Ooredoo announced results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2016.
Ooredoo Group's customer base reached 118 million at the end of the first quarter, a 6% or 7 million year-on-year increase, driven by strong acquisitions in Myanmar, Indonesia, Algeria and Qatar.
Group revenue reached QAR 7.9 billion in Q1 2016 supported by strong revenue growth in Oman, Indonesia, Myanmar, Kuwait and the Maldives. Excluding Foreign Exchange translation impact, Q1 2016 Group revenue would have increased by 1% YoY, compared to reported decline of 2%.
Group EBITDA was marginally lower by 1% exceeding QAR 3 billion in Q1 2016 with a stable EBITDA margin of 40%. Excluding Foreign Exchange translation impact, Q1 2016 Group EBITDA would have increased by 3% YoY, indicating a good underlying operational performance.
Group net profit to Ooredoo shareholders escalated significantly by 75% to QAR 879 million mainly due to positive foreign exchange impact in Indonesia and Myanmar. Excluding the foreign exchange impact and one-off gains from investments, net profit would have been in line with the previous year.
Data revenue increased further and covers now 38% of total Group revenue (Q1 2015: 30%) due to Ooredoo's focus on network expansion and modernization and its strategy of marketing innovative data services for individuals and businesses. Revenue from data contributed QAR 3 billion in the first quarter of 2016.
B2B revenue stood at QAR 1.4 billion reflecting Ooredoo's investment in services for business customers.
Commenting on the results, H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani, chairman of Ooredoo, said: "Ooredoo has delivered solid results to start the year. Our diverse range of services attracted 7 million new customers and we now have 118 million customers globally. Revenue and EBITDA grew in local currency terms demonstrating the strength of our underlying business. Reported net profit was up by 75%, benefitting this quarter from favorable foreign exchange rates in Myanmar and Indonesia.
We have streamlined our portfolio with the sale of wi-tribe Pakistan and are concentrating on our core technologies.
We have invested in the Ooredoo networks to ensure we can provide customers with the fastest, most reliable digital communication services and deliver value for its shareholders. Ooredoo plays a crucial role in connecting and developing the citizens of the emerging economies where we operate as we position ourselves as a leading digital provider for our customers."