VEON .(US:VEON)2025-08-07 13:00Financial Performance - 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 2025, 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 [7][31] - EBITDA in local currency grew by 19.6%, reflecting a focus on profitable growth [8][31] - The company expects local currency revenue growth between 13% to 15% year on year and EBITDA growth between 14% to 16% for 2025 [8][36] Business Line 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 [17][31] - EBITDA margins increased to 47.8% in Q2, reflecting strong operational performance [17][31] Market Performance - Strong double-digit revenue growth was delivered across all markets except Bangladesh, where a gradual recovery is noted [24][31] - In Ukraine, revenues grew by 25.9% and EBITDA by 23.6% in Q2, with first-half revenues up 35.8% and EBITDA up 38.5% [25][31] - Beeline Kazakhstan's revenues grew 14.5% on a like-for-like basis, accounting for TNS Plus deconsolidation [24][31] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on an asset-light model, prioritizing large population underserved markets and expanding digital services [13][36] - The integration of AI-powered features across platforms is being accelerated to enhance user experience [9][36] - The company is exploring strategic transactions to unlock value, including the upcoming Nasdaq listing for Kyivstar [12][36] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business despite macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility [36][36] - The company is closely monitoring inflation trends, which have increased slightly across markets [37][36] - The outlook for continued value creation remains strong, with a focus on sustainable growth [36][36] Other Important Information - The company completed a $100 million share buyback program, repaying bond maturities and enhancing financial flexibility with a $200 million private bond issuance [12][36] - The digital ecosystem is expanding, with total digital monthly active users reaching 119.7 million, a 7% year-on-year increase [26][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you explain the technical aspects of the Engro sale and its impact on the holding company? - The proceeds from the Engro sale will be upstreamed to the holding company in equal installments through dividends, allowing for debt repayments or potential M&A opportunities [41][42] Question: What should we expect regarding the SPAC's impact on third-quarter financials? - The SPAC's impact will be calculated based on the closing price of the stock on the first trading day, with an expected noncash charge of $150 to $200 million recognized in Q3 [45][46] Question: What strategies are in place to drive 4G adoption and its impact on revenue? - The company is focusing on increasing coverage and quality of 4G services, along with smartphone initiatives to drive adoption [52][55] Question: How does the company plan to monetize its fintech assets like JazzCash? - The company is patient in developing the value of its fintech assets, with significant growth momentum expected before any monetization efforts [87][88] Question: When can we expect the going concern language to be removed? - The main reasons for the going concern language are now off the table, and management is optimistic about removing it by Q3 [100][101]