Key Takeaways eBay acquires social resale platform Tise to strengthen its C2C foundation and user engagement.Tise brings social features such as likes, comments and personalised feeds to eBay's marketplace.The move positions eBay between Amazon's scale and Shopify's social tools in the resale space.eBay (EBAY) runs one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, connecting millions of buyers and sellers across categories from collectables to refurbished goods. While its scale and trust have long been compet ...

Market Trends & Social Commerce - October is crucial for determining if social commerce can outperform token inflation [1] - Telegram users' willingness to purchase and flip items is demonstrated by the rapid sale of $390 thousand NFT stickers [1] - The potential for 900 million users to purchase $40 sticker packs, trading like tokens, establishes a demand floor [1] Tokenomics & Investment - TON is set to absorb a 635 million token unlock in October [1] - Alphaton Capital has invested $30 million, betting on Pudgy Penguins [1] - Institutions are relying on the demand floor created by sticker pack purchases [1]

Social commerce makes up a fifth of online shopping in South-East Asia. This is home turf for TikTok. But the social-media giant has a new rival https://t.co/uQuHc3OX3B ...

Core Insights - Pinterest (PINS) and Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) are significant players in the social media and social commerce sectors, with Pinterest focusing on visual recommendations and Meta leveraging its extensive user base across multiple platforms [1][2][3] Group 1: Market Position and Growth - The global social commerce market is projected to reach $17.83 trillion by 2033, with a CAGR of 36.4% from 2025 to 2033, prompting Pinterest and META to enhance their market strategies [3] - Pinterest reported a record high of 578 million global monthly active users (MAUs) in Q2 2025, indicating consistent user growth across all regions [5] - META's Family Daily Active People (DAP) reached 3.48 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a 6.4% year-over-year increase, showcasing its vast user engagement potential [9] Group 2: Financial Performance - Pinterest's total costs and expenses rose to $1 billion in Q2 2025, up from $875.1 million year-over-year, indicating increased operational costs [7] - META's cash and cash equivalents stood at $47.07 billion as of June 30, 2025, with a current ratio of 1.97, suggesting strong liquidity [12] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Pinterest faces intense competition from META, SNAP Inc., and others in the social commerce space, necessitating aggressive market expansion and innovation [7] - META is enhancing user engagement through AI-powered recommendations, resulting in a 5% increase in time spent on Facebook and a 6% increase on Instagram in Q2 2025 [11] Group 4: Valuation and Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pinterest's 2025 sales implies a year-over-year growth of 15.62%, while META's sales growth estimate is 19.1% [14][16] - Over the past year, Pinterest's stock gained 10.5%, while META surged 41.3%, indicating stronger market performance for META [17] Group 5: Strategic Initiatives - Pinterest is focusing on improving its advertising platform to attract consumer discretionary brands, while META is investing in AI capabilities to enhance engagement and advertising effectiveness [4][11] - Both companies are ranked 3 (Hold) by Zacks, with upward estimate revisions for META indicating growing investor confidence [19]

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Brands, Inc. reported a significant decline in revenue for the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to the divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand, while the company is focusing on strengthening its balance sheet and launching new creator/influencer brands in the near future [2][3][5]. Financial Results - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $1.3 million, a decrease of approximately $1.6 million (-55%) from Q2 2024, attributed to the decline in net licensing revenue following the divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand [3][7]. - Direct operating costs and expenses decreased by approximately $1.2 million (-39%) year-over-year to $1.9 million, reflecting cost reductions and the impact of the employee retention tax credit [4][8]. - The net loss attributable to Xcel Brands stockholders for Q2 2025 was approximately $4.0 million, or $(1.66) per share, compared to a net income of $0.2 million, or $0.08 per share, in the prior year [5][11]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was negative $0.3 million, compared to negative $0.04 million in the prior year, indicating a 45% year-over-year improvement when adjusting for the prior year’s contribution from the Lori Goldstein brand [6][12]. Year-to-Date Performance - For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, total revenue was $2.7 million, a decrease of approximately $2.5 million (-48%) from the same period in 2024, again driven by the decline in net licensing revenue [7][11]. - The net loss attributable to Xcel Brands stockholders for the six months was approximately $6.8 million, or $(2.84) per share, compared to a net loss of $6.1 million, or $(2.78) per share, for the same period in 2024 [11][12]. - Year-to-date Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was negative $1.0 million, an improvement from negative $1.6 million for the first six months of 2024, representing a 38% improvement [9][12]. Balance Sheet and Financing - As of June 30, 2025, the company had stockholders' equity of approximately $22.5 million, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.0 million, and long-term debt of $11.8 million [13][29]. - In August 2025, Xcel closed a public equity offering and a concurrent private placement for combined gross proceeds of approximately $2.6 million, enhancing the company's liquidity [14]. Social Media and Brand Development - The company's social media following increased from 5 million to 43 million in Q2 2025, reflecting the impact of new influencer brand announcements [9]. - Xcel Brands is focused on developing new creator/influencer brands, with planned launches starting later this year and into 2026 [2].

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]