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 [4] - Group EBITDA grew by 6.8% in the first half, with nearly all markets posting EBITDA growth [4][3] - 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 [3] 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 [5] - Fixed broadband offers gigabit connectivity to three out of four German households, with OXG fiber marketed to 1 million homes [5] - 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 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.K. market is experiencing good commercial momentum, supported by cross-selling opportunities between Vodafone and Three customers [8] - African markets continue to show strong performance, with another set of results reported in line with medium-term double-digit EBITDA growth guidance [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving customer experience, simplifying operations, and delivering sustainable cash flow growth in fiscal year 2026 and beyond [9] - The integration of Vodafone and Three in the U.K. is a top priority, with significant investments in network quality and customer experience [7][8] - The company aims to leverage its unique assets in the market to extend customer experience leadership and drive fixed service growth [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth outlook due to the turnaround in Germany, the U.K. integration, and strong positions in growing markets across Europe and Africa [9] - The company expects to close the year at the upper end of the growth guidance set out in May, despite anticipated slowdowns in certain markets [4][16] - Management highlighted the importance of disciplined execution focused on operational excellence to capitalize on growth opportunities [91] Other Important Information - The company announced a move to a progressive dividend policy, expecting to grow dividends over time [9][78] - The acquisition of Skaylink is part of the company's strategy to enhance digital services, which now account for over a quarter of B2B revenues [84] Q&A Session Summary Question: EBITDA run rate for the second half and next year - Management indicated that while the first half saw strong growth, a slowdown is expected in the second half due to various factors including marketing expenses and tough comparisons in the U.K. [11][16] Question: Turnaround initiatives in Germany - Management expects continued growth in Germany in the second half, supported by wholesale contributions and improved B2B performance [21][26] Question: Integration progress in the U.K. - Management reported positive early actions and synergy delivery from the integration of Vodafone and Three, with improved churn trends and strong consumer performance [34][38] Question: Impact of proposed legislation in Germany - Management noted that proposed changes to legislation could marginally accelerate fiber building but do not foresee significant impacts on the OXG joint venture [44][46] Question: Performance of Vodafone Türkiye - Management highlighted Vodafone Türkiye's strong performance, with significant EBITDA and cash flow growth, driven by unique digital capabilities [55][58] Question: Future of FWA proposition in the U.K. - Management sees FWA as a great opportunity to leverage existing assets and bridge the gap until fiber is available in all areas [64][66] Question: Common functions EBITDA - Management explained that the negative adjusted EBITDA for common functions is expected to remain negative due to structural factors [67][70] Question: Dividend and buyback outlook - Management confirmed a progressive dividend policy and indicated that buybacks will be assessed based on the company's position and market environment [76][78] Question: Future acquisitions in digital services - Management expressed confidence in the growth of digital services and indicated that more activity in this space, including potential small acquisitions, is likely [82][86]