Telecomunicazioni
Press release Orange: first half 2024 results
Press release
Paris, 24 July 2024
Financial results at 30 June 2024
Lead the Future strategic plan delivers a strong performance
Commenting on these results, Christel Heydemann, the Orange group's Chief Executive Officer, said:
“ Orange has had a very good first half with solid results that allow us to confirm the Group's guidance. These results, which notably include a sharp increase in cash flow, continue to be driven by the remarkable performance of Africa & Middle East and the solid improvement of EBITDAaL in Europe, including in France where EBITDAaL stabilized in this first half.
This once again demonstrates our ability to execute the Lead the Future strategic plan in a constantly evolving market.
In France, our position as market leader, particularly in the high-end segment, and the excellent quality of our network and service enable us to maintain a disciplined pricing policy. We continue to launch distinctive and innovative offerings, such as the new “Orange Cybersecure” B2C cybersecurity solution, which draws on the recognized expertise of our subsidiary, Orange Cyberdefense.
In Spain, the MASORANGE teams are fully operational and are starting to deliver the initial synergies. Today, MASORANGE announces the signing of a non-binding agreement with Vodafone Spain to create a FiberCo, which would allow us to capitalize on our infrastructure.
I would sincerely like to thank all Orange colleagues for their dedication and performance during this first half. We will continue to demonstrate our know-how throughout the coming weeks of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Orange is here to connect athletes, organizers, spectators and viewers from all around the world. ”
Orange group revenues rose 0.9% compared with the second quarter of 2023 (+85 million euros) thanks to growth in retail services (+2.4% or +182 million euros) and a smaller decline in wholesale services (-7.9% or -128 million euros), mainly related to higher unbundling and civil engineering rates in France in the first quarter.
The growth in EBITDAaL demonstrates the Group's ability to implement its value strategy.
Group EBITDAaL was up 2.6% in the second quarter. In the first half of 2024, it reached 5,511 million euros (+2.5%), in line with the target of slight growth in 2024. This growth was driven by the remarkable performance of Africa & Middle East (+14.7%), by a solid performance in Europe (+4.0%) and by France (+0.3%). These more than offset the decline of Orange Business (-11.3%), which recorded an improvement compared with the first half of 2023 (+5.4 points). EBITDAaL from telecom activities grew to 5,573 million euros (+2.4%).
Group operating income in the first half of 2024 was 2,032 million euros, up 8.4% due to the increase in EBITDAaL.
Consolidated net income in the first half of 2024 was stable at 1,092 million euros (+4 million euros on a historical basis). The decrease of -172 million euros in net income from continuing operations was offset by an increase of +176 million euros in net income from discontinued operations. The contribution to net income for the first half 2024 from Spanish activities was 3 million euros .
Net income attributable to owners of the parent company was 824 million euros. Earnings per share, Group share ( EPS ) was 0.28 euros, compared with 0.30 euros in the first half of 2023.
In the first half of 2024, eCAPEX rose +2.6% to 2,921 million euros excluding Spain, in particular to support growth in Africa & Middle East. eCAPEX for telecom activities as a percentage of revenues was 14.7%, in line with the objective of around 15% in 2024. The number of households connectable to FTTH reached 57.6 million excluding Spain (+11.6%), and the FTTH customer base was 12.6 million (+14.8%).
Organic cash flow from telecom activities excluding Spain reached 1,551 million euros at 30 June 2024, in line with the target of at least 3.3 billion euros by the end of 2024. The significant improvement in cash flow generation of 17.4% year on year (+230 million euros) is mainly due to the improvement of the indicator “EBITDAaL - eCAPEX” (+64 million euros on a historical basis) and the decrease in income tax expense payments (+134 million euros).
Free cash flow all-in from telecom activities excluding Spain was 1,255 million euros, up more than 21% year on year.
Net debt fell 3,991 million euros compared with 31 December 2023, mainly due to the 4 461 million euros of proceeds received as part of the creation of the MASORANGE joint venture in Spain. The ratio of net financial debt to EBITDAaL from telecom activities fell to 1.90x at 30 June 2024, still in line with the target of approximately 2x over the medium term. The liquidity position of telecom activities of 17,391 million euros is solid and the average cost of gross debt is 2.96%.
Financial objectives
The Group can therefore confirm its financial targets for 2024 :
Orange's sustainability commitments
In the first half of 2024, Orange continued to make progress on its commitments.
The scores currently awarded by ESG rating agencies are positive: MSCI: A; Sustainalytics: low risk; ISS: Prime B-; CDP: A-.
The SBTi has validated Orange's greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the medium term (2030) and long term (2040).
Orange has already exceeded its goal of reducing its scope 1 and 2 CO emissions. This year, it launched a program with its key suppliers with the aim of jointly developing a long-term pathway toward Net Zero Carbon.
In June, Orange launched cybersecurity solutions in France in the B2C market.
The number of people who have benefited from free digital training since 2021 has reached 2.2 million, in line with the target.
Orange has published its Human Rights Policy, with commitments to promote digital citizenship, campaign for respecting privacy and freedom of expression, promote non-discrimination and equal opportunities, guarantee decent working conditions and do business with complete confidence, while mitigating the environmental impacts of its activities.
Changes in the asset portfolio
Launch of MASORANGE in Spain
MASORANGE, the 50:50 joint venture of Orange and MASMOVIL, was created on 26 March 2024 combining their activities in Spain. The Group's Spanish operations are deemed to be discontinued under IFRS 5 until the closing of the transaction and are subsequently consolidated using the equity method in the Group's accounts. The historical data has been restated.
In the first three months, MASORANGE has delivered synergies which are expected to reach 100 million euros in 2024, with an estimated total potential of at least 500 million euros from the fourth year following the closing of the transaction. In addition, today MASORANGE and Vodafone Spain announce the signing of a non-binding agreement to create a shared FTTH network FiberCo which would cover about 11.5 million premises in Spain including around 4 million customers.
Transactions between shareholders with no impact on the nature of the control exercised:
Merger of Orange Romania Communications into Orange Romania
In December 2023, an agreement was signed with the Romanian government setting out the key principles of the merger of Orange Romania Communications (jointly owned by Orange Romania with a 54% stake and the Romanian government with a 46% stake) with Orange Romania.
The merger between the two companies, through the absorption of Orange Romania Communications into Orange Romania, was completed in early June 2024. On completion of the transaction, the Romanian government held 20% of Orange Romania. The merger will enable Orange to implement its convergent operator strategy in Romania.
Conversion of Nethys' stake in VOO into Orange Belgium shares
As part of Orange Belgium's acquisition of telecommunication operator VOO in Belgium in June 2023, Nethys had the option of converting its minority interest in VOO (25% plus one share) into Orange Belgium shares by June 2025. At the end of 2023, the Board of Directors of Nethys announced its intention to convert its stake into Orange Belgium shares.
In May 2024, the Shareholders' Meeting of Orange Belgium approved Nethys taking an 11% stake in Orange Belgium. The capital increase was carried out through the contribution in kind of all VOO shares held by Nethys. On completion of the transaction, Orange held 69.6% of the share capital of Orange Belgium. Nethys has a put option granted by Orange on its stake in Orange Belgium exercisable until March 2026.
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The Board of Directors of Orange SA met on 23 July 2024 and reviewed the summary Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and management report at 30 June 2024. In accordance with auditing standards, the Group's statutory auditors performed a limited review of the interim consolidated financial statements and verified the information presented in the interim management report.
More detailed information on the Group's financial results and performance indicators is available on the Orange website www.orange.com/en/finance/investors/consolidated-results.
Review by operating segment
France
Growth in retail services and improvement in EBITDAaL
With quarterly revenues of 4,396 million euros, France recorded growth of 0.3% year on year (+14 million euros). Growth in retail services (+1.3% or +37 million euros), equipment sales (+5.5% or +16 million euros) and other revenues (+16.8% or +27 million euros) offset the expected decline in wholesale services (-5.7% or -66 million euros), which was mitigated by the higher unbundling and civil engineering rates in the first quarter.
The growth in retail services excluding fixed-only narrowband services (PSTN) of 2.5% (+66 million euros) is fully in line with the Lead the Future growth target of between 2% and 4%. It reflects the successful execution of France's volume and value strategy, as illustrated by the improvement in commercial performance this quarter and the strong year-on-year growth in convergent ARPO, which reached 76.5 euros.
As French market leader, the Group's pricing strategy is disciplined and based on a volume/value balance that is supported by a wide range of segmented offers conducive to cross-selling, the solidity of its NPS and customer base, the quality of the network and the significant potential for migration to 5G and Fiber. New targeted offers have been launched (including Smart TV, Orange Cybersecure…).
Mobile net additions for the second quarter were +104,000 , benefiting in particular from the good momentum of the Sosh brand. The churn rate remained moderate at 11.4%. Fixed broadband net additions in the second quarter stabilized at -4,000, with Fiber retaining its excellent momentum (+261,000). At 30 June 2024, 38.9 million households were connectable to Orange Fiber.
With slight growth of 0.3% in the first half, France confirms its target for stable EBITDAaL in 2024.
The disciplined investment policy translated to an eCapex to EBITDAaL ratio of 16.5% in the first half.
Europe
Solid growth in EBITDAaL
Revenues for Europe decreased -2.2% (-38 million euros) in the second quarter due to a reduction in low-margin activities, partially offset by growth in convergent services (+7.1% or +23 million euros). Low-margin activities declined: these included wholesale services (-10.8% or -25 million euros) due to the regulatory decrease in call termination rates, which had no effect on EBITDAaL, the resale of energy in Poland (due to lower prices compared with 2023), revenues from IT & Integration services (-8.9% or -12 million euros) and equipment sales (-4.6% or -11 million euros).
The good performance of Convergence benefited from price increases and growth in the Fixed broadband customer base, with nearly 3.6 million FTTH and cable customers, up +10.5% year on year. Declines of 0.6 points in Mobile churn and 2.4 points in Fixed broadband churn, as well as net additions of +117,000 in Mobile, +72,000 in Fiber and +21,000 in Convergence, reflect good commercial momentum.
EBITDAaL grew 4.0% (+37 million euros) due to operational efficiency and the initial effects of the consolidation in Belgium, which delivered 13.9% growth in EBITDAaL as a result of synergies and price increases. EBITDAaL rose 3.8% in Poland and decreased slightly in central Europe (-2.5%).
With an upwardly revised target for 2024, the Group is confident about Europe's ability to achieve low to moderate growth in EBITDAaL in 2024.
eCAPEX (excluding Spain) increased 6.8% in the first half (+32 million euros) in line with the investment plan.
Africa & Middle East
Outstanding growth in EBITDAaL
Africa & Middle East recorded strong growth in revenues in the second quarter (+177 million euros), with double-digit growth (+10.3%) for the fifth consecutive quarter and +6.8% on a historical basis.
This performance was underpinned by a solid performance in voice, with positive volume and value effects, and the continued rapid growth of retail services (+11.3%) thanks to double-digit increases in the four growth engines, namely Mobile data (+17.9%), Fixed broadband (+19.2%), Orange Money (+18.9%) and B2B across all activities (+14.5%). Orange Money recorded revenue growth of more than 20% in nine countries.
The mobile customer base reached 156.0 million, a year-on-year increase of 6.8%, with accelerated growth in the 4G customer base (+25.1%) and a 4.4% increase in average Mobile ARPO in the first half. The fixed broadband customer base was 3.6 million customers, up 16.3%. Lastly, Orange Money had 35.6 million active customers, up 14.0%. The “Max it” app has 10.5 million active users.
EBITDAaL increased 14.7% (+183 million euros) in the first half of the year. The EBITDAaL growth rate thus increased for the third consecutive half and the EBITDAaL margin rose 1.3 points, largely owing to the digitalization of distribution.
eCAPEX rose 11.1% in the first half, supporting the strong growth.
Despite the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, Africa & Middle East posted solid first-half growth on a historical basis of +7.8% in revenues, +13.1% in EBITDAaL and +19.8% in “EBITDAaL – eCAPEX” cash flow.
With an upwardly revised target for 2024, the Group is confident that the segment can achieve continuous double-digit growth in EBITDAaL.
Orange Business
Continuous improvement in line with the recovery plan
Revenues for the Orange Business segment were 1,980 million euros in the second quarter of 2024, down slightly (-1.4% or -27 million euros).
Growth in IT & Integration services (+4.6% or +43 million euros) was driven by double-digit growth at Orange Cyberdefense (+10.6%) and the performance of Digital services (+7.2%). It did not fully offset the structural decline in legacy fixed voice and data activities (-7.9% or -65 million euros).
The Orange Business transformation plan is continuing to deliver results: the first departures under the voluntary departure plan have begun and the plan to transition employees from legacy activities to IT activities is continuing at pace. The number of certifications reached 14,154, compared with the target of 20,000 in 2025.
The commercial success of the cybersecurity offering launched in France on the B2C market demonstrates the ability to leverage the expertise of Orange Cyberdefense. This offering will also be rolled out in other European countries.
The deterioration in EBITDAaL in the first half (-11.3%, compared with -16.7% in the first half of 2023) is in line with the ambition to slow the decline in 2024 relative to 2023. EBITDAaL for the first half, in line with the expected trajectory, confirms the ambition of Orange Business to halve the decline in 2024 compared with 2023, before returning to growth in 2025 as a result of the plan launched last year.
TOTEM
The revenues of the TowerCo TOTEM grew 1.9% in the first half due to the increase in tower location planning and construction work in France (mainly on behalf of new occupants) and hosting (+1.3%), partially offset by the decrease in revenues from energy reselling (largely due to the fall in average prices). Hosting revenues were 289 million euros in the first half and the contributory share grew 1.8% (+8.2% excluding MASORANGE). There were 27,169 sites at the end of June 2024, with a tenancy ratio of 1.41 co-tenants per site, an increase in line with the target to reach 1.5 co-tenants per site in 2026.
EBITDAaL continued its steady growth of +2.0% (+4.4% for hosting activities) in the first half, while eCAPEX remained stable.
International Carriers & Shared Services
Revenues from wholesale services were down 22.7% (-66 million euros) in the second quarter, partly due to the impact of the sale of rights of use for a submarine cable in the first half of 2023. The decline in voice revenues (in volume and price) was partially offset by the increase in services related to the management of data and roaming activities.
The increase in other revenues in the second quarter of 4.0% (+4 million euros) reflects the good performance of Orange Marine's submarine cable laying and maintenance activities, Sofrecom's services and the increase in patent and intellectual property revenues for the Group's innovation division.
EBITDAaL deteriorated by 67 million euros in the first half, due to the impact of the sale of rights of use for a submarine cable in the first half of 2023, phasing effects and one-off expenses.
Mobile Financial Services
The plan to discontinue Orange Bank's activities in Europe is ongoing:
At the end of June, Orange signed an exclusive partnership with BNP Paribas Personal Finance France to strengthen its mobile handset financing offer. Under its Cetelem brand, BNP Paribas Personal Finance will offer Orange customers in France a payment installment plan to make online and in-store purchases of mobile handsets more affordable.
Calendar of upcoming events
24 October 2024 - Publication of Third-Quarter 2024 Financial Results
Contacts
Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements about Orange's financial situation, results of operations and strategy. Although we believe these statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including matters not yet known to us or not currently considered material by us, and there can be no assurance that anticipated events will occur or that the objectives set out will actually be achieved. More detailed information on the potential risks that could affect our financial results is included in the Universal Registration Document filed on 28 March 2024 with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) and in the annual report (Form 20-F) filed on 29 March 2024 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Other than as required by law, Orange does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments.
Appendix 1: financial key indicators
Quarterly data
30 June data
Appendix 2: adjusted data to income statement items
Quarterly data
30 June data
Appendix 3: economic CAPEX to investments in property, plant and intangible investment
Quarterly data
30 June data
Appendix 4: key performance indicators
Key performance indicators (KPI) by country are presented in the "Orange investors data book Q2 2024" available on www.orange.com, under Finance/Results: www.orange.com/en/latest-consolidated-results
Appendix 5: glossary
Key figures
Data on a comparable basis: data based on comparable accounting principles, scope of consolidation and exchange rates are presented for previous periods. The transition from data on an historical basis to data on a comparable basis consists of keeping the results for the period ended and then restating the results for the corresponding period of the preceding year for the purpose of presenting, over comparable periods, financial data with comparable accounting principles, scope of consolidation and exchange rate. The method used is to apply to the data of the corresponding period of the preceding year, the accounting principles and scope of consolidation for the period just ended as well as the average exchange rate used for the income statement for the period ended. Changes in data on a comparable basis reflect organic business changes. Data on a comparable basis is not a financial aggregate as defined by IFRS and may not be comparable to similarly-named indicators used by other companies.
Retail services (B2C + B2B): aggregation of revenues from (i) Convergent services, (ii) Mobile-only services, (iii) Fixed-only services and (iv) IT & integration services (see definitions). Retail Services (B2C+B2B) revenues include all revenues of a given scope excluding revenues from wholesale services, equipment sales and other revenues (see definitions).
EBITDAaL or “EBITDA after Leases”: operating income (i) before depreciation and amortization of fixed assets, effects resulting from business combinations, impairment of goodwill and fixed assets, share of profits (losses) of associates and joint ventures, (ii) after interest on debts related to financed assets and on lease liabilities, and (iii) adjusted for significant litigation, specific labor expenses, fixed assets, investments and businesses portfolio review, restructuring programs costs, acquisition and integration costs and, where appropriate, other specific elements. EBITDAaL is not a financial aggregate as defined by IFRS standards and may not be directly comparable to similarly-named indicators in other companies.
eCAPEX or “economic CAPEX”: (i) acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, excluding telecommunications licenses and financed assets, (ii) less the price of disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. eCAPEX is not a financial performance indicator as defined by IFRS standards and may not be directly comparable to indicators referenced by similarly-named indicators in other companies.
Organic Cash Flow (telecoms activities): for the perimeter of the telecoms activities, net cash provided by operating activities, minus (i) lease liabilities repayments and debts related to financed assets repayments, and (ii) purchases and sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, net of the change in the fixed assets payables, (iii) excluding telecommunication licenses paid and significant litigations paid or received. Organic Cash Flow (telecoms activities) is not a financial aggregate defined by IFRS and may not be comparable to similarly-named indicators used by other companies.
Free cash flow all-in (telecoms activities): Free cash flow all-in from telecom activities corresponds to net cash provided by operating activities, minus (i) purchases and sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, net of the change in the fixed assets payables, (ii) repayments of lease liabilities and on debts related to financed assets, and (iii) payments of coupons on subordinated notes. Free cash flow all-in from telecom activities is not a financial aggregate defined by IFRS and may not be comparable to similarly-named indicators used by other companies.
Earnings per share (EPS) – Group share Net income – Basic: Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing (a) net income for the year attributable to the shareholders of the Group, after deduction of the remuneration net of the tax to holders of subordinated notes, by (b) the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): ROCE (Return On Capital Employed) from telecoms activities corresponds to Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT) for the year ended (N) divided by Net Operating Assets (NOA) for the previous year (N-1).
Net Operating Profit After Tax (NOPAT) for the year ended (N) corresponds to operating profit (i) after interest on lease liabilities and on debts related to financed assets, and (ii) after income tax adjusted for the tax impact of financial income excluding interest on lease liabilities and on debts related to financed assets (tax charge calculated on the basis of the statutory tax rate applicable in France, the tax jurisdiction of the parent company Orange SA).
Net Operating Assets (NOA) for the previous year (N-1) correspond to (i) equity and (ii) financial liabilities and derivative liabilities (non‑current and current), excluding debts on financed assets, (iii) less financial assets and derivative assets (non‑current and current), cash and cash equivalents, including investments in Mobile Financial Services.
ROCE from telecoms activities is not a financial aggregate defined by IFRS and may not be comparable to similarly-named indicators used by other companies.
Performance indicators
Fixed retail accesses: number of fixed broadband accesses (xDSL (ADSL and VDSL), FTTx, cable, Fixed-4G (fLTE) and other broadband accesses (satellite, Wimax and others)) and fixed narrowband accesses (mainly PSTN) and payphones.
Fixed wholesale accesses: number of fixed broadband and narrowband wholesale accesses operated by Orange.
Convergence
Convergent services: customer base and revenues from B2C Convergent retail offers, excluding equipment sales (see definition) defined as an offer combining at least a broadband access (xDSL, FTTx, cable or Fixed-4G (fLTE) with cell-lock) and a mobile voice contract (excluding MVNOs).
Convergent ARPO: average quarterly revenues per convergent offer (ARPO) calculated by dividing revenues from retail Convergent services offers invoiced to B2C customers generated over the past three months (excluding IFRS 15 adjustments) by the weighted average number of retail Convergent offers over the same period. ARPO is expressed by monthly revenues per convergent offer.
Mobile-only services
Mobile-only services: revenues from mobile offers (mainly outgoing calls: voice, SMS and data) invoiced to retail customers, excluding convergent services and equipment sales (see definitions). The customer base includes customers with a contract excluding retail convergence, machine-to-machine contracts and prepaid cards.
Mobile-only ARPO: average quarterly revenues from Mobile-only (ARPO) calculated by dividing revenues from Mobile-only retail services (excluding machine-to-machine and IFRS 15 adjustments) generated over the past three months by the weighted average of Mobile-only customers (excluding machine-to-machine) over the same period. The ARPO is expressed as monthly revenues per Mobile-only customer.
Fixed-only services
Fixed-only services: revenues from fixed retail offers, excluding B2C convergent offers and equipment sales (see definitions). It includes (i) fixed narrowband services (conventional fixed telephony), (ii) fixed broadband services, and (iii) business solutions and networks (with the exception of France, for which essential business solutions and networks are supported by Orange Business segment). For the Orange Business segment, Fixed-only service revenues include sales of network equipment related to the operation of voice and data services. The customer base consists of fixed narrowband and fixed broadband customers, excluding retail convergence customers.
Fixed-only Broadband ARPO: average quarterly revenues from Fixed-only Broadband (ARPO) calculated by dividing the revenue from Fixed-only Broadband retail services (excluding IFRS 15 adjustments) generated over the past three months by the weighted average of Fixed-only Broadband customers over the same period. ARPO is expressed as monthly revenues per Fixed-only Broadband customer.
IT & integration services
IT & Integration services: revenues from unified communication and collaboration services (Local Area Network and telephony, advising, integration and project management), hosting and infrastructure services (including Cloud Computing), applications services (customer relations management and other applications services), security services, video conferencing offers, machine-to-machine services (excluded connectivity) as well as sales of equipment related to the above products and services.
Wholesale
Wholesale: revenues from other carriers consists of (i) mobile services to other carriers including incoming traffic, visitor roaming, network sharing, national roaming and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), (ii) fixed services to other carriers including national networking, services to international carriers, high-speed and very high-speed broadband access (fibre access, unbundling of telephone lines and xDSL access sales) and the sale of telephone lines on the wholesale market, and (iii) equipment sales to other carriers.
Equipment sales
Equipment sales: revenues from all mobile and fixed equipment sales, excluding (i) equipment sales associated with the supply of IT & Integration services, (ii) sales of network equipment related to the operation of voice and data services in the Orange Business operating segment, (iii) equipment sales to other carriers, and (iv) equipment sales to dealers and brokers.
Other revenues
Other revenues: revenues including (i) equipment sales to brokers and dealers, (ii) portal, (iii) on-line advertising revenues, (iv) corporate transversal business line activities, and (v) other miscellaneous revenues.
1 Unless otherwise stated, percentage changes are on a year-on-year basis, calculated against the second quarter of 2023 on a comparable basis.
2 Public Switched Telephone Network
3 Orange Spain net income in the first quarter of +209 million euros was offset by the share of net income of MASORANGE in the second quarter of -206 million euros.
4 These targets are on a comparable basis and do not take into account mergers and acquisitions not yet finalized. They exclude Spain.
5 Excluding M2M and prepaid
Attachment
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