• Revenue Growth: Increased by almost 8% compared to last year.
• Adjusted EBITDA Growth: Increased by 8% year-over-year.
• EBITDAaL Margin: Improved from 59% to 61%.
• Recurring Levered Free Cash Flow: Increased by 16%.
• Free Cash Flow: More than doubled in the period.
• Leverage Ratio: Reduced to 6.4% from 7.7% over 24 months.
• Share Buyback Program: Announced EUR800 million share buyback.
• Organic Revenue Growth: 7.3% growth, with contributions from contract escalators, co-location, and build-to-suit.
• Physical PoPs Increase: More than 11,000, improving tenancy ratio from 1.54 to 1.60.
• CapEx Reduction: Reduced by EUR200 million compared to the prior year.
• Headcount Reduction: Decreased by 7%, with staff costs reduced by 2%.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with CLNXF.

Release Date: February 26, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Cellnex Telecom SA (CLNXF) achieved significant agreements with major clients like Vodafone and Mass Origin, securing long-term business and reducing MNO consolidation risks.
• The company demonstrated operational excellence by meeting all targets for seven consecutive quarters and improving EBITDAaL margin from 59% to 61%.
• Cellnex Telecom SA (CLNXF) successfully executed asset rotation strategies, including the sale of non-core assets in Ireland and Austria, enhancing financial performance.
• The company achieved an investment-grade rating from S&P nine months ahead of schedule, reflecting strong capital structure management.
• A robust shareholder remuneration strategy was implemented, including an EUR800 million share buyback program, indicating confidence in future financial performance.

Negative Points

• Despite strong performance, the company faces challenges with potential consolidation risks in markets like France and Italy, which could impact future growth.
• Interest costs are expected to increase, impacting free cash flow despite improvements in recurring levered free cash flow and adjusted EBITDA.
• The company remains subscale in the data center sector, requiring significant CapEx and know-how to become a major player, which is currently not feasible.
• There is a risk of reduced market potential due to the impact of low-orbit satellites like Starlink, particularly in ultra-rural areas.
• The company faces challenges in maintaining growth in co-location, with a slowdown in equivalent PoPs growth from 3.2% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide details on the Maserang contract renegotiation and its impact on tenancy fees and commercial capabilities? A: Marco Emilio Angelo Patuano, CEO, confirmed that there was no renegotiation of tenancy fees in the Maserang contract. The contract was converted to an anchor status with extended duration until 2048, without price renegotiation. The consolidation of MasMovil and Orange is expected to increase commercial capabilities, with new installations compensating for any short-term decreases due to antenna decommissioning.

Q: What is the strategy for asset disposals, and are there any updates on this front? A: Marco Emilio Angelo Patuano, CEO, stated that closing the Ireland sale was a priority to initiate the share buyback. The company is assessing verticals within countries, particularly in France, and considering disposals of assets that are not meeting return expectations. Proceeds from disposals will be used for debt reduction and shareholder returns.

Q: Can you clarify the company's stance on future shareholder returns and the potential for increased buybacks? A: Marco Emilio Angelo Patuano, CEO, clarified that the EUR800 million buyback is a floor, not a one-off, and future returns will be at least this amount, even without further disposals. If additional disposals occur, returns could increase, but the company aims for consistency in shareholder returns.

Q: How does the company view the impact of French consolidation, particularly regarding SFR and potential market changes? A: Marco Emilio Angelo Patuano, CEO, noted that the SFR debt restructuring is positive as it removes credit risk. The company has analyzed contracts in Italy and other markets, ensuring resilience against consolidation impacts. The potential impact of consolidation in France is being monitored, but current contracts provide stability.

Q: What are the company's priorities for industrial focus and growth in the coming years? A: Marco Emilio Angelo Patuano, CEO, emphasized growth and operational leverage as priorities. The company aims to deliver growth above peers, focusing on efficient capital allocation and operational excellence. Initiatives include land acquisition and network optimization to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Q: How does the company plan to manage capital allocation, particularly regarding industrial operations and potential investments? A: Marco Emilio Angelo Patuano, CEO, stated that the primary focus for capital allocation is land acquisition, with no plans for new geographies. The company is exploring selective portfolio acquisitions and tower rationalization to optimize operations and enhance returns.

Q: What is the company's perspective on the potential impact of low-orbit satellites on tower operations? A: Marco Emilio Angelo Patuano, CEO, views low-orbit satellites as potential partners rather than competitors. Satellites are effective in ultra-rural areas but unlikely to replace existing towers or fiber. The company sees opportunities for cooperation with satellite providers, leveraging its extensive land presence.

Q: How does the company view the potential for European tower consolidation, and what role might Cellnex play? A: Marco Emilio Angelo Patuano, CEO, believes the European tower market is fragmented, and consolidation could offer financial synergies. However, industrial synergies are limited, and antitrust issues could complicate mergers. Cellnex, as the largest European tower company, would be central to any consolidation discussions.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.