T-Mobile is making the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra available at no upfront cost to customers who add a new line on its top-tier Experience Beyond plan, waiving the usual trade-in requirement in a promotion that launched with the device’s March 11, 2026, release and remains active as of March 14.

The offer provides up to $1,300 in bill credits over 24 months for the 256GB model, which carries a full retail price of $1,299.99. Customers must commit to the Experience Beyond plan — T-Mobile’s highest unlimited tier, typically priced over $100 per month for a single line with AutoPay — and pay taxes on the device’s value plus a one-time $35 device connection fee. The 512GB variant qualifies for the same credits but incurs an additional $8.33 monthly fee to cover the storage upgrade.

T-Mobile announced the promotion February 25, 2026, alongside Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, positioning it as one of the carrier’s strongest Android incentives of the year. Pre-orders began that day, with in-store availability starting March 11. The deal extends to existing customers adding a line and does not require porting from another carrier or trading in an old device — a notable departure from most flagship promotions that demand eligible trade-ins.

Similar “on us” offers apply to the rest of the S26 lineup. The Galaxy S26+ receives up to $1,100 in credits on the same plan or lower-tier options like Experience More or Go5G Plus, while the base Galaxy S26 qualifies for up to $900 off with a new line on various unlimited plans. Bundling with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet can add extra perks, including up to $300 via virtual prepaid card or a $350 Samsung eCertificate.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra features Samsung’s latest advancements, including a 200MP main camera with enhanced Nightography for low-light performance, 100x AI-powered zoom, a built-in S Pen, a 5,000mAh battery, and expanded Galaxy AI tools for productivity and creativity. It also introduces a “Privacy Display” mode and improved processing power that reviewers say surpasses Apple’s latest chips in certain benchmarks.

T-Mobile’s push aligns with its strategy to grow Android market share amid intense competition from Verizon and AT&T. The carrier has aggressively marketed no-trade-in deals in recent years, betting that premium plan adoption offsets device subsidies through higher monthly revenue and longer customer retention.

To qualify, customers must maintain service and the line for the full 24-month period; early cancellation triggers repayment of remaining credits. The promotion is limited-time and subject to credit approval, with availability varying by location and stock.

Analysts view the offer as compelling for heavy data users or those seeking the latest flagship without upfront costs. However, the high plan price means total spend over two years often exceeds the device’s value, making it most attractive for those already planning to upgrade service or add lines.

The Galaxy S26 series has drawn strong early interest since its February 25 announcement, with Samsung emphasizing AI integration and camera upgrades. T-Mobile’s promotion, still live as of mid-March, provides one of the clearest paths to acquiring the Ultra model without trading in an existing phone.

Customers interested in the deal can check eligibility and apply online at T-Mobile’s website or visit stores. Availability of in-store stock and promotional terms may vary.

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VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON) shares surged 14.20% to close at $50.60 on March 13, 2026, up $6.29 from the previous close of $44.31, as investors reacted positively to the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings report released the same day.

The Amsterdam-based global digital operator, which provides telecom and digital services in emerging markets including Pakistan (Jazz), Ukraine (Kyivstar), Bangladesh (Banglalink) and Kazakhstan (Beeline), reported robust growth driven by digital revenues. Q4 2025 revenue rose 17% year-over-year to approximately $1 billion (exact figures from the release), with EBITDA climbing 29%. Digital revenues grew 84% to represent 20.1% of total revenue, marking a record contribution and highlighting success in fintech, entertainment and other non-core telecom offerings.

Full-year 2025 results showed continued momentum despite challenges in conflict-affected markets like Ukraine and Pakistan. Revenue increased significantly, with adjusted EBITDA reflecting strong operational efficiency. The company completed its first $100 million share buyback program (repurchasing 2.14 million ADSs) and launched a second $100 million program in November 2025, repurchasing an additional 614,500 ADSs for $32.5 million plus some notes by early March 2026. VEON adopted a policy targeting at least $100 million in annual repurchases, with shares to be cancelled, signaling confidence in its valuation and cash generation.

For fiscal 2026, VEON guided revenue growth of 9% to 12% year-over-year and EBITDA growth of 7% to 10%, maintaining capex intensity at 14% to 16%. Management highlighted digital services as a key driver, with expectations for continued acceleration in fintech and value-added offerings.

The earnings release sparked buying interest, with volume reaching around 687,000 to 609,000 shares — well above average. The stock traded in a wide intraday range from $48.26 to $58.50, reflecting volatility but strong upside momentum. After-hours trading saw a slight pullback to around $49.71, down 1.76%.

VEON’s performance comes amid a strategic focus on emerging-market digital transformation. In Pakistan, subsidiary Jazz secured the largest spectrum allocation (190 MHz) in a March 2026 auction, bolstering network leadership. The company also expanded partnerships, including with MeetKai for sovereign AI exploration (announced March 3, 2026) and agreements like the TPL Insurance stake acquisition to grow digital financial services.

Analysts maintain a bullish stance. Consensus ratings lean toward “Strong Buy,” with an average 12-month price target around $73.25, implying more than 44% upside from the March 13 close. Some targets reach higher, reflecting optimism about digital revenue scaling and buyback support.

The stock’s 52-week range spans $34.55 to $64.00, with the March surge pushing it toward the upper end after a pullback earlier in the year. Market capitalization stands around $3.49 billion, with a trailing P/E of about 5.58 and forward P/E near 12.89, suggesting attractive valuation relative to growth prospects.

Challenges persist in operating environments, including geopolitical risks in Ukraine and regulatory pressures in Pakistan, but VEON’s diversified footprint and digital pivot have mitigated impacts. The company emphasized disciplined capital allocation and shareholder returns as priorities.

As VEON advances its digital operator strategy, the March 13 rally underscores investor confidence in its execution and outlook. The next earnings update is expected in May 2026, with ongoing buybacks and digital initiatives likely to remain focal points.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended lower on March 13, 2026, closing at 46,558.47 after shedding 119.38 points or 0.26%, as persistent geopolitical tensions from the U.S.-Iran war continued to push oil prices higher and weigh on investor sentiment.

The blue-chip index opened at 46,689.24, reached a high of 47,123.99 and dipped to a low of 46,494.63 during the session, according to data from Investing.com and Yahoo Finance. Volume totaled around 453 million shares, reflecting elevated trading activity amid volatility. The decline marked the Dow’s third consecutive weekly loss, with the index down nearly 2% for the week ending March 13 — its worst weekly performance in recent months.

The broader market mirrored the Dow’s retreat. The S&P 500 fell 40.43 points or 0.61% to 6,632.19, hitting a new low for 2026. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 206.62 points or 0.93% to 22,105.36. All three major indexes posted their third straight weekly decline, with the S&P 500 down 1.6% for the week and the Nasdaq off 1.3%.

Oil prices remained a dominant force, with crude climbing above $100 per barrel at points during the week as the conflict intensified. Reports of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and Iran’s responses in the Strait of Hormuz fueled fears of supply disruptions, adding inflationary pressure and prompting a flight to safety. Energy-sensitive sectors felt the pinch, while defensive names offered limited offset.

The sell-off extended a broader reversal from earlier 2026 highs. The Dow peaked near 50,188 in February but has fallen more than 7% from that level, pressured by the war’s economic fallout, including higher energy costs and uncertainty over global growth. Technical analysts noted the index hovered near its 200-day moving average around 46,330, with a break below potentially signaling deeper declines.

Market breadth weakened, with only about 31% of S&P 500 components above their 50-day moving averages — near recent lows. The Dow’s relative underperformance in recent weeks contrasted with its earlier leadership in value and defensive rotation.

Geopolitical headlines dominated. Defense Secretary announcements of escalated U.S. actions against Iran reinforced concerns of prolonged disruption in energy markets. Investors reassessed rate expectations, with yields climbing despite soft economic data like Q4 GDP revisions.

Individual movers included pressure on tech and software names, though specific Dow components like Boeing and UnitedHealth showed relative resilience. Broader sector rotation into energy provided some cushion, but overall risk-off sentiment prevailed.

Looking ahead, markets eye Nvidia’s GTC event starting March 16, where CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote could offer AI and chip updates influencing sentiment. Micron earnings and ongoing oil developments also loom. Futures pointed to a cautious open Sunday evening, with Dow futures reflecting continued caution.

The week’s performance underscores fragility amid external shocks. While the Dow remains up about 12% from a year ago, the recent pullback highlights vulnerability to energy shocks and geopolitical risks. Analysts warn of potential for further selling if oil sustains above $100 or conflict escalates.

As trading resumes, focus remains on energy prices and any diplomatic developments that could ease supply fears. The Dow’s path will likely hinge on how markets digest these ongoing pressures.