ROST Group of Companies has received its first-ever credit rating: the National Credit Ratings Agency (NCR) has assigned the company an A.ru rating with a stable outlook. Previously, the company did not have a public credit rating.
The rating reflects ROST Group’s strong leadership position in Russia’s greenhouse-grown vegetable market, its high profitability and liquidity, as well as the quality of its assets and management.
The A.ru rating is a logical result of the company’s consistent execution of its long-term development strategy, built on deep industry expertise, the scaling of advanced technologies, and a prudent financial policy.
Key competitive advantages of ROST Group highlighted by NCR include:
- Leadership in a strategically important market: ROST Group is Russia’s largest producer of greenhouse-grown vegetables, with annual output exceeding 450,000 metric tons—a critical contribution to the country’s food security.
- Geographically diversified production footprint: 22 greenhouse complexes across 15 regions of Russia, supported by six modern distribution and logistics centers. The technological modernization of assets is rated at the highest level.
- Advanced technologies and strong brands: Exclusive rights to cultivate proprietary vegetable hybrids, combined with successful product branding since 2018, driving higher margins.
- Resilient business model: More than 50% of revenue is secured through long-term contracts with major national retail chains and online marketplaces.
- High operational efficiency: Strong profitability metrics, including OIBDA margin of 37% for FY2024, and robust liquidity.
- Experienced leadership and transparent governance: Extensive top-management expertise, low shareholder risk, and a moderately high level of corporate governance, including the transition to IFRS reporting.
Natalia Loresh, CEO of ROST Management Company, commented: "This is the first time in the company’s history that we have received a credit rating. It marks an important milestone in the execution of our growth strategy and confirms the high quality of our business, financial stability, and transparency for the market and our partners. An A.ru rating with a stable outlook recognizes our operational excellence, reliability, and substantial growth potential. It also opens up new opportunities for large-scale projects, including the construction of new greenhouse complexes.”
