Press release Orange: Financial results at 31 December 2023 - “Lead the Future” plan on track

Press releaseParis, 15 February 2024Financial results at 31 December 2023“Lead the Future” plan on track2023 targets achieved: acceleration of EBITDAaL growth to 1.3% and organic cash flow to 3.66 billion euros2024–2025 trajectory confirmedIn millions of euros   4Q 2023 change comparable basischange historical basis  12M 2023 change comparable basischange historical basis Revenues   11,5781.6 %2.0 %   44,1221.8 %1...
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ISSY LES MOULINEAUX CEDEX, (informazione.it - comunicati stampa - telecomunicazioni)

Press release
Paris, 15 February 2024


Financial results at 31 December 2023


“Lead the Future” plan on track

2023 targets achieved: acceleration of EBITDAaL growth to 1.3% and organic cash flow to 3.66 billion euros

2024–2025 trajectory confirmed


In millions of euros   4Q 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
  12M 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   11,578 1.6 % 2.0 %   44,122 1.8 % 1.5 %
EBITDAaL   3,544 2.0 % 2.8 %   13,035 1.3 % 0.6 %
Operating Income           4,969 6.6 % 3.5 %
Consolidated net income           2,892   10.5 %
eCAPEX (excluding licenses)   2,065 (7.9)% (7.3)%   6,815 (6.7)% (7.5)%
EBITDAaL - eCAPEX   1,480 20.0 % 21.2 %   6,220 11.7 % 11.2 %
Organic cash flow (telecom activities)           3,661   19.7 %
Free cash flow all-in (telecom activities)           2,940   59.4%
Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) (telecom activities)           6.7%   0.8 bp
Earnings per share (EPS) in euro           0.85   16.4 %


Commenting on these results, Christel Heydemann, Orange's Chief Executive Officer said:

One year on from the announcement of our “Lead the Future” strategic plan, we have achieved all our financial targets for 2023. These results are a testament to our ability to execute and advance our major strategic projects.

Thanks to our work on pricing, our quality of service and our efficiency program, revenues and EBITDAaL grew 1.8% and 1.3% respectively, accelerating steadily throughout the year. As expected, in France, EBITDAaL improved markedly in the second half as our value strategy delivered its full effects. This strategy fueled growth in the consumer market supported by the quality of our network which has been ranked the best mobile network in France thirteen consecutive times by Arcep. Europe turned in a solid performance – driven by Spain which delivered year-on-year growth for the first time since 2018 – with a strong increase in EBITDAaL and with rankings amongst the best in terms of quality of service in each of its markets. Africa & Middle East posted strong growth in terms of both revenues and EBITDAaL, supported by mobile data, Orange Money and B2B activities, thus demonstrating its dynamism.

We continued to streamline our portfolio with the disposal of OCS and Orange Studio at the end of January. We pursued our strategy of consolidation in Europe with the integration of recent acquisitions in Belgium and Romania which have considerably strengthened our position in these markets. As for our proposed joint venture with Masmovil in Spain, we remain confident in the outcome of the approval process currently underway by the European Commission, with a decision expected by 22 February. Orange Business is progressing its transformation plan, delivering encouraging initial results with an improvement in the EBITDAaL trend.

Based on these results, we are fully confident in our ability to achieve all the 2024/2025 targets set out in our Lead the Future plan. I would like to thank all our colleagues for their trust and determination.” 


Revenues for full-year 2023 were 44,122 million euros, an increase of 1.8%, or 790 million euros, year on year1. Revenue growth was driven by retail services2, which grew 3.5% or 1,109 million euros, and equipment sales, which rose 7.3% or 238 million euros. This performance offset by more than two times the decrease in revenues from wholesale services, which continued their decline failing 6.5% or -474 million euros.

  • In France, the full impact of our value strategy was felt in the second half with growth in retail services excluding PSTN of 3.0% year on year partially offsetting the expected decrease in revenues from wholesale services of 8.5%.

  • In Europe, growth continued at 2.2% thanks to the performance of Poland (+3.9%) and Belgium & Luxembourg (+4.6%). Revenues from retail services again grew rising 3.0%. Growth in IT & Integration services (+16.0%) and equipment sales (+11.1%) offset the decrease in revenues from wholesale services (-8.0%).

  • Africa & Middle East continued its very good performance (+11.4%) driven by double-digit increases for the year from its four growth engines (+17.7% for mobile data, +16.7% for fixed broadband, +25.8% for Orange Money and +16.4% for B2B across the board).

  • Orange Business recorded stable revenues (+0.2%). Growth in revenues from IT & Integration services (+6.3%) and Mobile (+2.6%) offset the structural decline in the Voice and Data legacy businesses (-6.7%).

  • In terms ofcommercial performance3, the Group maintained its leadership position in convergence with 11.9 million convergent customers group-wide (+0.7%), as well as its commercial momentum in mobile contracts and very high-speed fixed broadband accesses. Mobile services had 254.0 million accesses (+4.8%), including 103.9 million contracts (+10.1%). Fixed services had 44.5 million accesses (-2.9%), of which 16.5 million were very high-speed broadband accesses showing strong growth (+11.9%). Fixed narrowband accesses continued their structural decline
    (-14.4%).

In line with the target for the year, EBITDAaL reached 13 billion euros, up 1.3% year on year, steadily accelerating throughout the year to reach +2.0% in the fourth quarter. The Group value strategy resulted in a smaller decline in EBITDAaL in France in the second half (-2.2%, compared with -5.1% in 1H, resulting in a 3.6% decline for the year), with very good performances once again in Africa & Middle East (+12.7%), Europe (+5.8%) and, in particular, Spain (+12.2%), and the beginning of a reversal in the trend at Orange Business (-15.4%).

Despite the inflationary environment, the operational efficiency program continued its trajectory toward achieving its target of 600 million euros in 2025, on a cost base of about 12 billion euros defined at the end of 2022 and after the integration of VOO. About 300 million euros of savings were made by the end of 2023, half the projected savings for the three years. These savings mainly related to the notable reduction in employees stemming from the French “part-time for seniors” agreements but also to savings programs in purchasing, IT, networks and real estate.

eCAPEX was 6,815 million euros, a sharp reduction of 6.7% (-487 million euros), and represented 15.4% of revenues, in line with the objectives in the “Lead the Future” strategic plan. France was the main contributor to this reduction (-10.2%, or -344 million euros), with the fiber roll-out reaching maturity, and to Spain (-12.5%, or -107 million euros). At 31 December 2023, Orange had 71.7 million households connectable to FTTH worldwide (up 10.4% year on year) and an FTTH customer base of 15.4 million (+12.5%).

Operating income was 4,969 million euros, an increase of 6.6%, reflecting the growth in EBITDAaL and the positive base effect due to the impairment of goodwill on the Romanian acquisition in 2022. This was partially offset by additional restructuring costs for Orange Bank and Orange Business and by the increase in provisions for the French “part-time for seniors” plan, due to the working life extension in the pension reform law of 2023.

Consolidated net income was 2,892 million euros, an increase of 10.5%, or 275 million euros4, reflecting operating income, higher financial expenses and lower income tax.

Year-on-year growth in EBITDAaL, combined with the marked reduction of eCAPEX, enabled organic cash flow from telecom activities to reach 3,661 million euros (+19.7% on a historical basis), in line with the target of at least 3.5 billion euros.

Net financial debt totaled 27.0 billion euros at 31 December 2023, an increase of 1.7 billion euros compared with 2022. The ratio of net financial debt to EBITDAaL from telecom activities was 2.05x at 31 December 2023 as a result of the acquisition of VOO, in line with the target of approximately 2x over the medium term. The solid liquidity position of telecom activities of 14.3 billion euros and the low cost of debt, which has an average maturity of 7.5 years, are advantages in the current monetary environment.

Value creation, one pillar of the “Lead the Future” plan, is demonstrated by the following three indicators5:

  • Free cash flow all-in6 reached 2.9 billion euros, an increase of 1.1 billion euros.
  • Return on Capital Employed6 (ROCE) improved substantially, increasing 80 basis points to 6.7%, close to the target for 2025 of a 100 to 150 basis-point improvement between 2022 and 2025.
  • Earnings per share (EPS) of 0.85 euros grew more than 16%.

The Shareholders' Meeting on 22 May 2024 will decide on the payment of a dividend for the 2023 fiscal year of 0.72 euros per share (payable in 2024).

Financial objectives

The Group achieved all its targets for 2023 and confirmed its financial objectives to 2025, as presented at the Capital Markets Day held on 16 February 2023.7

In 2024, Orange aims to achieve the following financial targets within the current perimeter:

  • Low single-digit growth in EBITDAaL
  • Discipline on eCAPEX
  • Organic cash flow6 of at least 3.8 billion euros
  • Net debt/EBITDAaL ratio6 unchanged at about 2x in the medium term
  • A dividend of 0.75 euros per share (payable in 2025)

For the 2025 fiscal year, in addition to the targets presented at the Capital Markets Day, Orange has set a minimum dividend of 0.75 euros per share.

Financial targets after deconsolidation of Orange Spain:

With regards to the pending decision by the European Commission, the deconsolidation of Spain does not change the Group objectives of low single-digit growth in EBITDAaL and discipline on eCAPEX. Group organic cash flow excluding Orange Spain will continue to grow, rising more than 300 million euros between 20238 and 2025 to reach at least 3.3 billion euros in 2024 and 3.5 billion euros in 2025.

Changes in the asset portfolio

Joint venture with Masmovil in Spain

At the financial statement date, completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of the competent administrative, regulatory and antitrust authorities, which in the latter case is expected to be given by 22 February this year, and to the relevant and/or contractual conditions required for completion.

Acquisition of Expertime by Orange Business

In December 2023, Orange Business announced the acquisition of Expertime, a services company specializing in Microsoft solutions and recognized for its expertise in apps, collaborative solutions and Data. Its 165 employees will strengthen the Microsoft proficiency of the Orange Business teams in the areas of Public Cloud, Artificial Intelligence and Data. This acquisition is part of the “Lead the Future” strategic plan and contributes to Orange Business' ambition to accelerate its growth in digital services in France and Europe, and to become a network and digital integrator certified in the best technologies on the market, in order to support businesses in their digital transformation.

Disposal of OCS and Orange Studio to the Canal+ Group

In January 2023, Orange and the Canal+ Group announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding for the Canal+ Group to acquire Orange's stake in OCS, Orange's pay-TV arm, and Orange Studio, the film and TV co-production subsidiary.

Since their founding in 2007 and 2008 respectively, competition in the audiovisual sector has intensified relentlessly, particularly for OCS, with the emergence of powerful international platforms. Through this agreement with the Canal+ Group, Orange's longstanding partner and a European player in the creation and distribution of content, the Group aimed to sustain the long-term development of these two subsidiaries, while preserving jobs and the pre-financing of content. Canal+ had been a 33.34% shareholder of OCS since 2012 and is its leading distributor.

The French Competition Authority approved the transaction on 12 January 2024 and it was finalized at the end of January. Following this transaction, the Canal+ Group is the sole shareholder of both companies.

Sustainability

With regard to the environment, the Group exceeded its target two years early of a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions over the period from 2015 to 2025, with a decrease in emissions of 37.4% in 2023. The customer handset recovery program has already achieved its target of 30% by 2025 in France and is expected to accelerate in Europe.

For digital inclusion, the number of beneficiaries of free digital training programs grew 45% in 2023. With 1.8 million people trained cumulatively by the end of 2023, the Group is on track to achieve its target of 2.5 million people trained between 2021 and 2025.

With regard to diversity, the proportion of women in the management network increased 1 percentage point to 34.1%.


_________________________________________________________________________________

The Board of Directors of Orange SA met on 14 February 2024 and reviewed the consolidated financial results at 31 December 20239.

More detailed information on the Group's financial results and performance indicators is available on the Orange website www.orange.com/en/consolidated-results.


Review by operating segment

France

In millions of euros   4Q 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
  12M 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   4,600 (1.9)% (1.9)%   17,730 (1.4)% (1.4)%
Retail services (B2C+B2B)   2,811 1.8 % 1.8 %   11,154 1.6 % 1.6 %
Convergence   1,295 4.9 % 4.9 %   5,065 4.3 % 4.3 %
Mobile-only   590 0.7 % 0.7 %   2,364 1.4 % 1.4 %
Fixed-only   926 (1.7)% (1.7)%   3,725 (1.6)% (1.6)%
Wholesale   1,125 (10.6)% (10.7)%   4,514 (8.5)% (8.6)%
Equipment sales   460 6.6 % 6.6 %   1,394 5.3 % 5.3 %
Other revenues   204 (14.2)% (14.2)%   668 (10.4)% (10.4)%
EBITDAaL           6,364 (3.6)% (4.2)%
EBITDAaL / Revenues           35.9 % (0.8 pt) (1.1 pt)
Operating Income           2,967 (10.8)% (11.7)%
eCAPEX           3,039 (10.2)% (11.4)%
eCAPEX / Revenues           17.1 % (1.7 pt) (1.9 pt)

Improvement in the EBITDAaL trend in the second half driven by the value strategy

Annual revenues in France were down 1.4% year on year to 17,730 million euros due to the expected decline in wholesale services which fell 8.5% (-419 million euros) and fixed-only narrowband services (PSTN) down 15.0% (-124 million euros), which were then partially offset by growth in other retail services of +3.0% (+303 million euros), driven by our value strategy.

For the full-year 2023, EBITDAaL was 6,364 million euros a decrease of 3.6% with, as expected, an inflection in the second half (-2.2%, versus -5.1% in 1H), thanks to the full effect of price increases implemented during the first half. The Group's value strategy continued to deliver results in the fourth quarter, fueling growth in revenues from retail services excluding PSTN of 3.1%, in line with the aims of “Lead the Future” and thanks to the growth of all ARPOs, particularly convergent ARPO which reached 75.2 euros, an increase of 3.3 euros year on year.

From a commercial standpoint, the general market slowdown since the start of 2023 continued to affect fixed broadband net additions in the fourth quarter (-30,000), except for fiber (+267,000). There are now 37.4 million households connectable to Orange fiber. In mobile, the performance during this quarter was very positive (+99,00010) and the churn rate remained moderate at 12.1%, despite the slight increase (+1.4 percentage points). The Net Promoter Score returned to its 2022 level and in 2023, for the thirteenth consecutive year, the Orange mobile network was ranked number one by Arcep and either ranked first or joint-first across all criteria.

This increased the generation of operating cash flow (EBITDAaL – eCAPEX), which grew 3.4%, thanks to the marked decrease in eCAPEX (-10.2%) in 2023.


Europe

In millions of euros   4Q 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
  12M 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   3,105 2.3 % 8.1 %   11,574 2.2 % 5.6 %
Retail services (B2C+B2B)   2,087 2.2 % 9.8 %   7,947 3.0 % 7.6 %
Convergence   804 3.4 % 11.8 %   3,088 4.1 % 9.1 %
Mobile-only   736 (0.4)% 1.4 %   2,932 1.4 % 2.2 %
Fixed-only   366 (0.4)% 19.7 %   1,361 (0.4)% 11.7 %
IT & Integration services   181 14.4 % 20.2 %   565 16.0 % 19.9 %
Wholesale   443 (6.8)% (5.0)%   1,700 (8.0)% (7.0)%
Equipment sales   524 12.3 % 15.2 %   1,757 11.1 % 12.7 %
Other revenues   52 1.6 % 1.4 %   170 (7.1)% (8.9)%
EBITDAaL           3,037 5.8 % 9.5 %
EBITDAaL / Revenues           26.2 % 0.9 pt 0.9 pt
Operating Income           770 na na
eCAPEX           1,831 (6.9)% (2.7)%
eCAPEX / Revenues           15.8 % (1.5 pt) (1.4 pt)

Growth in EBITDAaL driven by price increases in retail services

Growth in revenues from Europe accelerated in the fourth quarter rising 2.3% and resulting in a 2.2% increase for full-year 2023 (+248 million euros). The rise in retail services (+3.0%, or 233 million euros) was driven by the Group's value strategy and price increases. The good performance of Convergence (+4.1%, or 121 million euros) benefitted from price increases and growth in the fixed high-speed broadband customer base (which had almost 7 million FTTH and cable customers at 31 December 2023). The strong performance of IT & Integration services (+16.0%, or 78 million euros) was driven by Poland (+14.0%, or 46 million euros), Spain (+41.9%, or 17 million euros) and Romania (+22.5%, or 14 million euros). Equipment sales (+11.1%, or 176 million euros) reflected the positive commercial momentum in mobile phones. The decline in wholesale services slowed in the fourth quarter (-6.8%) resulting in an 8.0% decrease for the full year (-148 million euros). This was due to the regulatory decrease in call termination rates and international traffic, both of which had a small impact on margins.

The growth in revenues and the measures taken to counter inflationary pressure resulted in an increase in EBITDAaL of 5.8% (or 165 million euros), mainly due to double-digit growth in Spain (+12.2%, or 135 million euros), and to Poland (+2.9%, or 20 million euros).

The decrease in eCAPEX of 6.9% (-135 million euros) was achieved due to Spain (-12.5%, or -107 million euros) and Poland (-9.5%, or -36 million euros).

In Spain, revenues increased 1.1%, thanks to growth in retail services in all four quarters (+1.8% for the year), driven by Convergence, whose ARPO grew throughout the year (+3.5% in the last quarter). At the same time, churn continued to decrease resulting in a 1.3-point decline in the mobile churn rate in the last quarter (excluding the termination of 57,000 Covid lines11). In a highly competitive market, Spain sustained its growth focusing on customer value management combined with a rigorous marketing policy. Finally, Spain grew in all its B2B segments.


Africa & Middle East

In millions of euros   4Q 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
  12M 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   1,865 12.1 % 6.2 %   7,152 11.4 % 3.4 %
Retail services (B2C+B2B)   1,658 12.4 % 6.9 %   6,356 11.2 % 4.0 %
Mobile-only   1,424 12.1 % 6.6 %   5,456 10.8 % 3.5 %
Fixed-only   219 11.4 % 6.6 %   847 12.6 % 5.9 %
IT & Integration services   15 67.2 % 66.2 %   53 40.6 % 34.0 %
Wholesale   169 11.4 % 1.4 %   666 14.1 % 0.4 %
Equipment sales   26 12.1 % 5.3 %   90 (1.9)% (13.2)%
Other revenues   11 (6.2)% (15.5)%   40 23.2 % 2.8 %
EBITDAaL           2,734 12.7 % 5.8 %
EBITDAaL / Revenues           38.2 % 0.4 pt 0.9 pt
Operating Income           1,755 10.5 % 5.4 %
eCAPEX           1,248 6.5 % (1.8)%
eCAPEX / Revenues           17.5 % (0.8 pt) (0.9 pt)

Acceleration of double-digit EBITDAaL growth

Africa & Middle East revenues grew strongly, rising 11.4% (+729 million euros), with growth of 12.1% in the fourth quarter. All countries grew during the year. The region continued to demonstrate its agility and dynamism amid security tensions and currency devaluations in some countries.

This performance was underpinned by the rapid development of retail services (+11.2%) due to double-digit increases from the four growth engines, namely mobile data (+17.7%), fixed broadband (+16.7%), Orange Money (25.8%) and B2B across the board (+16.4%), with a positive effect on volume and value.

The mobile customer base reached 149.2 million, a year-on-year increase of 4.3%, with a 5.9% increase in average mobile ARPO.

At the end of November 2023, Orange launched the “Max it” app in five countries where Orange operates in Africa & Middle East. This smartphone services portal brings together three essential service offers: telecoms functionalities for managing mobile and fixed lines, all of the Orange Money services, and content offers (online games, music, TV, videos, news, ticketing, etc.). The app has already had 10 million downloads.

For the fourth year in a row, Africa & Middle East recorded double-digit growth in EBITDAaL (+12.7%), which continued to outpace growth in revenues as a result of strict cost control. The EBITDAaL margin rose 0.4 points, to more than 38%.

The EBITDAaL – eCAPEX indicator increased 18.4% year on year and made a significant contribution to the Group's organic cash flow generation.


Orange Business

In millions of euros   4Q 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
  12M 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   2,081 (1.4)% (2.6)%   7,927 0.2 % (0.0)%
Fixed-only   791 (6.8)% (8.6)%   3,220 (6.7)% (7.1)%
Voice   213 (14.8)% (15.9)%   890 (12.3)% (12.5)%
Data   578 (3.5)% (5.6)%   2,330 (4.3)% (4.8)%
IT & Integration services   1,025 2.4 % 1.5 %   3,706 6.3 % 6.2 %
Mobile   265 1.9 % 1.8 %   1,001 2.6 % 2.6 %
Mobile-only   172 0.5 % 0.4 %   693 5.1 % 5.1 %
Wholesale   10 (7.4)% (7.4)%   41 (0.8)% (0.8)%
Equipment sales   83 6.2 % 6.2 %   267 (2.9)% (2.9)%
EBITDAaL           679 (15.4)% (15.5)%
EBITDAaL / Revenues           8.6 % (1.6 pt) (1.6 pt)
Operating Income           92 (71.4)% (71.0)%
eCAPEX           296 (9.3)% (11.0)%
eCAPEX / Revenues           3.7 % (0.4 pt) (0.5 pt)

Initial improvement in the EBITDAaL trend before a return to growth in 2025

Revenue for the Orange Business segment reached 7,927 million euros in 2023, with slight growth of 0.2% (+14 million euros).

The growth in IT & Integration services of 6.3% (+219 million euros), driven by the double-digit growth of Orange Cyberdefense (+10.9%), the strong performance of Digital & Data (+7.2%) and increased Mobile revenues up 2.6% (+26 million euros), offset the structural decline of -6.7% in fixed Voice and Data legacy activities (-230 million euros).

The acquisition of Expertime strengthens the strategy of Orange Business in developing Microsoft solutions and its expertise in the area of apps, collaborative solutions and Data.

The simplification of the Orange Business product portfolio is on track to halve the number of products and services marketed in the first quarter of 2024.

The 15.4% decrease in EBITDAaL in 2023 is in line with the objective of reducing the contraction compared to that of 2022 (-18.8% or -21.0% excluding the impact of the employee shareholding program, which had an adverse effect on EBITDAaL in 2021). Furthermore, the decline in EBITDAaL improved during 2023 from -16.7% in the first half to -14.2% in the second half. Orange Business is pursuing its objective of turning around EBITDAaL by 2025, and to do so, aims to halve the decline in EBITDAaL in 2024.

The training and retraining plan for key digital professions (virtualization, Cloud, data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity) resulted in 11,408 certifications out of the 20,000 targeted by 2025.

Lastly, a provision was booked in the 2023 financial statements for the voluntary departure plan, to be implemented in 2024.


Totem

In millions of euros   4Q 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
  12M 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   174 (7.6)% (7.6)%   686 0.3 % 0.3 %
Wholesale   174 (7.6)% (7.6)%   686 0.3 % 0.3 %
Other revenues   - - -   - - -
EBITDAaL           372 0.4 % 0.4 %
EBITDAaL / Revenues           54.2 % 0.1 pt 0.1 pt
Operating Income           251 (0.2)% (0.2)%
eCAPEX           144 1.0 % 1.0 %
eCAPEX / Revenues           20.9 % 0.1 pt 0.1 pt

The revenues of the Totem TowerCo12 reached 686 million euros, an increase of 0.3% (+2 million euros), driven by a 3.6% rise in hosting revenues, which included a 6% increase in hosting revenues from third-party customers. At the end of 2023, 16.6% of hosting revenues came from external customers.

This change reflects the increase in the number of sites which totaled 27,292 at 31 December 2023 (+173 sites), with a tenancy ratio of 1.40 co-tenants per site. This increase of three basis points compared with the tenancy ratio at the end of 2022 is in line with the target of 1.5 co-tenants in 2026.

EBITDAaL rose 0.4% (2 million euros) and eCAPEX increased 1 million euros.

International Carriers & Shared Services

In millions of euros   4Q 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
  12M 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   364 (6.4)% (6.5)%   1,478 (3.7)% (4.0)%
Wholesale   235 (8.8)% (9.0)%   982 (7.1)% (7.3)%
Other revenues   129 (1.6)% (1.6)%   496 3.7 % 3.4 %
EBITDAaL           (30) 63.8 % 68.4 %
EBITDAaL / Revenues           (2.0)% 3.4 pt 4.2 pt
Operating Income           (563) (17.8)% (34.9)%
eCAPEX           225 (19.0)% (19.0)%
eCAPEX / Revenues           15.2 % (2.9 pt) (2.8 pt)

Wholesale services revenues decreased 8.8% in the fourth quarter (after falling 11.8% in 3Q) and were down 7.1% for the full year (-75 million euros), year on year. The decrease in voice traffic, which is accelerating, was partially offset by roaming services, Data activities and the construction and sale of a cable in the Caribbean.

The 3.7% year-on-year increase in other revenues (+18 million euros) was mainly due to the strong growth in Orange Marine's activities.

The EBITDAaL loss was substantially reduced (+53 million euros), thanks to the very good performance of Orange Marine and lower labor expenses due to departures related to the French “part-time for seniors” plan in the area of central functions.


Mobile Financial Services

In millions of euros           12M 2023 change
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Net Banking Income (NBI)           150 29.6 % 29.6 %
Cost of bank credit risk           (63) 39.5 % 39.5 %
Operating Income           (306) (53.1)% (53.1)%
eCAPEX           33 (8.3)% (8.3)%

Mobile Financial Services had 3.3 million customers at 31 December 2023, including 1.9 million in Europe (Orange Bank) and 1.3 million in Africa (Orange Bank Africa), a year-on-year increase of 0.2 million customers.

Operating income includes restructuring costs and impairment of assets related to the plan to discontinue the activities of Orange Bank. Orange Bank has embarked on negotiations with its employee representatives to initiate an employment protection plan involving about 600 jobs in France. The plan to cease activities continues following the rejection of the takeover offer presented in the context of the Florange Law and the end of the procedure to inform and consult employee representative bodies on these projects.

Orange Bank maintains the quality of its offering at a high level. In France, Orange Bank is still ranked number one among online banks for customer satisfaction by the Trustpilot review platform and Google Customer Reviews.

In Africa, loan production continued to increase due to the rise in the value of loans granted. Customer savings also continue to grow. Technical workshops have begun to prepare for the launch of the Senegal branch.


Calendar of upcoming events

24 April 2024                        - Publication of First Quarter 2024 financial results


Contacts

press:

Tom Wright
[email protected]
Caroline Cellier
[email protected]
financial communication:
(analysts and investors)

Patrice Lambert-de Diesbach
[email protected]
Louise Racine
[email protected]

Hong Hai Vuong
[email protected]

Louis Celier
[email protected]

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 29 March 2023 with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) and in the annual report (Form 20-F) filed on 30 March 2023 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

In millions of euros   4Q 2023 4Q 2022
comparable
basis
4Q 2022
historical
basis
variation
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   11,578 11,395 11,351 1.6 % 2.0 %
France   4,600 4,690 4,691 (1.9)% (1.9)%
Europe   3,105 3,034 2,873 2.3 % 8.1 %
Africa & Middle East   1,865 1,663 1,756 12.1 % 6.2 %
Orange Business   2,081 2,110 2,136 (1.4)% (2.6)%
Totem   174 188 188 (7.6)% (7.6)%
International Carriers & Shared Services   364 389 390 (6.4)% (6.5)%
Intra-Group eliminations   (611) (680) (683)    
EBITDAaL (1)   3,544 3,474 3,448 2.0 % 2.8 %
o/w Telecom activities   3,577 3,507 3,480 2.0 % 2.8 %
As % of revenues   30.9 % 30.8 % 30.7 % 0.1 pt 0.2 pt
o/w Mobile Financial Services   (33) (32) (32) (0.6)% (0.6)%
eCAPEX   2,065 2,241 2,227 (7.9)% (7.3)%
o/w Telecom activities   2,061 2,225 2,212 (7.4)% (6.8)%
as % of revenues   17.8 % 19.5 % 19.5 % (1.7 pt) (1.7 pt)
o/w Mobile Financial Services   4 16 16 (75.4)% (75.4)%
EBITDAaL - eCAPEX   1,480 1,233 1,221 20.0 % 21.2 %
(1) EBITDAaL presentation adjustments are described in Appendix 2.            

31 December data

In millions of euros   12M 2023 12M 2022
comparable
basis
12M 2022
historical
basis
variation
comparable
basis
change
historical
basis
Revenues   44,122 43,332 43,471 1.8 % 1.5 %
France   17,730 17,977 17,983 (1.4)% (1.4)%
Europe   11,574 11,327 10,962 2.2 % 5.6 %
Africa & Middle East   7,152 6,423 6,918 11.4 % 3.4 %
Orange Business   7,927 7,912 7,930 0.2 % (0.0)%
Totem   686 685 685 0.3 % 0.3 %
International Carriers & Shared Services   1,478 1,536 1,540 (3.7)% (4.0)%
Intra-Group eliminations   (2,426) (2,527) (2,547)    
EBITDAaL (1)   13,035 12,870 12,963 1.3 % 0.6 %
o/w Telecom activities   13,157 12,987 13,080 1.3 % 0.6 %
As % of revenues   29.8 % 30.0 % 30.1 % (0.2 pt) (0.3 pt)
France   6,364 6,599 6,645 (3.6)% (4.2)%
Europe   3,037 2,871 2,772 5.8 % 9.5 %
Africa & Middle East   2,734 2,427 2,584 12.7 % 5.8 %
Orange Business   679 802 804 (15.4)% (15.5)%
Totem   372 371 371 0.4 % 0.4 %
International Carriers & Shared Services   (30) (84) (96) 63.8 % 68.4 %
o/w Mobile Financial Services   (122) (118) (118) (3.9)% (3.9)%
Operating Income   4,969 4,661 4,801 6.6 % 3.5 %
o/w Telecom activities   5,274 4,860 5,000 8.5 % 5.5 %
o/w Mobile Financial Services   (306) (200) (200) (53.1)% (53.1)%
Consolidated net income   2,892   2,617 - 10.5 %
Net income attributable to equity owners of the Group   2,440   2,146   13.7 %
eCAPEX   6,815 7,303 7,371 (6.7)% (7.5)%
o/w Telecom activities   6,783 7,267 7,335 (6.7)% (7.5)%
as % of revenues   15.4 % 16.8 % 16.9 % (1.4 pt) (1.5 pt)
o/w Mobile Financial Services   33 35 35 (8.3)% (8.3)%
EBITDAaL - eCAPEX   6,220 5,567 5,593 11.7 % 11.2 %
(1) EBITDAaL presentation adjustments are described in Appendix 2.            


In millions of euros   December 31
2023
December 31 2022
Organic cash flow from telecom activities   3,661 3,058
Free cash flow all-in from telecom activities   2,940 1,845
Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) from telecom activities   6.7 % 5.8 %
Net financial debt (1)   27,002 25,298
Ratio of financial debt / EBITDAaL from telecom activities (2)   2.05 1.93
(1) Net financial debt as defined and used by Orange does not include Mobile Financial Services activities, for which this concept is not relevant.
(2) The ratio of net financial debt to EBITDAaL from telecom activities is calculated based on the ratio of the Group's net financial debt to EBITDAaL from telecom activities over the previous 12 months.


Appendix 2: adjusted data to income statement items

Quarterly data

    4Q 2023   4Q 2022
historical basis
In millions of euros   Adjusted data, Presentation adjustments, Income statement,   Adjusted data, Presentation adjustments, Income statement,
Revenues   11,578 - 11,578   11,351 - 11,351
External purchases   (5,273) (9) (5,282)   (5,100) (9) (5,109)
Other operating income   314 - 314   197 1 197
Other operating expense   (156) (42) (198)   (56) (27) (83)
Labor expenses   (2,157) (66) (2,223)   (2,179) (316) (2,496)
Operating taxes and levies   (255) 6 (249)   (315) (2) (317)
Gains (losses) on disposal of fixed assets, investments and activities   na 35 35   na 98 98
Restructuring costs   na (396) (396)   na (39) (39)
Depreciation and amortization of financed assets   (36) - (36)   (32) - (32)
Depreciation and amortization of right-of-use assets   (396) (1) (396)   (370) - (370)
Impairment of right-of-use assets   (1) (39) (40)   - (63) (63)
Interest expenses on liabilities related to financed assets   (5) 5 na   (2) 2 na
Interest expenses on lease liabilities   (70) 70 na   (44) 44 na
EBITDAaL   3,544 (436) na   3,448 (312) na
Significant litigation   (26) 26 na   (5) 5 na
Specific labor expenses   (74) 74 na   (315) 315 na
Fixed assets, investments and business portfolio review   35 (35) na   98 (98) na
Restructuring program costs   (429) 429 na   (103) 103 na
Acquisition and integration costs   (18) 18 na   (34) 34 na
Interest expenses on liabilities related to financed assets   na (5) (5)   na (2) (2)
Interest expenses on lease liabilities   na (70) (70)   na (44) (44)

31 December data

    12M 2023   12M 2022
historical basis
In millions of euros   Adjusted data, Presentation adjustments, Income statement,   Adjusted data, Presentation adjustments, Income statement,
Revenues   44,122 - 44,122   43,471 - 43,471
External purchases   (19,295) (26) (19,322)   (18,707) (24) (18,732)
Other operating income   894 - 894   745 2 747
Other operating expense   (447) (5) (452)   (367) (47) (413)
Labor expenses   (8,523) (495) (9,018)   (8,537) (383) (8,920)
Operating taxes and levies   (1,797) 3 (1,794)   (1,879) (3) (1,882)
Gains (losses) on disposal of fixed assets, investments and activities   na 90 90   na 233 233
Restructuring costs   na (456) (456)   na (125) (125)
Depreciation and amortization of financed assets   (129) - (129)   (107) - (107)
Depreciation and amortization of right-of-use assets   (1,518) (4) (1,522)   (1,507) - (1,507)
Impairment of right-of-use assets   (1) (67) (69)   (1) (52) (54)
Interest expenses on liabilities related to financed assets   (14) 14 na   (3) 3 na
Interest expenses on lease liabilities   (258) 258 na   (145) 145 na
EBITDAaL   13,035 (690) na   12,963 (251) na
Significant litigation   30 (30) na   (9) 9 na
Specific labor expenses   (503) 503 na   (372) 372 na
Fixed assets, investments and business portfolio review   90 (90) na   233 (233) na
Restructuring program costs   (526) 526 na   (177) 177 na
Acquisition and integration costs   (53) 53 na   (74) 74 na
Interest expenses on liabilities related to financed assets   na (14) (14)   na (3) (3)
Interest expenses on lease liabilities   na (258) (258)   na (145) (145)


Appendix 3: economic CAPEX to investments in property, plant and intangible investment

In millions of euros   4Q 2023 4Q 2022
historical
basis
  12M 2023 12M 2022
historical
basis
Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets   2,519 3,065   8,062 9,007
Financed assets   (44) (94)   (233) (229)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets   (92) (155)   (292) (347)
Telecommunication licenses   (318) (589)   (721) (1,060)
eCAPEX   2,065 2,227   6,815 7,371


Appendix 4: key performance indicators

In thousand, at the end of the period   December 31
2023
  December 31
2022
Number of convergent customers   11,917   11,836
Number of mobile accesses (excluding MVNOs) (1)   253,981   242,235
o/w Convergent customers mobile accesses   21,944   21,647
  Mobile only accesses   232,037   220,588
o/w Contract customers mobile accesses   103,906   94,396
  Prepaid customers mobile accesses   150,076   147,840
Number of fixed accesses (2)   44,504   45,850
  Fixed Retail accesses   30,802   31,397
    Fixed Broadband accesses   25,175   24,824
    o/w Very high‑speed broadband fixed accesses   16,463   14,710
      Convergent customers fixed accesses   11,917   11,836
      Fixed accesses only   13,258   12,988
    Fixed Narrowband accesses   5,627   6,572
  Fixed Wholesale accesses   13,702   14,453
Group total accesses (1+2)   298,485   288,085
2022 data is on a comparable basis and includes access to the telecom operator VOO acquired in June 2023 by Orange Belgium.

Key performance indicators (KPI) by country are presented in the "Orange investors data book Q4 2023" available on www.orange.com, under Finance/Results: www.orange.com/en/latest-consolidated-results


Appendix 5: Data excluding Orange Spain

In billion of euros   12M 2023 12M 2023
simulation
  12M 2022
historical basis
12M 2022
simulation
    inc. Orange Spain ex. Orange Spain D   inc. Orange Spain ex. Orange Spain D
Revenue   44.1 39.7 (4.4)   43.5 39.1 (4.3)
EBITDAaL   13.0 11.8 (1.2)   13.0 11.9 (1.1)
eCAPEX (excl. licences)   6.8 6.1 (0.7)   7.4 6.5 (0.9)
eCapex/sales   15.4% 15.3% -10bps   17.0% 16.7% -30bps
EBITDAaL - eCAPEX   6.2 5.7 (0.5)   5.6 5.3 (0.2)
Organic cashflow (telecoms activities)   3.7 3.2 (0.5)   3.1 2.8 (0.3)

*Illustration excluding Orange Spain and with the neutralization of inter-company eliminations with Orange Spain (such as Totem, management & brand fees) from 1 January 2022.

Disclaimer

In view of the progress of the operation and the need to obtain the agreement of the competition authorities and the competent administrative authorities, the Group considered that the IFRS 5 criteria for the valuation and presentation of discontinued activities were not met by 31 December 2023.

However, and subject in particular to the approval of the competition authorities expected by 22 February 2024, the Group wished to present an illustration of the impact of Orange Spain no longer being consolidated by the Group. This illustration was not carried out in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 5. The accounting impact of the application of IFRS 5, if an agreement is reached for this transaction, could lead to results that are different from those presented above.


Appendix 6: 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 operating segment). For the Orange Business operating 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 31 December 2022 and on a comparable basis.
2 Services invoiced to customers (B2C and B2B). See definition in the attached glossary.
3 Changes are presented on a comparable basis.
4 On a historical basis
5 Definitions in Appendix 6: Glossary
6 Telecom activities
7 These targets are on a comparable basis and do not take into account mergers and acquisitions not yet finalized
8 Organic cash flow for 2023 restated for Orange Spain: 3.18 billion euros
9 The auditing procedures are currently being completed and the audit report will be produced in March.
10 Excluding M2M and prepaid
11 Covid lines: low ARPU lines for students contracted in 2020 set to expire in December 2023
12 European company within the Orange group that owns and manages the passive mobile infrastructure portfolio of telecommunication towers, initially in France and Spain. It has been presented as a separate business segment since 1 January 2022.

Attachment

  • PR_Orange_FY2023_EN_150224

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