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. ...

The UK stock market's FTSE 100 is up firmly in positive territory Friday morning, led by gains in the mining sector. Investors are also reacting to a slew of earnings news and other corporate announcements. Data showing an unexpected drop in consumer confidence is limiting market's upside.The benchmark FTSE 100, which advanced to 10,914.18, a new record high, was up 43.34 points or 0.4% at 10,890.04 a few minutes ago.RightMove, up 4.2%, tops the list of gainers in the FTSE 100 index. The stock is up after ...

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]

Liberty Global agrees to buy out its partner Vodafone Group in Dutch telecommunications company VodafoneZiggo for €1 billion in cash and a stake in a new holding company https://t.co/5OKlq8ycat ...

Group 1 - Vodafone will sell its 50% stake in Dutch joint venture VodafoneZiggo to Liberty Global for €1 billion ($1.18 billion) [1] - The transaction reflects Vodafone's strategy to streamline its operations and focus on core markets [1] - The exchange rate used for the transaction is $1 = €0.8447 [1] Group 2 - The sale is part of Vodafone's ongoing efforts to reduce debt and improve financial stability [1] - VodafoneZiggo is a significant player in the Dutch telecommunications market, providing services such as broadband and television [1] - Liberty Global is expected to enhance its position in the Dutch market through this acquisition [1]

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]

Market Performance - European stocks showed a positive trend with the pan European Stoxx 600 climbing 0.89%, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 gained 0.59%, Germany's DAX jumped 0.94%, and France's CAC 40 closed up by 0.43% [1] - Major European markets such as Austria, Denmark, Finland, and Spain closed higher, while Belgium, Greece, and Russia ended weak [2] Company Earnings and Movements - Burberry Group, IAG, and HSBC Holdings saw gains between 2% and 5.2%, while BP, Standard Chartered, and Rolls-Royce Holdings also moved up sharply [2][3] - Vinci reported stronger-than-expected results, with a full-year 2025 net income of €4.90 billion, up from €4.86 billion the previous year, leading to a nearly 10% increase in its stock price [5] - Stellantis plummeted 25% after announcing a €22 billion charge related to restructuring efforts and plans to sell its 49% stake in NextStar Energy [6] Sector Performance - In the German market, Siemens Energy climbed 4.3%, while Siemens Healthineers dropped more than 3% [4] - In France, ArcelorMittal gained about 4.75%, and Schneider Electric ended higher by 1%-2.3% [5] Economic Indicators - Germany's industrial production decreased by 1.9% month-on-month in December, reversing a previous rise, while exports increased by 4% and imports growth doubled to 1.4% [7][8] - France's foreign trade deficit increased to €4.8 billion in December, as imports grew faster than exports [9]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group service revenue grew by 5.4% in Q3 2026, supported by growth in Europe and Africa, particularly in Germany, Africa, and Turkey [4] - Group EBITDA increased by 2.3% in Q3 and 5.3% year-to-date, aligning with expectations to meet the upper end of FY 2026 guidance [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Germany, mobile customer numbers increased, with new customer ARPUs up 21% year-on-year, stabilizing consumer broadband revenues [6] - Fixed broadband churn in Germany is now below the majority of European markets, indicating improved customer retention [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.K. market is undergoing network upgrades ahead of schedule, enhancing mobile coverage and data speeds [7] - In Africa, the acquisition of a controlling stake in Safaricom is expected to strengthen Vodacom's position, capitalizing on structural growth opportunities [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Vodafone is focused on enhancing customer experience and value strategy, particularly in Germany, while also investing GBP 11 billion over ten years to build a leading 5G network in the U.K. [8] - The company aims to leverage its scale and digital platforms in Africa, with a focus on B2B and digital services growth [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the performance trajectory, indicating that the company is on track to meet FY 2026 guidance [10] - There is a recognition of ongoing competitive pressures, particularly in the U.K. and Germany, but management remains confident in the strategic direction and growth potential [5][16] Other Important Information - The company has completed the acquisition of Skaylink to support growth in digital services [10] - Management highlighted the importance of focusing on value over volume in the competitive landscape, particularly in the broadband market [78] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Germany's EBITDA trajectory - Management indicated that EBITDA in Germany is expected to improve in the second half of the year, although it may not return to positive growth this year [14][15] Question: Clarification on broadband strategy and pricing - Management confirmed that the focus is on value, with fixed broadband churn improving and ARPU levels at their highest in three years [24][27] Question: Group-wide outlook for 2027 and beyond - Management remains confident in multi-year growth trajectory, expecting continued good growth in EBITDA and adjusted free cash flow [33][34] Question: Opportunities in Africa post-Safaricom acquisition - Management sees significant growth opportunities in Africa, particularly in digital services and financial services, with potential for further B2B acquisitions [40][41] Question: Impact of potential consolidation in the U.K. broadband market - Management believes consolidation could be beneficial but emphasizes their strong position through multi-partner wholesaling [46][47] Question: Future of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in the U.K. and Germany - Management expects FWA to grow in the U.K. but notes that the market in Germany is less dynamic due to existing fiber penetration [51][53] Question: Thoughts on tower market and Vantage - Management is satisfied with their position in Vantage and is open to considering strategic opportunities as the tower market evolves [59][60] Question: Comments on EU Digital Networks Act and Cybersecurity Act - Management views the potential for spectrum license reforms positively but expresses concerns about the draft Cybersecurity Act introducing uncertainty [84][86]