Bharti Airtel’s second quarter net profit has declined 29.8 per cent to Rs 721 crore compared with Rs 1,027 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
Total revenues were up 17.4 per cent to Rs 20,273 crore from Rs 17,270 crore last year.
The growth in revenue was led by a strong growth of 77 per cent in India Mobile Data, 26 per cent in ‘airtel business’ (B2B), 26 per cent in Digital TV and 29 per cent in Africa. Mobile voice revenues in India were depressed due to the seasonal effect.
Consolidated EBITDA margin at 31.3 per cent improved on a sequential basis, aided by a favourable outcome on an outstanding dispute in India pertaining to inter-connect agreements.
Consolidated operating free cash flows for the quarter were healthy at Rs 2,296 crore which represent an increase of 111 per cent over the corresponding period last year. The net debt-equity ratio was at 1.35 (Q1: 1.38) and US dollar net debt-EBITDA ratio was at 2.72 (Q1: 2.54).
In a statement, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharti Airtel Ltd, said: “Despite a seasonally weak quarter, I am pleased to see that our overall revenue growth has sustained through diversified segments and geographies as well as the continuing healthy demand in data services. I am also happy to note that in India, the much needed market corrections in customer acquisition practices have been put in place by the operators. Our African operations continue to reflect sustained and steady growth on all major parameters of revenues, profitability and cash flow.’’