Core Insights - VEON Ltd. has been recognized at the World Communication Awards 2025 for its advancements in financial inclusion, resilient connectivity, and digital transformation [1][2] Group Achievements - JazzCash, VEON's digital financial services platform in Pakistan, won the Gold Award in the Beyond Connectivity category, highlighting its role in expanding financial access [2][4] - Kyivstar, VEON's operator in Ukraine, received the Silver Award for Satellite Telecommunications, showcasing its efforts to maintain connectivity in challenging circumstances [2][3] - Jazz, VEON's operator in Pakistan, earned a Silver Award for Best Digital Transformation Programme, reflecting its commitment to delivering AI-powered digital experiences [2][5] Strategic Focus - VEON's CEO emphasized the company's commitment to building digital services that promote access, resilience, and inclusion across its markets [3] - The recognition of JazzCash aligns with VEON's strategy to leverage digital services for economic empowerment and social impact, with JazzCash serving 20.6 million monthly active users and a merchant base of 750,000 [4][9] Technological Innovations - Kyivstar's recent milestone includes the launch of SMS messaging via Starlink Direct to Cell satellites, enhancing connectivity in areas with infrastructure disruptions [3] - Jazz's joint award with Huawei for Best Digital Transformation Programme underscores its evolution into a digital life partner, addressing diverse customer needs across various sectors [5] Industry Recognition - The World Communications Awards are organized by Total Telecoms and are recognized as prestigious accolades in the telecommunications industry, adjudicated by over 100 independent experts [6]

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 USD 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 3.8 times the ARPU of voice-only subscribers, with 55.4% of total customer revenues coming from this segment, which grew revenue-wise by 23% year-on-year [12][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] - In Pakistan, the financial services business gross transaction value rose 40% year-on-year, representing 13% of the country's GDP [15] - The digital-only user base has more than doubled to 50 million, representing nearly 35% of total digital users [17] 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 exploring opportunities for further investment in Ukraine, aligning with its "Invest in Ukraine Now" initiative [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management raised the fiscal year 2025 EBITDA outlook to 16%-18% growth in local currency terms, up from 14%-16% [4] - The company remains confident in its growth trajectory despite macro and geopolitical challenges, with a focus on sustaining long-term value creation [29][30] - Management emphasized the importance of operational cost management and disciplined pricing actions in supporting margin improvements [58] 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 was the right move to list Kyivstar successfully [34] Question: Plans for cash at headquarters - The cash at headquarters is $653 million, with limitations on upstreaming due to martial law in Ukraine, focusing on investments in the country [38] Question: Future of tower assets in Ukraine - The company aims to pursue divestment of tower assets in Ukraine, similar to its strategy in Pakistan, to enhance cash generation [45] Question: Financial services in Pakistan - The financial services business targets unbanked individuals, with microloans providing essential support to small businesses [49] Question: Growth of JazzCash and MMBL - The company plans to leverage capabilities from JazzCash and MMBL to expand fintech services in other markets, focusing on smartphone penetration [72] Question: Ride-hailing market expansion - The company has ambitions to grow its ride-hailing business in other markets, with a city-by-city operational strategy [80] Question: Trade-off between scale and profitability - Management noted that digital services have not diluted EBITDA margins as expected, attributing this to operational cost discipline [58] Question: Run rate for financial services EBITDA - The financial services business has shown steady growth, with expectations for continued performance in the coming quarters [95]

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]

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]

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]

Core Insights - VEON Ltd. inaugurated the JazzCash Experience Lounge in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at promoting digital financial services [1][3] - JazzCash, with 53 million customers, is the leading digital financial services provider in Pakistan, processing transactions equivalent to approximately 9% of the country's GDP in 2024 [2][5] - The Experience Lounge serves as a demonstration hub for digital payment systems, showcasing various technologies and payment methods to enhance financial inclusion [4][5] Company Overview - VEON operates across five countries, serving over 150 million connectivity customers and approximately 120 million monthly active digital users [7] - JazzCash operates under a Branchless Banking charter, offering a wide range of financial services including payments, lending, and insurance [8] Industry Impact - JazzCash's extensive network includes nearly 600,000 merchants and 300,000 agents, facilitating financial access and supporting small-scale commerce [2][4] - The platform disburses over 140,000 digital loans daily to micro-entrepreneurs, contributing to inclusive economic growth [2] - VEON's digital financial services platforms processed approximately US$43.6 billion in total transaction value over the last twelve months, highlighting their economic impact in frontier markets [5]

Financial Performance - VEON's total revenue reached $1087 million, a 5.9% YoY increase in reported terms and 11.2% in local currency[21, 48] - EBITDA was $520 million, up 13.2% YoY in local currency and 19.6% in reported terms, with an EBITDA margin of 47.8%, a 3.1 percentage point increase[21, 54] - Direct digital revenues grew significantly, reaching $180 million, a 56.6% YoY increase in reported terms and 62.4% in local currency, representing 16.5% of total revenues[21, 48] Digital Growth & Strategy - Direct digital revenues now account for 16.5% of total group revenues, compared to 11.2% in Q2 2024[21] - VEON is focused on growing direct digital revenues through financial services, healthcare, entertainment, ride-hailing, and enterprise services[24] - Multiplay users are driving revenue growth, with multiplay segment revenue reaching $438 million[29, 31] Debt & Liquidity - Net debt (excluding leases) stood at $1962 million, with a net debt to LTM EBITDA ratio of 1.32x[21] - Group cash was $1283 million, including $206 million at the HQ level[21, 58] - The company enhanced financial flexibility with a subsequent $200 million bond placement[16, 58] Revised Outlook - VEON revised its 2025 outlook, projecting total revenue growth of 13%-15% and EBITDA growth of 14%-16% in local currency[15, 60] - Capex intensity is expected to be 17%-19% for 2025[60]

Core Insights - VEON Ltd. has successfully closed a partnership with Engro Corporation for the pooling and management of telecommunications infrastructure assets in Pakistan, marking a significant step in its asset-light strategy [1][3][4] Group 1: Partnership Details - The infrastructure assets of VEON, managed under Deodar (Private) Limited, have been transferred to Engro Connect, a subsidiary of Engro Corp, while VEON's digital operator Jazz will lease these assets for mobile voice and data services [2][4] - The partnership was completed at an enterprise value of USD 562.7 million, with regulatory approvals obtained in May 2025 [4] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This partnership allows Jazz to accelerate its transformation into a services company, expanding its digital portfolio to include financial services, entertainment, healthcare, and enterprise services [3] - The collaboration aims to strengthen Pakistan's digital economy, reflecting the visionary approach of Pakistani authorities that facilitated the partnership [3] Group 3: Company Profiles - VEON operates across six countries, serving nearly 160 million customers and focusing on technology-driven services that promote economic growth [5] - Jazz, as Pakistan's leading digital operator, has over 71.5 million cellular subscribers and offers a wide range of digital services, including JazzCash, Garaj, and Tamasha [6] - Engro Corporation is a diversified conglomerate in Pakistan, involved in various sectors including telecommunications infrastructure, and has established partnerships with global entities [7]

Core Insights - VEON Ltd. has secured all regulatory approvals for its strategic partnership with Engro Corporation Limited to manage telecommunications infrastructure assets in Pakistan, enhancing digital investments in the country [1][2] - The partnership involves transferring VEON's infrastructure assets to Engro Connect, a subsidiary of Engro Corp, through a scheme of arrangement, expected to be completed in June [2] - This agreement is anticipated to accelerate Jazz's transformation into an asset-light services company, promoting growth for both Jazz and Engro Corp while supporting Pakistan's digital transformation [3][4] Financial Details - Engro will pay Jazz approximately USD 188 million and guarantee the repayment of Deodar's intercompany debt amounting to USD 375 million [6] Company Profiles - VEON is a Nasdaq-listed digital operator serving nearly 160 million customers across six countries, focusing on technology-driven services that empower individuals and stimulate economic growth [7] - Jazz, as Pakistan's leading digital operator, has over 71.5 million cellular subscribers and offers a wide range of digital services, including JazzCash and Tamasha [8] - Engro Corporation is a diversified conglomerate in Pakistan, involved in various sectors including telecommunications infrastructure, and aims to address pressing issues through its business portfolio [9]

Financial Performance - VEON's total revenue increased by 8.9% YoY to $1,026 million in USD terms[16, 25], and by 15.7% in local currency terms[25, 78] - The underlying local currency revenue grew by 12.9% YoY, outpacing inflation and nominal GDP[16] - VEON's EBITDA increased by 13.7% YoY in USD terms[16, 25], and by 22.1% in local currency terms[25, 83] - Underlying EBITDA grew by 10.4% YoY[16] - Direct digital revenues surged by 50.2% YoY, comprising 14.3% of total revenues in 1Q25[1, 16, 25, 36] Digital Growth - Direct Digital Revenues reached $147 million in 1Q25, reflecting a 50.2% YoY increase[25, 81] - Multiplay segment revenue YoY growth was 24.8%[32] - Multiplay ARPU increased by 4.2%[32] Operational Highlights - VEON repaid the April 2025 VEON Holdings notes of $472 million[16] - June 2025 notes of $94 million are to be repaid at maturity[16, 93] - Group cash increased to $1,775 million[25, 93] - Net debt excl leases to LTM EBITDA ratio decreased to 1.2x in 1Q25 from 1.3x in 4Q24[25] Regional Performance - Pakistan's total revenue increased by 20.3% and EBITDA by 13.2%[39, 46] - Ukraine's total revenue increased by 20.2% and EBITDA by 10.2% in underlying local currency terms[40, 50, 52] - Kazakhstan's underlying revenue increased by 11.5%, but EBITDA decreased by 4.0%[41, 54, 55, 57] - Bangladesh's revenue decreased by 4.8% and EBITDA decreased by 47.5%[42, 59] - Uzbekistan's revenue increased by 13.1% and EBITDA increased by 16.5%[43, 63, 65, 66]