Eutelsat Communcikations has reported its full year 2012-2013 results and said that revenue was up 5.1% to €1,284 million.
The satellite operator said it has reached a high level of profitability with an EBITDA( of €995.3 million, 77.5% margin. The group share of net income stood at €354.9 million, 27.6% margin. The order backlog close to €5.4 billion, representing 4.2 years of revenues.
The board recommends a divided of €1.08 per share (+8%) representing a payout of 67%.
Eutelsat expects a revenue growth of above 2.5% for 2013-2014 and an average of over 5% for the two following years until 30 June 2016. Both revenue targets are at constant currency and excluding non-recurring revenues.
EBITDA margin objective at around 77% for each fiscal year until 30 June 2016. Capital expenditure of €550 million on average per year. Aim to maintain an investment grade rating. Long term net debt / EBITDA target below 3.3x.Dividend payout ratio range of 65% to 75%.
Commenting on the full year 2012-2013 results, Michel de Rosen, CEO of Eutelsat Communications, said in a statement: “2012-2013 was another year of growth for Eutelsat, with a robust performance from our core Video activity, while Data and Multi-usage still face a more challenging environment. In Value Added Services, traction is increasing on KA-SAT for both consumer and professional services, reflecting the success of measures taken to enhance the product offer and distribution. Our order backlog stands at almost €5.4 billion and continues to lend a high level of long-term visibility, notably on the video side. Our recommendation of an 8% rise in dividend to 1.08 euros per share reflects our confidence in the future of our business.
“Our industry is continuing to grow, albeit at a lesser pace than in the past decade. Several markets are still developing at a high pace – notably Russia, Central Asia and Africa, where we already enjoy strong positions, and Asia Pacific and Latin America, where we are actively developing our footprint, both organically, with, for example, the procurement of EUTELSAT 65 West A announced today, and via targeted acquisitions. Our focus will be on expanding our presence in the markets and applications with the highest potential for growth on the back of a targeted fleet development plan, complemented where appropriate by external growth opportunities.
“On the basis of our current in orbit deployment plan phasing, organic revenue growth is expected to be over 2.5% for the current year, and an average of over 5% for the two subsequent years until 30 June 2016. Our EBITDA margin should remain at the high level of around 77%, and our dividend payout in the 65-75% range.”
