03.11.2021
DGAP-News:Telefónica Deutschland: Upgrading FY21 outlook on sustained operational and financial momentum
DGAP-News: Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG / Key word(s): Quarterly /
Interim Statement
Telefónica Deutschland: Upgrading FY21 outlook on sustained operational and
financial momentum
03.11.2021 / 07:33
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MUNICH, 3 November 2021
Interim statement for January to September 2021
Upgrading FY21 outlook on sustained operational and financial momentum
* Strong traction of O2 Free portfolio drives Q3 21 postpaid net additions
to +415k - up +59% y-o-y
* Q3 21 revenue growth of +5.1% y-o-y mainly driven by accelerating MSR
growth of +4.4% y-o-y reflecting ongoing commercial momentum
* OIBDA [1] with continued growth of +3.0% y-o-y in Q3 21 reflecting
top-line growth, achieved efficiencies and effective cost management
* C/S ratio of 14.2% in 9M 21- executing 'investment for growth' programme
according to plan with back-end loaded annual phasing and focus an
efficient Capex spend
* Upgrading FY21 outlook: OIBDA1 to 'low mid-single digit % growth' and
C/S to '<17-18%'
Operating performance
In a rational German telco market, Telefónica Deutschland delivered ongoing
trading momentum driven by strong traction of the O2 Free portfolio, with
all channels contributing.
Telefónica Deutschland's sustained operational and financial performance
reflects the company's continued focus on profitable growth supported by the
successful 'Willkommen im sehr guten Netz von O2' marketing campaign
promoting equalised mobile network quality on the back of strong network
coverage and capacity enhancements as well as the temporary 'One-month test
SIM' offer.
Telefónica Deutschland is expanding its wholesale partnerships with Lebara
as a prominent new addition. The international mobile provider Lebara has
been present in the German market since 2010 as an established provider of
mobile voice and data services for 'global citizens'.
The company is executing its 'investment for growth' programme according to
plan with back-end loaded annual phasing to boost rural coverage and enhance
capacity accordingly. The modern and energy efficient 5G network is now live
in ~115 cities with c.3.3k antennas on 3.6 GHz spectrum. The 5G network
achieved the fastest average download speed in Germany in the latest
Opensignal test [2]. Also, the O2 network was ranked second in the recent
SMARTPHONE magazine test with a "very good" rating on back of its strong
performance in cities and last year's massive network expansion offensive in
rural areas.
One year after its announcement of targeting net zero carbon emissions by
2025, Telefónica Deutschland is constantly driving forward its ESG strategy
as part of the company's Responsible Business Plan 2025 which supports the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2025 and includes specific
targets across all business areas allowing management to track progress of
its sustainability strategy. Telefónica Deutschland is building a greener
future by reducing its own and customers' CO2 footprint through digital
innovations. The company is helping society to thrive by developing new ways
of working and developing future skills for society and its own employees.
Mobile business
Mobile postpaid net additions increased by +59% y-o-y to +415k in Q3 21
(+261k in Q3 20; +1m in 9M 21 vs. +608k in 9M 20) driven by sustained
traction of the O2 Free portfolio and a solid contribution from partner
brands.
M2M posted +40k net additions in Q3 21 (+47k in Q3 20; and +164k both in 9M
21 and 9M 20).
Mobile prepaid recorded -104k net disconnections in Q3 21 (+208k net
additions in Q3 20; -122k in 9M 21 vs. -566k in 9M 20) due to the continued
trend of prepaid to postpaid migration in combination with the anticipated
reversal of last quarter's revenue neutral SIM card reactivations.
Churn in the O2 brand continued to stay at low levels with 1.0% in Q3 21
(flat y-o-y) and 0.9% in 9M 21 (improved by 0.2 p.p. y-o-y).
Telefónica Deutschland's mobile customer accesses reached 45.3m (+2.9%
y-o-y), mobile postpaid base ex M2M with growing contribution of 24.6m
accesses (up +6.2% y-o-y to 54.3% of total mobile base), M2M accesses were
1.6m and mobile prepaid base came to 19.2m.
O2 postpaid ARPU further improved and posted +0.9% y-o-y growth in Q3 21 and
+0.1% y-o-y in 9M 21. Prepaid ARPU improved to EUR 6.6 in Q3 21, up +3.2%
y-o-y.
Fixed business
Fixed broadband customer base reached 2.3m accesses at the end of 9M 21
(+0.2% y-o-y) with the VDSL base posting sustained growth of +3.5% y-o-y to
1.8m accesses (maintaining 81% share of fixed broadband customer base).
Fixed net additions returned to growth with the re-opening of O2 shops in
June and posted +2k net additions in Q3 21 (-6k net disconnections in 9M
21), showing sequential improvement through 2021 in a market focused on
high-speed fixed connectivity including ongoing robust customer demand for
fixed-mobile substitution (FMS) products. VDSL demand remained solid with
+7k net additions in Q3 21 (+26k net additions in 9M 21).
Fixed churn remained flat y-o-y at low levels of 0.9% in both, Q3 21 and 9M
21.
Fixed broadband ARPU continued to grow reflecting the increasing share of
VDSL customers and stood at EUR 24.3 in Q3 21, posting growth of +2.5% y-o-y
(+1.6% to EUR 24.1 in 9M 21).
Financial performance
Revenues grew +5.1% y-o-y to EUR 1,967m in Q3 21 (+3.7% y-o-y to EUR 5,711m
in 9M 21; underlying [3] +2.9% y-o-y) mainly driven by accelerating mobile
service revenue growth reflecting ongoing commercial momentum.
Mobile service revenues [4] (MSR) posted +4.4% y-o-y growth to EUR 1,421m in
Q3 21 (9M 21 EUR 4,098m, +3.8% y-o-y; underlying3 +2.8% y-o-y) driven by
strong own brand performance with O2 postpaid ARPU continuing to grow in Q3
21 and a solid partner performance. Handset revenues grew +9.0% y-o-y to EUR
339m in Q3 21 (+3.3% y-o-y to EUR 1,004m in 9M 21) as high value handsets
remained popular supported by launch cycles.
Fixed revenues continued their growth path registering +2.8% y-o-y growth to
EUR 203m in Q3 21 (+3.4% to EUR 603m in 9M 21), mainly driven by VDSL
customer base growth.
Other income totalled EUR 294m in Q3 21 and EUR 352m in 9M 21 supported by a
capital gain in the amount of EUR +262m related to the spin-off and sale of
the operations of the final tranche of ~4k mobile sites passive
infrastructure to Telxius (EUR 439m in Q3 20 [5] and EUR 496m in 9M 20).
Operating expenses included EUR +2m of restructuring expenses and other
exceptional items (EUR -26m in Q3 20) and were up +3.7% y-o-y to EUR 1,385m
in Q3 21 (+2.0% y-o-y to EUR 4,029m in 9M 21).
* Supplies amounted to EUR 619m in Q3 21, up +4.6% y-o-y (+0.2% y-o-y to
EUR 1,765m in 9M 21) with the positive effects from the MTR cut (from
EURc 0.78 to EURc 0.70 as of 1 Jul-21) only partly compensating higher
hardware cost of sales and usage related higher costs for data roaming
within the EU. Hardware cost of sales and connectivity-related cost of
sales accounted for 54% and 43% of supplies in 9M 21, respectively.
* Personnel expenses were lower -13.6% y-o-y at EUR 145m in Q3 21 mainly
on back of y-o-y lower restructuring expenses (EUR -1m in Q3 21 vs EUR
-24m in Q3 20). In 9M 21 personnel expenses decreased -6.5% y-o-y to EUR
430m with inflation-based salary increases as of 1 Dec-20 compensated by
the lower FTE base and the before mentioned development of restructuring
costs (EUR -4m in 9M 21 vs EUR -25m in 9M 20).
* Other operating expenses [6] expanded +7.7% y-o-y to EUR 621m in Q3 21
while being higher +6.2% y-o-y at EUR 1,834m in 9M 21 (including
restructuring expenses and other exceptional items of EUR +2m and -12m
in Q3 21 and 9M 21 respectively compared to EUR -2m and EUR -1m in prior
year periods). Q3 21 y-o-y performance reflects continued efficiency
gains offset by commercial activity, planned phasing back of marketing
spend as well as some inflationary cost pressures. In the January to
September period, commercial costs (67% of other Opex in Q3 21) were
broadly stable y-o-y reflecting the mix of the before mentioned effects.
Non-commercial costs accounted for 31% of Q3 21 other Opex. Group fees
account for EUR 9m in Q3 21 and EUR 24m in 9M 21.
OIBDA [7] grew +3.0% y-o-y to EUR 613m in Q3 21 (9M 21 +6.3% to EUR 1,786m,
underlying [8] growth +3.3% y-o-y) reflecting revenue mix with accelerating
MSR-growth incl. higher inflow-ARPUs and continued efficiency measures, i.e.
constant review of channel-mix and optimising & digitalising customer
service. These were partly offset by the planned phasing back of lower
marketing spend from Q1 21, the EU/ non-EU roaming mix and some inflationary
cost pressures. OIBDA7 margin stood at 31.2% in Q3 21 (31.3% in 9M 21), down
-0.6 p.p. y-o-y in Q3 21 and improved by +0.8 p.p. y-o-y in 9M 21,
reflecting the before mentioned effects.
Depreciation & Amortisation totalled EUR 1,777m in 9M 21, up +4.5% y-o-y.
The increase in D&A is due to a combination of the earlier 3G switch off by
YE21, further network modernisation and higher RoU asset amortisation while
somewhat offset by the UMTS licenses having reached their end of useful life
at YE20.
Operating income stood at EUR +256m in 9M 21 supported by EUR +262m capital
gain related with the spin-off and sale of the operations of the final
tranche of ~4k mobile sites passive infrastructure to Telxius (EUR +354m in
9M 20 including EUR +401m capital gains related to the sale of assets).
Net financial expenses accounted for EUR -48m in 9M 21 versus EUR -49m in 9M
20.
Income tax was EUR -62m in 9M 21 (EUR +22m in 9M 20).
Total profit for the period stood at EUR +143m in 9M 21 compared to EUR
+328m in 9M 20.
CapEx [9] increased +20.4% y-o-y amounting EUR 303m in Q3 21 (+11.6% y-o-y
to EUR 810m in 9M 21) with a C/S ratio of 15.4% (14.2% in 9M 21). The CapEx9
deployment comes with backend-loaded annual phasing and focus an efficient
Capex spend. Telefónica Deutschland is executing its 'investment for growth'
programme according to plan to capture valuable revenue and OIBDA growth
opportunities.
Operating cash flow (OIBDA minus CapEx9) decreased -8.0% y-o-y and reached
EUR 1,223m after the first 9 months of 2021. Excluding exceptional effects,
operating cash flow amounted to EUR 976m in 9M 21, up +2.3% y-o-y.
Free cash flow (FCF) [10] amounted to EUR 1,180m in the first 9M 21 (EUR
695m in 9M 20) and included EUR 536m proceeds mainly from the before
mentioned sale of assets to Telxius. Lease payments, primarily for leased
lines and antenna sites, amounted to EUR -474m in 9M 21 (EUR -429m in 9M
20). As a result, FCFaL increased to EUR +706m in 9M 21 including the before
mentioned effects compared to EUR +266m in 9M 20.
Working capital movements were negative in the amount of EUR -258m in 9M 21.
This development was mainly driven by a decrease in capex payables (EUR
-154m), increased pre-payments (EUR -34m), net restructuring impacts (EUR
+5m) as well as other working capital movements of EUR -75m. The latter
include the development of net receivables of EUR +21m (for example,
factoring), which was outweighed by other working capital movements,
especially a decrease in trade and other payables (EUR -66m).
Consolidated net financial debt [11] amounted to EUR 3,380m as of 30
September 2021, and included the FY20 dividend payment of EUR 535m in May as
well as a net increase in lease liabilities of EUR 479m reflecting IFRS 16
accounting for the before mentioned transfer of ~4k mobile sites passive
infrastructure to Telxius as well as for regular contract renewals. The
resulting leverage ratio of 1.4x [12] remained well below the company's
self-defined target ratio of at or below 2.5x and leaves comfortable
leverage headroom with regards to the company's BBB-rating with stable
outlook by Fitch.
Financial outlook 2021
Telefónica Deutschland delivered sustained operational and financial
momentum in a rational market environment in 9M 2021, supported by the
focused execution of the company's 'investment for growth' programme which
is bearing fruit. The company's successful marketing campaign 'Willkommen im
sehr guten Netz von O2' is promoting the equalised mobile network quality.
The temporary 'One-month test SIM' offer is further enhancing the strong
traction of the O2 Free portfolio after the gradual reopening of the German
economy towards the end of H1 2021. Churn rates in the O2 brand remained on
historic lows and performance of partner brands was solid.
As a result of Telefónica Deutschland's continued focus on profitable
growth, the company also posted good financial performance with MSR growth
accelerating despite some remaining travel restrictions still limiting
roaming and some headwinds from the MTR-cut effective since 1 Jul-21.
At the same time, Telefónica Deutschland continues to pursue its path of
digital transformation to make its business model 'simpler, faster and
better' and to benefit from revenue growth as well as efficiency gains.
Telefónica Deutschland emphasises sustainable growth and, as part of its ESG
targets, is committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by no later than
2025.
Against this background, Telefónica Deutschland is upgrading its FY2021
outlook for OIBDA adjusted for exceptional effects to 'low mid-single digit
percentage growth' year-over-year.
The company's CapEx deployment comes with backend-loaded annual phasing in
2021 as Telefónica Deutschland is executing its network-focused 'investment
for growth' programme. One year after its start, the O2 5G network is live
in ~115 cities and Telefónica Deutschland is well on track to achieve its
target of 30% population coverage in Germany by year end 2021 and nationwide
coverage by 2025. As a result of more efficient Capex spend, the expected
Capex to Sales ratio is reduced to <17-18% in FY2021.
Telefónica Deutschland's assumptions are based on broadly unchanged overall
economic conditions, current competitive dynamics, and existing wholesale
relationships. At the same time, management is continuously monitoring and
analysing the further C-19 developments.
Basel- Previous Actual 9M 2021 Upgraded
ine Outlook Outlook 2021
2020 2021
Revenue EUR Slightly EUR 5,711m (+3.7% Slightly
7,532- positive y-o-y)[1][13] 1. positive y-o-y
m y-o-y #footnote_13
OIBDA Adjusted EUR Slightly EUR 1,786m (+6.3% low mid-single
for exceptional 2,319- positive y-o-y)[1][14] 1. digit % growth
effects m y-o-y #footnote_14 y-o-y
Capex to Sales 14.5% 17-18% 14.2% <17-18%
Ratio
Link to detailed Data Tables
Further information
Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG
Investor Relations
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 50
80992 München
Christian Kern, Director Investor Relations; (m) +49 179 9000 208
Marion Polzer, CIRO, Head of Investor Relations; (m) +49 176 7290 1221
Eugen Albrecht, CIRO, Senior Investor Relations Officer; (m) +49 176 3147
5260
(t) +49 89 2442 1010
ir-deutschland@telefonica.com
www.telefonica.de/investor-relations
Disclaimer:
This document contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements
and expectations about Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG (in the following
"the Company" or "Telefónica Deutschland") that reflect the current views
and assumptions of Telefónica Deutschland's management with respect to
future events, including financial projections and estimates and their
underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and
expectations which may refer, among others, to the intent, belief or current
prospects of the customer base, estimates regarding, among others, future
growth in the different business lines and the global business, market
share, financial results and other aspects of the activity and situation
relating to the Company. Forward-looking statements are based on current
plans, estimates and projections. The forward-looking statements in this
document can be identified, in some instances, by the use of words such as
"expects", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", and similar language or the
negative thereof or by forward-looking nature of discussions of strategy,
plans or intentions. Such forward-looking statements, by their nature, are
not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and
uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond
Telefónica Deutschland's control and other important factors that could
cause actual developments or results to materially differ from those
expressed in or implied by the Company's forward-looking statements. These
risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in fuller
disclosure documents filed by Telefónica Deutschland with the relevant
Securities Markets Regulators, and in particular, with the German Federal
Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für
Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht - BaFin). The Company offers no assurance that
its expectations or targets will be achieved.
Analysts and investors, and any other person or entity that may need to take
decisions, or prepare or release opinions about the shares / securities
issued by the Company, are cautioned not to place undue reliance on those
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this
document. Past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future
performance.
Except as required by applicable law, Telefónica Deutschland undertakes no
obligation to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events and
circumstances after the date of this presentation, including, without
limitation, changes in Telefónica Deutschland's business or strategy or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
The financial information and opinions contained in this document are
unaudited and are subject to change without notice.
This document contains summarised information or information that has not
been audited. In this sense, this information is subject to, and must be
read in conjunction with, all other publicly available information,
including if it is necessary, any fuller disclosure document published by
Telefónica Deutschland.
None of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates or by any of its
officers, directors, employees, advisors, representatives or agents shall be
liable whatsoever for any loss however arising, directly or indirectly, from
any use of this document its content or otherwise arising in connection with
this document.
This document or any of the information contained herein do not constitute,
form part of or shall be construed as an offer or invitation to purchase,
subscribe, sale or exchange, nor a request for an offer of purchase,
subscription, sale or exchange of shares / securities of the Company, or any
advice or recommendation with respect to such shares / securities. This
document or a part of it shall not form the basis of or relied upon in
connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever.
These written materials are especially not an offer of securities for sale
or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States,
Canada, Australia, South Africa and Japan. Securities may not be offered or
sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or an exemption there from. No money, securities or other
consideration from any person inside the United States is being solicited
and, if sent in response to the information contained in these written
materials, will not be accepted.
[1] Adjusted for exceptional effects. In Q3 21, exceptional effects mainly
include a capital gain related to the spin-off and sale of the operations of
the final tranche of ~4k mobile sites passive infrastructure to Telxius in
the amount of EUR +262m as well as EUR +2m of restructuring costs and other
exceptional items. In Q3 20, exceptional effects included the capital gain
related with the transfer of the first tranche of ~6k mobile sites passive
infrastructure to Telxius in the amount of EUR +407m and EUR -26m
restructuring costs.
[2] Opensignal Awards - Germany: 5G Experience Report August 2021:
https://www.opensignal.com/reports/2021/08/germany/mobile-network-experience-5g.
[3] Excluding non-recurrent special factors. Non-recurrent special factors
amounted to EUR +14m in Q2 21 and EUR -25m in Q2 20.
[4] Mobile service revenue includes base fees and fees paid by the company's
customers for the usage of voice, SMS and mobile data services; it also
includes access and interconnection fees as well as other charges levied on
partners for the use of the company's network.
[5] Including the capital gain related to the spin-off and sale of the
operations of the first tranche of ~6k mobile sites passive infrastructure
to Telxius in the amount of EUR +407m.
[6] Other expenses include impairment losses in accordance with IFRS 9 in
the amount of EUR 19m in Q3 21 and EUR 52m in 9M 21 (compared to EUR 20m and
EUR 59m in the respective periods of 2020).
[7] Adjusted for exceptional effects. In Q3 21, exceptional effects amounted
to EUR +264m (EUR+247m in 9M 21), thereof an EUR +262m capital gain related
to the spin-off and sale of the operations of the final tranche of ~4k
mobile sites passive infrastructure to Telxius and EUR +2m of restructuring
costs and other exceptional items (EUR -15m in 9M 21). In Q3 20, exceptional
effects included the capital gain related with the transfer of the first
tranche of ~6k mobile sites passive infrastructure to Telxius in the amount
of EUR +407m and EUR -26m restructuring costs (EUR +401m gains from the sale
of assets and EUR -26m restructuring costs in 9M 20).
[8] Excluding non-recurrent special factors and excluding received social
security payments. Non-recurrent special factors amounted to EUR +12m in Q2
21 and EUR -25m in Q2 20.
[9] Excluding additions from capitalised right-of-use assets.
[10] Free cash flow pre dividends and payments for spectrum (FCF) is defined
as the sum of cash flow from operating activities and cash flow from
investing activities and does not contain payments for investments in
spectrum as well as related interest payments.
[11] Net financial debt includes current and non-current interest-bearing
financial assets and interest-bearing liabilities as well as cash and cash
equivalents and excludes payables for spectrum.
[12] Leverage ratio is defined as net financial debt divided by OIBDA of the
last twelve months adjusted for exceptional effects.
[13] Includes tailwinds from non-recurrent special factors in the amount of
EUR -25m and EUR +14m in 9M 20 and 9M 21, respectively.
[14] Includes tailwinds from non-recurrent special factors in the amount of
EUR -25m and EUR +12m in 9M 20 and 9M 21, respectively; as well as received
social security payments.
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Language: English
Company: Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 50
80992 München
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89 24 42 0
Internet: www.telefonica.de
ISIN: DE000A1J5RX9
WKN: A1J5RX
Indices: MDAX
Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard);
Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf,
Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange
EQS News ID: 1245603
MDAX TecDAX
End of News DGAP News Service
1245603 03.11.2021