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VEON Ltd. (VEON) Stock Jumps 14% to $50.60 on March 13 After Strong Q4 Earnings and Optimistic 2026 Guidance

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Headquarters in The Index tower in Dubai

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.

Headquarters in The Index tower in Dubai
Headquarters in The Index tower in Dubai

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%.

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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.

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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.

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Iran War Delivers Windfall to America’s Oil Country

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Iran War Delivers Windfall to America’s Oil Country

SANTE FE, N. M.—New Mexico churns out about 2.3 million barrels of crude every day, enough to make it the nation’s second-largest oil-producing state behind its more famous neighbor, Texas. In fiscal year 2025, New Mexico raked in at least $7.3 billion in revenue from the output. Now, it stands to make even more.

Higher oil prices brought on by the conflict with Iran might vex the global economy, but for some U.S. states, they are a windfall that will help close budget deficits, fund early childhood education and improve roads.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

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Hedge Your Portfolio With These Two 11%+ Yield Covered Call ETFs

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Hedge Your Portfolio With These Two 11%+ Yield Covered Call ETFs

This article was written by

Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in the financial management helping top-tier corporates shape their financial strategies and execute large-scale financings. He has also made significant efforts to institutionalize REIT framework in Latvia to boost the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets. Other policy-level work includes the development of national SOE financing guidelines and framework for channeling private capital into affordable housing stock. Roberts is a CFA Charterholder, ESG investing certificate holder, has had an internship in Chicago board of trade (albeit, being resident and living in Latvia), and is actively involved in “thought-leadership” activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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QDVO: Expensive Underperformer Means This Is A Sell

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QDVO: Expensive Underperformer Means This Is A Sell

QDVO: Expensive Underperformer Means This Is A Sell

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Habermas, the philosopher who shaped Germany’s post-war conscience

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Habermas, the philosopher who shaped Germany’s post-war conscience


Habermas, the philosopher who shaped Germany’s post-war conscience

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(VIDEO) 10 Things to Expect from Apple’s Foldable iPhone in 2026: Latest Rumors and Features

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iPhone Foldable

Apple’s long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market is widely expected in fall 2026, with supply-chain analysts and insiders converging on a September launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. Dubbed the “iPhone Fold” or potentially “iPhone Ultra,” the device promises a premium book-style design that blends phone and tablet functionality. While Apple has not confirmed details, consistent leaks from Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman, Jeff Pu and others outline key expectations. Here are 10 things the industry anticipates from Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

iPhone Foldable
iPhone Foldable
  1. Book-Style Design with Dual Displays The foldable will adopt a book-style mechanism similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, unfolding into a tablet-like screen. When closed, it features a 5.3- to 5.5-inch outer display for standard phone use. Unfolded, the inner screen measures approximately 7.7 to 7.8 inches — close to an iPad mini — enabling enhanced multitasking and productivity.
  2. Virtually Crease-Free Inner Screen A major selling point is the near-elimination of the visible crease that plagues most foldables. Apple reportedly uses advanced display tech, including a metal plate to distribute bending stress, liquid metal hinges for durability, and a tougher protective film layer. Sources claim the inner panel will appear almost seamless even after repeated folding.
  3. Ultra-Thin Profile Thickness remains a priority, with the device expected to measure 9 to 9.5 mm folded and 4.5 to 4.8 mm unfolded — rivaling or beating current iPhone thinness. This slim build, combined with a titanium-aluminum hybrid frame for strength and heat dissipation, aims to deliver premium feel without bulk.
  4. Massive Battery Capacity Rumors point to a 5,500 mAh battery — the largest ever in an iPhone — far surpassing the 5,088 mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The extra power supports the larger unfolded screen, multitasking demands and always-on features without sacrificing battery life.
  5. Touch ID Instead of Face ID To save internal space in the slim chassis, Apple is expected to ditch Face ID in favor of a side-mounted Touch ID button, similar to recent iPads. This shift prioritizes reliability in varied lighting and folded/unfolded states.
  6. Enhanced Multitasking and Adaptive iOS The larger inner display will enable iPad-like app layouts, side-by-side multitasking, split-view windows and adaptive interfaces. iOS 27 (expected fall 2026) is rumored to optimize apps for the foldable form factor, with seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes.
  7. Premium Camera Setup Expect a dual-lens rear camera array, a front-facing selfie camera on the inner screen, and possibly an additional external selfie lens. The rear module may resemble the iPhone Air’s plateau design, with high-resolution sensors and advanced computational photography.
  8. Powerful A20-Series Chip and Connectivity The device will likely feature Apple’s A20 or A20 Pro chip, optimized for AI tasks, efficiency and multitasking. It may include the second-generation C2 modem for improved cellular performance, plus eSIM-only support (no physical SIM tray).
  9. High-End Pricing Positioned as a premium “Ultra” product, the foldable iPhone is rumored to start at $2,000 to $2,500 — significantly above current Pro Max models. Analysts believe Apple’s brand loyalty and perceived superior quality could justify the cost in a market where foldables already command high prices.
  10. Fall 2026 Launch Window Consensus from Kuo, Gurman, Pu and supply-chain reports targets mass production in mid-to-late 2026, with a September unveiling at Apple’s fall event. Initial volumes may be limited (3-10 million units), with broader availability and refinements expected in 2027.

Apple’s foldable arrives after years of patents, prototypes and delays, aiming to redefine the category with premium execution rather than rushing to compete. While challenges like display yields and hinge durability persist, the rumored specs suggest a device focused on refinement, battery life and seamless usability.

As leaks intensify ahead of production, the iPhone Fold could mark Apple’s boldest form-factor shift since the original iPhone, blending portability with productivity in a high-end package.

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Constitutional Court Upholds Limits on Jure Sanguinis

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ROME

ROME — Italy’s Constitutional Court on March 12, 2026, rejected major constitutional challenges to the 2025 citizenship reform, confirming that strict generational limits on citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) remain in force. The decision, issued in a press release after a March 11 public hearing, found the objections partly unfounded and partly inadmissible, leaving Law 74/2025 — originally the Tajani Decree — largely intact.

ROME
ROME

The ruling has major implications for millions worldwide with Italian ancestry, particularly in the Americas, who hoped the court would strike down or soften retroactive restrictions. Below are 10 essential facts about the decision, its background and what comes next.

  1. The Court Upheld the Core Restrictions The judges reviewed Article 3-bis of Law 74/2025, which caps jure sanguinis eligibility at descendants with an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy (or meeting specific residency/exclusive-citizenship conditions). The court deemed the generational limit constitutional, rejecting arguments that it violated equality, acquired rights or retroactivity principles.
  2. Retroactivity Remains in Effect The law, effective from March 28, 2025 (decree date), applies to those born abroad even before the change. The court found no unconstitutional retroactive deprivation of a pre-existing right, viewing citizenship recognition as administrative rather than automatic for distant descendants.
  3. Pending Applications Protected Roughly 60,000 cases filed before the March 27, 2025, cutoff continue under old unlimited-generation rules. The decision does not affect these, preserving pathways for many already in process at consulates or courts.
  4. The Hearing Focused on Turin Referral The challenge originated from Turin’s tribunal, which questioned whether the law complied with constitutional equality (Art. 3), legitimate expectations and reasonableness. After a three-hour March 11 session, the court issued its summary rejection the next day. The full written judgment (sentenza) is pending, likely in coming weeks or months.
  5. Broader Impact on Diaspora Communities An estimated 80 million people globally claim Italian descent, with large populations in Brazil (32 million), Argentina (25 million) and the U.S. (20 million). The reform effectively excludes most beyond grandparents, closing a path long used for EU passports offering free movement, work and travel rights.
  6. Motivation Behind the 2025 Reform Sponsored by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the decree aimed to curb consular backlogs (some decades long), prevent passport “commercialization” and manage administrative overload. Supporters argue it restores order; critics say it severs cultural ties formed during 19th-20th century emigration waves.
  7. Other Ongoing Legal Battles The ruling does not resolve everything. The Supreme Court (Court of Cassation) hears arguments April 11, 2026, on retroactivity for pre-law births. The “minor issue” — whether naturalization abroad while a child was minor breaks transmission under 1912 rules — may see unified resolution later in 2026.
  8. Palermo Court Offers Narrow Relief In February 2026, Palermo ruled in favor of Italo-Argentinian applicants blocked by consulate delays, allowing recognition under old rules if pre-decree appointment attempts were proven. Such cases provide limited hope for those with evidence of prior good-faith efforts.
  9. Future Processing Changes Bill 1683, passed January 2026, shifts adult jure sanguinis cases to a centralized Rome office from 2029, with annual quotas and fixed timelines. Consulates handle applications through 2028, but the ruling reinforces the narrower eligibility framework.
  10. Alternatives and Next Steps Those now ineligible can pursue residency-based naturalization (10 years, sometimes reduced), marriage (two years) or reacquisition (until Dec. 31, 2027, for certain pre-1992 losses). Diaspora groups express disappointment but plan further appeals. Lawyers advise reviewing documents for qualifying links or pre-cutoff filings.

The decision solidifies Italy’s shift toward stricter citizenship criteria amid EU migration debates. While disappointing for many distant descendants, it preserves options for closer ties and pending cases. As the full judgment emerges and related cases advance, the jure sanguinis landscape continues evolving.

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Musk says Tesla’s mega AI chip fab project to launch in seven days

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Musk says Tesla’s mega AI chip fab project to launch in seven days


Musk says Tesla’s mega AI chip fab project to launch in seven days

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The Procter & Gamble Company: Dividend Intact Amid Ongoing Restructuring

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Wall Street Lunch: U.S. CPI Holds Steady In February As Fed Eyes Oil Shock, Core PCE

The Procter & Gamble Company: Dividend Intact Amid Ongoing Restructuring

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Oracle's Debt-Ridden AI Ambitions Are Cheaply Valued – Maintain Buy

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Oracle's Debt-Ridden AI Ambitions Are Cheaply Valued - Maintain Buy

Oracle's Debt-Ridden AI Ambitions Are Cheaply Valued – Maintain Buy

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T-Mobile Offers Free Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with No Trade-In Required on Premium Plans

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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.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

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.

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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.

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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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