Divisão BT Global Services registra crescimento de até 30% pelo mundo no trimestre de 2007

O BT que tem espanhol Luis Álvarez à frente dos negócios na América Latina e EMEA (Europa Continental, Oriente Médio e África), continua seu caminho em direção à liderança global em serviços para a nova economia digital baseada em redes, superando o crescimento do mercado e aumentando seu faturamento (à parte o Reino Unido) em 17% no último trimestre fiscal, além de firmar contratos para serviços inovadores no valor de 17 bilhões e 370 milhões de dólares ao longo do ano em todo o mundo. A BT Global Services apresenta também crescimento de EBITDA por 20 trimestres consecutivos. O faturamento cresceu significativamente durante todo o ano na Europa Ocidental, e, ainda, em regiões emergentes como América Latina, Europa Oriental e Central, Oriente Médio e África. Na Europa, a BT Global Services cresceu 15% no quarto trimestre (10% no ano). Na região Ásia / Pacífico cresceu 20% (mais de 15% em todo o ano fiscal) e na América do Norte cresceu mais de 30% no último trimestre (mais que 20% em todo o exercício).

Fourth quarter highlights: Revenue of £5,292 million, up 3 per cent -New wave revenue of £2,117 million, up 14 per cent, represents 40 per cent of total revenue EBITDA before specific items(1) and leaver costs of £1,537 million, up 3 per cent. Profit before taxation, specific items(1) and leaver costs of £695 million, up 10 per cent. Earnings per share before specific items(1) and leaver costs of 6.3 pence, up 11 per cent, the twentieth consecutive quarter of year on year growth. Broadband net additions(2) of 0.8 million to 10.7 million at March 31, 2007. BT Retail’s share of net additions was 32 per cent.

Full year highlights - Revenue of £20,223 million, up 4 per cent . Profit before taxation and specific items(1) of £2,495 million, up 15 per cent. Earnings per share before specific items(1) of 22.7 pence, up 16 per cent. Free cash flow of £1,354 million and net debt of £7.9 billion. Full year proposed dividend of 15.1 pence per share, up 27 per cent. £2.5 billion allocated to a new share buyback programme, which we expect to be completed by March 31, 2009

Chairman’s statement Sir Christopher Bland, Chairman, commenting on the full year results, said: “BT has come a long way in the past five years. This is a very strong set of results which demonstrates how much has been achieved. Revenue grew by 4 per cent and earnings per share before specific items grew by 16 per cent. “I am delighted to report that our proposed full year dividend is 15.1 pence per share, 27 per cent higher than last year, moving to a two thirds payout ratio a year earlier than we had previously announced. In addition, because of the financial strength of the company, we are introducing a new £2.5 billion share buyback programme which we expect to be completed by March 31, 2009. “We have delivered on our commitments and are confident we will continue to grow revenue, EBITDA, earnings per share and dividends over the coming year.”

Chief Executive’s statement Ben Verwaayen, Chief Executive, commenting on the fourth quarter results, said: “We have finished the year with a terrific all round performance. The figures show BT in great shape – revenue, EBITDA, earnings per share and free cash flow are all growing and new wave businesses now generate 40 per cent of our revenues. I am particularly pleased that BT is now the UK’s number one retail broadband provider. BT Global Services had an excellent quarter securing orders worth £3.4 billion and winning more than 200 new customers. “We have announced a new structure to take us into the next phase of our transformation as we seize the opportunity to deliver software driven services over our broadband network; providing our customers with faster, more resilient and cost effective services wherever in the world they are.”