 per share, and 50% of the options vest on each of January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022.~~

~~On January 31, 2020, the Company granted options to purchase 75,000 shares of stock to a consultant. The exercise price of the options is $1.57~~$1.86 per share, and all options vested immediately on the date of grant.

On February 28, 2020, the Company granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock to an employee. The exercise price is $1.40 per share, and the vesting of such options is dependent upon the Company achieving certain 12-month sales targets through December 31, 2021.

On March 13, 2020, the Company granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exercise price of the options is $5.50 per share, and all options vested immediately on the date of grant.

On March 31, 2020, the Company granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock to an employee. The exercise price of the options is $0.61 per share, and one-third of the options shall vest on each of March 31, 2021, March 31, 2021, and March 31, 2022.

On April 1, ~~2020,~~2021, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of ~~200,000~~125,000 shares of ~~commons~~common stock to non-management directors. The exercise price of the options is ~~$0.50~~$1.93 per share, and 50% of the options ~~shall~~ vest on each of April 1, ~~2021~~2022 and April 1, ~~2022.~~2023.

On ~~April 15, 2020,~~July 1, 2021, the Company granted options to purchase ~~13,500~~an aggregate of 20,000 shares of common stock to a ~~consultant.~~member of management. The exercise price of the options is ~~$3.00~~$2.76 per ~~share. One-third~~share, and 50% of the options ~~vested on June 30, 2020, and one-third of the options shall~~ vest on each of ~~September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020.~~

On August 21, 2020, the Company granted options to purchase 22,750 shares of common stock to a consultant. The exercise price of the options is $1.00 per share, and all options shall vest on December 31, 2020.

~~Table of Contents~~

~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

On September 28, 2020, the Company granted options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock to an employee. The exercise price of the options is $0.71 per share, and one-third of the options shall vest on each of September 28, 2021, September 28,June 1, 2022 and ~~September 28,~~June 1, 2023.

Compensation expense related to stock options for the current quarter and the prior year quarter was approximately ~~$45,000~~$48,000 and ~~$66,000,~~$45,000, respectively. Compensation expense related to stock options for the current nine months and prior year nine months was approximately ~~$158,000~~$246,000 and ~~$382,000,~~$158,000, respectively.

Total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options at September 30, ~~2020~~2021 amounts to approximately ~~$204,000~~$125,000 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately ~~1.24~~1.16 years.

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

A summary of the Company’s non-vested stock options activity for the current nine months is as follows:


		Weighted			Weighted
		Average			Average
	Number of	Grant Date		Number of	Grant Date
	Options	Fair Value		Options	Fair Value
Balance at January 1, 2020	4,551,500	$	0.18
Balance at January 1, 2021				4,116,167	$	0.08
Granted	481,250		0.13	510,390		0.44
Vested	(413,500)		0.61	(647,390)		0.43
Forfeited or Canceled	(182,500)		0.29	(100,000)		0.08
Balance at September 30, 2020	4,436,750	$	0.13
Balance at September 30, 2021				3,879,167	$	0.06

Warrants

Warrants expire at various times -– either five or ten years from the date of grant, depending on the particular grant.

A summary of the Company’s warrants activity for the current nine months is as follows:


				Weighted						Weighted
				Average						Average
		Weighted		Remaining				Weighted		Remaining
		Average		Contractual	Aggregate			Average		Contractual	Aggregate
	Number of	Exercise		Life	Intrinsic		Number of	Exercise		Life	Intrinsic
	Warrants	Price		(in Years)	Value		Warrants	Price		(in Years)	Value
Outstanding and exercisable at January 1, 2020	579,815	$	4.63	2.32	$	—
Outstanding and exercisable at January 1, 2021							579,815	$	4.63	1.32	$	0
Granted	—		—				0		0
Canceled	—		—				0		0
Exercised	—		—				0		0
Expired/Forfeited	—		—				(463,750)		5.00
Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2020	579,815	$	4.63	1.56	$	—
Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2021							116,065	$	3.15	2.83	$	0

NoNaN compensation expense related to warrants was recognized in the current quarter, prior year quarter, current nine months, ~~prior year quarter,~~ or prior year nine months.

~~Table of Contents~~

~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

Stock Awards

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity for the current nine months is as follows:


		Weighted			Weighted
	Number of	Average		Number of	Average
	Restricted	Grant Date		Restricted	Grant Date
	Shares	Fair Value		Shares	Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2020	1,230,623	$	4.33
Outstanding at January 1, 2021				780,833	$	4.09
Granted	607,428		0.80	254,623		1.69
Canceled	—		—	0		0
Vested	(1,057,218)		2.47	(204,623)		1.63
Expired/Forfeited	—		—	0		0
Outstanding at September 30, 2020	780,833	$	4.09
Outstanding at September 30, 2021				830,833	$	3.96

On March 30, 2020, the Company issued 336,700 shares of stock to a member of senior management as payment for a performance bonus earned in 2019. These shares vested immediately. The Company recognized compensation expense of $220,000 in 2019 ($168,000 in the prior year quarter and prior year nine months) to accrue for this performance bonus.

~~On May 20, 2020,~~April 1, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of ~~270,728~~50,000 shares of stock to ~~its employees. These~~non-management directors, which vest evenly over two years, whereby 50% shall vest on April 1, 2022, and 50% shall vest on April 1, 2023.

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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

On April 26, 2021, the Company issued 14,045 shares of stock to a consultant, which vested immediately. ~~The~~

On July 1, 2021, the Company ~~recognized approximately $265,000~~issued 9,399 shares of ~~compensation expense in the current nine months related~~stock to ~~this grant.~~a consultant, which vested immediately.

Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants for the current and prior year quarter was approximately ~~$11,000~~$37,000 and ~~$47,000,~~$11,000, respectively. Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants for the current nine months and prior year nine months was approximately ~~$44,000~~$84,000 and ~~$213,000,~~$44,000, respectively.

Total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock grants at ~~June~~September 30, ~~2020~~2021 amounts to approximately ~~$21,000~~$72,000 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately ~~0.50~~1.50 years.

Additionally, on May 7, 2021, the Company issued 181,179 shares of stock to a member of senior management as payment for a performance bonus earned in 2020. These shares vested immediately. The Company had previously recognized compensation expense of approximately $291,000 in 2020 to accrue for this performance bonus, and recognized a reduction to compensation expense of approximately $(8,000) during the current nine months related to this bonus. The Company also recognized approximately ~~$ (7,000)~~$46,000 and ~~$313,000~~$400,000 of compensation expense in the current quarter and current nine months, respectively, related to ~~certain~~similar senior management bonuses payable in common stock in 2022.

The Company also recognized approximately $32,000 of compensation expense in the current quarter and current nine months to accrue for a contractual payment to an employee that will be paid in shares in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Shares Available Under the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan

As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, there were ~~1,254,920~~2,636,969 shares of common stock available for issuance under the Plan.

Shares Reserved for Issuance

As of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, there were ~~9,338,610~~8,563,979 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to unexercised warrants and stock options, or available for issuance under the Plan.

Dividends

The Company has not paid any dividends to date.

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~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

9. 10. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS gives effect to all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period, including stock options and warrants, using the treasury stock method. Diluted EPS excludes all potentially dilutive shares of common stock if their effect is anti-dilutive.


	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30,		September 30,
	2021	2020	2021	2020
Basic	19,541,774	19,231,040	19,418,469	19,078,453
Effect of exercise of warrants	—	—	—	—
Effect of exercise of stock options	—	—	—	—
Diluted	19,541,774	19,231,040	19,418,469	19,078,453

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,


2020

2019

2020

2019

Basic

19,231,040

18,975,265

19,078,453

18,839,424

Effect of exercise of warrants

—

—

—

725

Diluted

19,231,040

18,975,265

19,078,453

18,840,149

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

As a result of the net loss ~~presented~~ for ~~the current quarter, prior year quarter, and current nine months,~~all periods presented, the Company calculated diluted earnings per share using basic weighted average shares outstanding for such period, as utilizing diluted shares would be anti-dilutive to loss per share.

The computation of diluted EPS excludes the following potentially dilutive securities because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2020

2019

2020

2019

2021

2020

2021

2020

Stock options and warrants

8,083,690

8,469,440

8,083,690

8,419,375

5,927,010

8,083,690

5,927,010

8,083,690

~~10.~~ 11. Income Tax

The effective income tax benefit rate for the current quarter and the prior year quarter was approximately ~~25%~~28% and ~~333%~~25%, respectively, resulting in an income tax ~~(benefit) provision~~benefit of ~~$(0.15)~~$0.54 million and ~~$0.14~~$0.15 million, respectively.

The effective income tax benefit rate for the current nine months and prior year nine months was approximately ~~10%~~26% and ~~40%~~10%, respectively, resulting in an income tax ~~(benefit) provision~~benefit of ~~$(0.27)~~$2.02 million and ~~$1.28~~$0.27 million, respectively.

For the current quarter, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to state taxes, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 7%.

For the prior year quarter, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to state taxes and recurring permanent differences, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 12% and 18%, respectively, partially offset by the tax impact from the vesting of restricted shares of common stock, which was treated as a discrete item for tax purposes and decreased the effective rate by approximately 26%. The effective tax rate was also affected by the tax impact of a potential federal net operating loss carryback due to the CARES Act; this item increased the effective rate by approximately 3%.

For the ~~prior year quarter,~~current nine months, the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the tax impact from the vesting of restricted shares of common stock, which was treated as a discrete item for tax purposes; this item increased the effective rate by approximately 291%. The federal statutory rate ~~also~~ differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to state taxes, ~~and recurring permanent differences,~~ which increased the effective tax rate by approximately ~~8% and 12%~~7%, ~~respectively.~~partially offset by the impact of recurring permanent differences, which decreased the effective tax rate by approximately 2%.

For the ~~current~~prior year nine months, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to the tax impact from the vesting of restricted shares of common stock, which was treated as a discrete item for tax purposes and decreased the ~~effect~~effective rate by approximately 5%. The effective rate was also attributable to state taxes and recurring permanent

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~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

differences, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 6% and decreased the effective tax rate by approximately 3%, respectively.

For the prior year nine months, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to state taxes and recurring permanent differences, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 9% and 9%, respectively. The effective tax rate was also partially attributable to the tax impact from the vesting of restricted shares of common stock, which was treated as a discrete item for tax purposes; this item increased the effective rate by approximately 4%.

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted and signed into law. The CARES Act includes certain provisions impacting businesses’ income taxes related to 2018, 2019, and 2020. Some of the significant tax law changes are to increase the limitation on deductible business interest expense for 2019 and 2020, allow for the five-year carryback of net operating losses for 2018-2020, suspend the 80% limitation of taxable income for net operating loss carryforwards for 2018-2020, provide for the acceleration of depreciation expense from 2018 and forward on qualified improvement property, and accelerate the ability to claim refunds of AMT credit carryforwards. The Company is required to recognize the effect of tax law changes on its financial statements in the period in which the law was enacted. At this time, the Company may avail itself of the ability to carry back net operating losses generated in 2018 and 2019 tax years for five years, which would result in an estimated income statement benefit of $98,000 and tax refund receivable of $203,000.

~~11.~~12. Related Party Transactions

~~Benjamin Malka~~

Benjamin Malka was a director of the Company from June 2014 through September 2019. Mr. Malka is also a 25% equity holder of House of Halston LLC (“HOH”), and is the former Chief Executive Officer of HOH. HOH is the parent company of the H Company IP, LLC (“HIP”).

On February 11, 2019, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, H Heritage Licensing, LLC, entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Heritage Asset Purchase Agreement") with HIP and HOH, pursuant to which the Company acquired certain assets of HIP, including the "Halston," "Halston Heritage," and "Roy Frowick" trademarks (collectively, the "Halston Heritage Trademarks") and other intellectual property rights relating thereto.

Pursuant to the Heritage Asset Purchase Agreement, at closing, the Company delivered in escrow for HIP or its designees (collectively, the “Sellers”) an aggregate of $8.4 million in cash and 777,778 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $1.1 million (the “Xcel Shares”), subject to a voting agreement and a lock-up agreement relating to the Xcel Shares and a consent and waiver agreement each in form satisfactory to Xcel within three months from the date of the Heritage Asset Purchase Agreement. Such agreements were executed and delivered to Xcel, and the Xcel Shares were issued and delivered to the Sellers.

In addition to the closing considerations, HIP is eligible to earn up to an aggregate of $6.0 million (the “Earn-Out Value”) through December 31, 2022 based on Excess Net Royalties. “Excess Net Royalties” during any calendar year for 2019 through 2022 (each, a “Royalty Target Year”) is equal to (a) the positive amount, if any, of the Net Royalties as calculated for such Royalty Target Year, less the greater of (i) One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1.5 million), or (ii) the maximum Net Royalties for any previous Royalty Target Year. “Applicable Percentage” means (a) 50% of the first $10.0 million of Excess Net Royalties during the Earn-Out Period, (b) 20% of aggregate Excess Net Royalties during the Earn-Out Period greater than $10.0 million and up to $15.0 million and (c) 0% of aggregate Excess Net Royalties during the Earn-Out Period in excess of $15.0 million. The Earn-Out Consideration shall be payable in common stock of Xcel (the “Earn-Out Shares”); provided, however, that if the number of Earn-Out Shares, when combined with the number of Xcel Shares issued at the Closing Date, will exceed 4.99% of the aggregate number of shares of Xcel common stock outstanding as of the Closing Date (calculated in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5635(a)) (the “Xcel Share Limit”), then Xcel may, in

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~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

its sole and unfettered discretion, elect to (x) pay cash for the Earn-Out Value attributable to the Earn-Out Shares that would exceed the Xcel Share Limit; (y) solicit stockholder approval for the issuance of Earn-Out Shares in excess of the Xcel Share Limit in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5635(a)(2) and, if such stockholder approval is obtained, issue such Earn-Out Shares to HIP; or (z) solicit stockholder approval for the issuance of Shares in excess of the Xcel Share Limit in accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5635(a)(2) and, if such stockholder approval is obtained, pay the applicable Earn-Out Consideration with a combination of cash and Earn-Out Shares.

~~Hilco Trading, LLC~~

Hilco Trading, LLC ("Hilco") directly and indirectly owns greater than 5% of the Company's common stock, and its affiliate Hilco Global owns 50% of the equity of Longaberger Licensing, LLC. During the current quarter, the Company sold certain apparel products to an affiliate of Hilco, and recognized $151,000 of revenue from this transaction. Additionally, during the current quarter, the Company sold certain intangible assets of Longaberger Licensing, LLC to a third party; an affiliate of Hilco earned and was paid a commission of $46,000 related to the sale of these assets.

Robert W. D’Loren

Jennifer D’Loren is the wife of Robert W. D’Loren, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, and is employed by the Company. Mrs. D’Loren brings vast experience in project management and implementation of financial IT solutions. During the past two years, Mrs. D’Loren has worked on the implementation of the Company’s ERP system. Mrs. D’Loren received compensation of ~~$29,000~~$11,000 and ~~$42,000~~$29,000 for the current quarter and prior year quarter, respectively. Mrs. D’Loren received compensation of ~~$99,000~~$32,000 and ~~$125,000~~$99,000 for the current nine months and prior year nine months, respectively.

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

Isaac Mizrahi

On February 24, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Isaac Mizrahi, a principal stockholder of the Company, for Mr. Mizrahi to continue to serve as Chief Design Officer of the Isaac Mizrahi Brand. The term of the employment agreement expires on December 31, 2022, subject to earlier termination, and may be extended, at the Company’s option, for 2 successive one-year terms (each, a “Renewal Period”). Mr. Mizrahi’s base salary shall be $1.8 million, $2.0 million, and $2.1 million per annum during the term of the agreement and $2.25 million and $2.4 million during 2023 and 2024 if the term is extended, in each case, subject to adjustment in the event Mr. Mizrahi does not make a specified number of appearances on the QVC channel. Mr. Mizrahi shall be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus (the “Bonus”) up to an amount equal to $2.5 million less base salary for 2020 and $3.0 million less base salary for 2021, 2022, and any year during the Renewal Period. The Bonus shall consist of the DRT Revenue, Bonus, the Brick-and-Mortar Bonus, the Endorsement Bonus and the Monday Bonus, if any, as determined in accordance with the following:

●

“DRT Bonus” means for any calendar year an amount equal to 10% of the aggregate net revenue related to sales of Isaac Mizrahi Brand products through direct response television. The DRT Revenue Bonus shall be reduced by the amount of the Monday Bonus.

●

“Brick-and-Mortar Bonus” means for any calendar year an amount equal to 10% of the net revenues from sales of products under the Isaac Mizrahi Brand, excluding DRT revenue and endorsement revenues.

●

“Endorsement Bonus” means for any calendar year an amount equal to 40% of revenues derived from projects undertaken by the Company with one or more third parties solely for Mr. Mizrahi to endorse the third party’s products through the use of Mr. Mizrahi’s name, likeness, and/or image, and neither the Company nor Mr. Mizrahi provides licensing or design.

●

“Monday Bonus” means $10,000 for each appearance by Mr. Mizrahi on the QVC channel on Mondays (subject to certain expectations) up to a maximum of 40 such appearances in a calendar year.

Mr. Mizrahi is required to devote his full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries; however, Mr. Mizrahi is the principal of IM Ready-Made, LLC and Laugh Club, Inc. (“Laugh Club”), and accordingly, he may undertake promotional activities related thereto (including the promotion of his name, image, and likeness) through television, video, and other media (and retain any compensation he receives for such activities) (referred to as “Retained Media Rights”) so long as such activities (i) do not utilize the IM trademarks, (ii) do not have a mutually negative impact upon or materially conflict with Mr. Mizrahi’s duties under the employment agreement, or (iii) are consented to by the Company. The Company believes that it benefits from Mr. Mizrahi’s independent promotional activities by increased brand awareness of IM Brands and the IM trademarks.

Severance. If Mr. Mizrahi’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause,” or if Mr. Mizrahi resigns with “good reason,” then Mr. Mizrahi will be entitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and an amount equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for the longer of six months and the remainder of the then-current term, but in no event exceeding 18 months. If Mr. Mizrahi’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or if Mr. Mizrahi resigns with “good reason” within six months following a change of control (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Mizrahi shall be eligible to receive a lump-sum payment equal to two times the sum of (i) his base salary (at an average rate that would have been in effect for such two-year period following termination) plus (ii) the bonus paid or due to Mr. Mizrahi in the year prior to the change in control.

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation. During the term of Mr. Mizrahi’s employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment (unless his employment was terminated without “cause” or was terminated by him for “good reason”), Mr. Mizrahi may not permit his name to be used by or to participate in any business

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

or enterprise (other than the mere passive ownership of not more than 3% of the outstanding stock of any class of a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market) that engages or proposes to engage in the Company’s business anywhere in the world other than the Company and its subsidiaries. Also during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Mizrahi may not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce, or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to cease doing business with the Company or any or its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce, or attempt to induce any person who is, or was during the then-most recent 12-month period, a corporate officer, general manager, or other employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or hire any such person unless such person’s employment was terminated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, employee, or business relation and the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

On February 24, 2020, the Company entered into a services agreement with Laugh Club, an entity wholly-owned by Mr. Mizrahi, pursuant to which Laugh Club shall provide services to Mr. Mizrahi necessary for Mr. Mizrahi to perform his services pursuant to the employment agreement. The Company will pay Laugh Club an annual fee of $0.72 million for such services.

~~12.~~13. Commitments and Contingencies

Contingent Obligation – Halston Heritage Earn-Out

In connection with the February 11, 2019 purchase of the Halston Heritage ~~Trademarks~~trademarks from ~~HIP,~~H Company IP, LLC (“HIP”), the Company agreed to pay HIP additional consideration (the “Halston Heritage Earn-Out”) of up to an aggregate of $6.0 million, based on royalties earned through December 31, 2022. The Halston Heritage Earn-Out of $0.9 million is recorded as a long-term liability at September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and December 31, ~~2019~~2020 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, based on the difference between the fair value of the acquired assets of the Halston Heritage ~~Trademarks~~trademarks and the total consideration paid. In accordance with ~~Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)~~ASC Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity,” the Halston Heritage Earn-Out obligation is treated as a liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets because of the variable number of shares payable under the agreement.

Contingent Obligation – Lori Goldstein Earn-Out

In connection with the April 1, 2021 acquisition of the Lori Goldstein trademarks (see Note 2 for additional information), the Company agreed to pay the Seller additional cash consideration of up to $12.5 million, based on royalties earned during the six calendar year period commencing in 2021. The Lori Goldstein Earn-Out of $6.6 million is recorded as a long-term liability at September 30, 2021 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, based on the difference between the fair value of the acquired assets of the Lori Goldstein brand and the total consideration paid, in accordance with the guidance in ASC Subtopic 805-50.

Coronavirus Pandemic

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) as a pandemic, which continues to ~~spread~~circulate throughout the U.S. and the world. COVID-19 ~~is having~~has had an unprecedented impact on the U.S. and global economy as ~~federal,~~national, state, and local governments continue to react to and attempt to manage this ongoing public health crisis.

The impacts of the ~~current~~ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are broad reaching and are having an impact on the Company’s licensing and wholesale businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the Company’s supply chain as most of the Company’s products are manufactured in China, Thailand, and other places around the world affected by this event. Temporary factory

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XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

closures and the pace of workers returning to work have impacted contract manufacturers’ ability to source certain raw materials and to produce finished goods in a timely manner. The ~~outbreak~~pandemic is also impacting distribution and logistics providers' ability to operate in the normal course of business. Further, the pandemic has resulted in a sudden and continuing

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~~XCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES~~

~~Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements~~

~~September 30, 2020~~

~~(Unaudited)~~

decrease in sales for many of the Company’s products, resulting in order cancellations, and a decrease in accounts receivable collections, as the Company recorded approximately $1 million of additional allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended December 31, 2020, and approximately $0.1 million for the current nine months, ~~ended September 30, 2020~~ for retailers that have filed for bankruptcy.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 ~~outbreak,~~pandemic, there is significant uncertainty surrounding the ~~potential~~ impact on the Company’s future results of operations and cash flows. Continued impacts of the pandemic could materially adversely affect the Company’s near-term and long-term revenues, earnings, liquidity, and cash flows as the Company’s customers and/or licensees may request temporary relief, delay, or not make scheduled payments.

~~Compliance with Listing Rules~~14. Subsequent Events

Amendment to Term Loans

On August 6, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying Xcel that the minimum bid price per share for its common stock fell below $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Therefore, the Company did not meet the minimum bid price requirement set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

The letter also states that pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rules 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company will be provided 180 calendar days to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, or until February 2, 2021.

Xcel can regain compliance if, at any time during the Tolling Period or such 180-day period, the closing bid price of its common stock is at least $1.00 for a minimum period of 10 consecutive business days. If by February 2,November 12, 2021, the Company, ~~does not regain compliance with~~BHI, FEAC, and the Nasdaq Listing Rules, it may be eligible for additional time to regain compliance pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(ii). To qualify, Xcel would need to submit a transfer application and a $5,000 application fee. The Company would also need to provide written notice to Nasdaq of its intention to cureLenders amended the minimum bid price deficiency during the second compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. As part of its review process, the Nasdaq staff will make a determination of whether it believes the Company will be able to cure this deficiency. Should the Nasdaq staff concludeLoan Agreement that Xcel will not be able to cure the deficiency, or should management determine not to submit a transfer application or make the required representation, Nasdaq will provide notice that the Company’s shares of common stock will be subject to delisting.

If the Company does not regain compliance within the allotted compliance period, including any extensions that may be granted by Nasdaq, Nasdaq will provide notice that Xcel’s shares of common stock will be subject to delisting from the Nasdaq Global Select Market. At such time, the Company may appeal the delisting determination to a hearings panel.

~~Management intends to monitor the Company’s common stock closing bid price between now and February 2,~~was entered into on April 14, 2021 and ~~will consider available options~~had been amended on August 12, 2021 and September 29, 2021. Under the November 2021 amendment, certain financial covenants were modified or eliminated for certain time periods. There were no changes to ~~resolve~~ the ~~Company’s noncompliance with~~total principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, or any other terms of the ~~minimum bid price requirement, as may be necessary. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able~~Loan Agreement. Refer to ~~regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement or will otherwise be in compliance with other Nasdaq listing criteria.~~Note 7 for further details.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements that are not historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and many of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks are detailed in the Risk ~~Section~~Factors section of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, ~~2019.~~2020, as filed with the SEC on April 23, 2021. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “continue,” “estimate,” “appear,” “suggest,” “goal,” “potential,” “predicts,” “seek,” “will,” “confident,” “project,” “provide,” “plan,” “likely,” “future,” “ongoing,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “guidance,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

Overview

Xcel Brands, Inc. (“Xcel,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, production, marketing, wholesale distribution, and direct-to-consumer 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 ~~by Robert W. D’Loren~~ in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as ~~one.~~one thing. The Company owns and manages the Isaac Mizrahi ~~brands~~brand (the "Isaac Mizrahi Brand"), the Halston brand (the "Halston Brand"), the Judith Ripka ~~brands~~brand (the "Ripka Brand"), the ~~Halston brands ("Halston Brand"), and the~~ C Wonder ~~brands~~brand (the "C Wonder ~~Brand”~~Brand")~~. The Company also owns~~, the LOGO by Lori Goldstein brand (the "Lori Goldstein Brand"), and ~~manages~~ the Longaberger brand (the “Longaberger Brand”) ~~through its 50% ownership interest in Longaberger Licensing, LLC. The Company and its licensees distribute through~~, pioneering a ~~ubiquitous channel retail~~true omni-channel sales strategy which includes ~~distribution~~the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, ~~the Internet~~digital live-stream shopping, brick-and-mortar retail, wholesale and e-commerce and traditional brick-and-mortar retail channels. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel is led by an executive team with significant production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer product companies. With an experienced team of professionals focused on design, production, and digital marketing, Xcel maintains control of product quality and promotion across all ofchannels to be everywhere its ~~product categories and distribution channels.~~customers shop.

Our objective is to build a diversified portfolio of lifestyle consumer brands through organic growth and the strategic acquisition of new brands. To grow our brands, we are focused on the following primary strategies:

●

expanding and leveraging our live-streaming platform. We recently launched our live-streaming platform through our Longaberger brand technology platform with the goal to build the world’s largest digital marketplace powered by live-streaming and micro-influencers for home and other related products, designed to create a better lifestyle. We plan to leverage this technology across our other brands.

●

wholesale distribution of our brands to retailers that sell to the end consumer;

●

wholesale sales and/or licensing of our brands for sale through interactive television (i.e., QVC, HSN, The Shopping ~~Channel) whereby we design, manage production, merchandise the shows, and manage the on-air talent;~~Channel, TVSN, etc.);

●

licensing our brands to manufacturers and retailers for promotion and distribution through e-commerce, social commerce, and traditional brick-and-mortar retail channels whereby we provide certain design ~~services and, in certain cases, manage supply and merchandising;~~services;

●

~~wholesale~~ distribution of our brands ~~to retailers that sell~~through e-commerce directly to the end consumer; and

●

~~distribution of our brands through our e-commerce sites directly to the end consumer; and~~

●

~~quickly integrate~~acquiring additional consumer brands and integrating them into our operating platform ~~and leverage~~while leveraging our ~~design, production, and marketing capabilities,~~operating infrastructure and distribution relationships.

We believe that Xcel offers a unique value proposition to our retail and direct-to-consumer customers and our licensees for the following reasons:

●

our management team, including our officers’ and directors’ experience in, and relationships within the industry;

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●

our deep knowledge and expertise in live streaming;

●

our design, production, sales, marketing, and supply chain and integrated technology platform that enables us to design and distribute trend-right product; and

●

our operating strategy, significant media and internet presence, and ~~distribution.~~distribution network.

We believe that our strategy distinguishes us from other brand management companies that rely primarily on their licensees for design, production, and distribution, and enables us to leverage the media reach of our interactive television partners, including through television, digital, and social media, to drive sales of products under our brands across multiple distribution channels. By leveraging digital and social media content across all distribution channels, we seek to drive consumer engagement and generate retail sales across our brands. Our strong relationships with leading retailers and interactive television companies and cable networks enable us to reach consumers in over 380 million homes worldwide and hundreds of millions of social media followers.

~~We believe our~~ design, production and supply chain platform provides significant competitive advantages compared with traditional wholesale apparel companies that design, manufacture, and distribute products. We focus on our core competencies of design, integrated technologies, design, production andwas developed to shorten the supply chain ~~platform, marketing,~~cycle by utilizing state-of-the-art supply chain management technology, trend analytics, and ~~brand development. We believe that we offer a 360-degree solution~~data science to our retail partners that addresses many of the challenges facing the retail industry today. We believe our platform is highly scalable. Additionally, we believe we can quickly integrate additional brands into our platform in orderactively monitor fashion trends and read and react to ~~leverage our design, production, and marketing capabilities, and distribution network.~~customer demands.

Summary of Operating Results

Three months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 (the “current quarter”) compared with the three months ended September 30, ~~2019~~2020 (the “prior year quarter”)

Revenues

Current quarter net revenue ~~decreased~~increased approximately ~~$3.5~~$3.9 million to ~~$7.4~~$11.3 million from ~~$10.9~~$7.4 million for the prior year quarter.

Net licensing revenue ~~decreased~~increased by approximately ~~$1.2~~$1.7 million in the current quarter to ~~$5.2~~$6.9 million, compared with ~~$6.4~~$5.2 million in the prior year quarter. ~~Approximately half of this decline~~This increase in licensing revenue was primarily attributable to ~~a reduction in guaranteed minimum revenues from one of our existing licensing arrangements upon renewal effective January~~the Lori Goldstein brand, which we acquired on April 1, ~~2020. The remaining portion of~~2021, as well as continued strong performance and growth by the Isaac Mizrahi brand, partially offset by a decline in licensing revenue ~~was driven by lower sales by our licensees as a result of an overall slowdown in economic activity~~ related to the ~~ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.~~transitioning of the H Halston brand to a wholesale supply model.

Net product sales ~~decreased~~increased by approximately ~~$2.3~~$2.2 million in the current quarter to ~~$2.2~~$4.4 million, compared with ~~$4.5~~$2.2 million in the prior year quarter. The ~~decline~~increase in net ~~product~~ sales was primarily attributable to growth in wholesales for both apparel and jewelry, as sales in the ~~result of canceled and reduced wholesale orders caused~~prior year quarter were negatively impacted by an overall slowdown in economic activity related to the ~~ongoing~~initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales of Longaberger branded products through e-commerce, social commerce, and livestreaming also continued to grow year-over-year.

Cost of Goods Sold

Current quarter cost of goods sold was ~~$1.3~~$2.9 million, compared with ~~$3.0~~$1.3 million for the prior year quarter due to ~~lower~~significantly higher volume of wholesale and e-commerce sales in the current quarter. Gross profit (net revenue less cost of goods sold) ~~decreased~~increased approximately ~~$1.9~~$2.3 million to ~~$6.1~~$8.4 million from ~~$8.0~~$6.1 million in the prior year quarter, primarily driven by the aforementioned ~~decline~~increase in net licensing revenue.

~~Total gross~~Gross profit margin ~~increased~~ from ~~73%~~product sales declined slightly from approximately 41% in the prior year quarter to ~~83%~~approximately 35% in the current quarter, ~~reflecting the proportional shift of revenue mix towards licensing revenues in the current quarter. Gross profit margin from product sales~~primarily due to increased ~~from 35% in the prior year quarter~~freight costs and other supply costs to ~~41% in the current quarter as a result of achieving greater efficiencies.~~source products.

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Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses ~~decreased~~increased approximately ~~$1.1~~$3.2 million from ~~$7.6~~$6.5 million in the prior year quarter to ~~$6.5~~$9.7 million in the current quarter. This ~~reduction~~increase was mainly driven by (i) a $1.2 million increase in salaries, benefits and employment taxes, which was primarily attributable to ~~cost reduction actions taken by management~~post-COVID normalized salary costs, and (ii) a $1.1 million increase in ~~response~~selling, general and administrative expenses, which was primarily attributable to ~~the COVID-19 pandemic, including temporary reductions~~combination of ~~employee compensation~~increased marketing expenses and ~~cutting non-essential~~higher logistics costs. Also significantly contributing to the reduction was government assistance received through the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act, for which the Company recognized $0.2 million as a reduction to current quarter expenses, the recovery of $0.2 million of expenses previously recognized in 2019 for a potential acquisition which ultimately was not consummated, and a $0.2 million decrease in stock-based compensation costs. Partially offsetting these decreasesincrease in operating costs and expenses was a $0.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, primarily ~~due~~related to the ~~change~~Lori Goldstein brand trademarks acquired on April 1, 2021. The remainder of the increase in ~~estimated life for~~operating costs and expenses from the ~~Judith Ripka trademarks, and~~prior year quarter was largely due to $0.4 million of ~~bad debt expense related to~~certain benefits and recoveries – including recovery of costs in connection with

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potential acquisitions, and government assistance received through the ~~bankruptcy of several retail customers due to~~Paycheck Protection Program – that were recognized in the ~~COVID-19 pandemic.~~

~~Other Income~~

~~During~~prior year and did not recur in the current ~~quarter, we recognized a $0.05 million net gain on the sale of certain assets related to the Longaberger brand.~~quarter.

Interest and Finance Expense

Interest and finance expense for the current quarter was ~~$0.3~~$0.6 million, compared with $0.3 million for the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily attributable to the fact that a new term loan agreement entered into during the second quarter of 2021 resulted in a higher outstanding principal balance at a higher interest rate as compared with the previous term loan agreement.

Income Tax ~~(Benefit) Provision~~Benefit

The effective income tax benefit rate for the current quarter and the prior year quarter was approximately ~~25%~~28% and ~~333%~~25%, respectively, resulting in an income tax ~~(benefit) provision~~benefit of ~~$(0.1)~~$0.54 million and ~~$0.1~~$0.15 million, respectively.

For the current quarter, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to state taxes, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 7%.

~~For the prior year quarter, the effective tax rate was primarily attributable~~Net Loss Attributable to the tax impact from the vesting of restricted shares of common stock, which was treated as a discrete item for tax purposes; this item increased the effective rate by approximately 291%. The federal statutory rate also differed from the effective tax rate due to state taxes and recurring permanent differences, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 8% and 12%, respectively.

~~Net (Loss) Income~~Xcel Brands, Inc. Stockholders

We had a net loss of ~~$(0.5)~~$1.1 million for the current quarter, compared with a net loss of ~~$(0.1)~~$0.4 million for the prior year ~~quarter.~~quarter, due to the combination of the factors outlined above.

Non-GAAP Net Income, Non-GAAP Diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA

We had non-GAAP net income of approximately ~~$0.8~~$0.01 million, or ~~$0.04~~$0.00 per diluted share (“non-GAAP diluted EPS”), for the current quarter and ~~$1.2~~non-GAAP net income of $0.8 million, or ~~$0.06~~$0.04 per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. Non-GAAP net income is a non-GAAP unaudited term, which we define as net income (loss), attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders, exclusive of amortization of trademarks, stock-based compensation, ~~non-cash interest and finance expense from discounted debt related to acquired assets,~~ loss on extinguishment of debt, gain on sales of assets, gain on reduction of contingent obligations, costs (recoveries) in connection with potential acquisitions, certain adjustments to ~~allowances~~the provision for doubtful accounts related to ~~debtors that have filed for~~the bankruptcy ~~protection triggered by~~of and economic impact on certain retail customers due to the ~~impact of~~ COVID-19 pandemic, asset impairments, and deferred income taxes. Non-GAAP

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net income 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.

We had Adjusted EBITDA of ~~$1.4~~$1.0 million for the current quarter, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of ~~$1.8~~$1.4 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 depreciation and amortization, interest and finance expenses (including loss on extinguishment of debt, if any), income taxes, other state and local franchise taxes, stock-based compensation, gain on reduction of contingent obligations, gain on sale of assets, costs (recoveries) in connection with potential acquisitions, asset impairments, and certain adjustments to ~~allowances~~the provision for doubtful accounts related to ~~debtors that have filed for~~the bankruptcy ~~protection triggered by~~of and economic impact on certain retail customers due to the ~~impact of COVID-19.~~COVID-19 pandemic.

Management uses non-GAAP net income, 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, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA are also useful because these measures adjust for certain costs and other events that management

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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. The Company ~~has~~ incurred certain costs in the prior year which it could have eliminated but elected not to do so in light of government assistance received through the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act (the “PPP Benefit”), which represents a cash benefit directly related to the Company’s operating expenses incurred. Accordingly, the PPP Benefit is not considered a reconciling item for purposes of the computation of non-GAAP net income and Adjusted ~~EBITDA.~~EBITDA for the prior year periods. Adjusted EBITDA is the measure used to calculate compliance with the EBITDA covenant under the ~~Xcel Term Loan.~~Company’s term loan agreement.

Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income, earnings per share, or any other measure of financial performance calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Given that non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures not deemed to be in accordance with GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, our non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in our industry, because other companies may calculate non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA in a different manner than we calculate these measures.

In evaluating non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may or may not incur expenses similar to some of the adjustments in this report. Our presentation of non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA does not imply that our future results will be unaffected by these expenses or any other unusual or non-recurring items. When evaluating our performance, you should consider non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including our net income and other GAAP results, and not rely on any single financial measure.

The following table is a reconciliation of net loss attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders (our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP) to non-GAAP net income:


	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
($ in thousands)	2020		2019		2021		2020
Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders	$	(434)	$	(95)	$	(1,136)	$	(434)
Amortization of trademarks		1,107		786		1,519		1,107
Stock-based compensation		49		295		163		49
(Recovery of) costs in connection with potential acquisition		(189)		126		—		(189)
Certain adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts		385		—
Certain adjustments to provision for doubtful accounts						—		385
Property and equipment impairment		31		—		—		31
Gain on sale of assets		(46)		—		—		(46)
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision		(145)		137
Deferred income tax benefit						(535)		(145)
Non-GAAP net income	$	758	$	1,249	$	11	$	758

2627

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The following table is a reconciliation of diluted loss per share (our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP) to non-GAAP diluted EPS:


	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2020		2019		2021		2020
Diluted loss per share	$	(0.02)	$	(0.01)	$	(0.06)	$	(0.02)
Amortization of trademarks		0.06		0.04		0.08		0.06
Stock-based compensation		—		0.01		0.01		—
(Recovery of) costs in connection with potential acquisition		(0.01)		0.01		—		(0.01)
Certain adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts		0.02		—
Certain adjustments to provision for doubtful accounts						—		0.02
Property and equipment impairment		—		—		—		—
Gain on sale of assets		—		—		—		—
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision		(0.01)		0.01
Deferred income tax benefit						(0.03)		(0.01)
Non-GAAP diluted EPS	$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.00	$	0.04
Non-GAAP weighted average diluted shares		19,291,275		19,559,816		20,323,358		19,291,275

The following table is a reconciliation of net ~~(loss) income~~loss attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders (our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDA:


	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
($ in thousands)	2020		2019		2021		2020
Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders	$	(434)	$	(95)	$	(1,136)	$	(434)
Depreciation and amortization		1,437		991		1,891		1,437
Interest and finance expense		304		330		588		304
Income tax (benefit) provision		(145)		137
Income tax benefit						(535)		(145)
State and local franchise taxes		41		38		33		41
Stock-based compensation		49		295		163		49
(Recovery of) costs in connection with potential acquisition		(189)		126		—		(189)
Certain adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts		385		—
Certain adjustments to provision for doubtful accounts						—		385
Property and equipment impairment		31		—		—		31
Gain on sale of assets		(46)		—		—		(46)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,433	$	1,822	$	1,004	$	1,433

Both non-GAAP net income and Adjusted EBITDA for the current quarter include an adjustment to net (loss) income for allowances for doubtful accounts related to account debtors that have filed for bankruptcy protection triggered by the impact of COVID-19. In addition, net loss for the current quarter includes $0.2 million of PPP Benefit, which was recognized as a reduction to current quarter expenses for which the program was intended to compensate. As such, this amount is included in net (loss) income in accordance with GAAP. The expense reduction from the PPP is not considered a reconciling item for purposes of the computation of non-GAAP net income and Adjusted EBITDA due to the fact that the PPP Benefit represents a cash benefit and is directly related to the Company’s operating expenses incurred. Such treatment is also consistent with the calculation of EBITDA for financial covenant compliance purposes under the Xcel Term Loan.

Nine months ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 (the “current nine months”) compared with the nine months ended September 30, ~~2019~~2020 (the “prior year nine months”)

Revenues

Current nine months net revenue ~~decreased~~increased approximately ~~$8.4~~$7.8 million to ~~$22.0~~$29.8 million from ~~$30.4~~$22.0 million for the prior year nine months.

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Net licensing revenue ~~decreased~~increased by approximately ~~$5.7~~$2.0 million in the current nine months to ~~$15.4~~$17.4 million, compared with ~~$21.1~~$15.4 million in the prior year nine months. This ~~decline~~increase in licensing revenue was primarily ~~driven by a combination of (i) lower customer sales by our licensees as a result of government-ordered retail store closures~~attributable to the Lori Goldstein brand, which we acquired on April 1, 2021, as well as ~~an overall slowdown~~continued revenue growth by the Isaac Mizrahi brand, partially offset by a decline in ~~economic activity~~licensing revenue related to the ~~COVID-19 pandemic, (ii) revenues from one~~transitioning of ~~our existing licensing arrangements changing from guaranteed minimum amounts~~the H Halston brand to ~~sales-based royalties effective April 1, 2019, and (iii)~~ a ~~reduction in guaranteed minimum revenues from another of our existing licensing arrangements upon renewal effective January 1, 2020.~~wholesale supply model.

Net product sales ~~decreased~~increased by approximately ~~$2.7~~$5.8 million in the current nine months to ~~$6.6~~$12.4 million, compared with ~~approximately $9.3~~$6.6 million in the prior year nine months. The ~~decline~~increase in net sales was primarily attributable to higher jewelry wholesale sales. In addition, wholesale apparel sales contributed significantly to the year-over-year increase in net product sales, ~~was primarily driven by lower~~as retail sales ~~as a result of government-ordered retail store closures as well as an overall slowdown~~were severely negatively impacted in ~~economic activity related to~~ the ~~COVID-19 pandemic~~prior year period during the ~~second~~initial outbreak of the COVID-19

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pandemic. Sales of Longaberger branded products through e-commerce, social commerce, and ~~third quarters of 2020, partially offset by volume growth in our apparel wholesale business in the first quarter of 2020.~~livestreaming also continued to grow year-over-year.

Cost of Goods Sold

Current nine months cost of goods sold was ~~$3.9~~$7.8 million, compared with ~~$6.5~~$3.9 million for the prior year nine months due to ~~lower overall volume~~the higher volumes of wholesale and e-commerce sales in the current nine months. Gross profit (net revenue less cost of goods sold) ~~decreased~~increased approximately ~~$5.8~~$4.1 million to ~~$18.0~~$22.1 million from ~~$23.8~~$18.0 million in the prior year nine months, ~~primarily~~ driven by the combination of the aforementioned ~~decline~~increases in both net licensing ~~revenue.~~revenue and net product sales.

Gross profit margin from product sales ~~increased~~declined slightly from ~~29%~~approximately 41% in the prior year ~~nine months~~period to ~~40%~~approximately 38% in the current nine months, ~~as a result of achieving greater efficiencies in our wholesale business operations. Total gross profit margin was 78% in the prior year nine months and 82% in the current nine months, up slightly~~primarily due to ~~the aforementioned increase in gross profit margins for product sales, while the proportional mix between licensing revenue~~increased freight costs and ~~product sales was essentially unchanged.~~other supply costs to source products.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses ~~decreased~~increased approximately ~~$2.3~~$7.5 million from ~~$22.4~~$20.1 million in the prior year nine months to ~~$20.1~~$27.6 million in the current nine months. This ~~reduction~~increase was mainly driven by (i) a $2.5 million increase in salaries, benefits and employment taxes, which was primarily ~~due~~attributable to ~~various cost reduction actions taken~~post-COVID normalized salary costs, (ii) a $2.2 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, which was primarily attributable to combination of increased marketing expenses, consulting fees, and logistics costs, partially offset by ~~management in response to~~lower bad debt expense, and (iii) the ~~COVID-19 pandemic, including temporary reductions~~prior year benefit of ~~employee compensation and cutting non-essential costs, as well as~~ government assistance received through the Paycheck Protection Program ~~under~~in the ~~CARES Act,~~prior year, for which the Company recognized $1.8 million as a reduction to ~~current~~prior year nine ~~months~~months’ expenses. ~~Partially offsetting these reductions~~Also significantly contributing the increase in operating costs and expenses was a ~~$1.1~~$0.9 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, primarily ~~due to the change in estimated life for the Judith Ripka trademarks, and $1.0 million of bad debt expense recognized in the current nine months~~ related to the ~~bankruptcy of several retail customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.~~

~~Other Income~~

~~During the current quarter, we recognized a $0.05 million net gain~~Lori Goldstein brand trademarks acquired on ~~the sale of certain assets related to the Longaberger brand.~~

During the prior year nine months, we recognized a $2.9 million gain on the reduction of contingent obligations related to the 2015 acquisition of the C Wonder Brand. As part of that acquisition, the seller was eligible to earn additional consideration based on future royalties related to the C Wonder Brand exceeding certain thresholds, and we recorded a liability for the potential future payment of such consideration. The final earn-out period ended on June 30, 2019, and the seller ultimately did not earn any additional consideration under the terms of the purchase agreement.April 1, 2021.

Interest and Finance Expense

Interest and finance expense for the current nine months was ~~$0.9~~$2.3 million, compared with ~~$1.2~~$0.9 million for the prior ~~year~~ nine months. This ~~decrease is~~increase of approximately $1.4 million was primarily attributable to a $0.8 million loss on the extinguishment of debt recognized in the current nine months as a result of the new term loan financing agreement entered into on April 14, 2021. The increase in interest and finance expense was also partially attributable to the fact that the ~~prior year nine months includes a $0.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt as a result of the February 11, 2019~~new term loan ~~amendment, with no such comparable extinguishment loss in~~agreement entered into during the current nine ~~months.~~months resulted in a higher outstanding principal balance at a higher interest rate as compared with the previous term loan agreement.

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Income Tax ~~(Benefit) Provision~~Benefit

The effective income tax benefit rate for the current nine months and ~~the~~ prior year nine months was approximately ~~10%~~26% and ~~40%~~10%, respectively, resulting in an income tax ~~(benefit) provision~~benefit of ~~$(0.3)~~$2.02 million and ~~$1.3~~$0.27 million, respectively.

For the current nine months, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to state taxes, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 7%, partially offset by the impact of recurring permanent differences, which decreased the effective tax rate by approximately 2%.

For the prior year nine months, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to the tax impact from the vesting of restricted shares of common stock, which was treated as a discrete item for tax purposes and decreased the effect rate by approximately 5%. The effective rate was also attributable to state taxes and recurring permanent differences, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 6% and decreased the effective tax rate by approximately 3%, respectively.

For the prior year nine months, the federal statutory rate differed from the effective tax rate primarily due to state taxes and recurring permanent differences, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 9% and 9%, respectively. The effective tax rate was also partly attributable to the tax impact from the vesting of restricted shares of common stock, which was treated as a discrete item for tax purposes; this item increased the effective rate by approximately 4%

Net ~~(Loss) Income~~Loss Attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. Stockholders

We had a net loss of ~~$(2.6)~~$5.2 million for the current nine months, compared with a net ~~income~~loss of ~~$1.9~~$2.5 million for the prior year nine ~~months.~~months, due to the combination of the factors outlined above.

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Non-GAAP Net Income, Non-GAAP Diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA

We had a non-GAAP net loss of approximately $1.6 million, or $(0.08) per diluted share, for the current nine months and non-GAAP net income of approximately $2.1 million, or $0.11 ~~per diluted share (“non-GAAP diluted EPS”), for the current nine months and $3.8 million, or $0.20~~ per diluted share, for the prior year nine months. We had Adjusted EBITDA of ~~$3.9~~approximately $1.0 million for the current nine months, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of ~~$5.6~~$3.9 million for the prior year nine months.


	Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
($ in thousands)	2020		2019		2021		2020
Net (loss) income attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders	$	(2,539)	$	1,884
Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders					$	(5,241)	$	(2,539)
Amortization of trademarks		3,323		2,309		3,915		3,323
Non-cash interest and finance expense		—		16
Stock-based compensation		780		777		754		780
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—		189		821		—
(Recovery of) costs in connection with potential acquisition		(210)		231		—		(210)
Certain adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts		971		—
Certain adjustments to provision for doubtful accounts						132		971
Property and equipment impairment		113		—		—		113
Gain on sale of assets		(46)		—		—		(46)
Gain on reduction of contingent obligation		—		(2,850)
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision		(269)		1,280
Non-GAAP net income	$	2,123	$	3,836
Deferred income tax benefit						(2,019)		(269)
Non-GAAP net (loss) income					$	(1,638)	$	2,123

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The following table is a reconciliation of diluted ~~(loss) earnings~~loss per share (our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP) to non-GAAP diluted EPS:


	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021		2020
Diluted loss per share	$	(0.27)	$	(0.13)
Amortization of trademarks		0.20		0.17
Stock-based compensation		0.04		0.04
Loss on extinguishment of debt		0.04		—
(Recovery of) costs in connection with potential acquisition		—		(0.01)
Certain adjustments to provision for doubtful accounts		0.01		0.05
Property and equipment impairment		—		0.01
Gain on sale of assets		—		—
Deferred income tax benefit		(0.10)		(0.02)
Non-GAAP diluted EPS	$	(0.08)	$	0.11
Non-GAAP weighted average diluted shares		19,418,469		19,092,828

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2020

2019
Diluted (loss) earnings per share

$
(0.13)

$
0.10
Amortization of trademarks

0.17

0.12
Non-cash interest and finance expense

—

—
Stock-based compensation

0.04

0.04
Loss on extinguishment of debt

—

0.01
(Recovery of) costs in connection with potential acquisition

(0.01)

0.01
Certain adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts

0.05

—
Property and equipment impairment

0.01

—
Gain on sale of assets

—

—
Gain on reduction of contingent obligation

—

(0.15)
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

(0.02)

0.07
Non-GAAP diluted EPS

$
0.11

$
0.20
Non-GAAP weighted average diluted shares

19,092,828

18,840,149

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	Nine Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
($ in thousands)	2020		2019		2021		2020
Net (loss) income attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders	$	(2,539)	$	1,884
Net loss attributable to Xcel Brands, Inc. stockholders					$	(5,241)	$	(2,539)
Depreciation and amortization		4,069		2,939		4,949		4,069
Interest and finance expense		897		1,157		2,311		897
Income tax (benefit) provision		(269)		1,280
Income tax benefit						(2,019)		(269)
State and local franchise taxes		124		159		105		124
Stock-based compensation		780		777		754		780
(Recovery of) costs in connection with potential acquisition		(210)		231		—		(210)
Certain adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts		971		—
Certain adjustments to provision for doubtful accounts						132		971
Property and equipment impairment		113		—		—		113
Gain on sale of assets		(46)		—		—		(46)
Gain on reduction of contingent obligation		—		(2,850)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	3,890	$	5,577	$	991	$	3,890

Both non-GAAP net income and Adjusted EBITDA for the current nine months include certain adjustment to net (loss) income including allowances for doubtful accounts for account debtors that have filed for bankruptcy protection triggered by the impact of COVID-19. In addition, net loss for the current nine months includes $1.8 million of government assistance received through the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act, which was recognized as a reduction to current nine months expenses for which the program was intended to compensate. As such, the PPP Benefit is included in net (loss) income in accordance with GAAP. Such treatment is also consistent with the calculation of EBITDA for financial covenant compliance purposes under the Xcel Term Loan.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Our principal capital requirements have been to fund working capital needs, acquire new brands, and to a lesser extent, capital expenditures. As of September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and December 31, ~~2019,~~2020, our cash and cash equivalents were ~~$4.8~~approximately $4.0 million and ~~$4.6~~$5.0 million, respectively.

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Restricted cash at September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and at December 31, ~~2019~~2020 consisted of $0.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of cash deposited with BHI as collateral for an irrevocable standby letter of credit associated with the lease of our current corporate office and operating facility.

On April ~~23,~~14, 2021, we entered into a new loan and security agreement, which resulted in the extinguishment of the $16.8 million term loan debt which existed as of December 31, 2020, and increased our term loan debt obligations to $25.0 million. Under this agreement, our term loan debt obligation is payable in 16 equal quarterly installments of $625,000, commencing June 30, 2021 and ending on March 31, 2025, with a final payment of $15.0 million payable on the maturity date of April 14, 2025. The agreement also provides for up to $25.0 million of future acquisition financing, subject to lender approval on a deal-by-deal basis. In addition, the agreement provides for a revolving loan facility of up to $2.5 million until November 15, 2021 and a maximum of $1.5 million thereafter, increasing to a maximum of $4.0 million after we ~~received $1.8~~demonstrate compliance with certain financial covenants for the applicable periods ending December 31, 2021 on a discretionary basis. On June 24, 2021, we borrowed $1.5 million ~~from Bank of America through the PPP. We used the proceeds primarily to pay for payroll costs, and we believe it is probable that the loan will be forgiven~~ under the ~~terms of~~revolving loan facility, and on September 30, 2021, we borrowed an additional $1.0 million under the ~~PPP.~~revolving credit facility.

We expect that existing cash and operating cash flows will be adequate to meet our operating needs, term debt service obligations, and capital expenditure needs, for at least the ~~twelve~~12 months subsequent to the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Changes in Working Capital

Our working capital (current assets less current liabilities, excluding the current portion of operating lease obligations and any contingent obligations payable in common stock) was ~~$8.7~~$8.9 million and ~~$9.5~~$7.9 million as of September 30, ~~2020~~2021 and December 31, ~~2019,~~2020, respectively. ~~Working~~This working capital ~~decreased~~increase was primarily attributable to cash provided by ~~approximately $0.8 million~~the new term loan entered into during the ~~first nine months~~current year period, partially offset by cash used to repay amounts outstanding under the previous term loan and to acquire the Lori Goldstein brand trademarks.

Table of ~~2020 primarily due to the $0.6 million increase in the current portion of long-term debt.~~Contents

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.

Operating Activities

Net cash ~~provided by~~used in operating activities was approximately ~~$2.2~~$(5.53) million in the current nine months, compared with net cash provided by operating activities of approximately ~~$3.0~~$2.20 million in the prior year nine months.

The current nine months cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the combination of the net loss of $(5.80) million plus non-cash expenses of approximately $4.48 million and the net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $(4.21) million. Non-cash net expenses were primarily comprised of $4.95 million of depreciation and amortization, $0.75 million of stock-based compensation, $0.13 million of bad debt expense, $0.21 million of amortization of deferred finance costs, a $0.45 million non-cash loss on extinguishment of debt, and a deferred income tax benefit of $(2.02) million. The net change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily comprised of an increase in inventory of $(2.21) million and an increase in accounts receivable of $(2.06) million. The change in accounts receivable was primarily related to the timing and volume of sales and collections, while the change in inventory is primarily related to expected increases in wholesales, including our drop-ship programs, and an increase in our direct-to-consumer businesses.

The prior year nine months cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to the combination of the net loss of ~~$(2.6)~~$(2.63) million plus non-cash expenses of approximately ~~$5.8~~$5.77 million and the net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately ~~$(0.9)~~$(0.94) million. The net loss of ~~$(2.6)~~$(2.63) million includes ~~$1.8~~$1.81 million of government assistance received through the PPP under the CARES Act, which was recognized as a reduction to ~~current~~prior year nine months expenses for which the program was intended to compensate. Non-cash net expenses were primarily comprised of ~~$4.1~~$4.07 million of depreciation and amortization, ~~$0.8~~$0.78 million of stock-based compensation, ~~$1.1~~$1.05 million of bad debt expense, and a deferred income tax benefit of ~~$(0.3)~~$(0.27) million. The net change in operating assets and liabilities includes a decrease in accounts receivable of ~~$1.4~~$1.38 million, a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of ~~$(2.4)~~$(2.40) million, a decrease in inventory of ~~$0.2~~$0.18 million, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets of ~~$0.2~~$0.19 million, and cash paid in excess of rent expense of ~~$(0.3)~~$(0.28) million. The net change in accounts receivable iswas attributable to a combination of the timing of collections, increased allowance for doubtful accounts, and lower revenues recognized as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The net change in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities iswas due to timing of payments, as well as actions taken by management during the prior year nine months in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to conserve cash.

The prior year nine months cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to the combination of net income of $1.9 million plus non-cash expenses of approximately $2.3 million, partially offset by a net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $(1.2) million. Non-cash net expenses primarily consisted of $0.8 million of stock-based compensation, $2.9 million of depreciation and amortization, loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.2 million, deferred income tax provision of $1.3 million, and gain on reduction of contingent obligations of $(2.9) million. The net change from operating assets and liabilities included a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.2 million, an increase in inventory of approximately $(0.1) million, a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $(1.7) million, and a decrease in other liabilities of $(0.2) million, all of which are primarily due to timing of collections and payments, and cash paid in excess of rent expense of $(0.3) million.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for the current nine months was approximately ~~$0.7~~$4.75 million, ~~compared with approximately $9.7 million in the prior year nine months. Cash used in investing activities for in the current nine months~~

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which was primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Lori Goldstein brand on April 1, 2021, and, to a lesser extent, to capital expenditures ~~a substantial portion of which relates~~relating to the ~~implementation~~fit-out and furnishing of our ~~ERP system, while~~new Judith Ripka fine jewelry retail store, which opened in June 2021.

Net cash used in investing activities for the prior year nine months was approximately $0.65 million, primarily attributable to capital expenditures, a substantial portion of which related to ~~cash consideration paid to acquire~~ the ~~Halston Heritage Brands.~~implementation of our ERP system.

Financing Activities

Net cash ~~(used in)~~provided by financing activities for the current nine months was approximately ~~$(1.4)~~$8.93 million, and was primarily attributable to $25.0 million of proceeds from our new term loan debt entered into on April 14, 2021, as well as $2.5 million of proceeds drawn from our new revolving loan facility. Also contributing to cash inflows from financing activities was a $1.0 million capital contribution in Longaberger Licensing, LLC by the non-controlling interest holder. Partially offsetting these proceeds were $(16.75) million paid on the balance of our previous term loan, $(0.37) million of fees paid to the previous debtholders in connection with the extinguishment of the previous term loan, $(1.20) million of deferred finance costs paid in connection with our new term loan, and $(1.25) million of scheduled principal payments made under our new term loan.

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Net cash (used in) financing activities for the prior year nine months was approximately $(1.41) million, and was primarily attributable to payments made on long-term debt obligations of ~~$(1.5)~~$(1.50) million, cash contributions received from the non-controlling interest holder in Longaberger Licensing, LLC of ~~$0.3~~$0.30 million, and ~~$(0.2)~~$(0.19) million of shares repurchased related to vested restricted stock in exchange for withholding taxes.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the prior year nine months was approximately $3.4 million, primarily attributable to proceeds received from long-term debt of $7.5 million, partially offset by payments made on long-term debt obligations of $(3.0) million, the final payment on the IM Seller Note obligation of $(0.7) million, and payment of $(0.3) million of deferred finance costs.

Other Factors

We continue to seek to expand and diversify the types of ~~licensed~~ products being produced and licensed 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 Mizrahi brand, Halston brand, Lori Goldstein brand, and C Wonder 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.

We ~~have transitioned our department store business from a licensing model to a wholesale model, and~~ continue to work towards expanding our ~~Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry~~ wholesale and direct-to-consumer e-commerce ~~business. Our strategy is to manage~~businesses, and complement these operations with our ~~working capital needs by utilizing back-to-back sales and purchase orders and minimizing inventory risk. This change should, on a long-term basis, increase our revenues as compared to the~~ licensing ~~model. We expect to develop a core licensing business for the Longaberger brand, in addition to a direct-to-consumer~~ business.

In addition, we continue to seek new opportunities, including expansion through interactive television, our design, production and supply chain platform, additional domestic and international licensing arrangements, and acquiring additional brands. In April 2021, we acquired the Lori Goldstein brand, which is currently available and sold to consumers through QVC.

However, the impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic are broad reaching and are having an impact on our licensing and wholesale businesses. ~~The COVID-19~~This global pandemic is impacting our supply chain, ~~as most of our products are manufactured in China, Thailand,~~ and ~~other places around the world affected by this event. Temporary~~temporary factory closures and the pace of workers returning to work have impacted our contract manufacturers’ ability to source certain raw materials and to produce finished goods in a timely manner. The pandemic is also impacting distribution and logistics providers' ability to operate in the normal course of business. In addition, COVID-19 has resulted in a sudden and continuing decrease in sales for many of our products, resulting in order cancellations. Further, the global pandemic has affected the financial health of certain of our customers, and the bankruptcy of certain other customers, ~~including Lord & Taylor and Le Tote, Stein Mart, and Century 21,~~ from which we had an aggregate of ~~$1.21~~approximately $1.5 million of accounts receivable due at September 30, ~~2020.~~2021. As a result, we have recognized an allowance for doubtful accounts of ~~$0.97~~approximately $1.1 million ~~for the nine months ended~~as of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, and may be required to make additional adjustments for doubtful accounts which would increase our operating expenses in future periods and negatively impact our operating results, and could result in our failure to meet financial covenants under our credit facility. Financial impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to, lower net sales, adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts due to customer bankruptcy or other inability to pay their amounts due to vendors, the delay of inventory production and fulfillment, potentially further impacting net sales, and potential incremental costs associated with mitigating the effects of the pandemic, including increased freight and logistics costs and other expenses. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to continue to have an adverse effect on our operating results, which could result in our inability to comply with certain debt covenants and require BHI to waive compliance with, or agree to amend, any such covenant to avoid a default. The COVID-19 global pandemic is ongoing,

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and its dynamic nature, including uncertainties relating to the ~~ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the~~ severity ~~of the disease, the~~and duration of the pandemic, ~~and~~as well as actions that would be taken by governmental authorities to contain the pandemic or to treat its impact, makes it difficult to forecast any effects on our ~~results for the remainder of 2020.~~2021 results. However, as of the date of this filing, we expect our results for ~~2020 and potentially~~some portion of 2021 to be significantly affected.

~~Effects~~In addition, the global shipping industry is currently experiencing challenges related to port delays and tight availability for carriers and containers. This situation has negatively impacted our supply chain partners, including third party manufacturers, logistics providers, and other vendors, as well as the supply chains of ~~Inflation~~

~~We do not believe that~~our licensees, and has resulted in increased cost of supply and freight costs. Such higher costs are currently expected to continue for the ~~relatively moderate rates~~remainder of ~~inflation experienced over the past two years in the United States, where we primarily compete, have had a significant effect on revenues or profitability. If there were an adverse change in the rate~~2021 and at least some portion of ~~inflation by less than 10%, the expected effect on net income and cash flows would be immaterial.~~2022.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

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Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to exercise judgment. We exercise considerable judgment with respect to establishing sound accounting policies and in making estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, our recognition of revenues and expenses, and disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the financial statements. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis. We base our estimates and judgments on a variety of factors, including our historical experience, knowledge of our business and industry, and current and expected economic conditions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We periodically re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions with respect to these judgments and modify our approach when circumstances indicate that modifications are necessary. While we believe that the factors we evaluate provide us with a meaningful basis for establishing and applying sound accounting policies, we cannot guarantee that the results will always be accurate. Because the determination of these estimates requires the exercise of judgment, actual results could differ from such estimates.

Please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2019,~~2020, filed with the SEC on April ~~14, 2020,~~23, 2021, for a discussion of our critical accounting policies. During the three and nine months ended September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, there were no material changes to our accounting policies.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

A. EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES:

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of September 30, ~~2020,~~2021, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on, and as of the date of such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, ~~2020 such that~~2021, due to the ~~information required to be~~material weakness described below.

As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC ~~reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to~~on April 23, 2021, our management ~~including~~concluded that our ~~principal executive officer and principal~~internal controls over financial ~~officer, as appropriate,~~reporting were not effective due to ~~allow~~the material weakness set forth below. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely ~~decisions regarding required disclosure.~~basis.

The basis for the conclusion that such internal control was ineffective included the following considerations:

●

the Company was unable to file its Annual Report on Form 10-K within the time specified in SEC rules and forms, due to material subsequent events occurring in the first quarter of 2021, including a significant brand acquisition and a significant debt refinancing transaction, and impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s processes; and

●

the complexities in determining an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2020 related to the carrying value of one of the Company’s trademarks required additional time for a complete analysis.

The Company has hired additional personnel in its finance department to address the material weakness.

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B. CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING:

There have not been any significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, ~~2020~~2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary course of business, from time to time we become involved in legal claims and litigation. In the opinion of management, based on consultations with legal counsel, the disposition of litigation currently pending against us is unlikely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a materially adverse effect on our business, financial position, or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, set forth below are certain factors which could affect our financial condition and operating results. We operate in a highly competitive industry that involves numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could impact our operations. The risks described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2019~~2020 are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our financial condition and/or operating results.

Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Market could result in a delisting of our common stock, which could negatively impact the market price and liquidity of our common stock and our ability to access the capital markets.

On August 6, 2020, we, received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that the minimum bid price per share for our common stock fell below $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Therefore, the Company did not meet the minimum bid price requirement set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

The letter also states that pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rules 5810(c)(3)(A), we will be provided 180 calendar days to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, or until February 2, 2021.

We can regain compliance if, at any time during the Tolling Period or such 180-day period, the closing bid price of our common stock is at least $1.00 for a minimum period of 10 consecutive business days. If by February 2, 2021, we do not regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules, we may be eligible for additional time to regain compliance pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(ii). To qualify, we would need to submit a transfer application and a $5,000 application fee. We would also need to provide written notice to Nasdaq of our intention to cure the minimum bid price deficiency during the second compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. As part of its review process, the Nasdaq staff will make a determination of whether it believes we will be able to cure this deficiency. Should the Nasdaq staff conclude that we will not be able to cure the deficiency, or should we determine not to submit a transfer application or make the required representation, Nasdaq will provide notice that our shares of common stock will be subject to delisting.

If we do not regain compliance within the allotted compliance period, including any extensions that may be granted by Nasdaq, Nasdaq will provide notice that our shares of common stock will be subject to delisting from the Nasdaq Global Select Market. At such time, we may appeal the delisting determination to a hearings panel.

We intend to monitor our common stock closing bid price between now and February 2, 2021, and will consider available options to resolve the Company’s noncompliance with the minimum bid price requirement, as may be necessary. There

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~~can be no assurance that the Company will be able to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement or will otherwise be in compliance with other Nasdaq listing criteria.~~

~~The COVID-19 pandemic is having a material adverse impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition.~~

A pandemic or outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or fear of such an event, could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results, and financial condition. The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused a disruption to our business, beginning in March 2020. The impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic are broad reaching and are having an impact on our licensing and wholesale businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our supply chain as most of our products are manufactured in China, Thailand, and other places around the world affected by this event. Temporary factory closures and the pace of workers returning to work have impacted our contract manufacturers’ ability to source certain raw materials and to produce finished goods in a timely manner. The pandemic is also impacting distribution and logistics providers' ability to operate in the normal course of business. In addition, COVID-19 has resulted in a sudden and continuing decrease in sales for many of our products, resulting in order cancellations. Further, the pandemic has affected the financial health of certain of our customers, and the bankruptcy of certain other customers, including Lord & Taylor and Le Tote, Stein Mart, and Century 21, from which we had an aggregate of $1.21 million of accounts receivable due at September 30, 2020. As a result, we have recognized an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.97 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and may be required to make additional adjustments for doubtful accounts which would increase our operating expenses in future periods and negatively impact our operating results, and could result in our failure to meet financial covenants under our credit facility. Financial impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic include, but are not limited to, lower net sales, adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts due to customer bankruptcy or other inability to pay their amounts due to vendors, the delay of inventory production and fulfillment, potentially further impacting net sales, and potential incremental costs associated with mitigating the effects of the pandemic, including increased freight and logistics costs and other expenses. We expect that the impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have on our operating results could result in our inability to comply with certain debt covenants and require BHI to waive compliance with, or agree to amend, any such covenant to avoid a default. The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and its dynamic nature, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the pandemic, and actions that would be taken by governmental authorities to contain the pandemic or to treat its impact, makes it difficult to forecast any effects on our 2020 results. However, as of the date of this filing, we expect our results for 2020 and potentially 2021 to be significantly affected.

We may not be entitled to forgiveness of our recently received Paycheck Protection Program loan, and our application for the Paycheck Protection Program loan could in the future be determined to have been impermissible or could result in damage to our reputation.

We received an unsecured loan in the amount of $1,805,856 (the “PPP Loan”) pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Loan has a two-year term and bears interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments are deferred for six months after the date of disbursement. The PPP Loan may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. The Promissory Note contains events of default and other provisions customary for a loan of this type. The Paycheck Protection Program provides that the PPP Loan may be partially or wholly forgiven if the funds are used for certain qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of loan proceeds for payment of payroll costs and any payments of mortgage interest, rent, and utilities. However, no assurance is provided that forgiveness for any portion of the PPP Loan will be obtained.

In order to apply for the PPP Loan, we were required to certify, among other things, that the current economic uncertainty made the PPP Loan request necessary to support our ongoing operations. We made this certification in good faith after analyzing, among other things, our financial situation and access to alternative forms of capital, and believe that we satisfied all eligibility criteria for the PPP Loan, and that our receipt of the PPP Loan is consistent with the broad objectives of the PPP of the CARES Act. The certification described above did not contain any objective criteria and is subject to interpretation. However, on April 23, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) issued guidance stating that it is unlikely that a public company with substantial market value and access to capital markets will be able to make the

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required certification in good faith. The lack of clarity regarding loan eligibility under the PPP has resulted in significant media coverage and controversy with respect to public companies applying for and receiving loans. If, despite our good-faith belief that we satisfied all eligible requirements for the PPP Loan, we or any company that we may acquire in the future which received a loan under the PPP, are later determined to have violated any of the laws or governmental regulations that apply to us or such acquiree in connection with the PPP Loan or another loan under the PPP, respectively, such as the False Claims Act, or it is otherwise determined that we or such acquiree were ineligible to receive the PPP Loan or such other loan under the PPP, respectively, we or such acquiree may be subject to penalties, including significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, and could be required to repay the PPP Loan or such other loan under the PPP, respectively, in its entirety. In addition, our receipt of the PPP Loan or any company that we may acquire in the future which received a loan under the PPP may result in adverse publicity and damage to our reputation, and a review or audit by the SBA or other government entity or claims under the False Claims Act could consume significant financial and management resources.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There were no sales of unregistered or registered securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, ~~2020.~~2021.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

~~10.1 Amendment No. 5 to Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement~~

31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification (CEO)

31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification (CFO)

32.1 Section 1350 Certification (CEO)

32.2 Section 1350 Certification (CFO)

101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document

101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: November ~~13, 2020~~15, 2021	By:	/s/ Robert W. D’Loren
		Name: Robert W. D’Loren
		Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

	By:	/s/ James Haran
		Name: James Haran
		Title: Chief Financial Officer and Vice President

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	Xcel Brands, Inc. Stockholders
						Retained
	Common Stock					Earnings
	Number of			Paid-In		(Accumulated		Noncontrolling		Total
	Shares	Amount		Capital		Deficit)		Interest		Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2018	18,138,616	$	18	$	100,097	$	(233)	$	—	$	99,882

Issuance of common stock in connection with the acquisition of Halston Heritage	777,778		1		1,057		—		—		1,058

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock	—		—		347		—		—		347

Net income	—		—		—		127		—		127

Balance as of March 31, 2019	18,916,394		19		101,501		(106)		—		101,414

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock	—		—		135		—		—		135

Shares issued to employees in connection with restricted stock grants	60,000		—		—		—		—		—

Net income	—		—		—		1,852		—		1,852

Balance as of June 30, 2019	18,976,394		19		101,636		1,746		—		103,401

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock	—		—		127		—		—		127

Shares repurchased including vested restricted stock in exchange for withholding taxes	(18,147)		—		(24)		—		—		(24)

Net loss	—		—		—		(95)		—		(95)

Balance as of September 30, 2019	18,958,247	$	19	$	101,739	$	1,651	$	—	$	103,409

Balance as of December 31, 2019	18,866,417	$	19	$	101,736	$	(3,659)	$	356	$	98,452

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock	—		—		91		—		—		91

Shares issued to executive in connection with stock grants for bonus payments	336,700		—		220		—		—		220

Shares repurchased from executive in exchange for withholding taxes	(155,556)		—		(102)		—		—		(102)

Net loss	—		—		—		(805)		(33)		(838)

Balance as of March 31, 2020	19,047,561		19		101,945		(4,464)		323		97,823

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock	—		—		55		—		—		55

Shares issued to employees in connection with stock grants	270,728		—		265		—		—		265

Shares repurchased from employees in exchange for withholding taxes	(87,249)		—		(85)		—		—		(85)

Additional investment in Longaberger Licensing, LLC by non-controlling interest holder	—		—		—		—		300		300

Net loss	—		—		—		(1,300)		(36)		(1,336)

Balance as of June 30, 2020	19,231,040		19		102,180		(5,764)		587		97,022

Compensation expense in connection with stock options and restricted stock	—		—		56		—		—		56

Net loss	—		—		—		(434)		(26)		(460)

Balance as of September 30, 2020	19,231,040	$	19	$	102,236	$	(6,198)	$	561	$	96,618


($ in thousands)
Installment Payment Dates	Amount
December 31, 2020	$	750

March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2021	$	700

March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2022	$	1,125

March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2023	$	1,250