ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
Mobilink posted a strong positive growth of 17% on its YoY organic revenue for the quarter ended30 September 2016 (Q3 2016) driven by growth in all revenue streams. For the same period, the company has reported PKR 38.5 billion post-merger consolidated revenue for both companies, up from PKR 25.9 billion as reported in Q3 2015.
Mobilink’s ascent was driven by a data revenue growth of 71% YoY mainly due to successful data monetization initiatives, including attractive bundle offers and the unification of the tariff portfolio, together with continued 3G network expansion.
Mobilink also witnessed a higher Mobile Financial Services (MFS) YoY revenue increase of 42% thanks to new over-the-counter (“OTC”) products and higher agent activity.
“We are pleased to report third quarter results that reflect stronger customer demand and business performance,” said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO – Mobilink and Warid. “Our stand-alone revenues have shown an increase of 17% owing to the strength of Jazz services portfolio and our ever growing subscriber base.”
“Our customers are benefiting from the significant investments we are making towards new services, and digitization of current portfolios, which allows us to exceed customer expectations through provision of digital communications solution for a better lifestyle. In terms of investment, we also completed the largest telecommunications merger in the country’s history during Q3, and have already realized post-merger synergies of PKR 500 million from site sharing and marketing costs optimization. Looking forward, we will continue our investments in service up-gradation and innovation, while also giving back to the community we operate in. I am confident through consistent innovation, and continuous support and expertise of Mobilink’s nationwide team we will sustain our positive momentum in the coming year,” he further added.
Underlying EBITDA margin, excluding integration costs related to the Warid transaction, was 42% in Q3 2016, supported by Warid’s improved margin resulting from the progress of integration activities. Capex increased to PKR 7.6 billion in Q3 2016 with a LTM capex to revenue ratio of 15.9%, driven by integration expenses. LTM operating cash flow margin was 27.2% in Q3 2016.
This growth follows Mobilink’s successful completion of Pakistan’s largest telecommunications merger, a deal it closed during July 2016. Apart from already realizing post-merger synergies of PKR 500 million, the Telco has been able to facilitate its subscribers through the introduction of On-net packages, whereby more than 50 million customers will be able to talk On-Net between Jazz and Warid numbers.
Mobilink is focused on the post transaction integration. Moving ahead, it will provide an opportunity to Jazz’s existing customers to utilize LTE on their devices. While, Warid customers, who previously could only switch between LTE and EDGE, will get to experience Jazz’s exceptional 3G service. This is in-line with Mobilink’s strategy of providing customers with a digital lifestyle along with a rich portfolio of products and services.