Kaspi.kz receives first international credit rating

Rhea-AI Summary

Kaspi.kz has received its first international credit rating from Fitch, achieving an investment grade BBB- with a stable outlook. This rating applies to Kaspi.kz as a whole, separate from Kaspi Bank's existing BBB- rating. Fitch highlighted Kaspi.kz's unique business profile, leading nationwide franchise, and strong operating profitability compared to global peers.

Key rating drivers include Kaspi.kz's diverse business model, combining leading franchises in payments, commerce, and fintech through its Super App. The company's stellar profitability is emphasized, with an extraordinary 80% return on equity over the past 8 years. CEO Mikhail Lomtadze noted that this rating follows Moody's recent upgrade of Kaspi Bank to investment grade and Kazakhstan's improved credit rating.

Positive

• Received investment grade BBB- rating from Fitch
• Strong operating profitability compared to global peers
• Diverse business model with leading franchises in payments, commerce, and fintech
• 80% return on equity over past 8 years
• Kaspi Bank also rated investment grade BBB- by Fitch

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Kaspi.kz's first international credit rating of BBB- with a stable outlook from Fitch is a significant milestone. This investment-grade rating reflects the company's strong market position and exceptional profitability. With an 80% return on equity over the past 8 years, Kaspi.kz demonstrates financial robustness that outperforms global peers. The diverse business model, combining payments, commerce and fintech, provides a stable foundation for future growth. This rating could potentially lower borrowing costs and attract international investors, enhancing Kaspi.kz's ability to fund expansion and innovation. However, investors should note that while positive, maintaining this rating will require continued strong performance in a rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

Market Research Analyst

Kaspi.kz's Super App model, combining payments, commerce and fintech, positions it uniquely in the Kazakh market. This ecosystem approach has proven successful in other emerging markets, potentially giving Kaspi.kz a competitive edge. The investment-grade rating could signal increased consumer trust, potentially driving user acquisition and engagement. Moreover, Kazakhstan's recent credit rating upgrade suggests a favorable macro environment for digital economy growth. However, investors should consider the regulatory risks associated with fintech operations and the potential for increased competition as the market matures. Kaspi.kz's ability to maintain its market leadership while navigating these challenges will be important for long-term success.

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Sept. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaspi.kz has received its first international credit rating. Fitch rates Kaspi.kz investment grade BBB- with a stable outlook. This rating is separate from Kaspi Bank, a component of Kaspi.kz’s Fintech Platform, which has been tracked by international rating agencies for many years. Fitch also rates Kaspi Bank investment grade BBB- with a stable outlook.

According to Fitch, the rating reflects Kaspi.kz’s unique business profile, leading nationwide franchise and one of the strongest levels of operating profitability when compared to peers globally. Among the key rating drivers are:

• Diverse business model: Kaspi.kz’s Super App business model is unique in its ability to successfully combine leading franchises across payments, commerce and fintech.
• Stellar profitability: Past earnings growth has been extremely strong, while the rapid growth of Payments and Marketplace Platforms has resulted in diverse and more predictable earnings. Return on equity over the past 8 years has been an extraordinary 80%.

Mikhail Lomtadze, CEO & co-founder of Kaspi.kz, commented:

“This is the first time Kaspi.kz has received a credit rating. Fitch’s ratings for Kaspi.kz and Kaspi Bank, follow on from Moody’s decision to upgrade Kaspi Bank to investment grade. Moody’s also recently upgraded Kazakhstan’s credit rating, recognising the progress Kazakhstan’s government is making when it comes to delivering a fast-growing, diverse and modern digital economy, with solid financial fundamentals.”

About Kaspi.kz

Kaspi.kz’s mission is to improve people’s lives by developing innovative mobile products and services. To deliver upon this we operate a unique two-sided Super App model – the Kaspi.kz Super App for consumers and the Kaspi Pay Super App for merchants.

Through these Super Apps consumers and merchants can access our leading Payments, Marketplace, and Fintech Platforms. All our services are designed to be highly relevant to users’ everyday needs and enable consumers and merchants to connect and transact, using our proprietary payments network.

The combination of a large, highly engaged consumer and merchant base, best-in-class, highly relevant digital products and a capex lite approach, results in strong top-line growth, a profitable business model and enables us to continue innovating, delighting our users and fulfilling our mission.

Harvard Business School has written two case studies on Kaspi.kz which it continues to teach to its MBA students.

Kaspi.kz has been listed on Nasdaq since January 2024.

For further information david.ferguson@kaspi.kz +44 7427 751 275

Forward-looking statements

Some of the information in this announcement may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Kaspi.kz. You can identify forward looking statements by terms such as "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "will", "could," "may" or "might", the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Kaspi.kz wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Kaspi.kz does not intend to update these statements to reflect events and circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Many factors could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in projections or forward-looking statements of Kaspi.kz, including, among others, general economic conditions, the competitive environment, risks associated with operating in Kazakhstan, rapid technological and market change in the industries the Company operates in, as well as many other risks specifically related to Kaspi.kz and its respective operations.

FAQ

What credit rating did Kaspi.kz (KSPI) receive from Fitch in September 2024?

Kaspi.kz received an investment grade BBB- rating with a stable outlook from Fitch in September 2024.

How does Kaspi.kz's (KSPI) return on equity compare to industry standards?

Kaspi.kz has achieved an extraordinary 80% return on equity over the past 8 years, which is significantly higher than industry standards.

What are the key business areas of Kaspi.kz (KSPI) highlighted in the Fitch rating?

Fitch highlighted Kaspi.kz's diverse business model, which combines leading franchises in payments, commerce, and fintech through its Super App.

How does Kaspi.kz's (KSPI) credit rating compare to Kaspi Bank's rating?

Both Kaspi.kz and Kaspi Bank received the same investment grade BBB- rating with a stable outlook from Fitch.