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ASA International Group PLC (GB:ASAI)
LSE:ASAI
UK Market

ASA International Group PLC (ASAI) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:ASAI

ASA International Group PLC

(LSE:ASAI)

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Neutral 60 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
243.00p
▲(24.30% Upside)
The score is primarily held back by balance-sheet leverage and negative operating/free cash flow in 2023–2024, which raise risk despite improved profitability. Offsetting this, technicals show a strong uptrend and valuation is compelling with a low P/E and ~4.3% dividend yield.

ASA International Group PLC (ASAI) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

ASA International Group PLC Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionASA International Group PLC provides microfinancing services in Africa and Asia. It offers loans to low-income female micro-entrepreneurs. The company also provides various collateral-free loans, including small and small business loans to start or grow businesses. It operates through a network of 2,044 branches. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
How the Company Makes Money

ASA International Group PLC Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Despite improved 2024 profitability and strong ROE, overall financial quality is constrained by very high leverage (debt-to-equity ~3.3x) and weak cash conversion, with negative operating cash flow and free cash flow in both 2023 and 2024.
Income Statement
54
Neutral
Profitability improved in 2024 with net income rising to ~29.2m (from ~9.2m in 2023) and net margin expanding to ~12.7%. However, revenue trends are mixed: revenue increased in 2024 vs 2023, but the reported revenue growth rate for 2024 is extremely negative (suggesting an outlier/data inconsistency). Results also show volatility over time, including a net loss in 2020, which tempers confidence in the earnings trajectory.
Balance Sheet
41
Neutral
Leverage is the key constraint: debt-to-equity remains high (~3.3x in 2024; ~3.6x in 2023), leaving the capital structure less flexible. Equity has increased versus 2023 and return on equity is strong in 2024 (~29.7%), but the consistently elevated leverage level keeps balance-sheet risk above average for stability-focused investors.
Cash Flow
28
Negative
Cash generation weakened materially: operating cash flow and free cash flow are negative in 2024 (about -23.5m and -29.7m, respectively) and were also negative in 2023. While 2022 showed strong positive operating and free cash flow, the last two years’ cash burn raises questions about earnings quality and funding needs, particularly given the already leveraged balance sheet.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue-12.29B230.29M183.99M186.77M197.01M112.61M
Gross Profit-12.33B186.84M146.24M146.45M154.57M112.61M
EBITDA718.92M0.0037.66M52.05M32.09M0.00
Net Income-1.14B29.25M9.21M17.89M8.79M-720.00K
Balance Sheet
Total Assets672.23M568.50M490.03M489.75M562.55M579.26M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments62.61M79.82M2.15B68.97M111.48M124.72M
Total Debt258.87M324.77M276.68M264.39M322.13M345.81M
Total Liabilities536.07M472.01M413.42M400.09M459.11M472.19M
Stockholders Equity138.46M98.47M77.93M89.81M103.58M104.79M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-9.92M-29.68M-24.17M36.95M10.35M-9.14M
Operating Cash Flow1.80M-23.54M-16.67M43.12M12.52M-8.16M
Investing Cash Flow-3.50M-6.07M-7.50M-5.83M-2.19M-950.00K
Financing Cash Flow11.24M34.91M27.56M-29.72M-12.41M15.84M

ASA International Group PLC Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
£287.97M14.628.41%5.33%-11.17%6.04%
73
Outperform
£109.12M8.1512.34%17.35%91.55%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
67
Neutral
£515.29M7.1814.70%4.39%-7.52%50.23%
66
Neutral
£471.44M27.133.93%7.90%
60
Neutral
£231.00M6.4039.40%4.74%
49
Neutral
£301.83M-3.90-16.30%-3.77%-147.20%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:ASAI
ASA International Group PLC
231.00
138.05
148.52%
GB:IPF
International Personal Finance
235.00
116.49
98.30%
GB:VANQ
Vanquis Banking Group
119.00
66.70
127.53%
GB:SUS
S&U plc
2,370.00
807.60
51.69%
GB:FCH
Funding Circle Holdings
162.80
36.30
28.70%
GB:DFCH
Distribution Finance Capital Holdings Plc
66.50
25.50
62.20%

ASA International Group PLC Corporate Events

Other
ASA International Executives Increase Personal Stakes with Share Purchases
Positive
Jan 30, 2026

ASA International Group plc has disclosed that Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Rob Keijsers and Chief Legal Officer and PDMR Martijn Bollen have purchased additional ordinary shares in the company on the London Stock Exchange. The insider share purchases, executed on 29 January at a price of £2.10 per share, signal increased personal investment by senior management and may be interpreted by investors as a sign of confidence in the microfinance group’s prospects and ongoing commitment to its business and stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ASAI) stock is a Buy with a £222.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on ASA International Group PLC stock, see the GB:ASAI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesFinancial Disclosures
ASA International set to double 2025 profit as loan book and client base surge
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

ASA International Group plc expects its unaudited full-year 2025 net profit to double to about USD 57m from USD 28.5m in 2024, driven by disciplined execution of its growth strategy, a 37% year-on-year expansion of its gross outstanding loan portfolio to USD 628.4m, and an 11% rise in client numbers to 2.8 million. Loan growth was broad-based but particularly strong in Ghana, Pakistan, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, while portfolio quality improved with PAR>30 falling to 1.8%, underscoring the resilience of its lending model; the group also reached a key digital milestone with the Temenos T24 core banking migration and new apps going live in Ghana ahead of a rollout in Tanzania, and strengthened its leadership bench with new senior appointments in Sierra Leone and Zambia, signalling a continued push for scalable, technology-enabled and sustainable growth in its core microfinance markets.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ASAI) stock is a Buy with a £222.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on ASA International Group PLC stock, see the GB:ASAI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and ComplianceShareholder Meetings
ASA International Launches Shareholder Consultation After Mixed AGM Vote on Rule 9 Waiver
Neutral
Dec 19, 2025

ASA International Group plc has reported the outcome of its 2025 Annual General Meeting, noting broad shareholder backing for all resolutions but highlighting that Resolution 18, a Rule 9 waiver, received just under 80% approval, triggering enhanced engagement under UK corporate governance rules. In response, the company has launched a consultation with its largest independent shareholders to explain the purpose and rationale of the waiver, plans follow‑up meetings in early 2026, and will incorporate feedback into preparations for its next AGM and its 2025 Annual Report, signalling an effort to address investor concerns and strengthen governance practices.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
ASA International Appoints Mark Schwartz to Strengthen Board Leadership
Positive
Dec 17, 2025

ASA International Group plc has appointed Mark Schwartz as a Non-Executive Director on its Board, leveraging his extensive expertise in finance, healthcare, consumer products, and board governance. With this strategic move, the company strengthens its leadership, signaling a commitment to enhancing governance and building on its role as a leading microfinance institution serving financially underserved populations.

Financial Disclosures
ASA International Projects Strong Financial Performance for 2025
Positive
Dec 4, 2025

ASA International Group plc has announced a positive outlook for the full year 2025, driven by strong client demand and loan portfolio growth. The company expects its net profit for 2025 to significantly exceed the current consensus of USD 48.3 million, indicating robust business and financial performance.

Other
ASA International Director Purchases Shares, Signaling Confidence
Positive
Nov 10, 2025

ASA International Group plc announced that Hanny Kemna, an Independent Non-Executive Director, has purchased 80,000 ordinary shares at a price of GBP 1.4975 per share, totaling GBP 119,800. This transaction reflects confidence in the company’s operations and could positively impact its market perception, reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion and socioeconomic progress.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
ASA International Appoints Geert Embrechts as New CFO
Positive
Nov 6, 2025

ASA International Group plc has appointed Geert Embrechts as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective from February 2026. With 30 years of experience at Rabobank, Embrechts brings extensive expertise in finance and international operations, particularly in emerging markets, which is expected to support ASA International’s strategy for long-term sustainable growth. The appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company’s growth, resilience, and sustainable impact, with Embrechts expected to contribute significantly to the company’s leadership team.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
ASA International Appoints New CFO to Drive Strategic Growth
Positive
Nov 6, 2025

ASA International Group plc has announced the appointment of Geert Embrechts as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective from February 1, 2026. With extensive experience from Rabobank, Embrechts is expected to play a crucial role in executing ASA International’s strategy for long-term sustainable growth. His expertise in international finance and emerging markets will be instrumental in driving the company’s growth and efficiency, while also maintaining high standards of corporate governance. Tanwir Rahman, the current CFO, will transition to the role of Finance Director, remaining in the Dhaka office.

Business Operations and Strategy
ASA International Executives Purchase Shares, Signaling Confidence in Growth
Positive
Nov 5, 2025

ASA International Group plc announced the purchase of ordinary shares by its CEO, Rob Keijsers, and Chief Legal Officer, Martijn Bollen. This move signifies a strong vote of confidence in the company’s future prospects by its top executives, potentially impacting stakeholder perceptions positively and reinforcing the company’s commitment to its growth strategy.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 31, 2026