PRAGUE--Telefonica Czech Republic AS (BAATELEC.PR), a unit of
Spain's Telefonica SA (TEF), on Wednesday reported a 39% drop in
fourth-quarter net profit, above market expectations, on lower
revenues. In 2013 the company plans to carry out a share buy-back
program equal to up to 2% of its stock, while it expects a minor
year-on-year decline in its operating income margin from 41.4% in
2012.
MAIN FACTS:
--Net profit in the fourth quarter came in at 1.76 billion
koruna ($89.8 million), down from CZK2.87 billion a year earlier.
The result was just a bit better than market expectations for
CZK1.74 billion in consolidated profit.
--The company reported a 4.5% drop in revenue to CZK12.82
billion, but above market expectations for CZK12.63 billion.
--Operating income before depreciation and amortization, or
Oibda, in the 12 months through to the end of December came at
CZK20.92 billion, in line with the company's full-year guidance for
Oibda to fall by as much as 5% on year.
--The company's management proposes payments to shareholders in
total CZK30 per share, consisting of CZK20 per share in regular
dividend and CZK10 per share of capital reduction. The company paid
CZK40 per share in total dividends from its 2011 profit.
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