TOP NEWS: Vodafone says needs to "do more" as Europe weighs on growth

(Alliance News) - Vodafone Group PLC on Wednesday said "we can do better" as it reported that ...

Alliance News 1 February, 2023 | 8:11AM
Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

(Alliance News) - Vodafone Group PLC on Wednesday said "we can do better" as it reported that growth slowed in the third-quarter.

Shares in the telecommunications firm traded 2.5% lower at 90.83 pence each in early dealings in London on Wednesday.

On an organic basis, service revenue rose 1.8% on-year during the quarter ended December 31. It had risen 2.5% yearly in the second quarter.

On a reported basis, service revenue was 1.3% lower on-year at EUR9.52 billion from EUR9.65 billion. Total revenue amounted to EUR11.64 billion, down 0.4% from EUR11.68 billion a year earlier, but up 2.7% on an organic basis.

Organic service revenue fell 1.8% in the key market of Germany. In Italy, it declined 3.3% and in Spain, it slumped 8.7%. In the UK, however, organic service revenue increased 5.3% year-on-year. In the 'other Europe' region, it was 2.1% higher. That region includes nations such as Portugal, Ireland and Greece.

"Although we're continuing to target our financial guidance for the year, the recent decline in revenue in Europe shows we can do better. We need to do more for our customers by delivering quality connectivity in an easy way. We've already taken action, including simplifying our structure to give local markets full autonomy and accountability to make the best commercial decisions for their customers," Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle said.

Della Valle became chief executive at the start of the year, replacing Nick Read who departed after just over four years in the top job.

Vodafone backed yearly guidance, expected adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and after leases between EUR15.0 billion and EUR15.2 billion. At best, that would be around the EUR15.21 billion achieved in financial 2022.

Vodafone also expects adjusted free cashflow of around EUR5.1 billion, which would be down around 6.2% from EUR5.44 billion the year prior.

CEO Della Valle added: "We now have initiatives underway to generate around half of our EUR1 billion cost savings target. There is more to do and our focus is to provide a better service to our customers, become a simpler business and deliver growth."

By Eric Cunha, Alliance News news editor

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Vodafone Group PLC 77.18 GBX -0.44

About Author

Alliance News

Alliance News provides Morningstar with continuously updating coverage of news affecting listed companies.

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures