Key highlights (1):
Group revenue of £35.5 billion, an increase of 14.1%, with organic growth of 4.2%
Europe: 2.0% revenue growth, with outgoing usage up 20.1% and data revenue up 35.7%, all on an organic basis
EMAPA: revenue growth of 45.1%, reflecting acquisitions in India and Turkey. Organic growth of 14.5%
Group data revenue up 52.7% to £2.2 billion, with organic growth of 40.6%
Group adjusted operating profit up by 5.7% to £10.1 billion
Group EBITDA up 10.2% to £13.2 billion
Verizon Wireless operating profit up 20.3%, driven by 14.5% revenue growth, both in local currency
Free cash flow of £5.5 billion, with European capital intensity of 9.9% (2). Net cash flow from operations of £10.5 billion
Adjusted earnings per share up by 11.0% to 12.50 pence. Basic earnings per share of 12.56 pence
Full year adjusted effective tax rate lower than previously indicated at around 28%
Proportionate mobile customer base of 260 million at 31 March 2008
Increasing returns to shareholders
Total dividends per share up by 11.1% to 7.51 pence. Final dividend per share of 5.02 pence
Dividend pay out ratio of 60%, in line with policy, and a total payout of £4.0 billion for the financial year
(1) See page 4 for Group financial highlights, page 26 for definition of terms and page 28 for use of non-GAAP financial information.
(2) Mobile capital intensity including common functions.
Arun Sarin, Chief Executive, commented:
“Our strategy is continuing to deliver strong results and is reinforcing our leadership position in the communications industry. We have increased our customer franchise to 260 million, up 26%. Adjusted earnings per share grew 11% and we met or exceeded guidance on every measure. Free cash flow of £5.5 billion underpins our 11% increase in dividends per share. We are driving our strategy across our diverse portfolio in order to continue to generate consistent, strong cash flow and superior returns for our shareholders.”
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