29.05.2019
For sixth consecutive year, VIVACOM is the number one operator in total revenue on the Bulgarian market – BGN 948 million for 2018;
VIVACOM is again the leading IPTV operator;
VIVACOM is the leader in providing fixed broadband;
29.05.2019, Sofia For sixth consecutive year, VIVACOM maintains its leadership positionon the Bulgarian telecom market with total revenue of BGN 948 million at the end of 2018, which is a growth of 6.6% compared to 2017. The telecom also reports steady Adjusted EBITDA growth of 12.8% to a total of BGN 359.8 million, while capital expenditures increase by 3.6% – to BGN 187.5 million. This was announced by VIVACOM’s Chief Executive Officer Atanas Dobrev at the Integrated Annual Report presentation of the telecom. The event was held in the context of the tenth anniversary of VIVACOM. There are clear evidence that over the past ten years the corporation has established itself permanently on the Bulgarian market as an operator with extremely wide range of telecommunication solutions for private and business customers – mobile and fixed voice services, fiber-optic broadband, Satellite and Interactive TV (IPTV) of the latest generation, as well as individual solutions for the needs of corporate customers.
VIVACOM''s leadership position is also supported by the data for the first quarter of this year. Total revenue for the period January – March 2019 is BGN 235.2 million. Compared to the same period last year, the company achieves a growth of 5.5%. Despite the highly competitive market, VIVACOM continues to accomplish Adjusted EBITDA growth of 30.5%[1] – to BGN 112.5 million.
This year, once again, following the best European and global reporting and transparency practices, VIVACOM reported its financial results and non-financial KPIs in an Integrated Annual Report which also provides a comprehensive picture of the company''s performance in the past 2018.
For a consecutive year, VIVACOM remains the most preferred provider of Interactive television (IPTV). VIVACOM is positioned as the leading IPTV operator with a market share of 50%[2] at the end of 2018. Subscribers of pay-TV services have increased with 4.7% to 468,000 compared to 447,000 in 2017. This is due to the increased demand for high-quality interactive services with rich content that meets customers’ needs.
VIVACOM retains its position as a leader in the market’s fixed broadband segment. The total number of fixed broadband subscribers has increased with 2.8% to 444,000 compared to 432,000 in 2017. The growth is driven by the increase in the number of fiber-optic customers driven by the rising demand for high-speed capacity and reliable broadband service, provided by the company.
By the end of 2018 VIVACOM reports 3,071,000 mobile customers while mobile service revenue market share reaches 30%, supported by average revenue per user (ARPU) growth up to BGN 12.90 for the fourth quarter of 2018 and respectively to BGN 13.20 for the period January – March 2019.
VIVACOM provides 99.25% of population coverage[3] with 4G technology which enables high-speed connection through mobile network. The telecom reaffirms its position of the operator with fastest mobile network[4] in the country, measured by OOKLA for 2018.
The Integrated Annual Report presented by Atanas Dobrev also includes an analysis of the added value which the telecom contributes to society as one of the largest employers and serious corporate donors.
2018 Integrated Annual Report can be found at www.vivacom.bg/doklad2018
2018 in numbers
| For the year ended December 31, | Change
|
BGN thousands, except percentages | 2018 | 2017 | (amount) | (%) |
Revenue | 948 | 890 | 58.5 | 6.6 |
Adjusted EBITDA | 360 | 319 | 40.8 | 12.8 |
% Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 37.9 | 35.9 | 2.1 | 5.8 |
Number of mobile subscribers at period end | 3 071 | 3 133 | (62.4) | (2.0) |
% post-paid at period end | 88.8 | 88.9 | (0.1) | (0.1) |
Fixed broadband subscribers at period end | 444 | 432 | 11.9 | 2.8 |
% FTTx at period end | 65.3 | 59.8 | 5.4 | 9.1 |
Number of fiber homes passed at period end | 1 182 | 1 128 | 53.2 | 4.7 |
Fixed pay-TV subscribers at period end | 468 | 447 | 21.2 | 4.7 |
% IPTV at period end | 49.2 | 45.6 | 3.5 | 7.7 |
Note: Financial results for 2018 and Q1 2019 are presented following application of IFRS 15 and 16.
[1]12.7% on comparable basis before applying IFRS 15 and 16
[2] Source: Analysys Mason
[3] The measurement of 4G technology population coverage is made by Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) on their methodology in the period 15.10 to 15.11.2018.
[4] According to Ookla® analysis based on Speedtest Intelligence® data from tests made on the territory of Bulgaria in the third quarter of 2018 for average download speeds in the mobile network. Ookla trademarks are being used with permission.