MTS Group revenue rose 4.6 percent to 133.9 billion rubles during the third quarter of 2019 fuelled by MTS Bank.
OIBDA grew 5.9 percent 62.8 billion rubles during the third quarter.
“Given our strong year-to-date results and improved visibility toward our full-year performance, we feel confident in raising our 2019 guidance to 6-7 percent growth in revenue and 4-5 percent growth in OIBDA,” Alexey Kornya, president and CEO of MTS, said.
MTS said capital spending for the first nine months of the year totaled RUB61 billion, driven by investments to improve network coverage and quality. Capex revenue ratio stood at 16 percent.
Capex of MTS Russia was 54.2 billion rubles. Capex of MTS Ukraine was 6.3 billion rubles. Capex of MTS Armenia was 0.6 billion rubles.
MTS said its narrow-band Internet of Things network has now reached around 30,000 base stations.
MTS said its latest financial report that the Russian telecoms will launch the first 5G pilot zones in Russia with sub-six gigahertz coverage.
MTS signed a 10-year branding agreement for a major new venue in Moscow, the MTS Live Arena. The new facility is planned to open its doors next year and we’ll have a capacity of 11,500 people. MTS will utilize the deal to promote live experiential services, including e-ticketing.
“Group revenue was up 4.6 percent year-over-year, reaching 133.9 billion rubles, with a notable top-line contribution from MTS Bank. OIBDA growth accelerated to 5.9 percent to 62.8 billion rubles,” Alexey Kornya, president and CEO of MTS, said.
MTS aims to close down 200 to 300 stores by the end of 2019. “We’re currently targeting up to close 600 stores by the end of 2020,” Alexey Kornya said.
MTS Russia revenue grew 2.4 percent to RUB121.9 billion driven both by connectivity business, as well as a strong contribution from MTS Bank. OIBDA in Russia grew 3.2 percent year-over-year to RUB57.3 billion, with margin slightly increasing to 47 percent.
MTS Ukraine achieved double-digit growth in both revenue and OIBDA of near 30 percent. MTS Armenia revenue fell 1.9 percent year-over-year in a market facing tough competition and regulatory changes. OIBDA grew 1.7 percent, driven by Opex optimization.