Multi-channel strategy delivers more than 3.6 million impressions across top U.S. markets AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange 142, LLC ("Orange 142"), a division of Direct Digital Holdings (Nasdaq: DRCT), and a leading digital marketing agency for mid-market brands and agencies, executed a targeted digital advertising campaign in partnership with Visit El Paso to reach meeting planners in highly competitive U.S. markets where destinations compete for meetings and events. As meeting planners ...

Core Insights - Nokia and AWS have launched the first agentic AI-powered 5G-Advanced network slicing solution, enabling telecommunication providers to deliver premium services dynamically based on real-world conditions [1][2][4] Group 1: Innovation and Technology - The collaboration combines Nokia's advanced network slicing with AWS AI technologies, allowing for adaptive network slicing that responds intelligently to various conditions [2][10] - The agentic AI analyzes real-world data such as traffic, events, and locations to optimize network performance and service delivery [2][11] - This innovation aims to transform network slicing from a technical capability into a business enabler, allowing operators to monetize their 5G investments through differentiated services [4][10] Group 2: Use Cases and Applications - The agentic AI-powered slicing can be applied across various sectors, including manufacturing, IoT, smart cities, and emergency services, enhancing service quality during critical situations [6][8] - It supports on-demand slicing for premium 5G services, ensuring quality during traffic surges and emergencies, thus improving connectivity for first responders [6][12] - The solution is designed to optimize network performance for high-demand events, such as concerts and sporting events, by adjusting slicing policies based on real-time data [7][9] Group 3: Industry Impact - The innovation is expected to unlock new revenue streams for telecommunication providers by enabling real-time, intent-based service provisioning [4][5] - Companies like du and Orange are among the first to pilot this solution, showcasing its potential to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency [8][9] - The integration of agentic AI with existing infrastructure allows for scalable and flexible network operations, crucial for modern telecommunications [12]

Core Insights - The company has launched a strategic plan called "Lead the Future" three years ago, which has mobilized the energy of its teams and is now being reviewed for progress [2] - The company has streamlined and refocused its operations, improving efficiency and agility while delivering on its commitments [2] - The new strategic plan is based on three core convictions, emphasizing the essential nature of connectivity in response to industry challenges [3]

Orange (OTCPK:ORAN.Y) 2026 Capital Markets Day February 19, 2026 03:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAkhil Dattani - Head of European Telecoms Equity ResearchAliette Mousnier-Lompré - CEO of Orange BusinessChristel Heydemann - CEOConstance Gest - Head of Investor Relations and Financial CommunicationDavid Wright - Equity Research - TelecomsFernando Cordero - Head of European TMT Equity ResearchJeremy Ben Nathan - Equity Research - TelecomsJosh Mills - Executive Director and Sector Head - Telecoms ResearchJérôme ...

Orange Capital Markets Day February 2026 19th 1 Today's speakers Our leadership team Main speakers Heydemann Group CEO Martinez Group CFO Christel Laurent Aliette Mousnier-Lompré CEO O.Business Hénique CEO Orange France Shaker CEO OMEA Spenger CEO MasOrange Jérôme Yasser Meinrad Communication CSR Today's agenda Financial trajectory & Capital allocation 03 Strategic overview 01 Guidance & key take-aways 04 Our strategy in action: business overview 02 Q&A Hugues Foulon CEO O.Cyberdefense Mari-Noëlle Jégo- Lav ...

Core Insights - Orange has launched a new strategic plan titled "Trust the future," focusing on sustainable value creation and profitable growth, with an emphasis on cash flow generation compared to the previous plan [1][4][19] Financial Guidance - For 2026, the expected EBITDAaL is approximately 3% with an organic cash flow target of around €4 billion, and a dividend of €0.79 payable in 2027 [1][20] - By 2028, the Group anticipates EBITDAaL to grow at a CAGR of approximately 3% from 2025 to 2028, with organic cash flow reaching about €5.2 billion [1][19] - The eCAPEX/sales ratio is projected to decrease to around 14% by 2028, while maintaining a net debt to EBITDAaL ratio of approximately 2x in the medium term [1][20] Strategic Ambitions - The strategy is built around three key ambitions: Customer intimacy, Innovative growth, and Excellence at scale [4][6][19] - Customer intimacy aims to enhance relationships with the 340 million customer base, reducing churn and improving loyalty [6][10] - Innovative growth focuses on expanding profitable services beyond connectivity, targeting an additional €1 billion in revenue by 2028 [7][10] - Excellence at scale leverages the Group's size for technological leadership and operational efficiency [9][12] Market Focus - In France, the Group is transitioning to a full fiber network while implementing efficiency measures to counteract declining copper-related revenues [3][13] - The Africa and Middle East regions are expected to see high single-digit revenue growth, with a similar growth rate anticipated for EBITDAaL [14] - In Europe, low single-digit growth in service revenues and EBITDAaL is expected, with a disciplined approach to CAPEX [15] Operational Efficiency - The Group plans to achieve €1 billion in savings through enhanced operational efficiency, particularly in procurement [12] - AI deployment will be expanded across operations, targeting €600 million in value generated from AI by 2028 [12][19] Shareholder Returns - The Group is committed to maintaining an attractive remuneration policy, with a progressive dividend growth strategy and a new floor set at €0.85 for 2028 [1][20] Commitment to Society and Environment - Orange aims to extend digital trust and provide free digital training to 6 million people by 2030, while also committing to a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 [22][24]

Market Performance - European stocks closed positively, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 up by 1.19%, the UK's FTSE 100 climbing 1.23%, Germany's DAX gaining 1.12%, and France's CAC 40 ending 0.81% higher [1][3]. - Defense stocks rose due to an agreement between India and France to strengthen defense and aerospace ties [2]. - Mining and banking sectors also saw significant gains, with notable performances from companies like Antofagasta, which soared nearly 11% [4]. Company Updates - BAE Systems reported a better-than-expected 12% rise in full-year operating profit, leading to a 4% increase in its shares [4]. - In Germany, Rheinmetall climbed more than 5%, and Heidelberg Materials gained about 4.3% [5]. - Bayer's shares fell over 7% due to a proposed $10.5 billion settlement related to litigation over its Roundup weedkiller [6]. Sector Performance - In the UK market, mining companies such as Fresnillo, Anglo American Plc, and Glencore gained between 4.25% and 4.8% [4]. - In France, companies like Thales, ArcelorMittal, and STMicroelectronics saw gains of 2%-5% [7]. - Notable declines were observed in food retailer Carrefour, which slid more than 5% after reporting a decline in operating profit [8]. Economic Indicators - France's inflation eased to the lowest in five years, with the consumer price index rising only 0.3% year-on-year in January [9]. - The EU harmonized inflation softened to 0.4% from 0.7% in December, marking the weakest rate since December 2020 [10]. - In the UK, the consumer price index posted an annual increase of 3% in January, the lowest since March 2025 [12].

Core Insights - Bank of America is launching a new loyalty program called BofA Rewards to attract a broader customer base, replacing the existing preferred rewards program on May 27 [1] Group 1: Program Details - The BofA Rewards program will be available to all customers with a personal checking account, with no minimum balance required for enrollment [1] - The program will feature four tiers based on the customer's average balance across Bank of America and Merrill accounts [1] - Benefits include credit card rewards bonuses, cash back deals, discounts on home and auto loans, and enhanced fraud monitoring [1] Group 2: Customer Benefits - Customers in the preferred honors and premier tiers will receive additional benefits across various lifestyle categories such as travel, automotive, and food [1] - The existing business rewards program will remain unchanged for current users [1] Group 3: Membership Growth - Since its launch in 2014, the preferred rewards program has grown to over 11 million members [1]

Company Developments - Bayer's stock fell by 7.3% in early trading after its Monsanto Unit proposed a $7.25 billion settlement for lawsuits alleging that its weed killer Roundup causes cancer [2] - Bayer anticipates an increase in provisions and litigation liabilities from €7.8 billion ($9.24 billion) to €11.8 billion, with approximately €5 billion in litigation-related payments expected in 2026 [3] Economic Indicators - The UK inflation rate decreased to 3% in January, down from 3.4% in December, indicating a potential shift in inflation trends compared to the US and eurozone [4] - Analysts predict that UK inflation could drop to 2% by the end of the year, which may lead to further interest rate cuts by the Bank of England [5] Market Reactions - European stocks opened higher, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 up by approximately 0.5%, while the UK's FTSE 100 and France's CAC 40 rose by 0.3%, and Germany's DAX increased by 0.4% [1] - The British Pound remained stable against the dollar at $1.3562, and British government bond yields held steady following the inflation data [8] Global Market Context - Asian stocks experienced gains in a holiday-thinned trade, with several markets closed for Lunar New Year [9] - U.S. stock futures were near flat, with traders awaiting the Federal Reserve minutes from the January meeting [9] - The upcoming personal consumption expenditures price index reading is expected to provide further insights into the economic state [10]

Market Overview - European stocks closed mostly higher, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 gaining 0.45% and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 climbing 0.79% [2] - Investors are optimistic about potential monetary easing from central banks, particularly the Bank of England, amid rising unemployment rates in the UK [1][9] Sector Performance - Defense stocks showed weakness due to hopes of de-escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions [3] - In the UK market, several companies such as Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Barratt Redrow, and AstraZeneca saw gains between 2% and 3.5% [3] - Conversely, miners like Endeavour Mining and Antofagasta fell between 2% and 4% [4] Notable Company Movements - GSK's shares rose over 2.5% following the announcement of a £2 billion share buyback program [3] - Bayer in Germany soared more than 8%, while other companies like Vonovia and Infineon gained approximately 4% and 3.25% respectively [4] - In France, Dassault Systemes climbed about 4%, with other firms like Unibail Rodamco and AXA gaining 2%-3% [6] Economic Indicators - German consumer price inflation rebounded to 2.1% in January, influenced by higher food and services costs [7] - The UK's jobless rate increased to 5.2% in the fourth quarter, with average earnings growth at 4.2%, below expectations [9]