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VEON .(VEON) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-10 13:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company reported total revenue of $1.115 billion for Q3 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.5% in U.S. dollar terms [24] - EBITDA for the quarter was $524 million, representing a growth of 19.7%, with an EBITDA margin of 47%, up 400 basis points year-on-year [25] - Last 12-month EPS stands at $8.89, up 60.2% year-on-year, although reported EPS for Q3 alone was a loss of $1.84 per share due to non-cash charges [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct digital revenues grew 63% year-on-year to reach $198 million, now accounting for 17.8% of total revenues, up from 11% a year ago [25] - Telecom and infrastructure segment revenues grew 3.5% on a like-for-like basis, reflecting the impact of differentiated networks and services [8] - Multiplay customers generated 55.4% of total customer revenues, with this segment growing revenue-wise by 23% year-on-year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong double-digit revenue growth was delivered across all markets except Bangladesh, which saw a return to year-on-year growth for the first time in 14 months [14] - Beeline Kazakhstan's revenues on a like-for-like basis were up 23.3%, despite headline numbers showing single-digit growth [14] - The financial services business in Pakistan reported a gross transaction value increase of 40% year-on-year, representing 13% of Pakistan's GDP [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a digital operator model, combining connectivity, digital platforms, and financial inclusion to unlock sustainable growth [4] - The asset-light strategy continues with the sale of Kyrgyzstan operations and a global framework agreement with Starlink for satellite connectivity [6] - The company is keen on expanding its digital services portfolio and enhancing capital efficiency while maintaining EBITDA growth [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory despite macro and geopolitical challenges, revising EBITDA growth outlook to 16%-18% in local currency terms for the full year [29] - The company aims to maintain revenue guidance of 13%-15% growth in local currency terms, translating to 7%-8% revenue growth in U.S. dollar terms [29] - Management highlighted the importance of digital services in driving customer engagement and retention, with a focus on expanding smartphone ownership in frontier markets [72][86] Other Important Information - The company completed the operational separation of JazzCash, enhancing growth potential in digital financial services [15] - A $100 million share and/or bond repurchase program was approved by the board, reflecting confidence in growth prospects [7] - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $1.67 billion, including $653 million at headquarters [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Motivation for Kyivstar's SPAC transaction - Management chose a SPAC structure for its deal certainty and speed, believing it would create opportunities for international investors in Ukraine [34] Question: Plans for cash at headquarters level - The cash at headquarters is $653 million, with limitations on upstreaming due to martial law in Ukraine, focusing on investments in the country [38][39] Question: Future of tower assets in Ukraine - The company aims to pursue divestment of tower assets, favoring independent tower companies for better infrastructure sharing [44][46] Question: Financial services growth and loan types - The financial services business targets unbanked individuals, offering nano loans averaging $30-$40, crucial for small businesses [48][49] Question: Strategies for increasing JazzCash penetration - The company plans to enhance smartphone ownership and leverage competencies from Pakistan to expand fintech capabilities in other markets [72][73] Question: Digital bank licensing in Pakistan - The company is exploring upgrading its microfinance banking license to a full digital bank license to enhance capabilities [76] Question: Ride-hailing business expansion - The ride-hailing business operates in 28 cities, with plans to grow in priority markets like Kazakhstan and Pakistan [80]
VEON .(VEON) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-10 13:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues grew 7.5% year-on-year in USD terms, reaching $1.115 billion in Q3 2025 [4][22] - USD EBITDA increased by 19.7% year-on-year, amounting to $524 million, with an EBITDA margin of 47%, up 400 basis points year-on-year [4][22] - Last 12-month EPS stands at $8.89, up 60.2% year-on-year, although reported EPS for Q3 alone was a loss of $1.84 per share due to non-cash charges [7][8] - Direct digital revenues surged 63% year-on-year, now contributing 17.8% of total group revenues [4][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Telecom and infrastructure segment revenues grew 3.5% on a like-for-like basis, reflecting differentiated networks and services [7] - Digital services now account for 17.8% of total revenues, up from 11% a year ago [22] - Multiplay customers, who use at least one digital service in addition to voice and data, generated 55.4% of total customer revenues, growing revenue-wise by 23% year-on-year [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong double-digit revenue growth was delivered across all markets except Bangladesh, which returned to year-on-year growth for the first time in 14 months [12] - VLINE Kazakhstan's revenues grew 23.3% on a like-for-like basis, adjusting for TNS Plus deconsolidation [12] - The financial services business in Pakistan saw gross transaction value rise 40% year-on-year, representing 13% of Pakistan's GDP [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a digital operator model, combining connectivity, digital platforms, and financial inclusion to unlock sustainable growth [4] - The asset-light strategy continues with the sale of Kyrgyzstan operations and a global framework agreement with Starlink for satellite connectivity [5][6] - The company is committed to enhancing its digital services portfolio, with AI integration becoming central to operations [5][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory despite macro and geopolitical challenges, revising EBITDA growth outlook to 16%-18% in local currency terms for the full year [24] - The board approved a $100 million share and/or bond repurchase program, reflecting confidence in growth prospects [6][24] - Management highlighted the importance of digital engagement exceeding mobile engagement, indicating a shift in customer interaction [15] Other Important Information - The listing of Kyivstar on NASDAQ unlocked significant value, with a current market valuation of $2.8 billion [6] - The company retains an 89.6% stake in Kyivstar, valued at $2.5 billion at current market prices [6] - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $1.67 billion, including $653 million at headquarters [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Motivation for choosing a SPAC structure for Kyivstar's listing - Management believed in Ukraine's future and opted for a De-SPAC process to fast-track the listing, achieving a valuation of $2.8 billion [26][27] Question: Plans for cash at headquarters level - The cash at headquarters is $653 million, with limitations on upstreaming due to martial law in Ukraine, focusing on investments in the country [27][28] Question: Future of tower assets in Ukraine - The company aims to pursue an asset-light strategy, considering independent tower companies for better infrastructure management [29][30] Question: Financial services growth in Pakistan - The financial services business is growing steadily, with a focus on microloans and a significant merchant network driving cashless transactions [32][33] Question: Plans for ride-hailing business expansion - The ride-hailing business operates in 28 cities, with plans to explore growth in other markets on a city-by-city basis [44] Question: Digital banking license for MMBL - The company is considering upgrading to a full digital bank license to enhance capabilities and contribute to the cashless economy initiative [43]
VEON Ltd. 2025 Q3 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation (NASDAQ:VEON) 2025-11-10
Seeking Alpha· 2025-11-10 12:31
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VEON .(VEON) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-11-10 12:00
Financial Performance - VEON delivered strong revenue growth of 7.5% in USD and 11% in local currency (LCY), outpacing inflation at 8.4%[11] - EBITDA grew by 19.7% in USD and 24.2% in LCY[11, 20] - Direct digital revenues increased significantly by 63.1% in USD, representing 17.8% of total revenues[11] - LTM equity free cash flow (FCF) reached $584 million, demonstrating sustained FCF momentum[12, 13] - Earnings per ADS increased by 73.6% to $7.81 for 9M25 and by 60.2% to $8.89 for LTM[13] Digital Growth and Strategy - Digital engagement is accelerating, surpassing mobile engagement in monthly usage[12] - VEON is integrating AI-powered features into its digital applications[12] - The company is committed to the combined power of DO1440 and AI1440[12] - Total digital monthly active users (MAU) reached 143.3 million, a 39.3% year-over-year increase[28] Strategic Initiatives - VEON completed the sale of its Kyrgyzstan business[12] - The company is advancing infrastructure monetization across all markets[12] - VEON pioneered Direct to Cell satellite connectivity in its markets[12] - A new buyback plan of up to $100 million of ADS and/or bonds was announced[12] Regional Performance - Pakistan's total revenue increased by 14.6% in LCY, with direct digital revenue up by 28.5%[24] - Ukraine's total revenue grew by 21.1% in LCY, with direct digital revenue increasing 5.3x[24] - Kazakhstan's total revenue increased by 6.7% in LCY, with direct digital revenue up by 43.1%[24] - Uzbekistan's total revenue increased by 9.3% in LCY, with direct digital revenue increasing 2.4x[24]
VEON Raises 2025 Outlook, Robust Revenue and EBITDA Momentum, Direct Digital Revenue up 63% YoY
Globenewswire· 2025-11-10 05:00
Core Insights - VEON has raised its EBITDA outlook for 2025, reflecting strong operational momentum and robust revenue growth [4][10] - The company reported a significant increase in direct digital revenue, which grew by 63% year-on-year, contributing to overall revenue growth [4][5] Financial Performance - VEON's Q3 2025 revenue reached USD 1,115 million, representing a 7.5% year-on-year increase [4][7] - EBITDA for the quarter was USD 524 million, marking a 19.7% year-on-year growth, with an EBITDA margin of 47.0% [4][6] - Direct digital revenues accounted for 17.8% of total revenue, amounting to USD 198 million [7][10] Strategic Developments - The company has successfully completed a USD 200 million bond issuance and received cash proceeds from the listing of Kyivstar Group and the sale of its Kyrgyzstan operations [8][9] - VEON has established JazzCash as a standalone entity and advanced its AI1440 strategy to enhance digital services [9][12] - A non-exclusive global framework agreement with Starlink has been signed, positioning VEON as the first operator with a multi-country Direct to Cell partnership [4][9] Capital Management - VEON's Board of Directors has authorized a buyback program for up to USD 100 million of the company's ADSs and/or outstanding bonds [11][12] - The company maintains a strong liquidity position with USD 1.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents [7][10] Future Outlook - VEON expects local currency EBITDA growth of 16% to 18% year-on-year for 2025, with total revenue growth in USD terms projected at 7% to 8% [10][12] - The company remains optimistic about its growth trajectory, supported by a disciplined capital allocation policy and expanding digital services [12][14]
Kyivstar reports 20% top-line and EBITDA growth as digital rises to 12% of revenues
Globenewswire· 2025-11-10 05:00
Core Insights - Kyivstar Group Ltd reported a strong financial performance in Q3 2025, with total revenue growth of 20.9% year-over-year, reaching UAH 12.3 billion (USD 297 million) [3][10] - The company's EBITDA increased by 21.5% year-over-year to UAH 7.1 billion (USD 171 million), with an EBITDA margin of 57.6% [4][10] - Digital revenue surged by 531% to UAH 1.5 billion (USD 35 million), now accounting for nearly 12% of total revenues, driven by the acquisition of Uklon [5][10] Financial Performance - Total revenue grew to UAH 12.3 billion, reflecting a 20.9% increase YoY, and a 19.8% increase in USD terms [3][10] - EBITDA rose to UAH 7.1 billion, marking a 21.5% YoY growth, with a 20.4% increase in USD terms [4][10] - Adjusted net profit was reported at USD 73 million, excluding a non-cash charge of USD 162 million related to the company's listing [10] Digital Strategy - Direct digital revenue reached UAH 1.5 billion, contributing 11.9% to total revenue, supported by the integration of Uklon [5][10] - The number of multiplay users increased by 24.8% YoY to 6.6 million, representing 31.7% of one-month-active mobile customers [5][10] - Digital monthly active users (MAUs) grew by 49.4% to 13.5 million, indicating strong customer engagement [10] Strategic Initiatives - Kyivstar became the first Ukrainian company to list on the NASDAQ on August 15, 2025 [7] - The company is advancing its digital ecosystem, including the launch of Ukraine's first Starlink Direct to Cell network and the development of a national large language model in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation [7][9] - Kyivstar plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure and technological development [15] Future Outlook - The company anticipates revenue growth of 24% to 27% YoY and EBITDA growth of 23% to 26% YoY in UAH terms for the full year [8] - In USD terms, revenue growth is expected to be between 20% to 23% YoY, with EBITDA growth of 19% to 22% YoY for 2025 [8]
Starlink signs landmark global direct-to-cell deal with Veon as satellite-to-phone race heats up
Reuters· 2025-11-06 20:02
Elon Musk's Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, secured its largest direct-to-cell deal yet with telecoms group Veon , granting access to over 150 million potential customers, both companies said on Thu... ...
VEON's Beeline Kazakhstan Partners with Starlink Direct to Cell to Launch Satellite Connectivity to Kazakhstan, with Support from Kazakhstan Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development
Globenewswire· 2025-11-06 20:00
Almaty and Washington, DC, November 6, 2025 – VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator (“VEON”), announces that Beeline Kazakhstan, its digital operator in Kazakhstan, is partnering with Starlink Direct to Cell to make essential connectivity accessible across Kazakhstan, including in remote areas not covered by terrestrial networks. At a trilateral meeting held during the official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the United States, Beeline Kazakh ...
VEON Appoints Sebastian Rice as General Counsel
Globenewswire· 2025-11-06 07:00
Core Points - VEON Ltd. has appointed Sebastian Rice as General Counsel, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Vitaly Shmakov, who will become Chief Investment Officer [1][4] - Anand Ramachandran will continue as Chief Corporate Development Officer with expanded responsibilities in investor relations and value creation, also effective January 1, 2026 [2][4] - Sebastian Rice brings 24 years of experience from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where he held significant leadership roles [2][3] - The leadership changes are part of VEON's strategy to enhance its digital operator transformation and drive growth in frontier markets [4] Company Overview - VEON is a digital operator serving over 150 million connectivity customers and approximately 120 million monthly active digital users [5] - The company operates in five countries, representing more than 6% of the global population, and is headquartered in Dubai [5] - VEON is listed on Nasdaq and aims to empower individuals and drive economic growth through technology-driven services [5]
VEON’s JazzCash Wins Silver Award for Innovation in Lending at Money20/20 USA 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-10-28 12:00
Core Insights - VEON Ltd.'s digital financial services platform, JazzCash, has won the Silver Award in the Banking category at Money20/20 USA 2025, highlighting its significant role in the financial services ecosystem [1][4] Company Overview - JazzCash is recognized for its innovative digital lending feature, ReadyCash, which provides instant credit to individuals and micro-entrepreneurs, disbursing an average of 140,000 digital loans daily, making it the largest digital lender in Pakistan [2][3] - The platform serves 54 million customers and offers a wide range of financial services, including payments, lending, insurance, and government disbursements [6] Industry Impact - The award underscores JazzCash's contribution to financial inclusion in Pakistan, aligning with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy aimed at increasing formal financial access to 75% of the population by 2028 [3] - JazzCash's recognition at Money20/20 USA positions Pakistan's digital financial ecosystem on the global map of lending innovation, competing with major global players like J.P. Morgan Payments and Revolut [4][5]