American households are growing more pessimistic about the economy. The University of Michigan’s preliminary October consumer sentiment index fell to 46.3, down from 48.1 in September and below the 47.3 reading economists had expected. It marks the weakest level in five months and underscores how persistently high prices are shaping the mood of the American consumer.
Cost of living is the common thread
Survey director Joanne Hsu said frustration over the cost of living keeps building, and that consumers across the political spectrum believe the economy has lost ground since the start of the year. With midterm elections 25 days away, sentiment improved among both Democrats and Republicans, but a decline among independents more than offset those gains.
The pain is uneven. Lower-income households and those with smaller stock portfolios, the groups with the least cushion against rising prices, saw sentiment decline this month. That divide matters: a market rally does little for the families that don’t own much of the market.
Inflation expectations are moving the wrong way
Consumers now expect prices to rise 4.7% over the next year, up from 4.6% in September and well above the 3.4% recorded in February, when the Middle East conflict and the resulting energy shock began. Long-run expectations ticked up to 3.5% from 3.4%, and they have stayed above the 2.8%–3.2% range seen in 2024. Expectations matter because they can become self-reinforcing, influencing wage demands and pricing decisions.
Energy is a major driver. Gas prices are up more than $1.50 a gallon on average since the war began, according to AAA, and have held above $4 since mid-summer.
Borrowing costs add pressure
Rates are compounding the problem. The 10-year Treasury yield has climbed above 5%, with some analysts warning it could approach 6%, a level not seen since 2000. That flows directly into household borrowing: Freddie Mac reports the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 7.4% this week, a three-year high. Concerns about a national debt now above $40 trillion are also weighing on consumer views of buying conditions.
Why it matters for investors
Consumer spending drives roughly two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, so sentiment readings are worth watching. A weak mood combined with elevated inflation expectations leaves the Federal Reserve in a difficult spot: easing is harder to justify when households expect higher prices, but tighter financial conditions risk squeezing the consumer further. Retail, housing-related, and consumer discretionary names are the most exposed if sentiment keeps deteriorating and spending follows.
What to watch next
The October figure is preliminary, and the final reading is due later this month. Investors should watch whether sentiment stabilizes or keeps sliding, whether year-ahead inflation expectations push further above 4.7%, and how the 10-year yield behaves as it flirts with higher levels. Gas prices and mortgage rates will also be telling: if they ease, the pressure on households could lift; if they keep climbing, the sentiment gap between higher- and lower-income consumers may widen further.
PDF VersionUnprecedented collaboration merges a massive digital publishing network with Cesar Millan’s global authority, powered by advanced AI content technology.
NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) and Paradium.AI, Inc. (NYSE American: PAAI), owner of iconic media brands including Parade, Men’s Journal, and more, today announced a transformative agreement to launch PetHelpful x Trust·Respect·Love by Cesar Millan. Targeted for a third-quarter 2027 retail launch, the co-brand represents a major evolution in the consumer lifestyle space, uniting a premier celebrity expert with a massive, always-on digital publishing engine.
The collaboration bridges a critical gap in modern retail. While traditional publishing brands offer massive reach but lack a definitive, trusted “face,” and celebrity category experts possess deep authority but lack an always-on promotional and educational commerce engine, this partnership delivers both.
The comprehensive co-brand will span multiple pet categories. Xcel Brands will leverage its proven expertise in orchestrating strategic retail partnerships by collaborating with a network of premier, licensed operating partners to develop and manufacture the line. Trust·Respect·Love by Cesar Millan brings Cesar’s decades of work with dogs and their owners into premium products built on his core principles, utilizing the cleanest, safest, and best materials available worldwide.
“Trust, respect, and love are the foundation of every relationship between a person and their dog. I’ve spent more than twenty five years helping families build that foundation, and the way they care for their dogs every day is part of it,” said Cesar Millan. “With PetHelpful, owners get my guidance and products made to the same standard, in the same place.”
“Pet owners go to PetHelpful when they’re looking for answers. Cesar has spent his career giving them those answers,” said Robert D’Loren, Chairman and CEO of Xcel Brands.
To fuel this commerce machine, Paradium will deploy its proprietary Cutter Studios technology, an advanced AI platform that ingests long-form video content and seamlessly adapt it into dozens of highly engaging, bite-sized shoppable videos and written articles. This ensures a steady, targeted stream of educational and promotional content across Parade, PetHelpful, and Cesar Millan’s own platforms, which together boast a combined reach of over 21 million social media followers and 31 million monthly readers.
“By combining Cesar’s unparalleled expertise with our Cutter Studios AI technology, we are transforming passive readership into active, educated commerce,” said Lisa Delaney, GM & Chief Content Officer of Paradium.AI Lifestyle. “We are effectively building an always-on educational platform where pet owners can consume bite-sized, trusted advice, and then purchase the premium products necessary to act on it.”
About Xcel Brands, Inc. Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) is a media and consumer products company engaged in the design, licensing, marketing, live streaming, and social commerce sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, fine jewelry, home goods, pet products and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social media as social commerce. Xcel is an industry leader in developing influencer led brands and owns the Halston and C. Wonder brands, as well as the co-branded influencer led brands Tower Hill by Christie Brinkley, Trust. Respect. Love by Cesar Millan, GemmaMade by Gemma Stafford and OFF/DUTY by Coco Rocha brand and holds a long-term license agreement in Mesa Mia by Jenny Martinez. Xcel also owns and manages the Longaberger by Shannon Doherty brand through its controlling interest in Longaberger Licensing, LLC. Xcel is pioneering a modern consumer products sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, social commerce, brick-and-mortar retailers, and e-commerce channels to be everywhere its customers’ shop. The company’s previously owned and current brands have generated more than $5 billion in retail sales via livestreaming in interactive television and digital channels alone and has over 20,000 hours of content production time in live-stream and social commerce. The brand portfolio reaches more than 46 million social media followers with broadcast reaching 200 million households. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant live streaming, production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. For more information, visit www.xcelbrands.com.
For further information please contact: Xcel Brands [email protected]
About Paradium.AI, Inc. Paradium.AI, Inc. (NYSE American: PAAI) is a technology leader in IP, data and commerce that builds and operates a unified, AI-powered ecosystem designed to empower creators, media entrepreneurs, publishers and brands to perform at the speed and scale of AI. Through our core technology platforms Encore, InfoSentience and Cutter Studios, we provide the tools, data and reach that enable businesses to serve and grow audiences and optimize for revenue success. Visit us at Paradium.AI to learn more.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the planned launch, product categories, timing, and marketing support for the PetHelpful x Trust·Respect·Love by Cesar Millan co-brand. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the execution of definitive agreements, securing retail distribution, and product development timelines. Actual results may differ materially.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 7.4% this week, according to Freddie Mac survey data through Wednesday, up from 7.28% a week earlier and the highest level in nearly three years. Other measures are higher still. Mortgage News Daily calculated 7.59% as of Wednesday, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 7.49% average for the week through Friday, and Zillow data showed a 7.52% rate on a 30-year purchase loan today.
The climb has been steady. Freddie Mac’s 30-year average was 6.65% in late August, which means borrowing costs have risen by roughly three-quarters of a percentage point in about seven weeks. The average crossed 7% in late September for the first time in nearly three years and has kept climbing. On a $400,000 loan, a 7.4% rate means principal and interest of roughly $2,770 a month, about $290 more than at the 6.3% level of a year ago.
Mortgage rates are following bond yields higher as investors worry about government spending, inflation tied to the Iran war, and ongoing economic growth. The 10-year Treasury yield has hovered around 5.3% this week, retreating slightly after briefly touching its highest level since 2002. That link to long-term yields explains why mortgage rates have kept rising even as expectations for another Fed hike in October have faded, since home loan costs track the bond market more closely than the Fed’s policy rate.
The housing market is showing the strain. One housing economist said the higher rates have unsettled the market, noting that pending home sales fell from a year earlier in both August and September, before rates even crossed 7%, and that sellers are cutting prices at a pace not seen in four years. Higher rates reduce what buyers can afford, which pushes sellers to lower prices to attract them, and it keeps many existing homeowners with lower-rate loans from listing at all.
Refinancing is not offering much of an escape either. Zillow data put the average 30-year refinance rate at 7.41% today and the 15-year at 6.76%, while 15-year purchase loans averaged 6.70%. For buyers weighing alternatives, a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 7.13%, only modestly below the 30-year fixed, which limits the appeal of taking on adjustable-rate risk.
Several upcoming data points will show whether rates are close to a peak: next week’s Freddie Mac survey, the September inflation report, and the Fed’s October 27 and 28 meeting, where futures see only a small chance of another hike.
For small and microcap investors, the mortgage market is a useful read on how long-term rates are feeding into the real economy. Housing-linked businesses, from builders and building products suppliers to real estate services and home improvement retailers, are typically among the first to feel higher borrowing costs, and smaller companies with less pricing power and more floating-rate debt feel it more acutely. Mortgage-related financial companies face the same pressure through lower loan volumes. Because long yields, not the Fed, are driving this move, relief is likely to depend on easing concerns about deficits and inflation rather than on the central bank pausing.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
George Proost, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Q1 expectations reset. We are lowering our fiscal Q1 revenue and adj. EBITDA forecasts to $299.0 million and $72.5 million, down from $307.0 million and $77.0 million, respectively. The revision largely reflects softer-than-expected water-park results due to unfavorable weather, pricing, and season-pass decisions, as well as lingering disruption from the World Cup.
Water-park weakness appears fixable. While weather and an aggressive, roughly 30% price increase pressured attendance, per-capita spending improved, and labor costs declined. Management plans to recalibrate pricing, start selling season passes earlier, and further optimize admissions to position the parks for improved performance next season.
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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) is being left out of the renewed rush into AI stocks. At about $251 a share, the stock trades at roughly 20 times trailing earnings, its lowest valuation ever as a public company, and it is down about 2.4% over the past month. The move comes just two months after Amazon crossed $3 trillion in market value on the strength of its cloud business.
The contrast with other AI names is sharp. Nvidia is trading at a record high, and AMD just set a record of its own. Meta shares have surged 23% in the past month on enthusiasm for its Muse AI agent, while Microsoft and Alphabet have posted modest gains. Among the Magnificent Seven, only Alphabet screens cheaper than Amazon.
Two issues appear to be holding the stock back. The first is legal. In early September, the Federal Trade Commission and 22 states sued Amazon, alleging its advertising practices overcharged roughly 1.2 million advertisers by about $20 billion between 2019 and today. The agency says Amazon did not disclose reserve-pricing mechanisms that raised costs for advertisers and consumers. Amazon says advertisers are getting greater value from its platform. These are allegations, not findings, but investors are wary that advertising, one of Amazon’s most profitable businesses, could become less lucrative.
The second issue is spending. Amazon’s second-quarter report raised its 2026 capital expenditure plan to approximately $220 billion. One Wall Street estimate now puts 2027 capex at $320 billion and 2028 at $370 billion, which would push free cash flow to roughly negative $50 billion in each of those years. Those are outside estimates, not company guidance. In August, the stock jumped more than 15% in a single session because AWS growth appeared to justify the spending. Now attention is shifting to how much cash the buildout consumes, the same debate that has weighed on Oracle and other heavy AI spenders.
A low multiple is not automatically a bargain. The bull case rests on AWS, which posted $42.2 billion in quarterly revenue, up 36.7% from a year earlier, with a contracted backlog of $496 billion and management saying demand still outstrips available server capacity. The bear case rests on litigation risk, rising capital intensity, and the possibility that free cash flow stays negative for years. The valuation simply shows which argument investors currently find more persuasive.
For small and microcap investors, the lesson is that even the world’s largest companies are priced on narrative as much as fundamentals. Capital is flowing toward stocks tied to the AI storyline while discounting those carrying heavy spending or regulatory overhang. Smaller suppliers of power, cooling, and components into data center buildouts benefit from Amazon’s spending whether or not its stock rewards it, but they also depend on that spending continuing if its cash flow tightens. Valuation gaps like this one are also a reminder that investor attention can leave fundamentally strong companies undervalued, something smaller companies experience more often than most.
Industry-leading inventory depth, expansive retail reach, and a growth-focused approach are helping independent labels maximize the value of every release and every catalog
PLANTATION, Fla., Sept. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMPED Distribution, a division of Alliance Entertainment (NASDAQ: AENT), continues to redefine what independent labels should expect from a distribution partner. By combining sales, marketing, data analytics, inventory management, retail strategy, and supply chain expertise, AMPED delivers a comprehensive growth platform designed to maximize visibility, drive demand, and create long-term value across both physical and digital channels.
At a time when physical music continues to outperform expectations, labels need a partner capable of moving quickly, maintaining product availability, and capitalizing on opportunities wherever music fans shop. AMPED’s momentum has translated into significant business growth, with Fiscal Year 2026 sales reaching 46% year-over-year growth. These results underscore the increasing demand for a distribution partner capable of delivering scale, reach, and execution across today’s music marketplace.
“True independent music distribution success goes well beyond release day,” said Dean Tabaac, Head of AMPED Distribution. “It requires a complete growth platform designed to maximize reach and elevate independent artists and their record labels. By combining industry-leading inventory depth with seasoned expertise, AMPED connects artists and their labels with opportunities wherever music fans are ready to buy.”
“We partnered with AMPED a little over a year ago to help us deliver best in class service and results to the independent artist and label community. Vinyl records and CDs, along with the record store experience, is critical to artist development and a huge priority for Virgin Music Group. The partnership has been tremendous, and VMG will finish 2026 with record results in the U.S.” -Zack Gershen, Global Head of Commercial Marketing
More than a music distributor, AMPED serves as an extension of its label partners’ teams. The company supports every stage of the product lifecycle, from release planning and retail placement to marketing execution, inventory management, demand forecasting, and sales strategy. This integrated approach enables labels to scale efficiently while benefiting from a partner focused on delivering measurable results.
A key differentiator is AMPED’s commitment to maximizing both frontline releases and catalog performance. While the company consistently executes impactful launch campaigns for new releases, it remains equally focused on helping labels create long-term value from their catalogs. AMPED understands that catalogs must be worked, not just made available to maximize their profitability. Through retailer programs, sales initiatives, merchandising opportunities, marketing campaigns, tour support and other promotional activations AMPED helps keep catalog titles visible and available long after their initial release.
Backed by Alliance Entertainment’s cutting-edge fulfillment infrastructure, AMPED helps labels maintain strong in-stock positions and broad product availability across retail and e-commerce channels. This inventory depth, combined with extensive retail relationships, helps ensure products are available whenever and wherever consumers are ready to buy.
Supporting these efforts is a team of seasoned professionals across sales, data, marketing, and inventory management. This group of people, yes, real people, are known and respected industry wide. Working collaboratively and independently, these teams provide the expertise, operational support, and marketplace knowledge needed to help labels navigate an increasingly dynamic industry.
Simply put, AMPED offers labels a comprehensive distribution platform designed to support growth across physical and digital channels. From launch planning and catalog development to inventory management and retail execution, AMPED remains committed to helping labels expand their reach, connect with consumers, and build long-term success.
About AMPED Distribution
Founded in 2013, AMPED Distribution, a division of Alliance Entertainment, provides independent labels and artists with comprehensive physical and digital distribution, sales, marketing, and technology services. Leveraging Alliance Entertainment’s fulfillment network, retail relationships, and operational infrastructure, AMPED supports releases across major retailers, independent record stores, specialty outlets, and leading e-commerce platforms.
Through a combination of sales expertise, marketing support, inventory management, retail strategy, and data-driven insights, AMPED helps labels expand reach, strengthen fan engagement, maximize catalog value, and drive sustainable growth. Whether launching a new release or supporting long-term catalog opportunities, AMPED serves as a strategic partner dedicated to helping labels succeed in today’s evolving music marketplace.
About Alliance Entertainment
Alliance Entertainment (NASDAQ: AENT) is a scaled entertainment commerce and collectibles platform serving content owners, brands, retailers and fans across music, movies, gaming, licensed merchandise and collectibles. The Company also owns and develops proprietary brands and platforms, including Handmade by Robots™ and Alliance Authentic™, while Endstate Authentic adds NFC-enabled authentication and digital product identity capabilities supporting provenance, brand protection and authenticated resale. Leveraging decades of industry relationships and distribution, fulfillment and inventory-management expertise, Alliance reaches more than 35,000 retail and e-commerce storefronts, connecting entertainment franchises and collectible products with consumers across channels and generations.
Certain statements included in this Press Release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether identified in this Press Release, and on the current expectations of Alliance’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Alliance. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to the anticipated growth rates and market opportunities; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the ability of Alliance to execute its business model, including market acceptance of its systems and related services; Alliance’s reliance on a concentration of suppliers for its products and services; increases in Alliance’s costs, disruption of supply, or shortage of products and materials; Alliance’s dependence on a concentration of customers, and failure to add new customers or expand sales to Alliance’s existing customers; increased Alliance inventory and risk of obsolescence; Alliance’s significant amount of indebtedness; our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness; risks that a breach of the revolving credit facility could result in the lender declaring a default and that the full outstanding amount under the revolving credit facility could be immediately due in full, which would have severe adverse consequences for the Company; known or future litigation and regulatory enforcement risks, including the diversion of time and attention and the additional costs and demands on Alliance’s resources; Alliance’s business being adversely affected by increased inflation, uncertainty regarding tariffs, higher interest rates and other adverse economic, business, and/or competitive factors; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; as well as our financial condition and results of operations; substantial regulations, which are evolving, and unfavorable changes or failure by Alliance to comply with these regulations; product liability claims, which could harm Alliance’s financial condition and liquidity if Alliance is not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims; availability of additional capital to support business growth; and the inability of Alliance to develop and maintain effective internal controls.
Transaction Sharpens Portfolio Focus, Strengthens Financial Position and Provides Additional Capacity to Invest in the Company’s Primary Brands and Strategic Growth Initiatives
JERICHO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS) (the “Company”), a leading provider of thoughtful expressions designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell PersonalizationMall.com and Things Remembered to PlanetArt, LLC, a leading global technology platform for personalized, make on demand e-commerce products, for approximately $45 million in cash, subject to customary closing conditions.
The transaction represents another step in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.’s ongoing efforts to simplify its business, increase its focus on its primary brands, and allocate resources toward the opportunities it believes offer the greatest potential to drive sustainable, profitable growth and long-term shareholder value.
“The sale of PersonalizationMall.com enables us to further sharpen our portfolio focus, strengthen our financial position and create additional capacity to invest in the strategic initiatives we believe offer the greatest opportunity to drive improved performance and long-term growth,” said Adolfo Villagomez, Chief Executive Officer of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. “As we continue to simplify our business, we are taking a disciplined approach to where ownership creates strategic value and where partnerships can provide a more efficient way to serve our customers. This transaction reflects that approach and provides us with greater financial flexibility as we continue executing our transformation and positioning the Company for sustainable, profitable growth. We believe PlanetArt is a strong strategic fit for PersonalizationMall.com and Things Remembered and is well positioned to support the business’s continued growth and success.”
In connection with the transaction, the Company and PlanetArt expect to enter into a commercial agreement that will enable 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. to continue offering select PersonlizationMall.com product to its customers.
The transaction is targeted to close within the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions.
Fiscal 2027 Outlook The Company’s fiscal 2027 guidance provided on September 10, 2026, did not incorporate the impact of the transaction announced today. The Company is evaluating the impact of the transaction on its fiscal 2027 financial results, along with the planned reinvestment of a portion of the proceeds in revenue-generating initiatives across its primary brands. The Company expects to provide an update regarding its fiscal 2027 guidance in conjunction with its fiscal 2027 first quarter earnings release.
About 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. is a leading provider of thoughtful expressions designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more and better relationships. The Company’s e-commerce business platform features an all-star family of brands, including: 1-800-Flowers.com®, 1-800-Baskets.com®, Card Isle®, Cheryl’s Cookies®, Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Shari’s Berries®, FruitBouquets.com®, Things Remembered®, Moose Munch®, The Popcorn Factory®, Wolferman’s Bakery®, Vital Choice®, Simply Chocolate® and Scharffen Berger®. Through the Celebrations Passport® loyalty program, which provides members with free standard shipping and no service charge on eligible products across our portfolio of brands, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. strives to deepen relationships with customers. The Company also operates BloomNet®, an international floral and gift industry service provider offering a broad-range of products and services designed to help its members grow their businesses profitably; Napco℠, a resource for floral gifts and seasonal décor; and DesignPac®, a manufacturer of gift baskets and towers. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was recognized among America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek for 2024. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. was also recognized as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces for 2025 by Newsweek and was named to the Fortune 1000 list in 2022. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS. For more information, visit 1800flowersinc.com.
FLWS-COMP FLWS-FN
Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current expectations or forecasts concerning future events; they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such statements can generally be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “foresee,” “forecast,” “likely,” “should,” “will,” “target,” or similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements relating to future actions; the Company’s ability to complete its planned divestiture of PersonalizationMall.com and Things Remembered, including the timing of the transaction; the Company’s ability to leverage its operating platform and reduce its operating expense ratio; its ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and assets; its ability to successfully execute its strategic priorities; its ability to cost effectively acquire and retain customers and drive purchase frequency; the outcome of contingencies, including legal proceedings in the normal course of business; its ability to compete against existing and new competitors; its ability to manage expenses associated with sales and marketing and necessary general and administrative and technology investments; its ability to reduce promotional activities and achieve more efficient marketing programs; and general consumer sentiment and industry and economic conditions that may affect levels of discretionary customer purchases of the Company’s products. The Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized. Achievement of future results is subject to risk, uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should bear this in mind as you consider forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of the forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, made in this release or in any of its SEC filings. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, refer to the Company’s SEC filings, including the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
American consumers are getting more nervous, and this morning’s data shows exactly why. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.1 in September, down from 51.7 in August — a four-month low. Consumers’ expectations for their own personal finances weakened by roughly 10% month over month. The reading came in slightly above the Street’s estimate of 47.5, but that’s cold comfort against a backdrop of rising grocery bills and gas prices squeezing household budgets nationwide.
Inflation is the headline culprit. Consumers’ outlook for inflation over the next year jumped to 4.6% in September, up from 4% in August — the highest reading since June and well above the 3.4% expectation seen in February. Long-term inflation expectations climbed to 3.4%, breaking a three-month streak at 3.3% and staying above the 2.8%–3.2% range that held throughout 2024.
Gas is the clearest pain point. Prices have risen more than $1.50 a gallon on average since the war with Iran began, with the national average creeping toward $5 and California above $6, according to AAA. Trade policy is adding pressure too: talks between the US and Canada collapsed in late August, and President Trump responded with 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods. On the other side of the ledger, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week confirmed the US and China will extend their trade truce into early 2027, which offers some stability but hasn’t been enough to offset the broader mood.
Joanne Hsu, the survey’s director, said near-term business expectations dropped sharply on fresh fears that high fuel costs and escalating trade fights could ripple through the broader economy. She also noted the pessimism is showing up across the political spectrum, not just in one voter bloc.
Large-cap consumer names have pricing power, scale, and diversified revenue to absorb a soft-sentiment quarter. Small and microcap consumer companies don’t have that cushion. Thinner margins, less inventory flexibility, and heavier reliance on discretionary spend mean a pullback in consumer confidence shows up faster in same-store sales, traffic, and guidance revisions — and it shows up faster in the stock price too, since these names already trade on lower liquidity and less analyst coverage.
The flip side: this is exactly the environment where differentiated research matters most. More than half of US companies with market caps under $250 million carry no analyst coverage at all, which means sentiment-driven selloffs in this space are often indiscriminate — good operators get punished alongside weak ones simply because nobody’s publishing a view. For investors willing to do the work, that disconnect is where the opportunity sits.
A few consumer-facing companies in Noble Capital Markets’ equity research coverage sit directly in the path of this sentiment shift. Vince Holding Corp. (NYSE: VNCE), a contemporary apparel retailer that Noble rates Outperform, operates in a premium-price category that’s typically first to feel a discretionary pullback. Lands’ End (NASDAQ: LE), another Noble-covered apparel name, sits in the same discretionary-spending cycle as the rest of this group. Full reports on each are available at no cost on Channelchek, Noble’s research platform.
Sentiment at 48.1 is a four-month low, and the drivers — inflation expectations at their highest since June, gas prices pushing toward $5-$6 a gallon, and fresh tariff friction — aren’t showing signs of easing this quarter. For small and microcap consumer names, that means tighter scrutiny on Q3 guidance and same-store sales commentary in the weeks ahead.
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep. 23, 2026– Xerox Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: XRX) today announced a major production print portfolio expansion as part of PRINTING United Expo 2026, introducing three new press platforms and enhancements to existing presses.
With these introductions, Xerox is deepening its commitment to production print with an inkjet portfolio spanning cut-sheet and continuous-feed, alongside a new 6-color flagship press for graphic arts. Integrated with the Xerox end-to-end production ecosystem of presses, workflow automation software, media expertise and lifecycle services, the new offerings extend specialty color and intelligent automation capabilities across the broader portfolio, helping print providers bring more work in-house, streamline production and pursue new revenue opportunities.
“PRINTING United is the ideal stage to show how Xerox is driving the future of production print,” said Terry Antinora, President, Global Production Print Services at Xerox. “We’re giving print providers a complete inkjet portfolio, embellishment, intelligent automation, and AI-powered tools that help them grow, differentiate, and win. Everything we’re launching is designed to improve customer profitability — not just increase print volume.”
Attendees can explore the following additions to the Xerox production print portfolio:
Xerox® Proficio™ Jet CS1100: A B3 cut-sheet inkjet press that delivers speeds of up to 300 images per minute. New Xerox-developed printheads and a high-definition ink formulation deliver 1200 × 1200 dots per inch resolution with 2-bit variable-drop imaging for precise dot placement. A scalable drying architecture supports media up to 350 grams per square meter, including coated stocks. The platform enables print providers to shift a wider range of work, from transactional and direct mail to graphic communications and commercial print, onto a single press without compromising quality.
Xerox® Proficio™ Jet CF1200: An industrial continuous-feed inkjet press that delivers speeds of up to 525 feet per minute at 1200 dpi within a compact 28-foot footprint. The smallest 20-inch press in its class handles between 4 million and 30 million Letter / A4 impressions per month, helping high-volume print providers increase capacity, operate more efficiently and protect margins.
Xerox® Proficio™ PX700 FLX: A new graphic arts production press that delivers speeds of up to 120 pages per minute and supports up to six colors inline at rated speed. New Fluorescent Green specialty toner further expands the color gamut and improves RGB accuracy when paired with Fluorescent Pink. Intelligent automation helps reduce operator intervention and improve consistency, enabling print providers to create differentiated, high-value applications.
Xerox® Proficio™ PX300 and PX500 feature updates: Enhanced with new Beyond CMYK and fifth-color options, including Gold, Silver and White, the Proficio PX300 and Proficio PX500 expand opportunities for metallic effects and printing on dark and transparent media. The Proficio PX300 now also features the Xerox® PredictPrint Media Manager, which uses AI-assisted cloud intelligence to simplify media setup and optimize color stability.
At PRINTING United, Xerox will host demonstrations and discussions on generative AI for specialty print, workflow analytics and automation through Xerox® FreeFlow® Core and Xerox® FreeFlow® Vision Connect Software, and generative AI, along with business development resources available through the Genesis Initiative. The Xerox Genesis Initiative helps creative teams maximize the value of Beyond CMYK technologies through specialty inks and embellishments, and application development resources.
To learn more, visit Xerox at PRINTING United booth #N6729 or explore the company’s production print portfolio at Xerox.com.
About Xerox Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: XRX)
Xerox is a global technology company with more than 120 years of innovation leadership. We design, manufacture, deliver, and support print, IT, and digital services for nearly 200,000 clients worldwide. Our integrated, AI-powered portfolio includes managed and production print, document management, workflow automation, cybersecurity, cloud managed services, IT infrastructure and collaboration technology. Serving clients from growing SMBs to 90 percent of the Fortune 500, Xerox supports leading healthcare, government, financial services, education, legal, retail and commercial organizations. Through direct sales and a global network of channel partners, we deliver the technology, expertise, and support organizations need to operate efficiently, securely and at scale.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
High-visibility NFL Agreement. Codere recently announced a multi-year agreement with the NFL, establishing it as the league’s Official Betting Partner in Mexico. In our view, the high-visibility partnership strengthens its presence in a key market, increases brand awareness, deepens customer engagement opportunities, and enhances brand credibility.
Details. The agreement is set to run for three years and includes annual sponsorship of one NFL game in Mexico City and Super Bowl sponsorship rights in Mexico. The agreement kicks off with the November 22, 2026, 49ers–Vikings matchup and Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles in February 2027. The partnership also creates fan engagement opportunities through hospitality programs, VIP experiences, promotional events across multiple Mexican cities, and official NFL merchandise.
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*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Veteran BPO executives Mark Lyndsell and Troy Sanders join TOG as the company expands its global delivery capabilities and advances its Experience Process Outsourcing strategy
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Office Gurus (TOG), a business segment of Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGC), announced the appointments of Mark Lyndsell as Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Troy Sanders as Vice President of Business Development. Together, they bring more than six decades of BPO, contact center, operations and sales leadership experience to TOG.
“TOG has reached an important point in our evolution,” said Dominic Leide, President of The Office Gurus. “Mark and Troy bring the experience and leadership to help us significantly scale the successful, technology-driven platform we’ve built.”
Lyndsell brings more than 30 years of global operations experience, most recently as Senior Vice President, Delivery, Americas at TTEC, leading a multi-country delivery organization generating approximately $850 million in annual revenue. As EVP of Global Operations, he will lead TOG’s global operations, focusing on operational excellence and advancing the company’s Experience Process Outsourcing (EPO) delivery model.
Sanders brings more than 30 years of BPO and contact center sales leadership experience, including new business development for organizations such as iQor and Startek. As VP of Business Development, he will focus on expanding TOG’s new-client pipeline and brings the relationship-based sales mentality that TOG values.
The appointments support TOG’s continued advancement of its EPO strategy and its investment in GuruSuite iX, its AI-enabled technology ecosystem supporting agent performance, quality assurance, training and customer interaction automation. “Our objective isn’t simply to become bigger – it’s to become a better, more capable partner for our clients,” Leide said.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,””anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “potential,” or “plan” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the Company’s capital allocation strategy and growth. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may materially adversely affect the anticipated results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those risks described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 entitled “Risk Factors” and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements made herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this press release and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.
About The Office Gurus
The Office Gurus is a global provider of customer experience and business process outsourcing solutions, combining engaged people, operational expertise and AI-enabled technology to help organizations improve customer experience and business performance.
About Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (SGC)
Established in 1920, Superior Group of Companies is comprised of three attractive business segments each serving large, fragmented and growing addressable markets. Across Healthcare Apparel, Branded Products and Contact Centers, each segment enables businesses to create extraordinary brand engagement experiences for their customers and employees. SGC’s commitment to service, quality, advanced technology, and omnichannel commerce provides unparalleled competitive advantages. We are committed to enhancing shareholder value by continuing to pursue a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. For more information, visit www.superiorgroupofcompanies.com.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
A strong finish to fiscal 2026. Fiscal Q4 revenue was $268.1 million, up 18% from the prior-year period, capping a solid year in which revenue increased 8% to $1.15 billion. Full-year adjusted EBITDA increased 14% to $41.5 million, while gross margin expanded 80 basis points to 13.3%, reflecting favorable product mix and improved operating performance.
Growth is broadening across the portfolio. Physical entertainment remained healthy, with fiscal 2026 vinyl revenue increasing 13%, CDs up 25%, and physical movies up 22%, supported by strong consumer demand and expanded studio relationships with Paramount and Amazon MGM. Higher-value businesses are also gaining traction, with collectibles revenue up 45% and distribution and fulfillment fees up 26%.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Jacob Mutchler, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Strong Q2 Results. The company reported Q2 revenue of $81.8 million and adj. EBITDA of $18.0 million, both of which were above our estimates of $80.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively. Solid Q2 results were driven by double-digit revenue growth across DTC and wholesale channels, improved operating leverage, and a $10.4 million tariff refund benefit. Notably, when excluding the refund, adj. EBITDA was approximately $7.6 million, still above our estimate.
DTC and Wholesale Gain Momentum. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) revenue increased 13.7% to $32.4 million, while wholesale revenue grew 10.4% to $49.4 million. DTC benefited from strength across stores and e-commerce, while an expanding full-price customer base and favorable demand for women’s and men’s collections supported both channels.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
