UPDATE 1 - Telekom Slovenije sees 9-mo cons net profit rising 8.8%

The group is estimated to have generated over 595 million euro in operating revenue through September, down 4.0% on the year and in line with plans, Telekom Slovenije said in a bourse filing.

Revenue from the flagship services of fixed and mobile voice has been gradually decreasing due to tougher macroeconomic conditions, slower growth in the market of broadband access, and regulatory requirements, while the price war is intensifying, especially in the segment of mobile services, the statement said.

Consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) are seen at 63 million euro over the review period, roughly on par with the year-ago period and 2.0% above plans.

Group earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to 198 million euro in the first nine months, while the EBITDA margin stood at over 33%.

Investment at group level, which rose 22% to 61 million euro through September, focused mostly on infrastructure development and new services.

Telekom Slovenije is scheduled to issue final figures on its nine-month performance on November 29.

($=0.7729 euro)