Vodafone Group(VOD) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group service revenue growth accelerated to 5.8% in Q2, supported by growth across Europe and Africa [3] - Group EBITDA grew by 6.8% in the first half, with nearly all markets posting EBITDA growth [3][4] - Over EUR 5 billion returned to shareholders via buybacks and dividends over the last 18 months, with a further EUR 1 billion of buybacks expected in the next six months [2][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Germany, the 5G standalone network covers over 90% of the population, serving over 40 million customers and almost 60 million IoT SIMs [4] - Fixed broadband offers gigabit connectivity to three out of four German households, with continued expansion of gigabit broadband reach [4] - In the U.K., Vodafone serves almost 30 million mobile customers and is the fastest-growing broadband provider, with a gigabit footprint covering about 22 million households [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance reported in African markets, with another set of results in line with medium-term double-digit EBITDA growth guidance [7][8] - The U.K. market is experiencing good commercial momentum, supported by cross-selling opportunities and a multi-brand approach [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve customer experience, simplify operations, and deliver sustainable cash flow growth in fiscal year 2026 and beyond [8] - The focus remains on operational excellence and leveraging unique assets in the market to extend customer experience leadership [7][8] - A progressive dividend policy has been announced, with expectations for growth year after year [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth outlook due to the turnaround in Germany, U.K. integration, and strong positions in growing markets [8] - The company expects Germany to continue improving in H2, with a full run rate of wholesale migration expected [15][17] - The management acknowledged potential challenges in the U.K. due to tough comparisons in the B2B business but remains optimistic about future performance [15][16] Other Important Information - The company has completed the reshaping of the group, including the merger of Vodafone Three in the U.K. and the acquisition of Telecom Romania's assets [1][2] - The company is focused on digital and financial services growth beyond traditional connectivity [2] Q&A Session Summary Question: EBITDA run rate for the second half and next year - Management expects Germany to continue improving in H2, with a full run rate of wholesale migration contributing positively [15][16] Question: Turnaround initiatives in Germany - Management anticipates that underlying performance in Germany will stabilize, with improvements in customer experience and churn reduction [30][31] Question: U.K. integration and synergy delivery - Early actions in integration have led to improved churn trends and strong consumer performance, particularly in home broadband [38][40] Question: Proposed changes to legislation in Germany - Management views potential legislative changes as marginally beneficial for fiber build-out, with no significant impact expected [47][49] Question: Performance of Vodafone Turkey - Turkey has shown significant EBITDA and cash flow growth, with a strong digital capabilities model contributing to success [58][60] Question: Future of digital services and acquisitions - Digital services are growing rapidly, and the company sees opportunities for further investment and potential acquisitions in this space [85][87] Question: Dividend policy and shareholder returns - A progressive dividend policy has been established, with expectations for growth year after year, alongside ongoing share buybacks [80][81]