Australian BNPL firm Zip annual loss widens as inflation chokes
Australian buy now, pay later (BNPL) firm Zip posted a wider annual loss on Thursday (Aug 25), signalling lacklustre outlook for fintech firms in the wake of soaring inflation.
BNPL operators, particularly, have seen their valuations collapse in recent times as reduced customer spending and rising interest rates have squeezed their margins and pushed the firms’ funding costs higher.
Shares of Zip ended a volatile session 2.1 per cent lower after climbing up to 8.8 per cent earlier in the day.
Loss from ordinary activities after income tax attributable stood at A$1.11 billion (S$1.1 billion) for the year ended Jun 30, compared with a loss of A$678.1 million last year.
The company, which had earlier said it was reviewing the goodwill against its newly acquired US and European businesses, on Thursday recorded an A$821.1 million impairment charge for the year.
Zip, which made several global acquisitions after a pandemic-drivem boom in BNPL businesses, had last month dumped a buyout of US rival Sezzle. REUTERS
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Startups
Temasek-backed PsiQuantum to build first commercial quantum computer
Fast-fashion giant Shein wants to sell skincare, toothpaste and toys, too
Ninja Van axes more than 20 employees in tech team in Singapore
GoTo narrows Q1 loss to 420 billion rupiah with TikTok deal, cost cuts
Health-tech startup Thrixen bags US$7 million from 22Health Ventures, Aldevron co-founder
Goodbye Garage, hello Tech in Asia: How BT’s startup coverage is evolving