KPN today presented its annual data. Turnover grew by 1.4% in the whole of 2022 to 5.3 billion euros. Profit stood at 766 million euros, down sharply compared to 2021, when a profit of almost 1.3 billion euros was recorded. Particularly in the optical fiber branch, the telecommunications company is experiencing fierce competition.
Despite declining profits, CEO Joost Farwerck is optimistic. ‘I thought it was a very good year. Turnover has increased, EBITDA has increased (result before interest payable, taxes, depreciation, ed.), free cash flow has increased and dividends have increased. So we’re closing last year very well.’
Farwerck is particularly pleased with the growth in turnover. ‘We invest for the long term, so it’s not a case of making leaps and bounds in a year. That would be unhealthy. Incidentally, it is the first time since 2007 that the real turnover of services grows in the Netherlands, and this is an important moment for us. Growing through turnover is important for the company.’
Optic fiber
Farwerck isn’t too concerned about the fierce competition in the fiber optic market. “The deployment of our fiber optic network is well underway. We outsold more than 540,000 homes this year, more than all competitors combined. We now cover half of the Netherlands and by the end of 2026 we want to have reached around 80%. It’s a lucrative market, so it’s understandable that other companies are also trying to enter it.’
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Source: BNR
Andrew Dwight is an author and economy journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of financial markets and a passion for analyzing economic trends and news. With a talent for breaking down complex economic concepts into easily understandable terms, Andrew has become a respected voice in the field of economics journalism.
