Core Insights - VEON Ltd. and Kyivstar are launching the "Invest in Ukraine NOW!" campaign in the U.S. to celebrate Kyivstar's listing on Nasdaq, marking a significant milestone for Ukrainian investment opportunities [1][2][4] - Kyivstar began trading on Nasdaq on August 15, becoming the first Ukrainian company listed on a U.S. stock exchange, with plans to ring the opening bell on August 29 [2][3] - The campaign aims to foster discussions on Ukraine's reconstruction through public-private partnerships and international investments, involving key stakeholders from both Ukrainian and American business communities [2][4] Company Overview - Kyivstar serves nearly 22.4 million mobile customers and over 1.1 million home internet customers, with 13.4 million digital monthly active users as of June 30, 2025 [4][6] - In Q2 2025, Kyivstar reported operating revenue of USD 284 million, reflecting a 20.9% year-on-year increase [4] - The company operates a diverse portfolio of digital services, including healthcare, entertainment, and ride-hailing platforms, and plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027 [4][6] Strategic Partnerships - Kyivstar has partnered with global technology companies, including Starlink, to enhance connectivity services in Ukraine, with a commercial launch planned for Q4 2025 [5][6] - The company aims to strengthen its position as a leading digital operator while contributing to Ukraine's resilience and reconstruction efforts [4][5]

Kyiv, New York, Dubai, and Philadelphia, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON) ("VEON"), a global digital operator and parent company of Ukraine's leading digital operator JSC Kyivstar ("Kyivstar"), and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I (Nasdaq: CCIR) ("Cohen Circle"), a special purpose acquisition company, have today closed the previously announced business combination between Kyivstar Group Ltd. and Cohen Circle (the "Business Combination"), which will make Kyivstar Group Ltd. a U.S.-l ...

Core Viewpoint - VEON Ltd. and Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I have successfully completed a business combination, resulting in the establishment of Kyivstar Group Ltd. as a U.S.-listed company, marking it as the first pure-play Ukrainian investment opportunity on U.S. stock markets [1][2][4] Group 1: Business Combination Details - The business combination was approved by Cohen Circle's shareholders on August 12, 2025, with only 25.4% of Class A ordinary shares redeeming, leading to transaction proceeds of USD 178 million [3] - Following the business combination, VEON holds an 89.6% stake in Kyivstar Group Ltd., which will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols "KYIV" and "KYIVW" starting August 15, 2025 [2][4] Group 2: Company Overview - Kyivstar is Ukraine's leading digital operator, serving nearly 23 million mobile customers and 1.1 million fixed connectivity customers, with a diverse portfolio including digital healthcare, entertainment streaming, and ride-hailing services [6][10] - The company plans to launch satellite-powered Direct to Cell services in Q4 2025, enhancing connectivity across Ukraine [7] Group 3: Investment and Growth Strategy - VEON and Kyivstar Group intend to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure, technological development, and strategic acquisitions [10] - Kyivstar's growth strategy emphasizes robust execution, strong growth, and a commitment to rebuilding Ukraine, appealing to international investors seeking high-growth opportunities [4][5]

Core Insights - Kyivstar Group reported strong financial results for Q2 2025, showcasing resilience and growth in its digital operator strategy [3][5][6] - The integration of Uklon has significantly contributed to revenue and profitability, reinforcing Kyivstar's position in the market [3][5][6] Financial Performance - Total operating revenue reached USD 284 million, a 20.9% increase year-on-year in USD and 25.9% in local currency [5][6] - Profit for the period was USD 82 million, up 13.9% year-on-year in USD and 18.6% in local currency, with a profit margin of 28.9% [5][6] - Adjusted EBITDA was USD 165 million, reflecting an 18.7% year-on-year increase in USD and 23.6% in local currency, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 58.1% [5][6] Digital Growth - Direct digital revenue now accounts for 10.3% of total operating revenue, with Uklon contributing USD 21.7 million in revenue and USD 9.3 million in adjusted EBITDA [5][6] - The Multiplay customer base increased by 23.7% year-on-year to 6.5 million, representing 31.7% of one-month active mobile customers [6] - Total digital monthly active users reached 13.4 million, a 51.2% increase from the previous year, including 3.5 million users from Uklon [6] Strategic Initiatives - The company is on track for its Nasdaq listing, which is expected to enhance its investment appeal and support Ukraine's digital transformation [3][13] - Kyivstar Group plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure and technological development [10]

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]