In 2025, it's fairly safe to say that the stock market has mostly chased momentum. The flashiest stocks of the year are those directly involved in the AI boom, including the likes of Nvidia (With combined experience of covering technology companies on Wall Street and working in Silicon Valley, and serving as an outside adviser to several seed-round startups, Gary Alexander has exposure to many of the themes shaping the industry today. He has been a regular contributor on Seeking Alpha since 2017. He has bee ...

Group 1 - The stock market in 2025 is primarily driven by momentum, particularly in stocks related to the AI boom, such as Nvidia [1] - Gary Alexander has extensive experience in technology sectors, having worked on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, and advises seed-round startups [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide any specific financial data or performance metrics related to the companies mentioned [2][3]

Key Takeaways AMZN, EXPE, BKNG, ETSY and DIBS are five picks after AI lifted Black Friday online sales to new records. AI chatbots and tools boosted shopper traffic and pricing efficiency across multiple platforms. Adobe, Mastercard and Salesforce data show strong year-over-year gains in AI-powered e-commerce.The artificial intelligence (AI) saga is yet to be fully unfolded as this technology is gradually gripping every activity in its fold. Adobe Analytics reported that AI-driven online sales on this Black ...

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets have continued to rise in 2025, with the Dow and S&P 500 gaining 0.3% and 0.1% in November, while the Nasdaq Composite fell by 1.5% [1][2] - Year-to-date performance shows the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite up by 12.6%, 16.7%, and 21.2%, respectively, with expectations of continued growth in December due to a potential interest rate cut by the Fed [3] Investment Opportunities - Recommended stocks for December include Expedia Group Inc. (EXPE), The Allstate Corp. (ALL), Dillard's Inc. (DDS), Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC), and Globus Medical Inc. (GMED), all carrying a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Zacks Momentum Score of A [4][9] Company Highlights Expedia Group Inc. (EXPE) - Benefits from a strong platform model that enhances customer insights and revenue growth, with an expected revenue growth rate of 6.3% and earnings growth rate of 20.8% for next year [7][8] - Strong liquidity, share buybacks, and dividends highlight financial resilience [8] The Allstate Corp. (ALL) - Consistent growth in premiums with a 7.6% year-over-year increase in net premiums earned in the first nine months of 2025 [10][11] - Expected revenue growth rate of 5.7% and a decline in earnings by 14.5% for next year, with share repurchases totaling $805 million in the first nine months of 2025 [12][11] Dillard's Inc. (DDS) - Capturing growth in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce, with a 1% year-over-year increase in retail sales [13][14] - Expected revenue growth rate of 0.8% and a decline in earnings by 8.2% for next year [16] Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC) - Strong production profile with a focus on organic growth through projects like the Tasiast mine, which has boosted production capacity [17][18] - Expected revenue growth rate of 6.3% and earnings growth rate of 32% for next year [19] Globus Medical Inc. (GMED) - Strengthened position in the musculoskeletal space through acquisitions, with a focus on expanding product offerings [20][21] - Expected revenue growth rate of 7.2% and earnings growth rate of 11.3% for next year [22]

Core Insights - The U.S. holiday season is expected to see robust consumer spending, particularly from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, despite ongoing inflationary pressures [1][7] Retail Industry Overview - U.S. holiday season sales are projected to reach $253.4 billion, reflecting a 5.3% year-over-year increase [4] - The Cyber week, which includes Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, is anticipated to generate $43.7 billion, accounting for 17.2% of total holiday sales, marking a 6.3% increase from the previous year [5] - Thanksgiving Day sales are expected to hit $6.4 billion, while Cyber Monday is projected to generate $14.2 billion, up 6.3% year-over-year [6] Online Sales Growth - Online sales are expected to grow significantly, with mobile and online platforms projected to account for 56.1% of overall holiday season sales [6] Selected Retail Stocks - **Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 29.7% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 [9] - **Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 24.6% for next year, currently holding a Zacks Rank 1 [11] - **Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 20.5% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 [12] - **Tapestry (TPR)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 10.4% for the current year, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 [14] Earnings Estimate Revisions - All selected stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 60 days, indicating strong potential for solid returns [3][10]

Core Insights - Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) has been recognized as one of the 15 Best Stocks to Buy for the Medium Term [1] - Mizuho analyst raised the price target for Expedia to $270 from $240 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing strong earnings and positive sales growth guidance for Q4 [2] - In fiscal Q4 2025, Expedia reported revenue of over $4.4 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase, surpassing Wall Street expectations [3] - Earnings per share reached $7.57, which is 23% higher than the previous year and 9% above estimates, with booked room nights growing 11% year-over-year [3] - The company experienced margin expansion of over 2 points due to operational discipline and volume leverage, and sees AI as a significant opportunity for future efficiency improvements [4] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q4 2025 was reported at just over $4.4 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $4.3 billion [3] - Earnings per share were reported at $7.57, which is 23% higher than the previous year [3] - Booked room nights increased by 11% year-over-year, marking the fastest growth in over three years [3] Strategic Outlook - Expedia guided for mid- to high-single-digit sales growth in Q4 and further margin expansion anticipated in 2026 [2] - The company highlighted the potential of AI to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness over time [4]

Core Insights - The American Century U.S. Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) has made significant adjustments to its holdings, reflecting the flexibility of ETF managers in response to market movements [1][3][6] Fund Overview - QGRO was launched in September 2018 and charges 29 basis points for investing in U.S. firms with high growth potential and strong fundamentals [2] - The fund tracks the American Century U.S. Quality Growth Index, which screens for factors like income and quality using metrics such as cash flow and profitability [2] Recent Changes in Holdings - Notable changes in QGRO's portfolio include the dropping of at least two stocks and the addition of two new stocks, along with adjustments to the weights of six existing stocks [3] - Major tech companies such as Alphabet (GOOGL), Meta Platforms (META), and Amazon (AMZN) saw their weights decrease by 1.22%, 1.32%, and 1.74% respectively between November 21 and 24 [3] - Conversely, Amphenol Corporation (APH), Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL), and Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) experienced weight increases of 3.53%, 2.1%, and 1.33% respectively [4] Specific Stock Adjustments - The two stocks that were dropped from QGRO included Itron Inc. (ITRI) and Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (BAH), which had weights of 0.76% and 0.72% respectively before being removed [5] - The largest additions to the fund were Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) and HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA), with weights of 1.08% and 1.25% respectively [5] Performance Metrics - QGRO has achieved a year-to-date return of 12.4%, focusing on quality and growth-oriented companies [6] - The recent reduction in weight for three major tech stocks may attract investors looking to diversify into other rising companies [6]

Group 1 - Google has launched a new AI-driven search tool to assist users in creating comprehensive travel plans, impacting travel-related stocks negatively, with Expedia, Booking Holdings, and Trip.com seeing stock declines of nearly 5% [1] - The new tool includes an expanded "flight deals" search engine within Google Flights, designed for travelers seeking last-minute deals and cost-effective destinations [1] - Travelers can share their potential travel plans in AI mode, select "create with Canvas," and view results in the Canvas sidebar, allowing for further recommendations and flight times [1] Group 2 - Google has introduced an AI mode with booking agent capabilities for users looking to book restaurants, event tickets, or spa appointments, searching options across multiple websites [2] - Users can make reservations through platforms like OpenTable, Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Booksy, with future plans to allow direct booking of flights and hotels within Google's AI mode [2] - Google aims to collaborate with various travel companies to ensure all the best options are easily accessible to users [2]

Core Insights - PayPal has launched "PayPal Pay in 4," an interest-free, no-fee buy now, pay later (BNPL) solution for Canadian consumers, available in time for the festive shopping season [1][2] - The service allows Canadians to split eligible purchases from $30 to $1,500 into four equal, interest-free payments over six weeks, enhancing flexibility at checkout [2] - PayPal's 2025 Festive Spending survey indicates a strong consumer interest in BNPL, with 60% of respondents who haven't used it expressing willingness to try it if there are no fees [2][3] Consumer Behavior - 74% of Canadians set a budget for holiday shopping, and 72% plan their shopping in advance to control spending [3] - 51% of Canadians plan to spend the same as last year, while 14% intend to spend more [3] - Categories where Canadians would consider using BNPL include appliances (31%), home décor/furniture (30%), and electronics (26%) [3] Business Impact - Businesses offering PayPal's BNPL solutions experience increased conversion rates and higher sales, which are critical during peak holiday seasons [2] - The global approval rate for PayPal BNPL is 90%, and it boosts order value by 80% [2] - PayPal's partnership with Cadillac Fairview aims to enhance the holiday shopping experience, providing consumers with flexible payment options [2]

I aim to invest in companies with perfect qualitative attributes, buy them at an attractive price based on fundamentals, and hold them forever. I hope to publish articles covering such companies approximately 3 times per week, with extensive quarterly follow-ups and constant updates.I manage a concentrated portfolio targeted at avoiding losers and maximizing exposure to big winners. This means that often I'll rate great companies at a 'Hold' because their growth opportunity is below my threshold, or their d ...