For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – December 26, 2025 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) and Amazon, Inc. (AMZN) .Industry: e-CommerceLink: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2808394/weak-macro-cant-stop-e-commerce-stocks-expedia-and-amazonWhile macroeconomic challenges mount, the e-commerce market is growing through innovation, technology and insight, as it continues to take away slices of the total retail pie. Commerce Department numbers are proof of this trend: ecommerce sal ...

Core Insights - The e-commerce market is experiencing growth through innovation and technology, with Q3 2025 e-commerce sales increasing by 5.1% compared to Q3 2024, while total retail sales rose by 4.1% [1] - E-commerce now represents approximately 16.4% of total U.S. retail sales, with a trend towards blending online and offline shopping experiences [2] - Companies that can effectively operate in both online and offline channels are positioned to compete successfully in the future [2] Industry Trends - The convenience of online shopping is a primary driver of e-commerce growth, particularly among Gen-Z consumers who are accustomed to high levels of digitization [4] - Social media platforms are influencing shopping behaviors, with digital influencers playing a significant role in shaping consumer preferences [5] - AI is becoming a major enabler of e-commerce, with Adobe estimating a 515-520% increase in AI-driven traffic to retail websites during the 2025 holiday season [9] Company Insights - **Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE)**: The company is experiencing growth in both B2C and B2B segments, with total gross bookings increasing by 12% and B2B bookings rising by 26% [23] [24] - Analysts are optimistic about Expedia, with earnings estimates for 2025 increasing by 6.8% and for 2026 by 9.2% [26] - **Amazon, Inc. (AMZN)**: Amazon maintains a dominant position in the online marketplace and is leveraging its Prime loyalty program to drive sales [28] - Despite recent challenges, including a settlement with the FTC and layoffs, analysts expect Amazon to achieve double-digit revenue and earnings growth in the coming years [30][32]

LEHI, Utah & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pattern Group Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRN), a global leader in accelerating brands on ecommerce marketplaces through proprietary technology and AI, today announced that it has acquired NextWave, a fast-growing TikTok commerce agency specializing in creator-led product discovery, TikTok Shop operations, live selling, and affiliate acceleration. "NextWave was built to help brands win in the new era of social commerce, where creator-led content drives discovery and performance ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the US-based Internet and interactive entertainment industry, outlining 10 key themes for 2026 and identifying focus stocks for investment going forward [2][6]. Core Themes for 2026 1. **AI as a Transformative Technology**: AI is expected to significantly impact consumer computing habits, advertising landscapes, and cloud computing revenues. The rise of generative AI and its applications will be crucial [5][7]. 2. **Blurring Lines Between Advertising and Commerce**: The integration of social commerce and retail media is anticipated to create new growth opportunities [5][6]. 3. **Impact of AI on Advertising**: AI's influence on advertising strategies and monetization models will be a key focus area [5][6]. 4. **AI Investment Cycle**: The evolution of capital expenditures (capex) and free cash flow in relation to AI development will be critical for companies [5][6]. 5. **Competitive Dynamics in Local Commerce**: The rise of local commerce initiatives is expected to reshape competitive dynamics in the industry [5][6]. 6. **Future of Mobility Networks**: Developments in autonomous vehicles (AVs) and their adoption will be significant [5][6]. 7. **Evolution of Interactive Entertainment**: Changes in the interactive entertainment landscape will be closely monitored [5][6]. 8. **Transition to Spatial Computing**: A long-term shift from desktop and mobile computing to spatial computing and mixed reality is anticipated [5][6]. 9. **Health and Wellness Market Opportunity**: The growth potential in health and wellness sectors will be explored [5][6]. 10. **Balancing Growth and Investments**: Companies will need to manage growth investments while maintaining margins and capital returns [5][6]. Regulatory Environment - The global regulatory framework is highlighted as a potential factor affecting stock performance, although it is not articulated as a primary theme for 2026 due to a relatively stable regulatory environment observed in recent months [2][6]. Consumer Behavior Insights - The digital consumer remains stable and strong, particularly those valuing convenience in digital services. This stability has led to consistent digital advertising trends, especially in performance-based outcomes [8][9]. Investment Opportunities - **Mega Cap Stocks**: Amazon (AMZN) and Meta (META) are identified as having positive risk/reward profiles due to their alignment with AI themes and operational efficiencies [9][11]. - **Large Cap Stocks**: Dash (DASH), Uber (UBER), and Roblox (RBLX) are noted for their exposure to local commerce and interactive entertainment growth [14]. - **SMID Cap Stocks**: Companies like Peloton (PTON), Opra (OPRA), and Genius Brands (GENI) are highlighted for compelling risk/reward opportunities [14]. Market Sentiment and Valuation - Recent stock price resets have created attractive risk/reward opportunities for investors, despite concerns regarding AI investments and consumer health [8][9]. Conclusion - The report emphasizes the importance of AI and evolving consumer behaviors as central themes for investment strategies in 2026, while also identifying specific companies that are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends [2][5][9].

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 24, 2025 Registration No. 333-__________ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 _______________________________ Social Commerce Partners Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) _______________________________ Stuart P. Johnson 5717 Legacy Drive, #250 Plano, TX 75024 (214) 763-2987 (Name, address, including zip code, and ...

Core Insights - Xcel Brands, Inc. announces a partnership between Longaberger and Shannon Doherty to launch a new home collection that emphasizes warmth, style, and functionality [2][3] Company Overview - Xcel Brands, Inc. is a media and consumer products company focused on influencer-driven brands through social commerce and livestreaming, with a portfolio that includes Halston, Judith Ripka, and Longaberger [6] - The company has generated over $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming and interactive television, reaching over 43 million social media followers and broadcasting into 200 million households [6] Partnership Details - The collaboration between Longaberger and Shannon Doherty aims to blend American craftsmanship with a family-centered lifestyle, celebrating everyday living and creating a modern vision for the home [3][5] - Each product in the new collection will reflect Longaberger's handcrafted quality combined with Shannon's warmth and approachability, focusing on cozy entertaining and functional storage [5] Brand Background - Longaberger, founded in 1973, is known for its artisanal handcrafted products, particularly handmade maple baskets, and has a loyal customer base [7] - Shannon Doherty, founder of At Home with Shannon, shares home décor ideas and family routines, reaching millions through her lifestyle platform [8]

WeShop Launches in the U.S. After Strong Nasdaq Debut, Allowing Users to Earn Ownership through their Shopping U.S. app launch includes leading brands across fashion, electronics, beauty, home, and lifestyle categories, including Bloomingdales, Walmart and Nike. WeShop’s social commerce platform combines shopping and social interactions designed to drive product discovery, retailer growth, and community ownershipU.S. app launch includes leading brands across fashion, electronics, beauty, home, and lifes ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net licensing revenues for Q3 2025 were $1.1 million, down from $1.5 million in Q3 2024, primarily due to cautious consumer spending and lower performance in the Halston license [12] - Year-to-date net licensing revenues were $3.8 million, compared to $6.5 million for the same period last year, largely due to the divestiture of the Lori Goldstein brand [12] - The company reported a net loss of approximately $7.9 million for Q3 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $9.2 million in Q3 2024 [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was approximately negative $650,000, representing a 38% year-over-year improvement from negative $1 million in Q3 2024 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct operating costs for Q3 2025 were $2.2 million, down 23% from the prior year quarter, and year-to-date direct operating costs were $6.3 million, a decrease of 36% [12][13] - The company generated an adjusted EBITDA loss of $653,000 in Q3, which is a $400,000 improvement over Q3 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a shift in its core business from linear TV to digital streaming and social commerce, with TikTok Shops surpassing eBay in quarterly volume [7] - The social media reach across the brand portfolio is now 46 million, with a target of reaching 100 million followers by 2026 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on leveraging new business opportunities with UTG, including sourcing products for retail partners and potential acquisitions [6][7] - New influencer brands have diversified product categories into food, kitchen, home, and pet products, with a shift towards domestic production [8] - The company is cautious about Q4 2025 due to tariff impacts on QVC, HSN, and licensees [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for transformative transactions and the ability to capitalize on changes in the market [7] - The company is working to resolve issues related to the Halston brand and expects growth in 2026 [10][11] - Management highlighted the importance of top-line royalty revenue and the potential for significant asset value in the company's IP [46] Other Important Information - The company closed a $2 million net equity offering in Q3 2025, with part of the proceeds used to pay down loans [6] - As of September 30, 2025, the company had stockholders' equity of approximately $17 million and unrestricted cash of approximately $1.5 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Importance of hiring Olin Lancaster as Chief Revenue Officer - Management emphasized the significance of the hire, noting Lancaster's extensive experience and the potential for growth with new influencer brands [22] Question: Mitigating tariff impacts with domestic products - Management discussed the strategic focus on domestic sourcing for food and pet products to reduce tariff risks [23][24] Question: Resolution of disruptions with SeaWonder and Christie - Management confirmed that the issues have been resolved, including vendor changes and programming challenges [28] Question: Updates on product roadmap and brand rollouts - Management indicated that new products will start hitting the market in Q1 2026, with a focus on food products and pet accessories [31] Question: Revenue ramp expectations for the next 12 months - Management outlined a roadmap for launching five new influencer-led brands to drive revenue growth into 2026 [39][40] Question: Potential revenue outlook for 2026 - Management refrained from providing specific guidance but referenced analyst reports for potential revenue expectations [45] Question: Long-term revenue targets - Management reiterated the potential for significant royalty income from new brands, emphasizing the global opportunities with influencers [49]

Group 1: Applied Therapeutics, Inc. (APLT) - The stock price of Applied Therapeutics rose to $0.35 due to developments in products targeting cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications [1] - The company faces uncertainties regarding FDA approval for its lead drug, which may lead to a decline in stock price [1] - Trading volume surged to over 20 million, significantly higher than the average of 4.88 million [1][5] Group 2: Alpha Technology Group Limited (ATGL) - Alpha Technology Group's stock price increased to $16.98, driven by its focus on cloud-based IT services and AI-powered solutions [2] - A strategic partnership with AB DAO aims to enhance AI and blockchain technology in supply chain management and IoT, boosting investor confidence [2] Group 3: WeShop Holdings Limited (WSHP) - WeShop's stock price rose to $48 following its debut on the Nasdaq Capital Market [3] - The company integrates social interactions with shopping, enhancing product discovery and retailer growth [3] - WeShop plans to launch its app in the U.S., partnering with retailers and offering users ownership in the company [3] Group 4: Market Trends - The movements in stock prices reflect diverse sectors, with companies under close scrutiny by investors and analysts for growth opportunities and market impacts [4][5]

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