Latest news with #CharlieYouakim
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sezzle Files Antitrust Action Against Shopify
Minneapolis, MN, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:) (Sezzle or Company) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Shopify Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota asserting federal and state antitrust violations. The lawsuit alleges that Shopify has been engaging and continues to engage in monopolistic and anticompetitive business practices in order to stifle competition for 'buy now, pay later' service options on Shopify's e-commerce platform. Sezzle is seeking an injunction to prevent Shopify from continuing its anticompetitive conduct that limits consumer choice and stifles fair market competition. The suit filed by the Company seeks treble damages. 'Sezzle remains committed to fostering a competitive, transparent, and consumer-friendly payments ecosystem,' stated Charlie Youakim, Sezzle Chairman and CEO. 'This action is an important step in ensuring that merchants and consumers have access to diverse and innovative payment solutions of their choice.' The Company also shared the following business updates: For the first quarter of 2025, revenue associated with gross merchandise volume attributable to Shopify's e-commerce platform represented less than 5.0% of Sezzle's total revenue. The Company is reaffirming its fiscal 2025 guidance, which was provided in its 1Q25 earnings release on May 7, 2025. Contact Information Lee Brading, CFA Investor Relations +1 651 240 6001 InvestorRelations@ Erin Foran Media Enquiries +1 651 403 2184 About Sezzle Inc. Sezzle is a forward-thinking fintech company committed to financially empowering the next generation. Through its purpose-driven payment platform, Sezzle enhances consumers' purchasing power by offering access to point-of-sale financing options and digital payment services—connecting millions of customers with its global network of merchants. Centered on transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use, Sezzle empowers consumers to manage spending responsibly, take charge of their finances, and achieve lasting financial independence. For more information visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. Forward-looking statements include our expectations, whether stated or implied, regarding our financing plans and other future events. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "could," "may," "will," "believe," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "project," other words or expressions of similar meaning (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). These forward-looking statements address various matters including statements regarding the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others: impact of the 'buy-now, pay-later' ('BNPL') industry becoming subject to increased regulatory scrutiny; impact of operating in a highly competitive industry; impact of macro-economic conditions on consumer spending; our ability to increase our merchant network, our base of consumers and gross merchandise value (GMV); our ability to effectively manage growth, sustain our growth rate and maintain our market share; our ability to maintain adequate access to capital in order to meet the capital requirements of our business; impact of exposure to consumer bad debts and insolvency of merchants; impact of the integration, support and prominent presentation of our platform by our merchants; impact of any data security breaches, cyberattacks, employee or other internal misconduct, malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, natural disasters, or similar disruptions; impact of key vendors or merchants failing to comply with legal or regulatory requirements or to provide various services that are important to our operations; impact of the loss of key partners and merchant relationships; impact of exchange rate fluctuations in the international markets in which we operate; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and third party allegations of the misappropriation of intellectual property rights; our ability to retain employees and recruit additional employees; impact of the costs of complying with various laws and regulations applicable to the BNPL industry in the United States and Canada; and our ability to achieve our public benefit purpose and our election to forego our B Corporation certification and other factors identified in the 'Risk Factors' section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the 'Annual Report') and the Company's subsequent filings filed with the SEC. You are encouraged to read the Company's Annual Report and other filings with the SEC, available at for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.. The Company cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements. The Company's business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties. CONTACT: Erin Foran Sezzle 6514032184 in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sezzle Files Antitrust Action Against Shopify
Minneapolis, MN, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:) (Sezzle or Company) // Purpose-driven digital payment platform, Sezzle, announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Shopify Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota asserting federal and state antitrust violations. The lawsuit alleges that Shopify has been engaging and continues to engage in monopolistic and anticompetitive business practices in order to stifle competition for 'buy now, pay later' service options on Shopify's e-commerce platform. Sezzle is seeking an injunction to prevent Shopify from continuing its anticompetitive conduct that limits consumer choice and stifles fair market competition. The suit filed by the Company seeks treble damages. 'Sezzle remains committed to fostering a competitive, transparent, and consumer-friendly payments ecosystem,' stated Charlie Youakim, Sezzle Chairman and CEO. 'This action is an important step in ensuring that merchants and consumers have access to diverse and innovative payment solutions of their choice.' The Company also shared the following business updates: For the first quarter of 2025, revenue associated with gross merchandise volume attributable to Shopify's e-commerce platform represented less than 5.0% of Sezzle's total revenue. The Company is reaffirming its fiscal 2025 guidance, which was provided in its 1Q25 earnings release on May 7, 2025. Contact Information Lee Brading, CFA Investor Relations +1 651 240 6001 InvestorRelations@ Erin Foran Media Enquiries +1 651 403 2184 About Sezzle Inc. Sezzle is a forward-thinking fintech company committed to financially empowering the next generation. Through its purpose-driven payment platform, Sezzle enhances consumers' purchasing power by offering access to point-of-sale financing options and digital payment services—connecting millions of customers with its global network of merchants. Centered on transparency, inclusivity, and ease of use, Sezzle empowers consumers to manage spending responsibly, take charge of their finances, and achieve lasting financial independence. For more information visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business. Forward-looking statements include our expectations, whether stated or implied, regarding our financing plans and other future events. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "plan," "could," "may," "will," "believe," "estimate," "forecast," "goal," "project," other words or expressions of similar meaning (or the negative versions of such words or expressions). These forward-looking statements address various matters including statements regarding the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, among others: impact of the 'buy-now, pay-later' ('BNPL') industry becoming subject to increased regulatory scrutiny; impact of operating in a highly competitive industry; impact of macro-economic conditions on consumer spending; our ability to increase our merchant network, our base of consumers and gross merchandise value (GMV); our ability to effectively manage growth, sustain our growth rate and maintain our market share; our ability to maintain adequate access to capital in order to meet the capital requirements of our business; impact of exposure to consumer bad debts and insolvency of merchants; impact of the integration, support and prominent presentation of our platform by our merchants; impact of any data security breaches, cyberattacks, employee or other internal misconduct, malware, phishing or ransomware, physical security breaches, natural disasters, or similar disruptions; impact of key vendors or merchants failing to comply with legal or regulatory requirements or to provide various services that are important to our operations; impact of the loss of key partners and merchant relationships; impact of exchange rate fluctuations in the international markets in which we operate; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and third party allegations of the misappropriation of intellectual property rights; our ability to retain employees and recruit additional employees; impact of the costs of complying with various laws and regulations applicable to the BNPL industry in the United States and Canada; and our ability to achieve our public benefit purpose and our election to forego our B Corporation certification and other factors identified in the 'Risk Factors' section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the 'Annual Report') and the Company's subsequent filings filed with the SEC. You are encouraged to read the Company's Annual Report and other filings with the SEC, available at for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.. The Company cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. You are The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements. The Company's business is subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including those referenced above. Investors, potential investors, and others should give careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties. CONTACT: Erin Foran Sezzle 6514032184
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Sezzle Stock Was Sizzling Today
Sezzle posted blowout results in its first-quarter earnings report. The BNPL company's revenue growth more than doubled and its margins expanded. Sezzle seems to have differentiated itself in the crowded BNPL market. 10 stocks we like better than Sezzle › Shares of Sezzle (NASDAQ: SEZL) were on fire today as the buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) platform delivered strong results in its first quarter and raised its guidance. The quarter is the latest evidence of strong momentum in the business, and the stock was up 51% as of 1:24 p.m. ET. The fintech company said that gross merchandise volume (GMV), or spend on the platform, jumped 64.1% to $808.7 million, with customer purchase frequency up to 6.1 times in the quarter from 4.5 in the quarter a year ago. That drove revenue up a whopping 123.3% to $104.9 million, which crushed estimates at $64.8 million. The company had 658,000 users in the quarter, and delivered strong results on the bottom line as well. Operating income jumped 260.6% to $49.9 million, giving it an operating margin of 47.6%. Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) earnings per share jumped from $0.22 to $1.00, which was miles ahead of the consensus at $0.32. CEO Charlie Youakim said, "Our investments in innovation and consumer experience drove new highs in engagement and performance in the first quarter. Stronger consumer activity and better-than-expected repayment trends propelled quarterly earnings above our expectations. These positive developments give us the confidence to raise our 2025 net income guidance by nearly 50% to $120 million." Sezzle is clearly gaining market share rapidly in the fragmented BNPL space, and has some key differences from other BNPLs, including that it gives users the option to choose whether their data is reported to credit bureaus, meaning it appeals to users who don't want to risk hurting their credit scores. The model appears to be resonating, given the skyrocketing growth, and management raised its guidance as well, calling for total revenue growth for the year of 60%-65%, up from 25%-30%. It expects earnings per share to reach $3.25, up from a previous level of $2.21. Based on that forecast, Sezzle still looks very reasonably valued at a price-to-earnings ratio of just 25. The stock could easily move higher from here if its rapid growth continues. Before you buy stock in Sezzle, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Sezzle wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $623,103!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $717,471!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 909% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 162% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of May 5, 2025 Jeremy Bowman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Sezzle. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Sezzle Stock Was Sizzling Today was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Sezzle Stock Blasted Higher This Week
Sezzle reported blowout first-quarter earnings this week. Management significantly raised full-year guidance. Analysts were impressed with the results. 10 stocks we like better than Sezzle › Since last Friday, shares of fintech company Sezzle (NASDAQ: SEZL) had blasted nearly 54% higher, as of 12:40 p.m. ET Friday. The company reported convincing first-quarter earnings results earlier in the week. The buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) company reported first-quarter profits of over $36 million on revenue of nearly $105 million. Net income rose roughly fourfold on a year-over-year basis, while revenue more than doubled. The results soundly beat analyst estimates, according to Zacks consensus estimates. Furthermore, management raised profit expectations for the full year of 2025 by 50% and now expects $120 million in net income. Revenue is expected to grow 60% to 65% during the year, up from prior guidance of 25% to 30%. "Our investments in innovation and consumer experience drove new highs in engagement and performance in the first quarter," Sezzle's chairman and CEO Charlie Youakim said in an earnings statement. "Stronger consumer activity and better-than-expected repayment trends propelled quarterly earnings above our expectations." Analysts at B. Riley Securities said in a research note that subscriber growth helped boost merchant sales after the holiday season, a time they would have normally expected to see slowing sales. They also noted that the increase in guidance was one of the largest they've seen in a while. Sezzle undoubtedly reported a blowout quarter, and the company deserves the huge share price appreciation. However, with this now factored in, Sezzle trades at about 26 times forward earnings, and the stock can be volatile. BNPL companies depend on consumer spending and therefore could struggle if the economy experiences a recession, which is certainly in the cards this year. For this reason, I wouldn't take more than a smaller, more speculative position right now. Before you buy stock in Sezzle, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Sezzle wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $617,181!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $719,371!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 909% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 163% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of May 5, 2025 Bram Berkowitz has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Sezzle. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Sezzle Stock Blasted Higher This Week was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sezzle pitches coupon feature to consumers and merchants
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Correction: A previous version of this article mischaracterized how Sezzle implements a discounting feature on its product marketplace designed to increase customers' awareness of products. The functionality doesn't use an app nor is it branded. Buy now, pay later company Sezzle has introduced a coupon feature that applies shopper discounts on items within the company's product marketplace. This might seem antithetical for a player in the BNPL industry, which generally pitches its product to merchants as a way to increase average check sizes, but Sezzle executives insist coupons will work for both customers and the company's business clients. The new feature went live in February with discounts ranging from 5%-20% on some products within the company's marketplace, which has about 1 million items, a Sezzle spokesperson said Friday. Sezzle's coupon option automatically applies the best discount offers at checkout. Not every product at the company's marketplace has a coupon. Sezzle executives first mentioned the coupon feature in the company's Feb. 25 fourth quarter earnings call. 'I'm certain that our typical customer uses them heavily, and in many cases, needs them to stretch their paycheck,' Sezzle CEO Charlie Youakim told investors on the call, referring to coupons and discounts. The coupon function is a way to retain existing customers and entice new ones with the prospect of saving money, he said. For merchants, the BNPL firm sees the value of coupons as increasing their product's exposure across more channels and to more shoppers. Customers who are price-sensitive will benefit from wiser spending and an easier way to compare deals, Sarah Hill, senior vice president of product for Sezzle, said in a March 6 interview. 'The core value propositions to merchants has historically been an increase in conversion or increase in average order value,' she said. With the coupons, Sezzle's merchant customers can attract more price-conscious shoppers, Hill said. Analysts who cover the Minneapolis-based Sezzle have taken note of the new feature, but reserved judgment, citing its newness. 'I have not seen it deployed for any amount of time so it is too soon to make any judgments on its impact on revenue,' Hal Goetsch, a managing director for the investment firm B. Riley Securities, said in an email. 'It sounds like Sezzle is currently experimenting with monetization for couponing in terms of how much of a discount they give the customer to create attraction and retention and how much of it Sezzle retains,' Northland Capital Markets analysts Mike Grondahl and Owen Rickert wrote in a Feb. 26 investor note. Grondahl declined in an email to say if he thinks the discounts will increase revenue for Sezzle, which offers BNPL services for merchants such as Amazon, Doordash and Target. For the fourth quarter, Sezzle reported net income of $25.4 million, up from $2.9 million from the same quarter in 2023. The company had $98.2 million in revenue for the quarter, up from $48.9 million for the year-ago quarter.
