Core Viewpoint - Verb Technology Company, Inc. has successfully closed a $558 million private placement to support the acquisition of Toncoin, the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network blockchain, aiming to become the largest publicly traded treasury reserve of Toncoin [1][3]. Company Strategy - The majority of the net proceeds from the PIPE transaction will be used to acquire Toncoin, which will serve as the primary treasury reserve asset for the company [3]. - The company plans to generate sustainable staking rewards from its Toncoin holdings to manage and grow its exposure in a cash flow positive manner [3]. - Verb Technology Company intends to rebrand as TON Strategy Co. to reflect its new focus on digital assets while continuing to operate its existing business units [3]. Investment Participation - The PIPE transaction involved approximately 58.7 million shares of common stock and participation from over 110 institutional and crypto-native investors, including notable firms such as Vy Capital, Blockchain.com, and Ribbit Capital [2]. - The transaction was led by Kingsway Capital, which played a significant role in the placement [2]. Leadership and Advisory Team - The company will be led by a team with extensive experience in digital assets, including Executive Chairman Manuel Stotz, who has over 15 years of investment experience in the blockchain ecosystem [5]. - CEO Veronika Kapustina has a background in capital markets and blockchain, having previously served as a Senior Advisor to the TON Foundation [5]. - CFO Sarah Olsen brings expertise from her previous role at JP Morgan, focusing on blockchain and tokenized assets [5]. Company Overview - Verb Technology Company operates in the social commerce space, leveraging technology and video marketing to enhance customer engagement and conversion rates [7]. - The company has developed a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping platform, integrating advanced AI capabilities for content creation and audience interaction [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Shopify reported Q2 revenue of $2.7 billion, up 31% year over year, with a free cash flow margin of 16% [6][10][59] - Gross profit grew 25%, with overall gross margin at 48.6%, down from 51.1% in the prior year [54][56] - Operating income for the quarter was $291 million, representing an 11% operating income margin, compared to 9% last year [58] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Offline GMV increased by 29%, driven primarily by larger retailers joining the platform [31][49] - Merchant solutions revenue rose by 37%, while subscription solutions revenue grew by 17% [51][52] - GMV in Q2 was $88 billion, up 31%, with North America and Europe showing strong performance [47][48] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International GMV was up 42% year over year, with Europe leading the growth [6][36] - Cross-border GMV remained consistent at 15% of total GMV in Q2 [62] - Shopify Payments penetration reached 64%, up from 61% last year [22][51] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Shopify aims to expand its reach across all geographies, particularly in Europe, and is focused on building a unified commerce platform [6][10] - The company is investing in AI and product innovations to enhance the shopping experience and streamline operations for merchants [13][21] - Shopify is committed to supporting entrepreneurs worldwide, with a focus on international expansion and product localization [35][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the merchant base has remained resilient despite macroeconomic challenges, with strong performance continuing into Q3 [60][61] - The company expects Q3 revenue growth in the mid to high 20s year over year, driven by continued growth in merchant solutions [63] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing investments in product development and marketing to sustain growth [66][68] Other Important Information - Shopify launched several new products, including Universal Cart and CheckoutKit, aimed at enhancing the shopping experience through AI integration [15][93] - The company has expanded its payments product into 16 new countries this year, nearly doubling its market accessibility [22][24] - Shopify Capital is now available in Germany and the Netherlands, providing more merchants with access to growth funding [36][57] Q&A Session Summary Question: How would you characterize the demand in the US and any potential pull forward for consumers? - Management indicated that there has not been a significant pull forward of demand, with consistent performance observed in Q2 and July [70][72] Question: What is the status of international growth and product localization? - Management acknowledged strong international growth, particularly in Europe, and emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance product offerings for international markets [75][78] Question: How does the company view long-term growth potential? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining growth rates above 25% due to past investments and expanding product offerings [82][86] Question: Will Universal Cart and Checkout Kit be available for the holiday season? - Management confirmed ongoing development of these products, aiming for integration into AI platforms to enhance shopping experiences [90][93]

Core Viewpoint - Verb Technology Company, Inc. is positioning itself to become the first publicly traded treasury reserve of Toncoin ($TON) through an upsized and oversubscribed private placement (PIPE transaction) [1][2][7] Group 1: PIPE Transaction Details - The company has entered into a PIPE transaction for approximately 58.7 million shares at a price of $9.51 per share, aiming for gross proceeds of about $558 million [2][7] - The majority of the net proceeds will be used to acquire $TON, establishing it as the primary treasury reserve asset [2][9] - The transaction is expected to close around August 7, 2025, subject to customary conditions [2][9] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem - The TON blockchain will exclusively power Telegram's ecosystem, facilitating transactions for millions of creators and developers [3][4] - Telegram has over one billion monthly active users, making it a significant platform for $TON [3][7] - The company will benefit from a strategic partnership with Kingsway Capital and Blockchain.com, enhancing its institutional and crypto expertise [5][6][7] Group 3: Leadership and Expertise - The incoming leadership team includes Manuel Stotz as Executive Chairman, who has significant experience in the crypto industry [6][7] - Peter Smith, CEO of Blockchain.com, will serve as a special advisor, bringing additional expertise to the company [5][13] Group 4: Market Position and Future Plans - The company aims to be one of the largest holders of $TON globally, generating sustainable staking rewards [2][4] - The updated treasury strategy will be effective immediately after the transaction closes, emphasizing transparency and compliance [9][14] - The company plans to provide updates on the acquisition of $TON and governance measures in the coming weeks [9]

Company Overview - Xcel Brands (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company focused on building socially driven, live-commerce-focused brands [1][5] - The company engages in design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of various consumer products, including apparel, footwear, and home goods [5] - Xcel has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through livestreaming and interactive television, with a brand portfolio reaching over 43 million social media followers [5] Strategic Partnership - Xcel Brands has announced a strategic licensing partnership with TSC Product Lab to launch new products under the Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan brand [1][4] - This collaboration aims to combine TSC Product Lab's product development capabilities with Xcel's expertise in omnichannel brand building and social commerce [1][4] Product Development - The new product line will focus on elevated pet products, including smart electronic devices and small appliances, designed with pet wellbeing and human-animal harmony in mind [2][3] - The products will embody Cesar Millan's philosophy of Trust. Respect. Love, aiming to strengthen the bond between pets and their owners [3][4] Market Positioning - The partnership is positioned to address the evolving pet space, emphasizing education, design, and emotional connection in pet ownership [4] - The brand will be available through select retailers, e-commerce platforms, and live shopping channels, reinforcing Xcel's commitment to innovative social shopping [4]

Core Insights - Xcel Brands has entered a licensing partnership with K9 Wear Inc. to develop a new pet brand called Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan, combining K9 Wear's expertise in pet accessories with Xcel's brand-building capabilities [1][4] - The new brand will focus on high-quality pet products, including toys, training tools, and grooming tools, aimed at enhancing the pet ownership experience [2][3] - Cesar Millan's philosophy of trust, respect, and love will be integral to the product design, ensuring a focus on the well-being of both pets and their owners [3][5] Company Overview - Xcel Brands, Inc. is a media and consumer products company specializing in the design, licensing, and marketing of various consumer products, with a focus on social commerce [6] - The company has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through livestreaming and interactive television, reaching over 43 million social media followers [6] - K9 Wear is known for its innovative pet apparel and accessories, including the world's first interchangeable apparel harness, and collaborates with various fashion brands [7] Industry Context - The pet industry is experiencing significant growth, prompting Xcel Brands to expand its portfolio with high-quality pet accessories [4] - The new brand will be showcased at the Global Pet Expo in March 2026, indicating a strategic approach to market entry and brand visibility [5]

Industry Overview - Ecommerce sales in Q1 2025 grew by 6.1% compared to Q1 2024, while total retail sales increased by 4.5%, with ecommerce accounting for approximately 16.2% of total U.S. retail sales [1] - The ecommerce industry is experiencing a shift towards digital influencers and advanced technologies such as AR/VR, social commerce, generative AI, and the Metaverse [4][5] - The Zacks Internet - Commerce industry ranks 51, placing it in the top 21% of nearly 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [8][9] Current Trends - The retail experience is increasingly blending online and offline activities, with consumers preferring faster delivery and pickup options [7] - Subscription models for repeat-use items are gaining traction, making it easier for consumers to order and for retailers to plan [7] - Social commerce is becoming popular, particularly among Gen-Z, with platforms like TikTok leading the way [14] Performance Metrics - The Zacks Electronic - Commerce Industry has gained 18% over the past year, outperforming the broader Zacks Retail and Wholesale Sector (16.5%) and the S&P 500 (11.9%) [12] - The industry is currently trading at a price-to-forward earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.6X, which is a premium of 8.6% to the S&P 500 and a discount of 0.8% to the broader retail sector [16] Company Highlights Groupon, Inc. (GRPN) - Groupon operates an online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers across various sectors, with over 76% of its 2024 revenue coming from the U.S. [19] - The company has shown a positive trend in earnings estimates, with the 2025 estimate moving from a loss of $0.18 to a profit of $0.30 per share [21] - Groupon's shares have increased by 146.9% over the past year, primarily in the last two months [22] CarGurus, Inc. (CARG) - CarGurus offers an online marketplace for new and used cars, with 93% of its 2024 revenue generated in the U.S. [25] - The company has no debt and is focused on improving dealer profitability through data-driven solutions, which is driving its market share [27] - Analysts estimate a 25% earnings growth for 2025, with revenues expected to increase by 5% [28]

Core Insights - Meta Platforms (META) is enhancing its presence in social commerce, utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to promote and sell products or services [1] Social Commerce Landscape - According to Shopify, 89% of social media marketers prefer Facebook for social commerce sales, with one-third of social commerce buyers favoring Facebook for purchases [2] - Instagram is used by approximately 26% of the global population over 13, with shopping tags and shop tabs facilitating product discovery and purchases [2] - META has introduced AI tools for WhatsApp to assist businesses in customer engagement and product discovery [2] Business Initiatives - The Meta Verified initiative offers subscription plans for businesses, providing a verified badge, account support, and impersonation protection, which enhances consumer trust [3] - In Q1 2025, WhatsApp Business Platform and Meta Verified subscriptions contributed to a 34% year-over-year growth in Family of Apps other revenues, reaching $510 million [4] Marketing Tools - META has updated its Ads Manager to allow businesses to manage marketing strategies across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, optimizing budgets through its AI system [5] - The company plans to introduce Business AI for personalized product recommendations and customer follow-ups via WhatsApp [6] Advertising Revenue Growth - In June, META launched channel subscriptions and ads in WhatsApp's Status tab, which is used by 1.5 billion people daily, expected to attract more advertisers and drive ad revenues [7] - META's focus on AI integration across its platforms is enhancing user engagement and boosting ad revenues, with approximately 3.43 billion daily users [8] Stock Performance - META's shares have appreciated 22.8% year-to-date, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector and advertising peers like Alphabet, Amazon, and Snap [9] - The company is expected to capture about 50% of projected global ad spending by 2028 [10] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q2 2025 earnings is $5.73 per share, reflecting an 11.05% year-over-year increase [17] - The consensus for 2025 earnings is $25.31 per share, indicating a 6.08% increase over 2024's reported figure [18] Valuation Metrics - META shares are considered overvalued with a forward Price/Sales (P/S) ratio of 9.11X, compared to the broader sector's 6.65X and peers like Alphabet, Amazon, and Snap [19] Investment Outlook - META is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with capital expenditures expected between $64 billion and $72 billion for 2025 [21] - Operating expenses are projected in the $114-$119 billion range, with an increase in headcount across various sectors [22]

Core Viewpoint - Verb Technology Company, Inc. is leveraging its MARKET.live division to host an exclusive livestream shopping event for BelliWelli on Walmart.com, highlighting the growing trend of livestream shopping in retail [1][4]. Company Overview - Verb Technology Company, Inc. operates in social commerce, social telehealth, and social crowdfunding, utilizing its various platforms including MARKET.live, LyveCom, VANITYPrescribed, and GoodGirlRx [5][6]. - The company aims to transform the retail landscape by providing advanced AI capabilities for real-time user engagement and content creation, enhancing the shopping experience [6]. Event Details - The livestream event for BelliWelli will take place on July 1, 2025, at 4:00 PM PT, marking the brand's debut on Walmart.com [2]. - The event will be produced from MARKET.live Studios in California, ensuring a high-quality livestream shopping experience [2][3]. Industry Trends - Livestream shopping is becoming increasingly popular among major brands and retailers as a method to boost customer engagement and conversion rates, creating a more personalized shopping experience [4].

Core Insights - The social commerce market in Greece is projected to grow by 11.9% annually, reaching approximately USD 2.94 billion in 2025, following a robust growth period from 2021 to 2024 with a CAGR of 17.4% [2] - The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory with a forecasted CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030, expanding from USD 2.63 billion in 2024 to around USD 4.21 billion by the end of 2030 [2] Market Dynamics - The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the social commerce sector in Greece, including over 50 KPIs that cover market size, growth dynamics, and market share statistics [3][4] - It breaks down market opportunities by various factors such as domestic vs cross-border sales, social platform types, payment methods, business models, consumer segments, and city types [4] Consumer Insights - The report offers insights into consumer behavior and retail spending dynamics, utilizing both value and volume KPIs to provide a detailed understanding of market dynamics [4][6] - It emphasizes the importance of understanding evolving consumer attitudes and behaviors to increase ROI and improve targeting strategies in the social commerce sector [6] Competitive Landscape - The report includes a snapshot of the competitive landscape within the social commerce sector, highlighting key players and their market shares in Greece [6][8] - It aims to assist companies in formulating strategies to gain market share by identifying growth categories and evaluating trends and risks unique to the market [6] Future Growth Segments - The report outlines future growth dynamics across various retail product categories, end-use consumer segments, devices, locations, and payment methods from 2021 to 2030 [7][9] - It also provides forecasts for social commerce market size and share by platforms and consumer demographics, enhancing strategic decision-making capabilities [8]

Summary of Crocs (CROX) 2025 Conference Call Company Overview - Crocs operates a multi-brand portfolio, with the Crocs brand selling over 25 million pairs globally each year, and the Hey Dude brand also selling over 25 million pairs annually [2][6] Core Points and Arguments Resilience and Diversification - Crocs demonstrates resilience in a dynamic consumer environment due to brand diversification (Crocs and Hey Dude) and sourcing across multiple countries, mitigating tariff and sourcing risks [5][6] - The company has a strong financial performance over the last five years, with robust sales growth, profitability, and cash flow, allowing for continued investment in growth despite headwinds [7][10] Cost Management - Management has proactively reduced SG&A costs by at least $50 million on a forward-looking basis to control expenses [8][41] - Inventory control is emphasized to avoid undesirable trade-offs for long-term brand success, with inventory turns exceeding 4x [8][9] Consumer Behavior and Market Trends - The consumer market is currently cautious, with casual footwear expenditures down mid-single digits in Q1, which is atypical for the footwear market [16] - Companies are passing price increases to consumers through various mechanisms, leading to a cautious consumer outlook [16][22] Pricing Strategy - Crocs plans to follow market leaders in implementing price increases, focusing on strategic product pricing rather than leading the charge [22][23] Growth Opportunities - The clog silhouette remains relevant in the U.S. market but is well-penetrated, with growth opportunities identified in international markets like China, India, and Southeast Asia [24][25][28] - Sandals and personalization (Jibbitz) are showing strong performance, with Jibbitz contributing about 8% of sales [25][26] International Expansion - Crocs has a 2.5% market share in the U.S. and is already at or above that in markets like the UK, South Korea, and Australia, while having significant penetration opportunities in larger markets [27][28] Social Commerce Success - Crocs is the number one brand on TikTok shop, indicating strong performance and high margins from social commerce, which is expected to continue driving sales [31][32][33] Hey Dude Brand Performance - Hey Dude has shown strong growth in DTC channels and outlet stores, with ongoing efforts to clean up wholesale inventory [35][36] - The brand remains profitable and is expected to have a strong growth runway ahead [38] Cash Flow and Financial Management - Cash generation is robust, with investments focused on growth drivers, distribution, logistics, and IT, while maintaining a strong balance sheet [44][48] - The company plans to continue stock buybacks and debt paydown, having executed $60 million in stock buybacks in Q1 [49] New Product Lines - The EXP line aims to cater to affluent markets with elevated products and innovative designs, including collaborations with luxury brands [50][51] Additional Important Points - Management emphasizes a long-term perspective on shareholder value creation, focusing on sustainable growth rather than short-term gains [10][40] - The company is cautious about the economic environment and is committed to maintaining high levels of profitability and gross margin [40][41]