Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Ribbon generated revenues of $227 million, a decrease of 10% from the prior year [14] - For the full year, revenues were $845 million, an increase of 1% or $11 million year-over-year [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $40 million, a $15 million decrease from the prior year [15] - Non-GAAP net income for Q4 was $106 million, a $78 million improvement year-over-year, driven by a tax benefit [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - IP Optical Networks revenue in Q4 was $85 million, a 2% decrease versus the prior year, while full year revenue was $333 million, up 1% from 2024 [16] - Cloud and Edge revenue in Q4 was $142 million, down 14% year-over-year, but full year revenues were $511 million, a $6 million increase from 2024 [17] - For the full year, sales to global service providers increased 5% and were 70% of overall sales, while sales to enterprise customers increased 2% year-over-year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to U.S. federal agencies were approximately $10 million lower than the fourth quarter of 2024 [7] - EMEA sales were down year-over-year due to reduced sales to Russia, while excluding Russia, sales in EMEA were flat [8] - Sales in the Asia-Pacific region grew 19% year-over-year, significantly driven by business in India [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive profitable growth through modernization projects with service providers, governments, and enterprises [21] - There is a focus on integrating voice technologies with AI platforms, particularly through the Acumen AIOps platform [24] - The company is exploring opportunities in high-speed broadband infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism despite a dynamic macro environment, citing a strong backlog and customer base [4] - The company is taking a cautious approach for 2026 due to uncertainties in investment priorities and federal spending [28] - Management expects revenue growth to be back-end loaded in 2026, with significant opportunities anticipated in the second half of the year [43] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 972,000 shares of common stock in Q4 for a total cost of approximately $3.3 million [19] - A deferred tax benefit of approximately $90 million was recognized in Q4, resulting in cash tax savings of $15 million-$20 million per annum [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on new Cloud and Edge bookings - The $50 million of new bookings were from non-Verizon customers, spread across a growing base of about a dozen different customers [32] Question: Clarification on delays affecting revenue - Delays were primarily due to backlog projects and budget issues, with significant impacts from a U.S. customer undergoing restructuring [38][39] Question: Expectations for sequential growth throughout the year - Management indicated that they expect sequential growth throughout the year, with a cautious approach due to current uncertainties [40][41] Question: Federal segment revenue decline - U.S. federal business revenue was approximately $10 million in Q4, down from over $20 million in the prior year [70] Question: Insights on Acumen platform POCs - The company is in deployment with its lead customer and has about a dozen other POCs lined up, focusing on demonstrating OpEx savings [78]

Core Viewpoint - Optimum strongly rejects TEGNA's excessive fee increases, which are seen as unjustified and disconnected from market realities [1] Summary by Relevant Categories Company Actions - Optimum is actively opposing TEGNA's proposed fee hikes, which include a 30% increase for major network affiliates and a 50% increase for the CW [1] Industry Context - TEGNA's demands are characterized as egregious and not aligned with current market conditions, indicating a potential strain in negotiations between broadcast providers and local affiliates [1]

Summary of Dycom Industries Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Dycom Industries (NYSE: DY) - **Industry**: Telecommunications Infrastructure - **Focus**: Wireline and wireless infrastructure for major telecommunications and cable customers, with recent expansion into data center power solutions [3][57] Key Highlights - **Growth Year**: Dycom experienced significant growth in 2025, with ongoing opportunities in fiber-to-the-home construction across the U.S. [3][5] - **Market Potential**: Approximately 125 million homes are expected to be passed with fiber, representing about 80% of total homes in America [4][18] - **Revenue Model**: Dycom's pricing is based on the distance of fiber laid (per foot) rather than the number of homes passed, indicating potential for revenue growth even as the number of homes passed increases [5][6] Fiber-to-the-Home Construction - **Continued Demand**: Major customers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are ramping up fiber deployment, contradicting the belief that growth is slowing [4][5] - **Construction Complexity**: The shift towards more complex builds (e.g., buried fiber vs. aerial) is expected to increase costs and revenue opportunities [8][10] - **Rural Expansion**: Smaller carriers and cooperatives are also contributing to fiber deployment, particularly in rural areas, despite some slowdowns due to funding challenges [12][13] BEAD Program Impact - **Funding Flow**: The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is anticipated to start generating revenue in 2026, with an addressable market of around $18 billion for fiber-to-the-home projects [34][45] - **Market Dynamics**: The program is expected to create additional pressure on the skilled workforce due to simultaneous projects across states [37][38] Cable Industry Engagement - **Significant Work**: Dycom is heavily involved with major cable companies like Comcast and Charter, focusing on network upgrades and expansions [20][21] - **CapEx Trends**: While some cable companies are decelerating their capital expenditures, others are increasing investments in fiber and DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades [23][24] Labor and Skilled Workforce - **Labor Challenges**: The skilled workforce is a critical concern, with competition for labor expected to intensify as multiple sectors (fiber, data centers) ramp up hiring [33][39] - **Strategic Investments**: Dycom is investing in workforce development to ensure a steady supply of skilled labor for upcoming projects [34][36] Permitting and Regulatory Environment - **Permitting Bottlenecks**: Permitting remains a significant challenge, with local municipalities often lacking the resources to expedite processes [41][42] - **Policy Changes**: There are ongoing discussions at the federal level aimed at improving permitting processes, which could alleviate some bottlenecks [44][45] Long-Haul Fiber and Data Center Opportunities - **Market Size**: The long-haul fiber market is estimated at $20 billion over the next five years, primarily driven by data center connectivity needs [48][49] - **Infrastructure Demand**: There is a growing need for infrastructure to support increased data consumption, independent of AI-related projects [56][57] M&A Strategy - **Future Acquisitions**: Dycom plans to pursue additional mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the data center and telecommunications sectors, while maintaining a focus on organic growth [58][59] Conclusion - Dycom Industries is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for fiber infrastructure and data center connectivity, with strategic investments in workforce development and a proactive approach to market opportunities. The company anticipates significant growth driven by both fiber-to-the-home projects and long-haul fiber needs over the coming years.

Three top executives of Optimum — previously known as Altice USA — will split nearly $2 million in special cash bonuses to reward their contributions to the telecommunications company’s capital raising efforts https://t.co/n6Efkqd8uT ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the launch of a transparent protein water product by Japan's 7-Eleven under its private brand Cycle.me, highlighting its unique positioning in the beverage market and the growing consumer interest in protein intake [6][15][19]. Product Overview - Cycle.me's protein water is priced at 193 yen (approximately 9.3 RMB) and contains 5g of low molecular collagen protein per bottle [15][18]. - The product is marketed with three key selling points: hydration while consuming protein, moderate sweetness with a peach flavor, and the use of mineral-rich deep-sea water from Kochi Prefecture [18][19]. Market Trends - A survey indicates that protein is the most desired nutrient among consumers, which has driven the development of protein water [19]. - According to Fuji Economic Group, the demand for protein food and beverages is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2024, reaching 276.3 billion yen (approximately 11.4 billion RMB) [20]. Development Challenges - Cycle.me faced challenges in maintaining the clarity and stability of the liquid during production, requiring extensive optimization of the entire production process [22][23]. - The final product successfully mimics the appearance of water while retaining nutritional value and a pleasant taste [25][26]. Comparison with Global Trends - The article contrasts Cycle.me's transparent protein water with similar products in the Western market, which often use hydrolyzed whey protein to create semi-transparent beverages [31][32]. - The trend of "Clear Protein" is gaining traction in the U.S., with a market size of $2.72 billion in 2023 and an expected annual growth rate of 6.7% from 2024 to 2030 [36]. Broader Industry Innovations - The article notes that the integration of protein into various food and beverage categories is becoming more prevalent, with brands innovating in areas such as protein-infused coffee and high-protein snacks [50][51]. - The success of high-protein products, such as Greek yogurt and low-calorie ice cream, demonstrates a significant shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, protein-rich options [54][55].

Core Insights - Amdocs Ltd (NASDAQ:DOX) is identified as a promising investment opportunity in the AI sector, particularly following a recent agreement with Optimum to utilize its AI solutions [1][5]. Group 1: Agreement Details - Optimum has signed a multi-year agreement to leverage Amdocs' amAlz Suite, a telecommunications-grade AI platform, to implement new solutions such as AI-powered Bill Presenter and Gen AI Care Agent [2]. - This integration aims to modernize Optimum's billing infrastructure and address challenges associated with its legacy systems [2]. Group 2: Market Demand and Strategy - The agreement highlights the increasing demand for Amdocs' solutions, driven by the need for smart and scalable operations in the telecommunications sector [3][4]. - Amdocs' AI-powered solutions are designed to simplify complexity, accelerate innovation, and create long-term business value for clients like Optimum [4]. Group 3: Technological Collaboration - Amdocs has partnered with NVIDIA to develop and deploy advanced AI solutions, utilizing NVIDIA's infrastructure and models to enhance its AI offerings [4].

Core Insights - The article discusses the launch of a transparent protein water product by Japan's 7-Eleven private brand Cycle.me, which aims to change consumer perceptions of protein beverages traditionally associated with dairy products [3][9]. Product Overview - Cycle.me's protein water is a unique offering that contains 5g of protein per bottle, utilizing low molecular collagen protein as its primary ingredient [12][16]. - The product is priced at 193 yen (approximately 9.3 RMB) and is marketed as a low-calorie, refreshing drink with a subtle peach flavor [10][12]. Market Trends - Consumer interest in protein as a desirable nutrient has been rising, with a market forecast indicating a 2.8% increase in demand for protein food and beverages in Japan, reaching 276.3 billion yen (approximately 11.4 billion RMB) by 2024 [12][22]. - The trend towards lighter, more accessible protein products is evident, with Cycle.me positioning its protein water as a daily supplement rather than a meal replacement [16][38]. Development Challenges - The development of the transparent protein water faced challenges in maintaining clarity and taste, requiring extensive optimization of raw materials and production processes [14][19]. - Collaboration with DyDo, a major Japanese beverage manufacturer, was crucial in achieving the desired product characteristics [14][19]. Competitive Landscape - The article highlights the growing popularity of clear protein products in both Japan and the West, with various brands exploring different formulations and marketing strategies [20][22]. - In the U.S. market, clear whey protein has gained traction, with a projected market size of $2.72 billion in 2023 and an expected annual growth rate of 6.7% from 2024 to 2030 [22][24]. Consumer Reception - Initial consumer reactions to Cycle.me's protein water have been mixed, with some expressing curiosity and others preferring traditional protein sources like boiled eggs [6][7]. - The product's unique texture and flavor profile have sparked discussions on social media, indicating a blend of intrigue and skepticism among potential buyers [6][7].

Core Insights - Ribbon Communications Inc. has launched Acumen, an AIOps and automation platform aimed at enhancing network operations for service providers and enterprises, facilitating their transition to autonomous networks [1][2][3] - The platform is designed to address operational challenges, reduce costs, and improve customer experience through AI-driven insights and customizable automation [2][3] Group 1: Product Features and Benefits - Acumen provides end-to-end observability and AI-driven insights, enabling network operators to enhance reliability and performance while reducing operational costs [2][3] - The platform includes a low-code/no-code workflow builder, allowing for the creation of custom applications tailored to the needs of telecom and critical infrastructure [3] - Acumen supports both Ribbon and third-party components, offering a unified view of network performance and enabling proactive, data-driven decision-making [3] Group 2: Industry Positioning and Strategy - Ribbon Communications positions itself as a leader in real-time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions, focusing on modernizing and securing networks for service providers and critical infrastructure operators [1][4] - The company emphasizes its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters, providing an annual Sustainability Report to stakeholders [4]

Core Insights - Bango has entered into a licensing agreement with Optimum, allowing Optimum customers to access subscription bundles for six months through the Digital Vending Machine® (DVM™) [1][2] - This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Optimum to enhance customer experience by offering bundled streaming services directly through their billing system [2][3] - The DVM™ technology is designed to facilitate quick integration and customization of subscription bundles, benefiting both telecommunications and other sectors [3][4] Company Overview - Bango is recognized as a leader in subscription bundling and has established partnerships with major content providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft [4][5] - Optimum, operated by Altice USA, serves approximately 4.5 million customers across 21 states, providing a range of services including fiber internet, mobile, TV, and phone [1][5] - The partnership aims to drive growth in the subscriptions economy by providing innovative solutions for managing digital services [4][5]