Sezzle expands its all-in-one app with a new mobile plan offering unlimited 5G data on AT&T’s network starting at $29.99 per month, powered by Gigs Introducing Sezzle Mobile Minneapolis, MN, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) (Sezzle or Company) // - Sezzle, the digital financial platform designed to empower the next generation of consumers, today announced the launch of Sezzle Mobile, a truly unlimited mobile phone plan starting at $29.99 per month, designed for users who incre ...

Core Insights - Vodafone reported that top-line growth in Germany, along with strong contributions from Turkey and Africa, has kept the company on track to meet its full-year earnings and cash flow targets [1] Group 1 - Vodafone's growth in Germany has been a significant factor in its overall performance [1] - The contributions from Turkey and Africa have also played a crucial role in supporting Vodafone's financial outlook [1]

Swedish telecoms group Telia and Norway's Lyse [RIC:RIC:LYSEK.UL], owner of mobile operator Ice, have agreed to combine their Norwegian mobile radio access networks into a jointly held firm, the compa... ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company's revenue decreased by approximately 0.5% year-over-year, while EBITDA grew by about 0.5% [5][28] - Net income for the fourth quarter was $1.3 billion, down from $1.5 billion in the prior year due to lower adjusted EBITDA and higher income tax expenses [28][32] - Adjusted EBITDA declined by 1.2% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with a full-year growth of 0.6% [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Internet customer losses improved year-over-year, with a loss of 119,000 internet customers in Q4, better than the previous year [21] - Mobile lines increased by 428,000, marking a 19% growth, although net additions were lower due to competitive device subsidies [5][21] - Video customers grew by 44,000 in Q4, a significant improvement from a loss of 123,000 in Q4 2024, driven by lower churn and new pricing strategies [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 147,000 subsidized rural passings in Q4, exceeding the target of 450,000 for the year [23] - Total commercial revenue grew by 0.3% year-over-year, with mid-market and large business revenue growth of 2.6% [25] - Advertising revenue declined by 26% in Q4, primarily due to reduced political advertising [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its competitive position by improving service quality and messaging superior value to customers [6][8] - Plans to complete rural build-out in 2026, adding over 1.7 million new subsidized rural passings [8] - The introduction of the Invincible Wi-Fi product in February aims to guarantee internet service and savings for customers [14][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment remains competitive, particularly in internet sales, with low move rates and increased mobile substitution [6][17] - Management expects slight EBITDA growth in 2026, despite challenges from broadband subscriber declines [28][61] - The company is focused on long-term customer, EBITDA, and cash flow growth, with a commitment to improving service and operational efficiency [19][35] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for 2025 totaled $11.66 billion, with expectations for a decline in future years [29][30] - The company plans to reduce its leverage target to the low end of a new 3.5-3.75 times range post-Cox transaction [33][34] - Free cash flow is expected to increase significantly, providing flexibility for capital returns to shareholders [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the new wireless agreement and its impact - The company has amended its long-term MVNO agreement with Verizon, supporting profitable growth for both parties [40] Question: Market position of Spectrum Mobile - The converged strategy is working, with increasing brand awareness and customer perception of value [46][50] Question: Market share trends against fiber operators - The company has greater penetration than fiber competitors and does not see overbuilders reaching ROI goals within its footprint [58] Question: EBITDA growth expectations - EBITDA growth is challenged in 2026, but the company aims to overcome this through mobile growth and operational improvements [61] Question: Sustainability of video subscriber gains - The goal is to have a video product that supports broadband acquisition and retention, not just net gains for their own sake [66][71]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is expected to remain volatile due to investor concerns regarding the leadership of the Federal Reserve and the potential for a government shutdown [1] Investment Opportunities - Low-beta stocks such as Futu Holdings Limited (FUTU), Forum Energy Technologies Inc (FET), Dollar General Corporation (DG), and SK Telecom (SKM) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities amid market volatility [1][8] Company Insights - **Futu Holdings**: This company offers fully digitalized financial services and has been experiencing rapid growth as clients invest more, indicating increased trust from both local and international investors [6] - **Forum Energy Technologies**: Positioned to benefit from rising global energy demand, FET focuses on reducing debt and making strategic investments to strengthen its balance sheet and support long-term growth [7][8] - **Dollar General**: Known for providing affordable everyday essentials, DG is expanding its store presence and is expected to grow steadily, creating long-term wealth for shareholders [9] - **SK Telecom**: A leading mobile service provider, SKM is integrating AI into its core business operations, focusing on digital transformation and AI services to enhance long-term shareholder value [10]

Group 1 - The article highlights the significant growth potential in Africa driven by population growth, improvement in household income from low bases, and technology-driven disintermediation [1] - Companies that serve African consumers are positioned to benefit from these trends, indicating a favorable investment landscape [1]

Industry Development - Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued satellite mobile communication business licenses to China Mobile and China Unicom, following China Telecom [1] - These licenses allow the companies to legally conduct services like direct phone-to-satellite communication [1] - The industry anticipates enhanced applications in emergency communication, maritime communication, and remote area communication [1] Market Reaction - China Unicom's stock price once rose by 4% following the news [1]

Core Insights - T-Mobile released the "Conectados: U.S. Latino Mobile Trends Report," highlighting how U.S. Latinos utilize mobile technology to connect, seek opportunities, and embrace culture in a digital-first environment [1] Group 1 - The report was presented at the inaugural Velocity Conference in Los Angeles, focusing on the intersection of culture, commerce, and technology [1] - The findings indicate that Latinos represent a significant demographic in the mobile technology landscape [1]

Summary of EchoStar's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: EchoStar - **Industry**: Satellite and Telecommunications Key Points and Arguments 1. **Unexpected FCC Letter**: In May, EchoStar received an unexpected letter from the FCC questioning its rights to spectrum, which led to a significant business pivot and potential bankruptcy considerations if not addressed [5][6][8] 2. **Spectrum Transactions**: - Sold 600 MHz of spectrum and C band licenses to AT&T for strategic alignment in the AI age, emphasizing the importance of telecommunications for AI [6][7] - Entered a transaction with SpaceX, selling AWS-four spectrum for $17 billion, split between cash and equity, while establishing a technical arrangement for using SpaceX's direct-to-cell system [8][9] 3. **Transition to Asset-Light Model**: EchoStar is shifting from an asset-heavy to an asset-light growth company, focusing on leveraging partnerships with AT&T and SpaceX for infrastructure [9][42] 4. **Subscriber Base**: EchoStar maintains a significant subscriber base, reaching approximately 30 million consumers through its various brands, including DISH and Sling [10][11] 5. **Revenue Diversification**: The company reported $15.5 billion in revenue, with a shift in revenue sources from consumer to enterprise, particularly within Hughes [11][36] 6. **Boost Brand Strategy**: Boost is being positioned as an innovative challenger brand, utilizing AT&T's infrastructure while maintaining its own agile core network [21][30] 7. **Future Growth in Enterprise**: Hughes is transitioning towards enterprise solutions, particularly in resilient connectivity, with significant progress in the aero business, including contracts with major airlines [36][39] 8. **Financial Structure Post-Transactions**: - Expected proceeds from transactions to be around $31.2 billion, with a new debt structure post-transaction [15][19] - Total cash post-transaction projected at $24 billion, with $15 billion in debt [15][19] 9. **Long-Term Vision**: EchoStar aims to focus on long-term growth, maintaining a diversified portfolio and emphasizing downside protection and capital preservation [43][45] Additional Important Content 1. **Market Positioning**: EchoStar's unique position as a hybrid MNO (Mobile Network Operator) allows it to leverage both its own and AT&T's infrastructure, enhancing competitiveness in the market [25][30] 2. **AI and Telecommunications**: The company recognizes the growing need for new products and services in the AI era, positioning itself to meet these demands effectively [29][30] 3. **Investment in SpaceX**: EchoStar views its investment in SpaceX as a strategic move, given SpaceX's leading position in the market and its potential for future growth [62][98] 4. **Tax Implications**: The company is still assessing the tax implications of its transactions, with estimates ranging from $5 billion to $15 billion for various obligations [76][77] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from EchoStar's conference call, highlighting the company's strategic shifts, financial outlook, and market positioning in the evolving telecommunications landscape.

Core Viewpoint - The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has recommended that T-Mobile US, Inc. discontinue certain express savings claims and modify its advertising to avoid unsupported implied claims [1][5]. Group 1: Advertising Claims - The National Advertising Division (NAD) initiated a case against T-Mobile based on savings claims in various advertisements, including a brochure and commercials [2]. - T-Mobile attempted to clarify its savings claims by explicitly referencing streaming services in its advertisements [3]. - The NARB panel found that the phrase "plus streaming" used by T-Mobile was confusing and did not adequately communicate the nature of the price comparison [4][5]. Group 2: Recommendations and Compliance - The NARB panel agreed with NAD's conclusion that many consumers would misunderstand the promoted savings as being based solely on wireless plan costs without considering additional benefits [5]. - The panel recommended that T-Mobile modify its advertising to avoid implying unsupported claims, although it did not agree with all of NAD's recommendations [6]. - T-Mobile stated that it disagrees with the panel's decision but will comply with the recommendations [7].