Core Insights - VEON Ltd. has agreed to acquire 100% of OLX Kazakhstan for a total consideration of USD 75 million, enhancing its digital services portfolio in Kazakhstan [1][4]. Company Overview - Beeline Kazakhstan, a subsidiary of VEON, serves 11 million customers with mobile connectivity and 2 million with fixed internet services, and has been executing a digital operator strategy since 2018 [5]. - OLX Kazakhstan is a leading online classifieds platform in Kazakhstan, with approximately 10 million monthly active users and 3.6 million listings as of June 30, 2025, reaching over 52% of the country's active internet users [2]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition is expected to create synergies by integrating OLX KZ into Beeline Kazakhstan's digital services ecosystem, allowing for a more comprehensive set of offerings to customers [3]. - The CEO of OLX Group expressed confidence that Beeline Kazakhstan will drive the next phase of growth for OLX KZ, aligning with OLX Group's strategy to focus on core categories and key markets [4]. Market Position - OLX KZ is recognized as a trusted marketplace in Kazakhstan, serving millions daily, which positions Beeline Kazakhstan to enhance its market leadership through this acquisition [4]. - VEON operates across five countries, providing connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers, indicating a strong regional presence and potential for growth through strategic acquisitions [6].

Financial Performance - Company revenues increased by 5.9% year on year in US dollars, with EBITDA growing by 13.2% year on year [7][31] - For the first half of the year, US dollar revenues grew by 7.3% year on year, and US dollar EBITDA grew by 13.4% year on year [7][31] - In local currency terms, revenues grew by 11.2% in Q2, outpacing inflation and nominal GDP growth [7][31] - EBITDA in local currency grew by 19.6%, reflecting a focus on profitable growth [8][32] Business Lines Performance - Direct digital revenues grew by 57% year on year in dollar terms, now contributing 16.5% of total group revenues [9][31] - Telecom and infrastructure segment revenues grew by 2% in US dollars and 7.4% in local currency terms on a like-for-like basis [16][32] - Digital services now account for 16.5% of total revenues, highlighting their growing relevance in the business model [32] Market Performance - Strong double-digit revenue growth was delivered across all markets except Bangladesh, where a gradual recovery in consumer sentiment is noted [24] - Revenues in Ukraine grew by 25.9%, with EBITDA increasing by 23.6% [25] - In Kazakhstan, revenues grew by 14.5% on a like-for-like basis, accounting for TNS Plus deconsolidation [24] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on an asset-light model, prioritizing large population underserved markets and expanding digital services [12][36] - A strategic infrastructure pooling partnership with ENGRO in Pakistan has been closed, unlocking significant value [10] - The company is executing a series of transactions aligned with its strategy, including the proposed Nasdaq listing for Kyivstar [11][36] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business despite macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility [36] - The outlook for the full year has been revised, expecting revenue growth of 13% to 15% and EBITDA growth of 14% to 16% [37] - Inflation trends are being monitored closely, with a slight uptick noted across markets [38] Other Important Information - The company completed a $100 million share buyback program, repurchasing close to 3% of its shares [11] - Net debt, excluding leases, stood at $1.96 billion as of June, with a cash balance of $1.28 billion [19][34] - The company is focused on enhancing financial flexibility through bond issuances and repayments [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will the proceeds from the Engro sale be fed up to the holding company? - The proceeds will be upstreamed in equal installments through dividends, allowing for proper allocation for debt repayments or potential M&A opportunities [45][46] Question: What should be expected in the third quarter numbers around the SPAC impacts? - The SPAC impact will be calculated based on the closing price of the stock on the first trading day, with a noncash P&L impact expected between $150 million to $200 million [49][50] Question: What strategies are in place to drive 4G adoption? - The company is focusing on increasing coverage and quality of 4G services and entering the smartphone business to enhance digital service consumption [59][60] Question: How does the company plan to monetize its fintech assets? - The company is patient in developing the value of its fintech assets, with significant growth momentum observed, particularly in JazzCash [92][93] Question: When does the company expect to see ARPU close to $3? - The current multiplay ARPU is at $3.4, and as the proportion of multiplay customers increases, overall ARPU is expected to rise [98][100] Question: Will there be tailored smartphones for better penetration of digital apps? - The company has started actively deploying tailored smartphones in Kazakhstan, with promising early results [102]