Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group service revenue grew by 5.4% in Q3 2026, supported by growth in Europe and Africa, particularly in Germany, Africa, and Turkey [4][6] - Group EBITDA increased by 2.3% in Q3 and 5.3% year-to-date, aligning with expectations and guidance for FY26 [4][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Germany, mobile customer numbers increased, with new customer ARPUs up 21% year-on-year, stabilizing consumer broadband revenues [5][6] - The U.K. integration and network investment plan is progressing well, with initial upgrades delivered ahead of schedule [5][6] - The acquisition of Skaylink was completed, supporting growth in digital services across cloud and security [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is acquiring a controlling stake in Safaricom, enhancing its position in Africa amid growing demand for digital services [6][7] - Emerging markets continue to show double-digit growth, while the U.K. faces a challenging competitive environment [30][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Vodafone is focused on enhancing customer experience and value strategy, particularly in Germany, where it aims to improve EBITDA through cost simplification and B2B growth [14][15] - The company is committed to a 10-year plan to invest GBP 11 billion in building the U.K.'s leading 5G network [6][7] - The strategy emphasizes value over volume, encouraging a shift in how telecom performance is evaluated [75][76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the upper end of FY26 guidance, with a positive outlook for multi-year growth trajectory [8][32] - The competitive landscape in Germany remains challenging, but improvements in fixed broadband and customer experience are expected to support future performance [16][24] Other Important Information - The company is optimistic about the potential for consolidation in the U.K. broadband market, which could enhance pricing power [45][46] - The EU Digital Networks Act and Cybersecurity Act are seen as potential catalysts for investment and innovation, though they also introduce uncertainties [81][84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Germany's EBITDA trajectory - Management indicated that EBITDA in Germany is expected to improve in the second half of the year, but not return to positive growth [12][14] Question: Value versus volume strategy in broadband - Management confirmed a focus on value, with fixed broadband churn below many European markets and improvements in customer satisfaction [23][24] Question: Group-wide growth prospects for 2027 - Management remains confident in multi-year growth for adjusted free cash flow and EBITDA, with expectations for cost synergies in the U.K. [32][33] Question: Opportunities in Africa post-Safaricom acquisition - The acquisition is expected to strengthen Vodafone's position in Africa, leveraging growth in population and demand for digital services [38][39] Question: Impact of potential consolidation in the U.K. broadband market - Management is pleased with Vodafone's current position and believes that consolidation could enhance market dynamics without negatively impacting their strategy [45][46] Question: Future of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) - Management expects FWA to grow in the U.K. and sees potential for deployment in rural areas of Germany, though fiber remains the primary focus [50][52] Question: Thoughts on tower market and Vantage - Management is satisfied with Vantage's performance and is open to evaluating future opportunities in the tower market as it evolves [58][59] Question: Insights on the EU Digital Networks Act - Management views the proposed reforms as a potential positive for investment certainty, though there are concerns regarding the Cybersecurity Act [81][84]