The Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK) share price is in focus after the company announced a new partnership with Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF), which is set to reduce Spark's net debt by around $240 million in the first half of FY26.
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What did Spark New Zealand report?
- Entered a new receivables financing partnership with Challenger
- Sale of existing interest free payment (IFP) receivables to reduce net debt by ~$240 million in H1 26
- Ongoing sale of future IFP receivables to Challenger will support growth in mobile handset payment plans
- The new structure improves Spark's capital efficiency and return on invested capital
- No material impact on Spark's net debt to EBITDAI ratio under S&P's methodology
What else do investors need to know?
Spark will use proceeds from the sale of its IFP receivables to reduce net debt, but this won't significantly change the company's net debt to EBITDAI ratio according to S&P's calculation. The funds from the receivables sale will not be included in Spark's free cashflow for the upcoming dividend calculation.
Spark will retain control of the overall customer experience, including how customers enter into IFP plans, carry out payments, and manage credit checks or collections. The company will continue collecting repayments directly from customers and transferring eligible receivables to Challenger at market value.
What did Spark New Zealand management say?
Spark CEO Jolie Hodson said:
Our mobile customers highly value interest free payment options as a convenient way to purchase the latest devices and manage costs over time. The value of IFP as a highly effective acquisition and retention tool only continues to grow, particularly as mobile device prices increase.
Mobile is our number one priority as a business, and this new partnership with Challenger will enable us to support the ongoing growth of IFP while improving capital efficiency – allowing us to reinvest in areas that deliver the most value for our customers and shareholders.
What's next for Spark New Zealand?
Looking forward, Spark will regularly sell future IFP receivables to Challenger, supporting further growth in its interest free device payment offerings. This approach will help Spark expand its mobile business, manage working capital more efficiently, and target investments in areas that deliver value for both customers and shareholders.
Spark's strategy remains focused on growing its mobile segment as its top priority, using innovative funding partnerships to support sustainable long-term growth.
Spark New Zealand share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Speak New Zealand shares have declined 26%, underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.
