SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman is notifying investors in Klarna Group plc (NYSE: KLAR) of the upcoming February 20, 2026, lead plaintiff deadline in a pending securities class action. The firm is actively investigating the lawsuits claims of alleged misstatements in Klarna’s September 2025 Initial Public Offering (IPO) documents. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR KLARNA LOSSES Investors who purchased Klarna (KLAR) shares pursuant to the company’s ...

Core Insights - CQG has entered into an agreement for Broadridge Financial Solutions to acquire it, aiming to create an end-to-end trading suite for global futures and options markets [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will enhance Broadridge's order management and client connectivity solutions by integrating CQG's execution management, algorithmic trading, and analytics capabilities [1][2] - The transaction is expected to close in Broadridge's fiscal fourth quarter ending June 30, subject to regulatory approvals [2] Group 2: Strategic Benefits - The combined capabilities will provide a global multi-asset class trading experience characterized by speed, scale, and intelligence, enabling clients to trade smarter and access new markets [2][3] - The expanded offering will support a wide range of clients, including futures commission merchants, institutional investors, retail brokers, proprietary trading firms, commodity trading advisors, and hedge funds [3] Group 3: Company Profiles - CQG is a leading provider of trading solutions, offering high-performance services for traders, brokers, and exchanges globally, with Direct Market Access to over 45 exchanges [4] - Broadridge is a global technology leader that processes over 7 billion communications annually and supports daily trading of over $15 trillion in various securities [6]

Core Viewpoint - Broadridge Financial Solutions has announced an agreement to acquire CQG, enhancing its execution management offerings and advancing its mission to provide connected, multi-asset trading solutions globally [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will integrate CQG's execution management, algorithmic trading, and analytics capabilities with Broadridge's existing order management and client connectivity solutions, creating a comprehensive trading suite for futures and options markets [1][2]. - The transaction involves the purchase of CQG, LLC and certain affiliated entities and assets, with terms undisclosed. It is expected to close in early Broadridge's fiscal fourth quarter, pending regulatory approvals [4]. Group 2: Strategic Benefits - The acquisition is aimed at accelerating Broadridge's innovation strategy across various asset classes, including futures, options, FX, and digital assets, allowing for faster delivery of new functionalities [3]. - Clients across diverse segments, such as FCMs, institutional investors, and hedge funds, will benefit from scalable solutions that support growth objectives and enhance trading experiences [2]. Group 3: Company Background - Broadridge is a global technology leader in financial services, processing over 7 billion communications annually and facilitating daily trading of over $15 trillion in various securities [6]. - CQG is recognized for its high-performance trading solutions and serves a wide range of market participants, providing access to over 45 exchanges globally [7].

RT DeFi Andree (@DeFi_Andree)PayPal just stress tested DeFi distribution.PYUSD deposits on @aave went from 10m to 400m in Q4 2025.40x in one quarter.This is the clearest signal yet that DeFi is becoming a distribution layer for fintech balance sheets.In October, PayPal launched onchain incentives to match the 4% in app yield.Merkl routed the incentives so onchain holders weren’t donating yield.PayPal didn’t build a lending product. They plugged into Aave’s existing money market and scaled instantly.If PYUSD ...

Core Viewpoint - Affirm and Virgin Media O2 have announced a partnership to provide transparent and flexible payment options for hardware financing to O2 customers, enhancing their purchasing experience [1] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership will allow both new and existing O2 customers to select payment options that best fit their needs when purchasing devices [1] - Affirm will specifically offer financing options for mobile phones and other hardware [1]

Core Viewpoint - Block, Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) is experiencing strong analyst sentiment with 70% of analysts maintaining a bullish outlook and a consensus indicating a 40.70% upside potential as of February 2, 2026 [1] Analyst Opinions - Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage of Block, Inc. on January 27, 2026, issuing an 'Overweight' rating with a price target of $87, citing the completion of the company's turnaround and the beginning of operational momentum [2] - The firm highlighted Block's new product initiatives as evidence of its innovation capabilities, shifting investor focus from restructuring to execution [3] Market Trends - Citigroup analysts noted a growing preference for U.S. fintechs, particularly as the regulatory environment becomes more consumer-friendly ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, positioning Block, Inc. as a key beneficiary [4] - Following a 23% decline in 2025, Citigroup suggests that improved execution by Block could lead to a recovery in investor sentiment [4] Company Overview - Block, Inc. focuses on developing integrated financial ecosystems through its platforms, Square and Cash App, offering a range of services including payments, software, hardware, and consumer financial tools [5]

Core Insights - Lesaka Technologies is consolidating its operating brands under a unified "One Lesaka" identity, aiming to enhance its market position as a strong challenger brand by integrating digital capabilities with physical distribution [1][3][6] - The company received Competition Tribunal approval for its merger with Bank Zero, which is expected to provide significant funding and balance-sheet benefits, including a reduction in gross debt by over ZAR 1 billion [2][6][19] Financial Performance - For Q2 fiscal 2026, Lesaka reported net revenue of ZAR 1.6 billion, reflecting a 16% year-over-year increase, and group-adjusted EBITDA of ZAR 304 million, up 47% year-over-year [5][7] - Adjusted earnings rose to ZAR 111 million, with adjusted earnings per share increasing from ZAR 0.21 to ZAR 1.34 [7][8] - The company's leverage ratio remained stable at 2.5x, down from 2.9x at year-end, with a medium-term target of 2x or lower [8] Operational Highlights - The consumer division showed strong performance with revenue increasing by 38% to ZAR 567 million, lending originations up 88%, and the outstanding loan book growing by 106% to approximately ZAR 1.5 billion [4][13] - The merchant division experienced a revenue decline of 2%, but active merchants increased by 8% to around 130,000, with a new in-house payments switch processing over 40% of card total payment volume [4][11][12] - In the insurance segment, gross premium revenue rose by 38% to ZAR 134 million, with enforced policies increasing by 29% to 641,000 [14] Strategic Guidance - Management provided guidance for Q3, projecting net revenue between ZAR 1.65 billion and ZAR 1.8 billion, and group-adjusted EBITDA between ZAR 300 million and ZAR 340 million [17] - Full-year guidance was reaffirmed with net revenue expected to be between ZAR 6.4 billion and ZAR 6.9 billion, and group-adjusted EBITDA between ZAR 1.25 billion and ZAR 1.45 billion [17]

Market Performance - Market indexes experienced significant declines, with the Dow dropping 592 points (-1.20%), the S&P 500 down 84 points (-1.23%), the Nasdaq falling 363 points (-1.59%), and the Russell 2000 losing 46 points (-1.79%) [1] Amazon's Earnings Report - Amazon reported mixed Q4 results, with earnings of $1.95 per share, slightly below the Zacks consensus by 3 cents, but above the $1.86 per share from the previous year [2] - Revenues for the quarter were $213.4 billion, exceeding the anticipated $211.5 billion, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) also outperformed expectations with $35.6 billion compared to $34.9 billion [2] Investor Concerns - Despite the earnings beat, Amazon's shares fell 8% in after-hours trading due to a projected $200 billion in capital expenditures aimed at competing in the AI infrastructure sector, raising concerns among investors [3] - The company announced 16,000 layoffs this week, bringing the total to 30,000 since late last year, which raises questions about the sustainability of such high spending amid lower-than-expected operating income [4] Other Company Performances - Roblox shares increased by 20% following its Q4 earnings release, reporting a loss per share of -$0.45, which was better than expected, alongside a 69% year-over-year growth in Daily Active Users (DAUs) to 144 million [5] - Affirm exceeded estimates in its fiscal Q2 report with earnings of 37 cents, a 61% year-over-year increase, and revenues of $1.12 billion, surpassing expectations, but shares still fell 4% due to concerns over consumer credit deterioration [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported excellent results for Q2 of FY 2026, with significant growth in key metrics, although specific figures were not disclosed in the opening remarks [6][10]. - The company expects RLTC take rates to hover slightly above 4% for Q3 and Q4, indicating a stable margin outlook despite some year-over-year softening in revenue take rates [21][24]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Affirm Card has shown remarkable growth, with GMV up nearly 160% year-over-year and active cardholders increasing by 121% [61]. - The "other" category, which includes various smaller merchants, has grown to represent 15% of total GMV, indicating a diversification in the business [30][87]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing healthy consumer trends, with consumers showing a willingness to borrow and repay, contributing to stable growth in the current economic environment [18][19]. - The ABS market remains constructive, with recent deals priced with spreads under 100 basis points, reflecting strong market confidence in the company's credit outcomes [49]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its merchant base and diversifying its offerings, with plans to explore new verticals such as home improvement and medical services [110]. - The application for a bank charter is aimed at achieving regulatory certainty and unlocking new product opportunities in the future, although the timeline for approval is uncertain [38][72]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the current consumer health and the ability to manage credit effectively, with no significant deviations from previous quarters [18][97]. - The company anticipates a slowdown in GMV growth to 30% in Q3 and 25% in Q4, primarily due to the transition with a large retail partner [66]. Other Important Information - The company is actively monitoring regulatory developments, particularly concerning potential caps on BNPL rates, but has not seen any immediate threats [70][72]. - The partnership with Fiserv aims to integrate buy now, pay later capabilities into existing banking products, indicating a strategic move to broaden market reach [115]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Dynamics of growth with top merchants - Management noted that the top five merchants for Q2 FY 2026 are different from the previous year, and the business is diversifying well despite some concentration [10][14]. Question: Overview of consumer trends and economic health - Management indicated that consumers are healthy and willing to repay loans, with no significant changes observed in the current quarter [18][19]. Question: RLTC margin trajectory - Management expects RLTC take rates to remain slightly above 4% in the upcoming quarters, with benefits from reduced funding costs [21][24]. Question: Impact of competition on merchant pricing - Management stated that aggressive promotional strategies from competitors have not affected Affirm's pricing or market position [28]. Question: Growth in the "other" category - Management explained that the "other" category includes a diverse range of small merchants, which are increasingly recognizing the value of offering Affirm [30][33]. Question: Bank charter application rationale - Management clarified that the primary motivation for applying for a bank charter is regulatory certainty, with potential long-term benefits for product offerings [38][72]. Question: ABS deal execution - Management highlighted strong execution in the ABS market, with favorable pricing conditions reflecting confidence in the company's credit management [49]. Question: Growth opportunities in new verticals - Management discussed the cautious approach to entering new verticals, emphasizing consumer demand as the driving factor for expansion [110].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported excellent results for Q2 of fiscal 2026, with significant growth in key metrics [4][10] - The RLTC take rates are expected to remain slightly above 4% for Q3 and Q4, with transaction costs benefiting from lower funding costs [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Affirm Card saw GMV growth of just under 160% year-over-year, with active cardholders increasing by 121% and 0% deals on the card rising by 190% [60] - The "other" category, which includes various small merchants, has grown to 15% of total GMV and is experiencing triple-digit growth [29][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing healthy consumer trends, with consumers willing and able to repay loans, indicating a stable economic environment [15] - The ABS market remains constructive, with recent deals priced with spreads under 100 basis points, reflecting strong market confidence [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its network and aims to be universally accepted across various retail sectors, similar to major credit card brands [109] - The decision to explore new verticals such as home improvement and medical is driven by consumer demand and the goal of building a comprehensive service network [108] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the current consumer health and the ability to manage credit effectively, with no significant disturbances noted in the market [94] - The company is tracking regulatory developments closely but has not identified any immediate concerns regarding potential caps on BNPL rates [70][71] Other Important Information - The company has applied for a bank charter to enhance regulatory certainty and potentially unlock new products and services in the future [38][39] - The Boost AI product is still in early stages, but it is expected to enhance merchant engagement through automated A/B testing [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the dynamics of growth with the top five merchants? - Management noted that the top five merchants for Q2 of FY 2026 are different from the previous year, and the business is diversifying well despite some concentration [11] Question: What are the current consumer and credit trends? - Management indicated that consumers are healthy and willing to repay loans, with no significant deviations from previous quarters [15] Question: Can you elaborate on the RLTC margin trajectory? - Management expects RLTC take rates to hover around 4% for the remainder of the year, with transaction costs benefiting from favorable funding conditions [21][22] Question: How is competition affecting merchant pricing? - Management stated that aggressive promotional strategies from competitors have not impacted Affirm's pricing or market position [26][28] Question: What is the growth outlook for the Affirm Card and international expansion? - The Affirm Card is a significant growth driver, with plans for further expansion in the UK and other international markets [61][62] Question: What is the current state of the ABS market? - Management reported strong execution in the ABS market, with favorable pricing conditions and high confidence from investors [48] Question: How is the regulatory environment evolving? - Management is actively monitoring regulatory discussions but has not seen immediate threats to their business model [70][71] Question: What are the implications of entering new verticals? - Management clarified that new verticals are based on consumer demand and are part of a strategy to build a comprehensive service network [108]