In this report we evaluate the single-A TMT space. We argue that the notes of Wolters Kluwer, Relx, Swisscom and ASML look attractive. The notes of SAP and Telenor look to trade at fair value. As spread curves trade rather flat, we prefer notes in the belly of the curves. In this note we provide a summary of our general findings, followed by company descriptions.
Swisscom has reported a solid set of numbers. Swiss SR trends ex wholesale are unchanged (which is in stark contrast to Sunrise), but better cost cutting has led to a 2% EBITDA beat vs consensus for Switzerland and a 1% beat at the Group level.
This is meant to be the quarter when the upcoming Sunrise spin should be attracting most attention and helping to crystallise value. However, we can't help but be distracted by a sharp deterioration in underlying service revenue trends as the impact of lapping lower inflation price rises and a sustained KPI loss is starting to catch up with Liberty Global.
When was the last time we could write that the EU Telecoms sector has been the second best performing sector in the market YTD? As a result, this raises the question of whether the outperformance can continue. We believe regulation will ultimately determine the answer to this question.
The Sunrise CMD has just wrapped up – with the official spin-off from Liberty Global coming later this year. We provide our initial thoughts here on the new guidance, the valuation impact and the longer-term potential questions as the industry migrates towards higher-speed infrastructure
Salt has reported a good set of results, but SR and EBITDAaL growth is slower sequentially. Given the pace of KPI growth, Salt is having to expand some of its customer care and support functions. We think that operational leverage will resume once this process is over, as Salt did not call out a new higher level of commercial spend on the call.
Telecom: Swisscom 1H24 results point to a though domestic market. Telefonica reports soft 2Q24 results. Technology: Wolters Kluwer reports strong 1H24 results. Real Estate: Klepierre boosts 2024 guidance after strong first half results. Colonial reports mixed first half results. Public storage reports weaker results, cuts FY guidance. WP Carey lowers FY guidance on lagging deal volumes Aedifica reports good numbers and upgrades FY guidance
Swisscom has reported a slightly mixed set of numbers. Swiss SR trends ex wholesale are slightly better, but slightly worse inc wholesale and EBITDA trends have slipped and Swiss EBITDA is light of consensus expectations by -1.6%. Group EBITDA is slightly ahead (+0.3%) thanks to Other/Fastweb.
In this report we evaluate the single-A TMT space. We argue that the notes of Wolters Kluwer and Relx look attractive. We prefer to avoid the notes of Proximus until we get further clarity about competitive dynamics in Belgium, following the expected entry of Digi. ASML and SAP, where spreads have widened a little since April 2024, could appeal to some investors. In this note we provide a summary of our general findings, followed by company descriptions.
Salt has reported another good set of results, with SR growth at +5.7% y/y vs the overall Swiss market at -0.7% y/y. Salt continues to materially outperform Swisscom and Sunrise-UPC. This quarter, EBITDAaL growth has matched the SR growth as well.
Swisscom has reported a slightly mixed set of numbers. Swiss SR trends have deteriorated faster than expected; EBITDA is more in-line, but OpFCF and FCF are both light. We worry that Swiss SR trends will come under further pressure in the run-up to the Sunrise IPO, and as Salt starts to offer a fixed product to more of the country.
Swisscom and Vodafone have announced a binding agreement for Vodafone Italy: an €8bn EV for 100% of the company, on a debt-free basis. We update our thoughts on the deal in this piece from a Swisscom perspective, and will be following up with a piece looking at the deal from a Vodafone perspective later today.
Swisscom has announced that it has agreed a preliminary purchase price with Vodafone for Vodafone Italy: an €8bn EV for 100% of the company, on a debt-free basis. We give our thoughts on the deal in this piece from a Swisscom perspective, and we will be following up with a piece looking at the deal from a Vodafone perspective later today.
Unfortunately, this report is not available for the investor type or country you selected.
Report is subscription only.
Thank you, your report is ready.
Thank you, your report is ready.