Release of 12.02.2019
Key financial and operating highlights
- Group revenue increase of 3.1% in Q4 2018 driven primarily by higher service revenues from both fixed-line and mobile but also increased equipment revenues.
- Service revenue growth in all segments except for Slovenia (in Belarus excl. FX effects).
- EBITDA excl. restructuring showed a strong increase of 8.3% in Q4 2018 as higher service revenues more than outweighed higher product-related costs.
- Excl. restructuring, EBITDA rose by 8.6% in Austria, driven by strong service revenue growth, which was additionally supported by the completion of large corporate projects in solutions & connectivity in Q4 2018.
- Solid trends in CEE continued, with especially strong contributions from Bulgaria and Republic of Serbia.
- Postpaid subscriber base increased by 4.1%, with growth in all markets; RGUs increased by 3.7%, driven by CEE markets.
- Net income decreased by 29.7% in the full-year 2018 to EUR 242.7 mn due to the amortization of brand values (EUR 197.9 mn in D&A in 2018; EUR 121.8 mn in 2017) and higher income taxes as prior-year was positively impacted by the recognition of deferred tax assets on tax losses carried forward.
- CAPEX increased in the full-year 2018 due to investments in Austria (fiber roll-out, datacenter) and investments in CEE in late 2018.
- Free cash flow in FY 2018 stable compared to the prior year as the higher cash flow from operations and lower interest pay-ments outweighed higher CAPEX paid.
- Group outlook 2019: total revenue growth of approx. 2% (reported basis(1), CAPEX(2) of approx. EUR 770 mn.
(1) Based on IFRS 15.
(2) Pre IFRS 16 accounting. Does not include investment in spectrum and acquisitions.