VOD

Investing.com -- Barclays cut telecoms group Vodafone to "underweight" from "equal weight" and lowered its price target to 105 pence from 115 pence, saying it sees downside to the target and Vodafone is particularly exposed in Germany, its core market. Still guessing which stocks will beat the market? Our AI portfolio updates monthly and is outperforming the S&P 500 by 118%. See this month's list » The broker said it lowered its long-term growth estimates for the company, and left its earnings per share estimates for the current and next fiscal years unchanged. The downgrade is part of a sector review of the threat from AI agents, which can compare prices and switch plans for customers, and from satellite broadband such as Starlink. Barclays ranks Vodafone with Telefonica and BT as the most exposed to a hit to core earnings, and among the four most affected by valuation. Barclays estimates the threats will cut Vodafone's revenue by 5.9% over about five years, above the sector, because about 80% of its revenue comes from consumers versus an average of about 65% across Europe. Applying a 70% gross margin to that, it sees a hit to core earnings (EBITDA) of about 15%. Unsure what to buy ahead of earnings? Our AI's recent pre-earnings calls delivered gains of +77% to +118% after results dropped. See this month's earnings picks » Germany makes up about 30% of group revenue, and Barclays sees the AI risk there at 6% of revenue versus 5% on average in Europe. It says weaker ties between customers' fixed and mobile services leave them more open to switching. About 80% of German revenue comes from consumers. Barclays sees the lowest risk per unit of revenue in Britain, which makes up about 23% of group revenue. VodafoneThree is mainly a mobile business with a small fixed broadband base, so satellite could complement it, and AI could help broadband growth. Vodafone has far greater emerging market exposure than most peers, and with Germany still declining Barclays believes a discount is warranted. Competition in South Africa's prepaid market is weighing on growth, and Barclays does not expect that pressure to ease soon. Barclays' upside case is 150 pence, based on a valuation of eight times EBITDA, better economic conditions in 2027 and beyond, and Xavier Niel driving change at the company. Its downside case is 80 pence, assuming continued European disappointment, cuts to free cash flow forecasts and worse conditions in emerging markets. Niel is Vodafone's largest shareholder, and potential strategic change is a key risk to the underweight call. Barclays also lists German retail competition, potential loss of wholesale business and currency moves in Turkey and South Africa. European telecom shares have lagged the wider market by about 17% since mid-May 2026. Original Article Barclays cuts Vodafone on AI threats to earnings and German market exposure ServiceNow gets Street-high $266 price target as AI adoption boosts growth outlook Citi sees Europe as positioning winner as bearish bets on U.S. stocks mount

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Release Date: August 20, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Techstep ASA (OSL:TECH) achieved 12% year-on-year revenue growth in Q2 2026, reaching NOK228.8 million, driven by device deliveries including to Helse Midt-Norge. The company is executing a cost reduction program targeting an annualized cost base of NOK218 million by end of 2026, down from NOK312 million in 2025, with 25 FTE reductions and organizational simplification. Techstep ASA (OSL:TECH) secured a NOK40 million bridge facility and a fully underwritten rights issue of at least NOK83.3 million to strengthen financial flexibility and support execution. Commercial proof points include first deliveries in Spain through Vodafone and other operators, with potential for up to 80,000 devices by 2027, as well as contract renewals with Equinor and Bane NOR. The company completed a group-wide ERP rollout and is standardizing its operating platform with digital commerce, AI, and automation, aiming for a more scalable structure and improved operating leverage. Techstep ASA (OSL:TECH) reported a net gross profit decline of 25% year-on-year to NOK52 million, with margin falling to 22.7% from 33.8%, due to a higher share of lower-margin device sales and lower Device as a Service contribution. Adjusted EBITA turned negative at NOK12.9 million, a year-on-year decline of NOK13.3 million, reflecting weak earnings quality and operational challenges. Own software revenues declined 35% year-on-year to NOK15.7 million, with core own software down 6%, largely due to the terminated legacy telecom expense contract and some customer churn. Operating cash flow was negative NOK16.1 million in Q2, with net cash flow from operations negative NOK6 million, pressured by weaker earnings and working capital outflows. The company faces delays in healthcare rollouts, which have restrained growth in managed health services and contributed to lower consulting and services net gross profit. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with OSL:TECH. Is OSL:TECH fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Q: No analyst questions were submitted during the Q2 2026 earnings call. What were the key financial messages management delivered?A: CFO Havard Haukdal reported Q2 2026 revenues of NOK228.8 million, up 12% year-on-year on a pro forma basis, driven primarily by device deliveries including to Helse Midt-Norge. However, net gross profit fell 25% to NOK52 million with the margin dropping to 22.7% from 33.8%, and adjusted EBITA was negative NOK12.9 million versus positive NOK0.4 million a year earlier. The net loss was NOK30.5 million. Q: What caused the sharp decline in net gross profit and margin in Q2 2026?A: CFO Havard Haukdal attributed the decline to a higher share of lower-margin device sales, lower Device as a Service and end-of-lease contribution, the terminated legacy telecom expense contract (close to NOK6 million negative impact), and delays in healthcare rollouts. Own software revenues declined 35% year-on-year to NOK15.7 million, largely reflecting the terminated legacy solution, while core own software declined 6%. Q: What is the Techstep improvement program and what are its cost-saving targets?A: CFO Havard Haukdal explained the program targets an annualized cost base of NOK218 million for personnel and other operating costs, compared with the May 2026 baseline, a reduction of 15%. It includes a reduction of 25 FTEs and organizational reshaping following the repositioning in Sweden. Savings will phase in over coming quarters with close to full run-rate effect expected by April 2027. Q: How is Techstep's recurring revenue developing?A: CFO Havard Haukdal reported adjusted annualized recurring revenue of NOK244 million at the end of Q2 2026, up 1% year-on-year after adjusting for the terminated legacy telecom expense contract. However, ARR declined from levels in the second half of 2025 and from the restated Q1 level. Own software declined 8% quarter-on-quarter due to a small number of churns, while delayed managed health rollouts continued to restrain growth. Q: What is the status of the planned rights issue and bridge facility?A: CFO Havard Haukdal stated that subsequent to Q2, Techstep announced a NOK40 million bridge facility and a planned rights issue of at least NOK83.3 million, guaranteed by five shareholders at a subscription price of NOK1 per share. The Board remains open to alternative proposals that could support a higher subscription price. The indicative timeline runs from August through October 2026, with the prospectus draft and Oslo Stock Exchange application planned for late August, EGM around late September, and settlement and release of proceeds expected by late October. Q: How did cash flow and the balance sheet develop in Q2 2026?A: CFO Havard Haukdal reported adjusted EBITDA of NOK9.8 million, with working capital representing an outflow of NOK12.7 million. Net cash flow from operations was negative NOK6 million, and operating cash flow was negative NOK16.1 million. Cash decreased by NOK3.1 million during the quarter to NOK4.6 million. Total assets were NOK910 million with total equity of NOK412 million, giving an equity ratio of 45%. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK82.6 million. Q: What is the potential goodwill impairment risk?A: CFO Havard Haukdal noted that the decline in the share price following the announcement triggers a goodwill impairment assessment in Q3 2026. Goodwill stands at NOK485 million, with customer relationships and technology of NOK88 million included in total noncurrent assets of NOK731 million. Q: What is Techstep's strategy for the direct and indirect go-to-market channels?A: CEO Morten Meier explained that the direct business will remain the larger contributor and the Nordic innovation and margin engine, gaining customer insight and deepening recurring revenue. The indirect channel is the European scale engine, embedding software and services in propositions of mobile operators and IT service providers. The ambition is for the indirect channel to reach around 40% of gross profit by 2029, up from 15% in 2025, though this is a strategic ambition, not financial guidance. Q: What commercial proof points did management highlight despite the weak H1 2026 performance?A: CEO Morten Meier cited device deliveries to Helse Midt-Norge contributing substantially to June revenue, first deliveries underway in Spain through Vodafone and other operators following the Generalitat de Catalunya engagement representing potential of up to 80,000 devices within 2027, and contract renewals with Equinor and Bane NOR. He emphasized these wins do not offset the weak H1 outcome but reinforce that underlying customer need remains relevant. Q: How is Techstep reshaping its organization and operating platform?A: CEO Morten Meier stated FTEs declined from 260 at the end of 2025 to 190 at Q1 2026 following the February carve-out and rightsizing, with a target of approximately 160 FTEs by Q4 2026. The annualized cost base target is NOK218 million by end of 2026, down from NOK312 million in 2025 and NOK238 million last quarter. One ERP is now live in Norway, Poland and Sweden, while digital commerce, AI and automation rollout continues. Q: What are the key priorities for the remainder of 2026?A: CEO Morten Meier emphasized the priority is to execute consistently by converting the broader commercial pipeline, increasing the contribution from recurring software and services, improving margin management, and realizing cost and efficiency benefits. Progress should be measured through recurring net gross profit, the cost run rate, cash generation, and evidence that commercial momentum is converting into improved financial outcomes. He acknowledged Q2 profitability was below expectations and credibility will be built through disciplined execution over coming quarters. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) shares gained after Castle Rock Wealth Management disclosed a new 16,015-share position worth about $1.38 million, adding to institutional interest just days before the satellite-broadband company reports second-quarter results. The purchase is modest relative to AST's market value, but the timing puts fresh attention on Monday's earnings, where satellite deployment and cash consumption will matter far more than near-term profits. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with ASTS. Is ASTS fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. AST SpaceMobile is building a low-Earth-orbit satellite network designed to deliver broadband directly to ordinary smartphones without specialized hardware. Its model depends on partnerships with mobile carriers, including Vodafone and others, that can extend terrestrial networks into areas without conventional coverage. AST has relationships with nearly 60 mobile-network operators covering more than 3 billion subscribers. Castle Rock's newly disclosed stake comes as AST continues moving from development toward commercial deployment. Three next-generation BlueBird satellites, numbered 11 through 13, successfully launched on August 5, expanding the company's constellation and supporting planned service testing later this year. Investors have nevertheless had to absorb significant financing needs. AST disclosed preliminary cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of approximately $2.72 billion as of June 30, giving it a sizable liquidity cushion as satellite manufacturing and launches accelerate. That spending remains the central tension. In the first quarter, AST recorded a net loss of roughly $250 million, reflecting the heavy cost of building a global network before commercial revenue reaches scale. AST will hold its second-quarter business update on Monday, August 10 at 5 p.m. ET. Investors should focus on cash burn, satellite production rates, upcoming launch dates and the timetable for commercial service. Updates on regulatory approvals and carrier partnerships could also move the stock. The bullish case strengthens if newly launched satellites move quickly into testing and AST demonstrates a credible path toward recurring service revenue. Further deployment delays, rising capital requirements or another large financing round would reinforce concerns that commercialization remains expensive and farther away than the stock's valuation implies.

Interested in AST SpaceMobile, Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better. AST SpaceMobile plans to launch BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13 on Aug. 5, advancing its goal of 45 satellites in orbit by early 2027. The company will report second-quarter earnings on Aug. 10, with investors seeking improvement after a Q1 miss on both earnings and revenue expectations. Shares remain highly volatile with a beta of 2.69 and heavy short interest, though institutional inflows have significantly outpaced outflows over the past year. Space-based cellular broadband network provider AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) has officially set the launch date for its next cohort of satellites as the company continues to pursue its goal of putting 45 BlueBirds into low Earth orbit (LEO) by early 2027. On Tuesday, July 28, the SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) rival announced that it is targeting Wednesday, Aug. 5, for liftoff of BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13—the latest three LEO satellites to join its direct-to-device (D2D) constellation. → SpaceX’s First Earnings Report Could Decide Whether Shorts or Bulls Have Control According to AST SpaceMobile, the successful June launch of BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 will be followed by BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13, while satellites 14 through 16 are already being prepared, and production has advanced through satellite 42. With another satellite launch and its Q2 business update scheduled just days apart, AST SpaceMobile is approaching two important tests of whether its expanding constellation can support commercial service and justify the stock’s volatile valuation. → Financials Hit Record Highs as the AI Trade Unravels—Can They Keep Leading? As a group, space stocks have been dragged down over the past month as the fallout from SpaceX’s IPO continues. AST SpaceMobile is no exception, with shares having plummeted more than 30% over the past 30 days. Since hitting its all-time high on May 28, that brings the stock’s total loss to nearly 56%. → Why Rare Earth Processing Could Be the Real 2027 Opportunity But the company is doggedly focused on accelerating its launch schedule to meet its 2026 targets. That begins with next Wednesday’s tentatively planned deployment. According to Scott Wisniewski, president of AST SpaceMobile, the orbital launch “combined with expanded manufacturing capacity and the recent successful launch and deployment of BlueBird satellites 8, 9, and 10, position [the company] for beta services later this year with our space-based cellular broadband coverage." That service rollout will be aided by AST SpaceMobile’s numerous strategic partnerships that are already in place, including AT&T (NYSE: T), Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), Vodafone Group (NASDAQ: VOD), American Tower (NYSE: AMT), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), and Rakuten (OTCMKTS: RKUNY). The company also has agreements with more than 50 mobile network operators and separately serves U.S. government applications and contracts. AST SpaceMobile’s strategic partners include AT&T, Verizon Communications, Vodafone Group, American Tower, Google, Rakuten, Bell Canada, stc Group, and TELUS. The company also has agreements with more than 50 mobile network operators and separately serves U.S. government applications and contracts. Notably, this next group of BlueBird satellites is expected to deliver nearly double the peak download speeds achieved by AST SpaceMobile’s Block 1 BlueBirds, which boast peak D2D download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to smartphones. Although not a direct comparison with AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-smartphone network,, for context, SpaceX’s Starlink satellites report download speeds of 45 Mbps to 280 Mbps for its terminal-based satellite internet service. The week after its next planned launch date, AST SpaceMobile will be hosting its Q2 earnings call at 5 p.m. EST. Investors hopeful that the company can rebound from its galactic Q1 double-miss when the company reported earnings per share of negative 66 cents against analyst expectations of negative 23 cents, and revenue of just $14.74 million compared to forecasts for $39.01 million. Shareholders will also be looking for clarity on a recent private offering that has raised the specter of potential dilution, and whether speculation about the issuance of $1 billion in senior convertible notes was aimed at acquiring or investing in a rocket launch services provider. Those notes will mature on Feb. 1, 2034, unless converted or repurchased at an earlier date. They are also eligible—at AST SpaceMobile’s discretion—for conversion into cash, Class A common stock, or a combination thereof. Despite the recent crash in ASTS’ share price, it has been clawing back. On Thursday, July 30, the stock gained more than 10% and notably sits nearly 64% higher than its 52-week low on Sept. 9, 2025. Shareholders have grown accustomed to ASTS’ inherent unpredictability, though. With a current beta of 2.69, the stock is approaching a level of volatility nearly 3x the broad market. That, in part, is why analysts have been hesitant to upgrade the stock—which carries a consensus Hold rating—despite the average 12-month price target implying nearly 50% upside potential. That elevated volatility has also contributed to outsized attention from bears. Current short interest stands at more than 19% of the float, or a little more than 59 million shares out of the 388 million shares outstanding. In dollar terms, $3.94 billion worth of ASTS is currently being sold short. Revenue is scaling quickly, but profitability and operating cash flow remain under pressure. For investors, the more meaningful test will be whether AST SpaceMobile can convert its expanding satellite network into recurring commercial revenue while managing its substantial capital requirements. Despite those financial risks, institutional activity has remained heavily tilted toward buyers. Over the past 12 months. Over the past 12 months, inflows of nearly $2.4 billion have dwarfed outflows of less than $483 million. The article "AST SpaceMobile Sets Launch Date Ahead of Key Q2 Earnings Test" was originally published by MarketBeat. View MarketBeat's top stocks for August 2026.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Release Date: June 02, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Suyog Telematics Ltd (BOM:537259) reported a strong EBITDA margin of 74%, indicating efficient cost management. The company has a significant presence with 6,008 unique towers and 7,318 tenancies, showcasing its extensive network infrastructure. Suyog Telematics Ltd (BOM:537259) is expecting substantial business from Vodafone, with plans to deploy 5,000 towers in the current financial year. The company has improved its revenue per tower to 31,000 INR, reflecting better utilization and pricing strategies. Suyog Telematics Ltd (BOM:537259) has a strong focus on fiber connectivity, which is crucial for 5G and future network expansions, positioning it well for future growth. There are delays in receiving orders from BSNL due to equipment issues with Tejas Networks, affecting potential revenue growth. The company's revenue from BSNL remains low at 2.5%, despite significant site rollouts, due to lower rental rates compared to private operators. Interest costs have risen significantly, outpacing operating earnings, which could impact net profitability. The anticipated rollout from Vodafone has been delayed, with major contributions expected only in Q3 and Q4, affecting short-term revenue growth. Suyog Telematics Ltd (BOM:537259) has not made significant progress in its data center business, which was expected to be a new growth avenue. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with BOM:537259. Is BOM:537259 fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Q: How is Suyog Telematics preparing for the expected tower orders from Vodafone and BSNL, and what are the financial plans to support this expansion? A: We are awaiting final numbers from Vodafone. If they give us 5,000 orders, we will roll them out throughout the year. We haven't finalized any concrete financial plans yet. Once we receive a bulk order, we will decide on fundraising or using internal accruals. (Unidentified_2) Q: What is the status of the BSNL order, and why is there a delay? A: The delay is due to issues with Tejas equipment. We are not directly involved in this transaction, so we can't commit to a timeline. We are waiting for confirmation from BSNL management. (Unidentified_2) Q: Can you explain the revenue contribution from BSNL, given the massive rollout mentioned? A: Although we have rolled out 1,800 sites for BSNL, the revenue is only 2.5% due to low rental rates compared to private operators. The government has allocated funds for BSNL, but rollout is pending resolution of equipment issues. (Unidentified_2) Q: What is the expected timeline for Vodafone orders, and how will it impact financial results? A: Vodafone is expected to release orders by June 8th. Numbers will start reflecting from Q2 onwards, but major impacts will be seen in Q3 and Q4 due to the rainy season affecting Q2. (Unidentified_2) Q: How is Suyog Telematics addressing the increase in interest costs despite strong cash generation? A: The increase in interest costs is due to India's accounting standards and liabilities. We are managing these costs while focusing on growth and expansion. (Unidentified_11) For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Networking stocks got a serious boost this week after Cisco (CSCO) put up a strong fiscal Q3 2026 report. On May 13, the company posted networking revenue of $8.82 billion, up 25%, thanks to heavy spending on AI infrastructure and campus networking gear. The market liked what it saw. Cisco shares jumped between 18% and 22% in after-hours trading, and that enthusiasm spread quickly across the sector. Nokia (NOK)  climbed more than 10%, which is notable because the company is starting to shake off its old image as just a legacy telecom business. NVDA Earnings, Alphabet Conference and Other Can't Miss Items this Week Microsoft Stock Is an AI Bargain That Investors Are Missing A $1.5 Trillion Reason to Buy Taiwan Semi Stock Here Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! This wasn't just traders piling into anything networking-related. AI buildouts are picking up speed, with major cloud companies planning to spend hundreds of billions in 2026 to handle larger training clusters and inference workloads. So here's the real question. If Cisco's results show that networking demand is heating up again, does Nokia have what it takes to be the next big winner in this space? Let's dive in. Nokia Corporation, based in Espoo, Finland, has a market value of about $83 billion and builds telecom equipment, optical gear, and network software for carriers, enterprises, and data centers. The Finnish gear maker is positioned to benefit when spending on connectivity, AI, and carrier infrastructure strengthens across global markets. As for the stock, NOK is up about 116% since the year started, 169% gain over the past 52 weeks, and closed at $13.98 on May 15. Even so, the valuation looks a bit rich. It trades at 33.72x trailing earnings and 27.59x cash flow, both above sector medians of 24.52x and 18.01x. Its latest quarterly report, released in March 2026, helped support the bullish view. Nokia posted $0.06 in earnings per share, while sales came in at $5.26 billion, down 25.60% quarter-to-quarter, so revenue was softer even though the company stayed profitable. That same quarter also showed stronger cash generation. Their operating cash flow rose to $578 million, up about 30% from the prior quarter, which suggests the core business was holding up better. It also reported net cash flow of -$1.31B, but that was still an improvement of 17% from the prior quarter. That means cash outflows narrowed, which matters for a company still spending on network upgrades and growth projects. Nokia is going after a bigger share of AI and networking spending, and the moves it's making go beyond just the quarterly numbers. Right now, the big headline is a $4 billion investment commitment with the Trump administration to expand research and manufacturing in the U.S. That's on top of the $2.3 billion Nokia is already putting into U.S. manufacturing as part of its Infinera acquisition. The company also locked in a strategic AI-RAN partnership with Nvidia (NVDA), which is starting to show real progress. Nokia and Nvidia finished functional tests of GPU-powered AI-RAN workloads with T-Mobile (TMUS), Indosat (ISAT), and SoftBank @ (SFTBY), proving that AI and radio access network functions can run at the same time on shared infrastructure. This partnership now includes operators like BT Group (BT.A), Elisa (ELISA.H.DX), NTT DOCOMO, and Vodafone (VOD), all testing AI-RAN tech to improve network performance and handle the surge in mobile AI traffic. Nokia has also brought in hardware partners like Quanta and SuperMicro (SMCI), along with Dell Technologies (DELL) and Red Hat for orchestration, which gives telecom companies more options when choosing servers. In May 2026, Nokia rolled out AI tools for home and broadband networks, drawing on experience from more than 600 million broadband lines it's deployed around the world. The telecom industry is expected to pour $6.2 billion into this kind of AI by 2030, and Nokia's new systems are built to push first-contact help desk success rates above 50% and cut repeat construction site visits in half. Nokia Federal Solutions and Lockheed Martin (LMT), also teamed up to introduce a mission-critical 5G solution for the U.S. Department of Defense, using open architecture standards. This modular 5G setup brings Nokia's carrier-grade 5G into the DoW's framework, so military vehicles and platforms can tap into commercial 5G while in the field. Nokia's next earnings report is set for July 23. Analysts are expecting $0.07 per share for the June quarter, up from $0.05 last year, which works out to a 40% jump year-over-year. Wall Street is starting to treat Nokia as a real AI and networking play, and the recent upgrades show it. Bank of America shifted its rating from “Neutral” to “Buy,” pointing to Nokia's shift into optical networking after the Infinera deal and some key leadership changes. Argus also upgraded Nokia to Buy after the last quarterly release, setting a $15 price target, which gives the stock about 7.6% upside from here. The wider analyst group is on board, too. Based on 18 analysts surveyed, Nokia holds a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating with an average price target of $12.89. That sits about 7.5% below the current stock price, which shows just how fast the rally has moved ahead of expectations. Nokia's rally after Cisco's big quarter is more than just traders chasing momentum for a day. With a $4 billion U.S. investment on the table, the Nvidia AI-RAN partnership is gaining traction, and analyst upgrades pointing to 40% earnings growth, there's real substance backing the move. The big question is whether Nokia can actually convert the AI infrastructure opportunity into better margins and steady revenue gains. For now, the pieces are coming together in a way that suggests this rally might still have legs. On the date of publication, Ebube Jones did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Group Service Revenue Growth: 5.1% in the fourth quarter, with growth across Europe and Africa. Adjusted EBITDAaL Growth: 4.5% organic growth for FY26, at the upper end of guidance. Adjusted Free Cash Flow: EUR 2.6 billion generated in FY26. Dividend Increase: Full year FY26 dividend increased by 2.5%. Africa Service Revenue Growth: Highest in almost two decades. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with VOD. High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio This Powerful Chart Made Peter Lynch 29% A Year For 13 Years How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? Is VOD fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Release Date: May 12, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Vodafone Group PLC (NASDAQ:VOD) achieved the upper end of its expectations for FY26, with strong service revenue growth of 5.1% in the fourth quarter across Europe and Africa. The company reported a 4.5% organic growth in adjusted EBITDAaL for FY26, aligning with the upper end of its guidance. Vodafone Group PLC (NASDAQ:VOD) increased its full-year FY26 dividend by 2.5% and announced a progressive dividend policy. The company is focusing on markets with sustainable structures, scale, and strong positions, which is expected to drive growth in FY27 and beyond. Vodafone Group PLC (NASDAQ:VOD) is expanding its fintech platform in Africa, now serving over 100 million users, indicating strong growth potential in emerging markets. Vodafone Group PLC (NASDAQ:VOD) faces ongoing pressure in the German market, with expectations of EBITDA decline in FY27 due to competitive challenges in mobile and TV segments. The company anticipates a decline in European EBITDAaL, particularly in Germany, due to continued competitive pressures and market dynamics. Vodafone Group PLC (NASDAQ:VOD) is temporarily above its target leverage range due to the UK JV buyout, although it expects to return to the lower half by the end of FY27. The company is experiencing subscriber losses in Germany, attributed to increased prices and competitive market conditions. Vodafone Group PLC (NASDAQ:VOD) acknowledges the need for regulatory changes in Europe to support a more confident and durable growth story, indicating potential challenges in the regulatory environment. Q: Why is Vodafone reinstating its midterm targets for double-digit free cash flow growth? A: Margherita Della Valle, CEO, explained that Vodafone is entering a new chapter after a deep transformation over the past three years. The company now operates from strong, scaled positions in all markets and benefits from a supportive environment for connectivity. This transformation and the diversified portfolio provide confidence for growth in FY27 and beyond. Q: What are the expectations for European EBITDAaL, particularly in Germany, for FY27? A: Pilar Lopez, CFO, stated that Europe is expected to be broadly stable, with Germany facing a decline due to ongoing trends. However, the UK is expected to show strong growth due to synergy delivery. Margherita Della Valle added that while Germany's EBITDA will remain under pressure, improvements in B2B and consumer broadband are expected. Q: How does Vodafone view M&A and leverage, especially after the UK JV buyout? A: Margherita Della Valle noted that the UK buyout was planned and temporarily affects leverage, but Vodafone aims to return to the lower half of its leverage range by the end of FY27. The focus remains on organic execution and driving double-digit organic free cash flow growth. Q: Can you elaborate on the impact of AI on Vodafone's operations and strategy? A: Margherita Della Valle highlighted AI's dual role in enhancing network efficiency and meeting AI-driven demand for connectivity. Pilar Lopez emphasized AI's role in driving cost efficiencies and productivity, particularly in customer care and procurement, positioning Vodafone for structural cost base changes while enhancing customer experience. Q: What is Vodafone's strategy for growth in Africa, and are there plans to increase exposure? A: Margherita Della Valle confirmed that Vodafone is increasing its exposure to Africa through the Safaricom transaction, taking control of a successful telecom and financial services company. The focus remains on managing the portfolio for value creation, with no immediate plans for further geographic expansion. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Interested in Vodafone Group PLC? Here are five stocks we like better. Vodafone posted FY26 results at the upper end of guidance, with group service revenue up 5.1% in Q4, adjusted EBITDA up 4.5% organically for the full year, and adjusted free cash flow reaching €2.6 billion. The company also raised its full-year dividend by 2.5% and expects continued EBITDA and free cash flow growth in FY27. Germany remains the main weak spot, as management expects another year of pressure from TV losses, mobile pricing resets and a still-negative retail service revenue trend. Even so, Vodafone said it is seeing progress in business services, broadband, customer satisfaction and digital offerings like cloud, security and AI. The U.K. integration and Africa growth are key drivers of the outlook, with VodafoneThree delivering early network and customer gains and FY27 set to bring meaningful cost and capex synergies. Africa also delivered its strongest service revenue growth in nearly two decades, supporting Vodafone’s midterm goal of double-digit organic free cash flow growth. AST SpaceMobile Gets FCC Green Light for Direct-to-Device Service After Launch Setback Vodafone Group (NASDAQ:VOD) said it is entering “a new chapter” as a simpler and stronger business after a three-year transformation spanning its portfolio, capital structure and operating model, while management pointed to continued growth in fiscal 2027 and beyond. Group Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle told analysts that Vodafone achieved results at the upper end of expectations for FY26. She said group service revenue growth remained strong in the fourth quarter at 5.1%, with growth across both Europe and Africa. Adjusted EBITDA grew 4.5% organically for the full year, in line with the upper end of guidance, and adjusted free cash flow reached 2.6 billion euros. → Beyond NVIDIA: Picks-and-Shovels AI Plays with Strong Momentum AST SpaceMobile Reports Big Revenue Beat as It Continues to Scale Following the company’s announcement of a progressive dividend policy, Vodafone increased its full-year FY26 dividend by 2.5%. For FY27, management guided for “continued good growth” in both adjusted EBITDA and adjusted free cash flow. Della Valle said Vodafone’s performance in Germany has improved despite ongoing pressure in television and a competitive mobile market. She said the company is now growing in business-to-business services and consumer broadband, attributing those gains to operational actions including customer satisfaction improvements, higher front-book prices and growth in digital services such as cloud, security and AI. → MercadoLibre Boldly Invests in Growth: Discount Deepens AST SpaceMobile Jumps 9% After Government Contract Announcement Still, management acknowledged that Germany remains a key pressure point. Group CFO Pilar López said Vodafone expects a decline in Germany in FY27, with fourth-quarter trends continuing into the new year. Della Valle said EBITDA in Germany is expected to remain under pressure, while retail service revenue growth is still negative due to the flow-through of prior mobile pricing resets. Della Valle said Vodafone does not expect further pressure from commercial costs because prior increases have annualized. She also pointed to productivity initiatives in headcount, automation and IT simplification, partially offset by inflation. → 3 Ways to Target the Resources Powering AI and Data Centers On customer trends, Della Valle said broadband gross additions have been affected by price increases, but churn levels remain favorable. She said customer satisfaction on the cable network reached its highest-ever level and that fixed-line trends in Germany have stabilized overall despite the drag from television. In the U.K., Vodafone said it has made significant progress less than a year into the integration of VodafoneThree. Della Valle said independent tests show material improvements in mobile network quality, which are feeding through into customer satisfaction and loyalty. She also said Vodafone recorded its fastest-ever year of home broadband customer growth and has the largest gigabit footprint of any operator. The company has announced it will take full ownership of VodafoneThree, and Della Valle said FY27 will bring the first meaningful cost and capital expenditure synergies. She also said Vodafone will continue to pursue revenue synergies through a multi-brand portfolio, a unified store footprint and cross-selling opportunities. As one example, she cited the company’s announcement that fixed wireless access will be brought to an additional 3.7 million homes. Asked about the U.K. growth outlook, Della Valle said Vodafone’s plans assume price competition will continue. She said the merger’s value comes from better returns on capital employed, enabling greater investment through scaled infrastructure. She highlighted churn reduction and cross-selling to a larger customer base as key revenue opportunities. López said U.K. service revenue declined in the fourth quarter due to lower B2B project activity and the interruption of revenue from a large customer. However, she said consumer trends improved quarter over quarter, with ARPU growth in mobile and fixed, churn reductions across brands and strong fixed broadband net additions. López said Vodafone expects the U.K. to grow in FY27, with a step-up in B2B revenue as the company laps the impact of terminated managed service contracts. Della Valle described Africa as Vodafone’s second-largest division and said it reported strong results across all markets, delivering its highest service revenue growth in almost two decades. She also highlighted Vodafone’s fintech platform in Africa, which she said has more than 100 million users and millions of merchants. Management said structural opportunities in Africa include population growth, customer growth, rising smartphone penetration and growing data usage. López said Vodafone expects continued growth in the rest of the world, supported by strong performance in Africa and continued growth in Turkey in euros. She said the company manages its emerging markets for euro growth. Della Valle said Vodafone is increasing its exposure to Africa through the Safaricom transaction, which she described as taking control of “one of the most successful companies in telecom and financial services” on the continent. However, when asked whether Vodacom could expand into new African markets or increase stakes in existing assets, she said Vodafone is “very happy” with its current geographic shape in Africa. Vodafone introduced a midterm ambition to deliver double-digit organic growth in adjusted free cash flow. Della Valle said the company’s confidence stems from its simplified structure, scaled positions in all of its markets and what she described as a more supportive environment for connectivity, including sustainable pricing models, pro-investment spectrum decisions and greater recognition of in-market scale benefits. On leverage, Della Valle said Vodafone still aims to operate in the lower half of its leverage range. She said the U.K. buyout was always part of the plan, though it is occurring earlier than expected. The deal will temporarily move Vodafone slightly above its preferred range, but she said the company expects to return to the lower half by the end of FY27, helped by proceeds from the Netherlands transaction and the growth outlook. Della Valle said she is “very happy” with the current shape of the group and that Vodafone’s focus remains on organic execution and driving double-digit organic free cash flow growth. She also said a dedicated Vodafone Investments team will continue managing non-core stakes and infrastructure and innovation holdings “with agility and discipline” to create value. Asked about artificial intelligence, Della Valle said AI affects Vodafone across networks, productivity and future demand. She said AI can make networks more efficient, while future AI use cases in vehicles, robotics and other physical-world applications will require stronger network infrastructure, low latency and faster speeds. López said AI is already an enabler of cost efficiencies and productivity and is one of the key drivers behind Vodafone’s operating expense savings targets. She cited customer care applications such as TOBi and SuperTOBi, as well as AI use in shared operations and procurement. Della Valle also said AI introduces new risks in fraud and cybersecurity, but can improve defenses. She pointed to fraud alerts being rolled out across European markets to warn customers about suspicious calls. Closing the call, Della Valle said Vodafone has posted an online presentation summarizing where the company stands and where it is headed as it begins its next phase. Vodafone Group plc is a British multinational telecommunications company headquartered in London. It provides a wide range of communications services to consumer and enterprise customers, including mobile voice and data, fixed-line broadband, cable and pay-TV, and wholesale network services. The company also offers business-oriented solutions such as cloud and hosting, managed networks, unified communications, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and platform services. Vodafone operates through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and partner arrangements across multiple countries, with a particularly large presence in Europe and in several African markets. This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected]. The article "Vodafone Group Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. View MarketBeat's top stocks for May 2026.

Interested in United Internet AG? Here are five stocks we like better. United Internet reported a solid Q1 2026, with revenue up 2.5% to more than EUR 1.55 billion and EBITDA up 2.4% to EUR 331.9 million. EPS jumped 44% to EUR 0.36, helped by stronger EBIT and lower taxes. IONOS and Mail & Media drove growth, while 1&1 was largely stable. IONOS added 300,000 contracts and Mail & Media increased pay accounts by 80,000, offsetting flat 1&1 contracts amid higher wholesale costs from the Vodafone roaming agreement. The company confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance and said cash flow improved, though capital spending remains heavy due to investments in fiber, mobile networks and data centers. Management also said it still aims to lower leverage toward 2.0x net debt to EBITDA. United Internet (ETR:UTDI) reported higher first-quarter revenue and earnings for fiscal 2026, with management saying customer growth at IONOS and Mail & Media helped offset stable contract numbers at 1&1 and ongoing cost pressures tied to the mobile network rollout. Chief Financial Officer Carsten Theurer said the company’s customer contracts increased by 380,000 in the first three months of 2026 to 30.1 million. Group revenue rose 2.5% to more than EUR 1.55 billion, while EBITDA increased 2.4% to EUR 331.9 million. EBIT rose by more than 15%, which Theurer attributed to a significant decrease in purchase price allocation depreciation. → Beyond NVIDIA: Picks-and-Shovels AI Plays with Strong Momentum United Internet also reported earnings per share of EUR 0.36, up 44%, supported by improved EBIT and lower taxes. Theurer said amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment continued to rise as the company invests in fiber optic infrastructure and the 1&1 mobile network. Theurer opened the call by outlining a simplified reporting structure that United Internet adopted at the start of fiscal 2026. The company will now report three segments based on its subgroups: 1&1, IONOS and Mail & Media. → MercadoLibre Boldly Invests in Growth: Discount Deepens He said the change reflects the sale of 1&1 Versatel to 1&1, with the former Consumer Access and Business Access segments now reported on a consolidated basis at 1&1 AG. The former Business Applications and Consumer Applications segments have been renamed IONOS and Mail & Media, respectively. At 1&1, customer contracts were stable at 16.32 million in the first quarter. Mobile contracts remained unchanged at 12.48 million, while broadband connections were steady at 3.84 million. Theurer said the broadband performance was positive given declines in recent quarters, adding that a campaign promoting an easier switch to 1&1 had helped stop churn. → 3 Ways to Target the Resources Powering AI and Data Centers 1&1 revenue increased 1.1% year over year to about EUR 1.1 billion. Service revenue declined slightly, in line with the company’s business plan, to nearly EUR 900 million, while hardware sales rose almost 11% to EUR 246.3 million. Segment EBITDA was stable at EUR 192.4 million. Theurer said EBITDA was affected by higher wholesale costs under the national roaming agreement with Vodafone. He said slower-than-planned growth in Vodafone’s own network usage led to higher costs for 1&1 under the capacity-based model. Theurer also noted that, following the switch in national roaming provider from Telefónica to Vodafone in 2025, costs for certain network components are now recognized directly in EBITDA. Under the prior Telefónica agreement, those costs had been capitalized and depreciated. Savings from producing some wholesale services within 1&1’s own mobile network partly offset the impact, he said. IONOS increased its contract base by 300,000 to 10.35 million, with Theurer citing customer gains both in Germany and internationally. He said foreign operations performed even more strongly. IONOS revenue rose 5.7% to almost EUR 350 million, supported by customer growth as well as up-selling and cross-selling. Excluding foreign exchange effects, revenue growth was 7.6%. Despite higher marketing expenses, IONOS EBITDA increased 5.5% to EUR 112.2 million, with an operating EBITDA margin above 32%. In Mail & Media, the number of pay accounts rose by 80,000 to 3.43 million. Free accounts fell by 220,000, or 0.6%, compared with year-end 2025, which Theurer attributed to seasonal effects and the ongoing conversion to pay accounts. Mail & Media revenue grew 7.6% to EUR 79.3 million, driven by growth in paid contracts and positive advertising development. Operating EBITDA increased 70.3% to nearly EUR 30 million, while the operating EBITDA margin improved by more than 3 percentage points to 37.6%. Theurer said the EBITDA increase was helped by the acquisition of server infrastructure used in IONOS Group data centers that had previously been leased from IONOS. Since the acquisition took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, prior lease costs that had been expensed through EBITDA shifted to capital expenditure and scheduled depreciation. United Internet reported a significant year-over-year improvement in free cash flow. Theurer said capital expenditure totaled EUR 115.2 million in the period, reflecting continued investment in fiber optics, mobile networks and data centers. Free cash flow before leasing was EUR 47.5 million, while free cash flow after leasing was EUR 3.7 million. Net bank liabilities increased 4.3% to around EUR 3.3 billion, which management described as reaching a peak ahead of a planned repayment. The equity ratio rose slightly by 0.4 percentage points to 44%. Theurer said United Internet remains “right on track” and fully confirmed its guidance for fiscal 2026. He added that capital expenditure is expected to be back-end loaded, similar to the previous year, and said it was too early to further specify the indicated range. During the question-and-answer session, analysts asked about 1&1’s mobile network buildout and access to low-band spectrum. Theurer said the spectrum discussion remains ongoing and that the company is waiting for a final decision from Germany’s Federal Network Agency, BNetzA. He said United Internet continues to believe 1&1 should receive access to low-band spectrum as it builds a full mobile network. If access is not granted in the current process, Theurer said the next opportunity would be in 2030, with the Vodafone national roaming agreement serving as a bridge in the meantime. Asked about network rollout progress, Theurer said the pace remains at about 200 to 300 sites per quarter and that the company is broadly in line with that rate. He indicated 1&1 could end the year with about 3,000 active sites. On United Internet’s stake in IONOS, Theurer said the company remains satisfied with its investment and continues to see upside from artificial intelligence and digitalization trends. “It is therefore too early to leave the party,” he said, adding that United Internet expects to remain the anchor investor for the time being. Regarding leverage and capital allocation, Theurer said United Internet still aims to reduce leverage to a target of 2.0 times net debt to EBITDA. He said the company is open to additional share buybacks in the future, as it has done in the past, but that no decision has been made. United Internet AG, through its subsidiaries, operates as an Internet service provider worldwide. The company operates through Consumer Access, Business Access, Consumer Applications, and Business Applications segments. It offers landline-based broadband and mobile internet products, including home networks, online storage, telephony, and IPTV for private users; and telecommunication products ranging from fiber-optic direct connections to tailored ICT solutions, which include voice, data, and network solutions, as well as infrastructure services to national and international carriers and ISPs. This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected]. The article "United Internet Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. View MarketBeat's top stocks for May 2026.