Vodafone Group News Summary (April 2025)

Germany

• Antitrust Investigation: The Federal Cartel Office is investigating Vodafone and its former tower subsidiary, Vantage Towers, for allegedly obstructing market entry of competitor 1&1 by delaying antenna site provisions. A final decision is expected in mid-2025.

Vodafone-Three UK Merger

• Mergers & Acquisitions: The £15 billion merger between Vodafone and Three UK was finalized in late 2024, creating the UK's largest mobile provider with 27 million customers.
• Investment Plans: The combined entity plans to invest £11 billion in UK infrastructure. Both companies are exploring a potential TV service to compete with Sky and Virgin Media.

Vodafone Idea (India)

Government Stake

• Stake Increase: The Indian government's stake in Vodafone Idea rose to 48.88% after converting Rs 36,950 crore of spectrum dues into equity (3695 crore shares at Rs 10 each).

Capital Expenditure and Network Expansion

• Capital Plan: Vodafone Idea has a Rs 55,000 crore capital expenditure plan focusing on expanding 4G coverage and launching 5G in 17 priority circles.

Revenue and Market Strategy

• ARPU Target: The company aims to boost Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) by enhancing 4G penetration, improving network quality, building partnerships, and prioritizing business services.
• Credit Rating: ICRA upgraded Vodafone Idea's credit rating to BBB-, an investment-grade rating. However, some experts advise selling positions on rebounds due to increased debt of Rs 2.17 lakh crore as of December 2024.

Vodafone Group Public (LON:VOD)

Stock Performance

• Stock Metrics: As of April 11, 2025, the stock price closed at GBX 66.18 with a P/E Ratio of 30.02 and a dividend yield of 12.09%. The consensus rating is "Hold."

Environmental Initiative

• Flood Warning System: Vodafone monitors mobile signal variations caused by precipitation, sharing this data with the River Severn Partnership to enhance flood early warning systems and supplement radar and rain gauge data.

Emma Raducanu Sponsorship

• Sponsorship End: Vodafone terminated its £3 million-a-year sponsorship deal with tennis player Emma Raducanu, reportedly due to her high financial demands.