Angelica Corporation Closes Divestitures of 22 Linen Facilities. Stephens served as exclusive financial advisor to 9W Halo OPCO L.P. (D/B/A angelica), in the divestiture of substantially all of its assets.

Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2022 | $9,690,000 | 08/23/2022

The Labor Department reported that <strong>initial jobless claims</strong> rose for a second straight week last week and held near the highest level since November. While demand for labor remains quite strong, the modest pickup in claims suggest that turnover may be increasing in weaker firms that are struggling with slowing growth. Claims in regular state programs increased 14,000 to 262,000 for the week ending August 6th, after reporting a downwardly revised 248,000 initial claims the prior week. The four-week moving average climbed to 252,000 from 247,500 the prior week. The total number of people continuing to receive regular ongoing state benefits, a report which is lagged one week, increased 8,000 to 1.428 million for the week ending July 30th. This is the highest count for continuing clams since April 1st.

Walmart is the second major big-box retailer to lower earnings guidance in recent weeks as consumer spending on non-essentials is slowing amid the highest price surges for food and fuel in four decades.

Auto parts retailers are handily outperforming the broader market so far this year, thanks to their defensive businesses. Yet one of their key suppliers has slumped, creating an opportunity for bargain-hunting investors.

The $37.5 million penalty the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau levied against U.S. Bancorp over fake account allegations is raising questions about the timing of approval for the bank's planned acquisition of MUFG Union Bank NA.

Car dealerships have been mom and pop businesses for much of their existence. But the industry is slowly consolidating.

Online used-car dealer Carvana Co. said it is aggressively cutting costs as demand from consumers remains under pressure and the company faces the prospect of an economic downturn.

Various Facilities Revenue Bonds (UAPB Campus), Series 2022 | $17,000,000 | 08/11/2022

Special Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds, Series 2022 | $1,900,000 | 08/10/2022