Table of Contents UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, D.C. 20549FORM 10-K(Mark One)ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2018Commission File Number: 001-37527OR¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934XCEL BRANDS, INC.(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)Delaware 76-0307819(State or Other Jurisdiction ofIncorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. EmployerIdentification 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 under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registeredCommon Stock, $0.001 par value per share NASDAQ Global MarketSecurities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:NoneIndicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No ýIndicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No ýIndicate 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 1934 duringthe past 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 thepast 90 days. Yes ý No ¨Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required tobe submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period thatthe registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and willnot be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K orany amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or anemerging 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 xSmaller reporting company x(Do not check if a 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 orrevised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No ýThe aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the commonequity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently computed secondfiscal quarter was $25,540,559 based upon the closing price of such common stock on June 30, 2018.The number of shares of the issuer’s common stock issued and outstanding as of March 20, 2019 was 18,916,394 shares. Documents Incorporated By Reference: None Table of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS PagePART I Item 1Business3Item 1ARisk Factors11Item 2Properties25Item 3Legal Proceedings26Item 4Mine Safety Disclosures26 PART II Item 5Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities27Item 6Selected Financial Data29Item 7Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations29Item 7AQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk43Item 8Financial Statements and Supplementary Data45Item 9Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure82Item 9AControls and Procedures82Item 9BOther Information82 PART III Item 10Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters, Control Persons and Corporate Governance; Compliance with Section 16(a) of theExchange Act83Item 11Executive Compensation90Item 12Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters93Item 13Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence95Item 14Principal Accounting Fees and Services97 PART IV Item 15Exhibits99 Signatures1032 Table of ContentsPART I FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, andSection 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical factcontained in this Annual Report, including statements regarding future events, our future financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives ofmanagement for future operations, are forward-looking statements. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including“anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “appears,” “suggests,” “future,” “likely,” “goal,”“plans,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “should,” “would,” “guidance,” “confident” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparableterminology. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our anticipated revenue, expenses, profitability, strategicplans and capital needs. These statements are based on information available to us on the date hereof and our current expectations, estimates and projectionsand are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors,including, without limitation, the risks outlined under “Risk Factors” or elsewhere in this Annual Report, which may cause our or our industry’s actualresults, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Moreover,we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors,nor can we address the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause our actual results to differmaterially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except asexpressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of newinformation, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason. The "Isaac Mizrahi New York®," “Isaac Mizrahi®," "IsaacMizrahiLIVE®," "Isaac Mizrahi Jeans™," "Isaac Mizrahi CRAFT™," "Judith Ripka LTD™", "JudithRipka Collection™", "Judith Ripka Legacy™", "Judith Ripka®", "Judith Ripka Sterling™", "Halston", "Halston Heritage", "H by Halston®", "H Halston™","Roy Frowick", "C. Wonder ™" and "C. Wonder Limited™" brands and all related logos and other trademarks or service marks of the Company appearing inthis Annual Report are the property of the Company.Item 1. BusinessOverviewXcel Brands, Inc. is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, production, marketing, and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel,footwear, accessories, jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. We have developed aFast-to-Market supply chain capability driven by our proprietary integrated technology platform. Currently, our brand portfolio consists of the Isaac Mizrahibrand (the "Isaac Mizrahi Brand"), the Judith Ripka brand (the "Ripka Brand"), the H by Halston and H Halston brands (collectively, the "H Halston Brands"),the Halston brand, the Halston Heritage brand and Roy Frowick brand (collectively the "Halston Heritage Brands") and the C Wonder brand (the "C WonderBrand").Our vision is intended to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as one. We design, produce, market and distribute products and, in certaincases, license our brands to third parties, and generates licensing fees. We and our licensees distribute through a ubiquitous-channel retail sales strategy,which includes distribution through interactive television, the Internet, and traditional ‘brick-and-mortar retail channels. By leveraging digital and socialmedia content across all distribution channels, we seek to drive consumer engagement and generate retail sales across our brands. Our strong relationshipswith leading retailers and interactive television companies and cable network TV enable us to reach consumers in over 400 million homes worldwide andhundreds of millions of social media followers.Our objective is to build a diversified portfolio of lifestyle consumer brands through organic growth and the strategic acquisition of new brands. To grow ourbrands, we are focused on the following primary strategies:•licensing our brands for distribution through interactive television (i.e. QVC, The Shopping Channel) whereby we design, manage production,merchandise the shows, and manage the on-air talent;•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;•distribution of our brands to retailers that sell to the end consumer (wholesale);•distribution of our brands through our e-commerce site directly to the end consumer;3 Table of Contents•entering into strategic supply agreements directly with overseas factories for distribution to our retail partners and through our own direct-to-consumer e-commerce sites; and•quickly integrate additional brands into our operating platform and leverage our design, production, marketing capabilities, and distributionrelationships.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;•our Fast-to-Market supply chain and integrated technology platform that enables us to design and distribute trend-right product; and•our significant media and internet presence and distributionOur Fast-to-Market platform was developed to shorten the supply chain cycle by utilizing state of the art supply chain management technology, trendanalytics and data science to actively monitor fashion trends and read and react to customer demands.Recent HighlightsIn December 2017, we launched our Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry e-commerce operations, in January 2018 we launched our Judith Ripka Fine Jewelrywholesale operations, and in November 2018, we launched our apparel wholesale operations.In February 2019, we acquired the Halston Heritage Brands. The acquisition of the Halston Heritage Brands gives us an opportunity to focus on the entiretyof the Halston Brand, the various labels, and their design nuances while continuing to preserve the iconic American brand’s legacy.Company History and Corporate InformationThe Company was incorporated on August 31, 1989 in the State of Delaware under the name Houston Operating Company. On April 19, 2005, we changedour name to NetFabric Holdings, Inc. On September 29, 2011, Xcel Brands, Inc., a privately-held Delaware corporation (which we refer to as Old Xcel),Netfabric Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and certain stockholders of the Company entered into anagreement of merger and plan of reorganization pursuant to which Netfabric Acquisition Corp. was merged with and into Old Xcel, with Old Xcel survivingas a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. On September 29, 2011, we changed our name to Xcel Brands, Inc.Our principal office is located at 1333 Broadway, New York, NY 10018. Our telephone number is (347) 727-2474. Additionally, we maintain websites for ourrespective brands and an e-commerce site for our Judith Ripka brand at www.isaacmizrahi.com, www.judithripka.com, and www.cwonder.com. Our corporatewebsite is www.xcelbrands.com.Our Brand PortfolioCurrently, our brand portfolio consists of the Isaac Mizrahi Brand, the Judith Ripka Brand, the H Halston Brand, the Halston Heritage Brand and the CWonder Brand, and the various labels under these brands.Isaac MizrahiIsaac Mizrahi is an iconic American brand that stands for timeless, cosmopolitan style. Isaac Mizrahi, the designer, launched his eponymous label in 1987 tocritical acclaim, including four Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards. Since then, this brand has become known and beloved around theworld for its colorful and stylish designs. As a true lifestyle brand, under Xcel’s ownership it has expanded into over 150 different product categoriesincluding sportswear, footwear, handbags, watches, eyewear, tech accessories, home, and other merchandise. Under our ubiquitous-channel retail salesstrategy, the brand is available across various distribution channels to reach customers wherever they shop: better department stores, such as Lord & Taylorand Hudson’s Bay; interactive television, including QVC and The Shopping Channel; and national specialty retailers. The brand is also sold in variousglobal locations, including Canada, and the United Kingdom. We acquired the IsaacMizrahi brand in September 2011.Judith RipkaJudith Ripka is a luxury jewelry brand founded by Judith Ripka in 1977. This brand has become known worldwide for its distinctive designs featuringintricate metalwork, vibrant colors, and distinctive use of texture. The Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry collection consists of pieces in 18 karat gold and sterlingsilver with precious colored jewels and diamonds, and is currently available in fine jewelry stores, luxury retailers, and via e-commerce. A line of luxurywatches was introduced in 2015. As Chief Designer, Ms. Ripka also launched an innovative collection of fine jewelry on QVC under the Judith Ripka Brandin 1996, where she offers4 Table of Contentscustomers fine jewelry, watches, and accessories at more accessible price points, including precious and semi-precious stones and multi-faceted diamoniquestones made exclusively for the brand. In December 2017, we launched our Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry e-commerce operations and in January 2018, welaunched the Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry wholesale operations.HalstonSince our acquisition of the Halston Heritage Brands on February 11, 2019, we own all Halston labels under our brands. The Halston brand was founded byRoy Halston Frowick in the 1960s, and quickly became one of the most important American fashion brands in the world, becoming synonymous withglamour, sophistication, and femininity. Halston’s groundbreaking designs and visionary style still influence designers around the world today. We acquiredthe H Halston brands in December 2014 from HIP. We launched the H by Halston brand on QVC in September 2015, which is available exclusively throughinteractive television channels. In April 2016 we launched the H Halston brand lifestyle collection certain better department stores. Halston Heritage isdistributed in premium retailers.C WonderThe C Wonder brand was founded by J. Christopher Burch in 2011 to offer a wide-ranging assortment of beautiful, versatile, and spirited products that aredesigned to transport its customers to a place they have never been. C Wonder offers women’s clothing, footwear, jewelry and accessories, and delightfulsurprises at every turn. We acquired the C Wonder Brand in July 2015, and launched the brand on QVC in March 2016. During the first quarter of 2017, wereached an agreement with QVC to enable us to transition the brand to a broader base of retailers, including department stores.Growth StrategyOur vision is intended to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as one. To fulfill this vision, we plan to continue to grow the reach of ourbrand portfolio by leveraging our own internal design, production, integrated technology platforms and marketing expertise, and our relationships with ourretail and direct-to-consumer customers, key licensees, manufacturers and retailers. We also continue to market our brands through our innovativeubiquitous-channel retail sales strategy. Our strategy includes distribution through interactive television, e-commerce, and traditional brick-and-mortar retailchannels. By leveraging the reach and consumer engagement of our media partners, and by developing rich online video and social media content under ourbrands, our strategy is to drive increased customer engagement and generate sales across our channels of distribution. Key elements of our strategy include:•Expand and Leverage Fast-to-Market Production Platform. In 2015, we developed a Fast-to-Market production platform designed to deliver shortlead production capabilities to our retail customers, helping drive traffic and enable retailers to respond quickly to customer demand - a read-and-reactmodel. Our Fast-to-Market production platform shortens the supply chain cycle by utilizing state of the art product lifecycle management systems(“PLM”), proprietary merchandising strategies, 3D design, trend analytics, data science and consumer insight testing to actively monitor fashiontrends, while leveraging our experience and know-how to quickly design, test, market, produce, and source high-quality goods. We launched womens’sportswear collections under several of our brands in the department store channel through our Fast-to-Market production platform in 2016 and 2017through a license, and in November 2018 we transitioned the license to a wholesale business model. Given some of the challenges facing thedepartment store industry today, including declining customer traffic, aggressive mark-down cadence, and inability to respond quickly to customerdemands, we developed this Fast-to-Market production platform to address these challenges and deliver a 360-degree solution to our retail partners,including design, marketing, production, and sourcing services. We intend to leverage the platform across additional brands and retailers, and believethat it provides us with a value-added service that differentiates us from our competitors and competing brands.•Continue to Develop our Integrated Technologies Platform. We are developing and investing in integrated technologies including PLM and ERPsystems, 3D design, trend analytics, data science, and consumer insight testing as a refinement of our Fast-to-Market production platform in order todesign and plan our apparel collections more efficiently and intelligently. Driven by short-lead marketing, such as social media and new direct-to-consumer business models, consumers now expect more from apparel brands and retailers, and we believe that the solution is to deliver to the customerwhat they want, when they want it, at a price that they can confirm is fair. Advances in 3D design technologies and software allow us to design moreefficiently, seamlessly communicate technical aspects of designs with our manufacturing partners, and produce better fitting, more consistent products.Additionally, photo-realistic images generated by the current generation of 3D design software can be used to perform consumer insight testing onproducts, to determine demand and plan quantities for production even before a sample is made. Trend analytics including advanced algorithmsfocused on internet searches, social media, and inventory trends provide a forward-looking view of consumer design preferences and allow us to designinto trends early-on, while data analytics will allow us to review performance and respond quickly in our read-and-react Fast-to-Market model. We willalso seek to utilize machine learning and artificial intelligence to automate at least a portion of these functions.5 Table of ContentsWe believe that our investment into these technologies position us to provide unique and advanced solutions to retailers in the current and rapidlychanging environment. Importantly, we believe that it will help us continue to grow our business across our brands and in private label production,and the integrated technologies platform itself should develop more significant value as we continue to build and develop it.•Expand Other Retail Partnerships. We have entered into promotional collaborations and/or marketing agreements with large global companies suchas Hewlett Packard, Revlon, Johnson & Johnson, and Kleenex, and have developed exclusive programs through certain licensees for specialty retailerssuch as Best Buy and Bed Bath & Beyond. We plan to continue to develop strategic relationships under our brands that can leverage our media reachthrough interactive television and social media to drive traffic and sales for our brands and retail partners and enhance the visibility of our brands.•Expand Wholesale License Relationships. We have entered into numerous license agreements for various product categories under our brands. Withthe launch of our Fast-to-Market production platform in 2016, we have expanded the presence of our brands at department stores and subsequentlylaunched additional categories in the department store channel, including footwear, handbags, dresses, costume jewelry, and sunglasses. We continueto seek opportunities to expand the businesses of our licensees, as well as entering into licenses for new categories under each of our brands where thecategory is authentic to the brand, for both our existing brands as well as brands that we may acquire and/or develop in the future.•Expand Internationally. In 2015, we expanded the Mizrahi Brand into Italy and France successfully on QVC and launched the H by Halston brand onQVC in the United Kingdom. In 2016, we expanded the Mizrahi Brand into the United Kingdom and the H by Halston brand into Italy and France onQVC. Halston Heritage is distributed through brick-and-mortar retail in Mexico and Canada. We plan to continue to expand our brands internationallyand to license to certain international licensing partners the right to distribute products under our brands through department stores and other retailersin such international markets.•Deliver Quality Product Offerings. We employ a professional team to provide best in class design, production and distribution to ensure that ourproducts adhere to stringent quality standards and design specifications that we have developed. We intend to continue to invest in our design andmarketing capabilities in order to differentiate our services to our customers and licensees and our brands in the marketplace.•Acquire, Develop or Partner with Brands. We plan to continue to pursue the acquisition and/or development of additional brands or the rights tobrands which we believe are synergistic and complementary to our overall strategy. Our brand acquisition and development strategy are focused ondynamic brands that we believe:•are synergistic to our existing portfolio of brands;•are strategic to our growth in a channel of distribution; and•are expected to be accretive to our earnings.Licensing Design, Production and MarketingInteractive TVQVC is an important strategic partner in our interactive television business and is our largest licensee for each of our Mizrahi, Ripka and Halston brands.QVC’s business model is to promote and sell products through its interactive television programs and related e-commerce and mobile platforms. We employand manage on-air spokespersons under each of these brands in order to promote products under our brands on QVC. According to QVC, QVC (includingHSN) had global revenues of approximately $11.3 billion in 2018, of which e-commerce sales represented approximately $5.8 billion, and QVC’sprogramming currently reaches approximately 360 million homes worldwide. QVC was ranked as the number three mobile retailer in the U.S. according tothe 2017 Internet Retailer Mobile 500, and as number four among multi-category retailers in North America, according to the 2016 Internet Retailer Top 500.Our agreements with QVC allow our on-air spokespersons to promote our non-QVC product lines and strategic partnerships under the Mizrahi, Ripka, andHalston Brands through QVC’s programs, subject to certain parameters including the payment of a portion of our non-QVC revenues to QVC. We believe thatour ability to continue to leverage QVC’s media platform, reach, and attractive customer base to cross-promote products in and drive traffic to our otherchannels of distribution provides us a unique advantage.In addition to full design services and marketing support, we also provide production to QVC. This business model allows us to focus on our corecompetencies of design, production, marketing, and brand management without much of the risk and investment requirements in inventory associated withtraditional consumer product companies. The Mizrahi Brand is licensed through our wholly owned subsidiary, IM Brands, LLC (“IM Brands”), the RipkaBrand is licensed through our wholly owned subsidiary, JR Licensing, LLC (“JR Licensing”) and the Halston Brand is licensed through our wholly ownedsubsidiaries, H Licensing, LLC (“H Licensing”) and H Heritage Licensing, LLC ("H Heritage Licensing"),QVC AgreementsThrough our wholly owned subsidiaries, we have entered into direct-to-retail license agreements with QVC, pursuant to which we design, and QVC sourcesand sells, various products under our IsaacMizrahiLIVE brand, the Judith Ripka brands, the H by6 Table of ContentsHalston brand, and the C Wonder brand. These agreements include, respectively, the QVC Agreement for the Mizrahi Brand (the "IM QVC Agreement"), theQVC Agreement for the Ripka Brand (the "Ripka QVC Agreement"), and the QVC Agreement for the H Halston Brand (the H Halston QVC Agreement"),(collectively, the “QVC Agreements”). QVC owns the rights to all designs produced under the QVC Agreements, and the QVC Agreements include the sale ofproducts across various categories through QVC’s television media and related internet sites.Pursuant to these agreements, we have granted to QVC and its affiliates the exclusive, worldwide right to promote our branded products, and the right to useand publish the related trademarks, service marks, copyrights, designs, logos, and other intellectual property rights owned, used, licensed and/or developedby us, for varying terms as set forth below. The Agreements include automatic renewal periods as detailed below unless terminated by either party.Agreement Current Term Expiry Automatic Renewal Xcel Commenced Brandwith QVC QVC Product LaunchIM QVC Agreement September 30, 2020 one-year period September 2011 2010Ripka QVCAgreement March 31, 2020 one-year period April 2014 1999H QVC Agreement December 31, 2020 one-year period January 2015 September 2015In connection with the foregoing and during the same periods, QVC and its subsidiaries have the exclusive, worldwide right to use the names, likenesses,images, voices, and performances of our spokespersons to promote the respective products. Under the IM QVC Agreement, IM Brands has also granted toQVC and its affiliates, during the same period, exclusive, worldwide rights to promote third party vendor co-branded products that, in addition to bearing andbeing marketed in connection with the trademarks and logos of such third-party vendors, also bear or are marketed in connection with the IsaacMizrahiLIVEtrademark and related logo.Under the QVC Agreements, QVC is obligated to make payments to us on a quarterly basis, based upon the net retail sales of the specified branded products.Net retail sales are defined as the aggregate amount of all revenue generated through the sale of the specified branded products by QVC and its subsidiariesunder the QVC Agreements, excluding freight, shipping and handling charges, customer returns, and sales, use, or other taxes.Notwithstanding our grant of worldwide promotion rights to QVC, we may, with the permission of QVC, sell the respective branded products (i) to better orprestige retailers, but excluding discount divisions of such companies and mass merchants, (ii) via specifically branded brick-and-mortar retail stores, and (iii)via company websites, in exchange for making reverse royalty payments to QVC based on the net retail sales of such products through such channels.Also, under the QVC Agreements, we will pay a royalty participation fee to QVC on revenue earned from the sale, license, consignment, or any other form ofdistribution of any products, bearing, marketed in connection with or otherwise associated with the specified trademarks and brands.Under the QVC Agreements, we are restricted from selling products under the specified respective brands or trademarks (including the trademarks, copyrights,designs, logos, and related intellectual property themselves) to mass merchants. The QVC Agreements generally prohibit us from selling products under thespecified respective brands or any of our other trademarks and brands to a direct competitor of QVC (generally defined as any entity other than QVC whoseprimary means of deriving revenue is the transmission of interactive television programs). In addition, during the terms of the IM QVC Agreement, and theRipka QVC Agreement, and for one year thereafter, the respective subsidiary may not, without QVC’s consent, promote, advertise, endorse or sell (i) thespecified branded products through any means or (ii) any products through interactive television. During the term of the H QVC Agreement, and for one yearthereafter, H Licensing may not, without QVC’s consent, promote, advertise, endorse or sell any products, including the H by Halston Brands, throughinteractive television.In addition to the foregoing, certain of the QVC Agreements permit us to promote brick-and-mortar collections on QVC’s television program subject tocertain terms and restrictions.While sales under the QVC Agreements have been generated primarily in the United States, we are in the process of expanding internationally. Wecommenced sales of our IsaacMizrahiLIVE brand through QVC in the United Kingdom in May 2014 and launched the brand through QVC in Italy in August2015, France in September 2015, and Germany in November 2015. We began selling the Ripka Brand through QVC in Japan in May 2015. The H by Halstonbrand was launched on QVC in the United Kingdom7 Table of Contentsin November 2015, Italy in August 2016, France in September 2016, and Germany in October 2016. We plan to continue to expand our brandsinternationally through QVC where QVC has or develops an international presence.In addition, the Company also received fees from QVC related to the management and design of the LCNY brand pursuant to an agreement with Kate SpadeCompany (“KSC”), formerly Fifth & Pacific Companies, Inc. and formerly Liz Claiborne, Inc. (the “LCNY Agreement”). The LCNY Agreement expired July31, 2016.For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, net revenue from the QVC Agreements collectively accounted for 72% and 81%, respectively, of the totalrevenues of the Company.H Halston Licensing AgreementOn December 22, 2014, H Licensing and HIP, entered into a trademark license agreement (the “HIP License Agreement”), whereby H Licensing granted toHIP a non-assignable exclusive sublicense to use the H Halston trademark in association with the manufacture, distribution, promotion, advertising, and saleof products bearing the H Halston trademark and any related services thereto in all channels of distribution, excluding interactive television and its related e-commerce and digital distribution, and excluding certain mass retailers. HIP was required to pay royalties to H Licensing during the term, with a minimumguaranteed royalty of $600,000 per year during the initial term for 2016 through 2024 and $1,200,000 for any year thereafter. Benjamin Malka, a director ofour Company, is the chief executive officer and a 25% equity holder of House of Halston, LLC, the parent company of HIP.On September 1, 2015, we entered into a license agreement with Lord & Taylor, LLC (the “L&T License”) and simultaneously amended the HIP LicenseAgreement eliminating HIP’s minimum guaranteed royalty obligations, provided the L&T License is in effect. In addition, we entered into a sublicenseagreement with HIP (the “HIP Sublicense Agreement”), obligating us to pay HIP on an annual basis the greater of (i) 50% of royalties received under the L&TLicense from H Halston products or (ii) guaranteed minimum royalties. Provided that Lord & Taylor is paying us at least $1,000,000 per quarter under theL&T License, the remaining contractually guaranteed minimum royalties are equal to $0.75 million, $0.75 million, $1.5 million, and $1.75 million for thetwelve months ending January 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively.On December 12, 2016, we entered into another license agreement for the H Halston brand with Dillard’s Inc. and affiliates (the “Dillard’s License”, andtogether with the L&T License, the “DRT Licenses”).Through October 26, 2018, the Company and Halston Operating Company, LLC ("HOC"), a subsidiary of House of Halston ("HOH"), operated under an at-will license on the terms set forth below in lieu of the terms of the HIP License agreement and HIP sublicense agreement:•The HIP Trademark Usage and Royalty Participation Agreement, had an initial term that expired on December 31, 2020 unless sooner terminated orrenewed, and required that we pay to HIP: (i) 50% of the excess H Halston Royalty paid to us under the DRT Licenses and any other third partylicenses that we may enter into; (ii) 25% of the excess developed brand royalty paid to us for the Highline Collective Brand under the DRT Licenses,and 20% of the excess developed brand royalty paid to us for any subsequent developed brand under the DRT Licenses, and (iii) 10% of the excessprivate label brand royalty paid to us under the DRT Licenses and during the first term only of the DRT Licenses. Additionally, we have the right, butnot the obligation, at any time after January 31, 2023, to terminate the obligations under points (ii) and (iii) above by paying to HIP an amount equalto four times the sum of the developed brand credits and private label credits for the contract year ending on January 31, 2023 (the "Buy OutPayment''). The Buy-Out Payment was payable by us and at our sole discretion either (a) in cash, or (b) in a number of common shares of Xcelcalculated based on the amount of the Buy-Out Payment divided by the average closing price for common shares of Xcel on a national exchange forthe preceding five trading days, subject to a minimum price for common shares of Xcel of $7.00 per common share.•A license and supply agreement with the Halston Operating Company, LLC (“HOC”), a subsidiary of HOH, with an initial term ending on January 31,2022, subject to renewal. Under the HOC at-will license and supply agreement, HOC shall provide licensed products for sale to pre-approved retailers,including Hudson Bay Company ("HBC") and Dillard’s, and shall also be responsible for overseeing the visual merchandising and in-store retailenvironments for such approved retailers, and was responsible for training and oversight of any retail staff responsible for selling the licensed productswithin HBC and Dillard’s, as reasonably agreed upon between HOC and HBC and Dillard’s. The HOC at-will license and supply agreement providedfor, among other things, design fees of $1.2 million for the period from July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, subsequent design fees of $2.4million for the contractual yearly periods ending on January 31, 2019, and on December 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and sales-basedroyalties on the categories of products licensed under the agreement and the contractual year of payment.Effective October 26, 2018, we terminated the HIP License Agreement and the HIP Sublicense Agreement. In addition, the at-will license was terminated andis no longer in effect.8 Table of ContentsOther Licensing AgreementsWe have entered into numerous other licensing agreements for sales and distribution through e-commerce and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.Authorized distribution channels include department stores such as Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue, off-priceretailers such as Neiman’s Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth, and TJX (including TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Home Goods), and national specialtyretailers such as Best Buy and Bed Bath & Beyond. Under our other licenses, a supplier is granted rights, typically on an exclusive basis, to a single or smallgroup of related product categories for sale to multiple accounts within an approved channel of distribution and territory. Our other license agreementstypically provide the licensee with the exclusive rights for a certain product category in a specified territory and/or distribution channel under a specificbrand or brands. Our other license agreements cover various categories, including but not limited to women’s apparel, footwear, and accessories; bath andbody; jewelry; home products; men’s apparel and accessories; children’s and infant apparel, footwear, and accessories; and electronics cases and accessories.The terms of the agreements generally range from three to six years with renewal options.We are in discussions with other potential licensees and strategic partners to license and/or co-brand the Mizrahi brand, Ripka brand, Halston brand, and CWonder brand for additional categories. In certain cases, we have engaged licensing agents to assist in the procurement of such licenses for which we or ourlicensees pay such agents’ fees based upon a percentage of the net sales of licensed products by such licensees, or a percentage of the royalty payments thatwe receive from such licensees. While many of the new and proposed licensing agreements will likely require us to provide seasonal design services, most ofour new and prospective licensing partners have their own design staff, and we therefore expect low incremental overhead costs related to expanding ourlicensing business. We will endeavor, where possible, to require licensees to provide guaranteed minimum royalties under their license agreements.Our licensees currently sell our branded licensed products through brick-and-mortar retailers, e-commerce, and in certain cases supply products to interactivetelevision companies for sale through their television programs and/or through their internet websites. We generally recognize revenues from our otherlicenses based on a percentage of the sales of products under our brands, but excluding (i) sales of products to interactive television networks, where wereceive a retail royalty directly from the interactive television licensee, and (ii) sales of products to e-commerce sites operated by us. Additionally, basedupon guaranteed minimum royalty provisions required under many of the license agreements, we are able to recognize revenue related to certain otherlicenses based on the greater of the sales-based royalty or the guaranteed minimum royalty.Wholesale and e-CommerceIn December 2017, we launched our Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry e-commerce business and in January 2018 we launched Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry wholesaleoperations. In November 2018 we launched our apparel wholesale business. Our strategy is to complement our interactive television and licensing businesswith a wholesale and direct-to-consumer business model by leveraging our design, merchandising, sourcing and production capabilities. Our goal is to growour brands organically in multiple distribution channels and provide a platform that could enable us to acquire brands or develop private label brands for ourretail partners.Design and Promotional ServicesWe provide design and other services to certain of our licensees and, in some cases, for private label programs for certain of our retail partners. In particular,we provide all design services to QVC for products sold under the IM QVC Agreement, Ripka QVC Agreement and H QVC Agreement. This includesseasonal design guidance, product development and merchandising, product design and sample review and approvals through our in-house designorganization. Additionally, the Company provides limited design services under wholesale licenses which may include seasonal design guidance (such asstyle guides) and/or print and pattern development, for which certain of our licensees pay us fixed fees for such services as determined in their agreements. Ingeneral, the design of products under our wholesale licenses is expected to be completed by the licensees at our direction.In certain cases, the Company provides promotional services and collaborations with other brands or companies, which may include the use of our brands forthe promotion of such company or brands through the internet, television, or other digital content, print media or other marketing campaigns featuring, in-person appearances by our celebrity spokespersons, the development of limited collections of products (which may include co-branded products) for suchcompany, or other services as determined on a case-by-case basis. These include promotions with Hewlett Packard, Revlon, Johnson & Johnson, and Kleenex.We also provide certain technology services to our retail partners and certain of our licensees under our proprietary integrated technology platform.Marketing9 Table of ContentsMarketing is a critical element to maximize brand value to our licensees and our Company. Therefore, we provide social media marketing and othermarketing and public relations support for our brands.Given our ubiquitous-channel retail sales strategy focusing on the sale of branded products through various distribution channels (including e-commerce,interactive television, and traditional brick-and-mortar sales channels), our marketing efforts currently focus on PR and fashion editorial, social mediacampaigns, personal appearances, and digital content in order to drive retail sales of product and consumer awareness across our various sales distributionchannels. We seek to create the intersection where shopping, entertainment, and social meet. As such, our marketing is currently conducted primarily throughsocial media, blogs, videos, images, and other digital content that are all updated regularly. Our efforts also include promoting namesakes of our brands andour personalities through various media including television (such as Project Runway All-Stars), design for performances, and other events. We also workwith our retail partners to leverage their marketing resources, including e-commerce platforms and related digital marketing campaigns, social mediaplatforms, direct mail pieces, and public relations efforts.Our agreements with QVC allow our brand spokespersons to promote our non-QVC product lines and strategic partnerships under our brands through QVC’sprograms, subject to certain parameters including the payment of a portion of our non-QVC revenues to QVC. We believe that this provides us with theability to leverage QVC’s media platform (including television, e-commerce, and social media) and QVC’s customer base of approximately 400 millionhouseholds worldwide to cross-promote products in and drive traffic to our other channels of distribution. Many of our licensees make advertising andmarketing contributions to the Company under their license agreements which are used to fund marketing-related expenses and further promote our brands aswe deem appropriate. Certain of the wholesale licenses contain requirements to provide advertising or marketing for our brands under their respective licenseagreements.We also market the Mizrahi brand through www.isaacmizrahi.com, Halston Brand through www.halston.com, the Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry brand throughwww.judithripka.com and C Wonder brand through www.cwonder.com. Through our websites, we are able to present the products under our brands tocustomers with branding that reflects each brand’s heritage and unique point-of-view.Our Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry brand e-commerce business growth is dependent on driving traffic to our website and converting our visitors into customers.Our strategy to focus on new customer acquisition has started to show results in 2018. This increase in our core customer base is fueling our rapid growth.CompetitionEach of our current brands has and any future acquired brand will likely have many competitors within each of its specific distribution channels that span abroad variety of product categories, including the apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home furnishings and décor, food products, and sporting goodsindustries. These competitors have the ability to compete with the Company and our licensees in terms of fashion, quality, price, products, and/or marketing,and ultimately retail floor space and consumer spending.Because many of our competitors have significantly greater cash, revenues, and resources than we do, we must work to differentiate ourselves from our directand indirect competitors to successfully compete for market share with the brands we own and for future acquisitions. We believe that the following factorshelp differentiate our Company in an increasingly crowded competitive landscape:•our management team, including our officers’ and directors’ historical track records and relationships within the industry;•our brand management platform, which has a strong focus on design, product and marketing; and•our operating strategies of wholesales and direct-to consumer sales and licensing brands with significant media presence and driving sales through ourubiquitous-channel retail sales strategy across interactive television, brick-and-mortar, and e-commerce distribution channels.We expect our and our existing and future licenses to relate to products in the apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home goods, and other consumerproducts industries, in which our licensees face intense competition, including from our other brands and licensees. In general, competitive factors includequality, price, style, name recognition, and service. In addition, various fashion trends and the limited availability of shelf space could affect competition forour licensees’ products. Many of our licensees’ competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing, and other resources than our licensees and haveachieved significant name recognition for their brand names. Our licensees may be unable to successfully compete in the markets for their products, and wemay not be able to continue to compete successfully with respect to our licensing arrangements.Trademarks10 Table of ContentsThe Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and exploits the Mizrahi brands, which include the trademarks and brands Isaac Mizrahi, Isaac Mizrahi NewYork, IMNYC Isaac Mizrahi, and IsaacMizrahiLIVE; the Ripka brands, which include the trademarks and brands Judith Ripka LTD, Judith Ripka Collection,Judith Ripka Legacy, Judith Ripka, and Judith Ripka Sterling; all Halston- brands and trademarks, namely, Halston, Halston Heritage, Roy Frowick, H byHalston and H Halston; the C Wonder brands, which include the trademarks and brands C Wonder and C Wonder Limited; and the Highline Collective brand.Where laws limit our ability to record in our name trademarks that we have purchased, we have obtained by way of license all necessary rights to operate ourbusiness. Certain of these trademarks and associated marks are registered or pending registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in block letterand/or logo formats, as well as in combination with a variety of ancillary designs for use in connection with a variety of product categories, such as apparel,footwear and various other goods and services including, in some cases, home furnishings and decor. The Company intends to renew and maintainregistrations as appropriate prior to expiration and it makes efforts to diligently prosecute all pending applications consistent with the Company’s businessgoals. In addition, the Company registers its trademarks in certain other countries and regions around the world as it deems appropriate.The Company and its licensees do not presently earn a material amount of revenue from either the licensing of our trademarks internationally or the sale ofproducts under our trademarks internationally. However, the Company has registered its trademarks in certain territories where it expects that it may dobusiness in the foreseeable future. If the Company or a licensee intends to make use of the trademarks in international territories, the Company will seek toregister its trademarks in such international territories as it deems appropriate based upon factors including the revenue potential, prospective market andtrademark laws in such territory or territories.Generally, the Company is primarily responsible for monitoring and protecting its trademarks around the world. The Company seeks to require its licensingpartners to advise the Company of any violations of its trademark rights of which its licensing partners become aware and relies primarily upon acombination of federal, state, and local laws, as well as contractual restrictions to protect its intellectual property rights both domestically andinternationally.EmployeesAs of December 31, 2018, we had 81 full-time employees and 9 part-time employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union.Government RegulationWe are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting our business, including those promulgated under the Occupational Safety and HealthAct, the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Textile Fiber Product Identification Act, the rules and regulations of the ConsumerProduct Safety Commission, and various environmental laws and regulations. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with allapplicable governmental regulations.Item 1A. Risk FactorsIn addition to the other information contained herein or incorporated herein by reference, the risks and uncertainties and other factors described below couldhave a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and share price and could also cause our future business, financialcondition and results of operations to differ materially from the results contemplated by any forward-looking statement we may make herein, in any otherdocument we file with the SEC, or in any press release or other written or oral statement we may make. Please also see “Forward-Looking Statements” on page3 for additional information regarding Forward-Looking Statements.Risks Related to Our BusinessWe have a limited amount of cash to grow our operations. If we cannot obtain additional sources of cash, our growth prospects and future profitabilitymay be materially adversely affected, and we may not be able to implement our business plan. Such additional financing may not be available onsatisfactory terms or it may not be available when needed, or at all.As of December 31, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $8.8 million. Although we believe that our existing cash and our anticipatedcash flow from operations will be sufficient to sustain our operations at our current expense levels for at least 12 months subsequent to the date of the filing ofthis Annual Report on Form 10-K, we may require significant additional cash to satisfy our working capital requirements, expand our operations or acquireadditional brands, although historically we have funded acquisitions with debt and equity financing. Our inability to finance our growth, either internallythrough our operations11 Table of Contentsor externally, may limit our growth potential and our ability to execute our business strategy successfully. If we issue securities to raise capital to financeoperations and/or pay down or restructure our debt, our existing stockholders may experience dilution. In addition, the new securities may have rights seniorto those of our common stock. We have a limited operating history with our more recently acquired brands.We have acquired and launched all of our brands other than the Mizrahi brands over the last five years, including our February 2019 acquisition of theHalston brands. Since we only recently acquired these brands, we have limited experience operating and managing these brands. Operating and managingthese brands and/or any future brands that we may acquire may require the expenditure of a significant amount of our time and resources and couldnegatively impact our results of operations. Our significant debt obligations could impair our liquidity and financial condition, and in the event we are unable to meet our debt obligations, we couldlose ownership of our trademarks and/or other assets. On February 12, 2019, we amended and restated our senior secured credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M., pursuant to which we extended the term of theexisting term loan and entered into an additional term loan, which had an outstanding principal balance of $15.5 million as of December 31, 2018 under thecredit facility. We have an outstanding balance of $22.0 million as of March 28, 2019 under the credit facility. In addition, we had previously issued to IMReady-Made, LLC (“IM Ready”) a promissory note in connection with our acquisition of the Mizrahi business, which we refer to as the IM Seller Note, whichhad an outstanding balance of $742,000 as of December 31, 2018. Furthermore, we issued to Ripka non-interest bearing promissory notes in connection withour acquisition of the Ripka brands, which we refer to as the Ripka Seller Notes, of which 0.6 million of the principal amount remained outstanding as ofDecember 31, 2018. We also have contingent obligations associated with the acquisitions of the Ripka brands and the C Wonder Brand, for which we haverecorded $0.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively, as contingent obligations on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. The Ripka SellerNotes and the contingent obligation related to the C Wonder Brand may be payable in cash or common stock at our discretion. Additionally, in connectionwith the acquisition of the Halston brands in February 2019, we incurred a contingent payment obligation of up to $6.0 million, which we will record the fairvalue on our March 31, 2019 financial statements. We may also assume or incur additional debt, including secured debt, in the future in connection with, orto fund, future acquisitions or for other operating needs. Our debt obligations:•could impair our liquidity;•could make it more difficult for us to satisfy our other obligations;•are secured by substantially all of our assets;•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to payments on our debt obligations, which reduces the availability of our cash flow tofund working capital, capital expenditures and other corporate requirements;•could impede us from obtaining additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporatepurposes;•impose restrictions on us with respect to the use of our available cash, including in connection with future transactions;•could limit our ability to execute on our acquisition strategy; and•make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in our business prospects and could limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in oursales and licensing channels. In the event that we fail in the future to make any required payment under the agreements governing our indebtedness or if we fail to comply with thefinancial and operating covenants contained in those agreements, we would be in default with respect to that indebtedness and the lenders could declare suchindebtedness to be immediately due and payable. Our credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M has been amended in the past to eliminate or change theminimum EBITDA requirement for specified periods. There can be no assurance that Bank Hapoalim B.M. will amend the credit facility in the future to adjustor eliminate covenants or waive our non-compliance or breach of a financial or other covenant in the future. Termination of any of the QVC Agreementswould also result in a default under our credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M. A debt default could significantly diminish the market value andmarketability of our common stock and could result in the acceleration of the payment obligations under all or a portion of our indebtedness, or arenegotiation of our credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M. with more onerous terms and/or additional equity dilution. Since substantially all of our debtobligations are secured by our assets, upon a default, our lenders may be able to foreclose on our assets. A substantial portion of our licensing revenue is concentrated with a limited number of licensees such that the loss of any of such licensees could decreaseour revenue and impair our cash flows. 12 Table of ContentsA substantial portion of our revenues has been paid by QVC, through the QVC Agreements. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, QVCaccounted for approximately 72% and 81%, respectively, of our total revenue. Because we are dependent on these agreements with QVC for a significantportion of our revenues, if QVC were to have financial difficulties, or if QVC decides not to renew or extend its existing agreements with us, our revenue andcash flows could be reduced substantially. Our cash flow would also be significantly impacted if there were significant delays in our collection of receivablesfrom QVC. Additionally, we have limited control over the programming that QVC devotes to our brands or its promotional sales with our brands (such as“Today’s Special Value” sales). QVC has reduced the programming time it devotes to jewelry and, accordingly, also to our Ripka brand, and if QVC furtherreduces or modifies its programming or promotional sales related to our brands, our revenues and cash flows could be reduced substantially. In order toincrease sales of a brand through QVC, we generally require additional television programming time dedicated to the brand by QVC. QVC is not required todevote any minimum amount of programming time for any of our brands. While our business with QVC has grown since the IsaacMizrahiLIVE brand was launched through December 31, 2017, our 2018 QVC revenues were flat to2017, and there is no guarantee that our QVC revenues will grow in the future or that they will not decline. Additionally, there can be no assurance that ourother licensees will be able to generate sales of products under our brands or grow their existing sales of products under our brands, and if they do generatesales, there is no guarantee that they will not cause a decline in sales of products being sold through QVC. Our agreements with QVC restrict us from selling products under our brands with certain retailers, or branded products we sell on QVC to any otherretailer except certain interactive television channels in other territories approved by QVC, and provides QVC with a right to terminate the respectiveagreement if we breach these provisions. Although most of our licenses and our QVC Agreements prohibit the sale of products under our brands to retailers who are restricted by QVC, and our licenseagreements with other interactive television companies prohibit such licensees from selling products to retailers restricted by QVC under the brands we sellon QVC outside of certain approved territories, one or more of our licensees could sell to a restricted retailer or territory, putting us in breach of ouragreements with QVC and exposing us to potential termination by QVC. A breach of any of these agreements could also result in QVC seeking monetarydamages, seeking an injunction against us and our other licensees, reducing the programming time allocated to our brands, and/or terminating the respectiveagreement, which could have a material adverse effect on our net income and cash flows. Termination of any one of our agreements with QVC would result ina default under our credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M. and would also enable Bank Hapoalim B.M. to foreclose on our assets, including ourmembership interests in our subsidiaries, which combined currently hold all of our trademarks and other intangible assets. We are dependent upon the promotional services of Isaac Mizrahi as they relate to the Mizrahi brands. If we lose the services of Isaac Mizrahi, we may not be able to fully comply with the terms of our agreement with QVC, and it may result in significantreductions in the value of the Mizrahi brands and our prospects, revenues, and cash flows. Isaac Mizrahi is a key individual in our continued promotion of theMizrahi brands and the principal salesperson of the Mizrahi brands on QVC. Failure of Isaac Mizrahi to provide services to QVC could result in a terminationof the IM QVC Agreement, which could trigger an event of default under our credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M. Although we have entered into anemployment agreement with Mr. Mizrahi and he is a significant stockholder of Xcel, there is no guarantee that we will not lose his services. To the extent thatany of Mr. Mizrahi’s services become unavailable to us, we will likely need to find a replacement for Mr. Mizrahi to promote the Mizrahi brands.Competition for skilled designers and high-profile brand promoters is intense, and compensation levels may be high, and there is no guarantee that we wouldbe able to identify and attract a qualified replacement, or if Mr. Mizrahi’s services are not available to us, that we would be able to promote the Mizrahibrands as well as we are able to with Mr. Mizrahi. This could significantly affect the value of the Mizrahi brands and our ability to market the brands, andcould impede our ability to fully implement our business plan and future growth strategy, which would harm our business and prospects. Additionally, whilewe acquired all trademarks, image, and likeness of Isaac Mizrahi, pursuant to the acquisition of the Mizrahi business and his employment agreement, Mr.Mizrahi has retained certain rights to participate in outside business activities, including hosting and appearing in television shows, movies and theaterproductions, and writing and publishing books and other publications. Mr. Mizrahi’s participation in these personal business ventures could limit hisavailability to us and affect his ability to perform under this employment agreement. Finally, there is no guarantee that Mr. Mizrahi will not take an actionthat consumers view as negative, which may harm the Mizrahi brands as well as our business and prospects. We are dependent upon the promotional services of our other spokespersons for our other brands. If we lose the services of a spokesperson, we may not be able to fully comply with the terms of our license agreements with QVC and The Shopping Channel,and it may result in significant reductions in the value of the brands and our prospects, revenues, and cash flows. Judith Ripka is the principal spokespersonof the Ripka brands on QVC and The Shopping Channel, and Cameron13 Table of ContentsSilver is the principal salesperson of the H Halston brands on QVC. The failure of either of these spokespersons or our other spokespersons to providespokesperson services to QVC or a breach of any representation, warranty or covenant by Ms. Ripka under the Ripka QVC Agreement or by Mr. Silver or ourother spokespersons under their respective spokesperson agreements with QVC, combined with our failure to find an alternate host acceptable to QVC, couldresult in a termination of the respective QVC Agreement(s) which could trigger an event of default under our credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M.Although we have entered into employment agreements with our spokespersons, there is no guarantee that we will not lose their services. To the extent thatany of their services as a spokesperson become unavailable to us, we will likely need to find a replacement to promote our brands. Competition for skilledbrand promoters is intense, and required compensation levels may be high, and there is no guarantee that we would be able to identify and attract a qualifiedreplacement, or that we would be able to promote our brands as well as we are able to with our current spokespersons. This could significantly affect the valueof our brands and our ability to market the brands, and could impede our ability to fully implement our business plan and future growth strategy, whichwould harm our business and prospects. Each spokesperson has retained certain rights to participate in outside business activities. Each of these individuals’participation in these personal business ventures could limit their availability to us and affect their ability to perform as a spokesperson in accordance withtheir respective employment agreements. Finally, there is no guarantee that one of these individuals will not take an action that the consumer views asnegative, which may harm our brands as well as our business and prospects. The failure of our licensees to adequately produce, market, source, and sell quality products bearing our brand names in their license categories or to paytheir obligations under their license agreements could result in a decline in our results of operations and impact our ability to service our debt obligations. Our revenues are dependent on payments made to us under our licensing agreements. Although the licensing agreements for our brands typically require theadvance payment to us of a portion of the licensing fees and in many cases provide for guaranteed minimum royalty payments to us, the failure of ourlicensees to satisfy their obligations under these agreements or their inability to operate successfully or at all, could result in their breach and/or the earlytermination of such agreements, the non-renewal of such agreements or our decision to amend such agreements to reduce the guaranteed minimums or salesroyalties due thereunder, thereby eliminating some or all of that stream of revenue. Moreover, during the terms of the license agreements, we are substantiallydependent upon the efforts and abilities of our licensees to maintain the quality and marketability of the products bearing our trademarks, as their failure todo so could materially tarnish our brands, thereby harming our future growth and prospects. In addition, the failure of our licensees to meet their production,manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution requirements or actively market the branded licensed products could cause a decline in their sales and potentiallydecrease the amount of royalty payments (over and above the guaranteed minimums) due to us. A weak economy or softness in the apparel and retail sectorscould exacerbate this risk. This, in turn, could decrease our potential revenues. The concurrent failure by several of our material licensees to meet theirfinancial obligations to us could jeopardize our ability to meet the financial covenant requirements in connection with our debt facility or facilities. Further,such failure may impact our ability to make required payments with respect to such indebtedness. The failure to satisfy our financial covenant requirementsor to make such required payments would give our lenders the right to accelerate all obligations under our debt facility or facilities and foreclose on ourtrademarks, license agreements, and other related assets securing such notes. Our business is dependent on continued market acceptance of our brands and any future brands we acquire and the products of our licensees. Although many of our licensees guarantee minimum net sales and minimum royalties to us, some of our licensees are not yet selling licensed products orcurrently have limited distribution of licensed products, and a failure of our brands or of products bearing our brands to achieve or maintain broad marketacceptance could cause a reduction of our licensing revenues and could further cause existing licensees not to renew their agreements. Such failure could alsocause the devaluation of our trademarks, which are our primary assets, making it more difficult for us to renew our current licenses upon their expiration orenter into new or additional licenses for our trademarks. In addition, if such devaluation of our trademarks were to occur, a material impairment in thecarrying value of one or more of our trademarks could also occur and be charged as an expense to our operating results. Continued market acceptance of ourbrands and our licensees’ products, as well as market acceptance of any future products bearing any future brands we may acquire, is subject to a high degreeof uncertainty and constantly changing consumer tastes, preferences, and purchasing patterns. Creating and maintaining market acceptance of our licensees’products and creating market acceptance of new products and categories of products bearing our marks may require substantial marketing efforts, which may,from time to time, also include our expenditure of significant additional funds to keep pace with changing consumer demands, which funds may or may notbe available on a timely basis, on acceptable terms or at all. Additional marketing efforts and expenditures may not, however, result in either increased marketacceptance of, or additional licenses for, our trademarks or increased market acceptance, or sales, of our licensees’ products. Furthermore, we do not actuallydesign or manufacture all of the products bearing our marks, and therefore, have less control over such products’ quality and design than a traditional product14 Table of Contentsmanufacturer might have. The failure of our licensees to maintain the quality of their products could harm the reputation and marketability of our brands,which would adversely impact our business.Negative claims or publicity regarding Xcel, our brands or our products could adversely affect our reputation and sales regardless of whether such claims areaccurate. Social media, which accelerates the dissemination of information, can increase the challenges of responding to negative claims. In the past, manyapparel companies have experienced periods of rapid growth in sales and earnings followed by periods of declining sales and losses. Our businesses may besimilarly affected in the future. We expect to achieve growth based upon our plans to expand our business under our existing brands, and continue to develop a licensing business underthe C Wonder brands. If we fail to manage our expected future growth, our business and operating results could be materially harmed. We expect to achieve growth in our existing brands and intend to seek new opportunities and international expansion through interactive television andlicensing arrangements and through expansion of our department store business, including Fast-to-Market production platform to include new retailers and toincrease the products lines offered under this platform. The success of our company, however, will still remain largely dependent on our ability to build andmaintain broad market acceptance of our brands, to contract with and retain key licensees and on our licensees’ ability to accurately predict upcomingfashion and design trends within customer bases and fulfill the product requirements of retail channels within the global marketplace. Our recent growth has placed, and our anticipated future growth will continue to place, considerable demands on our management and other resources. Ourability to compete effectively and to manage future growth, if any, will depend on the sufficiency and adequacy of our current resources and infrastructureand our ability to continue to identify, attract and retain personnel to manage our brands and integrate any brands we may acquire into our operations. Therecan be no assurance that our personnel, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support our operations and properly oversee our brands. Thefailure to support our operations effectively and properly oversee our brands could cause harm to our brands and have a material adverse effect on the valueof such brands and on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may be unable to leverage our corecompetencies in managing apparel and jewelry brands to managing brands in new product categories. Also, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve and sustain meaningful growth. Our growth may be limited by a number of factors includingincreased competition among branded products at brick-and-mortar, internet and interactive retailers, decreased airtime on QVC, competition for retaillicenses and brand acquisitions, and insufficient capitalization for future transactions. The shift to our wholesale operations for our Fast-to-Market platform subjects us to additional risks, including the risk of our ability to execute a newstrategy.On November 1, 2018, we terminated the licensee pursuant to which our former licensee sold goods under our brands in conjunction with our licenseagreements with Lord & Taylor and Dillard’s. Our new strategy requires us to establish wholesaling operations whereby we are responsible to place, source,fulfill and deliver product orders to these retail customers. Our failure to design products, place, source and fulfill orders and deliver products of the qualityrequired by our customers on a timely and cost-effective basis could result in additional costs under our supply agreements, subject us to possible terminationof our supply agreements and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our operations. Moreover, our failure to execute our strategy could harm ourreputation and negatively impact our ability to enter into additional supply and sourcing agreements.Further, to the extent that our customers fail to make payment on their orders in a timely manner or at all, our cash flows and our ability to satisfy other ordersmay be adversely impacted.We are subject to the risks associated with our Judith Ripka brand, including our recent transitioning of our non-QVC operations. We recently transitioned the non-QVC operations of our Judith Ripka brand to a wholesale and direct to consumer model. As a result, we changed theseoperations from a licensed model to a wholesale and direct-to-consumer business model. We commenced e-commerce sales and wholesales of our JudithRipka brand. As a result, we do not have an established history of conducting these operations.We produce product for our Judith Ripka brands to hold as inventory for sales through our website and wholesale accounts. If we misjudge the market for ourJudith Ripka products, we may be faced with significant excess inventory for some products and missed opportunities for other products. In addition, weaksales and mark downs by our retailers or our need to liquidate excess15 Table of Contentsinventory could adversely affect our results of operations. If we are not successful in managing our inventory balances, our cash flows and operating resultsmay be adversely affected. If our customers change their buying patterns, request additional allowances, develop their own private label brands or enter into agreements withnational brand manufacturers to sell their products on an exclusive basis, our sales to these customers could be materially adversely affected.Our customers’ buying patterns, as well as the need to provide additional allowances to customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business,results of operations and financial condition. Customers’ strategic initiatives, including developing their own private labels brands, selling national brandson an exclusive basis, reducing the number of vendors they purchase from, or reducing the floor space dedicated to our brands could also impact our sales tothese customers. There is a trend among major retailers to concentrate purchasing among a narrowing group of vendors. To the extent that any key customerreduces the number of its vendors or allocates less floor space for our products and, as a result, reduces or eliminates purchases from us, there could be amaterial adverse effect on us.Intense competition in the apparel, fashion and jewelry industries could reduce our sales and profitability.As a fashion company, we face intense competition from other domestic and foreign apparel, footwear, accessories and jewelry manufacturers and retailers.Competition has and may continue to result in pricing pressures, reduced profit margins, lost market share or failure to grow our market share, any of whichcould substantially harm our business and results of operations. Competition is based on many factors including, without limitation, the following:•establishing and maintaining favorable brand recognition;•developing products that appeal to consumers;•pricing products appropriately;•determining and maintaining product quality;•obtaining access to sufficient floor space in retail locations;•providing appropriate services and support to retailers;•maintaining and growing market share;•developing and maintaining a competitive e-commerce site;•hiring and retaining key employees; and•protecting intellectual property. Competition in the apparel, fashion and jewelry industries is intense and is dominated by a number of very large brands, many of which have longeroperating histories, larger customer bases, more established relationships with a broader set of suppliers, greater brand recognition and greater financial,research and development, marketing, distribution and other resources than we do. These capabilities of our competitors may allow them to better withstanddownturns in the economy or apparel, fashion and jewelry industries. Any increased competition, or our failure to adequately address any of thesecompetitive factors which we have seen from time to time, could result in reduced sales, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition andoperating results.Competition, along with such other factors as consolidation within the retail industry and changes in consumer spending patterns, could also result insignificant pricing pressure and cause the sales environment to be more promotional, as it has been in recent years, impacting our financial results. Ifpromotional pressure remains intense, either through actions of our competitors or through customer expectations, this may cause a further reduction in oursales and gross margins and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.Because of the intense competition within our existing and potential wholesale licensees’ markets and the strength of some of their competitors, we andour licensees may not be able to continue to compete successfully. We expect our existing and future licenses to relate to products in the apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home goods, and other consumer industries, inwhich our licensees face intense competition, including from our other brands and licensees. In general, competitive factors include quality, price, style,name recognition, and service. In addition, various fashion trends and the limited availability of shelf space could affect competition for our licensees’products. Many of our licensees’ competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing, and other resources than our licensees and have achievedsignificant name recognition for their brand names. Our licensees may be unable to successfully compete in the markets for their products, and we may not beable to continue to compete successfully with respect to our contractual arrangements. 16 Table of ContentsIf our competition for licenses increases, or any of our current licensees elect not to renew their licenses or renew on terms less favorable than today, ourgrowth plans could be slowed and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected. To the extent we seek to acquire additional brands, we will face competition to retain licenses and to complete such acquisitions. The ownership, licensing,and management of brands is becoming a more widely utilized method of managing consumer brands as production continues to become commoditized andmanufacturing capacity increases worldwide. We face competition from numerous direct competitors, both publicly and privately-held, including traditionalapparel and consumer brand companies, other brand management companies and private equity groups. Companies that traditionally focused on wholesalemanufacturing and sourcing models are now exploring licensing as a way of growing their businesses through strategic licensing partners and direct-to-retailcontractual arrangements. Furthermore, our current or potential licensees may decide to develop or purchase brands rather than renew or enter into contractualagreements with us. In addition, this increased competition could result in lower sales of products offered by our licensees under our brands. If ourcompetition for licenses increases, it may take us longer to procure additional licenses, which could slow our growth rate. The extent of our foreign sourcing may adversely affect our business.We and our licensees work with several manufacturers overseas, primarily located in China and Thailand, during fiscal 2018. A manufacturing contractor’sfailure to ship products to us in a timely manner or to meet the required quality standards could cause us to miss the delivery date requirements of ourcustomers for those items. The failure to make timely deliveries may cause customers to cancel orders, refuse to accept deliveries or demand reduced prices,any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. As a result of the magnitude of our foreign sourcing, our business is subject to the following risks:•political and economic instability in countries or regions, especially Asia, including heightened terrorism and other security concerns, which couldsubject imported or exported goods to additional or more frequent inspections, leading to delays in deliveries or impoundment of goods;•imposition of regulations, quotas and other trade restrictions relating to imports, including quotas imposed by bilateral textile agreements betweenthe U.S. and foreign countries;•currency exchange rates;•imposition of increased duties, taxes and other charges on imports;•labor union strikes at ports through which our products enter the U.S.;•labor shortages in countries where contractors and suppliers are located;•restrictions on the transfer of funds to or from foreign countries;•disease epidemics and health-related concerns, which could result in closed factories, reduced workforces, scarcity of raw materials and scrutiny orembargoing of goods produced in infected areas;•the migration and development of manufacturing contractors, which could affect where our products are or are planned to be produced;•increases in the costs of fuel, travel and transportation;•reduced manufacturing flexibility because of geographic distance between our foreign manufacturers and us, increasing the risk that we may have tomark down unsold inventory as a result of misjudging the market for a foreign-made product; and•violations by foreign contractors of labor and wage standards and resulting adverse publicity.If these risks limit or prevent us from manufacturing products in any significant international market, prevent us from acquiring products from foreignsuppliers, or significantly increase the cost of our products, our operations could be seriously disrupted until alternative suppliers are found or alternativemarkets are developed, which could negatively impact our business.Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw materials could cause delays and increase costs and cause our operating results and financialcondition to suffer.Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of the fabrics or other raw materials, particularly cotton, silk, leather and synthetics used in ourmanufactured apparel, and gold, silver and other precious and semi-precious metals and gem stones used in our jewelry, could have a material adverse effecton cost of sales or our ability to meet customer demands. The prices of fabrics, precious and semi-precious metals and gemstones depend largely on themarket prices of the raw materials used to produce them. The price and availability of the raw materials and, in turn, the fabrics, precious and semi-preciousmetals and gem stones used in our apparel and jewelry may fluctuate significantly, depending on many factors, including crop yields, weather patterns, laborcosts and changes in oil prices. We may not be able to create suitable design solutions that utilize raw materials with attractive prices or, alternatively, to passhigher raw materials prices and related transportation costs on to our customers. We are not always successful in our efforts to protect our business from thevolatility of the market price of raw materials, and our business can be materially affected by17 Table of Contentsdramatic movements in prices of raw materials. The ultimate effect of this change on our earnings cannot be quantified, as the effect of movements in rawmaterials prices on industry selling prices are uncertain, but any significant increase in these prices could have a material adverse effect on our business,financial condition and operating results.Our reliance on independent manufacturers could cause delays or quality issues which could damage customer relationships.We use approximately eight independent manufacturers to assemble or produce all of our products. We are dependent on the ability of these independentmanufacturers to adequately finance the production of goods ordered and maintain sufficient manufacturing capacity. The use of independent manufacturersto produce finished goods and the resulting lack of direct control could subject us to difficulty in obtaining timely delivery of products of acceptable quality.We generally do not have long-term written agreements with any independent manufacturers. As a result, any single manufacturing contractor couldunilaterally terminate its relationship with us at any time. Supply disruptions from these manufacturers (or any of our other manufacturers) could have amaterial adverse effect on our ability to meet customer demands, if we are unable to source suitable replacement materials at acceptable prices or at all.Moreover, alternative manufacturers, if available, may not be able to provide us with products or services of a comparable quality, at an acceptable price oron a timely basis. We may also, from time to time, make a decision to enter into a relationship with a new manufacturer. Identifying a suitable supplier is aninvolved process that requires us to become satisfied with their quality control, responsiveness and service, financial stability and labor and other ethicalpractices. There can be no assurance that there will not be a disruption in the supply of our products from independent manufacturers or that any newmanufacturer will be successful in producing our products in a manner we expected. The failure of any independent manufacturer to perform or the loss of anyindependent manufacturer could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.If our independent manufacturers fail to use ethical business practices and comply with applicable laws and regulations, our brand image could beharmed due to negative publicity.We have established and currently maintain operating guidelines which promote ethical business practices such as fair wage practices, compliance with childlabor laws and other local laws. While we monitor compliance with those guidelines, we do not control our independent manufacturers or their businesspractices. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee their compliance with our guidelines. A lack of demonstrated compliance could lead us to seek alternativesuppliers, which could increase our costs and result in delayed delivery of our products, product shortages or other disruptions of our operations.Violation of labor or other laws by our independent manufacturers or the divergence of an independent manufacturer’s labor or other practices from thosegenerally accepted as ethical in the U.S. or other markets in which we do business could also attract negative publicity for us and our brand. From time totime, our audit results have revealed a lack of compliance in certain respects, including with respect to local labor, safety and environmental laws. Otherfashion companies have faced criticism after highly-publicized incidents or compliance issues have occurred or been exposed at factories producing theirproducts. To the extent our manufacturers do not bring their operations into compliance with such laws or resolve material issues identified in any of ouraudit results, we may face similar criticism and negative publicity. This could diminish the value of our brand image and reduce demand for our merchandise.In addition, other fashion companies have encountered organized boycotts of their products in such situations. If we, or other companies in our industry,encounter similar problems in the future, it could harm our brand image, stock price and results of operations.Monitoring compliance by independent manufacturers is complicated by the fact that expectations of ethical business practices continually evolve, may besubstantially more demanding than applicable legal requirements and are driven in part by legal developments and by diverse groups active in publicizingand organizing public responses to perceived ethical shortcomings. Accordingly, we cannot predict how such expectations might develop in the future andcannot be certain that our guidelines would satisfy all parties who are active in monitoring and publicizing perceived shortcomings in labor and otherbusiness practices worldwide.If we are unable to identify and successfully acquire additional trademarks, our growth may be limited and, even if additional trademarks are acquired, wemay not realize anticipated benefits due to integration or licensing difficulties. While we are focused on growing our existing brands, we intend to selectively seek to acquire additional intellectual property. However, as our competitorscontinue to pursue a brand management model, acquisitions may become more expensive and suitable acquisition candidates could become more difficult tofind. In addition, even if we successfully acquire additional intellectual property or the rights to use additional intellectual property, we may not be able toachieve or maintain profitability levels that justify our investment in, or realize planned benefits with respect to, those additional brands. 18 Table of ContentsAlthough we will seek to temper our acquisition risks by following acquisition guidelines relating to purchase price and valuation, projected returns, existingstrength of the brand, its diversification benefits to us, its potential licensing scale and creditworthiness of licensee base, acquisitions, whether they be ofadditional intellectual property assets or of the companies that own them, entail numerous risks, any of which could detrimentally affect our reputation, ourresults of operations, and/or the value of our common stock. These risks include, among others: •unanticipated costs associated with the target acquisition or its integration with our company;•our ability to identify or consummate additional quality business opportunities, including potential licenses and new product lines and markets;•negative effects on reported results of operations from acquisition related charges and costs, and amortization of acquired intangibles;•diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;•the challenges of maintaining focus on, and continuing to execute, core strategies and business plans as our brand and license portfolio grows andbecomes more diversified;•adverse effects on existing licensing and other relationships;•potential difficulties associated with the retention of key employees, and difficulties, delays and unanticipated costs associated with the assimilationof personnel, operations, systems and cultures, which may be retained by us in connection with or as a result of our acquisitions;•risks of entering new domestic and international markets (whether it be with respect to new licensed product categories or new licensed productdistribution channels) or markets in which we have limited prior experience; and•increased concentration in our revenues with one or more customers in the event that the brand has distribution channels in which we currentlydistribute products under one or more of our brands. When we acquire intellectual property assets or the companies that own them, our due diligence reviews are subject to inherent uncertainties and may notreveal all potential risks. We may therefore fail to discover or inaccurately assess undisclosed or contingent liabilities, including liabilities for which we mayhave responsibility as a successor to the seller or the target company. As a successor, we may be responsible for any past or continuing violations of law bythe seller or the target company. Although we will generally attempt to seek contractual protections through representations, warranties and indemnities, wecannot be sure that we will obtain such provisions in our acquisitions or that such provisions will fully protect us from all unknown, contingent or otherliabilities or costs. Finally, claims against us relating to any acquisition may necessitate our seeking claims against the seller for which the seller may not, ormay not be able to, indemnify us or that may exceed the scope, duration or amount of the seller’s indemnification obligations. Acquiring additional intellectual property could also have a significant effect on our financial position and could cause substantial fluctuations in ourquarterly and yearly operating results. Acquisitions could result in the recording of significant goodwill and intangible assets on our financial statements, theamortization or impairment of which would reduce our reported earnings in subsequent years. No assurance can be given with respect to the timing,likelihood or financial or business effect of any possible transaction. Moreover, our ability to grow through the acquisition of additional intellectual propertywill also depend on the availability of capital to complete the necessary acquisition arrangements. In the event that we are unable to obtain debt financing onacceptable terms for a particular acquisition, we may elect to pursue the acquisition through the issuance by us of shares of our common stock (and, in certaincases, convertible securities) as equity consideration, which could dilute our common stock and reduce our earnings per share, and any such dilution couldreduce the market price of our common stock unless and until we were able to achieve revenue growth or cost savings and other business economiessufficient to offset the effect of such an issuance. Acquisitions of additional brands may also involve challenges related to integration into our existingoperations, merging diverse cultures, and retaining key employees. Any failure to integrate additional brands successfully in the future may adversely impactour reputation and business. As a result, there is no guarantee that our stockholders will achieve greater returns as a result of any future acquisitions we complete.Our failure to protect our proprietary rights could compromise our competitive position and decrease the value of our brands. We own, through our wholly owned subsidiaries, various U.S. federal trademark registrations and foreign trademark registrations for our brands, together withpending applications for registration, which are vital to the success and further growth of our business and which we believe have significant value. We relyprimarily upon a combination of trademarks, copyrights, and contractual restrictions to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights domestically andinternationally. We believe that such measures afford only limited protection and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that the actions taken by us toestablish, protect, and enforce our trademarks and other proprietary rights will prevent infringement of our intellectual property rights by others, or preventthe loss of licensing revenue or other damages caused therefrom. 19 Table of ContentsFor instance, despite our efforts to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our intellectualproperty, which could harm the reputation of our brands, decrease their value, and/or cause a decline in our licensees’ sales and thus our revenues. Further, weand our licensees may not be able to detect infringement of our intellectual property rights quickly or at all, and at times, we or our licensees may not besuccessful in combating counterfeit, infringing, or knockoff products, thereby damaging our competitive position. In addition, we depend upon the laws ofthe countries where our licensees’ products are sold to protect our intellectual property. Intellectual property rights may be unavailable or limited in somecountries because standards of registration and ownership vary internationally. Consequently, in certain foreign jurisdictions, we have elected or may electnot to apply for trademark registrations. Also, in certain jurisdictions, as described above, certain H by Halston and H Halston trademark registrations orapplications that we acquired (including but not limited to those based upon “intent to use”) may not yet be recorded in our name, due to laws governing thetiming and nature of certain trademark assignments. Where laws limit our ability to record in our name trademarks that we have purchased, we have obtainedby way of license all necessary rights to operate our business. While we generally apply for trademarks in most countries where we license or intend to license our trademarks, we may not accurately predict all of thecountries where trademark protection will ultimately be desirable. If we fail to timely file a trademark application in any such country, we may be precludedfrom obtaining a trademark registration in such country at a later date. Failure to adequately pursue and enforce our trademark rights could damage ourbrands, enable others to compete with our brands and impair our ability to compete effectively. In addition, in the future, we may be required to assert infringement claims against third parties or more third parties may assert infringement claims againstus. Any resulting litigation or proceeding could result in significant expense to us and divert the efforts of our management personnel, whether or not suchlitigation or proceeding is determined in our favor. To the extent that any of our trademarks were ever deemed to violate the proprietary rights of others inany litigation or proceeding or as a result of any claim, we may be prevented from using them, which could cause a termination of our contractualarrangements, and thus our revenue stream, with respect to those trademarks. Litigation could also result in a judgment or monetary damages being leviedagainst us. We are dependent upon our Chief Executive Officer and other key executives. If we lose the services of these individuals we may not be able to fullyimplement our business plan and future growth strategy, which would harm our business and prospects. Our success is largely dependent upon the efforts of Robert D’Loren, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our board of directors. Our continuedsuccess is largely dependent upon his continued efforts and those of our other key executives. Although we entered into an employment agreement with Mr.D’Loren, as well as employment agreements with other executives and key employees, including Isaac Mizrahi and Judith Ripka, such persons can terminatetheir employment with us at their option, and there is no guarantee that we will not lose the services of our executive officers or key employees. To the extentthat any of their services become unavailable to us, we will be required to hire other qualified executives, and we may not be successful in finding or hiringadequate replacements. This could impede our ability to fully implement our business plan and future growth strategy, which would harm our business andprospects. In addition, Bank Hapoalim B.M. requires that Robert D’Loren is the Chairman of the board of directors of the Company. The failure of Mr.D’Loren to continue in his duties as Chairman of our board of directors would result in a default under the credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M. Our trademarks and other intangible assets are subject to impairment charges under accounting guidelines. Intangible assets, including our trademarks represent a substantial portion of our assets. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United Statesof America (“GAAP”), indefinite lived intangible assets, including our trademarks, are not amortized, but must be tested for impairment annually or morefrequently if events or circumstances indicate the asset may be impaired. The estimated useful life of an intangible asset must be evaluated each reportingperiod to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. Finite lived intangible assets are amortized over theirestimated useful lives. Non-renewal of license agreements or other factors affecting our market segments or brands could result in significantly reducedrevenue for a brand, which could result in a devaluation of the affected trademark. If such devaluations of our trademarks were to occur, a material impairmentin the carrying value of one or more of our trademarks could also occur and be charged as a non-cash expense to our operating results, which could bematerial. Any further write-down of intangible assets resulting from future periodic evaluations would, as applicable, either decrease our net income orincrease our net loss and those decreases or increases could be material. Changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our results. 20 Table of ContentsOur future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, or by changes in tax laws or bya change in allocation of state and local jurisdictions, or interpretations thereof. The Company currently files U.S. federal tax returns and various state taxreturns. Tax years that remain open for assessment for federal and state purposes include years ended December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2018. Weregularly assess the likelihood of recovering the amount of deferred tax assets recorded on the balance sheet and the likelihood of adverse outcomes resultingfrom examinations by various taxing authorities in order to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. Although under the 2018 Tax Cutsand Jobs Act Federal tax rates are lower, certain expenses will be either reduced or eliminated, causing the Company to have increased taxable income, whichmay have an adverse effect on our future income tax obligations. We cannot guarantee that the outcomes of these evaluations and continuous examinationswill not harm our reported operating results and financial condition. We must successfully maintain and/or upgrade our information technology systems. We rely on various information technology systems to manage our operations, which subject us to inherent costs and risks associated with maintaining,upgrading, replacing, and changing these systems, including impairment of our information technology, potential disruption of our internal control systems,substantial capital expenditures, demands on management time, cyber security breaches and other risks of delays or difficulties in upgrading, transitioning tonew systems, or of integrating new systems into our current systems. A decline in general economic conditions resulting in a decrease in consumer spending levels and an inability to access capital may adversely affect ourbusiness. The success of our operations depends on consumer spending. Consumer spending is impacted by a number of factors which are beyond our control,including actual and perceived economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income (such as unemployment, wages, energy costs and consumer debtlevels), customer traffic within shopping and selling environments, business conditions, interest rates and availability of credit and tax rates in the generaleconomy and in the international, regional and local markets in which our products are sold. Global economic conditions historically included significantrecessionary pressures and declines in employment levels, disposable income and actual and/or perceived wealth and further declines in consumerconfidence and economic growth. A depressed economic environment is often characterized by a decline in consumer discretionary spending and hasdisproportionately affected retailers and sellers of consumer goods, particularly those whose goods are viewed as discretionary or luxury purchases, includingfashion apparel and accessories such as ours. Such factors as well as another shift towards recessionary conditions have in the past, and could in the future,devalue our brands, which could result in an impairment in its carrying value, which could be material, create downward pricing pressure on the productscarrying our brands, and adversely impact our sales volumes and overall profitability. Further, economic and political volatility and declines in the value offoreign currencies could negatively impact the global economy as a whole and have a material adverse effect on the profitability and liquidity of ouroperations, as well as hinder our ability to grow through expansion in the international markets. In addition, domestic and international political situationsalso affect consumer confidence, including the threat, outbreak or escalation of terrorism, military conflicts or other hostilities around the world. Furthermore,changes in the credit and capital markets, including market disruptions, limited liquidity, and interest rate fluctuations, may increase the cost of financing orrestrict our access to potential sources of capital for future acquisitions. The risks associated with our business are more acute during periods of economic slowdown or recession. Accordingly, any prolonged economic slowdown ora lengthy or severe recession with respect to either the U.S. or the global economy is likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations,financial condition, and business prospects.System security risk issues as well as other major system failures could disrupt our internal operations or information technology services, and any suchdisruption could negatively impact our net sales, increase our expenses and harm our reputation.Experienced computer programmers and hackers, and even internal users, may be able to penetrate our network security and misappropriate our confidentialinformation or that of third parties, including our customers, enter into or facilitate fraudulent transactions, create system disruptions or cause shutdowns. Inaddition, employee error, malfeasance or other errors in the storage, use or transmission of any such information could result in a disclosure to third partiesoutside of our network. As a result, we could incur significant expenses addressing problems created by any such inadvertent disclosure or any securitybreaches of our network. In addition, we rely on third parties for the operation of our websites, and for the various social media tools and websites we use aspart of our marketing strategy.Consumers are increasingly concerned over the security of personal information transmitted over the internet, consumer identity theft and user privacy, andany compromise of customer information could subject us to customer or government litigation and harm our reputation, which could adversely affect ourbusiness and growth. Moreover, we could incur significant expenses or21 Table of Contentsdisruptions of our operations in connection with system failures or breaches. In addition, sophisticated hardware and operating system software andapplications that we procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture, including “bugs” and other problems that could unexpectedlyinterfere with the operation of our systems. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate security problems, viruses and bugs, or any problems associated with ournewly transitioned systems or outsourced services could be significant, and the efforts to address these problems could result in interruptions, delays orcessation of service that may impede our sales, distribution or other critical functions. In addition to taking the necessary precautions ourselves, we requirethat third-party service providers implement reasonable security measures to protect our customers’ identity and privacy as well as credit card information.We do not, however, control these third-party service providers and cannot guarantee that no electronic or physical computer break-ins and security breacheswill occur in the future. We could also incur significant costs in complying with the multitude of state, federal and foreign laws, including the EuropeanUnion’s general data protection regulations to be effective in May 2018, regarding the use and unauthorized disclosure of personal information, to the extentthey are applicable. In the case of a disaster affecting our information technology systems, we may experience delays in recovery of data, inability to performvital corporate functions, tardiness in required reporting and compliance, failures to adequately support our operations and other breakdowns in normalcommunication and operating procedures that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.Changes in laws could make conducting our business more expensive or otherwise change the way we do business.We are subject to numerous domestic and international regulations, including labor and employment, customs, truth-in-advertising, consumer protection,data protection, and zoning and occupancy laws and ordinances that regulate retailers generally or govern the importation, promotion and sale ofmerchandise and the operation of stores and warehouse facilities. If these regulations were to change or were violated by our management, employees,vendors, independent manufacturers or partners, the costs of certain goods could increase, or we could experience delays in shipments of our products, besubject to fines or penalties, or suffer reputational harm, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and hurt our business and results of operations.In addition to increased regulatory compliance requirements, changes in laws could make ordinary conduct of business more expensive or require us tochange the way we do business. Laws related to employee benefits and treatment of employees, including laws related to limitations on employee hours,supervisory status, leaves of absence, mandated health benefits, overtime pay, unemployment tax rates and citizenship requirements, could negatively impactus, by increasing compensation and benefits costs, which would in turn reduce our profitability.Moreover, changes in product safety or other consumer protection laws could lead to increased costs to us for certain merchandise, or additional labor costsassociated with readying merchandise for sale. It is often difficult for us to plan and prepare for potential changes to applicable laws and future actions orpayments related to such changes could be material to us. Risks Related to an Investment in Our Securities If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or in a timely fashion, and wemay not be able to prevent fraud. In such case, our stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business andcould negatively impact the price of our stock. Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to include in our Annual Report on Form 10-K our assessment of the effectivenessof our internal control over financial reporting. We have dedicated a significant amount of time and resources to ensure compliance with this legislation forthe year ended December 31, 2018 and will continue to do so for future fiscal periods. We cannot be certain that future material changes to our internalcontrol over financial reporting will be effective. If we cannot adequately maintain the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we maybe subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the SEC. Any such action could adversely affect our financial results and the marketprice of our common stock. Moreover, if we discover a material weakness, the disclosure of that fact, even if quickly remedied, could reduce the market’sconfidence in our financial statements and harm our stock price. Our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until weare no longer a “smaller reporting company.” At such time that an attestation is required, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue areport that is adverse or qualified in the event that they are not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating. Ourremediation efforts may not enable us to avoid a material weakness or significant deficiency in the future. Management exercises significant control over matters requiring shareholder approval, which may result in the delay or prevention of a change in ourcontrol. 22 Table of ContentsPursuant to a voting agreement, IM Ready-Made, LLC, Isaac Mizrahi, and Marisa Gardini agreed to appoint a person designated by our board of directors astheir collective irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares of the common stock received by them. The proxy holder will vote in favorof matters recommended or approved by the board of directors. The board of directors has designated Robert D’Loren as proxy. Also, pursuant to separatevoting agreements, each of Ripka and HIP and certain other parties have agreed to appoint Mr. D’Loren as their respective irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares of the common stock issued to them by us. The proxy holder shall vote in favor of matters recommended or approved by theboard of directors. The combined voting power of the common stock ownership of our officers, directors, and key employees is approximately 59% of our voting securities as ofDecember 31, 2018. As a result, our management and key employees through such stock ownership will exercise significant influence over all mattersrequiring shareholder approval, including the election of our directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership inmanagement and key employees may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us that may be otherwise viewed as beneficial bystockholders other than management. There is also a risk that our existing management and a limited number of stockholders may have interests which aredifferent from certain stockholders and that they will pursue an agenda which is beneficial to themselves at the expense of other stockholders. There are limitations on the liabilities of our directors and executive officers. Under certain circumstances, we are obligated to indemnify our directorsand executive officers against liability and expenses incurred by them in their service to us. Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and under Delaware law, our directors are not liable to us or our stockholders for monetarydamages for breach of fiduciary duty, except for liability for breach of a director’s duty of loyalty, acts or omissions by a director not in good faith or whichinvolve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, dividend payments or stock repurchases that are unlawful under Delaware law or anytransaction in which a director has derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of ourdirectors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify each director and executive officer for certain expenses,including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts, incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by us or inour right, arising out of the person’s services as one of our directors or executive officers. The costs associated with providing indemnification under theseagreements could be harmful to our business and have an adverse effect on results of operations. Our common stock is currently thinly traded, and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell or liquidate a substantialnumber of shares at one time. Although our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, our common stock is currently traded at relatively low volumes. As a result, the numberof persons interested in purchasing our common stock at or near bid prices at any given time may be relatively small. This situation is attributable to anumber of factors, including the that we are currently a small company which is still relatively unknown to securities analysts, stock brokers, institutionalinvestors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, theytend to be risk-averse and reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as webecome more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal, ascompared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effecton share price. We cannot provide any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained, orthat trading levels will be sustained. The market price of our common stock has declined over the past three years and may be volatile, which could reduce the market price of our commonstock. Currently the publicly traded shares of our common stock are not widely held, and do not have significant trading volume, and therefore may experiencesignificant price and volume fluctuations. Although our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market, this does not assure that a meaningful,consistent trading market will develop or that the volatility will decline. This market volatility could reduce the market price of the common stock, regardlessof our operating performance. In addition, the trading price of the common stock has been volatile over the past few years and could change significantlyover short periods of time in response to actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results, announcements by us, our licensees or ourrespective competitors, factors affecting our licensees’ markets generally and/or changes in national or regional economic conditions, making it moredifficult for shares of the common stock to be sold at a favorable price or at all. The market price of the common stock could also be reduced by generalmarket price declines or market volatility in the future or future declines or volatility in the prices of stocks for companies in the trademark licensing businessor companies in the industries in which our licensees compete. 23 Table of ContentsOur common stock may be subject to the penny stock rules adopted by the SEC that require brokers to provide extensive disclosure to their customers priorto executing trades in penny stocks. These disclosure requirements may cause a reduction in the trading activity of our common stock, which could make itmore difficult for our stockholders to sell their securities. Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a minimum bidprice of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to a limited number of exceptions, including for havingsecurities registered on certain national securities exchanges. If our common stock were delisted from the NASDAQ, market liquidity for our common stockcould be severely and adversely affected. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the penny stock rules require that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactionsin penny stocks and the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction setting forth the identity and quantity of the pennystock to be purchased. In order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must obtain financial information andinvestment experience and objectives of the person and make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person andthat that person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks. The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prepared by the SEC relating to the penny stockmarket, which, in highlight form, sets forth:•the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and•that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and commission payable to boththe broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraudin penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account andinformation on the limited market in penny stocks. Because of these regulations, broker-dealers may not wish to engage in the above-referenced necessary paperwork and disclosures and/or may encounterdifficulties in their attempt to sell shares of our common stock, which may affect the ability of selling stockholders or other holders to sell their shares in anysecondary market and have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in any secondary market. These additional sales practice and disclosurerequirements could impede the sale of our common stock even if and when our common stock becomes listed on the NASDAQ Global Market. In addition,the liquidity for our common stock may decrease, with a corresponding decrease in the price of our common stock. Although our common stock closed at $1.68 per share on March 18, 2019, no assurance can be given that the per share price of our common stock willmaintain such levels or that our stock will not be subject to these “penny stock” rules in the future. Investors should be aware that, according to Commission Release No. 34-29093, the market for “penny stocks” has suffered in recent years from patterns offraud and abuse. Such patterns include: (1) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer;(2) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases; (3) boiler room practices involvinghigh-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (4) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differential and markups byselling broker-dealers; and (5) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desiredlevel, along with the resulting inevitable collapse of those prices and with consequent investor losses. The occurrence of these patterns or practices couldincrease the future volatility of our share price. We may issue a substantial number of shares of common stock upon exercise of outstanding warrants and options, as payment of our obligations under theRipka Seller Notes and to satisfy obligations to Burch Acquisition, LLC (the “C Wonder Earn-Out”) if certain conditions, including royalty revenuetargets, are met. As of December 31, 2018, we had outstanding warrants and options to purchase 4,472,690 shares of our common stock. The holders of warrants and optionswill likely exercise such securities at a time when the market price of our common stock exceeds the exercise price. Therefore, exercises of warrants andoptions will result in a decrease in the net tangible book value per share of our common stock and such decrease could be material. In addition, we may issueshares of common stock to satisfy two times the highest amount of annual excess royalties for the C Wonder brand earned through June 30, 2019 to the CWonder brand’s sellers. As of December 31, 2018, the contingent obligation recorded on our Balance Sheet for the C Wonder Earn-Out payment was $2.9million. 24 Table of ContentsWe may satisfy our obligations under the $0.59 million remaining principal amount of Ripka Seller Notes payable to Ripka by issuing shares of commonstock. The number of shares which we issue to satisfy our obligations under the Ripka Seller Notes will be based on the future market price of our commonstock and are currently not determinable, provided that there is a floor to the share price to satisfy the Ripka Seller Notes of $7.00 per share. The maximumnumber of shares that could be issued in exchange for the remaining Ripka Seller Notes is 84,923 shares. The issuance of shares to satisfy such obligations and upon exercise of outstanding warrants and options will dilute our then-existing stockholders’percentage ownership of our company, and such dilution could be substantial. In addition, our growth strategy includes the acquisition of additional brands,and we may issue shares of our common stock as consideration for acquisitions. Sales or the potential for sale of a substantial number of such shares couldadversely affect the market price of our common stock, particularly if our common stock remains thinly traded at such time. As of December 31, 2018, we had an aggregate of 5,813,949 shares of common stock available for grants under our Amended and Restated 2011 EquityIncentive Plan (the "Plan") to our directors, executive officers, employees, and consultants. Issuances of common stock pursuant to the exercise of stockoptions or other stock grants or awards which may be granted under our Plan will dilute your interest in us. We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock. You should not rely on an investment in our common stock to provide dividend income, as we have not paid dividends on our common stock, and we do notplan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Instead, we plan to retain any earnings to maintain and expand our existing licensing operations, furtherdevelop our trademarks, and finance the acquisition of additional trademarks. Accordingly, investors must rely on sales of their common stock after priceappreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any return on their investment. In addition, our credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M.limits the amount of cash dividends we may pay while amounts under the credit facility are outstanding. Provisions of our corporate charter documents could delay or prevent change of control. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock without stockholder approval, in one ormore series, and to fix the dividend rights, terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, and any other rights,preferences, privileges, and restrictions applicable to each new series of preferred stock. The designation of preferred stock in the future could make itdifficult for third parties to gain control of our company, prevent or substantially delay a change in control, discourage bids for the common stock at apremium, or otherwise adversely affect the market price of the common stock. Holders of our common stock may be subject to restrictions on the use of Rule 144 by shell companies or former shell companies. Historically, the SEC has taken the position that Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, is not available for the resale ofsecurities initially issued by companies that are, or previously were, shell companies (we were considered a shell company on and prior to September 29,2011), to their promoters or affiliates despite technical compliance with the requirements of Rule 144. The SEC prohibits the use of Rule 144 for resale ofsecurities issued by shell companies (other than business transaction related shell companies) or issuers that have been at any time previously a shellcompany. The SEC has provided an important exception to this prohibition, however, if the following conditions are met: the issuer of the securities that wasformerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company; the issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of theExchange Act; the issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding 12 months(or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Form 8-K reports; and at least one year has elapsed from thetime that the issuer filed current Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting its status as an entity that is not a shell company. As such, due to the factthat we had been a shell company prior to September 2011, holders of “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144, when reselling their sharespursuant to Rule 144, shall be subject to the conditions set forth herein.Item 2. PropertiesWe currently lease and maintain our corporate offices and operations located at 1333 Broadway, 10th floor, New York, New York. We entered into a leaseagreement on July 8, 2015 for such offices of approximately 29,600 square feet of office space. This lease commenced on March 1, 2016 and shall expire onOctober 30, 2027.25 Table of ContentsWe also lease approximately 18,500 square feet of office space at 475 Tenth Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, New York. This location represents our formercorporate offices and operations facility, which we relocated to our current location described above in June 2016. This lease shall expire on February 28,2022. We had subleased this office space to a third-party subtenant through December 12, 2018. In March 2019 we subleased this office space to a newsubtenant through February 2022.Item 3. Legal ProceedingsIn the ordinary course of business, from time to time we become involved in legal claims and litigation. In the opinion of management, based onconsultations with legal counsel, the disposition of litigation currently pending against us is unlikely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a materiallyadverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.Item 4. Mine Safety DisclosureNone.26 Table of ContentsPART IIItem 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity SecuritiesMarket InformationOur common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, under the trading symbol “XELB.”The table below sets forth the range of quarterly high and low sales prices for our common stock in 2018 and 2017.December 31, 2018High LowFirst Quarter$3.45 $2.40Second Quarter$3.10 $2.25Third Quarter$2.95 $2.05Fourth Quarter$2.40 $1.00 December 31, 2017 First Quarter$4.85 $2.00Second Quarter$3.10 $2.10Third Quarter$4.80 $2.88Fourth Quarter$3.70 $2.24HoldersAs of December 31, 2018, the number of our stockholders of record was 569 (excluding beneficial owners and any shares held in street name or by nominees).DividendsWe have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. In addition, our credit facility with Bank Hapoalim B.M. limits the amount of cashdividends we may pay while amounts under the credit facility are outstanding. Furthermore, we expect to retain future earnings to finance our operations andexpansion. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our earnings levels, capitalrequirements, any restrictive loan covenants, and other factors the board of directors considers relevant.Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans2011 Equity Incentive PlanOur Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the Plan, is designed and utilized to enable the Company to offer 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 thesuccess of the Company, an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company. The following is a description of the Plan, as amended.•The Plan provides for the grant of stock options or restricted stock (any grant under the Plan, an “Award”). The stock options may be incentive stockoptions or non-qualified stock options.•A total of 13,000,000 shares of common stock are eligible for issuance under the Plan, and the maximum number of shares of common stock with respectto which incentive stock options may be granted under the Plan is 5,000,000.•The Plan may be administered by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) or a committee consisting of two or more members of the Board of Directorsappointed by the Board (for purposes of this description, any such committee, a “Committee”).•Officers and other employees of our Company or any parent or subsidiary of our Company who are at the time of the grant of an Award employed by usor any parent or subsidiary of our Company are eligible to be granted options or other Awards under the Plan. In addition, non-qualified stock optionsand other Awards may be granted under the Plan to any person, including, but not limited to, directors, independent agents, consultants and attorneyswho the Board or the Committee, as the case may be, believes has contributed or will contribute to our success.•With respect to incentive stock options granted to an eligible employee owning stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power ofall classes of our stock or the stock of a parent or subsidiary of our Company immediately before27 Table of Contentsthe grant (each, a “10% Stockholder”), such incentive stock option shall not be exercisable more than 5 years from the date of grant.•The exercise price of an incentive stock option will not be less than the fair market value of the shares underlying the option on the date the option isgranted, provided, however, that the exercise price of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% Stockholder may not be less than 110% of such fairmarket value.•The exercise price of a non-qualified stock option may not be less than fair market value of the shares of common stock underlying the option on thedate the option is granted.•Under the Plan, we may not, in the aggregate, grant incentive stock options that are first exercisable by any individual optionee during any calendar year(under all such plans of the optionee’s employer corporation and its “parent” and “subsidiary” corporations, as those terms are defined in Section 424 ofthe Internal Revenue Code) to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the underlying stock (determined at the time the option is granted)exceeds $100,000.•Restricted stock awards give the recipient the right to receive a specified number of shares of common stock, subject to such terms, conditions andrestrictions as the Board or the Committee, as the case may be, deems appropriate. Restrictions may include limitations on the right to transfer the stockuntil the expiration of a specified period of time and forfeiture of the stock upon the occurrence of certain events such as the termination of employmentprior to expiration of a specified period of time.•Certain Awards made under the Plan may be granted so that they qualify as “performance-based compensation” (as this term is used in Internal RevenueCode Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder) and are exempt from the deduction limitation imposed by Code Section 162(m) (these Awards arereferred to as “Performance-Based Awards”). Under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), our tax deduction may be limited to the extent totalcompensation paid to the chief executive officer, or any of the four most highly compensated executive officers (other than the chief executive officer)exceeds $1 million in any one tax year. In accordance with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the tax deductibility for each of these executives will belimited to $1,000,000 of compensation annually, including any performance based compensation. Among other criteria, Awards only qualify asperformance-based awards if at the time of grant the compensation committee is comprised solely of two or more “outside directors” (as this term is usedin Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder). In addition, we must obtain stockholder approval of material terms ofperformance goals for such “performance-based compensation.”•All stock options and certain stock awards, performance awards, and stock units granted under the Plan, and the compensation attributable to suchAwards, are intended to (i) qualify as performance-based awards or (ii) be otherwise exempt from the deduction limitation imposed by Internal RevenueCode Section 162(m).•No options or other Awards may be granted on or after the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the Plan.From time to time, the Company issues stock-based compensation to its officers, directors, employees, and consultants. The maximum term of options grantedis generally 10 years and generally options vest over a period of six months to four years. However, the Board of Directors of the Company may approve othervesting schedules. Options may be exercised in whole or in part. The exercise price of stock options granted is generally the fair market value of theCompany's common stock as determined by the Board of Directors on the date of grant, considering factors such as the sale of stock, results of operations, andconsideration of the fair value of comparable private companies in the industry.The fair value of each stock option award is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on certain assumptions. The assumption forexpected term is based on evaluations of expected future employee exercise behavior. Because of a lack of historical information, we use the simplifiedmethod to determine the expected term. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximatelyequal to the expected term at the grant date. The historical volatility of comparable companies' stock is used as the basis for the volatility assumption. TheCompany has never paid cash dividends, and does not currently intend to pay cash dividends, and thus assumes a 0% dividend yield.The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2018 regarding compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized forissuance. Number of Securitiesto be Issued UponExercise ofOutstanding Options,Warrants and Rights Weighted AverageExercise Price ofOutstanding Options,Warrants and Rights Number of SecuritiesRemaining Available forFuture Issuance UnderEquity Compensation Plans(Excluding SecuritiesReflected in Column (a))Plan Category (a) (b) (c)Equity compensation Plans (1) 4,472,690 $6.49 5,813,949(1) Pursuant to our 2011 Equity Incentive Plan.Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities28 Table of ContentsThere were no sales of unregistered or registered securities during the year ended December 2018.Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasersThe following table provides information with respect to common stock repurchased by us during the years ended December 2018 and 2017.Period Total Number ofShares ofCommon StockPurchased AveragePrice perShare Total Number of Sharesof Common StockPurchased asPart of a PubliclyAnnouncedPlan or ProgramMarch 1, 2018 to Mar 31, 2018 (i) 43,638 $3.25 —April 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018 (i) 181,486 3.09 May 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018 (i) 107 2.8 —November 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018 (i) 145,920 2.27 Total year ended December 31, 2018 371,151 $2.79 March 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017 (i) 294,540 $2.70 —May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017 (i) 4,775 2.30 —September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 (i) 2,200 3.70 —November 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017 (i) 149,840 2.55 —Total year ended December 31, 2017 451,355 $2.66 —(i)The shares were exchanged from employees and directors in connection with the income tax withholding obligations on behalf of such employees and directors from thevesting of restricted stock.Item 6.Selected Financial DataSmaller reporting companies are not required to provide the information required by this Item 6.Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsMANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSThe following discussion and analysis should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, included in Item 8 of thisAnnual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, financial condition andliquidity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this Management’sDiscussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and are basedupon judgments concerning factors that are beyond our control.OverviewWe are a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, production, marketing, and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear,accessories, jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. We have developed a Fast-to-Market supply chain capability driven by its proprietary integrated technology platform. Currently, our brand portfolio consists of the Isaac Mizrahi Brand,the Judith Ripka Brand, the Halston Heritage Brands, the H Halston Brands, the C Wonder Brand, and the Highline Collective brand. Our objective is tobuild a diversified portfolio of lifestyle consumer brands through organic growth and the strategic acquisition of new brands. To grow our brands, we arefocused on the following primary strategies:•licensing our brands for distribution through interactive television (i.e. QVC, The Shopping Channel) whereby we design, manage production,merchandise the shows, and manage the on-air talent;•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;•distribution of our brands to retailers that sell to the end consumer (wholesale)29 Table of Contents•distribution of our brands through our e-commerce site directly to the end consumer;•entering into strategic supply agreements directly with overseas factories for distribution to our retail partners and through our own direct-to-consumer e-commerce sites; and•quickly integrate additional brands into our platform and leverage our design, production and marketing capabilities, and distribution relationships.We believe that we offer 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;•our Fast-to-Market supply chain and integrated technology platform enables us to design and distribute trend-right product; and•our operating strategy, significant media and internet presence and distribution network.In December 2017, we launched our Judith Ripka Fine Jewelry e-commerce and its wholesale operations in January 2018 and in November 2018, welaunched our apparel wholesale business. In support of these new operations, we hired a new Chief Merchandising Officer and built out the infrastructure tosupport these operations.Our vision is intended to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social as one. By leveraging digital and social media content across all distributionchannels, we seek to drive consumer engagement and generate retail sales across our brands. Our strong relationships with leading retailers and interactivetelevision companies and cable networks enable us to reach consumers in over 400 million homes worldwide and hundreds of millions of social mediafollowers.We believe our Fast-to-Market production platform provides significant competitive advantages compared with traditional wholesale apparel companies thatdesign, manufacture, and distribute products. We focus on our core competencies of design, integrated technologies, Fast-to-Market production, marketing,and brand development. We believe that we offer a 360 degree solution to our retail partners that addresses many of the challenges facing the retail industrytoday. We believe our platform is highly scalable. Additionally, we believe we can quickly integrate additional brands into our platform in order to leverageour design, production, marketing capabilities, and distribution network.Summary of Critical Accounting PoliciesThe preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect thereported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts ofrevenues and expenses during the reporting period. Critical accounting policies are those that are the most important to the portrayal of our financialcondition and results of operations, and that require our most difficult, subjective, and complex judgments as a result of the need to make estimates about theeffect of matters that are inherently uncertain. While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our financial statements,our most critical accounting policies, discussed below, pertain to revenue recognition, trademarks, goodwill and other intangible assets, stock-basedcompensation, fair value of contingent obligations and income taxes. In applying such policies, we must use some amounts that are based upon our informedjudgments and best estimates. Estimates, by their nature, are based upon judgments and available information. The estimates that we make are based uponhistorical factors, current circumstances, and the experience and judgment of management. We evaluate our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis.Revenue RecognitionLicensingIn connection with our licensing model, and in accordance with ASC 606-10-55-65, we recognize revenue at the later of when (1) the subsequent sale orusage occurs or (2) the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales- or usage-based royalty has been allocated is satisfied (in whole or in part).More specifically, we separately identify:(i) Contracts for which, based on experience, royalties are expected to exceed any applicable minimum guaranteed payments, and to which an output-basedmeasure of progress based on the “right to invoice” practical expedient is applied because the royalties due for each period correlate directly with the valueto the customer of our performance in each period (this approach is identified as “View A” by the FASB Revenue Recognition Transition Resource Group,“TRG”); and(ii) Contracts for which revenue is recognized based on minimum guaranteed payments using an appropriate measure of progress, in which minimumguaranteed payments are straight-lined over the term of the contract and recognized ratably based on the passage of time, and to which the royaltyrecognition constraint to the sales-based royalties in excess of minimum guaranteed is30 Table of Contentsapplied and such sales-based royalties are recognized to distinct period only when the minimum guaranteed is exceeded on a cumulative basis (this approachis identified as “View C” by the TRG).Design FeesThe Company earns design fees for serving as a buying agent for apparel under private labels for large retailers. As a buying agent, the Company utilizes itsexpertise and relationships with manufacturers to facilitate the production of private label apparel to customer specifications. The Company’s design feerevenue also includes fees charged for its design and product development services provided to certain suppliers. The Company satisfies its performanceobligation to its customers by performing the services in buyer agency agreements and thereby earning its design fee at the point in time when the customer’sfreight forwarder takes control of the goods. The Company satisfies its performance obligation with the suppliers and earns its design fee from the factory atthe point in time when the customer’s freight forwarder takes control of the goods.SalesWholesaleThe Company generates revenue through the design, sourcing and sale of branded jewelry and apparel to both domestic and international customers who, inturn, sell the products to their consumer. The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations identified under the terms of contracts with itscustomers are satisfied, which occurs upon the transfer of control of the merchandise in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions of the sale.Direct to ConsumerThe Company's revenue associated with its e-commerce jewelry is recognized at a point in time when product is shipped to the customer.Trademarks, Goodwill and Other Intangible AssetsWe follow Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standard Codification, or ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.”Under this standard, goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are required to be assessed for impairment at least annually. Underthis standard, we annually have the option to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that there is an impairment, or perform a quantitativeanalysis. Our finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.Goodwill Impairment ReviewWe performed our annual quantitative analysis of intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 and annual quantitative analysis of goodwill and intangibleassets at December 31, 2017. There were no impairments identified in 2018. As a result of the December 31, 2017 impairment testing, we recorded a non-cashimpairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2017 for the total amount of goodwill previously recorded on our balance sheet of approximately $12.4 million.The underlying cause of the impairment was the declining public trading price of the Company’s common stock and the ensuing decrease in the Company’smarket capitalization as of December 31, 2017, as compared to the calculated fair value of the Company (see below for further discussion of thedetermination of fair value). The Company’s trading price for its common stock had been declining in 2017 due to our thinly traded stock, failure of themarket to distinguish us from our competitors with poor balance sheets, and general outlook on the consumer retail environment. Due to the prolongeddecline in the Company’s stock price, it was determined during the fourth quarter that such a decline was no longer temporary.With reference to our goodwill impairment quantitative testing at December 31, 2017, we determined fair value using a weighted approach, including bothan income approach and a market approach. The income approach included a discounted cash flow model relying on significant assumptions consisting ofrevenue growth rates and operating margins based on internal forecasts, terminal value, and the weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") used to discountfuture cash flows (in our 2017 analysis, we used a discount rate of 13%). Internal forecasts of revenue growth, operating margins, and working capital needsover the next five years were developed with consideration of macroeconomic factors, historical performance, and planned activities. In 2017, we made aterminal value assumption that cash flows would grow 4.0% each year subsequent to year five, based on management expectations for the long-term growthprospects of the Company. The residual value was determined under both an EBITDA exit multiple and a Gordon Growth model. To determine the WACC,we used a standard valuation method, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”), based on readily available and current market data of peer companiesconsidered market participants. An additional risk premium of 2% was added to the WACC. As some of the other comparable companies have significantlevels of debt, Xcel’s31 Table of Contentspublic data was selected for the capital structure and beta. For the market approach, we considered both the Guideline Companies method and theComparable Transactions method. During 2017, management was continuously monitoring the Company’s stock price and its market capitalization andexpectations were that the sector would eventually improve and the Company’s stock would trade again at a higher value, able to support the impliedpremium included in the fair value obtained through the above-mentioned weighted approach, and more representative of the Company’s expected long-termtarget stock price. Our stock trading price gradually improved during 2017, however, beginning early November, the stock trading price began to trend backdown. We believed this to be a temporary trend, and that our stock price would soon improve. This position was supported by management consideration ofsome of our competitors’ highly leveraged business and that investors would eventually realize that our fair value was penalized by the resulting sectorperformance on the stock market. Although our stock price did improve toward the end of 2017, due to the volatility and with continuing low stock tradingprices, management decided to increase the relative weight of the market approach in its fair value model, and consequently increase the emphasis on itsmarket peers, which ultimately resulted in the recording of the goodwill impairment. The inputs and assumptions utilized in the goodwill impairmentanalysis are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.Indefinite Lived IntangiblesThe Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for recovery in accordance with ASC-820-10-55-3F, which states that the income approach (“IncomeApproach”) converts future amounts (for example cash flows) in a single current (that is, discounted) amount. When the Income Approach is used, fair valuemeasurement reflects current market expectations about those future amounts. The Income Approach is based on the present value of future earnings expectedto be generated by a business or asset. Income projections for a future period are discounted at a rate commensurate with the degree of risk associated withfuture proceeds. A residual or terminal value is also added to the present value of the income to quantify the value of the business beyond the projectionperiod. As such, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to its expected future discountednet cash flows. If the carrying amount of such assets is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which thecarrying amount of the assets exceeds the recoverability of the assets.Finite Lived IntangiblesWith reference to our finite-lived intangible assets impairment process, the Company groups assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiablecash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of undiscounted future cashflows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount bywhich the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on discounted cash flows analysis or appraisals. The inputs utilized in the finite-lived intangible assets impairment analysis are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820.Stock-Based CompensationWe account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” by recognizing the fair value ofstock-based compensation as an operating expense over the service period of the award or term of the corresponding contract, as applicable. Stock optionawards are valued using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions including expected stock price volatilityand the estimated life of each award. Restricted stock awards are valued using the fair value of our common stock at the date the common stock is granted. Forstock option awards for which vesting is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance targets, the timing and amount of compensation expenserecognized is based upon the Company’s projections and estimates of the relevant performance metric(s).Fair Value of Contingent ObligationsManagement continues to analyze and quantify contingent obligations (expected earn-out payments) over the applicable pay-out period. Management willassess no less frequently than each reporting period the fair value of contingent obligations. Any change in the expected obligation will result in an expenseor income recognized in the period in which it is determined the fair market value of the obligation has changed.We recognized a contingent obligation in connection with the acquisition of Judith Ripka Trademarks in 2014. ASC 805-50-30 requires that, whenaccounting for asset acquisitions, when the fair value of the assets acquired is greater than the consideration paid, any contingent obligations shall berecognized and recorded as the positive difference between the fair value of the assets acquired and the consideration paid for the acquired assets.32 Table of ContentsWe also recognized a contingent obligation in 2015 in connection with our acquisition of the C Wonder Trademarks. ASC 805-50-30 requires that when thefair value of the assets acquired is equal to the consideration paid, any contingent obligations shall be recognized based upon the Company’s best estimate ofthe amount that will be paid to settle the liability.Income TaxesIncome tax expense is the tax payable for the period and the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes aredetermined based on the temporary difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect during theyear in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amountexpected to be realized. ASC Topic 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes” clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise'sfinancial statements. Tax positions shall initially be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustainedupon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions shall initially and subsequently be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has aprobability of fifty percent or greater of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and allrelevant facts.The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The income tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period whenenacted. The Act provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications with varying effective dates, which include reducing the U.S. federalcorporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, creating a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory repatriation tax on previouslydeferred foreign earnings), broadening the tax base, and allowing for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property acquired and placed in serviceafter September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023.In response to the enactment of the Act in late 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) toaddress situations where the accounting is incomplete for certain income tax effects of the Act upon issuance of an entity’s financial statements for thereporting period in which the Act was enacted. Under SAB 118, the company recorded provisional amounts during the measurement period for specificincome tax effects of the Act for which the accounting was incomplete and a reasonable estimate was determined. The measurement period covers one yearfrom the date of enactment of the Act. As of December 31, 2018 the Company finalized its accounting for the income tax effects of the Act and had nochange to its original estimates.Recently Issued Accounting PronouncementsIn August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement(Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU adds, modifies and removes severaldisclosure requirements relative to the three levels of inputs used to measure fair value in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” Thisguidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currentlyevaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows andfinancial condition. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The core principle of ASU 2016-02 is that an entity should recognize on itsbalance sheet assets and liabilities arising from a lease. In accordance with that principle, ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize a liability to makelease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset for the lease term. The recognition,measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee will depend on the lease classification as a finance or operatinglease. In addition, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements”, which addresses implementation issuesrelated to the new lease standard. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019 and the Company will adopt this guidance using themodified retrospective approach and will recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of Retained earnings in that period. This guidanceincludes a number of optional practical expedients that the Company may elect to apply, including an expedient that permits lease agreements that aretwelve months or less to be excluded from the balance sheet. The Company is finalizing the impact that this new guidance will have on its consolidatedfinancial statements, including its disclosures. The primary impact upon adoption will be the recognition, on a discounted basis, of the Company’s minimumcommitments under noncancelable operating leases as right of use assets and obligations on the consolidated balance sheets, in a range between $12.0million to $14.0 million.In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based PaymentAccounting” (“ASU 2018-07”), which largely aligns the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees and nonemployees. Under previousGAAP, the accounting for nonemployee share-based payments33 Table of Contentsdiffered from that applied to employee awards, particularly with regard to the measurement date and the impact of performance conditions. Under the newguidance, the existing employee guidance will apply to nonemployee share-based transactions (as long as the transaction is not effectively a form offinancing), with the exception of specific guidance related to the attribution of compensation cost. The cost of nonemployee awards will continue to berecorded as if the grantor had paid cash for the goods or services. In addition, the contractual term will be able to be used in lieu of an expected term in theoption-pricing model for nonemployee awards. Changes to the accounting for nonemployee awards include:•Equity-classified share-based payment awards issued to nonemployees will now be measured on the grant date, instead of the previous requirementto remeasure the awards through the performance completion date;•For performance conditions, compensation cost associated with the award will be recognized when achievement of the performance condition isprobable, rather than upon achievement of the performance condition; and•The current requirement to reassess the classification (equity or liability) for nonemployee awards upon vesting will be eliminated, except for awardsin the form of convertible instruments. The new guidance also clarifies that any share-based payment awards issued to customers should be evaluated under Accounting Standards Codification(“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). This new accounting guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (i.e., calendar years beginning on January1, 2019), including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance should be applied to all new awards granted after the date of adoption. In addition,all liability-classified awards that have not been settled and equity-classified awards for which a measurement date has not been established by the adoptiondate should be remeasured at fair value as of the adoption date with a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the fiscal year ofadoption. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.Recently Adopted Accounting PronouncementsThe Company adopted ASC 606 under the modified retrospective adoption method effective January 1, 2018, by applying the new guidance only tocontracts that were not completed at the date of initial application. The Company’s evaluation of the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard onits consolidated financial statements included the identification of revenue within the scope of the guidance and the evaluation of applicable revenuecontracts. The Company performed an extensive analysis of its existing contracts with customers and its revenue recognition policies and determined that theadoption did not result in material differences from the Company’s prior revenue recognition policies. In addition, the adoption of ASC 606 did not result inmaterial differences in the amount of revenue recognized in the current year when compared to the amount of revenue that would have been recognized in thecurrent year under the old guidance. The Company recognizes revenue continuously over time as it satisfies its continuous obligation of granting access toits licensed intellectual properties, which are deemed symbolic intellectual properties under the new revenue guidance. Payments are typically due after saleshave occurred and have been reported by the licensees or, where applicable, in accordance with minimum guaranteed payments provisions. The timing ofperformance obligations is typically consistent with the timing of payments, though there may be differences if contracts provide for advances or significantescalations of contractually guaranteed minimum payments. There were no such differences that would have a material impact on our consolidated balancesheet at December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. In accordance with ASC 606-10-55-65, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of when (1) thesubsequent sale or usage occurs or (2) the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales- or usage-based royalty has been allocated is satisfied (inwhole or in part). More specifically, the Company separately identifies:(i) Contracts for which, based on experience, royalties are expected to exceed any applicable minimum guaranteed payments, and to which an output-basedmeasure of progress based on the “right to invoice” practical expedient is applied because the royalties due for each period correlate directly with the valueto the customer of the Company’s performance in each period (this approach is identified as “View A” by the FASB Revenue Recognition TransitionResource Group, “TRG”); and(ii) Contracts for which revenue is recognized based on minimum guaranteed payments using an appropriate measure of progress, in which minimumguaranteed payments are straight-lined over the term of the contract and recognized ratably based on the passage of time, and to which the royaltyrecognition constraint to the sales-based royalties in excess of minimum guaranteed is applied and such sales-based royalties are recognized to distinctperiod only when the minimum guaranteed is exceeded on a cumulative basis (this approach is identified as “View C” by the TRG). The Company does not typically perform by transferring goods or services to customers before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due,thus the implementation of ASC 606 did not result in material contract assets in accordance with ASC 606-10-45-3. The Company’s unconditional right toreceive consideration based on the terms and conditions of licensing contracts is presented as accounts receivable on the accompanying ConsolidatedBalance Sheet. The Company typically does not receive34 Table of Contentsconsideration in advance of performance and, consequently, amounts of contract liabilities as defined by ASC 606-10-45-2 were not material as of December31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company does not disclose the amount attributable to unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations for variable revenue contracts (identifiedunder “View A” above) in accordance with the optional exemption allowed under ASC 606. The Company did not have any revenue recognized in thereporting period from performance obligations satisfied, or partially satisfied, in previous periods. Remaining minimum guaranteed payments for activecontracts as of December 31, 2018 are expected to be recognized ratably in accordance with View C over the remaining term of each contract based on thepassage of time and through December 2023.The Company generates revenue through the design, sourcing and sale of branded jewelry and apparel to both domestic and international customers who, inturn, sell the products to the consumer. The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations identified under the terms of contracts with itscustomers are satisfied, which occurs upon the transfer of control of the merchandise in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions of the sale.The Company's revenue associated with its e-commerce jewelry is recognized at a point in time when product is shipped to the customer.In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluatingwhether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance provides a screen to determine when anintegrated set of assets and activities is not a business, provides a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and substantive process arepresent, and narrows the definition of the term output. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15,2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance must be adopted on a prospective basis. We willconsider the guidance for future transactions.In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which revises the guidance in ASC 825-10, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and FinancialLiabilities, and provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial assets and liabilities. The guidance is effectivefor reporting periods (interim and annual) beginning after December 15, 2017, for public companies. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significantimpact on our consolidated financial statements.Summary of Operating ResultsThe consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K are as of, or for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the“Current Year”), and the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Prior Year”).Total RevenueCurrent Year total revenue increased approximately $3.8 million to $35.5 million from $31.7 million for the Prior Year.This net increase was primarily due to (i) an increase of sales of $4.3 million related to Ripka jewelry e-commerce and wholesale operations and ourNovember 2018 launch of our apparel wholesale operations, (ii) an increase in revenue of $1.0 million from licensing fees from our Issac Mizrahi Brand, (iii)a $0.4 million increase in licensing revenues from our other brands, partially offset by (i) a decrease of approximately $0.9 million associated with thetermination and transition of the C Wonder Brand from QVC, and (ii) a decrease of $1.0 million related to design fees, attributable to the transition of thedepartment store business from a license to a wholesale model.Cost of Goods SoldCurrent Year cost of goods sold (sales) was $2.7 million related to the sales of our Ripka jewelry e-commerce and wholesale operations and sales from ourapparel wholesale operations.Operating Costs and ExpensesCurrent Year operating costs and expenses were $28.8 million, compared with $40.9 million for the Prior Year. This decrease of approximately $12.1 millionwas primarily related to the recording of a non-cash impairment charge for the total amount of goodwill on our balance sheet of approximately $12.4 millionin the Prior Year, which was driven by the current public trading35 Table of Contentsprice of our common stock on the market and the ensuing decrease in our market capitalization. Our other operating expenses exclusive of goodwillincreased from the Prior Year by $0.3 million, attributable to (i) an increase in other design and marketing costs of approximately $0.3 million, (ii) an increasein other selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $0.5 million, (iii) an increase in depreciation and amortization of $0.2 million, (iv) afacilities charge of $0.8 million related to an adjustment to our lease liability in connection with a new subtenant in our former leased office facilities,partially offset by a decrease in total compensation, including stock-based compensation, of $1.6 million.Interest and Finance ExpenseInterest and finance expense for the Current Year decreased by approximately $0.3 million to $1.0 million, compared with $1.3 million in the Prior Year. Thisdecrease was attributable primarily to: (i) lower interest expense of $0.26 million on our term debt due to a lower principal balance and (ii) lower interestrecognized on the IM Seller Note of $0.08 millionIncome Tax (Benefit) ProvisionIncome tax expense is the tax payable for the period and the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes aredetermined based on the temporary difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect during theyear in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amountexpected to be realized. ASC Topic 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes” clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise'sfinancial statements. Tax positions shall initially be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustainedupon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions shall initially and subsequently be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has aprobability of 50% or greater of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevantfacts.The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The income tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period whenenacted. The Act provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications with varying effective dates, which include reducing the U.S. federalcorporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, creating a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory repatriation tax on previouslydeferred foreign earnings), broadening the tax base, and allowing for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property acquired and placed in serviceafter September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023.In response to the enactment of the Act in late 2017, the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”),that permits filers to record provisional amounts during a measurement period ending no later than one year from the date of the Act’s enactment. As ofDecember 31, 2018, the Company finalized its accounting for the income tax effects of the Act and had no change to its original estimates.The effective income tax rate for the Current Year was approximately 62.7% resulting in a $1.8 million income tax expense. During the Current Year, theeffective tax rate was primarily attributable to recurring disallowed excess compensation which increased the effective rate in 2018 by 8.38%. The effectivetax rate was also impacted by the vesting of restricted shares of common stock. The excess tax deficiencies were treated as a discrete item for tax as requiredby ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, and this item increased the effective rate by approximately 18.25% .Based on the amount of income before income taxes compared to the permanent differences, the effective rate increased by 23.36%.The effective income tax rate for the Prior Year was approximately 4% resulting in a $0.4 million income tax benefit. During the Current Year, the effectivetax rate was primarily attributable to the effect of goodwill impairment, which decreased the effective tax rate by approximately 40%. The effective tax ratewas also impacted by the vesting of restricted shares of common stock. The excess tax deficiencies were treated as a discrete item for tax as required by ASU2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, and this item decreased the effective rate by approximately 9%. These decreasesin the effective tax rate were partially offset by: (i) the amount of income before income taxes compared to the recurring permanent differences, whichincreased the effective tax rate in 2017 by approximately 28%, and (ii) the re-measurement of the deferred tax balances resulting from the change in ourcorporate tax rate from 34% to 21% that was enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law on December 22, 2017, which increased the effective taxrate by approximately 25%.Net Income (Loss)We had net income of $1.1 million for the Current Year, compared with a net loss of $(10.1) million for the Prior Year, attributable to the factors stated above.Non-GAAP Net Income, Non-GAAP Diluted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA36 Table of ContentsWe had non-GAAP net income of $5.5 million or $0.30 per share (“non-GAAP diluted EPS”) based on 18,281,638 weighted average shares outstanding forthe Current Year, compared with non-GAAP net income of $4.9 million, or $0.26 per share based on 18,867,172 weighted average shares outstanding for thePrior Year. Non-GAAP net income is a non-GAAP unaudited term, which we define as income (loss), exclusive of stock-based compensation, non-cashinterest and finance expense from discounted debt related to acquired assets, goodwill impairment, non-recurring facility exit charges and, deferred taxprovision. Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS measures do not include the tax effect of the aforementioned adjusting items, due to the natureof these items and the Company’ s tax strategy.We had Adjusted EBITDA of $8.4 million for the Current Year, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $8.0 million for the Prior Year. AdjustedEBITDA is a non-GAAP unaudited measure, which we define as income before stock-based compensation, interest and financing expense, income taxes,other state and local franchise taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-recurring facility exit charges, and goodwill impairment.Management uses non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA as measures of operating performance to assist in comparingperformance from period to period on a consistent basis and to identify business trends relating to the Company's results of operations. Management believesnon-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA are also useful because these measures adjust for certain costs and other events thatmanagement believes are not representative of our core business operating results, and thus these non-GAAP measures provide supplemental information toassist investors in evaluating the Company’s financial results.Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income, earnings pershare, or any other measure of financial performance calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Given that non-GAAP net income, non-GAAPdiluted 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, includingcompanies in our industry, because other companies may calculate non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA in a differentmanner 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 incurexpenses similar to some of the adjustments in this report. Our presentation of non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA doesnot imply that our future results will be unaffected by these expenses or any unusual or non-recurring items. When evaluating our performance, you shouldconsider non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP diluted EPS, and Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including our net incomeand other GAAP results, and not rely on any single financial measure.The following table is a reconciliation of net income (loss) (our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP) to non-GAAP net income: Year Ended December 31,($ in thousands)2018 2017Net income (loss)$1,088 $(10,122)Goodwill impairment— 12,371Non-cash interest and finance expense41 38Stock-based compensation1,788 3,184Non-recurring facility exit charges799 —Deferred income tax provision (benefit)1,764 (526)Non-GAAP net income$5,480 $4,945The following table is a reconciliation of diluted income (loss) earnings per share to non-GAAP diluted EPS:37 Table of Contents Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017Diluted income (loss) earnings per share$0.06 $(0.55)Goodwill impairment— 0.67Non-cash interest and finance expense— —Stock-based compensation0.10 0.17Non-recurring facility exit charges0.04 —Deferred income tax (benefit) provision0.10 (0.03)Non-GAAP diluted EPS$0.30 $0.26Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding18,281,638 18,867,172The following table is a reconciliation of basic weighted average shares outstanding to non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017Basic weighted average shares18,280,788 18,502,158Effect of exercising warrants850 364,209Effect of exercising stock options— 805Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding18,281,638 18,867,172The following table is a reconciliation of net income (loss) (our most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP) to AdjustedEBITDA: Year Ended December 31,($ in thousands)2018 2017Net income (loss)$1,088 $(10,122)Goodwill impairment— 12,371Depreciation and amortization1,780 1,562Interest and finance expense1,011 1,347Income tax provision (benefit)1,831 (447)State and local franchise taxes113 107Stock-based compensation1,788 3,184Non-recurring facility exit charges799 —Adjusted EBITDA$8,410 $8,002Liquidity and Capital ResourcesLiquidityOur principal capital requirements have been to fund working capital needs, acquire new brands, and to a lesser extent, capital expenditures. As ofDecember 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents were $8.8 million and $10.2 million, respectively.Restricted cash at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of $1.5 million in each year consisting of (i) $1.48 million of cash deposited withBank Hapoalim B.M. (“BHI”) as collateral for an irrevocable standby letter of credit associated with the lease of our current corporate office and operatingfacilities, and (ii) $0.40 million of cash held as a security deposit for the sublease of our former corporate offices by us to a third-party subtenant.We expect that existing cash and operating cash flows will be adequate to meet our operating needs, debt service obligations (including debt service underthe Second Amended Loan and Security Agreement defined below), and capital expenditure needs, for at least the twelve months subsequent to the filingdate of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.38 Table of ContentsWe are dependent on our licensees for a substantial portion of our revenues, and there is no assurance that the licensees will perform as projected. Ourbusiness operating model does not require significant capital expenditures.Our contingent obligation related to the acquisition of the C Wonder Brand (see Note 5, Debt and Other long-term liabilities in the Notes to ConsolidatedFinancial Statements) is payable in stock and/or cash, at our discretion. Payment of this obligation in stock would not affect our liquidity.Changes in Working CapitalOur working capital (current assets less current liabilities, exclusive of contingent liabilities payable at our option in stock) was $10.6 million and $10.2million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Commentary on components of our cash flows for the Current Year compared with the Prior Year isset forth below. Working capital as of December 31, 2018 included $11.0 million of accounts receivable; substantially all of this balance was collectedsubsequent to year-end.Operating ActivitiesNet cash provided by operating activities was approximately $6.6 million and $4.7 million in the Current Year and Prior Year, respectively.The Current Year’s cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to the combination of net income of $1.1 million plus non-cash expensesof approximately $5.7 million and net negative change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $0.2 million. Non-cash net expenses mainlyprimarily consisted of $1.8 million of stock-based compensation, $1.8 million of depreciation and amortization and $1.8 million of deferred income taxexpense. The net change in operating assets and liabilities includes a net increase in accounts receivable of $2.7 million, an increase in inventory of $2.0million, an increase in prepaid expenses of $0.4 million, partially offset by (i) an increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilitiesof $4.4 million, and an increases of $0.2 million in other liabilities and $0.3 million in deferred revenue. Accounts receivable, inventory and accountspayable increases are mainly due to operations related to wholesale and e-commerce that were launched in 2018.The Prior Year’s cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to the combination of a net loss of $(10.1) million plus non-cash expenses ofapproximately $16.8 million and net change in operating assets and liabilities of approximately $(2.0) million. Non-cash net expenses mainly consisted of$12.4 million related to the goodwill impairment charge, $3.2 million of stock-based compensation, $1.5 million of depreciation and amortization, non-cashinterest and other finance costs of $0.23 million, and $(0.53) million of deferred income tax benefit. The net change in operating assets and liabilitiesincludes a net increase in accounts receivable of $1.6 million, and a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $0.52million, primarily attributable to bonus payouts and overall timing of payments.Investing ActivitiesNet cash used in investing activities is predominantly related to capital expenditures and was approximately $1.5 million in the Current Year compared to$0.24 million in the prior year. In the Current Year, we had a $1.0 million capital expenditure relating to our department store business that we do not expectto be recurring, and had capital expenditures of $0.4 million related to the implementation of our ERP system.Financing ActivitiesNet cash used in financing activities was approximately $6.5 million and $8.4 in the Current Year and Prior Year, respectively.Net cash used in financing activities for the Current Year was primarily attributable to payments on our senior term debt obligation of $4.0 million, paymenton our IM Seller Note obligation of $1.5 million, and shares repurchased related to vested restricted stock in exchange for withholding taxes of $1.0 million.Net cash used in financing activities for the Prior Year was primarily attributable to payments on our senior term debt obligation of $5.8 million, payment onour IM Seller Note obligation of $1.4 million, and shares repurchased related to vested restricted stock in exchange for withholding taxes of $1.2 million.Obligations and CommitmentsTerm Loan Debt39 Table of ContentsOn February 26, 2016, Xcel and its wholly owned subsidiaries, IM Brands, LLC, JR Licensing, LLC, H Licensing, LLC, C Wonder Licensing, LLC, XcelDesign Group, LLC, IMNY Retail Management, LLC, and IMNY E-Store, USA, LLC (each a “Guarantor” and collectively, the “Guarantors”), as Guarantors,entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with BHI as agent, and the financial institutions party theretoas lenders (the “Lenders”). The Loan Agreement amended and restated the IM Term Loan, the JR Term Loan, and the H Term Loan. Pursuant to the LoanAgreement, Xcel assumed the obligations of each of IM Brands, LLC, JR Licensing, LLC, and H Licensing, LLC under the respective term loans with BHI inthe aggregate principal amount of $27.9 million (the loan under the Loan Agreement is referred to as the “Xcel Term Loan”).On February 24, 2017, Xcel and BHI amended the terms of the Loan Agreement (the “Amended Loan Agreement”). Under this amendment, principalpayments for the year ending December 31, 2017 were increased by a total of $1,000,000, principal payments for the year ending December 31, 2021 weredecreased by $1.0 million, and the minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Loan Agreement) requirement for the year ended December 31, 2016 waseliminated. There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, or other terms of the Loan Agreement.On June 15, 2017, Xcel and BHI entered into a second amendment to the Amended Loan Agreement. Under this amendment, principal payments for the yearending December 31, 2017 were increased by a total of $0.8 million, principal payments for the year ending December 31, 2021 were decreased by $0.8million, the minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Second Amendment to the Amended Loan Agreement) requirement for the year ending December 31, 2017was changed from $9.0 million to $7.0 million, and the minimum EBITDA requirements for the years ending December 31, 2018 and 2019 were changedfrom $9.0 million to $8.0 million. There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, or other terms of the Loan Agreement.The Xcel Term Loan matures on January 1, 2021. Principal on the Xcel Term Loan is payable in quarterly installments on each of January 1, April 1, July 1and October 1. The aggregate remaining scheduled annual principal payments under the Second Amendment to the Amended Loan Agreement were asfollows:($ in thousands) Year Ending December 31, Amount ofPrincipalPayment2019 $4,0002020 4,0002021 7,500Total $15,500Commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Company was required to repay a portion of the Xcel Term Loan in an amount equal to 10%of the excess cash flow for the fiscal year; provided that no early termination fee shall be payable with respect to any such payment (the “Excess Cash FlowPrincipal Payment”). Excess cash flow means, for any period, cash flow from operations (before certain permitted distributions) less (i) capital expendituresnot made through the incurrence of indebtedness, (ii) all cash interest and principal and taxes paid or payable during such period, and (iii) all dividendsdeclared and paid during such period to equity holders of any credit party treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017,the estimated Excess Cash Flow Principal Payment provision of the Xcel Term Loan did not result in any additional repayment.The Company's obligations under the Amended Loan Agreement as of December 31, 2018 are guaranteed by the Guarantors and secured by all of the assetsof Xcel and the Guarantors (as well as any subsidiary formed or acquired that becomes a credit party to the Amended Loan Agreement) and, subject to certainlimitations contained in the Amended Loan Agreement, equity interests of the Guarantors (as well as any subsidiary formed or acquired that becomes a creditparty to the Amended Loan Agreement).The Amended Loan Agreement contains customary covenants, including reporting requirements, trademark preservation, and the following financialcovenants of the Company (on a consolidated basis with the Guarantors and any subsidiaries subsequently formed or acquired that become a credit partyunder the Amended Loan Agreement):•net worth (as defined in the Amended Loan Agreement) of at least $90.0 million at the end of each fiscal quarter ending on June 30 and December 31,of each fiscal year;•liquid assets of at least $5.0 million, until such time as the ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Loan Agreement) is less than1.00 to 1.00 and, in which event, liquid assets must be at least $3.0 million;•a fixed charge ratio of at least 1.20 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ended June 30 and December 31, for the twelve fiscal month period ending on suchdate;40 Table of Contents•capital expenditures shall not exceed (i) $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, (ii) $1.7 million for 2018 and $0.7 million for any fiscalyear thereafter; and•EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Loan Agreement) of $8.0 million for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2018 and 2019, and $9.0 million forthe following fiscal years. (See Note 12 "Subsequent Events" for updated covenants pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and SecurityAgreement)In connection with the above-mentioned refinancing transactions, the Company incurred fees to or on behalf of BHI of approximately $7,000 during the yearended December 31, 2017. These fees, along with $0.2 million of deferred finance costs related to financing transactions that took place in prior years, havebeen deferred on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction to the carrying value of the Xcel Term Loan, and are being amortized to interest expenseover the term of the Term Loan using the effective interest method.Interest on the Xcel Term Loan accrues at a fixed rate of 5.1% per annum and is payable on each day on which the scheduled principal payments are requiredto be made. For the Current Year and Prior Year, the Company incurred interest expense of approximately $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, relatedto term loan debt.On February 11, 2019 an amendment was made to the Amended Loan Agreement with BHI "Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement".Immediately prior to February 11, 2019, the aggregate principal amount of the term loan under the Amended Loan Agreement was $15.5 million. Pursuant tothe Loan Agreement, the Lenders have extended an additional term loan in the amount of $7.5 million, such that, as of February 11, 2019, the aggregateoutstanding balance of all the term loans by the Lenders to Xcel under the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement was $22.0 million,which amount has been divided into two term loans: (1) a term loan in the amount of $7.3 million (“Term Loan A”) and (2) a term loan in the amount of $14.8million (“Term Loan B” and, together with Term Loan A, the “Term Loans”). The Loan Agreement includes access to a revolving loan facility and a letter ofcredit facility, the terms of each of which shall be agreed to by Xcel and the Lenders. The Company has not drawn down any funds under either the revolvingloan facility or letter of credit facility.See Note 12 "Subsequent Events" for additional information.The IM Seller NoteOn September 29, 2011, as part of the consideration for the purchase of the Isaac Mizrahi Business, the Company issued to IM Ready-Made, LLC (“IMReady”) a promissory note in the principal amount of $7.4 million (as amended, the “IM Seller Note”). The stated interest rate of the IM Seller Note was0.25% per annum. Management determined that this rate was below the Company’s expected borrowing rate, which was then estimated at 9.25% per annum.Therefore, the Company discounted the IM Seller Note by $1.7 million using a 9.0% imputed annual interest rate, resulting in an initial value of $5.6 million.In addition, on September 29, 2011, the Company prepaid $0.1 million of interest on the IM Seller Note. The imputed interest amount was amortized over theterm of the IM Seller Note and recorded as other interest and finance expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.On December 24, 2013, the IM Seller Note was amended to (1) revise the maturity date to September 30, 2016, (2) revise the date to which the maturity datemay be extended to September 30, 2018, (3) provide the Company with a prepayment right with its common stock, subject to remitting in cash certainrequired cash payments and a minimum common stock price of $4.50 per share, and (4) require interim scheduled payments. The amendment included apartial repayment of $1.5 million of principal.On September 19, 2016, the IM Seller Note was further amended and restated to (1) revise the maturity date to March 31, 2019, (2) require six semi-annualprincipal and interest installment payments of $0.8 million, commencing on September 30, 2016 and ending on March 31, 2019, (3) revise the stated interestrate to 2.236% per annum, (4) allow for optional prepayments at any time at the Company’s discretion without premium or penalty, and (5) require that allpayments of principal and interest be made in cash. Management assessed and determined that this amendment represented a debt modification and,accordingly, no gain or loss was recorded.As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate remaining annual principal payments under the IM Seller Note are as follows:($ in thousands) Amount of Principal PaymentYear Ending December 31, 2019 $742For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred interest expense of approximately $0.03 million and $0.07 million, respectivelyunder the IM Seller Note, which consisted solely of amortization of the discount on the IM Seller Note.41 Table of ContentsRipka Seller NotesAs of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the remaining discounted balance, non-interest-bearing note relating to the Ripka Seller Notes was approximately $0.6million and $0.5 million, respectively. An aggregate $0.6 million principal amount of the Ripka Seller Notes is due at maturity (March 31, 2019). For theyears ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred interest expense of approximately $0.04 million and $0.04 million, respectively, whichconsisted solely of amortization of the discount on the Ripka Seller Notes.Contingent Obligation – JR Seller (Ripka Earn-Out)In connection with the asset purchase of the Ripka Brand, the Company agreed to pay the sellers of the Ripka brand additional consideration of up to $5.0million in aggregate (the “Ripka Earn-Out”), payable in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock based on the fair value of the Company’s commonstock at the time of payment, and with a floor of $7.00 per share, based on the Ripka Brand achieving in excess of $1.0 million of net royalty income(excluding revenues generated by interactive television sales) during each of the 12-month periods ending on October 1, 2016, 2017 and 2018, less the sumof all earn-out payments for any prior earn-out period. The Ripka Earn-Out was recorded at a value of $3.8 million based on the difference between the fairvalue of the acquired assets of the Ripka Brand at the acquisition date and the total consideration paid. In accordance with ASC Topic 480, “DistinguishingLiabilities from Equity,” the Ripka Earn-Out obligation was classified as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because of the variablenumber of shares payable under the agreement. On December 21, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with the sellers of the Ripka Brand which amended the terms of the Ripka Earn-Out, suchthat the maximum amount of earn-out consideration was reduced to $0.4 million, of which $0.2 million was payable in cash upon execution of theamendment, and $0.1 million is payable in cash on each of May 15, 2018 and 2019. The payment of the remaining future payments of $0.1 million under theearn-out is contingent upon the Ripka Brand achieving at least $6.0 million of net royalty income from QVC during each of the 12-month periods ending onMarch 31, 2018 and 2019.On May 15, 2018 the Company settled the $0.1 million earnout due by reducing the principal amount owed by Judith Ripka to the Company under apromissory note (included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018).The remaining expected value (which approximates fair value) of the Ripka Earn-Out of $0.1 million is presented in the current portion of long-term debt onthe accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the expected value of the Ripka Earn-out was $0.2million, of which $0.1 million is presented in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet in the current portion of long-term debt and $0.1 million ispresented in long-term debt.Contingent Obligation – CW Seller (C Wonder Earn-Out)In connection with the asset purchase of the C Wonder Brand, the Company agreed to pay the seller additional consideration, which would be payable, if atall, in cash or shares of common stock of the Company, at the Company’s sole discretion, after June 30, 2019, with a value based on the royalties relateddirectly to the assets the Company acquired pursuant to the purchase agreement. The value of the earn-out shall be calculated as the positive amount, if any,of (i) two times (A) the maximum net royalties as calculated for any single twelve month period commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 between theclosing date and June 30, 2019 (each, a “Royalty Target Year”) less (B) $4.0 million, plus (ii) two times the maximum royalty determined based on apercentage of retail and wholesale sales of C Wonder branded products by the Company as calculated for any single Royalty Target Year. The C WonderEarn-Out of $2.9 million, which calculated at the asset acquisition date, is presented in the current portion of long-term debt on the accompanyingconsolidated balance sheets, as of December 31, 2018, and in long-term debt as of December 31, 2017. In accordance with ASC Topic 480, “DistinguishingLiabilities from Equity,” the C Wonder Earn-Out obligation is classified as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because of thevariable number of shares payable under the agreement.As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, total contingent obligations were $3.0 million and $3.1 million, respectively.Other Long-term LiabilitiesOther long-term liabilities are primarily comprised of deferred rent of approximately $2.6 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017,respectively.Commitments42 Table of ContentsWe believe that cash from future operations as well as currently available cash will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated working capital requirements forthe foreseeable future, including the debt service on our term debt, the Earn-Outs related to our acquisition of the Ripka and C Wonder brands, and makingnecessary investments in our infrastructure and technology.The following is a summary of contractual cash obligations that existed as of December 31, 2018 for the future periods indicated:($ in thousands)2019 2020 2021 and After TotalTerm debt (i)$4,000 $4,000 $7,500 $15,500Term debt interest (i)1,221 1,058 1,476 3,755IM Seller Note (principal and interest)758 — — 758Operating leases2,393 2,423 11,811 16,627Employment contracts5,105 2,853 474 8,432Total contractual cash obligations$13,477 $10,334 $21,261 $45,072(i)The amount of future term debt and interest payments presented in the table above is as of December 31, 2018 and does not include the debtservice obligations in accordance with the Second Amendment and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, effective February 2019.Other FactorsWe continue to seek to expand and diversify the types of licensed products being produced under our brands. We plan to continue to diversify thedistribution channels within which licensed products are sold, in an effort to reduce dependence on any particular retailer, consumer, or market sector withineach of our brands. The Mizrahi brand, H Halston brand, Halston Heritage Brands, and C Wonder brand have a core business in fashion apparel andaccessories. The Ripka brand historically has been focused on fine jewelry, which we believe helps diversify our industry focus while at the same timecomplements, expands on, and grows our overall business relationship with QVC.In May 2017, we entered into an agreement with QVC to terminate our interactive television license agreement for the C Wonder brand, under which QVCremained obligated to pay royalties to us through January 2018, and QVC retained exclusive rights with respect to C Wonder branded products forinteractive television, excluding certain permitted international entities, through May 2018. We are pursuing new distribution channels and licensingpartners, and intend to enter into new contractual agreements for the C Wonder brand.Our success, however, will still remain largely dependent on our ability to build and maintain our brands’ awareness and continue to attract wholesale anddirect to consumer customers and contract with and retain key licensees, as well as our and our licensees’ ability to accurately predict upcoming fashion anddesign trends within their respective customer bases and fulfill the product requirements of the particular retail channels within the global marketplace.Unanticipated changes in consumer fashion preferences and purchasing patterns, slowdowns in the U.S. economy, changes in the prices of supplies,consolidation of retail establishments, and other factors noted in “Risk Factors” could adversely affect our licensees’ ability to meet and/or exceed theircontractual commitments to us and thereby adversely affect our future operating results.Effects of InflationWe do not believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation experienced over the past two years in the United States, where we primarily compete, havehad a significant effect on revenues or profitability. Our wholesale operations suppliers (most of which are abroad) could face economic pressures as a resultof rising wages and inflation or be affected by trade wars or increases in tariffs materially impacting their business. If there were an adverse change in the rate of inflation by less than 10%, the expected effect on net income and cash flows would be immaterial.Off-Balance Sheet ArrangementsWe 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.Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk43 Table of ContentsNot applicable.44 Table of ContentsItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary DataREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMTo the Board of Directors andStockholders of Xcel Brands, Inc. and SubsidiariesOpinion on the Consolidated Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Xcel Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes(collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, inconformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for OpinionThese consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on theCompany’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company AccountingOversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securitieslaws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtainreasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is notrequired to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain anunderstanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internalcontrol over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to erroror fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts anddisclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made bymanagement, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis forour opinion./s/ CohnReznick LLPWe have served as the Company’s auditors since 2012.New York, New YorkMarch 29, 201945 Table of ContentsXcel Brands, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Balance Sheets(in thousands, except share and per share data) December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents$8,837 $10,185Accounts receivable, net11,010 8,528Inventory1,988 —Prepaid expenses and other current assets2,040 592Total current assets23,875 19,305Property and equipment, net3,202 2,376Trademarks and other intangibles, net108,989 110,120Restricted cash1,482 1,509Other assets511 1,708Total non-current assets114,184 115,713 Total Assets$138,059 $135,018 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities$5,558 $1,260Accrued payroll2,011 2,270Deferred revenue272 16Current portion of long-term debt5,325 5,459Current portion of long-term debt, contingent obligations2,950 100Total current liabilities16,116 9,105Long-Term Liabilities: Long-term debt, less current portion11,300 19,389Deferred tax liabilities, net8,139 6,375Other long-term liabilities2,622 2,455Total long-term liabilities22,061 28,219Total Liabilities38,177 37,324 Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding— —Common stock, $.001 par value, 50,000,000 and 35,000,000 shares authorized at December 31,2018 and 2017, respectively, and 18,138,616 and 18,318,961 issued and outstanding atDecember 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively18 18Paid-in capital100,097 98,997Accumulated deficit(233) (1,321)Total Stockholders' Equity99,882 97,694 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity$138,059 $135,018See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.46 Table of ContentsXcel Brands, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Operations(in thousands, except share and per share data) For the Year EndedDecember 31, 2018 2017Revenues Net licensing revenue$31,190 $31,706Sales4,276 —Total revenue35,466 31,706Cost of goods sold (sales)2,702 —Net revenue32,764 31,706Operating costs and expenses Salaries, benefits and employment taxes16,560 16,760Other design and marketing costs2,696 2,352Other selling, general and administrative expenses5,211 4,699Facilities exit charge799 —Stock-based compensation1,788 3,184Depreciation and amortization1,780 1,562Goodwill impairment— 12,371Total operating costs and expenses28,834 40,928 Operating income (loss)3,930 (9,222) Interest and finance expense Interest expense - term debt912 1,171Other interest and finance charges99 176Total interest and finance expense1,011 1,347 Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit)2,919 (10,569) Income tax provision (benefit)1,831 (447) Net income (loss)$1,088 $(10,122) Earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders: Basic$0.06 $(0.55)Diluted$0.06 $(0.55)Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic18,280,788 18,502,158Diluted18,281,638 18,502,158See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.47 Table of ContentsXcel Brands, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity(in thousands, except share data) RetainedEarnings /(AccumulatedDeficit) Common Stock Paid-inCapital Total Shares AmountBalance as of January 1, 201718,644,982 $19 $97,354 $8,801 $106,174 Shares issued to employees in connection withrestricted stock grants, net of forfeitures125,334 — — — — Compensation expense in connection withstock options and restricted stock— — 2,839 — 2,839 Shares repurchased including vested restrictedstock in exchange for withholding taxes(451,355) (1) (1,196) — (1,197) Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017— — — (10,122) (10,122) Balance as of December 31, 201718,318,961 18 98,997 (1,321) 97,694 Shares issued to employees in connection withrestricted stock grants, net of forfeitures190,806 — — — — Compensation expense in connection withstock options and restricted stock— — 2,133 — 2,133 Shares repurchased including vested restrictedstock in exchange for withholding taxes(371,151) — (1,033) — (1,033) Net income for the year ended December 31,2018— — — 1,088 1,088 Balance as of December 31, 201818,138,616 $18 $100,097 $(233) $99,882See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.48 Table of ContentsXcel Brands, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows(in thousands) For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Cash flows from operating activities Net income (loss)$1,088 $(10,122)Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization expense1,780 1,562Goodwill impairment— 12,371Amortization of deferred finance costs169 193Stock-based compensation1,788 3,184Allowance for doubtful accounts172 13Amortization of note discount41 38Deferred income tax1,764 (526)Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable(2,653) (1,572)Inventory(1,988) —Prepaid expenses and other assets(373) 4Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities4,382 (524)Deferred revenue256 (218)Other liabilities167 274Net cash provided by operating activities6,593 4,677 Cash flows from investing activities Cost to acquire intangible assets— (30)Purchase of property and equipment(1,476) (208)Net cash used in investing activities(1,476) (238) Cash flows from financing activities Shares repurchased including vested restricted stock in exchange for withholding taxes(1,033) (1,197)Payment of deferred finance costs— (7)Payment of long-term debt(5,459) (7,177)Net cash used in financing activities(6,492) (8,381) Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(1,375) (3,942) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year$11,694 $15,636 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year$10,319 $11,694 Reconciliation to amounts on consolidated balance sheets: Cash and cash equivalents$8,837 $10,185Restricted cash1,482 1,509Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$10,319 $11,694 Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities: Liability for equity-based bonuses$(345) $345Settlement of Ripka earnout through offset to note receivable$100 $— Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for income taxes$302 $167Cash paid during the period for interest$969 $1,253See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.49 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 20171. Nature of Operations, Background, and Basis of PresentationXcel Brands, Inc. (“Xcel” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, production,marketing, and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home goods and other consumer products, and the acquisition ofdynamic consumer lifestyle brands. We have developed a Fast-to-Market supply chain capability driven by its proprietary integrated technology platform.Currently, our brand portfolio consists of the Isaac Mizrahi brand (the "Isaac Mizrahi Brand"), the Judith Ripka brand (the "Ripka Brand"), the H by Halstonand H Halston brands (collectively, the "H Halston Brands"), the C Wonder brand (the "C Wonder Brand"), and the Highline Collective brand. In addition, theHalston brand, the Halston Heritage brand and Roy Frowick brand (collectively the "Halston Heritage Brands") were acquired on February 11, 2019. See Note12 "Subsequent Events" for additional information.The Company licenses its brands to third parties, provides certain design, production, and marketing and distribution services, and generates licensing anddesign fee revenues through contractual arrangements with manufacturers and retailers. This includes licensing its own brands for promotion and distributionthrough a ubiquitous-channel retail sales strategy, which includes distribution through interactive television, the internet, and traditional brick-and-mortarretail channels.During January 2018, the Company launched its jewelry wholesale and e-commerce operations and in November 2018, launched its apparel wholesaleoperations. The Company separately presented in its Consolidated Statements of Operations, "Sales" and "Cost of goods sold (sales)" relating to its jewelryand apparel wholesale and jewelry e-commerce operations.2. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesPrinciples of ConsolidationThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Xcel and its wholly owned subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 (the"Current Year") and 2017 (the "Prior Year"). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generallyaccepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and in accordance with the accounting rules under Regulation S-X, as promulgated by the Securitiesand Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affectthe reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and thereported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition,situation, or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the consolidated financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate,could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from estimates.The Company deems the following items to require significant estimates from management:•Allowance for doubtful accounts;•Useful lives of trademarks;•Assumptions used in the valuation of intangible assets and goodwill including cash flow estimates for impairment analysis;•Black-Scholes option pricing model assumptions for stock option values;•Performance-based stock option expense recognition;•Inventory reserves; and•Valuation allowances and effective tax rate for tax purposes.Cash and Cash EquivalentsThe Company considers all highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.Accounts Receivable50 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017Accounts receivable are reported net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s ongoingdiscussions with its licensees, wholesale and digital customers and its evaluation of each customer's payment history, account aging, and financial position.As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $11.0 million and $8.5 million of accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts ofapproximately $0.2 million and $0.03 million, respectively. The accounts receivable balance includes approximately $0.00 million and $0.38 million ofearned revenue that has been accrued but not billed as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.InventoryInventory is recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined on a weighted average basis. The Company holds finished goodsinventory for its e-commerce jewelry operations. Apparel and jewelry finished goods inventory is purchased to satisfy orders received from its wholesaleoperations. The Company periodically reviews the composition of its inventories in order to identify obsolete, slow-moving or otherwise non-saleable items.If non-saleable items are observed and there are no alternate uses for the inventories, the Company will record a write-down to net realizable value in theperiod that the decline in value is first recognized. Reserves for inventory shrinkage, representing the risk of physical loss of inventory, are estimated basedon historical experience and are adjusted based upon physical inventory counts.Property and EquipmentFurniture, equipment, and software are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization, and are depreciated using the straight-line method overtheir estimated useful lives, generally three (3) to seven (7) years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or theterms of the leases. Betterments and improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.Trademarks, Goodwill and Other Intangible AssetsThe Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standard Codification, or ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill andOther.” Under this standard, goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are required to be assessed for impairment at least annually(we utilize December 31 as our testing date) and when events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the assetbelow its carrying amount.GoodwillThe Company annually has the option to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that there is an impairment. Should the results of thisassessment result in either an ambiguous or unfavorable conclusion, the Company will perform additional quantitative testing. The first quantitative testingstep compares estimated fair value with carrying value. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, then goodwill is considered not impaired. If thecarrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, then a second step is performed to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying value ofgoodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment charge equal to the difference is recorded. This requires the Company’s management to makecertain assumptions and estimates regarding certain industry trends and future revenues of the Company.The Company performed its annual quantitative analysis of goodwill at December 31, 2017. As a result of the December 31, 2017 impairment testing, theCompany recorded a non-cash impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2017 for the total amount of goodwill previously recorded on its balance sheet ofapproximately $12.4 million. The underlying cause of the impairment was the declining public trading price of the Company’s common stock and theensuing decrease in the Company’s market capitalization, as of December 31, 2017, as compared to the calculated fair value of the Company (see below forfurther discussion of the determination of fair value). The Company’s trading price for its common stock had been declining in 2017 due to our thinly tradedstock, failure of the market to distinguish us from our competitors with poor balance sheets, and general outlook on the consumer retail environment. Due tothe prolonged decline in the Company’s stock price, it was determined during the fourth quarter that such a decline was no longer temporary.With reference to the goodwill quantitative testing at December 31, 2017, the Company determined fair value using a weighted approach, including both anincome approach and a market approach. The income approach included a discounted cash flow model relying on significant assumptions consisting ofrevenue growth rates and operating margins based on internal forecasts, terminal value, and the weighted average cost of capital ("WACC") used to discountfuture cash flows (in our 2017 analysis, we used a discount rate of 13%). Internal forecasts of revenue growth, operating margins, and working capital needsover the next five years were developed with consideration of macroeconomic factors, historical performance, and planned activities. In 2017, the Companymade a terminal value assumption that cash flows would grow 4.0% each year subsequent to year five, based on management51 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017expectations for the long-term growth prospects of the Company. The residual value was determined under both an EBITDA exit multiple and a GordonGrowth model. To determine the WACC, the Company used a standard valuation method, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”), based on readilyavailable and current market data of peer companies considered market participants. An additional risk premium of 2% was added to the WACC. As some ofthe other comparable companies have significant levels of debt, Xcel’s public data was selected for the capital structure and beta. For the market approach,the Company considered both the Guideline Companies method and the Comparable Transactions method. The inputs and assumptions utilized in thegoodwill impairment analysis are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.Indefinite Lived Intangible AssetsThe Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for recovery in accordance with ASC-820-10-55-3F, which states that the income approach (“IncomeApproach”) converts future amounts (for example cash flows) to a single current (that is, discounted) amount. When the Income Approach is used, fair valuemeasurement reflects current market expectations about those future amounts. The Income Approach is based on the present value of future earnings expectedto be generated by a business or asset. Income projections for a future period are discounted at a rate commensurate with the degree of risk associated withfuture proceeds. A residual or terminal value is also added to the present value of the income to quantify the value of the business beyond the projectionperiod. As such, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to its expected future discountednet cash flows. If the carrying amount of such assets is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which thecarrying amount of the assets exceeds the recoverable amount of the assets. There were no impairments charges in the Current Year or Prior Year.Finite Lived Intangible AssetsThe Company’s finite lived intangible assets, including Trademarks, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate thattheir carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of a finite lived intangible asset is not recoverable andits carrying amount exceeds its fair value. No impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.With reference to our finite-lived intangible assets impairment testing, the Company groups assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiablecash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and evaluate the asset group against the sum of undiscounted future cashflows. If the undiscounted cash flows do not indicate the carrying amount of the asset is recoverable, an impairment charge is measured as the amount bywhich the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its fair value based on undiscounted cash flows analysis or appraisals. The inputs utilized in the finite-lived intangible assets impairment analysis are classified as Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820.The Company’s finite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives of four (4) to fifteen (15) years.Restricted CashRestricted cash at both December 31, 2018 and 2017 was (i) $1.5 million and consists of cash deposited with Bank Hapoalim B.M. (“BHI”) as (i) $1.0 millioncollateral for an irrevocable standby letter of credit associated with the lease of the Company’s current corporate office and operating facilities at 1333Broadway, New York City, and (ii) $0.4 million of cash held as a security deposit for the sublease of the Company’s former corporate offices by the Companyto a third-party subtenant.Investment in Unconsolidated AffiliateThe Company holds a limited partner ownership interest in an unconsolidated affiliate, which was entered into in 2016. This investment is accounted for inaccordance with ASU No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments" Overall (Subtopic 825-10): "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and FinancialLiabilities," and is included within other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018 and2017, the carrying value of this investment was $0.1 million. This investment does not have a readily determinable fair value and in accordance with ASC820-10-35-59, the investment is valued at cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes of an identical or similar investment of the sameissuer.Note ReceivableThe Company holds a promissory note receivable from a certain key employee in the principal amount of $0.9 million. This note receivable was entered intoduring 2016 is due and payable on April 1, 2019, and is fully collateralized by various assets of the52 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017employee in which the Company has been granted a security interest. The note receivable has been recorded at amortized cost, and is included within otherassets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2018 and 2017. The note bears interest at 5.1%, which was prepaid through a non-refundable original issue discount; interest income is being recognized over the term of the note using the interest method. The net carrying value of thepromissory note receivable at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively.Deferred Finance CostsThe Company incurred costs (primarily professional fees and lender underwriting fees) in connection with borrowings under the senior secured term loans.These costs have been deferred on the consolidated balance sheets as a reduction to the carrying value of the associated borrowings. Such costs are amortizedas interest expense using the effective interest method.Contingent ObligationsManagement analyzes and quantifies the expected contingent obligations (expected earn-out payments) over the applicable pay-out period. Managementassesses no less frequently than each reporting period the status of contingent obligations and any expected changes in the fair value of such contingentobligations. Any change in the expected obligation will result in expense or income recognized in the period in which it is determined that the fair value haschanged. Additionally, when accounting for asset acquisitions, if any contingent obligations exist, such obligations are recognized and recorded as thepositive difference between the fair value of the assets acquired and the consideration paid for the acquired assets. See Note 5 Debt and Other Long-termLiabilities for additional information related to contingent obligations.Revenue RecognitionThe Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” under the modified retrospectiveadoption method effective January 1, 2018, by applying the new guidance only to contracts that were not completed at the date of initial application. TheCompany’s evaluation of the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard on its consolidated financial statements included the identification ofrevenue within the scope of the guidance and the evaluation of applicable revenue contracts. The Company performed an extensive analysis of its existingcontracts with customers and its revenue recognition policies and determined that the adoption did not result in material differences from the Company’sprior revenue recognition policies. In addition, the adoption of ASC 606 did not result in material differences in the amount of revenue recognized in thecurrent year-to-date period when compared to the amount of revenue that would have been recognized in the current year-to-date period under the oldguidance.LicensingThe Company recognizes revenue continuously over time as it satisfies its continuous obligation of granting access to its licensed intellectual properties,which are deemed symbolic intellectual properties under the new revenue guidance. Payments are typically due after sales have occurred and have beenreported by the licensees or, where applicable, in accordance with minimum guaranteed payments provisions. The timing of performance obligations istypically consistent with the timing of payments, though there may be differences if contracts provide for advances or significant escalations of contractuallyguaranteed minimum payments. There were no such differences that would have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018.In accordance with ASC 606-10-55-65, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of when (1) the subsequent sale or usage occurs or (2) the performanceobligation to which some or all of the sales- or usage-based royalty has been allocated is satisfied (in whole or in part). More specifically, the Companyseparately identifies: (i) Contracts for which, based on experience, royalties are expected to exceed any applicable minimum guaranteed payments, and to which anoutput-based measure of progress based on the “right to invoice” practical expedient is applied because the royalties due for each period correlatedirectly with the value to the customer of the Company’s performance in each period (this approach is identified as “View A” by the FASB RevenueRecognition Transition Resource Group, “TRG”); and(ii) Contracts for which revenue is recognized based on minimum guaranteed payments using an appropriate measure of progress, in which minimumguaranteed payments are straight-lined over the term of the contract and recognized ratably based on the passage of time, and to which the royaltyrecognition constraint to the sales-based royalties in excess of minimum guaranteed is applied and such sales-based royalties are recognized todistinct period only when the minimum guaranteed is exceeded on a cumulative basis (this approach is identified as “View C” by the TRG).53 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017 The Company does not typically perform by transferring goods or services to customers before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due,thus the implementation of ASC 606 did not result in material contract assets in accordance with ASC 606-10-45-3. The Company’s unconditional right toreceive consideration based on the terms and conditions of licensing contracts is presented as accounts receivable on the accompanying consolidatedbalance. The Company typically does not receive consideration in advance of performance and, consequently, amounts of contract liabilities as defined byASC 606-10-45-2 were not material as of December 31, 2018. The Company does not disclose the amount attributable to unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations for variable revenue contracts (identifiedunder “View A” above) in accordance with the optional exemption allowed under ASC 606. The Company did not have any revenue recognized in thereporting period from performance obligations satisfied, or partially satisfied, in previous periods. Remaining minimum guaranteed payments for activecontracts as of December 31, 2018 are expected to be recognized ratably in accordance with View C over the remaining term of each contract based on thepassage of time and through December 2023. Design FeesThe Company earns design fees for serving as a buying agent for apparel under private labels for large retailers. As a buying agent, the Company utilizes itsexpertise and relationships with manufacturers to facilitate the production of private label apparel to customer specifications. The Company’s design feerevenue also includes fees charged for its design and product development services provided to certain suppliers. The Company satisfies its performanceobligation to its customers by performing the services in buyer agency agreements and thereby earning its design fee at the point in time when the customer’sfreight forwarder takes control of the goods. The Company satisfies its performance obligation with the suppliers and earns its design fee from the factory atthe point in time when the customer’s freight forwarder takes control of the goods.Wholesale SalesThe Company generates revenue through the design, sourcing and sale of branded jewelry and apparel to both domestic and international customers who, inturn, sell the products to the consumer. The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations identified under the terms of contracts with itscustomers are satisfied, which occurs upon the transfer of control of the merchandise in accordance with the contractual terms and conditions of the sale.Direct to Consumer SalesThe Company's revenue associated with its e-commerce jewelry is recognized at a point in time when product is shipped to the customer.Advertising CostsAll costs associated with production for the Company’s advertising, marketing and promotion are expensed during the periods when the activities take place.All other advertising costs, such as print and online media, are expensed when the advertisement occurs. The Company incurred $0.3 million in advertisingand marketing costs for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $0.01 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.Operating LeasesTotal rental payments under operating leases that include scheduled payment increases and rent holidays are amortized on a straight-line basis over the termof the lease. Landlord allowances are amortized by the straight-line method from the possession date through the end of the term of the lease as a reduction ofrent expense.Stock-Based CompensationThe Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” by recognizing the fairvalue of stock-based compensation as an operating expense over the service period of the award or term of the corresponding contract, as applicable.54 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017The fair value of stock options and warrants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The valuation determined by theBlack-Scholes option pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjectivevariables. These variables include, but are not limited to, expected stock price volatility over the terms of the awards, and actual and projected employeestock 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 averagelong-term implied volatilities of peer companies, and expected life is based on the estimated average of the life of options and warrants using the simplifiedmethod. The Company utilizes the simplified method to determine the expected life of the options and warrants due to insufficient exercise activity duringrecent years as a basis from which to estimate future exercise patterns. The expected dividend assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectationof 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 ASC Topic 505-50, “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees”.The Company accounts for forfeitures as a reduction of compensation cost in the period when such forfeitures occur.For stock option awards for which vesting is contingent upon the achievement of certain performance targets, the timing and amount of compensationexpense recognized is based upon the Company’s projections and estimates of the relevant performance metric(s) until the time the performance obligation issatisfied.Income TaxesCurrent income taxes are based on the respective period’s taxable income for federal and state income tax reporting purposes. Deferred tax liabilities andassets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effectfor the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is required if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likelythan not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.The Company applies the FASB guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement processfor financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and also addresses derecognition,classification, interest, and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company has no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, are recorded in income tax expense.The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The income tax effects of changes in tax laws are recognized in the period whenenacted. The Act provides for numerous significant tax law changes and modifications with varying effective dates, which include reducing the U.S. federalcorporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 21%, creating a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory repatriation tax on previouslydeferred foreign earnings), broadening the tax base, and allowing for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property acquired and placed in serviceafter September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023.In response to the enactment of the Tax Act in late 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB118”) to address situations where the accounting is incomplete for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act upon issuance of an entity’s financial statementsfor the reporting period in which the Act was enacted. Under SAB 118, a company may record provisional amounts during a measurement period for specificincome tax effects of the Tax Act for which the accounting is incomplete but a reasonable estimate can be determined, and when unable to determine areasonable estimate for any income tax effects, report provisional amounts in the first reporting period in which a reasonable estimate can be determined. TheCompany has recorded the impact of the tax effects of the Tax Act as of December 31, 2017, and as of December 31, 2018 the Company finalized itsaccounting for the income tax effects of the Act and had no change to its original estimates.Fair ValueASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820-10”), defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S.GAAP. The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reflects management’s estimate of amounts that the Company would have received inconnection with the sale of the assets or paid in connection with the transfer of the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at themeasurement date. In connection with measuring the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, the Company seeks to maximize the use of observableinputs55 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017(market data obtained from independent sources) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (internal assumptions about how market participants wouldprice assets and liabilities).Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsFor certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, thecarrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying value of the promissory note receivableapproximates fair value because the fixed interest rate approximates current market rates and in the instances it does not, the impact is not material. Thecarrying value of the Xcel Term Loan (as defined in Note 5) approximates fair value because the fixed interest rate approximates current market rates and inthe instances it does not, the impact is not material. When debt interest rates are below market rates, the Company considers the discounted value of thedifference of actual interest rates and its internal borrowing against the scheduled debt payments. The fair value of the Company’s cost method investmentdoes not have a readily determinable fair value and in accordance with ASC 820-10-35-59, the investment is valued at cost, less impairment, plus or minusobservable price changes of an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.Fair Value of Contingent ObligationsThe Company recognized a contingent obligation in connection with the acquisition of Judith Ripka Trademarks during the year ended December 31, 2014.ASC 805-50-30 requires that, when accounting for asset acquisitions, when the fair value of the assets acquired is greater than the consideration paid, anycontingent obligations shall be recognized and recorded as the positive difference between the fair value of the assets acquired and the consideration paid forthe acquired assets. The Company also recognized a contingent obligation in connection with the acquisition of the C Wonder Trademarks in 2015. ASC805-50-30 requires that, when the fair value of the assets acquired are equal to the consideration paid, any contingent obligations shall be recognized basedupon the Company's best estimate of the amount that will be paid to settle the liability. See Note 5.Concentrations of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash,accounts receivable, and notes receivable. The Company limits its credit risk with respect to cash by maintaining cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cashbalances with high quality financial institutions. At times, the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash may exceed federally insured limits.Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are minimal due to the collection history and due to the nature of the Company’s royaltyrevenues. Generally, the Company does not require collateral or other security to support accounts receivable. Concentration of credit risk with respect to thepromissory note receivable held by the Company is mitigated as it is fully collateralized by various assets in which the Company has been granted a securityinterest.Earnings Per ShareBasic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of commonshares outstanding during the period, excluding the effects of any potentially dilutive securities. Diluted (loss) earnings per share reflect, in periods in whichthey have a dilutive effect, the effect of common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method. Thedifference between basic and diluted weighted-average common shares results from the assumption that all dilutive stock options and warrants outstandingwere exercised into common stock if the effect is not anti-dilutive.Recently Issued Accounting PronouncementsIn August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirementsfor Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU adds, modifies and removes several disclosure requirements relative to the three levels of inputs used to measure fairvalue in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” This guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15,2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will haveon the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The core principle of ASU 2016-02 is that an entity should recognize on itsbalance sheet assets and liabilities arising from a lease. In accordance with that principle, ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize a liability to makelease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset for the lease term. The recognition,measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash56 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017flows arising from a lease by a lessee will depend on the lease classification as a finance or operating lease. In addition, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements”, which addresses implementation issues related to the new lease standard. This guidance is effectivefor the Company as of January 1, 2019 and the Company will adopt this guidance using the modified retrospective approach and will recognize acumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of Retained earnings in that period. This guidance includes a number of optional practical expedientsthat the Company may elect to apply, including an expedient that permits lease agreements that are twelve months or less to be excluded from the balancesheet. The Company is finalizing the impact that this new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, including its disclosures. The primaryimpact upon adoption will be the recognition, on a discounted basis, of the Company’s minimum commitments under noncancelable operating leases as rightof use assets and obligations on the consolidated balance sheets, in a range between $12.0 million to $14.0 million.Recently Adopted Accounting PronouncementsThe Company adopted ASC 606 under the modified retrospective adoption method effective January 1, 2018, by applying the new guidance only tocontracts that were not completed at the date of initial application. The Company’s evaluation of the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard onits consolidated financial statements included the identification of revenue within the scope of the guidance and the evaluation of applicable revenuecontracts. The Company performed an extensive analysis of its existing contracts with customers and its revenue recognition policies and determined that theadoption did not result in material differences from the Company’s prior revenue recognition policies. In addition, the adoption of ASC 606 did not result inmaterial differences in the amount of revenue recognized in the current quarter and year-to-date period when compared to the amount of revenue that wouldhave been recognized in the current quarter and year-to-date period under the old guidance. The Company recognizes revenue continuously over time as itsatisfies its continuous obligation of granting access to its licensed intellectual properties, which are deemed symbolic intellectual properties under the newrevenue guidance. Payments are typically due after sales have occurred and have been reported by the licensees or, where applicable, in accordance withminimum guaranteed payments provisions. The timing of performance obligations is typically consistent with the timing of payments, though there may bedifferences if contracts provide for advances or significant escalations of contractually guaranteed minimum payments. There were no such differences thatwould have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. In accordance with ASC 606-10-55-65, theCompany recognizes revenue at the later of when (1) the subsequent sale or usage occurs or (2) the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales-or usage-based royalty has been allocated is satisfied (in whole or in part). More specifically, the Company separately identifies:(i) Contracts for which, based on experience, royalties are expected to exceed any applicable minimum guaranteed payments, and to which an output-basedmeasure of progress based on the “right to invoice” practical expedient is applied because the royalties due for each period correlate directly with the valueto the customer of the Company’s performance in each period (this approach is identified as “View A” by the FASB Revenue Recognition TransitionResource Group, “TRG”); and(ii) Contracts for which revenue is recognized based on minimum guaranteed payments using an appropriate measure of progress, in which minimumguaranteed payments are straight-lined over the term of the contract and recognized ratably based on the passage of time, and to which the royaltyrecognition constraint to the sales-based royalties in excess of minimum guaranteed is applied and such sales-based royalties are recognized to distinctperiod only when the minimum guaranteed is exceeded on a cumulative basis (this approach is identified as “View C” by the TRG). The Company does not typically transfer goods or services to customers before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due, thus theimplementation of ASC 606 did not result in material contract assets in accordance with ASC 606-10-45-3. The Company’s unconditional right to receiveconsideration based on the terms and conditions of licensing contracts is presented as accounts receivable on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.The Company typically does not receive consideration in advance of performance and, consequently, amounts of contract liabilities as defined by ASC 606-10-45-2 were not material as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company does not disclose the amount attributable to unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations for variable revenue contracts (identifiedunder “View A” above) in accordance with the optional exemption allowed under ASC 606. The Company did not have any revenue recognized in thereporting period from performance obligations satisfied, or partially satisfied, in previous periods. Remaining minimum guaranteed payments for activecontracts as of December 31, 2018 are expected to be recognized ratably in accordance with View C over the remaining term of each contract based on thepassage of time and through December 2023.57 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based PaymentAccounting” (“ASU 2018-07”), which largely aligns the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees and nonemployees. Under previousGAAP, the accounting for nonemployee share-based payments differed from that applied to employee awards, particularly with regard to the measurementdate and the impact of performance conditions. Under the new guidance, the existing employee guidance will apply to nonemployee share-based transactions(as long as the transaction is not effectively a form of financing), with the exception of specific guidance related to the attribution of compensation cost. Thecost of nonemployee awards will continue to be recorded as if the grantor had paid cash for the goods or services. In addition, the contractual term will beable to be used in lieu of an expected term in the option-pricing model for nonemployee awards. Changes to the accounting for nonemployee awards include:•Equity-classified share-based payment awards issued to nonemployees will now be measured on the grant date, instead of the previous requirementto remeasure the awards through the performance completion date;•For performance conditions, compensation cost associated with the award will be recognized when achievement of the performance condition isprobable, rather than upon achievement of the performance condition; and•The current requirement to reassess the classification (equity or liability) for nonemployee awards upon vesting will be eliminated, except for awardsin the form of convertible instruments. The new guidance also clarifies that any share-based payment awards issued to customers should be evaluated under Accounting Standards Codification(“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). This new accounting guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (i.e., calendar years beginning on January1, 2019), including interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance should be applied to all new awards granted after the date of adoption. In addition,all liability-classified awards that have not been settled and equity-classified awards for which a measurement date has not been established by the adoptiondate should be remeasured at fair value as of the adoption date with a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the fiscal year ofadoption. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which revises the guidance in ASC 825-10, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and FinancialLiabilities, and provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial assets and liabilities. The guidance is effectivefor reporting periods (interim and annual) beginning after December 15, 2017, for public companies. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significantimpact on our consolidated financial statements.In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluatingwhether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance provides a screen to determine when anintegrated set of assets and activities is not a business, provides a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and substantive process arepresent, and narrows the definition of the term output. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15,2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance must be adopted on a prospective basis. We willconsider the guidance for future transactions.3. Trademarks, Goodwill and Other IntangiblesTrademarks and other intangibles, net consist of the following: December 31, 2018($ in thousands)Weighted-AverageAmortizationPeriod Gross CarryingAmount AccumulatedAmortization Net CarryingAmountTrademarks (indefinite-lived)n/a $96,707 $— $96,707Trademarks (finite-lived)15 years 15,463 3,521 11,942Non-compete agreement7 years 561 321 240Copyrights and other intellectual property10 years 190 90 100Total $112,921 $3,932 $108,98958 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017 December 31, 2017($ in thousands)Weighted-AverageAmortizationPeriod Gross CarryingAmount AccumulatedAmortization Net CarryingAmountTrademarks (indefinite-lived)n/a $96,707 $— $96,707Trademarks (finite-lived)15 years 15,463 2,490 12,973Non-compete agreement7 years 561 240 321Copyrights and other intellectual property10 years 190 71 119Total $112,921 $2,801 $110,120The trademarks of the Isaac Mizrahi Brand, the Ripka Brand, and the H Halston Brands have been determined to have indefinite useful lives and accordingly,no amortization has been recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations related to those intangible assets.Amortization expense for finite lived intangible assets for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $1.1 million.Estimated future amortization expense related to finite lived intangible assets over the remaining useful lives is as follows:($ in thousands) AmortizationExpenseYear Ending December 31, 2019 $1,1302020 1,1302021 1,1302022 1,0502023 1,050Thereafter 6,793Total $12,283During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $12.4 million, which was the carrying amount of itsgoodwill immediately before the charge. The underlying cause of the impairment was the declining public trading price of the Company’s common stock andthe ensuing decrease in the Company’s market capitalization as of December 31, 2017, as compared to the calculated fair value of the Company. TheCompany’s trading price for its common stock had been declining in 2017 due to its thinly traded stock, failure of the market to distinguish us from ourcompetitors with poor balance sheets, and general outlook on consumer retail environment. Due to the prolonged decline in the Company’s stock price, itwas determined during the fourth quarter that such a decline was no longer temporary. During 2017, management was continuously monitoring theCompany’s stock price and its market capitalization and expectations were that the sector would eventually improve and the Company’s stock would tradeagain at a higher value, able to support the implied premium included in the fair value obtained through the above-mentioned weighted approach, and morerepresentative of the Company’s expected long-term target stock price. The Company’s stock trading price gradually improved during 2017, however,beginning early November, the stock trading price began to trend back down. Management believed this to be a temporary trend, and that our stock pricewould soon improve. This position was supported by management consideration of some of our competitors’ highly leveraged businesses and that investorswould eventually realize that the Company’s fair value was penalized by the resulting sector performance on the stock market. Although the Company’sstock price did improve toward the end of this year, due to the volatility and with continuing low stock trading prices, management decided to increase therelative weight of the market approach in its fair value model, and consequently increase the emphasis on its market peers, which ultimately resulted in therecording of the goodwill impairment.4. Significant ContractsQVC AgreementsThrough its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company has direct-to-retail license agreements with QVC, pursuant to which the Company designs, and QVCsources and sells, various products under the IsaacMizrahiLIVE brand, the Judith Ripka brand, the H59 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017by Halston brand, and the C Wonder brand. These agreements include, respectively, the IM QVC Agreement, the Ripka QVC Agreement, and the H QVCAgreement, (collectively, the “QVC Agreements”). QVC owns the rights to all designs produced under the QVC Agreements, and the QVC Agreementsinclude the sale of products across various categories through QVC’s television media and related internet sites.Pursuant to the agreements, the Company has granted to QVC and its affiliates the exclusive, worldwide right to promote the Company’s branded products,and the right to use and publish the related trademarks, service marks, copyrights, designs, logos, and other intellectual property rights owned, used, licensedand/or developed by the Company, for varying terms as set forth below. The Agreements include automatic renewal periods as detailed below unlessterminated by either party.Agreement Current TermExpiry Automatic Renewal Xcel CommencedBrand with QVC QVC Product LaunchIM QVC Agreement September 30, 2020 one-year period September 2011 2010Ripka QVC Agreement March 31, 2020 one-year period April 2014 1999H QVC Agreement December 31, 2020 one-year period January 2015 September 2015On April 28, 2017, the Company and QVC entered into an amendment to terminate the C Wonder QVC Agreement effective May 1, 2017 and commence asell-off period. During the sell-off period, QVC remained obligated to pay royalties to the Company through January 31, 2018, and QVC retained exclusiverights with respect to C Wonder branded products for interactive television, excluding certain permitted international entities, through May 1, 2018.In connection with the foregoing and during the same periods, QVC and its subsidiaries have the exclusive, worldwide right to use the names, likenesses,images, voices, and performances of the Company’s spokespersons to promote the respective products. Under the IM QVC Agreement, IM Brands has alsogranted to QVC and its affiliates, during the same period, exclusive, worldwide rights to promote third-party vendor co-branded products that, in addition tobearing and being marketed in connection with the trademarks and logos of such third-party vendors, also bear or are marketed in connection with theIsaacMizrahiLIVE trademark and related logo.Under the QVC Agreements, QVC is obligated to make payments to the Company on a quarterly basis, based primarily upon a percentage of the net retailsales of the specified branded products. Net retail sales are defined as the aggregate amount of all revenue generated through the sale of the specified brandedproducts by QVC and its subsidiaries under the QVC Agreements, excluding freight, shipping and handling charges, customer returns, and sales, use, or othertaxes.Also, under the QVC Agreements, the Company will pay a royalty participation fee to QVC on revenue earned from the sale, license, consignment, or anyother form of distribution of any products, bearing, marketed in connection with, or otherwise associated with the specified trademarks and brands.Net revenue from QVC totaled $25.63 million and $25.77 million for the Current Year and Prior Year, respectively, representing approximately 72% and81% of the Company’s total revenues, respectively. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had receivables from QVC of $5.68 million and $5.47million, representing approximately 52% and 64% of the Company’s accounts receivable, respectively. The December 31, 2018 and 2017 QVC receivablesdid not include any earned revenue accrued but not yet billed as of the respective balance sheet dates.5. Debt and Other Long-term LiabilitiesDebtThe Company’s net carrying amount of debt is comprised of the following:60 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017($ in thousands)December 31, 2018 2017Xcel Term Loan$15,500 $19,500Unamortized deferred finance costs related to term loans(200) (346)IM Seller Note742 2,201Ripka Seller Notes583 543Contingent Obligation – JR Seller100 200Contingent Obligation – CW Seller2,850 2,850Total19,575 24,948Current portion (i), (ii)8,275 5,559Long-term debt$11,300 $19,389(i)The current portion of long-term debt presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018 includes (a) $4.0 million related to the XcelTerm Loan, (b) $0.74 million related to the IM Seller Note, (c) $2.95 million related to Contingent Obligations, and (d) $0.58 million related to theRipka Seller Note.(ii)The current portion of long-term debt presented on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 includes $4.0 million related to term loan debt,$1.46 million related to the IM Seller Note and $0.1 million related to a contingent obligation.Xcel Term LoanOn February 26, 2016, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, IM Brands, LLC, JR Licensing, LLC, H Licensing, LLC, C Wonder Licensing, LLC,Xcel Design Group, LLC, IMNY Retail Management, LLC, and IMNY E-Store, USA, LLC (each a “Guarantor” and collectively, the “Guarantors”), asGuarantors, entered into an amended and restated loan and security agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Bank Hapoalim B.M. (“BHI”) as agent, and thefinancial institutions party thereto as lenders. The Loan Agreement amended and restated the IM Term Loan, the JR Term Loan, and the H Term Loan.Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, Xcel assumed the obligations of each of IM Brands, LLC, JR Licensing, LLC, and H Licensing, LLC under the respectiveterm loans with BHI in the aggregate principal amount of $27.9 million (the loan under the Loan Agreement is referred to as the “Xcel Term Loan”).The Xcel Term Loan matures on January 1, 2021. Principal on the Xcel Term Loan is payable in quarterly installments on each of January 1, April 1, July 1and October 1.On February 24, 2017, Xcel and BHI amended the terms of the Loan Agreement (the “Amended Loan Agreement”). Under this amendment, principalpayments for the year ending December 31, 2018 were increased by a total of $1.0 million, principal payments for the year ending December 31, 2021 weredecreased by $1.0 million, and the minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Loan Agreement) requirement for the year ended December 31, 2017 was eliminated.There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, or other terms of the Loan Agreement. Management assessed and determinedthat this amendment represented a debt modification and, accordingly, no gain or loss was recorded.On June 15, 2017, Xcel and BHI entered into a second amendment to the Amended Loan Agreement. Under this amendment, principal payments for the yearending December 31, 2017 were increased by a total of $0.8 million, principal payments for the year ending December 31, 2021 were decreased by $0.8million, the minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Second Amendment to the Amended Loan Agreement) requirement for the year ending December 31, 2017was changed from $9.0 million to $7.0 million and the minimum EBITDA requirements for the years ending December 31, 2018 and 2019 were changed from$9.0 million to $8.0 million. There were no changes to the total principal balance, interest rate, maturity date, or other terms of the Amended LoanAgreement. Management assessed and determined that this amendment represented a debt modification and, accordingly, no gain or loss was recorded.The aggregate remaining annual principal payments under the Amended Loan Agreement are as follows:61 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017($ in thousands) Amount ofPrincipalPaymentYear Ending December 31, 2019 $4,0002020 4,0002021 7,500Total $15,500 Commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Company was required to repay a portion of the Xcel Term Loan in an amount equal to 10%of the excess cash flow for the fiscal year; provided that no early termination fee shall be payable with respect to any such payment (the “Excess Cash FlowPrincipal Payment”). Excess cash flow means, for any period, cash flow from operations (before certain permitted distributions) less (i) capital expendituresnot made through the incurrence of indebtedness, (ii) all cash interest and principal and taxes paid or payable during such period, and (iii) all dividendsdeclared and paid during such period to equity holders of any credit party treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017,the estimated Excess Cash Flow Principal Payment provision of the Xcel Term Loan did not result in any additional repayment.The Company's obligations under the Amended Loan Agreement as of December 31, 2018 are guaranteed by the Guarantors and secured by all of the assetsof Xcel and the Guarantors (as well as any subsidiary formed or acquired that becomes a credit party to the Amended Loan Agreement) and, subject to certainlimitations contained in the Amended Loan Agreement, equity interests of the Guarantors (as well as any subsidiary formed or acquired that becomes a creditparty to the Amended Loan Agreement).The Amended Loan Agreement contains customary covenants, including reporting requirements, trademark preservation, and the following financialcovenants of the Company (on a consolidated basis with the Guarantors and any subsidiaries subsequently formed or acquired that become a credit partyunder the Amended Loan Agreement):•net worth (as defined in the Amended Loan Agreement) of at least $90.0 million at the end of each fiscal quarter ending on June 30 and December 31,of each fiscal year;•liquid assets of at least $5.0 million, until such time as the ratio of indebtedness to EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Loan Agreement) is less than1.00 to 1.00 and, in which event, liquid assets must be at least $3.0 million;•a fixed charge ratio of at least 1.20 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ended June 30 and December 31, for the twelve fiscal month period ending on suchdate;•capital expenditures shall not exceed (i) $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and (ii) $1.7 million for the year ended December 31,2018 (iii) $0.7 million for any fiscal year thereafter; and•EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Loan Agreement) of $8.0 million for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2018 and 2019, and $9.0 million forthe following fiscal years.In connection with the above-mentioned refinancing transactions, the Company incurred fees to or on behalf of BHI of approximately $7,000 during the yearended December 31, 2017. These fees, along with $0.2 million of deferred finance costs related to financing transactions that took place in prior years, havebeen deferred on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction to the carrying value of the Xcel Term Loan, and are being amortized to interest expenseover the term of the Term Loan using the effective interest method. The current effective interest rate on the Amended Loan Agreement is equal toapproximately 6.05%.Interest on the Xcel Term Loan accrues at a fixed rate of 5.1% per annum and is payable on each day on which the scheduled principal payments are requiredto be made. For the Current Year and Prior Year, the Company incurred interest expense of approximately $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, relatedto term loan debt.On February 11, 2019, an amendment was made to the Amended Loan Agreement with BHI "Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement".Immediately prior to February 11, 2019, the aggregate principal amount of the term loan under the Amended Loan Agreement was $15.5 million. Pursuant tothe Amended Loan Agreement, the Lenders have extended an additional term loan in the amount of $7.5 million, such that, as of February 11, 2019, theaggregate outstanding balance of all the term loans by the Lenders to Xcel under the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement is $22.0million, which amount has been divided into two term loans: (1) a term loan in the amount of $7.3 million (“Term Loan A”) and (2) a term loan in the amountof $14.8 million (“Term Loan B” and, together with Term Loan A, the “Term Loans”). See Note 12 "Subsequent Events" for additional information.IM Seller Note62 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017On September 29, 2011, as part of the consideration for the purchase of the Isaac Mizrahi Business, the Company issued to IM Ready-Made, LLC (“IMReady”) a promissory note in the principal amount of $7.4 million (as amended, the “IM Seller Note”). The stated interest rate of the IM Seller Note was0.25% per annum. Management determined that this rate was below the Company’s expected borrowing rate, which was then estimated at 9.25% per annum.Therefore, the Company discounted the IM Seller Note by $1.7 million using a 9.0% imputed annual interest rate, resulting in an initial value of $5.6 million.In addition, on September 29, 2011, the Company prepaid $0.1 million of interest on the IM Seller Note. The imputed interest amount was amortized over theterm of the IM Seller Note and recorded as other interest and finance expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.On December 24, 2013, the IM Seller Note was amended to (1) revise the maturity date to September 30, 2016, (2) revise the date to which the maturity datemay be extended to September 30, 2018, (3) provide the Company with a prepayment right with its common stock, subject to remitting in cash certainrequired cash payments and a minimum common stock price of $4.50 per share, and (4) require interim scheduled payments. The amendment included apartial repayment of $1.5 million of principal.On September 19, 2016, the IM Seller Note was further amended and restated to (1) revise the maturity date to March 31, 2019, (2) require six semi-annualprincipal and interest installment payments of $0.8 million, commencing on September 30, 2016 and ending on March 31, 2019, (3) revise the stated interestrate to 2.236% per annum, (4) allow for optional prepayments at any time at the Company’s discretion without premium or penalty, and (5) require that allpayments of principal and interest be made in cash. Management assessed and determined that this amendment represented a debt modification and,accordingly, no gain or loss was recorded.As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate remaining annual principal payments under the IM Seller Note are as follows:($ in thousands) Amount of Principal PaymentYear Ending December 31, 2019 $742For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred interest expense of approximately $0.03 million and $0.07 million, respectivelyunder the IM Seller Note, which consisted solely of amortization of the discount on the IM Seller Note.Ripka Seller NotesAs of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the remaining discounted balance, non-interest-bearing note relating to the Ripka Seller Notes was approximately $0.58million and $0.54 million, respectively. An aggregate $0.60 million principal amount of the Ripka Seller Notes is due at maturity (March 31, 2019). For theyears ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred interest expense of approximately $0.04 million and $0.04 million, respectively, whichconsisted solely of amortization of the discount on the Ripka Seller Notes.Contingent Obligation – JR Seller (Ripka Earn-Out)In connection with the asset purchase of the Ripka Brand, the Company agreed to pay the sellers of the Ripka brand additional consideration of up to $5.0million in aggregate (the “Ripka Earn-Out”), payable in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock based on the fair value of the Company’s commonstock at the time of payment, and with a floor of $7.00 per share, based on the Ripka Brand achieving in excess of $1.0 million of net royalty income(excluding revenues generated by interactive television sales) during each of the 12-month periods ending on October 1, 2016, 2017 and 2018, less the sumof all earn-out payments for any prior earn-out period. The Ripka Earn-Out was recorded at a value of $3.8 million based on the difference between the fairvalue of the acquired assets of the Ripka Brand at the acquisition date and the total consideration paid. In accordance with ASC Topic 480, “DistinguishingLiabilities from Equity,” the Ripka Earn-Out obligation was classified as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because of the variablenumber of shares payable under the agreement. On December 21, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with the sellers of the Ripka Brand which amended the terms of the Ripka Earn-Out, suchthat the maximum amount of earn-out consideration was reduced to $0.4 million, of which $0.2 million was payable in cash upon execution of theamendment, and $0.1 million is payable in cash on each of May 15, 2018 and 2019. The payment of the remaining future payments of $0.2 million under theearn-out is contingent upon the Ripka Brand achieving at least $6.0 million of net royalty income from QVC during each of the 12-month periods ending onMarch 31, 2018 and 2019.63 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017On May 15, 2018 the Company settled the $0.1 million earnout due by reducing the principal amount owed by Judith Ripka to the Company under apromissory note (included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018).The remaining expected value (which approximates fair value) of the Ripka Earn-Out of $0.1 million is presented in the current portion of long-term debt onthe accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the expected value of the Ripka Earn-out was $0.2million, of which $0.1 million is presented in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet in the current portion of long-term debt and $0.1 million ispresented in long-term debt.Contingent Obligation – CW Seller (C Wonder Earn-Out)In connection with the asset purchase of the C Wonder Brand, the Company agreed to pay the seller additional consideration, which would be payable, if atall, in cash or shares of common stock of the Company, at the Company’s sole discretion, after June 30, 2019, with a value based on the royalties relateddirectly to the assets the Company acquired pursuant to the purchase agreement. The value of the earn-out shall be calculated as the positive amount, if any,of (i) two times (A) the maximum net royalties as calculated for any single twelve month period commencing on July 1 and ending on June 30 between theclosing date and June 30, 2019 (each, a “Royalty Target Year”) less (B) $4.0 million, plus (ii) two times the maximum royalty determined based on apercentage of retail and wholesale sales of C Wonder branded products by the Company as calculated for any single Royalty Target Year. The C WonderEarn-Out of $2.9 million, which was calculated at the asset acquisition date, is presented in the current portion of long-term debt on the accompanyingconsolidated balance sheets, as of December 31, 2018, and in long-term debt as of December 31, 2017. In accordance with ASC Topic 480, “DistinguishingLiabilities from Equity,” the C Wonder Earn-Out obligation is classified as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because of thevariable number of shares payable under the agreement.As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, total contingent obligations were $2.95 million and $3.05 million, respectively.Other Long-term LiabilitiesOther long-term liabilities are primarily comprised of deferred rent of approximately $2.62 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017,respectively.6. Stockholders’ EquityThe Company has authority to issue up to 51,000,000 shares, consisting of 50,000,000 shares of common stock and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock.2011 Equity Incentive PlanThe 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 successof 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 issuanceunder the Plan. The Plan provides for the grant of any or all of the following types of awards: stock options, restricted stock, deferred stock, stockappreciation 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 ofthe Board.Stock OptionsOptions 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 option activity for the Current Year is as follows:64 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017 Number ofOptions WeightedAverageExercisePrice WeightedAverageRemainingContractualLife(in Years) AggregateIntrinsicValueOutstanding at January 1, 20183,468,833 $5.38 4.14 $—Granted250,000 3.34 Canceled— — Exercised— — Expired/Forfeited(460,958) 3.82 Outstanding at December 31, and expected to vest3,257,875 $5.44 3.19 $—Exercisable at December 31, 20181,776,796 $5.60 2.49 $—On March 30, 2018, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exercise priceof the options is $5.50 per share, and all options vested immediately on the date of grant. On April 2, 2018, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock to non-management directors. The exerciseprice of the options is $3.00 per share, and 50% of the options will vest on each of April 2, 2019 and April 2, 2020.On October 15, 2018, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 15,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exercise priceof the options is $2.04 per share, and one-third of the options will vest on each of October 15, 2019, October 15, 2020, and October 15, 2021.On November 21, 2018, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 35,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exerciseprice of the options is $2.25 per share, and 50% of the options will vest on each of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2020.On January 1, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exercise priceof the options is $5.50 per share, and one-third of the options vest on each of January 1, 2018, January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2020.On January 24, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock to a certain executive. The exercise price ofthe options is $5.00 per share, and one-fifth of the options vest on each of January 1, 2018, January 1, 2019, January 1, 2020, January 1, 2021, and January 1,2022.On March 31, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock to non-management directors. The exerciseprice of the options is $2.70 per share, and 50% of the options vest on each of April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019.On May 31, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 15,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exercise price ofthe options is $2.60 per share, and one-third of the options vest on each of May 31, 2018, May 31, 2019, and May 31, 2020.On August 30, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 20,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exercise priceof the options is $3.55 per share, and one-half of the options vest on each of August 30, 2018, and August 30, 2019.On October 1, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exercise priceof the options is $3.50 per share, and one-third of the options vest on each of April 1, 2018, April 1, 2019, and April 1, 2020.On November 2, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of common stock to a certain key employee. The exerciseprice of the options is $3.50 per share, and the vesting of such options is dependent upon the achievement of certain royalty income targets.65 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017The fair value of the options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017Expected Volatility20.91 – 29.65 33.69 – 35.20Expected Dividend Yield—% —%Expected Life (Term, in years)2.5 – 3.5 3.25 – 5.42Risk-Free Interest Rate2.33 – 2.96% 0.91 – 1.21%Compensation expense related to stock options for the Current Year and Prior Year was approximately $1.1 million and $1.2 million respectively. Totalunrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options at December 31, 2018 amounts to approximately $0.7 million and is expected to berecognized over a weighted average period of 1.89 years.The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for non-vested options for the current year: Number ofOptions WeightedAverageGrant DateFair ValueBalance at January 1, 20182,613,497 $1.23Granted250,000 0.54Vested(983,586) 1.27Forfeited or Canceled(398,832) 0.72Balance at December 31, 20181,481,079 $1.23WarrantsWarrants granted by the Company 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 warrant activity for the current year is as follows: Number ofWarrants WeightedAverageExercisePrice WeightedAverageRemainingContractualLife(in Years) AggregateIntrinsicValueOutstanding and exercisable at January 1, 20181,891,743 $6.81 1.92 $—Granted— — Canceled— — Exercised— — Expired/Forfeited(676,928) (2.31) Outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 20181,214,815 $9.32 1.66 $—The Company did not grant any warrants to purchase shares of common stock during the Current Year or Prior Year.No compensation expense was recorded in the Current Year or Prior Year related to warrants.Restricted StockA summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity for the Current Year is as follows:66 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017 Number ofRestrictedShares WeightedAverageGrant DateFair ValueOutstanding at January 1, 20182,143,088 $5.35Granted190,806 3.03Canceled— —Vested(873,684) 5.74Expired/Forfeited— —Outstanding at December 31, 20181,460,210 $4.82On March 14, 2018, the Company issued an aggregate of 90,209 shares of stock to certain non-executive employees, which vested immediately.On April 2, 2018, the Company issued an aggregate of 48,000 shares of stock to certain non-management directors, which will vest evenly over two years,whereby 50% shall vest on April 2, 2019, and 50% shall vest on April 2, 2020.On April 3, 2018, the Company issued an aggregate of 25,599 shares of stock to certain non-executive employees, which vested immediately.On May 31, 2018, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,664 shares of stock to certain non-executive employees, which vested immediately.On June 5, 2018, the Company issued of 7,000 shares of stock to a consultant, which vested immediately.On October 15, 2018, the Company issued 10,000 shares of stock to a consultant, which vested immediately.On October 15, 2018, the Company issued 8,334 shares of stock to a consultant, which vested immediately.On January 31, 2017, the Company issued 50,000 shares of restricted stock to a consulting firm whose controlling shareholder was a director of the Companyuntil October 2017. Of the 50,000 shares of restricted stock granted, 25,000 shares vested immediately and 25,000 vested on January 31, 2018. On June 18,2017, the Company issued an additional 28,334 shares of restricted stock to the same consulting firm, of which 14,167 shares vested immediately on thesame day and 14,167 shares shall vest on January 31, 2018. See Note 11, Related Party Transactions, for additional information.On March 31, 2017, the Company issued to non-management directors an aggregate of 48,000 shares of restricted stock. The shares of restricted stock willvest evenly over two years, whereby 50% shall vest on March 31, 2018 and 50% shall vest on March 31, 2019.Notwithstanding the foregoing, each grantee may extend the first anniversary of all or a portion of the restricted stock by six months and, thereafter one ormore times may further extend such date with respect to all or a portion of the restricted stock until the next following date exactly six months thereafter, byproviding written notice of such election to extend such date with respect to all or a portion of the restricted stock prior to such date.Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants for the current year and prior year was $0.7 million and $2.0 million respectively. Totalunrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock grants at December 31, 2018 amounts to $0.3 million and is expected to berecognized over a weighted average period of 0.91 years.The following table provides information with respect to restricted stock purchased and retired by the Company during the Current Year and Prior Year.67 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017Date Total Numberof SharesPurchased ActualPrice Paidper Share Number ofSharesPurchased asPart ofPubliclyAnnouncedPlan Fair value ofRe-PurchasedSharesMarch 31, 2018 (i) 43,638 $3.25 — $142,000April 30, 2018 (i) 181,486 3.09 — 560,000May 31, 2018 (i) 107 2.80 — —November 30, 2018 (i) 145,920 2.27 — 331,000Total 2018 371,151 $2.79 — $1,033,000 March 31, 2017 (i) 294,540 $2.70 — $795,000May 31, 2017 (i) 4,775 2.30 — 11,000September 30, 2017 (i) 2,200 3.70 — 8,000December 31, 2017 (i) 149,840 2.55 — 383,000Total 2017 451,355 $2.66 — $1,197,000(i) The shares were exchanged from employees and directors in connection with the income tax withholding obligations on behalf of such employees and directors from the vestingof restricted stock.All of the shares of restricted stock in the preceding table were originally granted to employees and directors as restricted stock pursuant to the Plan.Shares Available Under the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive PlanAt December 31, 2018, there were 5,813,949 shares of common stock available for issuance under the Plan.Shares Reserved for IssuanceAt December 31, 2018, there were 10,286,639 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to unexercised warrants and stock options, or availablefor issuance under the Plan.DividendsThe Company has not paid any dividends to date.7. Earnings Per ShareShares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017Basic18,280,788 18,502,158Effect of exercise of warrants850 —Diluted18,281,638 18,502,158As a result of the net loss presented for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company calculated diluted earnings per share using basic weighted-averageshares outstanding for such period, as utilizing diluted shares would be anti-dilutive to loss per share.The computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share excludes the common stock equivalents of the following potentially dilutive securitiesbecause their inclusion would be anti-dilutive:68 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017Stock options and warrants4,421,625 5,360,5768. Commitments and ContingenciesLeasesThe Company leases office space under an operating lease agreement related to the Company’s main headquarters located in New York City. This leasecommenced on March 1, 2016 and expires on October 30, 2027. In connection with this lease, the Company obtained an Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit(the “Letter of Credit”) from BHI for a sum not exceeding $1.1 million. The Company has deposited this amount with BHI as collateral for the Letter of Creditand recorded the amount as restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.The Company also leases office space under an operating lease agreement at another location in New York City, representing the Company’s formercorporate offices and operations facility. This lease shall expire on February 28, 2022. This office space is currently subleased to a third-party subtenantthrough December 12, 2018, with a renewal option for our subtenant to extend the sublease term through February 27, 2022.Future minimum lease payments under the terms of the Company’s noncancelable operating lease agreements are as follows:($ in thousands) LeasePaymentsYear Ended December 31, 2019 $2,3932020 2,4232021 2,5772022 1,7322023 1,552Thereafter 5,950Total future noncancelable minimum lease payments $16,627The aforementioned leases require the Company to pay additional rents related to increases in certain taxes and other costs on the properties. Total rentexpense was approximately $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.Total minimum lease payments to be received in the future under noncancelable sublease agreements as of December 31, 2018 are approximately $0.78million. Total sublease payments received for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were approximately $0.78 million and $0.74 million,respectively. Sublease payments received are credited against the exit cost liability on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. See Note 9 "Facility ExitCosts".Employment AgreementsThe Company has contracts with certain executives and key employees. The future minimum payments under these contracts are as follows:($ in thousands) EmploymentContractPaymentsYear Ended December 31, 2019 $6,4822020 2,5072021 1,918Thereafter —Total future minimum employment contract payments $10,90769 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017In addition to the employment contract payments stated above, the Company’s employment contracts with certain executives and key employees containperformance based bonus provisions. These provisions include bonuses based on the Company achieving revenues in excess of established targets and/or onoperating results.Certain of the employment agreements contain severance and/or change in control provisions. Aggregate potential severance compensation amounted toapproximately $8.4 million at December 31, 2018. See Note 12.9. Facility Exit CostsIn June 2016, the Company relocated its corporate offices and operations from 475 Tenth Avenue in New York City to 1333 Broadway in New York City. Inconnection with the exit from its former office location, the Company recognized a liability at the exit and cease-use date for the remaining lease obligationassociated with 475 Tenth Avenue, based on the remaining contractual lease payments less estimated sublease rentals, discounted to present value using acredit-adjusted risk-free rate.At December 31, 2018, the remaining balance of the exit cost liability related to the former office space was approximately $1.3 million, of which $0.6million was recorded in other current liabilities and $0.7 million was recorded in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.The balance of this liability will be paid out over a period of approximately 3.2 years, through February 2022.A summary of the activity related to the exit cost liability is as follows:($ in thousands) 2018 2017Balance as of January 1, $624 $783Cash payments, net (113) (154)Adjustment to liability (revision to estimated cash flows) 799 (25)Accretion 8 20Balance as of December 31, $1,318 $624The Company changed its sublessor in December 2018, and the Company adjusted its lease liability related to 475 Tenth Avenue, resulting in a charge of$799 thousand, which includes future cash payments from a new sublessor.10. Income TaxesThe Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences betweenthe financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differencesare expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Indetermining the need for a valuation allowance, management reviews both positive and negative evidence pursuant to the requirements of ASC Topic 740,including current and historical results of operations, future income projections and the overall prospects of the Company's business.The income tax provision (benefit) for federal and state and local income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations consists of the following:70 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017($ in thousands)Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017Current: Federal$— $—State and local67 79Total current67 79 Deferred: Federal1,404 (883)State and local360 357Total deferred1,764 (526)Total (benefit) provision$1,831 $(447)The reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal and state and local statutory rates to the Company’s income before taxes is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017U.S. statutory federal rate21.00 % (34.00)%State and local rate, net of federal tax14.16 1.09Stock compensation18.25 9.37Excess compensation deduction8.38 4.49Foreign tax credits(1.03) (0.30)Federal true-ups0.41 (0.17)Life insurance1.28 0.57Tax rate change due to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act— (24.88)Goodwill impairment— 39.50Other permanent differences0.25 0.14Income tax provision (benefit)62.70 % (4.19)%71 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017The significant components of net deferred tax liabilities of the Company consist of the following:($ in thousands)December 31, 2018 2017Deferred tax assets Stock-based compensation$3,099 $4,097Federal, state and local net operating loss carryforwards566 312Accrued compensation and other accrued expenses1,009 1,132Allowance for doubtful accounts58 —Basis difference arising from discounted note payable355 387Foreign tax credit130 95Charitable contribution carryover55 47Property and equipment170 —Other— 10Total deferred tax assets$5,442 $6,080 Deferred tax liabilities Property and equipment— 220Basis difference arising from intangible assets of acquisition(13,581) (12,675)Total deferred tax liabilities(13,581) (12,455)Net deferred tax liabilities$(8,139) $(6,375)As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $1.6 million and $.8 million, respectively, of federal net operating losscarryforwards ("NOLs") available to offset future taxable income. The NOL as of December 31, 2017 of $.8 million has an expiration period from 2036through 2037. The NOL generated during tax year ending December 31, 2018 of $.8 million has an indefinite life and does not expire.As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, management does not believe the Company has any material uncertain tax positions that would require it to measure andreflect the potential lack of sustainability of a position on audit in its consolidated financial statements. The Company will continue to evaluate its uncertaintax positions in future periods to determine if measurement and recognition in its consolidated financial statements are necessary. The Company does notbelieve there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next year.11. Related Party TransactionsEdward Jones, IIIEdward Jones, III, a director of the Company from October 2011 to October 2017, performed consulting services for and received compensation during 2017from a certain licensee of the Company. Under the terms of the Company’s agreement with this certain licensee, the licensee may supply the Company’sbranded products to the Company’s other licensees. Under the terms of the Company’s separate pre-existing agreements with other licensees, the Companywould earn royalties on the sales of such branded products sold to end customers.On January 31, 2017, the Company entered into a two-year consulting agreement (the “QTR Consulting Agreement”) with Jones Texas, Inc. (“JTI”), whosecontrolling shareholder is Edward Jones, III, to provide consulting services in connection with the Company’s Fast-to-Market production platform programand other projects. Pursuant to the QTR Consulting Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 50,000 shares of common stock to JTI, of which 25,000shares vested immediately, and 25,000 shares vested on January 31, 2018. On June 18, 2017, based upon meeting certain performance targets relating to theCompany’s short-lead production platform business as provided in the January 31, 2017 QTR Consulting Agreement, the Company issued an additional28,334 shares of common stock to JTI, of which 14,167 shares vested immediately, resulting in the recognition of compensation expense of $79,000 duringthe year ended December 31, 2017, and the remaining 14,167 shares shall vest on January 31, 2018. The Company also paid JTI a cash consulting fee of$0.075 million on January 30, 2017 and an additional cash consulting72 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017fee of $0.075 million on April 28, 2017 relating to other projects. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there was no compensation paid or owed to JTI.Benjamin MalkaConcurrent with the acquisition of the H Halston Brand on December 22, 2014, the Company and The H Company IP, LLC (“HIP”) entered into a licenseagreement (the “HIP License Agreement”), which was subsequently amended September 1, 2015. Benjamin Malka, a director of the Company, is a 25%equity holder of HIP’s parent company, House of Halston LLC (“HOH”), and Chief Executive Officer of HOH. The HIP license agreement provides for royaltypayments including guaranteed minimum royalties to be paid to the Company during the initial term that expires on December 31, 2019.On September 1, 2015, the Company entered into a license agreement with Lord and Taylor, LLC (the “L&T License”) and simultaneously amended the HIPLicense Agreement eliminating HIP’s minimum guaranteed royalty obligations, provided the L&T License is in effect. In addition, the Company entered intoa sublicense agreement with HIP (the “HIP Sublicense Agreement”), obligating the Company to pay HIP a fee on an annual basis the greater of (i) 50% ofroyalties received under the L&T License from H Halston products or (ii) guaranteed minimum royalties. Provided that Lord & Taylor, LLC is paying theCompany at least $1.0 million per quarter under the L&T License, the remaining contractually required guaranteed minimum royalties are equal to $0.75million, $0.75 million, $1.5 million, and $1.75 million for the twelve months ending January 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively.On December 12, 2016, the Company entered into a license agreement for the H Halston Brand with Dillard’s Inc and affiliates (the “Dillard’s License”, andtogether with the L&T License, the “DRT Licenses”).HOH has also entered into an arrangement with another licensee of the Company to supply Halston-branded apparel for the subsequent sale of such productto end customers. Under the Company’s separate pre-existing licensing agreements in place with the aforementioned other licensee and with HIP as describedabove, the Company earns royalties on the sales of such Halston-branded products.Through October 26, 2018, the Company operated under the following terms as an at-will license:•The HIP Trademark Usage and Royalty Participation Agreement, had an initial term that expired on December 31, 2020 unless sooner terminated orrenewed, and we shall pay to HIP: (i) 50% of the excess H Halston Royalty paid to us under the DRT Licenses and any other third party licenses thatwe may enter into; (ii) 25% of the excess developed brand royalty paid to us for the Highline Collective Brand under the DRT Licenses, and 20% ofthe excess developed brand royalty paid to us for any subsequent developed brand under the DRT Licenses, and (iii) 10% of the excess private labelbrand royalty paid to us under the DRT Licenses and during the first term only of the DRT Licenses. Additionally, we have the right, but not theobligation, at any time after January 31, 2023, to terminate the obligations under points (ii) and (iii) above by paying to HIP an amount equal to fourtimes the sum of the developed brand credits and private label credits for the contract year ending on January 31, 2023 (the "Buy Out Payment''). TheBuy-Out Payment was payable by us and at our sole discretion either (a) in cash, or (b) in a number of common shares of Xcel calculated based onthe amount of the Buy-Out Payment divided by the average closing price for common shares of Xcel on a national exchange for the preceding fivetrading days, subject to a minimum price for common shares of Xcel of $7.00 per common share.•A license and supply agreement with the Halston Operating Company, LLC (“HOC”), a subsidiary of HOH, with an initial term ending onJanuary 31, 2022, subject to renewal. Under the HOC at-will license and supply agreement, HOC shall provide licensed products for sale to pre-approved retailers, including HBC and Dillard’s, and was also responsible for overseeing the visual merchandising and in-store retail environmentsfor such approved retailers, as well as for training and oversight of any retail staff responsible for selling the licensed products within HBC andDillard’s, as reasonably agreed upon between HOC and HBC and Dillard’s. The HOC at-will license and supply agreement provides for, among otherthings, design fees of $1.2 million for the period from July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018, subsequent design fees of $2.4 million for thecontractual yearly periods ending on January 31, 2019, and on December 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and sales-based royalties on thecategories of products licensed under the agreement and the contractual year of payment.Effective October 26, 2018, the Company terminated the HIP License Agreement including all amendments and the HIP Sublicense Agreement. In additionthe at-will license has been terminated and is no longer in effect.73 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017In addition, the Company and HOC entered into an arrangement whereby HOC pays the Company a license fee for branded products related to categories notincluded in the HOC license and supply agreement.For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had recorded approximately $2.0 million and $1.4 million of revenue from HOC,respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a receivable balance of approximately $1.5 million due from HOC, which was collected subsequentto year end 2018. In addition, the Company recorded $0 and $9,000 of HIP fees (as a reduction to net revenue) for the Current Year and the Prior Year,respectively.The Company had a prepaid balance of $0.2 million to HIP that was to be applied against future fees due, which HIP agreed to refund and is includedaccounts receivable, net as of December 31, 2018.12. Subsequent EventsAcquisition of the Halston Heritage BrandsOn February 11, 2019 (the “Closing Date”), the Company acquired the Halston Heritage Brands from The H Company IP, LLC (the “Seller”), a wholly-ownedsubsidiary of House of Halston LLC (“Parent”).Pursuant to the Agreement, at closing, the Company delivered to the Seller or its designees (collectively the “Sellers” an aggregate of $8.4 million in cash. Inaddition, Xcel agreed to issue to the Sellers 777,778 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “XCel Shares”), subject to a voting agreement and a lock-upagreement relating to the Xcel Shares and a consent and waiver agreement each in from satisfactory to Xcel within three months from the date of theAgreement. In the event such agreements are not executed and delivered to Xcel, the Xcel shares shall be forfeited. In addition to the closing considerations,the Sellers will be 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 NetRoyalties as calculated for such Royalty Target Year, less the greater of (i) One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1.5 million), or (ii) the maximumNet Royalties for any previous Royalty Target Year. “Applicable Percentage” means (a) 50% of the first $10.0 million of Excess Net Royalties during theEarn-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% ofaggregate Excess Net Royalties during the Earn-Out Period in excess of $15.0 million. The Earn-Out Consideration shall be payable in cash or of commonstock of XCel Shares (the “Earn-Out Shares”) at the Sellers’ option); provided, however, that if the number of Earn-Out Shares, when combined with thenumber of XCel Shares issued at the closing, 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 its sole and unfettered discretion, elect to (x) pay cash forthe 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-OutShares 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-OutShares to the Seller; 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.Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement.On February 11, 2019, the Company entered into an amended loan agreement with BHI (the “Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement”).The Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, amended and restated the Amended Loan Agreement dated as of February 24, 2017.Immediately prior to the Closing Date, the aggregate principal amount of the term loan extended under the Existing Loan Agreement was $15.5 million.Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Lenders have extended to Xcel an additional term loan in the amount of $7.5 million, such that, as of the Closing Date,the aggregate outstanding balance of all the term loans extended by BHI to Xcel under the Loan Agreement was $22.0 million, which amount has beendivided under the Loan Agreement into two term loans: (1) a term loan in the amount of $7.3 million (“Term Loan A”) and (2) a term loan in the amount of$14.8 million (“Term Loan B” and, together with Term Loan A, the “Term Loans”). The proceeds of the additional term loan extended on the Closing Datewere used to finance the Halston Heritage Brands acquisition described above.Upon entering into Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, Xcel paid an upfront fee in the amount of $0.09 million to BHI.74 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017 The Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement also contemplates that BHI, or their affiliates (collectively, the “Lenders”) will provide toXcel a revolving loan facility and a letter of credit facility, the terms of each of which shall be agreed to by Xcel and the Lenders. Amounts advanced underthe revolving loan facility (the “Revolving Loans”) will be used for (1) the purpose of consummating acquisitions by Xcel or its subsidiaries that are orbecome parties to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and (2) working capital purposes. Xcel will have the right to convertRevolving Loans to incremental term loans (the “Incremental Term Loans”) in minimum amounts of $5.0 million. The Company has not drawn down anyfunds under either the revolving loan facility or letter of credit facility.The Term Loans mature on December 31, 2023; Incremental Term Loans shall mature on the date set forth in the applicable term note; and Revolving Loansand the letter of credit facility shall mature on such date as agreed upon by Xcel and the Lenders. Any letter of credit issued under Second Amended andRestated Loan and Security Agreement shall terminate no later than one year following the date of issuance thereof.Principal on the Term Loan A shall be payable in quarterly installments on each of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 as follows:($ in thousands) PeriodAmountJune 30, 2019– September 30, 2020$1,000 December 31, 2020$1,250Principal on the Term Loan B shall be payable in quarterly installments on each of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 as follows:($ in thousands) PeriodAmountMarch 31, 2020– September 30, 2020$250 March 31, 2021 -December 31, 2022$1,125 March 31, 2023 – December 31, 2023$1,250Xcel shall have the right to prepay the Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Revolving Loans and obligations with respect to letters of credit and accruedand unpaid interest therein and to terminate the Lenders’ obligations to make Revolving Loans and issue letters of credit; provided that any prepayment ofless than all of the outstanding balances of Term Loans and Incremental Term Loans shall be applied to the remaining amounts due in inverse order ofmaturity.If any Term Loan or any Incremental Term Loan is prepaid on or prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date (including as a result of an event ofdefault), Xcel shall pay an early termination fee as follows: an amount equal to the principal amount outstanding under such Term Loan or Incremental TermLoan, as applicable, on the date of prepayment, multiplied by: (i) two percent (2.00%) if any of Term Loan B or any Incremental Term Loan is prepaid on orbefore the second anniversary of the later of the Closing Date or the date such Incremental Term Loan was made, as applicable; (ii) one percent (1.00%) if anyof 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 TermLoan is prepaid after the second anniversary of the later of the Closing Date or such Incremental Term Loan was made, as applicable, but on or before thethird anniversary of such date; (iv) one half of one percent (0.50%) if any of Term Loan A is prepaid after the second anniversary of the Closing Date, but onor before the third anniversary of such date; or (v) zero percent (0.00%), if any Term Loan or any Incremental Term Loan is prepaid after the third anniversaryof the later of the Closing Date or the date such Incremental Term Loan was made, as applicable.Commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, Xcel is required to repay a portion of the Term Loan in amount equal to 10% of the excess cashflow for the fiscal year; provided that no early termination fee shall be payable with respect to any such payment. Excess cash flow means, for any period,cash flow from operations (before certain permitted distributions) less (i) capital75 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017expenditures not made through the incurrence of indebtedness, (ii) all cash principal paid or payable during such period and (iii) all dividends declared andpaid (or which could have been declared and paid) during such period to equity holders of any credit party treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes. Xcel’s obligations under the Loan Agreement are guaranteed by and secured by all of the assets of Xcel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as anysubsidiary formed or acquired that becomes a credit party to the Loan Agreement (the “Guarantors”) and, subject to certain limitations contained in SecondAmended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, equity interests of the Guarantors. Xcel also granted the Lenders a right of first offer to finance any acquisition for which the consideration therefore will be paid other than by cash of Xcel orby the issuance of equity interest of Xcel.Interest on the Term Loan A accrues at a fixed rate of 5.1% per annum and is payable on each day on which the scheduled principal payments on the TermLoan A are required to be made. Interest on the Term Loan B accrues at a fixed rate of 6.25% per annum and is payable on each day on which the scheduledprincipal payments on the Term Loan B are required to be made. Interest on the Revolving Loans will accrue at either the Base Rate or LIBOR, as elected byXcel, plus a margin to be agreed to by Xcel and the Lenders and will be payable on the first day of each month. Base Rate is defined in the Second Amendedand Restated Loan and Security Agreement as the greater of (a) BHI’s stated prime rate or (b) 2.00% per annum plus the overnight federal funds rate publishedby the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Interest on the Incremental Term Loans will accrue at rates to be agreed to by Xcel and the Lenders and will bepayable on each day on which the scheduled principal payments under the applicable note are required to be made.The Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement contains customary covenants, including reporting requirements, trademark preservationand the following financial covenants of Xcel (on a consolidated basis with Xcel’s and the Guarantors under the Second Amended and Restated Loan andSecurity Agreement):•net worth of at least $90.0 million at the end of each fiscal quarter;•liquid assets of at least $5.0 million at all times;•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 forthbelow for such fiscal period:Fiscal Quarter EndFixed Charge Coverage RatioDecember 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, September 30, 20201.05 to 1.00December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, September 30, 2021, December 31, 2021 and thereafter1.10 to 1.00•capital expenditures shall not exceed $1.7 million for fiscal year December 31, 2018•capital expenditures shall not exceed $0.7 million for any fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2018; and•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 PeriodMaximum Leverage RatioDecember 31, 20182.90 to 1.00December 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, and September 30, 20202.40 to 1.00December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 20211.70 to 1.00December 31, 2021 and each Fiscal Quarter end thereafter1.50 to 1.00The Company was in full compliance with all covenants under the Amended and Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, as of and forthe fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.Employment Agreements with Executives On February 28, 2019, the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with Robert D’Loren for him to continue to serve as Chief ExecutiveOfficer of the Company, referred to as the D’Loren Employment Agreement. Following the initial three-year term, the agreement will be automaticallyrenewed for one year terms unless either party gives written notice of intent76 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017to terminate at least 90 days prior to the termination of the then current term. Pursuant to the D’Loren Employment Agreement, Mr. D’Loren’s annual basesalary is $0.9 million. The Company’s board of directors or the compensation committee may approve increases (but not decreases) from time to time.Following the initial three-year term, Mr. D’Loren’s base salary will be reviewed at least annually. Mr. D’Loren receives an allowance for an automobileappropriate for his level of position and the Company pays (in addition to monthly lease or other payments) all of the related expenses for gasoline,insurance, maintenance, repairs or any other costs with Mr. D’Loren’s automobile. Bonus Mr. D’Loren will be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus in an amount equal to (i) 2.5% of all income generated from the sales of the Company’s productsand by the trademarks and other intellectual property owned, operated or managed by us (“IP Income”), in excess of $8.0 million earned and received by us insuch fiscal year: provided that any IP income generated through net sales shall be multiplied by (x) 7% in the case of net sales from wholesale sales, andprivate label sales and (y) 3% in the case of net sales from e-commerce sales through the Company’s web sites and (ii) 5% of the Company’s adjustedEBITDA (as defined in the D’Loren Employment Agreement) for such fiscal year. Mr. D’Loren shall have the right to elect to receive the cash bonus throughthe issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock.Pursuant to the D’Loren Agreement, Mr. D’Loren was granted an option to purchase up to 2,578,947 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exerciseprice of $1.70 per share. The option is exercisable until February 28, 2029 and shall vest, subject to Mr. D’Loren remaining employed by the Company andbased upon the Company’s common stock achieving the following target prices:Target PricesNumber of Option Shares Vesting$3.00736,842$5.00626,316$7.00515,789$9.00405,263$11.00294,737 Severance If Mr. D’Loren’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause, or if Mr. D’Loren resigns with good reason, or if the Company fails to renew theterm, then Mr. D’Loren will be entitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and a lump sum payment equal to thebase salary in effect on the termination date for the longer of two years from the termination date or the remainder of the then-current term. Additionally, Mr.D’Loren would be entitled to two hundred times the average annual cash bonuses paid in the preceding 12 months. Mr. D’Loren would also be entitled tocontinue to participate in the Company’s group medical plan or receive reimbursement for premiums paid for other medical insurance in an amount not toexceed the cost to participate in the Company’s plan, subject to certain conditions, for a period of 36 months from the termination date.Change of Control In the event Mr. D’Loren’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. D’Loren withgood reason, he would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to two times (i) his base salary in effect on the termination date for the longer of two yearsfrom the termination date or the remainder of the then-current term and (ii) two times the average annual cash bonuses paid in the preceding 12 months,minus $100. “Change of control,” as defined in Mr. D’Loren’s employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, leaseor other transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in asingle transaction or a series of transactions or, if during any twelve consecutive month period, the individuals who at the beginning of such period,constitute the board of directors of the Company (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease (other than due to death) to constitute a majority of the members of theboard at the end of such period; provided that directors elected by or on the recommendation of a majority of the directors who so qualify as IncumbentDirectors shall be deemed to be Incumbent Directors. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock optionor other grant agreement77 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017between Mr. D’Loren and the Company, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by the Company to Mr.D’Loren pursuant to any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of180 days after the date the change of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation During the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment (unless Mr. D’Loren’s employmentwas terminated without cause or was terminated by him for good reason, in which case only for his term of employment and a six-month period after thetermination of such employment), Mr. D’Loren may not permit his name to be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passiveownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class of a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange orin the over-the-counter market) that engages or proposes to engage in our business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreign countryin which we do business as of the date of termination of his employment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of suchemployment, Mr. D’Loren may not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation ofthe Company or any of its subsidiaries to cease doing business with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce any personwho 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 wasterminated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, employeeor business relation and the Company or any of its subsidiaries. James Haran On February 28, 2019, the Company entered into a two-year employment agreement with James Haran for him to continue to serve as the Company’sChief Financial Officer, referred to as the Haran Employment Agreement. Following the initial two-year term, the agreement automatically renewed for a one-year term and will be automatically renewed for one year terms thereafter unless either party gives written notice of intent to terminate at least 30 days prior tothe expiration of the then current term. Pursuant to the Haran Employment Agreement, Mr. Haran’s annual base salary is $0.4 million per annum. The board ofdirectors or the compensation committee may approve increases (but not decreases) from time to time. Following the initial two year term, the base salaryshall be reviewed at least annually. In addition, Mr. Haran receives a car allowance of $1,500 per month. Bonus Mr. Haran will be eligible to receive a performance cash bonus in an amount equal to (i) 0.23% of all IP Income in excess of $12.0 million earned andreceived by us in such fiscal year; provided that any IP income generated through net sales shall be multiplied by (x) 7% in the case of net sales fromwholesale sales, and private label sales and (y) 3% in the case of net sales from e-commerce sales through the Company’s web sites plus (ii) 0.375% of theCompany’s adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Haran Employment Agreement) for such fiscal year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for (i) 2019, $0.04million of Mr. Haran’s bonus is guaranteed, of which $0.01 million was paid to Mr. Haran upon execution of the Haran Employment Agreement and $0.03million is payable on or before June 30, 2019, and (ii) for 2020, $0.03 million of Mr. Haran’s bonus is guaranteed and payable on or before June 30, 2020, ineach case, as long as Mr. Haran remains employed by the Company. Pursuant to the Haran Employment Agreement, Mr. Haran was granted an option to purchase up to 552,632 shares of the Company’s common stock at anexercise price of $1.70 per share. The option is exercisable until February 28, 2029 and shall vest, subject to Mr. Haran remaining employed with theCompany and based upon the Company’s common stock achieving target prices as follows:78 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017Target PricesNumber of Option Shares Vesting$3.00157,895$5.00134,211$7.00110,526$9.0086,842$11.0063,158Severance If Mr. Haran’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause, or if Mr. Haran resigns with good reason, or if the Company fails to renew the term,then Mr. Haran will be entitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and a lump sum payment equal to his basesalary in effect on the termination date for 12 months. Mr. Haran would also be entitled to continue to participate in our group medical plan, subject tocertain conditions, for a period of 12 months from the termination date. Change of Control In the event Mr. Haran’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. Haran withgood reason, Mr. Haran would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for 12 months following suchtermination. “Change of control,” as defined in Mr. Haran’s employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, lease orother transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in asingle transaction or a series of transactions. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or othergrant agreement between Mr. Haran and us, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by us to Mr. Haran pursuantto any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after thedate the change of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation During the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Haran may not permit his nameto be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passive ownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class ofa 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 inour business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreign country in which we do business as of the date of termination of suchemployment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of his employment, Mr. Haran 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 doingbusiness with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person who is, or was during the then-most recent 12-monthperiod, a corporate officer, general manager or other employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with theCompany 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 inany way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, employee or business relation and the Company or any of itssubsidiaries.Giuseppe FalcoOn February 27, 2019, the Company entered into a two-year employment agreement with Giuseppe Falco for him to serve as President and Chief Merchant ofthe Company’s Interactive Technology business and the Company’s Creative Director, referred to as the Falco Employment Agreement. Following the initialtwo-year term, the agreement will be automatically renewed for an additional one-year term, unless either party gives written notice of intent to terminate atleast 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the Falco Employment Agreement, Mr. Falco’s base salary is $0.6 million per annum. Bonus79 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 2017 Cash Bonus and Stock Bonus. Mr. Falco will be eligible to receive a performance cash bonus in an amount up to $0.4 million per annum and a performancestock bonus with a value of up to $0.1 million per annum based upon the Company receiving Gross DRT Sales as follows:($ in thousands) 2019 Gross DRT Sales LevelCash Bonus$ Value of Stock Bonus$242,500- $250,000$90$24$250,000 - $257,500$180$45$257,500 - $265,000$270$68$265,000 or more$360$90The Gross DRT Sale Level targets for 2020 shall be established by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.“Gross DRT Sales” means gross sales generated by the Company’s trademarks through any program transmitted by television, on QVC, HSN (including theire-commerce businesses known as Buy Any Time), or similar interactive television networks globally.Severance If Mr. Falco’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or if Mr. Falco resigns with good reason, or if we fail to renew the term, then Mr. Falco will beentitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and a lump sum payment of an amount equal to his base salary ineffect for a period of six months, payable on the six month anniversary of the date of separation of services and the option shall remain exercisable as to thoseshares as to which the option previously vested and shall become exercisable as to any unvested shares immediately following such transaction. Mr. Falcowould also be entitled to continue to participate in our group medical plan, subject to certain conditions, for a period of six months from the termination date. Change of Control In the event Mr. Falco’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. Falco with goodreason, Mr. Falco would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for six months following suchtermination. “Change of control,” as defined in Mr. Falco’s employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, lease orother transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in asingle transaction or a series of transactions. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or othergrant agreement between Mr. Falco and us, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by us to Mr. Falco pursuantto any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after thedate the change of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation During the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Falco may not permit his nameto be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passive ownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class ofa 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 inthe Company’s business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreign country in which we do business as of the date of termination ofhis employment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Falco 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 doingbusiness with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person who is, or was during the then-most recent 12-monthperiod, a corporate officer, general manager or other employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with theCompany 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 inany way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, employee or business relation and the Company or any of itssubsidiaries.80 Table of ContentsXCEL BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsDecember 31, 2018 and 201781 Table of ContentsItem 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial DisclosureThere were no disagreements with the Company’s auditors which would require disclosure under Item 304(b) of Regulation S-K.Item 9A.Controls and ProceduresThe Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reportsis recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated andcommunicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allowtimely decisions regarding required disclosure. Such controls and procedures, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’scontrol objectives.Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(f)and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2018. Based on that evaluation, our ChiefExecutive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level, as ofDecember 31, 2018, to ensure that all information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,summarized and reported within the time specified in SEC rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including ourprincipal executive and principal accounting officers to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial ReportingOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reportingis a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the chief executive officer and principal financial officer and effected by our board of directors,management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statementsfor external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted anevaluation of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control-IntegratedFramework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our evaluation under theframework described above, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control overfinancial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation requirements by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firmpursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.Changes in Internal Control over Financial ReportingThere was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during our mostrecent completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financialreporting.Item 9B. Other InformationNone.82 Table of ContentsPART IIIItem 10. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters, Control Persons and Corporate Governance; Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange ActThe following table sets forth the names, ages, and positions of our executive officers and directors as of the date hereof. Executive officers are appointed byour board of directors. Each executive officer holds office until resignation, is removed by the Board, or a successor is elected and qualified. Each directorholds office until a successor is elected and qualified or earlier resignation or removal.NAMEAGEPOSITIONRobert W. D’Loren61Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and PresidentJames F. Haran58Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary, and Principal Financial and Accounting OfficerGiuseppe “Joe” Falco48President and Chief Operating Officer of the Isaac Mizrahi BrandSeth Burroughs39Executive Vice President of Business Development and Treasury and SecretaryMark DiSanto57DirectorJames Fielding54DirectorMichael R. Francis56DirectorHoward Liebman77DirectorBenjamin Malka58DirectorDeborah Weinswig48DirectorBelow are the biographies of each of our officers and directors as of December 31, 2018.Robert D’Loren has been the Chairman of our Board and our Chief Executive Officer and President since September 2011. Mr. D’Loren has been anentrepreneur, innovator and pioneer of the consumer branded products industry for the past 35 years. Mr. D’Loren has spearheaded the Company’s omni-channel platform, connecting the channels of digital, brick-and-mortar, social media and direct-response television to create a single customer view andbrand experience for Xcel’s brands. He served as Chairman and CEO of IPX Capital, LLC and its subsidiaries, a consumer products investment company, from2009 to 2011. He continues to serve as IPX Capital LLC’s Chairman.Prior to founding the Company, from June 2006 to July 2008, Mr. D’Loren was a director, President and CEO of NexCen Brands, Inc., a global brandacquisition and management company with holdings that included The Athlete’s Foot, Waverly Home, Bill Blass, MaggieMoo’s, Marble Slab Creamery,Pretzel Time, Pretzelmaker, Great American Cookies, and The Shoe Box.From 2002 to 2006, Mr. D’Loren’s work among consumer brands continued as President and CEO of UCC Capital Corporation, an intellectual propertyinvestment company where he invested in the consumer branded products, media and entertainment sectors. From 1997 to 2002, Mr. D’Loren founded andacted as President and Chief Operating Officer of CAK Universal Credit Corporation, an intellectual property finance company. Mr. D’Loren’s total careerdebt and equity investments in over 30 entertainment and consumer branded products companies have exceeded $1.0 billion. In 1985, he founded andserved as President and CEO of the D’Loren Organization, an investment and restructuring firm responsible for over $2 billion of transactions. Mr. D’Lorenhas also served as an asset manager for Fosterlane Management, as well as a manager with Deloitte.Mr. D’Loren has served on the Board of Directors for Iconix Brand Group, Longaberger Company, Business Loan Center and as a board advisor to TheAthletes Foot and Bill Blass, Ltd. He also serves on the board of directors for the Achilles Track Club International. Mr. D’Loren is a Certified PublicAccountant and holds an M.S. degree from Columbia University and a B.S. degree from New York University.James Haran has been our Chief Financial Officer since September 2011. Mr. Haran served as CFO of IPX Capital, LLC and its related subsidiaries, from June2008 to September 2011. Mr. Haran was the Executive Vice President, Capital Markets for NexCen Brands, Inc. from 2006 to May 2008 and Chief FinancialOfficer and Chief Credit Officer for UCC Capital Corporation, and its predecessor company, CAK Universal Credit Corp., from 1998 to 2006. Prior to joiningUCC, Mr. Haran was a partner at Sidney Yoskowitz and Company P.C., a registered diversified certified public accounting firm. During his tenure, whichbegan in 1987, his focus was on real estate and financial services companies. Mr. Haran is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. degree from StateUniversity of New York at Plattsburgh.83 Table of ContentsJoe Falco has been our Chief Operating Officer and President of the Mizrahi brands since September 2011. Mr. Falco is a merchant with almost two decadesof experience in managing lifestyle brands and business development. Mr. Falco served as President of Misook, a division of HMX, from February 2010 toFebruary 2011 as Worldwide President and Chief Merchant for Elie Tahari from 2007 to 2009 and as President of Sixty USA from 2005 to 2006. Prior to thatposition, Mr. Falco was Senior Vice President for Dolce & Gabbana from 1998 to 2004, where he was responsible for North American development andoperations. Mr. Falco started his career with the luxury retailer Barneys New York where he became a student of product merchandising and brandcommunication.Seth Burroughs has been our Executive Vice President of Business Development and Treasury since September 2011. From June 2006 to October 2010, Mr.Burroughs served as Vice President of NexCen Brands, Inc. Prior to his role at NexCen, from 2003 to 2006, Mr. Burroughs served as Director of M&AAdvisory and Investor Relations at UCC Capital Corporation, an intellectual property investment company, where he worked on a $500 million inacquisitions and $300 million in specialty financing as an advisor to consumer branded products companies in the franchising and apparel industries. From2001 to 2003, Mr. Burroughs worked as a Senior Financial Analyst at The Pullman Group where he was involved with structuring the first securitizations ofmusic royalties, including the Bowie Bonds, and as a Financial Analyst at Merrill Lynch’s private client group. Mr. Burroughs received a B.S. degree ineconomics from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.Mark DiSanto has served as a member of our Board since October 2011. Since 1988, Mr. DiSanto has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Triple CrownCorporation, a regional real estate development and investment company with commercial and residential development projects exceeding 1.5 millionsquare feet. Mr. DiSanto received a degree in business administration from Villanova University’s College of Commerce and Finance, a J.D. degree from theUniversity of Toledo College of Law and an M.S. degree in real estate development from Columbia University.James Fielding was appointed as a member of our Board on July 12, 2018. He is a 25-year veteran in the consumer retail space, and previously served as theGlobal Head of Consumer Products for Dreamworks Animation and Awesomeness TV. Prior to that, Mr. Fielding served as the CEO of Claire’s Stores Inc.,where he oversaw strategic growth and international development for the retail chain’s 3,000-plus stores worldwide. From May 2008 to 2012 Mr. Fieldingserved as the President of Disney Stores Worldwide.Michael R. Francis joined our Board in June 2015. Mr. Francis is founder and CEO of Fairview Associates, LLC, a retail and branding consultancy. FromFebruary 2012 to December 2015, Mr. Francis served as the Chief Global Brand Officer of DreamWorks Animation SKG, which creates world-classentertainment, including animated feature films, television specials and series, and live-entertainment properties for audiences around the world. During thistenure with DreamWorks, Mr. Francis was responsible for global consumer products, retail, brand strategy, creative design, location-based entertainment,digital, publishing and franchise development. From November 2010 to June 2011, Mr. Francis served as the President of J.C. Penney Company, Inc., one ofthe largest department store operators in the United States. Prior to November 2010, Mr. Francis spent more than 26 years with Target Corporation, anAmerican retailing company and the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, in various roles including Executive Vice President and GlobalChief Marketing Officer. Mr. Francis has a B.A. degree in international studies from the University of MichiganHoward Liebman has served as a member of our Board since October 2011. He was President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Hobart West Group, aprovider of national court reporting and litigation support services, from 2007 until the sale of the business in 2008. Mr. Liebman served as a consultant toHobart from 2006 to 2007. Mr. Liebman was President, Chief Financial Officer and a director of Shorewood Packaging Corporation, a multinationalmanufacturer of high-end value-added paper and paperboard packaging for the entertainment, tobacco, cosmetics and other consumer products markets. Mr.Liebman joined Shorewood in 1994 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and served as its President from 1999 until Shorewood wasacquired by International Paper in 2000. Mr. Liebman continued as Executive Vice President of Shorewood until his retirement in 2005. Mr. Liebman is aCertified Public Accountant and was an audit partner with Deloitte and Touche, LLP (and its predecessors) from 1974 to 1994.Benjamin Malka has served as a member of our Board since June 2014. Since August 2011, Mr. Malka has been the Chief Executive Officer of HalstonOperating Company, LLC, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of apparel, leather goods, footwear and accessories. From September 2001 through July2011, Mr. Malka was President of BCBG Max Azria Group, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and distributor of apparel, leather goods, footwear and accessories.Deborah Weinswig was appointed as a member of our Board on January 24, 2018. She is a Managing Director of Funding Global Retail & Technology(“FGRT”), the think tank for the Hong Kong-based Fung Group, since April 2014 where she is responsible for building the team’s research capabilities andproviding insights into the disruptive technologies that are reshaping today’s global retail landscape. Prior to leading FGRT, Weinswig served as ChiefCustomer Officer for Profitect Inc., a predictive analytics and big data software provider. From March 2002 to October 2013, Ms. Weinswig was employed byCitigroup, Inc., most recently where she was Managing Director and Head of the Global Staples & Consumer Discretionary team at Citi Research. Ms.Weinswig84 Table of Contentsalso serves as an e-commerce expert for the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Research Task Force and was a founding member of the Oracle RetailIndustry Strategy Council. Lastly, she is a member of the Board of Directors of Kiabi (affiliated with the Auchan Group). Ms. Weinswig is a Certified PublicAccountant and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.Directors’ QualificationsIn furtherance of our corporate governance principles, each of our directors brings unique qualities and qualifications to our Board. We believe that all of ourdirectors have a reputation for honesty, integrity, and adherence to high ethical standards. They each have demonstrated business acumen, leadership and anability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment to serve the Company and our Board. The following descriptions demonstrate the qualificationsof each director:Robert D’Loren has extensive experience in and knowledge of the licensing and commercial business industries and financial markets. This knowledge andexperience, including his experience as director, president and chief executive officer of a global brand management company, provide us with valuableinsight to formulate and create our acquisition strategy and how to manage and license acquired brands.Mark DiSanto has considerable experience in building and running businesses and brings his strong business acumen to the Board.James Fielding brings extensive senior level experience in the consumer retail space, as well as strong relationships in the media and retail industries.Michael R. Francis brings extensive senior level experience in the media and retail industries, as well as relationships in the media and retail industries.Howard Liebman brings comprehensive knowledge of accounting, the capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting and financial strategiesfrom his extensive public accounting experience and prior service as Chief Financial Officer of a public company. Benjamin Malka brings extensive senior level experience in the fashion and apparel industries, as well as relationships in the fashion and apparel industries.Deborah Weinswig brings thought leadership in the retail and licensing industries, particularly in the areas of sourcing and logistics.Key EmployeesIsaac Mizrahi is Chief Design Officer for IM Brands. As Chief Design Officer, he is responsible for design and design direction for all brands under his name.Mr. Mizrahi has been a leader in the fashion industry for almost 30 years. Since his first collection in 1987, Mr. Mizrahi’s designs have come to stand fortimeless, cosmopolitan style. He has been awarded four Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards, including a special award in 1996 for thegroundbreaking documentary “Unzipped.” In the Spring of 2016, Mr. Mizrahi launched IMNYC Isaac Mizrahi, available exclusively at Hudson’s Bay andLord & Taylor department stores. Previously, in 2009, Mr. Mizrahi launched his exclusive lifestyle collection, ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! on QVC. In addition,television audiences have come to value Mr. Mizrahi’s media presence through his roles on “Project Runway All Stars” for Lifetime, and his appearances onbroadcast television networks where he offers his expertise on fashion and style.Judith Ripka is Chief Design Officer of the Ripka brands for JR Licensing, overseeing design and design direction. Ms. Ripka started her acclaimed career in1977 and, since its inception, her global brand has become known for its quality and distinctive and refined designs. Both the 18k Gold collection and aSterling Silver collection are in fine jewelry stores worldwide. Ms. Ripka was a pioneer in interactive television, debuting a collection on QVC in 1996 andmore recently on The Shopping Channel in 2014. Among her many milestones, Ms. Ripka was chosen as one of “The Leading Women Entrepreneurs of theWorld” and received the De Beer’s Award for Outstanding Jewelry Design, as well as the Accessories Pioneer Award during Women’s Entrepreneurship Daycelebration at the United Nations in 2017.Employment Agreements with ExecutivesRobert D’LorenOn October 1, 2014, and effective as of September 16, 2014, we entered into a three-year employment agreement with Robert D’Loren for him to serve as ourChief Executive Officer, referred to as the D’Loren Employment Agreement. Additionally, we will use our reasonable best efforts to cause Mr. D’Loren to benominated to our board of directors and to serve as our Chairman85 Table of Contentsof the board of directors during the term of the agreement. Following the initial three-year term, the agreement automatically renewed for a one-year term andwill be automatically renewed for one year terms thereafter unless either party gives written notice of intent to terminate at least 90 days prior to thetermination of the then current term. Under the D’Loren Employment Agreement, Mr. D’Loren’s annual base salary was $0.8 million per annum. The D’LorenEmployment Agreement was further amended on April 26, 2017 to increase Mr. D’Loren’s base salary to $0.9 million per annum, effective April 1, 2017. Mr.D’Loren’s base salary will be reviewed at least annually and the board of directors or the compensation committee may approve increases (but not decreases)from time to time. Mr. D’Loren receives an allowance for an automobile appropriate for his level of position and we pay (in addition to monthly lease or otherpayments) all of the related expenses for gasoline, insurance, maintenance, repairs or any other costs with Mr. D’Loren’s automobile. BonusMr. D’Loren is eligible for an annual cash bonus of up to $1,500,000 for each calendar year, based on our achievement of annual EBITDA targets. Theamount of the cash bonus will be a percentage of 5% of all income generated by the trademarks and other intellectual property owned by us, or IP Income, inexcess of $8,000,000 earned and received by us, in accordance with the following schedule:Annual Level of TargetEBITDA Achieved for eachfiscal year ending December 31,2011 and thereafter Percentage of 5% of theIP Income earned by theCompany in excess of$8 million0%-49% 0%50%-69% 60%70%-89% 80%90%-100% 100%SeveranceIf Mr. D’Loren’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or if Mr. D’Loren resigns with good reason, or if we fail to renew the term, then Mr. D’Lorenwill be entitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and a lump sum payment equal to the base salary in effect onthe termination date for the longer of two years from the termination date or the remainder of the then-current term. Additionally, Mr. D’Loren would beentitled to two times the average annual cash bonuses paid in the preceding 12 months. Mr. D’Loren would also be entitled to continue to participate in ourgroup medical plan, subject to certain conditions, for a period of 18 months from the termination date.Change of ControlIn the event Mr. D’Loren’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. D’Loren withgood reason, he would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to two times (i) his base salary in effect on the termination date for the longer of two yearsfrom the termination date or the remainder of the then-current term and (ii) two times the average annual cash bonuses paid in the preceding 12 months,minus $100. “Change of control,” as defined in Mr. D’Loren’s employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, leaseor other transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in asingle transaction or a series of transactions. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or othergrant agreement between Mr. D’Loren and us, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by us to Mr. D’Lorenpursuant to any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 daysafter the date the change of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option.Non-Competition and Non-SolicitationDuring the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment (unless Mr. D’Loren’s employmentwas terminated without cause or was terminated by him for good reason, in which case only for his term of employment and a six-month period after thetermination of such employment), Mr. D’Loren may not permit his name to be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passiveownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class of a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange orin the over-the-counter market) that engages or proposes to engage in our business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreign countryin which we do business as of the date of termination of his employment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of suchemployment, Mr. D’Loren may not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation ofthe Company or any of its subsidiaries to cease doing business with86 Table of Contentsthe Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person who is, or was during the then-most recent 12-month period, acorporate officer, general manager or other employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with the Companyor 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 wayinterfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, employee or business relation and the Company or any of its subsidiaries. New Employment AgreementOn February 28, 2019, the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with Robert D’Loren for him to continue to serve as Chief ExecutiveOfficer of the Company, effective January 1, 2019. See Part II, Item 8, Note 12, Subsequent Events, to the Financial Statements and Supplemental Informationfor a summary of the new employment agreement.James HaranOn October 1, 2014, and effective as of September 16, 2014, we entered into a two-year employment agreement with James Haran for him to serve as ourChief Financial Officer, referred to as the Haran Employment Agreement. Following the initial two-year term, the agreement automatically renewed for a one-year term and will be automatically renewed for one-year terms thereafter unless either party gives written notice of intent to terminate at least 30 days priorto the expiration of the then current term. Under the Haran Employment Agreement, Mr. Haran’s annual base salary was $0.3 million per annum. On April 26,2017, Mr. Haran’s Employment Agreement was amended to increase Mr. Haran’s base salary to $0.4 million per annum, effective April 1, 2017. Mr. Haran’sbase salary shall be reviewed at least annually and the board of directors or the compensation committee may approve increases (but not decreases) from timeto time. In addition, Mr. Haran receives a car allowance of $1,500 per month.BonusMr. Haran is eligible for a performance cash bonus of up to $.03 million based upon the following: 50% of the $.03 million cash bonus will be paid to Mr.Haran if we achieve at least 70% of our budgeted EBITDA and 100% of the $.03 million cash bonus will be paid to Mr. Haran if we achieve at least 90% ofour budgeted EBITDA. In addition, provided Mr. Haran is employed in good standing each June 30th, Mr. Haran shall be awarded a $.03 million cash bonuscommencing June 30, 2015 and paid to Mr. Haran within 30 days of June 30th of each year.SeveranceIf Mr. Haran’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or if Mr. Haran resigns with good reason, or if we fail to renew the term, then Mr. Haran will beentitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and a lump sum payment equal to his base salary in effect on thetermination date for 12 months. Mr. Haran would also be entitled to continue to participate in our group medical plan, subject to certain conditions, for aperiod of 12 months from the termination date. Change of ControlIn the event Mr. Haran’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. Haran withgood reason, Mr. Haran would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for 12 months following suchtermination. “Change of control,” as defined in Mr. Haran’s employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, lease orother transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in asingle transaction or a series of transactions. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or othergrant agreement between Mr. Haran and us, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by us to Mr. Haran pursuantto any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after thedate the change of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option. Non-Competition and Non-SolicitationDuring the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Haran may not permit his nameto be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passive ownership of not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class ofa 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 inour business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreign country in which we do business as of the date of termination of suchemployment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the termination of his employment, Mr. Haran 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 doingbusiness with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce any87 Table of Contentsperson 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 itssubsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or hire any such person unless such person’semployment 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.New Employment AgreementOn February 28, 2019, the Company entered into a two-year employment agreement with James Haran for him to continue to serve as Chief Financial Officerof the Company, effective January 1, 2019. See Part II, Item 8, Note 12, Subsequent Events, to the Financial Statements and Supplemental Information for asummary of the new employment agreement.Giuseppe FalcoOn January 24, 2017, and effective as of January 1, 2017, we entered into a three-year employment agreement with Giuseppe Falco for him to serve as ourChief Merchant of the Company and Brand President, referred to as the Falco Employment Agreement. Following the initial three-year term, the agreementwill be automatically renewed for an additional two-year period, unless either party gives written notice of intent to terminate at least 30 days prior to theexpiration of the then current term. Under the Falco Employment Agreement, Mr. Falco’s base salary is $0.6 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million perannum for the years ending December 31, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively.Under the Falco Employment Agreement, Mr. Falco was awarded an option to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 pershare. The option vested as to 100,000 shares on January 1, 2018 and vests as to an additional 100,000 shares on each of January 1, 2019, 2020, 2021 and2022, provided that Mr. Falco remains an employee of the Company or is otherwise providing services to the Company on such date, and expires as to each100,000 shares on the five-year anniversary of the respective vesting date.BonusMr. Falco is eligible for a cash bonus of up to $0.5 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2017, 2018, and 2019,respectively. The cash bonus for each respective fiscal year shall be payable at 50% of the maximum if we achieve at least 70% of our budgeted EBITDA (asdefined in the Falco Employment Agreement) for such fiscal year, and at 100% of the maximum if we achieve at least 90% of our budgeted EBITDA for suchfiscal year.SeveranceIf Mr. Falco’s employment is terminated by us without cause, or if Mr. Falco resigns with good reason, or if we fail to renew the term, then Mr. Falco will beentitled to receive his unpaid base salary and cash bonuses through the termination date and a lump sum payment of an amount equal to his base salary ineffect for a period of 6 months, payable on the 6 month anniversary of the date of separation of services and the option shall remain exercisable as to thoseshares as to which the option previously vested and shall become exercisable as to any unvested shares immediately following such transaction. Mr. Falcowould also be entitled to continue to participate in our group medical plan, subject to certain conditions, for a period of 6 months from the termination date.Change of ControlIn the event Mr. Falco’s employment is terminated within 12 months following a change of control by the Company without cause or by Mr. Falco with goodreason, Mr. Falco would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his base salary in effect on the termination date for 6 months following such termination.“Change of control,” as defined in Mr. Falco’s employment agreement, means a merger or consolidation to which we are a party, a sale, lease or other transfer,exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or a sale or transfer by our stockholders of voting control, in a single transactionor a series of transactions. Upon a change of control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or other grant agreementbetween Mr. Falco and us, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by us to Mr. Falco pursuant to any suchagreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after the date thechange of control occurs or the remaining term of the applicable option. Non-Competition and Non-SolicitationDuring the term of his employment by the Company and for a one-year period after the termination of such employment, Mr. Falco may not permit his nameto be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (other than the mere passive ownership88 Table of Contentsof not more than 5% of the outstanding stock of any class of a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in theover-the-counter market) that engages or proposes to engage in the Company’s business in the United States, its territories and possessions and any foreigncountry in which we do business as of the date of termination of his employment. Also, during his employment and for a one-year period after the terminationof such employment, Mr. Falco may not, directly or indirectly, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relationof the Company or any of its subsidiaries to cease doing business with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or solicit, induce or attempt to induce anyperson 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 itssubsidiaries, to terminate such employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or hire any such person unless such person’semployment 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.New Employment AgreementOn February 27, 2019, the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with Giuseppe Falco for him to serve as President, and Chief Merchantof the Company’s Interactive Technology business and the Company’s Creative Director of the Company, effective January 1, 2019. See Part II, Item 8, Note12, Subsequent Events, to the Financial Statements and Supplemental Information for a summary of the new employment agreement.Family RelationshipsThere are no family relationships among our directors or officers.Independence of the Board of DirectorsThe board has determined that Messrs. Howard Liebman, Mark DiSanto, James Fielding, Michael R. Francis, and Ms. Deborah Weinswig meet the directorindependence requirements under the applicable listing rule of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”). Each current member of the Audit Committee,Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee is independent and meets the applicable rules and regulations regarding independence for suchcommittee, including those set forth in the applicable NASDAQ rules, and each member is free of any relationship that would interfere with his individualexercise of independent judgment.Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceTo our knowledge, based solely on a review of Forms 3 and 4 and any amendments thereto furnished to our Company pursuant to Rule 16a-3(e) under theSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, or representations that no Forms 5 were required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors,and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our equity securities were timely filed except that each of Hilco Trading and its majority owner, Mr. Jeffrey BruceHecktman and each of our officers and directors, other than Edward Jones, did not timely file a Form 4 for one transaction, and Mr. Jones did not timely file aForm 4 for two transactions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.Code of EthicsOn September 29, 2011, we adopted a code of ethics that applies to our officers, employees, and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer, ChiefFinancial Officer and senior executives. Our Code of Ethics can be accessed on our website, www.xcelbrands.com.Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial ExpertOur board of directors has appointed an Audit Committee which consists of Messrs. Liebman, DiSanto and Ms. Weinswig. Each of such persons has beendetermined to be an “independent director” under the applicable NASDAQ and SEC rules, which is the independence standard that was adopted by our boardof directors. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Liebman meets the requirements to serve as the Audit Committee Financial Expert by our board ofdirectors. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by our board of directors. The Audit Committee assists the board of directors byproviding oversight of our accounting and financial reporting processes, appoints the independent registered public accounting firm, reviews with theregistered independent registered public accounting firm the scope and results of the audit engagement, approves professional services provided by theindependent registered public accounting firm, reviews the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, considers the range of auditand non-audit fees and reviews the adequacy of internal accounting controls.Compensation Committee89 Table of ContentsOur board of directors has appointed a Compensation Committee consisting of Messrs. DiSanto and Fielding. Each of such persons has been determined to bean “independent director” under the applicable NASDAQ rules. Our board of directors has adopted a written Compensation Committee Charter that sets forththe committee’s responsibilities. The committee is responsible for determining all forms of compensation for our executive officers, and establishing andmaintaining executive compensation practices designed to enhance long-term stockholder value.Nominating CommitteeOur board of directors has appointed a Nominating Committee consisting of Messrs. DiSanto and Liebman. Each of such persons has been determined to bean “independent director” under the applicable NASDAQ rules. Our board of directors has adopted a written Nominating Committee Charter that sets forththe committee’s responsibilities.Item 11. Executive CompensationThe following table sets forth information regarding all cash and non-cash compensation earned, during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, by ourprincipal executive officer and our two other most highly compensated executive officers, which we refer to collectively as the named executive officers, forservices in all capacities to the Company:Summary Compensation TableName Title Year Salary Bonus (1) OptionAwards(2)(3) All OtherCompensation TotalRobert D’Loren CEO andChairman 2018 $888,500 $960,878 $— $11,509 $1,860,887 2017 873,000 977,386 — 19,706 1,870,092 James Haran CFO 2018 366,000 45,000 — 5,798 416,798 2017 359,625 45,000 — 6,103 410,728 Giuseppe Falco President andCOO 2018 625,000 225,000 — — 850,000 2017 550,000 37,500 637,555 — 1,225,055(1)Bonuses were paid in accordance with the executives’ respective employment agreements. See “Employment Agreements with Executives” in Item 10.(2)The dollar amounts shown represent the grant date fair value of stock option awards granted during the applicable fiscal year calculated in accordancewith ASC Topic 718.(3)On January 24, 2017, Mr. Giuseppe Falco was granted options to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock. The exercise price of the options is $5.00per share, whereby one-fifth of the options vested on January 1, 2018 and an additional one fifth of the options shall vest on each January 1, 2019,2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, 100,000 of these options have vested.90 Table of ContentsOutstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2018 Options and Warrant Awards Stock AwardsName Title Number ofSecuritiesUnderlyingUnexercisedOptions &Warrants,Exercisable Number ofSecuritiesUnderlyingUnexercisedOptions &Warrants,Unexercisable ExercisePrice Option orWarrantExpirationDate Number ofShares ofStock thatHave NotVested MarketValue ofShares ofStock thatHave NotVestedRobert D’Loren CEO, Chairman 239,250(1)— $5.00 9/29/2021 589,480 294,740(3)$5.80 3/31/2021 241,228(4)$272,588James Haran CFO 49,500(1)— $5.00 9/29/2021 126,312 63,156(3)$5.80 3/31/2021 45,394(5)$51,295Giuseppe Falco President, COO 100,000(1)— $5.00 9/29/2021 133,334 66,666(3)$5.80 3/31/2021 50,000(2)— $7.50 5/15/2019 100,000 400,000(7)$5.00 Multiple dates(7) 195,333(6)$220,726 (1)These options became exercisable on September 29, 2011, the date of grant, and expire on September 29, 2021.(2)Of these 50,000 options, 25,000 became exercisable on May 31, 2015 and 25,000 became exercisable on May 31, 2016. These options expire on May15, 2019.(3)These options become exercisable as to one-third of the shares on each of March 31, 2017, 2018, and 2019, and expire on March 31, 2021.(4)Such shares vest (i) as to 36,843 shares of common stock on, March 31, 2019; (ii) as to 165,000 shares of common stock, on May 31, 2019; and (iii) asto 39,385 shares of common stock, on June 1, 2019; provided, however, that Mr. D’Loren has the right to extend each vesting date by six-monthincrements, in his sole discretion, prior to the date the restrictions would lapse.(5)Such shares vest (i) as to 7,894 shares of common stock, on March 31, 2019; (ii) as to 22,500 shares of common stock, on April 30, 2019; and (iii) as to15,000 shares of common stock, on May 31, 2019; provided, however, that Mr. Haran has the right to extend each vesting date by six-monthincrements, in his sole discretion, prior to the date the restrictions would lapse.(6)Such shares vest (i) as to 77,500 shares of common stock, on March 31, 2019; (ii) as to 37,500 shares of common stock, on May 15, 2019; (iii) as to30,333 shares of common stock, on June 1, 2019; and (iv) as to 50,000 shares of common stock, on April 30, 2019; provided, however, that Mr. Falcohas the right to extend each vesting date by six-month increments, in his sole discretion, prior to the date the restrictions would lapse.(7)These options became exercisable as to one-fifth of the shares on January 1, 2018 and shall become exercisable as to an additional one-fifth of theshares on each of January 1, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, and expire at the five-year anniversary of each vesting date for each individual one-fifthtranche.Director CompensationWe pay our non-employee directors $3,000 for each board of directors and committee meeting attended, up to a maximum of $12,000 per year for board ofdirectors’ meetings and up to a maximum of $12,000 per year for committee meetings, except that the chairman of each committee receives $4,000 for eachsuch committee meeting attended, up to a maximum of $16,000 per year.91 Table of ContentsThe following table sets forth information with respect to each non-employee director's compensation for the year ended December 31, 2018. The dollaramounts shown for Stock Awards represent the grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards or stock options granted during the fiscal year calculated inaccordance with ASC Topic 718.Name Fees Earnedor Paidin Cash Stock Awards OptionAwards TotalMark DiSanto (1) (2) $35,000 $24,000 $18,176 $77,176Michael R. Francis (1) (2) $12,000 $24,000 $18,176 $54,176Richard Kirschenbaum (1) (2) (3) $9,000 $24,000 $18,176 $51,176Howard Liebman (1) (2) $31,000 $24,000 $18,176 $73,176Benjamin Malka (1) (2) $12,000 $24,000 $18,176 $54,176Deborah Weinswig (1) (2) $21,000 $24,000 $18,176 $63,176James Fielding (4) $6,000 $— $— $6,000 (1)On April 2, 2018, each non-employee director was granted 8,000 shares of restricted stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan. Such sharesof restricted stock will vest evenly over two years, whereby 50% shall vest on April 2, 2019 and 50% shall vest on April 2, 2020. Notwithstanding theforegoing, each grantee may extend the vesting date of all or a portion of the restricted shares by six months and, thereafter one or more times mayfurther extend such date with respect to all or a portion of the restricted shares until the next following October 2 or April 2, as the case may be. Thegrant date fair value of the shares was $3.00 per share.(2)On April 2, 2018, each non-employee director was granted options to purchase 25,000 shares of stock pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan.Such options will vest evenly over two years, whereby 50% shall vest on April 2, 2019 and 50% shall vest on April 2, 2020. The exercise price of theoptions is $3.00 per share.(3)Richard Kirschenbaum resigned as a director of the Company on July 10, 2018.(4)Mr. Fielding was appointed to serve as a director on July 11, 2018.2011 Equity Incentive PlanOur Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the Plan, is designed and utilized to enable the Company to offer 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 thesuccess of the Company, an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company.The Plan provides for the grant of stock options or restricted stock. The stock options may be incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. A totalof 13,000,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan, the maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to whichincentive stock options may be granted under the Plan is 5,000,000 and the maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to which options orrestricted stock may be granted to any participant is 10,000,000. The Plan may be administered by the board of directors or a committee consisting of two ormore members of the board of directors appointed by the board of directors.Officers and other employees of Xcel or any parent or subsidiary of Xcel who are at the time of the grant of an award employed by us or any parent orsubsidiary of Xcel are eligible to be granted options or other awards under the Plan. In addition, non-qualified stock options and other awards may be grantedunder the Plan to any person, including, but not limited to, directors, independent agents, consultants and attorneys who the board of directors or thecommittee, as the case may be, believes has contributed or will contribute to our success.Cash awards may be issued under the Plan either alone or in addition to or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan or other payments made to aparticipant not under the Plan. The board or committee, as the case may be, shall determine the eligible persons to whom, and the time or times at which, cashawards will be made, the amount that is subject to the cash award, the circumstances and conditions under which such amount shall be paid, in whole or inpart, the time of payment, and all other terms and conditions of the awards. The maximum cash award that may be paid to any participant under the Planduring any calendar year shall not exceed $2,500,000.With respect to incentive stock options granted to an eligible employee owning stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of allclasses of our stock or the stock of a parent or subsidiary of our Company immediately before the92 Table of Contentsgrant, such incentive stock option shall not be exercisable more than 5 years from the date of grant. The exercise price of an incentive stock option will notbe less than the fair market value of the shares underlying the option on the date the option is granted, provided, however, that the exercise price of anincentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder may not be less than 110% of such fair market value. The exercise price of a non-qualified stock optionmay not be less than fair market value of the shares of common stock underlying the option on the date the option is granted.Under the Plan, we may not, in the aggregate, grant incentive stock options that are first exercisable by any individual optionee during any calendar year(under all such plans of the optionee’s employer corporation and its “parent” and “subsidiary” corporations, as those terms are defined in Section 424 of theInternal Revenue Code) to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the underlying stock (determined at the time the option is granted) exceeds$100,000.Certain awards made under the Plan may be granted so that they qualify as “performance-based compensation” (as this term is used in Internal Revenue CodeSection 162(m) and the regulations thereunder) and are exempt from the deduction limitation imposed by Code Section 162(m). Under Internal RevenueCode Section 162(m), our tax deduction may be limited to the extent total compensation paid to the chief executive officer, or any of the four most highlycompensated executive officers (other than the chief executive officer) exceeds $1 million in any one tax year. Among other criteria, awards only qualify asperformance-based awards if at the time of grant the compensation committee is comprised solely of two or more “outside directors” (as this term is used inInternal Revenue Code Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder). In addition, we must obtain stockholder approval of material terms of performancegoals for such performance-based compensation.All stock options and certain stock awards, performance awards, cash awards and stock units granted under the Plan, and the compensation attributable tosuch awards, are intended to (i) qualify as performance-based awards or (ii) be otherwise exempt from the deduction limitation imposed by Internal RevenueCode Section 162(m). No options or other awards may be granted on or after the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the Plan.Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder MattersThe following table lists, as of March 26, 2019, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by (i) each person or entity known to the Companyto be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock; (ii) each named executive officer and director of the Company, and (iii) allofficers and directors as a group. Information relating to beneficial ownership of common stock by our principal stockholders and management is based uponinformation furnished by each person using “beneficial ownership” concepts under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under these rules, aperson is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of thesecurity, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the security. The person is also deemed to be a beneficialowner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules,more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as towhich he or she may not have any pecuniary beneficial interest. Except as noted below, each person has sole voting and investment power. Unless otherwiseindicated, the address for such person is c/o Xcel Brands, Inc., 1333 Broadway, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10018.93 Table of ContentsThe percentages below are calculated based on 18,916,394 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of March 26, 2019.Name and Address Number ofSharesof CommonStockBeneficiallyOwned PercentBeneficiallyOwnedNamed executive officers and directors: Robert D’Loren (1) 10,177,558 48.95%James Haran (2) 522,261 2.73Giuseppe Falco (3) 803,912 4.13Seth Burroughs (4) 495,438 2.59Howard Liebman (5) 143,665 *Benjamin Malka (6) 221,500 1.16Mark DiSanto (7) 1,418,256 7.46Michael R. Francis (8) 161,500 *Deborah Weinswig (9) 20,500 *James Fielding (10) — * All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)(11) 13,763,065 62.54 5% Shareholders: Isaac Mizrahi (12) 2,623,325 13.76Buckingham Capital Management, Inc. (13) 1,076,097 5.69485 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017 Hilco Trading, LLC (14) 3,095,545 11.855 Revere Drive, Suite 206, Northbrook, IL 60062 Burch Acquisition LLC (15) 1,000,000 5.29840 First Avenue, Suite 200, King of Prussia, PA 19406 * Less than 1%.(1)Consists of (i) 992,666 shares held by Mr. D’Loren, (ii) 526,283 shares owned by Irrevocable Trust of Rose Dempsey (or the Irrevocable Trust) of whichMr. D’Loren and Mr. DiSanto are the trustees and as to which Mr. D’Loren has sole voting and dispositive power, (iii) 1,123,470 shares issuable uponexercise of immediately exercisable options and warrants, (iv) 241,228 restricted shares, (v) 2,473,325 shares of common stock (including 800,992restricted shares) held in the name of Isaac Mizrahi, (vi) 299,139 shares of common stock (including 27,500 restricted shares) held in the name of MarisaGardini, (vii) 777,778 shares of common stock held in the name of The H Company IP, LLC, and (viii) 136,525 other shares of restricted stock and2,190,477 other shares of common stock as to which holders thereof granted to Mr. D’Loren irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to theshares, and (viii) 666,667 shares and 750,000 shares issuable upon exercise of immediately exercisable warrants to which holders thereof granted to Mr.D’Loren irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares. Pursuant to a voting agreement Mr. Mizrahi and Ms. Gardini agreed to, andpursuant to restricted stock agreements certain grantees agreed to, appoint a person designated by our board of directors as their irrevocable proxy andattorney-in-fact with respect to the shares set forth in clauses (v), (vi) and (vii), respectively. Mr. D’Loren does not have any pecuniary interest in theseshares described in clauses (v), (vi) and (vii) and disclaims beneficial ownership thereof. Does not include 326,671 shares held by the D’Loren FamilyTrust (or the Family Trust) of which Mark DiSanto is a trustee and has sole voting and dispositive power.(2)Consists of (i) 237,899 shares, (ii) 45,394 restricted shares, and (iii) immediately exercisable options and warrants to purchase 238,968 shares.(3)Includes (i) 58,579 shares, (ii) 195,333 restricted shares, and (iii) 550,000 shares issuable upon exercise of immediately exercisable warrants andoptions. Giuseppe Falco, the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Mizrahi brands, is an executive officer but not a named executive officer.94 Table of Contents(4)Consists of (i) 296,863 shares, (ii) 22,263 restricted shares, and (iii) immediately exercisable options and warrants to purchase 176,312 shares.(5)Consists of (i) 36,165 shares, (ii) 20,000 restricted shares, and (iii) immediately exercisable options to purchase 87,500 shares.(6)Consists of (i) 47,000 shares, (ii) 12,000 restricted shares, and (iii) immediately exercisable options and warrants to purchase 162,500 shares.(7)Consists of (i) 326,671 shares held by the D’Loren Family Trust, of which Mark DiSanto is trustee and has sole voting and dispositive power over theshares held by the D’Loren Family Trust, (ii) 932,085 shares held by Mark X. DiSanto Investment Trust, of which Mark DiSanto is trustee and has solevoting and dispositive power over the shares held by the Trust, (iii) 12,000 restricted shares, (iv) 87,500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants andoptions that have vested, and (v) 60,000 shares held by other trusts, of which Mark DiSanto is trustee and has sole voting and dispositive power over theshares held by the trusts.(8)Includes (i) 87,000 shares, (ii) 12,000 restricted shares and (ii) immediately exercisable options to purchase 62,500 shares.(9)Consists of (i) 8,000 restricted shares, and (ii) immediately exercisable options to purchase 12,500 shares.(10)Mr. Fielding was appointed to the Board on July 12, 2018 and, as such, he has not been awarded any shares of common stock as of the reference dateindicated above.(11)Includes (i) 3,601,211 shares, (ii) 568,218 restricted shares, (iii) 438,750 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants that are currently exercisable, (iv)1,962,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are currently exercisable, (v) 6,442,386 other shares of common stock as to which holdersthereof granted to Mr. D’Loren irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares, and (vi) 750,000 shares issuable upon exercise ofimmediately exercisable warrants to which holders thereof granted to Mr. D’Loren irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares.(12)Consists of (i) 1,689,575 shares, (ii) 783,750 restricted shares, and (iii) immediately exercisable options to purchase 150,000 shares.(13)Based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed on Feburary 13, 2019 by Buckingham Capital Management, Inc.(14)The H Company IP, LLC, or HIP, directly owns 1,777,778 shares of common stock, which we refer to as the H Company Shares. House of Halston, LLC,or Halston, is the parent company of HIP and may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the H Company Shares by virtue of its ability to direct thebusiness and investment decisions of HIP. The H Investment Company, LLC, or H Investment, in its capacity as the controlling member of Halston, hasthe ability to direct the investment decisions of Halston, including the power to direct the decisions of Halston regarding the disposition of the HCompany Shares; therefore, H Investment may be deemed to beneficially own the H Company Shares. Hilco Brands, LLC, or Hilco Brands, in itscapacity as a member of the Board of Managers of H Investment, has the ability to direct the management of H Investment’s business, including thepower to direct the decisions of H Investment regarding the voting and disposition of the H Company Shares; therefore, Hilco Brands may be deemed tohave indirect beneficial ownership of the H Company Shares. Hilco Trading, LLC, or Hilco Trading, is the parent company of Hilco Brands and may bedeemed to share beneficial ownership of the H Company Shares by virtue of its ability to direct the business and investment decisions of Hilco Brands.Hilco Trading also directly owns 1,317,767 shares of our common stock, which we refer to as the Hilco Shares, of which 667,767 shares are outstandingand 650,000 shares are issuable upon exercise of a warrant that is currently exercisable. By virtue of the relationship described above and its directownership of the Hilco Shares, Hilco Trading beneficially owns 3,095,545 shares of our common stock. Jeffrey Bruce Hecktman is the majority owner ofHilco Trading and may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the H Company Shares and the Hilco Shares by virtue of his ability to direct thebusiness and investment decisions of Hilco Trading. By virtue of this relationship, Mr. Hecktman may be deemed to have indirect beneficial ownershipof 3,095,545 shares of our common stock.(15)Consists of 1,000,000 shares of common stock.Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director IndependenceEdward Jones, IIIDuring the Current Year and Prior Year, Edward Jones, III, a director of the Company from October 2011 to October 2017, performed consulting services forand received compensation from a certain licensee of the Company. Under the terms of the Company’s agreement with this certain licensee, the licensee maysupply the Company’s branded products to the Company’s other licensees. Under the terms of the Company’s separate pre-existing agreements with otherlicensees, the Company would earn royalties on the sales of such branded products sold to end customers.95 Table of ContentsOn January 31, 2017, the Company entered into a two-year consulting agreement (the “QTR Consulting Agreement”) with Jones Texas, Inc. (“JTI”), whosecontrolling shareholder is Edward Jones, III, pursuant to which JTI caused Mr. Jones to provide consulting services in connection with the Company’s Fast-to-Market production platform program and other projects. Pursuant to the QTR Consulting Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 50,000 shares ofcommon stock to JTI, of which 25,000 shares vested immediately, and 25,000 shares vested on January 31, 2018. On June 18, 2017, based upon meetingcertain performance targets relating to the Company’s short-lead production platform business as provided in the January 31, 2017 QTR ConsultingAgreement, the Company issued an additional 28,334 shares of common stock to JTI, of which 14,167 shares vested immediately, resulting in the recognitionof compensation expense of $79,000, and the remaining 14,167 shares vested on January 31, 2018. The Company also paid JTI a cash consulting fee of$75,000 on January 30, 2017 and an additional cash consulting fee of $75,000 on April 28, 2017 relating to other projects. As of December 31, 2017, therewas no additional compensation owed to JTI.Benjamin MalkaConcurrent with the acquisition of the H Halston Brand on December 22, 2014, the Company and The H Company IP, LLC (“HIP”) entered into a licenseagreement (the “HIP License Agreement”), which was subsequently amended September 1, 2015. Benjamin Malka, a director of the Company, is a 25%equity holder of HIP’s parent company, House of Halston LLC (“HOH”), and Chief Executive Officer of HOH. The HIP license agreement provides for royaltypayments including guaranteed minimum royalties to be paid to the Company during the initial term that expires on December 31, 2019.On September 1, 2015, the Company entered into a license agreement with Lord and Taylor, LLC (the “L&T License”) and simultaneously amended the HIPLicense Agreement eliminating HIP’s minimum guaranteed royalty obligations, provided the L&T License is in effect. In addition, the Company entered intoa sublicense agreement with HIP (the “HIP Sublicense Agreement”), obligating the Company to pay HIP a fee on an annual basis the greater of (i) 50% ofroyalties received under the L&T License from H Halston products or (ii) guaranteed minimum royalties. Provided that Lord & Taylor, LLC is paying theCompany at least $1,000,000 per quarter under the L&T License, the remaining contractually required guaranteed minimum royalties are equal to $0.75million, $0.75 million, $1.5 million, and $1.75 million for the twelve months ending January 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively.On December 12, 2016, the Company entered into another license agreement for the H Halston Brand with Dillard’s Inc and affiliates (the “Dillard’s License”,and together with the L&T License, the “DRT Licenses”).Through October 26, 2018, the Company operated under the following terms as an at-will license as set forth below:•The HIP Trademark Usage and Royalty Participation Agreement, has an initial term that expires on December 31, 2020 unless sooner terminated orrenewed, and we shall pay to HIP: (i) 50% of the excess H Halston Royalty paid to us under the DRT Licenses and any other third party licenses thatwe may enter into; (ii) 25% of the excess developed brand royalty paid to us for the Highline Collective Brand under the DRT Licenses, and 20% ofthe excess developed brand royalty paid to us for any subsequent developed brand under the DRT Licenses, and (iii) 10% of the excess private labelbrand royalty paid to us under the DRT Licenses and during the first term only of the DRT Licenses. Additionally, we have the right, but not theobligation, at any time after January 31, 2023, to terminate the obligations under points (ii) and (iii) above by paying to HIP an amount equal to fourtimes the sum of the developed brand credits and private label credits for the contract year ending on January 31, 2023 (the "Buy Out Payment''). TheBuy-Out Payment may be payable by us and at our sole discretion either (a) in cash, or (b) in a number of common shares of Xcel calculated based onthe amount of the Buy-Out Payment divided by the average closing price for common shares of Xcel on a national exchange for the preceding fivetrading days, subject to a minimum price for common shares of Xcel of $7.00 per common share. Once effective, it will terminate and replace the HIPSublicense Agreement.•A license and supply agreement with the Halston Operating Company, LLC (“HOC”), a subsidiary of HOH, with an initial term ending on January31, 2022, subject to renewal. Under the HOC at-will license and supply agreement, HOC shall provide licensed products for sale to pre-approvedretailers, including HBC and Dillard’s, and shall also be responsible for overseeing the visual merchandising and in-store retail environments forsuch approved retailers, as well as be responsible for training and oversight of any retail staff responsible for selling the licensed products withinHBC and Dillard’s, as reasonably agreed upon between HOC and HBC and Dillard’s. The at-will HOC license and supply agreement provides for,among other things, design fees of $1.2 million for the period from July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, subsequent design fees of $2.4 millionfor the contractual yearly periods ending on January 31, 2019, and on December 31, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, and sales-based royaltieson the categories of products licensed under the agreement and the contractual year of payment. Once effective, it will terminate and replace the HIPLicense Agreement.96 Table of ContentsHOH has also entered into an arrangement with another licensee of the Company to supply Halston-branded apparel for the subsequent sale of such productto end customers. Under the Company’s separate pre-existing licensing agreements in place with the aforementioned other licensee and with HIP as describedabove, the Company earns royalties on the sales of such Halston-branded products.In addition, we entered into an arrangement with HOC whereby HOC pays us a license fee for branded products related to categories not included in the HOClicense and supply agreement.Effective October 26, 2018, the Company and HOH terminated the HIP License Agreement including all amendments and the HIP Sublicense Agreement. Inaddition, the at-will license has been terminated and no longer in effect.For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had recorded approximately $2.0 million and $1.4 million of revenue from HOC,respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a receivable balance of approximately $1.5 million due from HOC. In addition, the Companyrecorded $0 and $9,000 of HIP fees (as a reduction to net revenue) for the Current Year and the Prior Year, respectively.On February 11, 2019 (the “Closing Date”), the Company acquired the Halston Heritage Brands from HIP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HOH.Pursuant to the Agreement, at closing, the Company delivered to HIP or its designees (collectively the “Sellers” an aggregate of $8.4 million in cash. Inaddition, Xcel agreed to issue to the HIP 777,778 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “XCel Shares”), subject to a voting agreement and a lock-upagreement relating to the Xcel Shares and a consent and waiver agreement each in from satisfactory to Xcel within three months from the date of theAgreement. In the event such agreements are not executed and delivered to Xcel, the Xcel Shares shall be forfeited. In addition to the closing considerations,HIP will be eligible to earn up to an aggregate of $6.0 million (the “Earn-Out Value”) through December 31, 2022 based on Excess Net Royalties. “ExcessNet 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 NetRoyalties as calculated for such Royalty Target Year, less the greater of (i) One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1.5 million), or (ii) the maximumNet Royalties for any previous Royalty Target Year. “Applicable Percentage” means (a) 50% of the first $10.0 million of Excess Net Royalties during theEarn-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% ofaggregate Excess Net Royalties during the Earn-Out Period in excess of $15.0 million. The Earn-Out Consideration shall be payable in cash or of commonstock of XCel Shares (the “Earn-Out Shares”) at the Sellers’ option); provided, however, that if the number of Earn-Out Shares, when combined with thenumber of XCel Shares issued at the closing, 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 its sole and unfettered discretion, elect to (x) pay cash forthe 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-OutShares 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-OutShares to the Seller; 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.Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and ServicesAudit FeesThe aggregate fees billed or to be billed for professional services rendered by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, CohnReznick LLP, for theaudit of our annual consolidated financial statements, review of our consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports, and other fees that arenormally provided by the accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the years ended December 31, 2018 andDecember 31, 2017 were approximately $301,000 and $274,000, respectively.Audit-Related FeesThere were approximately $11,000 and $23,000 billed by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for audit-related fees for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Tax Fees97 Table of ContentsThere were no fees billed for professional services rendered by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for tax compliance, tax advice, and taxplanning for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.All Other FeesThere were no fees billed for non-audit services by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and2017.Audit Committee DeterminationThe Audit Committee considered and determined that the services performed are compatible with maintaining the independence of the independentregistered public accounting firm.Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent AuditorThe Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our Independent Registered PublicAccounting Firm as outlined in its Audit Committee charter. Prior to engagement of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for each year's audit,management or the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm submits to the Audit Committee for approval an aggregate request of services expectedto be rendered during the year, which the Audit Committee pre-approves. During the year, circumstances may arise when it may become necessary to engagethe Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for additional services not contemplated in the original pre-approval. In those circumstances, the AuditCommittee requires specific pre-approval before engaging the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The engagements of our IndependentRegistered Public Accounting Firm, CohnReznick LLP was approved by the Company’s Audit Committee.98 Table of ContentsItem 15.Exhibits INDEX TO EXHIBITSExhibitNumber Description 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Xcel Brands, Inc.(20) 3.2 Third Restated and Amended Bylaws of Xcel Brands, Inc.(21) 4.1 Third Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan and Forms of Award Agreements (14) 4.2 Form of Investor Warrant issued in connection with the private placement consummated on September 29, 2011(1) 4.4 Form of Executive Warrant(1) 4.5 Warrant issued to Joe Falco dated September 29, 2011(1) 4.6 Warrant issued to Great American Life Insurance Company dated September 29, 2011(1) 4.7 Warrant issued to Great American Insurance Company dated September 29, 2011(1) 4.8 Rights Agreement by and among Xcel Brands, Inc., Great American Life Insurance Company and Great American Insurance Company, datedSeptember 29, 2011(1) 4.9 Form of Warrant issued in the June 5, 2013 private placement(3) 4.10 Warrant issued to Hilco Trading LLC dated December 23, 2014(9) 9.1 Amended and Restated Voting Agreement between Xcel Brands, Inc. and IM Ready-Made, LLC, dated as of December 24, 2011(5) 9.2 Voting Agreement between Xcel Brands, Inc. and Judith Ripka Berk, dated as of April 1, 2014(7) 9.3 Voting Agreement dated as of December 22, 2014 by and between Xcel Brands, Inc. and H Company IP, LLC(8) 9.4 Voting Agreement dated as of December 22, 2014 by and between Xcel Brands, Inc. and Hilco Trading, LLC(8) 10.1+ Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Xcel Brands, Inc., IM Brands, LLC, IM Ready-Made, LLC, Isaac Mizrahi and Marisa Gardini, datedas of May 19, 2011, as amended on July 28, 2011, as amended on September 15, 2011, as amended on September 21, 2011, and as amendedon September 29, 2011(1) 10.2 Subordinated Promissory Note between Xcel Brands, Inc. and IM Ready-Made, LLC, dated September 19, 2016 (15) 10.3* Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Consent to Assignment by and among QVC, Inc., IM Brands, LLC, IM Ready-Made, LLC,Xcel Brands, Inc. and Isaac Mizrahi, dated September 28, 2011(2)99 Table of ContentsExhibitNumber Description 10.4 Assignment and Assumption, New York Landlord Consent by and among Adler Holdings III, LLC, IM Ready-Made, LLC and Xcel Brands,Inc., dated September 29, 2011, and Guaranty by IM Brands, Inc., dated September 29, 2011(1) 10.5+ Agreement of Merger and Plan Reorganization by and among NetFabric Holdings, Inc., NetFabric Acquisition Corp., and Xcel Brands, Inc.,dated September 29, 2011(1) 10.6 Employment Agreement entered into with Isaac Mizrahi, dated December 24, 2013(5) 10.7 First Amendment to Employment Agreement entered into with Isaac Mizrahi made as of December 2, 2015(11) 10.8* Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Consent to Assignment by and among QVC, Inc., IM Brands, LLC, IMReady-Made, LLC, Xcel Brands, Inc. and Isaac Mizrahi, dated September 28, 2011.(4) 10.9 Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert D’Loren dated February 27, 2019(22) 10.10 Employment Agreement between the Company and James Haran dated February 27, 2019(22) 10.11 Employment Agreement between the Company and Seth Burroughs dated February 27, 2019.(22) 10.12 Employment Agreement dated January 24, 2017 by and between the Company and Giuseppe Falco.(17) 10.13 Amended and Restated Fifth Amendment, entered into as of March 14, 2014 and effective as of December 24, 2013, to the Asset PurchaseAgreement filed as Exhibit 10.1.(6) 10.14 Employment Agreement entered into with Judith Ripka Berk as of April 1, 2014.(7) 10.15+ Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Xcel Brands, Inc., JR Licensing, LLC, Judith Ripka Creations, Inc., Judith Ripka Companies Inc.,Judith Ripka Designs, LTD, JSB Marketing Corp. and Judith Ripka Berk entered into as of April 1, 2014 (7) 10.16 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Xcel Brands, Inc., H. Licensing, LLC and H Company IP LLC and House of Halston, LLC enteredinto on December 22, 2014 (8) 10.17 Sublease Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2015, by and between Xcel Brands, Inc. and GBG USA Inc. (10) 10.18 Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement by and among Bank Hapoalim B.M., as agent, the financial institution party thereto aslenders, Xcel Brands, Inc. and IM Brands, LLC, JR Licensing, LLC, H Licensing, LLC, C Wonder Licensing LLC, Xcel Design Group, LLC,IMNY Retail Management. LLC. IMNY E-Store USA, LLC, as guarantors (12) 10.19 Consulting Agreement entered into as of January 31, 2017 between Jones, Texas, Inc. and the Company (18) 10.20 Amendment No. 1 and waiver to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement(16). 10.21 Amendment No. 1 dated April 26, 2017 and effective as of April 1, 2017 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as ofOctober 1, 2014 between the Company and Robert W. D’Loren.(19)100 Table of ContentsExhibitNumber Description 10.22 Amendment No. 2 dated April 26, 2017 and effective as of April 1, 2017 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as ofOctober 1, 2017 between the Company and James F. Haran(19). 10.23 Amendment No. 1 dated April 26, 2017 and effective as of April 1, 2017 to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as ofOctober 1, 2014 between the Company and Seth Burroughs(19). 21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant(22) 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm(22) 31(i).1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification (CEO) (22) 31(i).2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification (CFO) (22) 32(i).1 Section 1350 Certification (CEO) (22) 32(i).2 Section 1350 Certification (CEO) (22) 101.INS XBRL Instance Document(22) 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Schema(22) 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase(22) 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase(22) 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase(22) 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase(22)(1)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on October 5, 2011.(2)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the Current Report filed on Form 8-K/A, which was filed with the SEC on February7, 2012.(3)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on June 7, 2013.(4)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013,which was filed with the SEC on August 13, 2013.(5)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on December 24,2013.(6)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 20, 2014.(7)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on April 9, 2014.(8)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on December 24,2014.(9)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, whichwas filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015101 Table of Contents(10)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on July 14, 2015.(11)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on December 17,2015.(12)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 3, 2016.(13)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, whichwas filed with the SEC on March 17, 2016.(14)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Form 14A, which was filed with the SEC onAugust 15, 2016.(15)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on September 23,2016.(16)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the appropriate Exhibit to the Current Report on form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2017.(17)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on January 26, 2017.(18)This exhibit is incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (N. 333-216009), which was filed with the SEC on February 3, 2017.(19)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on May 1, 2017.(20)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on October 24, 2017.(21)This Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on December 8, 2017.(22)Filed herewith.* Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a Request for Confidential Treatment and filed separately with the SEC. Such portions aredesignated “***”.+ Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Xcel Brands, Inc. hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally tothe SEC copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the SEC.102 Table of ContentsSIGNATURESPursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by theundersigned, thereunto duly authorized.Date: April 1, 2019/s/ Robert W. D’Loren Robert W. D’Loren, Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacitiesand on the dates indicated.Name Title /s/ Robert W. D’Loren Chief Executive Officer and Chairman April 1, 2019Robert W. D’Loren (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ James Haran Chief Financial Officer April 1, 2019James Haran (Principal Financial Officer andPrincipal Accounting Officer) /s/ Michael R. Francis Director April 1, 2019Michael R. Francis /s/ Benjamin Malka Director April 1, 2019Benjamin Malka /s/ Mark Disanto Director April 1, 2019Mark DiSanto /s/ James Fielding Director April 1, 2019James Fielding /s/ Howard Liebman Director April 1, 2019Howard Liebman Director April 1, 2019Deborah Weinswig 103 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement dated February 27, 2019 by and between XCel Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Robert W. D’Loren (the “Executive”) each a “Party” and collectively the “Parties.” This Agreement replaces and supersedes that certain employment agreement dated as of October 1, 2014, as amended as of April 1, 2017, by and between the Company and the Executive (the “Prior Agreement”). Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 2.1 of this Agreement. WHEREAS, the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to enter into an employment agreement with the Executive and the Executive is willing to serve as an employee of the Company. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, it is agreed by and between the Executive and the Company as follows: ARTICLE I. EMPLOYMENT TERMS 1.1. Employment. The Company will employ the Executive, and the Executive accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending as provided in Section 1.4(a) hereof (the “Employment Period”). 1.2. Position and Duties. (a) Generally. The Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and, insuch capacity shall be responsible for the general management of the business, affairs and operations of the Company, shall perform such duties as are customarily performed by a Chief Executive Officer of a company of a similar size and shall have such power and authority as shall reasonably be required to enable him to perform his duties hereunder; provided, however, that in exercising such power and authority and performing such duties, he shall at all times be subject to the authority, control and direction of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The Company agrees that it will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Executive to be nominated to and continue to be named Chairman of the Board of Directors during the Term, it being acknowledged and agreed that the Nominating Committee (or any successor committee of the Board, or, in the absence of any such committee, the Board) shall retain the ability to apply reasonable and uniform standards consistent with past practices and corporate governance principles to consider the Executive for nomination to the Board and appointment as Chairman of the Board during the Term. Without limitation on any of the foregoing, the Executive shall have senior management authority and responsibility with respect to the management and operations of the Company and its business, including implementation of the business strategy of the Company consistent withstrategy and policies approved by the Board. 135944.00100/114933105v.7 (b) Duties and Responsibilities. The Executive shall report to the Board and shall devote a substantial portion of his time to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Executive shall perform his duties and responsibilities in a diligent, trustworthy, businesslike and efficient manner and shall use his best efforts during the Employment Period to protect, encourage and promote the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Executive shall not engage in any other business activities that could reasonably be expected to conflict with the Executive’s duties, responsibilities and obligations hereunder. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall promptly bring to the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, all investment or business opportunities relating to the Business of which the Executive becomes aware. (c) Principal Office. The principal place of performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder shall be the Company’s principal executive offices in the New York Metropolitan area, although the Executive may be required to travel outside of the area where the Company’s principal executive offices are located in connection with the business of the Company. 1.3. Compensation. (a) Base Salary. The Executive’s annual base salary during the Employment Period shall be $888,500.00 per year (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be payable to the Executive by the Company inregular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices. The Executive shall receive such increases (but not decreases) in his Base Salary as the Board, or the compensation committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”), may approve in its sole discretion from time to time. Following the three-year anniversary of the Effective Date, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually. (b) Cash Bonuses. Executive shall be eligible for annual cash bonuses (“Cash Bonus”) for each completed fiscal year (subject to Section 1.4 hereof) of the Company during the Term in accordance with this Section 1.3(b). The Cash Bonus for any fiscal year shall be an amount equal to the IP Income Bonus plus the EBITDA Bonus. The “IP Income Bonus” for any fiscal year shall be an amount equal to two and one-half percent (2.5%) of all revenue generated from sales of the Company’s products and by the trademarks and other intellectual property owned, operated or managed by the Company (“IP Income”) in excess of $8,000,000 earned in accordance with GAAP by the Company in such fiscal year provided, however, that any IP Income generated through Net Sales, shall be multiplied by (i) 7%, in the case of Net Sales from wholesale sales and private label sales and (ii) 3%, in the case of Net Sales from e-commerce sales though the Company’s web sites. The “EBITDA Bonus” for any fiscal year shall be an amountequal to five percent (5%) of the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA for such fiscal year. The Cash Bonus shall be paid to the Executive on the date that is the earlier of (i) the 90th day following the end of the fiscal year to which the Cash Bonus relates and (ii) the first business day following the date the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year to which the Cash Bonus relates is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Executive shall have the right to elect to receive all or a portion of the Cash Bonus payable for any fiscal year to be paid through the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock (under the Company’s 2 135944.00100/114933105v.7 Third Amended and Restated Incentive Plan or any other stockholder approved equity incentive plan of the Company) based on the average closing sale prices of the Company’s common stock for the five trading days ending on the day immediately preceding the trading day on which the Cash Bonus is paid; provided that the Company has a sufficient number of shares available for issuance and not otherwise reserved under stockholder approved equity incentive plans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all payments of Cash Bonuses shall be made on a date that allows such payments to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Executive shall be eligible to receive a pro rata portion of the Cash Bonus if Executive’s employment is less than a full year or ceases prior to the end of the calendar year for which a Cash Bonus has not yet been paid. (c) Options. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company shall grant to the Executive under the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan non- qualified stock options (the “Options”) to purchase up to Two Million Five Hundred Seventy Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Forty Seven (2,578,947) shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to the last sale price of the common stock on the date of this Agreement. The Options shall be exercisable until the ten (10) year anniversary of the date of thisAgreement and shall vest subject to the Executive remaining employed with the Company and based upon the Company’s common stock achieving the following Target Prices as follows: Target Prices Number of Option Shares Vesting $3.00 736,842 $5.00 626,316 $7.00 515,789 $9.00 405,263 $11.00 294,737 (d) Withholding. All payments made under this Agreement (including Base Salary, Cash Bonuses, and other amounts) shall be subject to withholding for income taxes, payroll taxes and other legally required deductions. (e) Automobile Allowance. The Company will furnish the Executive with an automobile appropriate for his level of position and shall pay to, or on behalf of, the Executive (in addition to monthly lease or other payments) all of the related expenses for gasoline, insurance, maintenance, repairs or any other costs associated with the Executive’s automobile. (f) Expenses. The Company will reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties under this Agreement that are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect at that time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and 3 135944.00100/114933105v.7 documentation of such expenses. All expense reimbursement payments for documented expenses shall be made in accordance with the Company expense reimbursement policy; provided, however, that payments pursuant to this Section 1.3(f) shall be made within thirty (30) days after the date that the Executive notifies the Company of such expense; provided, further, that the Executive shall notify the Company of such expenses no later than six (6) months after the end of the calendar year in which such expenses were incurred. (g) Vacation; Holiday Pay and Sick Leave. The Executive shall be entitled to five (5) weeks’ paid vacation in each calendar year, which if not taken during any year may be carried forward to any subsequent year. Executive shall receive holiday pay and paid sick leave as provided to other executive employees of the Company. Upon cessation of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall receive pay for all accrued and unused vacation, calculated at his base salary rate in effect at the time of the cessation of his employment, provided that the amount of vacation that Executive shall be entitled to accrue during the Term shall be in accordance with Company policy. (h) Additional Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate (for himself and, as applicable, his dependents) in the group medical, life, 401(k) and other insuranceprograms, employee benefit plans and perquisites which may be adopted by the Board or the Compensation Committee, from time to time, for participation by the Company’s senior management or executives, as well as dental, life and disability insurance coverage, with payment of, or reimbursement for, such insurance premiums by the Company, subject to, in all cases, the terms and conditions established by the Board with respect to such plans (collectively, the “Benefits”); provided, however, that the Board, in its reasonable discretion, may revise the terms of any Benefits so long as such revision does not have a disproportionately negative impact on the Executive vis-à-vis other Company employees, to the extent applicable. (i) Life and Disability Insurance. The Company shall, in accordance with the Company’s policies, reimburse or pay on behalf of the Executive for up to $15,000 and $10,000 per year for Life and Disability Insurance premiums, respectively, with such reimbursements made in the calendar year in which the expense is incurred. (j) Indemnification. The Executive shall be entitled to indemnification by the Company in the same circumstances and to the same extent as the other executive officers and directors of the Company, which indemnification shall in no event be less favorable to the Executive than the fullest scope of indemnification permitted by applicable Delaware law (or any such greater scope ofindemnification provided by agreement or by the terms of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws to any executive officer or director of the Company). The Executive shall also be named as an additional insured under the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy maintained by the Company and shall be entitled to the same level of coverage provided thereby to the other executive officers and directors of the Company. (k) Stock Options. In the event that the Company elects from time to time during the Employment Period to award to its senior management or executives, generally, options to purchase shares of the Company’s stock pursuant to any stock option plan or similar program, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in any such stock option plan or similar program on a basis consistent with the participation of other senior management or executives of the Company. 4 135944.00100/114933105v.7 1.4. Term and Termination. (a) Duration. The Employment Period shall commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate three (3) years from the Effective Date (the “Term”), unless earlier terminated by the Company or the Executive as set forth in this Section 1.4. The Term shall renew automatically for one-year periods, unless either party gives the other party written notice of its intention not to renew the Agreement no later than 90 days prior to the expiration of the then current Term. The Employment Period shall be terminated prior to the then-applicable expiration of the Term upon the first to occur of (i) termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause, (ii) termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, (iii) the Executive’s resignation with Good Reason, (iv) the Executive’s resignation other than for Good Reason or (v) the Executive’s death or Disability. The Executive shall not terminate the Employment Period, with or without Good Reason, unless he gives the Company written notice that he intends to terminate the Employment Period at least 90 days prior to the Executive’s proposed Termination Date. As a condition to Executive receiving any payments or benefits under Section 1.4(b) or Section 1.4(c), the Executive shall execute and deliver to the Company the General Release in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. (b) Severance Upon Termination Without Cause, Upon Resignation by the Executive For Good Reason orFailure to Renew Term. If the Employment Period is terminated by the Company without Cause or if the Executive resigns for Good Reason, or if the Company fails to renew the Term (in which case termination of the Executive’s employment shall be effective at the expiration of the then-current Term), then the Executive will be entitled to receive (1) any unpaid Base Salary through and including the Termination Date and any other amounts, including any unpaid Cash Bonuses or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executive as of the Termination Date; (2) an amount equal to the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect on the date the Executive’s employment is terminated) for the greater of the remainder of the Term or a two-year period following the Executive’s termination of employment as described in this Section 1.4(b) plus two times the average annual Cash Bonuses paid in the immediate preceding 12 months, payable in a lump sum on the date immediately following the Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) occurring in connection with such termination and (3) continue to participate in the Company’s group medical plan on the same basis as he previously participated or receive payment of, or reimbursement for, COBRA premiums (or, if COBRA coverage is not available, reimbursement of premiums paid for other medical insurance in an amount not to exceed the COBRA premium) for a 36-monthperiod following the Executive’s termination of employment; provided that if the Executive is provided with health insurance coverage by a successor employer, any such coverage and reimbursement by the Company shall cease. Each of clauses (1), (2) and (3) in the preceding sentence is referred to as a “Severance Payment”. The Executive also shall be entitled to receive payment for all reimbursable expenses or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executive as of the Termination Date including payments in full for any amounts due and owing under Section 1.3(e). If the Executive breaches his obligations under Section 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 or 1.9 of this Agreement, the Company’s obligation to make any Severance Payments and provide any Benefits shall cease as of the date of such breach; provided, that if the Executive cures such breach within 10 days of receiving written notice from the Company of such breach (which notice the Company shall provide promptly to the Executive after learning of such breach), the Company shall promptly pay all Severance Payments not made 5 135944.00100/114933105v.7 during such period of dispute and resume making Severance Payments and providing Benefits promptly following such cure. (c) Severance upon a Change of Control. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event the Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated within twelve (12) months following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Severance Payment as described in sub-section (b)(2) above multiplied by two (2) minus $100; provided, however, that if such lump sum Severance Payment, either alone or together with other payments or benefits, either cash or non-cash, that the Executive has the right to receive from the Company, including, but not limited to, accelerated vesting or payment of any deferred compensation, options, stock appreciation rights or any benefits payable to the Executive under any plan for the benefit of employees, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code), then such lump sum severance payment or other benefit shall be reduced to the largest amount that will not result in receipt by the Executive of an “excess parachute payment.” The determination of the amount of the payment described in this subsection shall be made by the Company’s independent auditors at the sole expense of the Company. For purposes ofclarification the value of any options described above will be determined by the Company’s independent auditors using a Black-Scholes valuation methodology. Upon a Change of Control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or other grant agreement between the Company and the Executive, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by the Company to the Executive pursuant to any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and shall remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after the date of the Change of Control or the remaining term of the applicable option. (d) Death and Disability. In the event of the death or Disability of the Executive, the Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary through the Termination Date, at the rate then in effect, and all expenses or accrued Benefits arising prior to such termination which are payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement through the Termination Date. Any other rights and benefits the Executive may have under employee benefit plans and programs of the Company generally in the event of the Executive’s Disability shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs. In the event of Executive’s death, any rights and benefits that the Executive’s estate or any other person may have underemployee benefit plans and programs of the Company generally in the event of the Executive’s death shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs. (e) Salary and Other Payments Through Termination. If the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated during the Term (i) by the Company for Cause or (ii) by the Executive other than for Good Reason, the Executive will be entitled to receive his Base Salary at the rate then in effect through the Termination Date, but will not be entitled to receive any Severance Payments or Benefits after the Termination Date. The Executive shall be entitled to receive payment for all reimbursable expenses or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executive as of the Termination Date. (f) Other Rights. Except as set forth in this Section 1.4 and Section 1.3, all of the Executive’s rights to receive Base Salary at the rate then in effect, Benefits and the Cash 6 135944.00100/114933105v.7 Bonuses hereunder (if any) which accrue or become payable after the termination of the Employment Period shall cease upon such termination. (g) Continuing Benefits. Notwithstanding Section 1.4(f), termination pursuant to this Section 1.4 shall not modify or affect in any way whatsoever any vested right of the Executive to benefits payable under any retirement or pension plan or under any other employee benefit plan of the Company, and all such benefits shall continue, in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions of such plans, to be payable in full to, or on account of, the Executive after such termination. (h) No Duty of Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Article I by seeking other employment or otherwise. 1.5. Intentionally Omitted. 1.6. Confidential Information. (a) The Executive shall not disclose or, directly or indirectly, use at any time, during the Employment Period or thereafter, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of which the Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by him, alone or with others, except to the extent that (i) such disclosure or use is required by the Executive’s performance of the duties assigned to the Executive by the Board, (ii) the Executive is required by subpoena or similar process to disclose or discuss any Confidential Information, provided, that in such case, the Executive shall promptly inform the Company inwriting of such event, shall cooperate with the Company in attempting to obtain a protective order or to otherwise limit or restrict such disclosure to the greatest extent possible, and shall disclose only that portion of the Confidential Information as is strictly required, or (iii) such Confidential Information is or becomes generally known to and available for use by the public, other than as a result of any action or inaction directly or indirectly by the Executive. At the Company’s expense, the Executive shall take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. The Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information obtained by him during the course of his employment with the Company is the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable. (b) The Executive understands that the Company and its Subsidiaries will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the part of the Company and its Subsidiaries to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Period and in the period specified in such confidentiality agreements, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 1.6(a) above, the Executive will hold Third Party Information in confidence, consistent with the obligations applicable to Confidential Information of the Companygenerally, and will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel and agents of the Company or its Subsidiaries who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company or its Subsidiaries) or use, except in connection with his work for the Company or its Subsidiaries, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by the Board in writing. 7 135944.00100/114933105v.7 (c) As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is related in any way to the actual or anticipated business of the Company, its Subsidiaries, its Affiliates or any of their respective predecessors in interest, including but not limited to (i) business development, growth and other strategic business plans, (ii) properties available for acquisition, financing development or sale, (iii) accounting and business methods, (iv) services or products and the marketing of such services and products, (v) fees, costs and pricing structures, (vi) designs, (vii) analysis, (viii) drawings, photographs and reports, (ix) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (x) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (xi) data bases, (xii) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xiii) copyrightable works, (xiv) all technology and trade secrets, (xv) confidential terms of material agreements and customer relationships, and (xvi) all similar and related information in whatever form or medium. Confidential Information also expressly excludes Executive’s general know-how and business contacts to the extent that the use of such information does not violate or breach the terms of Section 1.9. 1.7. Inventions and Patents. Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas,inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, products, methods, processes, techniques, programs, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patents, copyrightable works and mask works (whether or not including any Confidential Information) and all issuances, registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information or intellectual property and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) conceived, developed, contributed to, made, or reduced to practice by Executive (either alone or with others) while employed by Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective predecessors in interest (including prior to the date of this Agreement) or using the materials, facilities or resources of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective predecessors in interest (collectively, “Company Works”) is the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Executive hereby assigns all right, title and interest in and to all Company Works to the Company and its Subsidiaries and waives any moral rights he may have therein, without further obligation or consideration. Any copyrightable work prepared in whole or in part by the Executive will be deemed “a work made for hire” under Section 201(b) of the 1976 Copyright Act, and the Company and its Subsidiaries shall own all of the rights comprised in the copyright therein. The Executive shall promptly and fully disclose in writing allCompany Works to the Company and shall cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries to protect, maintain and enforce the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ interests in and rights to such Company Works (including, without limitation, providing reasonable assistance in securing patent protection and copyright registrations and executing all affidavits, assignments, powers-of-attorney and other documents as reasonably requested by the Company, whether such requests occur prior to or after termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company). 1.8. Delivery of Materials Upon Termination of Employment. As requested by the Company from time to time and in any event upon the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company, or at the Company’s election destroy, all copies and embodiments, in whatever form or medium, of all Confidential Information, Company Works and other property and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the Executive’s possession or within his control (including, but not limited to, office keys, access cards, written records, notes, photographs, manuals, notebooks, documentation, program listings, 8 135944.00100/114933105v.7 flow charts, magnetic media, disks, diskettes, tapes computers and handheld devices (including all software, files and documents thereon) and any other materials containing any Confidential Information or Company Works) irrespective of the location or form of such material and, if requested by the Company, shall provide the Company with written confirmation that all such materials have been delivered to the Company or destroyed, as applicable. 1.9. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Covenants. (a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive’s services to the Company and its Subsidiaries are unique in nature and that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be irreparably damaged if the Executive were to provide similar services to any Person competing with the Company and its Subsidiaries or engaged in the Business. The Executive further acknowledges that, in the course of his employment with the Company, he will become familiar with the Company’s and its’ Subsidiaries’ trade secrets and with other Confidential Information. During the Noncompete Period, he shall not, directly or indirectly, whether for himself or for any other Person, permit his name to be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (including, without limitation, any division, group or franchise of a larger organization) that engages or proposes to engage in the Business in the Restricted Territories, other than the Company and its Subsidiaries orexcept as otherwise directed or authorized by the Board. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “participate in” shall include, without limitation, having any direct or indirect interest in any Person, whether as a sole proprietor, owner, stockholder, partner, member, joint venturer, creditor or otherwise, or rendering any direct or indirect service or assistance to any Person (whether as a director, officer, supervisor, employee, agent, consultant or otherwise). Nothing herein will prohibit the Executive from mere passive ownership of not more than five percent (5%) 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. As used herein, the phrase “mere passive ownership” shall include voting or otherwise granting any consents or approvals required to be obtained from such Person as an owner of stock or other ownership interests in any entity pursuant to the charter or other organizational documents of such entity, but shall not include, without limitation, any involvement in the day-to-day operations of such entity. (b) During the Nonsolicitation Period, the Executive will not directly, or indirectly through another Person, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation of the Company or any of 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. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be irreparably damaged if the Executive were to breach any of the provisions contained in this Section 1.9(b). (c) Executive acknowledges that this Agreement, and specifically, this Section 1.9, does not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor does it unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges 9 135944.00100/114933105v.7 that the potential harm to the Company of its non-enforcement outweighs any harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. 1.10. Enforcement. If, at the time of enforcement of Section 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10, a court holds that the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the Parties agree that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the maximum period, scope or geographical area reasonable under such circumstances will be substituted for the Noncompete Period, scope or area. Because the Executive’s services are unique and because the Executive has access to Confidential Information and Company Works, the Parties agree that money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any breach of Section 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10. Therefore, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of Section 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security). The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (a) performance of the services of the Executive hereunder may occur in jurisdictions other than the jurisdiction whose law the Parties have agreed shall governthe construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement, (b) the law of the State of New York shall govern construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement to the fullest extent possible, and (c) Section 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10 shall restrict the Executive only to the extent permitted by applicable law. 1.11. Survival. Sections 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 and 1.10 will survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination of the Employment Period. ARTICLE II. DEFINED TERMS 2.1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings: “Adjusted EBITDA” shall mean for any period, for the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (without duplication), an amount equal to (a) consolidated net income (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America as in effect from time to time) (“Consolidated Net Income”) for such period, minus, (b) to the extent included in calculating Consolidated Net Income, the sum of, without duplication, (i) income tax credits for such period, and (ii) gain from extraordinary or non-recurring items for such period (including, without limitation, non-cash items related to purchase accounting), plus (c) the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income, (i) interest expense and other finance costs (whether cash or non-cash) for such period (ii) the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes forsuch period, (iii) the amount of depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) the transaction fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any subsequent asset, brand, stock acquisition or joint venture or similar transaction in such period, (v) all other extraordinary or non-recurring non-cash charges 10 135944.00100/114933105v.7 (including, without limitation, non-cash items related to purchase accounting and non-cash items related to earn-outs) and (vi) non-cash stock or equity compensation in such period, other than non-cash compensation paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 1.3(b) hereof. “Business” means the business of acquiring and licensing consumer brands worldwide. “Cause” means with respect to the Executive, the occurrence of one or more of the following: (i) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude, misappropriation of Company property, embezzlement of Company funds or violation of the securities laws relating to or affecting the Company, (ii) persistent and repeated refusal to comply with no less than three written directives of the Board with respect to an item that the Board deems material to the business and/or operations of the Company, (iii) reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or the use of illegal drugs (whether or not at the workplace), or (iv) any willful breach of Section 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 or 1.9 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination by the Company for Cause (other than pursuant to clause (i) above) shall not be effective until and unless (i) Executive fails to cure such alleged act or circumstance within 30 days of receipt of notice thereof, to the satisfaction of the Board in the exercise of its reasonable judgment (or, if within such 30- day period the Executive commences and proceeds to take all reasonable actions to effectsuch cure, within such reasonable additional time period (no longer than sixty (60) days) as may be necessary), and (ii) notice of intention to terminate for Cause has been given by the Company within thirty (30) days after the Board learns of the act, failure or event constituting Cause, and (iii) the Board has voted (at a meeting of the Board duly called and held as to which termination of Executive is an agenda item) by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board (other than Executive if Executive is a Board member) to terminate Executive for Cause after Executive has been given notice of the particular acts or circumstances which are the basis for the termination for Cause and has been afforded an opportunity to appear with counsel and present his positions at such meeting and to present his case thereat, and (iv) the Board has given notice of termination to Executive within five days after such meeting voting in favor of termination. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party (other than one in which the stockholders of the Company prior to the event own a majority of the voting power of the surviving or resulting corporation) (ii) a sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, (iii) a sale or transfer by the Company’s stockholders of voting control, in a single transaction or a series of transactions, or (iv) when, during anyperiod of twelve (12) consecutive months, the individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority thereof; provided, however, that a director who was not a director at the beginning of such twelve (12)-month period shall be deemed to have satisfied such twelve (12) month requirement (and be an Incumbent Director) if such director was elected by, or on the recommendation of or with the approval of, at least a majority of the directors who then qualified as Incumbent Directors either actually (because they were directors at the beginning of such twelve (12)-month period) or through the operation of this proviso. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Treasury regulations 11 135944.00100/114933105v.7 thereunder, each as amended from time to time. “Disability” shall have the meaning set forth in a policy or policies of long-term disability insurance, if any, the Company obtains for the benefit of itself and/or its employees. If there is no definition of “disability” applicable under any such policy or policies, if any, then the Executive shall be considered disabled due to mental or physical impairment or disability, despite reasonable accommodations by the Company and its Subsidiaries, to perform his customary or other comparable duties with the Company or its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such disability for a period of at least 120 consecutive days or for at least 180 non-consecutive days in any 12- month period. “Effective Date” means January 1, 2019. “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company and its Subsidiaries. “GAAP” – Means in accordance with generally accepted account principles and consistent with the Company’s revenue recognition policy. “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of one or more of the following events: (i) the Company reduces the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or target or Maximum Cash Bonus, (ii) the Company requires that the Executive relocate his principal place of employment to a site that is more than 50 miles from the Company’s offices in the New York area or if the Company changes the location of its headquarters without the consent of Executive to a locationthat is more than 50 miles from such location, (iii) the Company materially reduces the Executive’s responsibilities or removes the Executive from the position of Chief Executive Officer other than pursuant to a termination of his employment for Cause, or upon the Executive’s death or Disability or (iv) the Company otherwise materially breaches the terms of this Agreement; provided that no such event shall constitute Good Reason hereunder unless (a) the Executive shall have given written notice to the Company of the Executive’s intent to resign for Good Reason within 30 days after the Executive becomes aware of the occurrence of any such event, which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the event or events constitute the basis for the Executive’s intention to resign for Good Reason and (b) such event or occurrence, if a breach susceptible to cure, shall not have been cured or otherwise shall not have been resolved to the Executive’s reasonable satisfaction, in each case within 30 days of the Company’s receipt of such notice. In such case the Executive’s resignation shall become effective on the 61st day after the Company’s receipt of the aforementioned notice. “Net Sales” means wholesale and retail sales of products directly by the Company (including under its brands and private label) to its customers, including through direct-response television (i.e., QVC, Inc. and The Home Shopping Network), less any returns, tradediscounts, charge-backs. “Noncompete Period” means the Employment Period and six months thereafter. “Nonsolicitation Period” means the Employment Period and one year thereafter. 12 135944.00100/114933105v.7 “Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or the United States of America any other nation, any state or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of government. “Restricted Territories” means (i) the United States and its territories and possessions and (ii) any foreign country in which the Company engages in business as of the Termination Date. “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, or business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association,or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control any managing director or general partner or manager or managing member of such limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity. For purposes hereof, references to a Subsidiary of any Person shall be given effect only at such times that such Person has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term Subsidiary refers to a Subsidiary of the Company. “Target Price” shall mean the average closing sale price of the Company’s common stock for any ten (10) consecutive trading days. “Termination Date” means the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company. 2.2. Other Definitional Provisions. (a) Section references contained in this Agreement are references to sections in this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. Each defined term used in this Agreement has a comparable meaning when used in its plural or singular form. Each gender-specific term used in this Agreement has a comparable meaning whether used in a masculine, feminine or gender- neutral form. (b) Whenever the term “including” (whether or not that term is followed by the phrase “but not limited to” or “without limitation” or words of similar effect) is used in this Agreement in connection with a listing of items within aparticular classification, that listing will be interpreted to be illustrative only and will not be interpreted as a limitation on, or an exclusive listing of, the items within that classification. 13 135944.00100/114933105v.7 ARTICLE III. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS 3.1. Defense of Claims. The Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period, and for a period of six months after termination of the Executive’s employment, upon request by the Company, the Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in connection with any matters the Executive worked on during his employment with the Company and any related transitional matters. In addition, during the Employment Period and thereafter, the Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense of any claims or actions that may be made by or against the Company that affect the Executive’s prior areas of responsibility or involve matters about which the Executive has knowledge, except if the Executive’s reasonable interests are adverse to the Company in such claim or action and provided that after the Employment Period such level of cooperation shall be reasonable and shall take due account of the Executive’s work and personal commitments. The Company agrees to promptly reimburse the Executive for all of the Executive’s reasonable travel and other direct expenses incurred, or to be reasonably incurred, to comply with the Executive’s obligations under this Section 3.1. 3.2. Nondisparagement. The Executive agrees to refrain from (i) making, directly or indirectly, any derogatory comments concerning the Company or its Subsidiaries or any current orformer officers, directors, employees or shareholders thereof or (ii) taking any other action with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries which is reasonably expected to result, or does result in, damage to the business or reputation of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of its current or former officers, directors, employees or shareholders. The Company agrees to refrain from (i) making, directly or indirectly, any derogatory comments concerning the Executive or (ii) taking any other action with respect to the Executive which is reasonably expected to result, or does result in, damage to the reputation of the Executive. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict either party from, truthfully and in good faith: (i) making any disclosure of information required by law; (ii) providing information to, or testifying or otherwise assisting in any investigation or proceeding brought by, any federal regulatory or law enforcement agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, or the Company’s or the Executive’s designated legal, compliance or human resources officers; or (iii) filing, testifying, participating in or otherwise assisting in a proceeding relating to an alleged violation of any federal, state or municipal law relating to fraud, or any rule or regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any self-regulatory organization. 3.3. Source of Payments. All payments provided under this Agreement, other than payments madepursuant to a plan which provides otherwise and except as otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in cash from the general funds of the Company, and no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other segregation of assets shall be made, to assure payment. The Executive shall have no right, title or interest whatsoever in or to any investments which the Company or its Subsidiaries may make to aid the Company in meeting its obligations hereunder. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Company. 3.4. Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt 15 135944.00100/114933105v.7 requested), sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) or sent by facsimile (with receipt confirmed) to the recipient at the address or facsimile number indicated below: To the Company: XCel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway, 10th Floor New York, New York 10018 With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Blank Rome LLP The Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10174-0208 Attn: Robert Mittman, Esquire Facsimile: (212) 885-5557 To the Executive: Robert W. D’Loren c/o XCel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway, 10th Floor New York, New York 10018 With copies to: James F. O’Brien, Esq. 500 North Broadway, Suite 105 Jericho, NY 11753 Telephone: (516) 822-9000 Telecopy: (516) 822-1050 Attention: James F. O’Brien, Esq. or such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient Party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending Party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered or sent. 3.5. Severability. Subject to the express provisions of Section 1.10 relating to certain specified changes, whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any otherprovision or any 16 135944.00100/114933105v.7 other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. 3.6. Complete Agreement. This Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. To the extent that this Agreement provides greater benefits to the Executive or fewer obligations of the Executive than available or set forth under the Company’s employee handbook or other corporate policies, then this Agreement shall prevail. 3.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement. 3.8. Assignment. Without the Executive’s consent, the Company may not assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement except (i) to a “Successor” (as defined below) or (ii) to an entity that is formed and controlled by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. This Agreement is personal to the Executive, and the Executive shall not have the right to assign the Executive’s interest in this Agreement, any rights under this Agreement or any duties imposed under this Agreement, norshall the Executive have the right to pledge, hypothecate, transfer, assign or otherwise encumber the Executive’s right to receive any form of compensation hereunder without the prior written consent of the Board. As used in Sections 3.8 and 3.9, “Successor” shall include any Person that at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets of, or ownership interests in, the Company and its Subsidiaries. 3.9. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company, the Executive, and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. 3.10. Choice of Law. This Agreement and the performance of the parties hereunder shall be governed by the internal laws (and not the law of conflicts) of the State of New York. Any claim or controversy arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be adjudicated exclusively by the Supreme Court, New York County, State of New York, or by a federal court sitting in Manhattan in New York City, State of New York. The parties hereto agree to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and agree to accept process by regular mail in connection with any such dispute. 3.11. Waiver of Jury Trial. AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR INDUCEMENT FOR EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT (AFTER HAVING THEOPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL), EACH PARTY HERETO EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. 17 135944.00100/114933105v.7 3.12. Legal Fees and Court Costs. In the event that any action, suit or other proceeding in law or in equity is brought to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and such action results in the award of a judgment for money damages or in the granting of any injunction in favor of the Company, all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) of the Company in such action, suit or other proceeding shall be paid by the Executive. In the event that any action, suit or other proceeding in law or in equity is brought to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and such action results in the award of a judgment for money damages or in the granting of any injunction in favor of the Executive, all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and travel expenses) of the Executive in such action, suit or other proceeding shall be paid by the Company. 3.13. Remedies. Each Party will be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically, to recover damages and costs caused by any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. Subject to Section 3.12, nothing herein shall prohibit any arbitrator or judicial authority from awarding attorneys’ fees or costs to a prevailing Party in any arbitration or other proceeding to the extent that such arbitrator or authority may lawfully do so. 3.14. Amendment and Waiver. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of theCompany and the Executive, and no course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this Agreement will affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement. 3.15. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement will not confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and other than, in the event of the Executive’s death, his estate, to which all of Executive’s rights and remedies set forth herein shall accrue. 3.16. The Executive’s Representations. The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive do not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the Executive is a party or by which he is bound, (b) the Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other Person (or other agreement with any other person containing a restriction on the Executive’s right to do business or obligating him to do business with any other Person on a priority or preferential basis), (c) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of the Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms and (d) upon the execution anddelivery of this Agreement by the Company, Executive shall not be in violation of clause (i) set forth in the definition of Cause and shall not be disabled. 3.17. Amendment to Comply with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that this Agreement or any part thereof is deemed to be a nonqualified deferred compensation plan subject to Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations (including proposed regulations) and guidance promulgated thereunder, (a) the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner to the maximum extent possible to comply in good faith with Code Section 409A and (b) the parties hereto agree to amend this Agreement for purposes of complying with Code Section 409A promptly upon issuance of any Treasury regulations or guidance thereunder, provided , that 18 135944.00100/114933105v.7 any such amendment shall not materially change the present value of the benefits payable to the Executive hereunder or otherwise materially adversely affect the Executive, the Company, or any affiliate of the Company, without the consent of such party. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred. [END OF PAGE] [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS] 19 135944.00100/114933105v.7 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above. XCEL BRANDS, INC. By: ~~ tie: c ~ ........-:: zwc~ w;;: Robert W. D'Loren 19 135944.00100/114933105v.7 EXHIBIT A FORM OF RELEASE I, Robert W. D’Loren, on behalf of myself and my heirs, successors and assigns, in consideration of and subject to the performance by XCel Brands, Inc. a Delaware Corporation (together with its Subsidiaries, the “Company”), of its material obligations under the Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) dated as of the Effective Date (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and Sections 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 12 below, do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company and its Subsidiaries, all present and former directors, officers, agents, representatives, employees, successors and assigns of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and all direct or indirect owners of each of foregoing (collectively, the “Released Parties”) to the extent provided below. 1. I understand that certain of the payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 1.4(b) and Section 1.4(c) of the Employment Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this Mutual General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive the payments and benefits specified in Section 1.4(b) or Section 1.4(c) of the Employment Agreement (other than for any other unpaid compensation, benefits and expenses to which I am entitled thereunder for employment prior to termination) unless I execute this Mutual General Release and do not revoke this MutualGeneral Release within the time period permitted hereafter or breach this Mutual General Release. 2. Except as provided in paragraph 6 below, and except for compensation and benefits and equity ownership in the Company I am entitled to under the terms of the Employment Agreement, I knowingly and voluntarily release and forever discharge the Released Parties from any and all claims, controversies, actions, causes of action, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date of this Mutual General Release) and whether known or unknown, suspected, or claimed against the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with, or my separation from, the Company (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act) (except as provided in paragraph 6 below); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the CivilRights Act of 1866, as amended; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of the Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, defamation; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the “Claims”). 21 135944.00100/114933105v.7 3. This Release is mutual, and the Company hereby expressly releases Robert W. D’Loren, his successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators (“D’Loren Parties”) from all claims and to the same extent as described in the preceding Section 2 . 4. The Parties represent and acknowledge that they have not assigned or transferred or purported to assign or transfer, to any person or entity, any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter mentioned or implied by this Mutual General Release. 5. I represent, warrant and covenant to each of the Released Parties that at no time prior to or contemporaneous with my execution of this Mutual General Release have I (i) knowingly engaged in any wrongful conduct against, on behalf of or as the representative or agent of the Company; (ii) breached any provision of the Employment Agreement; or (iii) violated any state, federal, local or other law, including any securities laws or regulations, including the regulations of FINRA, or any exchange, inter-dealer quotation system or the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board or other trading venue on which the Company’s securities are traded. Each Party represents, warrants and covenants to each of the other Parties that at no time prior to or contemporaneous with his or its execution of this Mutual General Release has any Party filed or caused or knowingly permitted the filing or maintenance, in any state, federal or foreign court, or before any local, state, federal or foreignadministrative agency or other tribunal, any charge, claim or action of any kind, nature and character whatsoever (“Claim”), known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that is pending on the date hereof against the other Parties which is based in whole or in part on any matter referred to in Sections 2 and 3 above; and, subject to each Party’s performance under this Mutual General Release, to the maximum extent permitted by law each Party shall be prohibited from filing or maintaining, or causing or knowingly permitting the filing or maintaining, of any such Claim in any such forum. 6. I agree that this Mutual General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this Mutual General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Employment Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). 7. In signing this Mutual General Release, the Parties acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. The Parties expressly consent that this Mutual General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating tounknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this Mutual General Release and that without such waiver the Parties would not have agreed to the terms of the Employment Agreement. The Parties further agree that in the event a claim is brought in violation of this Mutual General Release, this Mutual General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type 22 135944.00100/114933105v.7 described in paragraph 2 as of the execution of this General Release. 8. The Parties agree that neither this Mutual General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Mutual General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by any Released Party or the Executive of any improper or unlawful conduct. 9. I agree that I will forfeit all cash amounts payable by the Company pursuant to the Employment Agreement that would not have otherwise been paid but for my signing this Mutual General Release if I challenge the validity of this Mutual General Release. 10. The Parties agree that this Mutual General Release is confidential and agree not to disclose any information regarding the terms of this Mutual General Release to any third party, except any tax, legal or other counsel consulted regarding the meaning or effect hereof or as required by law and except that the Company may disclose this Mutual General Release to its affiliates and their representatives. The Executive may also disclose information contained herein to his immediate family. The Parties will instruct each of the foregoing not to disclose the same to anyone. 11. Any non-disclosure provision in this Mutual General Release does not prohibit or restrict me (or my attorney) or the Company or its attorney from responding to any inquiry about this Mutual General Release or its underlying facts and circumstances by any governmental entity. 12. The Partiesspecifically acknowledge their continuing obligations to one another under the Employment Agreement, including without limitation under Section 1.6, Section 1.7, Section 1.8, Section 1.9 and Section 3.1 of the Employment Agreement. 13. Whenever possible, each provision of this Mutual General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Mutual General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Mutual General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. 14. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given such terms in the Employment Agreement. BY SIGNING THIS MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT: a. I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY; b. I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED; TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963; THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; 23135944.00100/114933105v.7 AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED; c. I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT; d. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION; e. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE, SUBSTANTIALLY IN ITS FINAL FORM ON _______________ __, _____, TO CONSIDER IT, AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE THE _______________ __, _____ VERSION OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED 21-DAY PERIOD; f. THE CHANGES TO THE AGREEMENT SINCE _______________ ___, _____ EITHER ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST. g. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE REVOCATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED; h. I HAVE SIGNED THIS MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND i. I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED,WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME. DATE: ___________ __, ______ Robert D’Loren Acknowledged and agreed as of the date first written above: XCEL BRANDS, INC. By: Name: James Haran Title: CFO 24 135944.00100/114933105v.7 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated February 27, 2019 by and between XCel Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and James F. Haran (the “Executive”), each a “Party” and collectively the “Parties.” This Agreement replaces and supersedes that certain second amended and restated employment agreement made as of October 1, 2014, as amended and restated by and between the Company and the Executive (the “Prior Agreement”). Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 2.1 of this Agreement. WHEREAS, the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to enter into an employment agreement with the Executive and the Executive is willing to serve as an employee of the Company. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, it is agreed by and between the Executive and the Company as follows: ARTICLE I. EMPLOYMENT TERMS 1.1. Employment. The Company will employ the Executive, and the Executive accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending as provided in Section 1.4(a) hereof (the “Employment Period”). 1.2. Position and Duties. (a) Generally. The Executive shall serve as the Chief FinancialOfficer of the Company and, in such capacity shall be responsible for the general management of the financial affairs of the Company, shall perform such duties as are customarily performed by an officer with similar title and responsibilities of a company of a similar size and shall have such power and authority as shall reasonably be required to enable him to perform his duties hereunder; provided, however, that in exercising such power and authority and performing such duties, he shall at all times be subject to the authority, control and direction of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. (b) Duties and Responsibilities. The Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall devote his full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Executive shall perform his duties and responsibilities in a diligent, trustworthy, businesslike and efficient manner and shall use his best efforts during the Employment Period to protect, encourage and promote the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Executive shall not engage in any other business activities that could reasonably be expected to conflict with the Executive’s duties, responsibilities and obligations hereunder. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall promptly bring to the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, all investment or business opportunities relating tothe Business of which the Executive becomes aware. 135944.00100/116937659v.7 (c) Principal Office. The principal place of performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder shall be the Company’s principal executive offices in the New York Metropolitan area, although the Executive may be required from time to time to travel outside of the area where the Company’s principal executive offices are located in connection with the business of the Company. 1.3. Compensation. (a) Base Salary. The Executive’s annual base salary during the Employment Period shall be $366,000.00 (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be payable to the Executive by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices. The Executive shall receive such increases (but not decreases) in his Base Salary as the Board of Directors, or the compensation committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”), may approve in its sole discretion from time to time. Following the two-year anniversary of the Effective Date, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually. (b) Cash Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for annual cash bonuses (“Cash Bonus”) for each completed fiscal year (subject to Section 1.4 hereof) of the Company during the Term in accordance with this Section 1.3(b). The Cash Bonus for any fiscal year shall be an amount equal to the IP Income Bonus plus the EBITDA Bonus. The “IP Income Bonus” for any fiscal year shall be in an amount equal to 0.23% of all incomegenerated from sales of the Company’s products and by the trademarks and other intellectual property owned, operated or managed by the Company (“IP Income”) in excess of $12,000,000 earned in accordance with GAAP by the Company in such fiscal year, however, that any IP Income generated through Net Sales, shall be multiplied by (i) 7%, in the case of Net Sales from wholesale sales and private label sales and (ii) 3%, in the case of Net Sales from e-commerce sales though the Company’s web sites; provided that the Cash Bonus for such year shall be reduced by the amount paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 1.3 (b) (ii) for such year. The “EBITDA Bonus” for any fiscal year shall be an amount equal to 0.375% of the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA for such fiscal year. The Cash Bonus shall be paid to the Executive on the date that is the earlier of (i) the 90th day following the end of the fiscal year to which the Cash Bonus relates and (ii) the first business day following the date the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year to which the Cash Bonus relates is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all payments of Cash Bonuses shall be made on a date that allows such payments to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Executive shall be eligible to receive a pro rata portion of the Cash Bonus if Executive’s employment is less than a full year orceases prior to the end of the calendar year for which a Cash Bonus has not yet been paid. Provided the Executive is in employed in good standing on (i) the date hereof, the Executive shall be awarded a $10,000 cash bonus, (ii) June 30, 2019, the Executive shall be awarded a $30,000 cash bonus, (iii) June 30, 2020, the Executive shall be awarded a $30,000 cash bonus (collectively, the “Fixed Cash Bonus”), which, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), shall be payable within 30 days of each such date. 2 135944.00100/116937659v.7 (c) Withholding. All payments made under this Agreement (including Base Salary, Cash Bonus payments, and other amounts) shall be subject to withholding for income taxes, payroll taxes and other legally required deductions. (d) Expenses. The Company will reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties under this Agreement that are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect at that time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses. All expense reimbursement payments for documented expenses shall be made in accordance with the Company expense reimbursement policy; provided, however, that payments pursuant to this Section 1.3(d) shall be made within thirty (30) days after the date that the Executive notifies the Company of such expense; provided further that the Executive shall notify the Company of such expenses no later than six (6) months after the end of the calendar year in which such expenses were incurred. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall pay to the Executive an automobile allowance of $1,500 per month. (e) Vacation; Holiday Pay and Sick Leave. The Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks’ paid vacation in each calendar year, which if not taken during any year may be carriedforward to any subsequent year. Executive shall receive holiday pay and paid sick leave as provided to other executive employees of the Company. (f) Additional Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate (for himself and, as applicable, his dependents) in the group medical, life, 401(k) and other insurance programs, employee benefit plans and perquisites which may be adopted by the Board, or the Compensation Committee, from time to time, for participation by the Company’s senior management or executives, as well as dental, life and disability insurance coverage, with payment of, or reimbursement for, such insurance premiums by the Company, subject to, in all cases, the terms and conditions established by the Board with respect to such plans (collectively, the “Benefits”); provided, however, that the Board, in its reasonable discretion, may revise the terms of any Benefits so long as such revision does not have a disproportionately negative impact on the Executive vis-à-vis other Company employees, to the extent applicable. (g) Indemnification. The Executive shall be entitled to indemnification by the Company in the same circumstances and to the same extent as the other executive officers and directors of the Company, which indemnification shall in no event be less favorable to the Executive than the fullest scope of indemnification permitted by applicable Delaware law (or any suchgreater scope of indemnification provided by agreement or by the terms of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws to any executive officer or director of the Company). (h) Options. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company shall grant to the Executive Options (the “Options”) to purchase up to Five Hundred Fifty Two Thousand Six Hundred Thirty Two (552,632) shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to the last sale price of the common stock on the date of this Agreement. The Options shall be exercisable until the ten (10) year anniversary of the date of this Agreement and shall vest, subject 3 135944.00100/116937659v.7 to the Executive remaining employed with the Company and based upon the Company’s common stock achieving Target Prices as follows: Target Prices Number of Option Shares Vesting $3.00 157,895 $5.00 134,211 $7.00 110,526 $9.00 86,842 $11.00 63,158 . In the event that the Company elects from time to time during the Employment Period to award to its senior management or executives, generally, options to purchase shares of the Company’s stock or shares of restricted stock pursuant to any stock option plan or similar program, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in any such stock option plan or similar program on a basis consistent with the participation of other senior management or executives of the Company. 1.4. Term and Termination. (a) Duration. The Employment Period shall commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate two (2) years from the Effective Date (the “Term”), unless earlier terminated by the Company or the Executive as set forth in this Section 1.4. The Term shall renew automatically for one-year periods, unless either party gives the other party written notice of its intention not to renew the Agreement no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current Term. The Employment Period shall be terminated prior to the then-applicable expiration of the Term upon the first to occur of (i) termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause, (ii) termination of the Executive’s employment by theCompany without Cause, (iii) the Executive’s resignation with Good Reason, (iv) the Executive’s resignation other than for Good Reason or (v) the Executive’s death or Disability. The Executive shall not terminate the Employment Period, with or without Good Reason, unless he gives the Company written notice that he intends to terminate the Employment Period at least 90 days prior to the Executive’s proposed Termination Date. As a condition to Executive receiving any payments or benefits under Section 1.4(b) or Section 1.4(c), the Executive shall execute and deliver to the Company the General Release in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. (b) Severance Upon Termination Without Cause, Upon Resignation by the Executive For Good Reason or Failure to Renew Term. If the Employment Period is terminated by the Company without Cause or if the Executive resigns for Good Reason, or if the Company fails to renew the Term (in which case termination of the Executive’s employment shall be effective at the expiration of the then-current Term), then the Executive will be entitled to receive 4 135944.00100/116937659v.7 (1) any unpaid Base Salary through and including the Termination Date and any other amounts, including any amounts due for Cash Bonus, or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executive as of the Termination Date; (2) an amount equal to the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect on the date the Executive’s employment is terminated) for a 12-month period following the Executive’s termination of employment as described in this Section 1.4(b) , payable in a lump sum on the date that is six months following the Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) occurring in connection with such termination and (3) continue to participate in the Company’s group medical plan on the same basis as he previously participated or receive payment of, or reimbursement for, COBRA premiums (or, if COBRA coverage is not available, reimbursement of premiums paid for other medical insurance in an amount not to exceed the COBRA premium) for a one-year period following the Executive’s termination of employment; provided that if the Executive is provided with health insurance coverage by a successor employer, any such coverage and reimbursement by the Company shall cease (each of clauses (1), (2) and (3) referred to as the “Severance Payment”). The Executive also shall be entitled to receive payment for all reimbursable expenses or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executiveas of the Termination Date. If the Executive breaches his obligations under Section 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 or 1.9 of this Agreement, the Company’s obligation to make any Severance Payments and provide any Benefits shall cease as of the date of such breach; provided, that if the Executive cures such breach within 10 days of receiving written notice from the Company of such breach (which notice the Company shall provide promptly to the Executive after learning of such breach), the Company shall promptly pay all Severance Payments not made during such period of dispute and resume making Severance Payments and providing Benefits promptly following such cure. (c) Severance upon a Change of Control. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event the Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated within twelve (12) months following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Severance Payment as described in sub-section (b)(2) above; provided, however, that if such lump sum Severance Payment, either alone or together with other payments or benefits, either cash or non-cash, that the Executive has the right to receive from the Company, including, but not limited to, accelerated vesting or payment of any deferred compensation, options, stock appreciation rights or any benefits payable to theExecutive under any plan for the benefit of employees, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code), then such lump sum severance payment or other benefit shall be reduced to the largest amount that will not result in receipt by the Executive of an “excess parachute payment.” The determination of the amount of the payment described in this subsection shall be made by the Company’s independent auditors at the sole expense of the Company. For purposes of clarification the value of any options described above will be determined by the Company’s independent auditors using a Black-Scholes valuation methodology. Upon a Change of Control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or other grant agreement between the Company and the Executive, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by the Company to the Executive pursuant to any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and shall remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after the date of the Change of Control or the remaining term of the applicable option. 5 135944.00100/116937659v.7 (d) Death and Disability. In the event of the death or Disability of the Executive, the Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary through the Termination Date, at the rate then in effect, and all expenses or accrued Benefits arising prior to such termination which are payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement through the Termination Date. Any other rights and benefits the Executive may have under employee benefit plans and programs of the Company generally in the event of the Executive’s Disability shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs. In the event of Executive’s death, any rights and benefits that the Executive’s estate or any other person may have under employee benefit plans and programs of the Company generally in the event of the Executive’s death shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs. (e) Salary and Other Payments Through Termination. If the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated during the Term (i) by the Company for Cause or (ii) by the Executive other than for Good Reason, the Executive will be entitled to receive his Base Salary through the Termination Date, but will not be entitled to receive any Severance Payments or Benefits after the Termination Date. The Executive shall be entitled to receive payment for all reimbursable expenses or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executive as of theTermination Date. (f) Other Rights. Except as set forth in this Section 1.4 and Section 1.3, all of the Executive’s rights to receive Base Salary, Benefits and the Cash Bonuses hereunder (if any) which accrue or become payable after the termination of the Employment Period shall cease upon such termination. (g) Continuing Benefits. Notwithstanding Section 1.4(f), termination pursuant to this Section 1.4 shall not modify or affect in any way whatsoever any vested right of the Executive to benefits payable under any retirement or pension plan or under any other employee benefit plan of the Company, and all such benefits shall continue, in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions of such plans, to be payable in full to, or on account of, the Executive after such termination. (h) No Duty of Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Article I by seeking other employment or otherwise. 1.5. Confidential Information. (a) The Executive shall not disclose or, directly or indirectly, use at any time, during the Employment Period or thereafter, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of which the Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by him, alone or with others, except to the extent that (i) such disclosure or use is required by the Executive’s performance of the duties assigned to the Executive by the Board, (ii) the Executive is required by subpoena or similar processto disclose or discuss any Confidential Information, provided, that in such case, the Executive shall promptly inform the Company in writing of such event, shall cooperate with the Company in attempting to obtain a protective order or to otherwise limit or restrict such disclosure to the greatest extent possible, and shall disclose only that portion of the Confidential Information as is strictly required, or (iii) such Confidential Information is or becomes generally known to and available for use by the public, other than as a result of any action 6 135944.00100/116937659v.7 or inaction directly or indirectly by the Executive. At the Company’s expense, the Executive shall take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft. The Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information obtained by him during the course of his employment with the Company is the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable. (b) The Executive understands that the Company and its Subsidiaries will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the part of the Company and its Subsidiaries to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Period and in the period specified in such confidentiality agreements, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 1.5(a) above, the Executive will hold Third Party Information in confidence, consistent with the obligations applicable to Confidential Information of the Company generally, and will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel and agents of the Company or its Subsidiaries who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company or its Subsidiaries) or use, except in connection with his work for the Company or its Subsidiaries, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by the Board in writing. (c) As used in thisAgreement, the term “Confidential Information” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is related in any way to the actual or anticipated business of the Company, its Subsidiaries, its Affiliates or any of their respective predecessors in interest, including but not limited to (i) business development, growth and other strategic business plans, (ii) properties available for acquisition, financing development or sale, (iii) accounting and business methods, (iv) services or products and the marketing of such services and products, (v) fees, costs and pricing structures, (vi) designs, (vii) analysis, (viii) drawings, photographs and reports, (ix) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (x) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (xi) data bases, (xii) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xiii) copyrightable works, (xiv) all technology and trade secrets, (xv) confidential terms of material agreements and customer relationships, and (xvi) all similar and related information in whatever form or medium. Confidential Information also expressly excludes Executive’s general know-how and business contacts to the extent that the use of such information does not violate or breach the terms of Section 1.9. 1.6. Inventions and Patents. Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions,innovations, improvements, developments, products, methods, processes, techniques, programs, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patents, copyrightable works and mask works (whether or not including any Confidential Information) and all issuances, registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information or intellectual property and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) conceived, developed, contributed to, made, or reduced to practice by Executive (either alone or with others) while employed by Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective predecessors in interest (including prior to the date of this Agreement) or using the materials, facilities or resources of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective predecessors in interest (collectively, “Company Works”) is the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Executive hereby assigns all right, title and interest in and to all Company Works to the Company and its Subsidiaries and waives any moral rights he may have therein, without further obligation 7 135944.00100/116937659v.7 or consideration. Any copyrightable work prepared in whole or in part by the Executive will be deemed “a work made for hire” under Section 201(b) of the 1976 Copyright Act, and the Company and its Subsidiaries shall own all of the rights comprised in the copyright therein. The Executive shall promptly and fully disclose in writing all Company Works to the Company and shall cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries to protect, maintain and enforce the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ interests in and rights to such Company Works (including, without limitation, providing reasonable assistance in securing patent protection and copyright registrations and executing all affidavits, assignments, powers-of-attorney and other documents as reasonably requested by the Company, whether such requests occur prior to or after termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company). 1.7. Delivery of Materials Upon Termination of Employment. As requested by the Company from time to time and in any event upon the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company, or at the Company’s election, destroy, all copies and embodiments, in whatever form or medium, of all Confidential Information, Company Works and other property and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the Executive’s possession or within his control (including, but not limited to, office keys, access cards,written records, notes, photographs, manuals, notebooks, documentation, program listings, flow charts, magnetic media, disks, diskettes, tapes computers and handheld devices (including all software, files and documents thereon) and any other materials containing any Confidential Information or Company Works) irrespective of the location or form of such material and, if requested by the Company, shall provide the Company with written confirmation that all such materials have been delivered to the Company or destroyed, as applicable. 1.8. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Covenants. (a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive’s services to the Company and its Subsidiaries are unique in nature and that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be irreparably damaged if the Executive were to provide similar services to any Person competing with the Company and its Subsidiaries or engaged in the Business. The Executive further acknowledges that, in the course of his employment with the Company, he will become familiar with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ trade secrets and with other Confidential Information. During the Noncompete Period, he shall not, directly or indirectly, whether for himself or for any other Person, permit his name to be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (including, without limitation, any division, group or franchise of a larger organization) that engages or proposes toengage in the Business in the Restricted Territories, other than the Company and its Subsidiaries or except as otherwise directed or authorized by the Board. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “participate in” shall include, without limitation, having any direct or indirect interest in any Person, whether as a sole proprietor, owner, stockholder, partner, member, joint venturer, creditor or otherwise, or rendering any direct or indirect service or assistance to any Person (whether as a director, officer, supervisor, employee, agent, consultant or otherwise). Nothing herein will prohibit the Executive from mere passive ownership of not more than five percent (5%) 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. As used herein, the phrase “mere passive ownership” shall include voting or otherwise granting any consents or approvals required to be obtained from such Person as an owner of stock or other ownership 8 135944.00100/116937659v.7 interests in any entity pursuant to the charter or other organizational documents of such entity, but shall not include, without limitation, any involvement in the day-to-day operations of such entity. (b) During the Nonsolicitation Period, the Executive will not directly, or indirectly through another Person, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation of the Company or any of 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. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be irreparably damaged if the Executive were to breach any of the provisions contained in this Section 1.8(b). (c) Executive acknowledges that this Agreement, and specifically, this Section 1.8, does not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor does it unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. In addition, Executiveagrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company of its non-enforcement outweighs any harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. 1.9. Enforcement. If, at the time of enforcement of Section 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10, a court holds that the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the Parties agree that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the maximum period, scope or geographical area reasonable under such circumstances will be substituted for the Noncompete Period, scope or area. Because the Executive’s services are unique and because the Executive has access to Confidential Information and Company Works, the Parties agree that money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any breach of Section 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10 . Therefore, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of Section 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security). The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (a) performance of the services of the Executive hereunder may occur in jurisdictions other than the jurisdiction whoselaw the Parties have agreed shall govern the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement, (b) the law of the State of New York shall govern construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement to the fullest extent possible, and (c) Section 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10 shall restrict the Executive only to the extent permitted by applicable law. 1.10. Survival. Sections 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 and 1.10 will survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination of the Employment Period. 9 135944.00100/116937659v.7 ARTICLE II. DEFINED TERMS 2.1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings: “Adjusted EBITDA” shall mean for any period, for the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (without duplication), an amount equal to (a) consolidated net income (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America as in effect from time to time) (“Consolidated Net Income”) for such period, minus, (b) to the extent included in calculating Consolidated Net Income, the sum of, without duplication, (i) income tax credits for such period, and (ii) gain from extraordinary or non-recurring items for such period (including, without limitation, non-cash items related to purchase accounting), plus (c) the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income, (i) interest expense and other finance costs (whether cash or non-cash) for such period (ii) the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes for such period, (iii) the amount of depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) the transaction fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any subsequent asset, brand, stock acquisition or joint venture or similar transaction in such period, (v) all other extraordinary or non-recurring non-cash charges (including, without limitation, non-cash items related to purchase accounting and non-cash items related to earn-outs) and (vi) non-cashstock or equity compensation in such period. “Business” means the business of acquiring and licensing consumer brands worldwide. “Cause” means with respect to the Executive, the occurrence of one or more of the following: (i) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude, misappropriation of Company property, embezzlement of Company funds or violation of the securities laws relating to the Company, (ii) persistent and repeated refusal to comply with no less than three written directives of the Board with respect to an item that the Board deems material to the business prospects and/or operations of the Company, (iii) reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or the use of illegal drugs (whether or not at the workplace), or (iv) any willful breach of Sections 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 or 1.9 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination by the Company for Cause (other than pursuant to clause (i) above) shall not be effective until and unless (i) Executive fails to cure such alleged act or circumstance within 30 days of receipt of notice thereof, to the satisfaction of the Board in the exercise of its reasonable judgment (or, if within such 30- day period the Executive commences and proceeds to take all reasonable actions to effect such cure, within such reasonable additional time period (no longer than 60 days) as may be necessary), and (ii) notice of intention to terminate for Cause has been given by the Company within sixty (60) days after the Boardlearns of the act, failure or event constituting Cause, and (iii) the Board has voted (at a meeting of the Board duly called and held as to which termination of Executive is an agenda item) by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the Board to terminate Executive for Cause after Executive has been given notice of the particular acts or circumstances which are the basis for the termination for Cause and has been afforded an opportunity to appear with counsel and present his positions at such meeting and to present his case thereat, and (iv) the Board has given notice of termination to Executive within five days after such meeting voting in favor of 10 135944.00100/116937659v.7 termination. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following (i) a merger or consolidation to which the Company is a party (other than one in which the stockholders of the Company prior to the event own a majority of the voting power of the surviving or resulting corporation) (ii) a sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (iii) a sale or transfer by the Company’s stockholders of voting control, in a single transaction or a series of transactions. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Treasury regulations thereunder, each as amended from time to time. “Disability” shall have the meaning set forth in a policy or policies of long-term disability insurance, if any, the Company obtains for the benefit of itself and/or its employees. If there is no definition of “disability” applicable under any such policy or policies, if any, then the Executive shall be considered disabled due to mental or physical impairment or disability, despite reasonable accommodations by the Company and its Subsidiaries, to perform his customary or other comparable duties with the Company or its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such disability for a period of at least 120 consecutive days or for at least 180 non-consecutive days in any 12- month period. “Effective Date” means January 1 2019. “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company and its Subsidiaries. “GAAP” – Means in accordance with generallyaccepted account principles and consistent with the Company’s revenue recognition policy. “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of one or more of the following events: (i) the Company reduces the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or target or Maximum Cash Bonuses, (ii) the Company requires that the Executive relocate his principal place of employment to a site that is more than 50 miles from the Company’s offices in the New York area or if the Company changes the location of its headquarters without the consent of Executive to a location that is more than 50 miles from such location, (iii) the Company materially reduces the Executive’s responsibilities or removes the Executive from the position of Senior Vice President other than pursuant to a termination of his employment for Cause, or upon the Executive’s death or Disability, (iv) the failure or unreasonable delay of the Company to provide to the Executive any of the payments or benefits contemplated hereby or (v) the Company otherwise materially breaches the terms of this Agreement; provided that no such event shall constitute Good Reason hereunder unless (a) the Executive shall have given written notice to the Company of the Executive’s intent to resign for Good Reason within 30 days after the Executive becomes aware of the occurrence of any such event, which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the event or eventsconstitute the basis for the Executive’s intention to resign for Good Reason and (b) such event or occurrence, if a breach susceptible to cure, shall not have been cured or otherwise shall not have been resolved to the Executive’s reasonable satisfaction, in each case within 30 days of the Company’s receipt of such notice. In such case the Executive’s resignation 11 135944.00100/116937659v.7 shall become effective on the 31st day after the Company’s receipt of the aforementioned notice. “Net Sales” means wholesale and retail sales of products directly by the Company (including under its brands and private label) to its customers, including through direct-response television (i.e., QVC, Inc. and The Home Shopping Network), less any returns, trade discounts, charge-backs. “Noncompete Period” means the Employment Period and 12 months thereafter. “Nonsolicitation Period” means the Employment Period and 12 months thereafter. “Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or the United States of America any other nation, any state or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of government. “Restricted Territories” means (i) the United States and its territories and possessions and (ii) any foreign country in which the Company engages in business as of the Termination Date. “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, or business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, or trustees thereof is at the time owned orcontrolled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control any managing director or general partner or manager or managing member of such limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity. For purposes hereof, references to a Subsidiary of any Person shall be given effect only at such times that such Person has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term Subsidiary refers to a Subsidiary of the Company. “Target Price” shall mean the average closing sale price of the Company’s common stock for any ten (10) consecutive trading days. “Termination Date” means the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company. 12 135944.00100/116937659v.7 2.2. Other Definitional Provisions (a) Section references contained in this Agreement are references to sections in this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. Each defined term used in this Agreement has a comparable meaning when used in its plural or singular form. Each gender-specific term used in this Agreement has a comparable meaning whether used in a masculine, feminine or gender- neutral form. (b) Whenever the term “including” (whether or not that term is followed by the phrase “but not limited to” or “without limitation” or words of similar effect) is used in this Agreement in connection with a listing of items within a particular classification, that listing will be interpreted to be illustrative only and will not be interpreted as a limitation on, or an exclusive listing of, the items within that classification. ARTICLE III. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS 3.1. Defense of Claims. The Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period, and for a period of six months after termination of the Executive’s employment, upon request by the Company, the Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in connection with any matters the Executive worked on during his employment with the Company and any related transitional matters. In addition, during the Employment Period and thereafter, the Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense of any claims or actions that may be made by or against the Company that affect the Executive’s prior areas of responsibility orinvolve matters about which the Executive has knowledge, except if the Executive’s reasonable interests are adverse to the Company in such claim or action and provided that after the Employment Period such level of cooperation shall be reasonable and shall take due account of the Executive’s work and personal commitments. The Company agrees to promptly reimburse the Executive for all of the Executive’s reasonable travel and other direct expenses incurred, or to be reasonably incurred, to comply with the Executive’s obligations under this Section 3.1. 3.2. Nondisparagement. The Executive agrees to refrain from (i) making, directly or indirectly, any derogatory comments concerning the Company or its Subsidiaries or any current or former officers, directors, employees or shareholders thereof or (ii) taking any other action with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries which is reasonably expected to result, or does result in, damage to the business or reputation of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of its current or former officers, directors, employees or shareholders. The Company agrees to refrain from (i) making, directly or indirectly, any derogatory comments concerning the Executive or (ii) taking any other action with respect to the Executive which is reasonably expected to result, or does result in, damage to the reputation of the Executive. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, nothing in this Agreement shallprohibit or restrict either party from, truthfully and in good faith: (i) making any disclosure of information required by law; (ii) providing information to, or testifying or otherwise assisting in any investigation or proceeding brought by, any federal regulatory or law enforcement agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, or the Company’s or the Executive’s designated legal, compliance or human resources officers; or (iii) filing, testifying, participating in or otherwise assisting in a proceeding relating to an alleged 13 135944.00100/116937659v.7 violation of any federal, state or municipal law relating to fraud, or any rule or regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any self-regulatory organization. 3.3. Source of Payments. All payments provided under this Agreement, other than payments made pursuant to a plan which provides otherwise and except as otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in cash from the general funds of the Company, and no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other segregation of assets shall be made, to assure payment. The Executive shall have no right, title or interest whatsoever in or to any investments which the Company or its Subsidiaries may make to aid the Company in meeting its obligations hereunder. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Company. 3.4. Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested), sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) or sent by facsimile (with receipt confirmed) to the recipient at the address or facsimile number indicated below: To the Company: XCel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway 10th Floor New York, New York 10018 With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: Blank Rome LLP The Chrysler Building 405Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10174-0208 Attn: Robert Mittman, Esquire Facsimile: (212) 885-5557 To the Executive: James F. Haran c/o XCel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway, 10th Floor New York, New York 10018 or such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient Party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending Party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered or sent. 3.5. Severability. Subject to the express provisions of Section 1.10 relating to certain specified changes, whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement 14 135944.00100/116937659v.7 is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. 3.6. Complete Agreement. This Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way. To the extent that this Agreement provides greater benefits to the Executive or fewer obligations of the Executive than available or set forth under the Company’s employee handbook or other corporate policies, then this Agreement shall prevail. 3.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement. 3.8. Assignment. Without the Executive’s consent, the Company may not assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement except (i) to a “Successor” (as defined below) or (ii) to an entity that is formed and controlled by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. This Agreement is personal to theExecutive, and the Executive shall not have the right to assign the Executive’s interest in this Agreement, any rights under this Agreement or any duties imposed under this Agreement, nor shall the Executive have the right to pledge, hypothecate, transfer, assign or otherwise encumber the Executive’s right to receive any form of compensation hereunder without the prior written consent of the Board. As used in Sections 3.8 and 3.9, “Successor” shall include any Person that at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets of, or ownership interests in, the Company and its Subsidiaries. 3.9. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company, the Executive, and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. 3.10. Choice of Law. This Agreement and the performance of the parties hereunder shall be governed by the internal laws (and not the law of conflicts) of the State of New York. Any claim or controversy arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be adjudicated exclusively by the Supreme Court, New York County, State of New York, or by a federal court sitting in Manhattan in New York City, State of New York. The parties hereto agree to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and agree to accept process by regular mail in connection with any such dispute. 3.11.Waiver of Jury Trial. AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR INDUCEMENT FOR EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT (AFTER HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL), EACH PARTY HERETO EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. 15 135944.00100/116937659v.7 3.12. Legal Fees and Court Costs. In the event that any action, suit or other proceeding in law or in equity is brought to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and such action results in the award of a judgment for money damages or in the granting of any injunction in favor of the Company, all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) of the Company in such action, suit or other proceeding shall be paid by the Executive. In the event that any action, suit or other proceeding in law or in equity is brought to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and such action results in the award of a judgment for money damages or in the granting of any injunction in favor of the Executive, all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and travel expenses) of the Executive in such action, suit or other proceeding shall be paid by the Company. 3.13. Remedies. Each Party will be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically, to recover damages and costs caused by any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. Subject to Section 3.12 , nothing herein shall prohibit any arbitrator or judicial authority from awarding attorneys’ fees or costs to a prevailing Party in any arbitration or other proceeding to the extent that such arbitrator or authority may lawfully do so. 3.14. Amendment and Waiver. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of theCompany and the Executive, and no course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this Agreement will affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement. 3.15. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement will not confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and other than, in the event of the Executive’s death, his estate, to which all of Executive’s rights and remedies set forth herein shall accrue. 3.16. The Executive’s Representations. The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive do not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the Executive is a party or by which he is bound, (b) the Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other Person (or other agreement with any other person containing a restriction on the Executive’s right to do business or obligating him to do business with any other Person on a priority or preferential basis), (c) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of the Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms and (d) upon the execution anddelivery of this Agreement by the Company, Executive shall not be in violation of clause (i) set forth in the definition of Cause and shall not be disabled. [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS] 16 135944.00100/116937659v.7 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above. XCEL BRANDS, INC. By: Name: Robert W. D’Loren Title: Chairman and CEO James F. Haran 17 135944.00100/116937659v.7 EXHIBIT A FORM OF RELEASE I, James F. Haran, on behalf of myself and my heirs, successors and assigns, in consideration of the performance by XCel Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its Subsidiaries, the “Company”), of its material obligations under the Employment Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2019 (the “Agreement”), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company, its Affiliates, each such Person’s respective successors and assigns and each of the foregoing Persons’ respective present and former directors, officers, partners, stockholders, members, managers, agents, representatives, employees (and each such Person’s respective successors and assigns) (collectively, the “Released Parties”) to the extent provided below. 1. I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 1.4(b) of the Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive the payments and benefits specified in Section 1.4(b) of the Agreement unless I execute this General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter or breach this General Release. 2. I knowingly and voluntarily release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, controversies,actions, causes of action, cross- claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date of this General Release), whether under the laws of the United States or another jurisdiction and whether known or unknown, suspected or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, have or may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with, or my separation from, the Company (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended,under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, and under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, under the Civil Rights Act of 1870, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, as amended, under the Civil Rights Act of 1871, as amended, under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008, under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, under the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, under the Uniformed Service 18 135944.00100/116937659v.7 Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended, under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), and any and all claims under the New York State Human Rights Law, under the New York City Human Rights Law, and under the New York Labor Laws, and any and all claims under any other federal, state, or local labor law, civil rights law, fair employment practices law, human rights law, family and medical leave law, occupational safety and health law, whistleblower protection law, and equal pay law; or any and all claims of slander, libel, defamation, invasion of privacy, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional or negligent misrepresentation, fraud, prima facie torts or other tort; or any and all claims based on the design or administration of any of the Company’s employee benefit plan or program, or arising under any Company policy, practice, or procedure, or employee benefit plan; any and all claims for wages, commissions bonuses, vacation pay or other paid time off, employee benefits equity-based compensation, or other compensation or payments of any kind or nature, or for continued employment with the Company in any position; or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, or infliction of emotional distress; or any claim for costs, fees, or otherexpenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the “Claims”); provided, however, that nothing contained in this General Release shall apply to, or release the Company from, (i) any obligation of the Company contained in the Agreement to be performed after the date hereof or (ii) any vested or accrued benefits pursuant to any employee benefit plan, program or policy of the Company. 3. I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by paragraph 2 above. 4. I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). 5. In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims(notwithstanding any state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I covenant that I shall not directly or indirectly, commence, maintain or prosecute or sue any of the Released Persons either affirmatively or by way of cross-complaint, indemnity claim, defense or counterclaim or in any other manner or at all on any Claim covered by 19 135944.00100/116937659v.7 this General Release. I further agree that in the event I should bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type described in paragraph 2 as of the execution of this General Release. 6. I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct. 7. I agree that this General Release is confidential and agree not to disclose any information regarding the terms of this General Release, except to my immediate family and any tax, legal or other counsel I have consulted regarding the meaning or effect hereof or as required by law, and I will instruct each of the foregoing not to disclose the same to anyone. 8. Any non-disclosure provision in this General Release does not prohibit or restrict me (or my attorney) from responding to any inquiry about this General Release or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or any other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity. 9. Without limitation of anyprovision of the Agreement, I hereby expressly re-affirm my obligations under Sections 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10 and 3.1. 10. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any Person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or an Affiliate of such Person. “Person” means an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, investment fund, any other business entity and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof. “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, or business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors,managers, or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a 20 135944.00100/116937659v.7 combination thereof, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control any managing director or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity. BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT: a. I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY; b. I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED; c. I VOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT; d. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TOCONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY (VIA THE AGREEMENT AND THIS RELEASE) BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION; e. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE SUBSTANTIALLY IN ITS FINAL FORM ON _______________ __, _____ TO CONSIDER IT AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE THE _______________ __, _____ VERSION OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED 21-DAY PERIOD; f. THE CHANGES TO THE AGREEMENT SINCE _______________ ___, _____ EITHER ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST. g. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE EIGHTH DAY FOLLOWING EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT; h. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY ACCEPTANCE OF ANY OF THE MONIES 21 135944.00100/116937659v.7 PAID BY THE COMPANY AS DESCRIBED IN SECTIONS __ OF THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, AT ANY TIME MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT WILL CONSTITUTE AN ADMISSION BY ME THAT I DID NOT REVOKE THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE REVOCATION PERIOD OF SEVEN DAYS; AND WILL FURTHER CONSTITUTE AN ADMISSION BY ME THAT THIS AGREEMENT HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE AND ENFORCEABLE. i. I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND j. I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME. DATE: ___________ __, ______ ______________________________ James F. Haran Acknowledged and agreed as of the date first written above: XCEL BRANDS, INC. By: Name: Robert W. D’Loren Title: Chairman and CEO 22 135944.00100/116937659v.7 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated February 27, 2019 by and between XCel Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Seth Burroughs (the “Executive”), each a “Party” and collectively the “Parties.” This Agreement replaces and supersedes that certain employment agreement dated as of October 1, 2014, as amended by and between the Company and the Executive (the “Prior Agreement”). Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 2.1 of this Agreement. WHEREAS, the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to enter into an employment agreement with the Executive and the Executive is willing to serve as an employee of the Company. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, it is agreed by and between the Executive and the Company as follows: ARTICLE I. EMPLOYMENT TERMS 1.1. Employment. The Company will employ the Executive, and the Executive accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending as provided in Section 1.4(a) hereof (the “Employment Period”). 1.2. Position and Duties. (a) Generally. The Executive shall serve as the Executive Vice President – Business Development andTreasury of the Company and, in such capacity shall be responsible for the general management of the treasury affairs of the Company, shall perform such duties as are customarily performed by an officer with similar title and responsibilities of a company of a similar size and shall have such power and authority as shall reasonably be required to enable him to perform his duties hereunder; provided, however, that in exercising such power and authority and performing such duties, he shall at all times be subject to the authority, control and direction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. (b) Duties and Responsibilities. The Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall devote his full business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Executive shall perform his duties and responsibilities in a diligent, trustworthy, businesslike and efficient manner and shall use his best efforts during the Employment Period to protect, encourage and promote the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Executive shall not engage in any other business activities that could reasonably be expected to conflict with the Executive’s duties, responsibilities and obligations hereunder. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall promptly bring to the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, all investment or business opportunities relating to the Business ofwhich the Executive becomes aware. 135944.00100/115153368v.7 (c) The Executive shall not engage in any other business activities that could reasonably be expected to conflict with the Executive’s duties, responsibilities and obligations hereunder. (d) Principal Office. The principal place of performance by the Executive of his duties hereunder shall be the Company’s principal executive offices in the New York Metropolitan area, although the Executive may be required to travel outside of the area where the Company’s principal executive offices are located in connection with the business of the Company. 1.3. Compensation. (a) Base Salary. The Executive’s annual base salary during the Employment Period shall be $340,500 (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be payable to the Executive by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices. The Executive shall receive such increases (but not decreases) in his Base Salary as the Board of Directors, or the compensation committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”), may approve in its sole discretion from time to time. Following the two-year anniversary of the Effective Date, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually. (b) Cash Bonus. Executive shall be eligible for annual cash bonuses (“Cash Bonus”) for each completed fiscal year (subject to Section 1.4 hereof) of the Company during the Term in accordance with this Section 1.3(b). The Cash Bonus for anyfiscal year shall be an amount equal to the IP Income Bonus plus the EBITDA Bonus. The “IP Income Bonus” for any fiscal year shall be an amount equal to 0.23% of all revenue generated from sales of the Company’s products and by the trademarks and other intellectual property owned, operated or managed by the Company (“IP Income”) in excess of $12,000,000 earned in accordance with GAAP by the Company in such fiscal year, provided however, that any IP Income generated through Net Sales, shall be multiplied by (i) 7%, in the case of Net Sales from wholesale sales and private label sales and (ii) 3%, in the case of Net Sales from e-commerce sales though the Company’s web sites. The “EBITDA Bonus” for any such fiscal year shall be an amount equal to 0.375% of the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA for such fiscal year. The Cash Bonus shall be paid to the Executive on the date that is the earlier of (i) the 90th day following the end of the fiscal year to which the Cash Bonus relates and (ii) the first business day following the date the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year to which the Cash Bonus relates is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all payments of Cash Bonuses shall be made on a date that allows such payments to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Executive shall be eligible to receive a pro rata portion of the Cash Bonus ifExecutive’s employment is less than a full year or ceases prior to the end of the calendar year for which a Cash Bonus has not yet been paid. (c) Withholding. All payments made under this Agreement (including Base Salary, Cash Bonus, bonus payments, and other amounts) shall be subject to withholding for income taxes, payroll taxes and other legally required deductions. 2 135944.00100/115153368v.7 (d) Expenses. The Company will reimburse the Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by him in the course of performing his duties under this Agreement that are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect at that time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses. All expense reimbursement payments subject to this Section 1.3(d) shall be made within thirty (30) days after the date that the Executive notifies the Company of such expense; provided, however, that the Executive shall notify the Company of such expenses no later than six (6) months after the end of the calendar year in which such expenses were incurred. (e) Vacation; Holiday Pay and Sick Leave. The Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks’ paid vacation in each calendar year, which if not taken during any year may be carried forward to any subsequent year. Executive shall receive holiday pay and paid sick leave as provided to other executive employees of the Company. (f) Additional Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate (for himself and, as applicable, his dependents) in the group medical, life, 401(k) and other insurance programs, employee benefit plans and perquisites which may be adopted by the Board or the Compensation Committee, from time to time, for participation bythe Company’s senior management or executives, as well as dental, life and disability insurance coverage, with payment of, or reimbursement for, such insurance premiums by the Company, subject to, in all cases, the terms and conditions established by the Board with respect to such plans (collectively, the “Benefits”); provided, however, that the Board, in its reasonable discretion, may revise the terms of any Benefits so long as such revision does not have a disproportionately negative impact on the Executive vis-à-vis other Company employees, to the extent applicable. (g) Indemnification. The Executive shall be entitled to indemnification by the Company in the same circumstances and to the same extent as the other executive officers and directors of the Company, which indemnification shall in no event be less favorable to the Executive than the fullest scope of indemnification permitted by applicable Delaware law (or any such greater scope of indemnification provided by agreement or by the terms of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws to any executive officer or director of the Company). (h) Options. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company shall grant to the Executive Options (the “Options”) to purchase up to Three Hundred Sixty Eight Thousand Four Hundred Twenty One (368,421) shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to the last sale price of the common stock on thedate of this Agreement. The Options shall be exercisable until the ten (10) year anniversary of the date of this Agreement and shall vest, subject to the Executive remaining employed with the Company and based upon the Company’s common stock achieving Target Prices as follows: Target Prices Number of Option Shares Vesting $3.00 105,263 $5.00 89,474 $7.00 73,684 3 135944.00100/115153368v.7 $9.00 57,895 $11.00 42,105 (i). In the event that the Company elects from time to time during the Employment Period to award to its senior management or executives, generally, options to purchase shares of the Company’s stock pursuant to any stock option plan or similar program, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in any such stock option plan or similar program on a basis consistent with the participation of other senior management or executives of the Company. 1.4. Term and Termination. (a) Duration. The Employment Period shall commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate two (2) years from the Effective Date (the “Term”), unless earlier terminated by the Company or the Executive as set forth in this Section 1.4. The Term shall renew automatically for one-year periods, unless either party gives the other party written notice of its intention not to renew the Agreement no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current Term. The Employment Period shall be terminated prior to the then-applicable expiration of the Term upon the first to occur of (i) termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for Cause, (ii) termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without Cause, (iii) the Executive’s resignation with Good Reason, (iv) the Executive’s resignation other than for Good Reason or (v) the Executive’s death or Disability. The Executive shall not terminate the Employment Period, with or without Good Reason, unless he gives theCompany written notice that he intends to terminate the Employment Period at least 90 days prior to the Executive’s proposed Termination Date. As a condition to Executive receiving any payments or benefits under Section 1.4(b), the Executive shall execute and deliver to the Company the General Release in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. (b) Severance Upon Termination Without Cause, Upon Resignation by the Executive For Good Reason or Failure to Renew Term. If the Employment Period is terminated by the Company without Cause or if the Executive resigns for Good Reason, or if the Company fails to renew the Term (in which case termination of the Executive’s employment shall be effective at the expiration of the then-current Term), then the Executive will be entitled to receive (1) any unpaid Base Salary through and including the Termination Date and any other amounts, including any unpaid Cash Bonus amounts, or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executive as of the Termination Date; (2) an amount equal to the Executive’s Base Salary (at the rate in effect on the date the Executive’s employment is terminated) for a 12 month period following the Executive’s termination of employment as described in this Section 1.4(b), payable in (A) substantially equal installments over the lesser of (i) a six-month period immediately following such termination, or (ii) such shorter period that is the longest period permissible in order for the paymentsnot to be considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code or any regulations, rulings or other regulatory guidance issued thereunder, or (B) if such payment terms would not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations, rulings and other regulatory guidance issued thereunder, a lump sum on the date that is six months following the Executive’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) occurring in connection with such termination and (3) 4 135944.00100/115153368v.7 continue to participate in the Company’s group medical plan on the same basis as he previously participated or receive payment of, or reimbursement for, COBRA premiums (or, if COBRA coverage is not available, reimbursement of premiums paid for other medical insurance in an amount not to exceed the COBRA premium) for a one-year period following the Executive’s termination of employment; provided that if the Executive is provided with health insurance coverage by a successor employer, any such coverage and reimbursement by the Company shall cease (each of clauses (1), (2) and (3) referred to as the “Severance Payment”). The Executive also shall be entitled to receive payment for all reimbursable expenses or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executive as of the Termination Date. If the Executive breaches his obligations under Section 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 or 1.9 of this Agreement, the Company’s obligation to make any Severance Payments and provide any Benefits shall cease as of the date of such breach; provided, that if the Executive cures such breach within 10 days of receiving written notice from the Company of such breach (which notice the Company shall provide promptly to the Executive after learning of such breach), the Company shall promptly pay all Severance Payments not made during such period of dispute and resume making Severance Payments and providing Benefits promptlyfollowing such cure. (c) Severance upon a Change of Control. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event the Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated within twelve (12) months following a Change of Control by the Company without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Severance Payment as described in sub-section (b)(2) above; provided, however, that if such lump sum Severance Payment, either alone or together with other payments or benefits, either cash or non-cash, that the Executive has the right to receive from the Company, including, but not limited to, accelerated vesting or payment of any deferred compensation, options, stock appreciation rights or any benefits payable to the Executive under any plan for the benefit of employees, would constitute an “excess parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G of the Code), then such lump sum severance payment or other benefit shall be reduced to the largest amount that will not result in receipt by the Executive of an “excess parachute payment.” The determination of the amount of the payment described in this subsection shall be made by the Company’s independent auditors at the sole expense of the Company. For purposes of clarification the value of any options described above will be determined by the Company’s independent auditors using a Black-Scholes valuation methodology. Upon a Change of Control, notwithstanding the vesting and exercisability schedule in any stock option or other grant agreement between the Company and the Executive, all unvested stock options, shares of restricted stock and other equity awards granted by the Company to the Executive pursuant to any such agreement shall immediately vest, and all such stock options shall become exercisable and shall remain exercisable for the lesser of 180 days after the date of the Change of Control or the remaining term of the applicable option. (d) Death and Disability. In the event of the death or Disability of the Executive, the Company shall pay the Executive his Base Salary through the Termination Date, at the rate then in effect, and all expenses or accrued Benefits arising prior to such termination which are payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement through the Termination Date. Any other rights and benefits the Executive may have under employee benefit plans and programs of the Company generally in the event of the Executive’s Disability shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs. In the event of Executive’s death, any rights and benefits that the Executive’s estate or any other person may have under employee benefit plans 5 135944.00100/115153368v.7 and programs of the Company generally in the event of the Executive’s death shall be determined in accordance with the terms of such plans and programs. (e) Salary and Other Payments Through Termination. If the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated during the Term (i) by the Company for Cause or (ii) by the Executive other than for Good Reason, the Executive will be entitled to receive his Base Salary through the Termination Date, but will not be entitled to receive any Severance Payments or Benefits after the Termination Date. The Executive shall be entitled to receive payment for all reimbursable expenses or other entitlements then due and owing to the Executive as of the Termination Date. (f) Other Rights. Except as set forth in this Section 1.4 and Section 1.3, all of the Executive’s rights to receive Base Salary, Benefits and Cash Bonuses hereunder (if any) which accrue or become payable after the termination of the Employment Period shall cease upon such termination. (g) Continuing Benefits. Notwithstanding Section 1.4(f), termination pursuant to this Section 1.4 shall not modify or affect in any way whatsoever any vested right of the Executive to benefits payable under any retirement or pension plan or under any other employee benefit plan of the Company, and all such benefits shall continue, in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions of such plans, to be payable in full to, or on account of, the Executiveafter such termination. (h) No Duty of Mitigation. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Article I by seeking other employment or otherwise. 1.5. Confidential Information. (a) The Executive shall not disclose or, directly or indirectly, use at any time, during the Employment Period or thereafter, any Confidential Information (as defined below) of which the Executive is or becomes aware, whether or not such information is developed by him, alone or with others, except to the extent that (i) such disclosure or use is required by the Executive’s performance of the duties assigned to the Executive by the Board of Directors, (ii) the Executive is required by subpoena or similar process to disclose or discuss any Confidential Information, provided, that in such case, the Executive shall promptly inform the Company in writing of such event, shall cooperate with the Company in attempting to obtain a protective order or to otherwise limit or restrict such disclosure to the greatest extent possible, and shall disclose only that portion of the Confidential Information as is strictly required, or (iii) such Confidential Information is or becomes generally known to and available for use by the public, other than as a result of any action or inaction directly or indirectly by the Executive. At the Company’s expense, the Executive shall take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft.The Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information obtained by him during the course of his employment with the Company is the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable. (b) The Executive understands that the Company and its Subsidiaries will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) 6 135944.00100/115153368v.7 subject to a duty on the part of the Company and its Subsidiaries to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. During the Employment Period and in the period specified in such confidentiality agreements, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 1.5(a) above, the Executive will hold Third Party Information in confidence, consistent with the obligations applicable to Confidential Information of the Company generally, and will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel and agents of the Company or its Subsidiaries who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company or its Subsidiaries) or use, except in connection with his work for the Company or its Subsidiaries, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by the Board in writing. (c) As used in this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means information that is not generally known to the public and that is related in any way to the actual or anticipated business of the Company, its Subsidiaries, its Affiliates or any of their respective predecessors in interest, including but not limited to (i) business development, growth and other strategic business plans, (ii) properties available for acquisition, financing development or sale, (iii) accounting and business methods, (iv) services or products and the marketing of such services and products, (v) fees, costs and pricing structures, (vi) designs, (vii) analysis, (viii) drawings,photographs and reports, (ix) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program listings, (x) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (xi) data bases, (xii) inventions, devices, new developments, methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice, (xiii) copyrightable works, (xiv) all technology and trade secrets, (xv) confidential terms of material agreements and customer relationships, and (xvi) all similar and related information in whatever form or medium. Confidential Information also expressly excludes Executive’s general know-how and business contacts to the extent that the use of such information does not violate or breach the terms of Section 1.9. 1.6. Inventions and Patents. Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, products, methods, processes, techniques, programs, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patents, copyrightable works and mask works (whether or not including any Confidential Information) and all issuances, registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information or intellectual property and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) conceived, developed, contributed to, made, or reduced to practice by Executive (either alone or with others) while employed by Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respectivepredecessors in interest (including prior to the date of this Agreement) or using the materials, facilities or resources of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of their respective predecessors in interest (collectively, “Company Works”) is the sole and exclusive property of the Company and its Subsidiaries. Executive hereby assigns all right, title and interest in and to all Company Works to the Company and its Subsidiaries and waives any moral rights he may have therein, without further obligation or consideration. Any copyrightable work prepared in whole or in part by the Executive will be deemed “a work made for hire” under Section 201(b) of the 1976 Copyright Act, and the Company and its Subsidiaries shall own all of the rights comprised in the copyright therein. The Executive shall promptly and fully disclose in writing all Company Works to the Company and shall cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries to protect, maintain and enforce the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ interests in and rights to such Company Works (including, without limitation, providing reasonable assistance in securing patent protection and copyright registrations and executing all affidavits, assignments, powers-of-attorney and other documents as reasonably 7 135944.00100/115153368v.7 requested by the Company, whether such requests occur prior to or after termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company). 1.7. Delivery of Materials Upon Termination of Employment. As requested by the Company from time to time and in any event upon the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company , the Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company, or at the Company’s election, destroy, all copies and embodiments, in whatever form or medium, of all Confidential Information, Company Works and other property and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the Executive’s possession or within his control (including, but not limited to, office keys, access cards, written records, notes, photographs, manuals, notebooks, documentation, program listings, flow charts, magnetic media, disks, diskettes, tapes computers and handheld devices (including all software, files and documents thereon) and any other materials containing any Confidential Information or Company Works) irrespective of the location or form of such material and, if requested by the Company, shall provide the Company with written confirmation that all such materials have been delivered to the Company or destroyed, as applicable. 1.8. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Covenants. (a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Executive’s services to the Company and its Subsidiaries are unique in nature and that the Companyand its Subsidiaries would be irreparably damaged if the Executive were to provide similar services to any Person competing with the Company and its Subsidiaries or engaged in the Business. The Executive further acknowledges that, in the course of his employment with the Company, he will become familiar with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ trade secrets and with other Confidential Information. During the Noncompete Period, he shall not, directly or indirectly, whether for himself or for any other Person, permit his name to be used by or participate in any business or enterprise (including, without limitation, any division, group or franchise of a larger organization) that engages or proposes to engage in the Business in the Restricted Territories, other than the Company and its Subsidiaries or except as otherwise directed or authorized by the Board. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “participate in” shall include, without limitation, having any direct or indirect interest in any Person, whether as a sole proprietor, owner, stockholder, partner, member, joint venturer, creditor or otherwise, or rendering any direct or indirect service or assistance to any Person (whether as a director, officer, supervisor, employee, agent, consultant or otherwise). Nothing herein will prohibit the Executive from mere passive ownership of not more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding stock of any class of a publicly held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or inthe over-the-counter market. As used herein, the phrase “mere passive ownership” shall include voting or otherwise granting any consents or approvals required to be obtained from such Person as an owner of stock or other ownership interests in any entity pursuant to the charter or other organizational documents of such entity, but shall not include, without limitation, any involvement in the day-to-day operations of such entity. (b) During the Nonsolicitation Period, the Executive will not directly, or indirectly through another Person, solicit, induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee, or other business relation of the Company or any of 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 8 135944.00100/115153368v.7 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. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its Subsidiaries would be irreparably damaged if the Executive were to breach any of the provisions contained in this Section 1.8(b). (c) Executive acknowledges that this Agreement, and specifically, this Section 1.8, does not preclude Executive from earning a livelihood, nor does it unreasonably impose limitations on Executive’s ability to earn a living. In addition, Executive agrees and acknowledges that the potential harm to the Company of its non-enforcement outweighs any harm to Executive of its enforcement by injunction or otherwise. 1.9. Enforcement. If, at the time of enforcement of Section 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10, a court holds that the restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the Parties agree that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the maximum period, scope or geographical area reasonable under such circumstances will be substituted for the Noncompete Period, scope or area. Because the Executive’s services are unique and because the Executive has access to Confidential Information and Company Works, the Partiesagree that money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any breach of Section 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10. Therefore, in the event of a breach or threatened breach of Section 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security). The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (a) performance of the services of the Executive hereunder may occur in jurisdictions other than the jurisdiction whose law the Parties have agreed shall govern the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement, (b) the law of the State of New York shall govern construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement to the fullest extent possible, and (c) Section 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 1.10 shall restrict the Executive only to the extent permitted by applicable law. 1.10. Survival. Sections 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 and 1.10 will survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding any termination of the Employment Period. ARTICLE II. DEFINED TERMS 2.1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms will have the following meanings: “Adjusted EBITDA” shall mean for any period, for the Company and its subsidiaries on aconsolidated basis (without duplication), an amount equal to (a) consolidated net income (as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America as in effect from time to time) (“Consolidated Net Income”) for such period, minus, (b) to the extent included in calculating Consolidated Net Income, the sum of, without duplication, (i) income tax credits for such period, and (ii) gain from extraordinary or non-recurring items for such period (including, without limitation, non-cash items related to purchase 9 135944.00100/115153368v.7 accounting), plus (c) the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income, (i) interest expense and other finance costs (whether cash or non-cash) for such period (ii) the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes for such period, (iii) the amount of depreciation and amortization expense for such period, (iv) the transaction fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with any subsequent asset, brand, stock acquisition or joint venture or similar transaction in such period, (v) all other extraordinary or non-recurring non-cash charges (including, without limitation, non-cash items related to purchase accounting and non-cash items related to earn-outs) and (vi) non-cash stock or equity compensation in such period. “Business” means the business of acquiring and licensing consumer brands worldwide. “Cause” means with respect to the Executive, the occurrence of one or more of the following: (i) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude, misappropriation of Company property, embezzlement of Company funds or violation of the securities laws relating to the Company, (ii) the willful and continued failure by the Executive to attempt in good faith to substantially perform his obligations under this Agreement (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to a Disability); (iii) reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or the use of illegal drugs (whether or not at the workplace), or (iv)any willful breach of Sections 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 or 1.9 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, termination by the Company for Cause (other than pursuant to clause (i) above) shall not be effective until and unless Executive fails to cure such alleged act or circumstance within 30 days of receipt of notice thereof, to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer in the exercise of his reasonable judgment (or, if within such 30-day period the Executive commences and proceeds to take all reasonable actions to effect such cure, within such reasonable additional time period (no longer than 60 days) as may be necessary). “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Treasury regulations thereunder, each as amended from time to time. “Disability” shall have the meaning set forth in a policy or policies of long-term disability insurance, if any, the Company obtains for the benefit of itself and/or its employees. If there is no definition of “disability” applicable under any such policy or policies, if any, then the Executive shall be considered disabled due to mental or physical impairment or disability, despite reasonable accommodations by the Company and its Subsidiaries, to perform his customary or other comparable duties with the Company or its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such disability for a period of at least 120 consecutive days or for at least 180 non-consecutive days in any 12- month period. “Effective Date” means January 1, 2019. “FiscalYear” means the fiscal year of the Company and its Subsidiaries. “GAAP” – Means in accordance with generally accepted account principles and consistent with the Company’s revenue recognition policy. 10 135944.00100/115153368v.7 “Good Reason” means the occurrence, without the Executive’s written consent, of one or more of the following events: (i) the Company reduces the amount of Executive’s Base Salary or target or Maximum Cash Bonus, (ii) the Company requires that the Executive relocate his principal place of employment to a site that is more than 50 miles from the Company’s offices in the New York area or if the Company changes the location of its headquarters without the consent of Executive to a location that is more than 50 miles from such location, (iii) the Company materially reduces the Executive’s responsibilities or removes the Executive from the position of Executive Vice President – Business Development and Treasury other than pursuant to a termination of his employment for Cause, or upon the Executive’s death or Disability, (iv) the failure or unreasonable delay of the Company to provide to the Executive any of the payments or benefits contemplated hereby or (v) the Company otherwise materially breaches the terms of this Agreement; provided that no such event shall constitute Good Reason hereunder unless (a) the Executive shall have given written notice to the Company of the Executive’s intent to resign for Good Reason within 30 days after the Executive becomes aware of the occurrence of any such event, which notice shall describe in reasonable detail the event or events constitute the basis for the Executive’s intention to resign forGood Reason and (b) such event or occurrence, if a breach susceptible to cure, shall not have been cured or otherwise shall not have been resolved to the Executive’s reasonable satisfaction, in each case within 30 days of the Company’s receipt of such notice. In such case the Executive’s resignation shall become effective on the 31st day after the Company’s receipt of the aforementioned notice. “Net Sales” means wholesale and retail sales of products directly by the Company (including under its brands and private label) to its customers, including through direct-response television (i.e., QVC, Inc. and The Home Shopping Network), less any returns, trade discounts, charge-backs. “Noncompete Period” means the Employment Period and 12 months thereafter. “Nonsolicitation Period” means the Employment Period and 12 months thereafter. “Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or the United States of America any other nation, any state or other political subdivision thereof, or any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of government. “Restricted Territories” means (i) the United States and its territories and possessions and (ii) any foreign country in which the Company engages in business as of the Termination Date. “Subsidiary” means, with respect toany Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, or business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that 11 135944.00100/115153368v.7 Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control any managing director or general partner or manager or managing member of such limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity. For purposes hereof, references to a Subsidiary of any Person shall be given effect only at such times that such Person has one or more Subsidiaries, and, unless otherwise indicated, the term Subsidiary refers to a Subsidiary of the Company. “Target Price” shall mean the average closing sale price of the Company’s common stock for any ten (10) consecutive trading days. “Termination Date” means the effective date of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company. 2.2. Other Definitional Provisions. (a) Section references contained in this Agreement are references to sections in this Agreement,unless otherwise specified. Each defined term used in this Agreement has a comparable meaning when used in its plural or singular form. Each gender-specific term used in this Agreement has a comparable meaning whether used in a masculine, feminine or gender- neutral form. (b) Whenever the term “including” (whether or not that term is followed by the phrase “but not limited to” or “without limitation” or words of similar effect) is used in this Agreement in connection with a listing of items within a particular classification, that listing will be interpreted to be illustrative only and will not be interpreted as a limitation on, or an exclusive listing of, the items within that classification. ARTICLE III. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS 3.1. Defense of Claims. The Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period, and for a period of six months after termination of the Executive’s employment, upon request by the Company, the Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in connection with any matters the Executive worked on during his employment with the Company and any related transitional matters. In addition, during the Employment Period and thereafter, the Executive agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense of any claims or actions that may be made by or against the Company that affect the Executive’s prior areas of responsibility or involve matters about which the Executive has knowledge, except if the Executive’s reasonable interests are adverse tothe Company in such claim or action and provided that after the Employment Period such level of cooperation shall be reasonable and shall take due account of 12 135944.00100/115153368v.7 the Executive’s work and personal commitments. The Company agrees to promptly reimburse the Executive for all of the Executive’s reasonable travel and other direct expenses incurred, or to be reasonably incurred, to comply with the Executive’s obligations under this Section 3.1. 3.2. Nondisparagement. The Executive agrees to refrain from (i) making, directly or indirectly, any derogatory comments concerning the Company or its Subsidiaries or any current or former officers, directors, employees or shareholders thereof or (ii) taking any other action with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries which is reasonably expected to result, or does result in, damage to the business or reputation of the Company, its Subsidiaries or any of its current or former officers, directors, employees or shareholders. The Company agrees to refrain from (i) making, directly or indirectly, any derogatory comments concerning the Executive or (ii) taking any other action with respect to the Executive which is reasonably expected to result, or does result in, damage to the reputation of the Executive. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or restrict either party from, truthfully and in good faith: (i) making any disclosure of information required by law; (ii) providing information to, or testifying or otherwise assisting in any investigation or proceeding brought by, any federal regulatory or law enforcement agency or legislative body, any self-regulatoryorganization, or the Company’s or the Executive’s designated legal, compliance or human resources officers; or (iii) filing, testifying, participating in or otherwise assisting in a proceeding relating to an alleged violation of any federal, state or municipal law relating to fraud, or any rule or regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any self-regulatory organization. 3.3. Source of Payments. All payments provided under this Agreement, other than payments made pursuant to a plan which provides otherwise and except as otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in cash from the general funds of the Company, and no special or separate fund shall be established, and no other segregation of assets shall be made, to assure payment. The Executive shall have no right, title or interest whatsoever in or to any investments which the Company or its Subsidiaries may make to aid the Company in meeting its obligations hereunder. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company hereunder, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the Company. 3.4. Notices. Any notice provided for in this Agreement must be in writing and must be either personally delivered, mailed by first class mail (postage prepaid and return receipt requested), sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) or sent by facsimile (with receipt confirmed) to the recipient at the address or facsimile numberindicated below: To the Company: XCel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway, 10th Floor New York, New York 10018 With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: 13 135944.00100/115153368v.7 Blank Rome LLP The Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10174-0208 Attn: Robert Mittman, Esquire Facsimile: (212) 885-5557 To the Executive: Seth Burroughs c/o XCel Brands, Inc. 1333 Broadway, 10th Floor New York, New York 10018 or such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient Party will have specified by prior written notice to the sending Party. Any notice under this Agreement will be deemed to have been given when so delivered or sent. 3.5. Severability. Subject to the express provisions of Section 1.10 relating to certain specified changes, whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. 3.6. Complete Agreement. This Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, which mayhave related to the subject matter hereof in any way. To the extent that this Agreement provides greater benefits to the Executive or fewer obligations of the Executive than available or set forth under the Company’s employee handbook or other corporate policies, then this Agreement shall prevail. 3.7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement. 3.8. Assignment. Without the Executive’s consent, the Company may not assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement except (i) to a “Successor” (as defined below) or (ii) to an entity that is formed and controlled by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. This Agreement is personal to the Executive, and the Executive shall not have the right to assign the Executive’s interest in this Agreement, any rights under this Agreement or any duties imposed under this Agreement, nor shall the Executive have the right to pledge, hypothecate, transfer, assign or otherwise encumber the Executive’s right to receive any form of compensation hereunder 14 135944.00100/115153368v.7 without the prior written consent of the Board. As used in Sections 3.8 and 3.9, “Successor” shall include any Person that at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets of, or ownership interests in, the Company and its Subsidiaries. 3.9. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company, the Executive, and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. 3.10. Choice of Law. This Agreement and the performance of the parties hereunder shall be governed by the internal laws (and not the law of conflicts) of the State of New York. Any claim or controversy arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be adjudicated exclusively by the Supreme Court, New York County, State of New York, or by a federal court sitting in Manhattan in New York City, State of New York. The parties hereto agree to the personal jurisdiction of such courts and agree to accept process by regular mail in connection with any such dispute. 3.11. Waiver of Jury Trial. AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR INDUCEMENT FOR EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT (AFTER HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL), EACH PARTY HERETO EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TOOR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. 3.12. Legal Fees and Court Costs. In the event that any action, suit or other proceeding in law or in equity is brought to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and such action results in the award of a judgment for money damages or in the granting of any injunction in favor of the Company, all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) of the Company in such action, suit or other proceeding shall be paid by the Executive. In the event that any action, suit or other proceeding in law or in equity is brought to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and such action results in the award of a judgment for money damages or in the granting of any injunction in favor of the Executive, all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and travel expenses) of the Executive in such action, suit or other proceeding shall be paid by the Company. 3.13. Remedies. Each Party will be entitled to enforce its rights under this Agreement specifically, to recover damages and costs caused by any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in its favor. Subject to Section 3.12 , nothing herein shall prohibit any arbitrator or judicial authority from awarding attorneys’ fees or costs to a prevailing Party in any arbitration or other proceeding to the extent that such arbitrator or authority may lawfully do so. 3.14. Amendment and Waiver. Theprovisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and the Executive, and no course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this Agreement will affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement. 15 135944.00100/115153368v.7 3.15. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement will not confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns and other than, in the event of the Executive’s death, his estate, to which all of Executive’s rights and remedies set forth herein shall accrue. 3.16. The Executive’s Representations. The Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Executive do not and shall not conflict with, breach, violate or cause a default under any contract, agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree to which the Executive is a party or by which he is bound, (b) the Executive is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement, noncompete agreement or confidentiality agreement with any other Person (or other agreement with any other person containing a restriction on the Executive’s right to do business or obligating him to do business with any other Person on a priority or preferential basis), (c) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, this Agreement shall be the valid and binding obligation of the Executive, enforceable in accordance with its terms and (d) upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, Executive shall not be in violation of clause (i) set forth in the definition of Cause and shall not be disabled. 3.17. Amendment to Comply withSection 409A of the Code. To the extent that this Agreement or any part thereof is deemed to be a nonqualified deferred compensation plan subject to Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations (including proposed regulations) and guidance promulgated thereunder, (a) the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner to the maximum extent possible to comply in good faith with Code Section 409A and (b) the parties hereto agree to amend this Agreement for purposes of complying with Code Section 409A promptly upon issuance of any Treasury regulations or guidance thereunder, provided, that any such amendment shall not materially change the present value of the benefits payable to the Executive hereunder or otherwise materially adversely affect the Executive, the Company, or any affiliate of the Company, without the consent of such party. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of theExecutive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was incurred. [END OF PAGE] [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS] 16 135944.00100/115153368v.7 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the date first written above. XCEL BRANDS, INC. By: Name: Robert W. D’Loren Title: Chairman and CEO Seth Burroughs 17 135944.00100/115153368v.7 EXHIBIT A FORM OF RELEASE I, Seth Burroughs, on behalf of myself and my heirs, successors and assigns, in consideration of the performance by XCel Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its Subsidiaries, the “Company”), of its material obligations under the Employment Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2019 (the “Agreement”), do hereby release and forever discharge as of the date hereof the Company, its Affiliates, each such Person’s respective successors and assigns and each of the foregoing Persons’ respective present and former directors, officers, partners, stockholders, members, managers, agents, representatives, employees (and each such Person’s respective successors and assigns) (collectively, the “Released Parties”) to the extent provided below. 1. I understand that any payments or benefits paid or granted to me under Section 1.4(b) of the Agreement represent, in part, consideration for signing this General Release and are not salary, wages or benefits to which I was already entitled. I understand and agree that I will not receive the payments and benefits specified in Section 1.4(b) of the Agreement unless I execute this General Release and do not revoke this General Release within the time period permitted hereafter or breach this General Release. 2. I knowingly and voluntarily release and forever discharge the Company and the other Released Parties from any and all claims, controversies,actions, causes of action, cross- claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity, both past and present (through the date of this General Release), whether under the laws of the United States or another jurisdiction and whether known or unknown, suspected or claimed against the Company or any of the Released Parties which I, my spouse, or any of my heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, have or may have, which arise out of or are connected with my employment with, or my separation from, the Company (including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation, arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; any applicable Executive Order Programs; the Fair Labor Standards Act; Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended,under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, as amended, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, and under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, under the Civil Rights Act of 1870, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, as amended, under the Civil Rights Act of 1871, as amended, under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008, under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended, under the Vietnam Era 18 135944.00100/115153368v.7 Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended, under the Uniformed Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended, under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), and any and all claims under the New York State Human Rights Law, under the New York City Human Rights Law, and under the New York Labor Laws, and any and all claims under any other federal, state, or local labor law, civil rights law, fair employment practices law, human rights law, family and medical leave law, occupational safety and health law, whistleblower protection law, and equal pay law; or any and all claims of slander, libel, defamation, invasion of privacy, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional or negligent misrepresentation, fraud, prima facie torts or other tort; or any and all claims based on the design or administration of any of the Company’s employee benefit plan or program, or arising under any Company policy, practice, or procedure, or employee benefit plan; any and all claims for wages, commissions bonuses, vacation pay or other paid time off, employee benefits equity-based compensation, or other compensation or payments of any kind or nature, or for continued employment with the Company in any position; or under any other local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or any claim for wrongfuldischarge, breach of contract, or infliction of emotional distress; or any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters) (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the “Claims”); provided , however, that nothing contained in this General Release shall apply to, or release the Company from, (i) any obligation of the Company contained in the Agreement to be performed after the date hereof or (ii) any vested or accrued benefits pursuant to any employee benefit plan, program or policy of the Company. 3. I represent that I have made no assignment or transfer of any right, claim, demand, cause of action, or other matter covered by paragraph 2 above. 4. I agree that this General Release does not waive or release any rights or claims that I may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 which arise after the date I execute this General Release. I acknowledge and agree that my separation from employment with the Company in compliance with the terms of the Agreement shall not serve as the basis for any claim or action (including, without limitation, any claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967). 5. In signing this General Release, I acknowledge and intend that it shall be effective as a bar to each and every one of the Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I expressly consent that this General Release shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms andprovisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Claims (notwithstanding any state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected and unanticipated Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Claims hereinabove mentioned or implied. I acknowledge and agree that this waiver is an essential and material term of this General Release and that without such waiver the Company would not have agreed to the terms of the Agreement. I covenant that I shall not directly or indirectly, commence, maintain or prosecute or sue any of the Released Persons either affirmatively or by way of cross-complaint, indemnity 19 135944.00100/115153368v.7 claim, defense or counterclaim or in any other manner or at all on any Claim covered by this General Release. I further agree that in the event I should bring a Claim seeking damages against the Company, or in the event I should seek to recover against the Company in any Claim brought by a governmental agency on my behalf, this General Release shall serve as a complete defense to such Claims. I further agree that I am not aware of any pending charge or complaint of the type described in paragraph 2 as of the execution of this General Release. 6. I agree that neither this General Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this General Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the Company, any Released Party or myself of any improper or unlawful conduct. 7. I agree that this General Release is confidential and agree not to disclose any information regarding the terms of this General Release, except to my immediate family and any tax, legal or other counsel I have consulted regarding the meaning or effect hereof or as required by law, and I will instruct each of the foregoing not to disclose the same to anyone. 8. Any non-disclosure provision in this General Release does not prohibit or restrict me (or my attorney) from responding to any inquiry about this General Release or its underlying facts and circumstances by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority orany other self-regulatory organization or governmental entity. 9. Without limitation of any provision of the Agreement, I hereby expressly re-affirm my obligations under Sections 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10 and 3.1. 10. Whenever possible, each provision of this General Release shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this General Release is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or any other jurisdiction, but this General Release shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any Person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or an Affiliate of such Person. “Person” means an individual, a partnership, a limited liability company, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, investment fund, any other business entity and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof. “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, or business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled(without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, 20 135944.00100/115153368v.7 directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or control any managing director or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association, or other business entity. BY SIGNING THIS GENERAL RELEASE, I REPRESENT AND AGREE THAT: a. I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY; b. I UNDERSTAND ALL OF ITS TERMS AND KNOW THAT I AM GIVING UP IMPORTANT RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RIGHTS UNDER THE AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT OF 1967, AS AMENDED, TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, AS AMENDED; THE EQUAL PAY ACT OF 1963, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990; AND THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED; c. IVOLUNTARILY CONSENT TO EVERYTHING IN IT; d. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY (VIA THE AGREEMENT AND THIS RELEASE) BEFORE EXECUTING IT AND I HAVE DONE SO OR, AFTER CAREFUL READING AND CONSIDERATION, I HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO SO OF MY OWN VOLITION; e. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF MY RECEIPT OF THIS RELEASE SUBSTANTIALLY IN ITS FINAL FORM ON _______________ __, _____ TO CONSIDER IT AND THE CHANGES MADE SINCE THE _______________ __, _____ VERSION OF THIS RELEASE ARE NOT MATERIAL AND WILL NOT RESTART THE REQUIRED 21-DAY PERIOD; f. THE CHANGES TO THE AGREEMENT SINCE _______________ ___, _____ EITHER ARE NOT MATERIAL OR WERE MADE AT MY REQUEST. g. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE IT AND THAT THIS RELEASE SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE OR ENFORCEABLE UNTIL THE EIGHTH DAY FOLLOWING EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT; 21 135944.00100/115153368v.7 h. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY acceptance of any of the monies paid by the COMPANY as described in sections __ of the employment Agreement, at any time more than seven days after the execution of this Agreement will constitute an admission by ME that I did not revoke this Agreement during the revocation period of seven days; and will further constitute an admission by ME that this Agreement has become effective and enforceable. i. I HAVE SIGNED THIS GENERAL RELEASE KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AND WITH THE ADVICE OF ANY COUNSEL RETAINED TO ADVISE ME WITH RESPECT TO IT; AND j. I AGREE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS GENERAL RELEASE MAY NOT BE AMENDED, WAIVED, CHANGED OR MODIFIED EXCEPT BY AN INSTRUMENT IN WRITING SIGNED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY AND BY ME. DATE: ___________ __, ______ ________________ ___ Seth Burroughs Acknowledged and agreed as of the date first written above: XCEL BRANDS, INC. By: Name: Robert W. D’Loren Title: Chairman and CEO 22 135944.00100/115153368v.7 Exhibit 21.1Subsidiaries of Xcel Brands, Inc. Name and Jurisdiction of Incorporation •IM Brands, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•IMNY Store 1, LLC, a New York limited liability company•IMNY Retail Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•IMNY e-store, USA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•JR Licensing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•H Licensing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•C Wonder Licensing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•Xcel Design Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•The Beauty Solution, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•Tribe Cosmetics, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company•H Heritage Licensing, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company Exhibit 23.1Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-3 (333-216009) and on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-188985, 333-201252,and 333-214150) of Xcel Brands, Inc. of our report dated April 1, 2019 on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Xcel Brands, Inc. andSubsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years then ended, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Xcel Brands, Inc. for the yearended December 31, 2018. /s/ CohnReznick LLP New York, New YorkApril 1, 2019 EXHIBIT 31(i).1CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TOSECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Robert W. D’Loren certify that:1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Xcel Brands, Inc. (the "registrant") for the year ended December 31, 2018.2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make thestatements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects thefinancial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;4.The registrant’s other certifying officer, and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inExchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensurethat material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under oursupervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for externalpurposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectivenessof the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscalquarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and5.The registrant’s other certifying officer, and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to theregistrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonablylikely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control overfinancial reporting. April 1, 2019 /s/ Robert W. D’Loren Name: Robert W. D’Loren Title: Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officerand Director (Principal Executive Officer) EXHIBIT 31(i).1CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TOSECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, James F. Haran certify that:1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Xcel Brands, Inc. (the "registrant") for the year ended December 31, 2018.2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make thestatements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects thefinancial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;4.The registrant’s other certifying officer, and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inExchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensurethat material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under oursupervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for externalpurposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectivenessof the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscalquarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect,the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and5.The registrant’s other certifying officer, and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to theregistrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonablylikely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control overfinancial reporting. April 1, 2019 /s/ James F. Haran Name: James F. Haran Title: Chairman, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and AccountingOfficer) EXHIBIT 32(i).1CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Robert W. D’Loren, the Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Xcel Brands, Inc. (the “Registrant”), certifies, under the standards setforth and solely for the purposes of 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge, the AnnualReport on Form 10-K of the Registrant for the year ended December 31, 2018 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the SecuritiesExchange Act of 1934 and information contained in that Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operationsof the Registrant. April 1, 2019 /s/ Robert W. D’Loren Name: Robert W. D’LorenTitle: Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officerand Director (Principal Executive Officer) A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Xcel Brands, Inc. and will be retained by Xcel Brands, Inc. andfurnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. EXHIBIT 32(i).2CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 James F. Haran, Chief Financial Officer of Xcel Brands, Inc (the “Registrant”), certifies, under the standards set forth and solely for the purposes of 18 U.S.C.1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge, the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Registrant forthe year ended December 31, 2018 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and informationcontained in that Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. April 1, 2019 /s/ James F. Haran Name: James F. Haran Title: Chief Financial Officer(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Xcel Brands, Inc. and will be retained by Xcel Brands, Inc. andfurnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
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