Dubai and Dhaka, December 11, 2025 - VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator (“VEON”), today announces that Banglalink, its digital operator in Bangladesh, has received the permission of Bangladesh Bank to operate as a payment service provider - a milestone in the operator’s ambition to expand further into digital financial services. As a payment services provider, Banglalink will be able to offer regulated money transfer and payment services for customers, expanding access to formal financial ...

Minneapolis, MN, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL) (Sezzle or Company) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, today announced it will join the S&P SmallCap index, effective after market close on Friday, December 12, 2025. The S&P SmallCap 600 seeks to measure the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. “Our inclusion in the S&P SmallCap 600 highlights the progress Sezzle has made and sets the stage for our next phase of growth. It marks another step in strengthen ...

Core Insights - Visa Inc. is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on October 28, 2025, with earnings estimated at $2.96 per share and revenues of $10.61 billion [1][5] - The earnings estimate reflects a year-over-year increase of 9.2%, while revenue is projected to grow by 10.3% compared to the previous year [2][5] Financial Performance - For fiscal 2025, Visa's revenue consensus estimate stands at $39.85 billion, indicating a year-over-year rise of 10.9, and EPS is projected at $11.43, suggesting a 13.7% increase [3] - Visa has a history of exceeding earnings estimates, having beaten projections in the last four quarters by an average of 3.9% [3][4] - The company has an Earnings ESP of +3.70% and a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a favorable outlook for the upcoming earnings report [4] Growth Drivers - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 6.2% increase in total Gross Dollar Volume year-over-year, with a model prediction of 5.5% growth [5] - Total processed transactions are expected to grow by 10% year-over-year, with Visa's model predicting a 9.5% increase [6] - Payment volumes are projected to rise by 8.6% year-over-year, with U.S. operations expected to increase by 7.3% [7] - Data processing revenues are estimated to grow by 13.3% year-over-year, while service revenues are expected to rise by 10.2% [8] Expense Considerations - Adjusted total operating expenses are anticipated to increase by 10.6% year-over-year due to higher personnel, professional fees, and processing expenses [11] - Client incentives are expected to exceed $4 billion in the fiscal fourth quarter, which may offset some positive impacts from higher volumes [11][10] Stock Performance and Valuation - Visa's stock has increased by 9.3% year-to-date, outperforming the industry decline of 5% but underperforming the S&P 500's rise of 15.5% [12] - Visa is currently trading at 26.68X forward 12-month earnings, above the industry average of 21.48X, indicating a somewhat stretched valuation [16] - In comparison, Mastercard is trading at 30.88X and American Express at 20.70X, with the latter offering better value [18] Strategic Initiatives - Visa's stablecoin initiatives are seen as a significant shift in global payments, enhancing its infrastructure for digital currencies and improving capital efficiency for cross-border transactions [19] - Regulatory clarity under the GENIUS Act is expected to bolster Visa's long-term growth prospects [19] - Despite competition and antitrust scrutiny, Visa's strong network effects and innovation provide resilience [19] Investment Outlook - Current valuation suggests limited near-term upside, with shares outperforming Mastercard but lagging behind the S&P 500 [20] - The upcoming earnings report will be critical for assessing momentum in Visa's stablecoin rollout and international expansion [20]

Core Insights - Sezzle Inc. will release its third quarter 2025 results on November 5, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call and webcast will be held at 5:00pm ET on the same day, with an earnings presentation available shortly after [1] - Investors are encouraged to submit questions in advance via email [1] Company Overview - Sezzle is a fintech company focused on empowering consumers through its digital payment platform [5] - The platform enhances purchasing power by providing point-of-sale financing options and digital payment services [5] - Sezzle emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use to help consumers manage spending and achieve financial independence [5] Upcoming Events - Sezzle management will participate in several investor events, including Oppenheimer Non-Deal Roadshow on November 17, 2025, Wells Fargo's 9th Annual TMT Summit on November 18, 2025, and Northland Growth Conference on December 16, 2025 [6]

Core Insights - Sezzle Inc. has expanded its merchant network with new partners in various sectors, including fashion, sporting goods, beauty, and digital content, in preparation for the 2025 holiday shopping season [1][2]. Merchant Partnerships - New merchants joining Sezzle include Cato Fashions, SCHEELS, D&B Supply, and Dermstore, reflecting a strategic move to cater to price-sensitive consumers during the holiday season [2][4]. - Cato Fashions is noted as a leading women's fashion retailer, while SCHEELS is recognized as a top destination for sporting goods and apparel [2]. Consumer Spending Trends - According to PwC's 2025 Holiday Outlook, consumers are expected to be more price-sensitive, with Gen Z projected to spend nearly 23% less than the previous year, and overall spending across generations expected to dip around 5% [2]. - The focus on discounts and value over splurges indicates a shift in consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations [2]. Strategic Expansion - Sezzle is adapting to Gen Z's preferences by partnering with platforms like Whop, which focuses on social commerce and digital products, allowing users to engage with content more flexibly [3]. - This partnership aligns with the trend of Gen Z prioritizing experiences and digital communities over traditional goods [3]. Performance Metrics - Early results from Sezzle's partnerships indicate significant growth, with Cato brands reporting that Sezzle orders in the first month averaged nearly double their baseline order value [4]. - The company emphasizes its ability to drive meaningful results at scale, showcasing consistent growth in unique shoppers, total orders, and Sezzle-driven volume [4]. Value Proposition - Sezzle positions itself as a solution for both consumers and retailers, helping shoppers budget responsibly while providing retailers with tools to enhance sales and customer loyalty [4].

Core Insights - The payments industry is primarily dominated by Visa Inc. and Mastercard Incorporated, which are integral to the global digital transaction ecosystem as cash usage declines [1][2] - Investors are evaluating which company presents a better investment opportunity amid evolving consumer spending habits and macroeconomic uncertainties [2][3] Visa Overview - Visa is the largest player in global payments, operating in over 200 countries, and has shown steady transaction volume growth even during economic downturns [4] - In fiscal 2023, Visa's processed transactions increased by 10.4%, with projections of 10% growth in 2024 and an average of 10.2% in the first nine months of 2025 [4] - Visa's net revenues for the latest quarter reached $10.2 billion, a 14.3% year-over-year increase, driven by strong payments volume and cross-border transactions [5] - Visa's cross-border volume grew by 12% year-over-year, while its adjusted operating margin was 67.5%, surpassing Mastercard's 59.9% [5][6] - Visa's dividend yield is 0.7%, higher than Mastercard's 0.5%, and its long-term debt-to-capital ratio is 33.6%, significantly lower than Mastercard's 70.7% [6] Mastercard Overview - Mastercard is recognized for its higher growth potential, focusing on credit transactions and international business, which benefits from trends like the rebound in international travel [9] - In the last quarter, Mastercard's net revenue was $8.1 billion, reflecting a 16.8% year-over-year growth, outperforming Visa [12] - Mastercard's gross dollar volume increased by 9.4% to $2.6 trillion, compared to Visa's 7.5% rise to $4.3 trillion [12] - Mastercard's free cash flow was $13.6 billion in 2024, and its return on invested capital stands at 40.3%, significantly higher than Visa's 27.2% [13][14] - Zacks estimates indicate Mastercard has stronger earnings momentum, with revenue growth forecasts of 15.1% compared to Visa's 10.9% [15] Valuation and Performance Comparison - Visa trades at a forward earnings multiple of 26.43X, while Mastercard trades at 32.13X, reflecting investor confidence in Mastercard's growth outlook [18] - Year-to-date, Mastercard shares have increased by 10.2%, outperforming Visa's 7.4% rise and the industry's 2.3% growth [21] Conclusion - Both Visa and Mastercard are strong players in the payments sector, with Visa offering stability and consistent returns, while Mastercard presents a sharper growth trajectory and superior capital efficiency [24][25] - With the ongoing growth in international travel and digital payments, Mastercard is positioned to capture significant growth opportunities, making it a more compelling investment at this time [25]

Core Insights - DLocal (NASDAQ: DLO) is positioned as a significant player in the emerging markets and digital payments sector, headquartered in Uruguay, facilitating secure payment acceptance and transactions for global merchants [1] Company Overview - DLocal enables global merchants to securely accept and make payments, highlighting its role in the digital payments landscape [1] Analyst Background - MMMT Wealth, led by Oliver, a CPA with experience in private equity, hedge funds, and asset management, focuses on investment strategies and stock analysis, aiming for insights over a 3-5 year horizon [1] - Oliver has 5 years of investing experience and 4 years as a CPA, emphasizing a strong commitment to researching top businesses [1]

Core Insights - Sezzle Inc. will release its second quarter 2025 results on August 7, 2025, after market close, followed by a conference call at 5:00pm ET [1] - The earnings presentation will be available on the Investor Relations website shortly after the market closes on the same day [3] - Sezzle is a fintech company focused on empowering consumers through its digital payment platform, offering point-of-sale financing options and enhancing purchasing power [6] Conference Call Details - Participants can register for the conference call or webcast via a provided link, receiving dial-in credentials and a link to the live webcast upon registration [2] - A replay of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations website after the event [2] Investor Conference Participation - Sezzle Management will participate in several upcoming investor conferences, with the latest investor presentation available on the Investor Relations page ahead of these events [4][8] - Notable conferences include the Oppenheimer 28th Annual Technology, Internet & Communications Conference on August 11, 2025, and the 7th Annual Needham FinTech & Digital Transformation Virtual 1×1 Conference on August 14, 2025 [8] Company Overview - Sezzle is committed to financial empowerment for the next generation, focusing on transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use in its services [6] - The company connects millions of customers with a global network of merchants, aiming to help consumers manage spending responsibly and achieve financial independence [6]

Core Viewpoint - Financial stocks, particularly Robinhood, Nu Holdings, and Coinbase, are considered strong long-term investments despite recent volatility in the market due to rising interest rates and economic challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Robinhood - Robinhood has seen significant growth from 2021 to 2024, with year-end funded accounts increasing from 22.7 million to 25.2 million and assets under custody nearly doubling from $98 billion to $193 billion [4][5]. - The company's annual revenue rose from $1.82 billion to $2.95 billion during the same period, benefiting from a gamified approach to investing and commission-free trades [4]. - Analysts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% for revenue and 19% for adjusted EBITDA from 2024 to 2027, with an enterprise value of $57.3 billion [6][7]. Group 2: Nu Holdings - Nu Holdings, operating in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, has tripled its year-end customer base from 33.3 million to 114.2 million between 2021 and 2024, with an activity rate increasing from 76% to 83% [8][9]. - The company achieved a revenue CAGR of 89% during this period and turned profitable in 2023, with net income surging 91% in 2024 [8]. - Analysts expect Nu's revenue to grow at a CAGR of 32% and net income at a CAGR of 38% from 2024 to 2027, trading at 27 times this year's earnings [10]. Group 3: Coinbase - Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, saw its year-end assets on the platform grow from $278 billion in 2021 to $404 billion in 2024, despite a revenue decline from $7.8 billion to $6.6 billion during the same period [11][12]. - Analysts forecast a revenue CAGR of 6.5% to $7.9 billion by 2027, indicating a gradual stabilization of its volatile business [12]. - The company's adjusted EBITDA is expected to decrease from $3.35 billion in 2024 to $3.26 billion in 2027, while it continues to expand its platform with new features [13][14].

Core Insights - Visa Inc. reported strong quarterly performance in Q2 of fiscal 2025, driven by resilience in consumer spending and growth in cross-border volumes [1] - The company exceeded Wall Street expectations, showcasing strong operational execution despite macroeconomic challenges [1][4] Financial Performance - Visa's EPS was $2.76, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3% and growing 10% year over year [3] - Total revenue reached $9.6 billion, surpassing consensus by 0.3% and improving 9.3% from the previous year [3] - Processed transactions grew 9% year over year to 60.7 billion, while cross-border volumes surged 13% on a constant-dollar basis [3] Market Position and Strategy - Visa's business model benefits from network effects, leading to a stronger and more profitable network as more users engage with its services [5] - The company has a market capitalization of $647.7 billion and continues to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and innovation [5] - Visa returned $5.6 billion to shareholders in the latest quarter through share repurchases and dividends, with a new $30 billion buyback authorization announced [6] Analyst Sentiment and Future Estimates - Analyst estimates for Visa's EPS suggest a 12.7% increase for fiscal 2025 and a 12.6% increase for fiscal 2026 [7] - Revenue estimates indicate a 10.2% increase for fiscal 2025 and a 10.4% increase for fiscal 2026 [7] - Visa has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 3% [7] Diversification and Innovation - Visa's revenue diversification strategy includes value-added services like fraud prevention and analytics, contributing to stable earnings [9] - The company is innovating in digital wallets and crypto-related payment solutions, expanding its market reach [9] Stock Performance and Valuation - Visa stock has increased 10.1% year-to-date, outperforming the industry and S&P 500 [10] - The stock is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 28.53X, higher than its five-year median and industry average [12]