PLDT(US:PHI)2023-05-07 17:45Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Telco Core Income increased by 5% to PHP8.6 billion compared to PHP8.2 billion last year, driven by higher EBITDA and lower depreciation [65][69] - Net service revenues rose by 2% to PHP47.1 billion from PHP46.1 billion year-on-year [65][85] - EBITDA reached an all-time high of PHP26 billion, reflecting a 2% increase year-on-year, with a margin of 52% [65][85] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Home business revenues grew by 6% year-on-year to PHP15 billion, with Fiber Only revenues increasing by 14% to PHP12.8 billion [67][100] - Enterprise business improved by 5% to PHP11.8 billion, with corporate data growing by 7% and ePLDT rising by 14% [68][100] - Individual business revenues remained stable at PHP19.8 billion, despite industry pressures [67][100] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a total fiber footprint of over 1.1 million kilometers, with a population coverage of 97% and 76,500 base stations [90] - 5G data traffic and unique 5G devices continued to rise, with 5G speeds outperforming competitors [90][91] - The SIM registration process has seen 67% of subscribers registered, covering over 80% of revenue [46][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to streamline operations and reduce costs while enhancing network capabilities [58][76] - PLDT is focusing on digital transformation for enterprises, integrating connectivity management to support business growth [62][76] - The company is also investing in renewable energy sources to power its facilities, enhancing sustainability efforts [64][82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the first quarter but highlighted resilience and growth despite adversity [84][85] - The company is actively managing costs, particularly in response to high electricity prices and inflation [3][65] - Future growth is expected to be driven by ongoing digital adoption and the expansion of service offerings [62][68] Other Important Information - Total CapEx for the quarter was PHP19.3 billion, with a focus on network and IT investments [89] - The company is working on optimizing CapEx spend and improving port utilization [71][70] - The Class Action lawsuit is ongoing, with only two individuals filing as lead plaintiffs, claiming minimal losses [47][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Reason for lower depreciation charges in Q1 2023 - Management indicated that the lower depreciation charges were due to savings from accelerated depreciation booked in 2022 [1] Question: Expectation of special dividends from tower sales - Proceeds from future tower sales will primarily be used for CapEx and requirements [2] Question: Updated guidance for full year 2023 Telco Core Income - Management expects Telco Core Income to be north of PHP33.1 billion, while managing high expenses [3] Question: Competitive dynamics in the market - Management noted ongoing demand in underserved areas and emphasized the superiority of their network [5][6] Question: Fixed wireless service details - Fixed wireless will be offered as a backup service for existing fiber customers, utilizing both 4G and 5G technologies [9][10] Question: SIM registration process and potential revenue drop - Management reported that 67% of subscribers have been registered, covering over 80% of revenue, and does not foresee revenue risks [35][36] Question: CapEx overrun resolution - The CapEx overrun has been reduced to PHP33 billion, with ongoing negotiations to further manage costs [117][127]