TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlefield Short Duration Bond Plus ETF (TSX: MSBP) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for February and March 2026 will be payable to unitholders of the Fund as follows: Record DatePayable DateDistribution Per Trust UnitFebruary 28, 2026March 13, 2026$0.029March 31, 2026April 15, 2026$0.029 The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MSBP. The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders whic ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Primerica reported a record year in 2025 with a 10% increase in adjusted net operating income to $751 million and a 16% increase in diluted adjusted operating income per share to $22.92 [5][14] - The company achieved a 16% increase in fourth quarter adjusted net operating income and a 22% increase in diluted adjusted operating income per share [4] - Record adjusted operating revenues reached $3.3 billion, up 8% year-over-year, and record net operating income was $761 million, up 10% [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Term life insurance sales faced challenges with a 10% decline in new policies issued for the full year compared to record levels in 2024, while estimated annualized issued term life premiums declined 7% [7][10] - Investment and savings product (ISP) sales grew significantly, with fourth quarter sales of $4.1 billion, up 24% year-over-year, and total annual sales of $14.9 billion, also up 24% [9][10] - Client asset values increased by 15% to $129 billion, supported by strong annual net inflows of $1.7 billion [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market saw nearly 3,500 licensed representatives close over $500 million in mortgage loans, a 26% increase from 2024 [12] - Canadian clients experienced over 18% growth in mortgage volume year-over-year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow its sales force by approximately 1% in 2026, focusing on improving recruiting and licensing efforts [5][6] - Primerica is investing in technology and training to enhance sales processes and improve productivity among representatives [40][80] - The company plans to maintain a conservative outlook for policy growth in 2026, projecting a 2%-3% increase in term life sales [9][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that cost of living pressures are beginning to ease, which may improve purchasing power for middle-income families [30][45] - The company anticipates a gradual normalization of persistency rates as economic conditions stabilize [17] - Management expressed optimism about the ISP segment's growth potential, driven by favorable demographic trends and increasing demand for retirement solutions [10][15] Other Important Information - Primerica returned approximately 79% of net operating income to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, indicating a disciplined approach to capital deployment [22][23] - The company maintains a strong financial position with $521 million in cash and invested assets [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the term sales outlook of 2%-3% growth for 2026? - Management indicated that improving purchasing power for middle-income families and easing economic uncertainties are expected to drive sales momentum [28][30] Question: Why are term life and ISP showing diverging trends? - Management explained that different segments of the middle-income market react differently to economic conditions, with ISP benefiting from money in motion towards retirement accounts [32][33] Question: What is the potential impact of AI on the business model? - Management views AI as an opportunity to improve efficiencies and reshape workflows, enhancing the sales process without threatening the relationship-based model [39][42] Question: What distractions are being observed in the middle market? - Management noted that tight budgets and economic uncertainties have been distractions, but there are signs of improvement as cost pressures ease [44][45] Question: What is the outlook for term life margin? - Management expects the term life operating margin to be around 21% for the year, with stable benefit and claims ratios [18][67]