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Investing.com -- S&P Global Ratings revised its outlook on Georgia Capital to positive from stable on Wednesday, while affirming its ’BB-’ rating, citing continued deleveraging and solid asset performance.
The investment company’s portfolio value increased by 20.8% in the first half of 2025 compared to the end of 2024, reaching GEL4.53 billion (about $1.69 billion). This growth was primarily driven by its largest and only listed shareholding, Lion Finance Group, which has seen its share price rise by approximately 75% over the past 12 months.
The company’s net asset value (NAV) grew by 23.7% in the first half of 2025, continuing a trend that has seen its NAV increase from GEL2.9 billion in 2021 to GEL4.5 billion as of June 30, 2025 - a rise of about 55%.
Georgia Capital has maintained a disciplined approach to debt management. Following the exercise of its put option on the water utility business, the company plans to redeem at least $50 million of its $150 million local bonds in September. The company has also reduced its target net capital commitment ratio over the cycle to 10%, from 15%.
S&P expects Georgia Capital’s portfolio to continue experiencing robust value growth in the medium term, though political instability could impact valuations. Georgia’s real annual GDP growth is projected at 7.1% in 2025, after 9.4% in 2024, with growth moderating to 5.2% in 2026.
The rating agency noted that Georgia Capital’s business risk has improved as the share of listed assets has risen, but concentration in Georgia and reliance on one listed asset comprising about 47.5% of the portfolio value remain key constraints.
The NAV per share discount currently stands at about 34%, down from 47% at the end of 2024, which has supported the recent announcement of a GEL700 million capital return program. The company has also announced a new $50 million share buyback program to be completed over the next nine months.
S&P could raise Georgia Capital’s ratings if it establishes a track record of deleveraging, keeping its loan-to-value ratio materially below 10% under any market circumstances, while demonstrating commitment to conservative financial policies.
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