ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #AIRAN--Wind River, an Aptiv company and global leader in software for the intelligent edge, and Vodafone are collaborating to operationalize AI-RAN for Open RAN networks. The joint solution will be showcased at MWC Barcelona, March 2–5, in the Wind River booth (Hall 2, Stand 2F25). Open RAN is transforming how networks are built. AI-RAN is transforming how they are operated. As operators deploy more disaggregated infrastructure, traditional operations models are reach. ...

Core Viewpoint - Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (e&) has increased its shareholding in Vodafone Group plc to 17.0050% due to Vodafone's share buyback program, which has reduced its total share capital [1] Group 1: Shareholding Details - e& holds a total of 3.94 billion shares in Vodafone, despite the increase in percentage ownership [1] - The increase in equity ownership aligns with e&'s strategy to enhance its global market exposure and support potential commercial partnerships [2] Group 2: Historical Context and Financial Performance - In 2022, e& acquired a 9.8% stake in Vodafone for $4.40 billion, demonstrating its commitment to investing in international markets [2] - e& reported a profitability of AED 14.36 billion for the year 2025, indicating strong financial performance [2]

Vodafone to sell 50% stake in VodafoneZiggo for $1.18 billion | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]People enter a Vodafone store in Sydney, Australia, September 29, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]Feb 18 (Reuters) - Vodafone [(VOD.L), opens new tab] said on Wednesday it will sell its 50% stake in Dutch joint venture VodafoneZiggo to Liberty Global [(LBTYA.O), opens new tab] for 1 bill ...

Core Viewpoint - Vodafone (VOD.US) reported a total revenue of €10.5 billion for Q3 of FY2026, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 6.5%, with organic service revenue growth of 5.4%. However, service revenue growth in Germany, its largest market, was only 0.7%, falling short of market expectations, leading to a 6.8% drop in stock price. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting adjusted EBITDAaL and free cash flow to be at the upper end of the guidance range [1]. Financial Performance - The company announced its Q3 financial results on February 5, 2026, reaffirming its FY2026 performance guidance, with expected adjusted EBITDAaL between €11.3 billion and €11.6 billion and free cash flow between €2.4 billion and €2.6 billion, projected to be at the upper end of the range [2]. Capital Movements - Vodafone continues to implement a progressive dividend policy, planning to increase the dividend per share by 2.5% year-on-year in FY2026. Additionally, the company has initiated a €500 million share buyback program, following the completion of €3.5 billion in buybacks since May 2024 [3]. Strategic Progress - The business revitalization plan led by CEO Margherita Della Valle has been ongoing for over two years, focusing on core markets. The company has completed the divestiture of its operations in Italy and Spain and is continuing the merger integration with Three UK in the UK market, committing to invest approximately £11 billion over the next decade [4]. Business Status - Despite short-term impacts from timing changes in payments and other one-off factors, the company is gradually recovering wholesale business revenue through collaboration with 1&1 AG. The negative effects of previous regulatory changes in Germany (prohibiting bundling of TV packages with rent) have largely dissipated, although increased competition remains a concern [5].

Market Overview - Indian benchmark indices experienced declines, with Nifty closing at 25,807.20, down 146.65 points or 0.57%, and BSE Sensex falling by 558.72 points or 0.66% to 83,674.92, primarily due to heavy selling in IT stocks [13] - The volatility gauge India VIX ended at 11.73, down 1.53% from the last closing [13] Analyst Insights - Ajit Mishra from Religare Broking noted that market sentiment weakened due to significant selling in IT stocks and mixed global developments, with strong U.S. jobs data reducing expectations for imminent Federal Reserve rate cuts [2][13] - Mishra suggested that the downside risk may be limited due to strength in other sectors, with Nifty expected to hold the 25,600–25,700 zone, while the 26,000 level remains a key resistance [2][13] Technical Analysis - Bajaj Broking indicated that the index formed a bearish candle, signaling profit booking at higher levels around 26,000, and stock-specific movements are likely to remain in focus as the quarterly earnings season concludes [9][10] - The index is projected to consolidate in the range of 25,500-26,000, with a move above 26,000 potentially opening up upside towards the 26,200–26,300 resistance area [10][14] Stock Activity - Among the most active stocks by turnover were State Bank of India (SBI, Rs 842 crore), Bajaj Finance (Rs 434 crore), and ICICI Bank (Rs 357 crore) [14] - In terms of volume, Vodafone Idea (4.17 crore shares), SpiceJet (1.24 crore shares), and SBI (70.64 lakh shares) were among the most actively traded stocks [14] - 140 stocks reached their 52-week highs, while 111 stocks hit their 52-week lows, indicating mixed market performance [14]

Core Viewpoint - Vodafone (VOD.US) has reaffirmed its guidance for the fiscal year 2026, indicating a strong performance outlook based on its latest quarterly results and strategic initiatives [1] Financial Performance - Vodafone expects its adjusted EBITDAaL to reach between €11.3 billion and €11.6 billion, and adjusted free cash flow to be between €2.4 billion and €2.6 billion for the fiscal year 2026 [2] Capital Movements - The company plans to increase its dividend per share by 2.5% year-on-year for the fiscal year 2026 and has initiated a new €500 million share buyback program, following the completion of a previous €3.5 billion buyback [3] Business Progress - Service revenue growth in the German market was below expectations, with only a 0.7% increase in Q3 of fiscal year 2026, which has contributed to recent stock price volatility. Future performance will depend on the recovery of the German business post-regulatory impacts and continued growth in the African market, which has seen a 13.5% organic growth for consecutive quarters [4] Strategic Developments - The merger with Three UK is progressing as planned, and the divestiture of operations in Italy and Spain has been completed. The effectiveness of the integration and the focus on core markets will be important to monitor [5]

Core Insights - Vodafone reported a 6.5% year-on-year increase in total revenue for Q3 FY2026, reaching €10.5 billion, but faced weak growth in the German market, leading to a 6.8% drop in share price, the largest decline in a year [1][2] - The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting adjusted EBITDAaL to be between €11.3 billion and €11.6 billion and free cash flow to be between €2.4 billion and €2.6 billion, at the upper end of the range [2] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q3 FY2026 was €10.5 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 6.5%. However, service revenue in Germany grew only 0.7%, which was below market expectations [2] - Vodafone continues to implement a "progressive" dividend policy, planning to increase the dividend per share by approximately 2.5% in FY2026. Additionally, a new €5 billion share buyback program has been initiated, following the completion of a €3.5 billion buyback since May 2024 [3] Business Developments - In the UK market, Vodafone's merger with Three UK has been completed, reducing the number of telecom operators from four to three. Both companies have committed to investing approximately £11 billion over the next decade, with integration efforts proceeding as planned [4] - The African market continues to be a growth engine, with organic service revenue growth of 13.5% in Q3. Despite competitive pressures in Germany, wholesale business improved due to collaboration with 1&1 AG. The company is focusing on core markets and has divested its operations in Italy and Spain [5] Strategic Initiatives - The business revitalization plan led by CEO Margherita Della Valle has been in place for over two years, focusing on streamlining operations and asset restructuring, with recent emphasis on addressing changes in German regulatory policies [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the investment position in VOD, highlighting a beneficial long position held by the author through various means such as stock ownership and derivatives [1]. Group 1 - The author expresses a personal opinion on VOD shares without receiving compensation for the article, indicating a potential bias towards a positive outlook on the stock [1]. - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting due diligence and research before making any investment decisions, particularly in the context of short-term trading and options trading [2]. - It is noted that past performance does not guarantee future results, and the views expressed may not reflect those of the broader platform, Seeking Alpha [3].

Core Insights - The company reported a 5.4% growth in group service revenue for Q3, driven by strong performance in Europe and Africa, particularly in Germany, Africa, and Turkey [2] - Group EBITDAaL increased by 2.3% in Q3 and 5.3% year-to-date, aligning with expectations and supporting the trajectory towards the upper end of FY '26 guidance [3] Financial Performance - Group service revenue growth of 5.4% in Q3 indicates robust top-line momentum [2] - EBITDAaL growth of 2.3% in Q3 and 5.3% year-to-date reflects consistent profitability [3] Strategic Progress - The company is making significant advancements in strategic priorities, particularly in enhancing customer experience in Germany [3]

Core Viewpoint - European stock markets faced significant declines due to disappointing earnings reports from major companies across various sectors, leading to a negative market sentiment [1] Shipping Industry - Global shipping giant Maersk's stock plummeted by 7% after the company warned of deteriorating freight rates as the Red Sea routes reopen, with profit expectations for this year being slashed to between $4.5 billion and $7 billion, significantly lower than the $9.53 billion recorded in 2025 and below analysts' average estimate of $5.76 billion [4] - Maersk plans to focus on cost discipline, including cutting 1,000 jobs, which represents 15% of its corporate functions but less than 1% of total employees, with expected annual cost savings of $180 million [4] - The global container trade growth rate is projected to be between 2% and 4% this year, amidst a backdrop of significant supply pressure with nearly 7 million TEUs of capacity scheduled for delivery in the coming years, accounting for about 20% of the current global fleet [4] Automotive Industry - Volvo's stock fell by 14% after reporting disappointing fourth-quarter earnings, with an EBIT margin of only 2%, impacted by tariffs, increased discounts, and a strong Swedish Krona [5] - The CEO of Volvo highlighted the challenges posed by the cancellation of electric vehicle incentives in the U.S. and the need to adjust production to comply with EU tariffs on electric vehicle manufacturing [5] - Despite last year's poor performance, Volvo aims for higher sales and free cash flow by 2026, with new models like the EX60 electric SUV seen as crucial to its turnaround efforts [5] Telecommunications Industry - Vodafone's organic service revenue growth of 5.4% fell short of analysts' expectations of 6.03%, with the German market showing only a 0.7% increase, below the anticipated 1.02% [6] - The competitive landscape continues to pressure Vodafone's performance, with the UK market experiencing a 0.5% decline in organic service revenue, contrasting with the expected growth of 1.59% [6] - The CEO's ambitious transformation plan, which includes simplifying operations and divesting assets, has yet to yield significant recovery in core market growth [6]