Eutelsat has reported sustained revenue growth, driven by strong dynamic of video applications and value-added services. The operator said it saw a 20% increase of TV channels broadcast by Eutelsat’s fleet and an increase of 20% of D-STAR broadband terminals in the full year to June 30, 2008.
The EBITDA margin at 79.3% was the highest in the fixed satellite services sector, according to the company, which also reports an improvement in net cash flow from operating activities of +7.4%, representing more than 64.5% of 2007-2008 revenues. Proposed distribution to shareholders of €0.60 per share, representing a pay-out ratio of 76.5%.
Commenting on the full year 2007-2008 results, Giuliano Berretta, chairman and CEO of Eutelsat Communications, said in a prepared statement: “A number of significant contracts underscore our commercial achievements, notably for capacity at our 9 degrees East video neighbourhood less than one year after it was opened for business. Customers at this new neighbourhood can capitalise on the benefits of the audience of our Hot Bird position, which is the market leader worldwide for the number of channels broadcast. Emerging markets in our Second Continent have also experienced continued strong growth. Our major video neighbourhoods, which in particular address these markets, are now broadcasting over 1,500 channels, matching the success of the Hot Bird and Eurobird 1 neighbourhoods in Europe. In total, our satellites are now broadcasting over 3,120 channels.”
