tradingkey.logo
搜尋

自由全球 (LBTYA) 2026 年第三季法說會:Ziggo 分拆與 VMO2 削減成本

2026年11月3日 20:09
facebooktwitterlinkedin

Liberty Global預計2027年第二季完成Ziggo Group拆分,綜效超越10億歐元,管理層維持2028年槓桿率4.5倍與自由現金流目標。Virgin Media O2計畫2027年實現4億英鎊年化成本節約,並於2029年增至8億英鎊。公司第三季回購1億美元股票,年底企業現金目標為18億美元。

該摘要由AI生成

重點摘要

  • Liberty Global 表示,Ziggo Group 的免稅拆分計畫仍按預定進度推進,預計於 2027 年第二季進行。預計於 2026 年 12 月向美國證券交易委員會 (SEC) 和荷蘭金融市場管理局 (AFM) 提交初始保密招股說明書。
  • 目前預計 Ziggo Group 的協同效應將遠高於 10 億歐元,其中包括超過 7 億美元的稅務資產。管理層繼續以 2028 年槓桿率 4.5 倍和約 5 億美元的自由現金流為目標。
  • Virgin Media O2 概述了 2027 年實現 4 億英鎊年化成本節約的計畫,到 2029 年將增加至 8 億英鎊。該計畫包括裁員 30% 以及更簡化的營運架構。
  • VodafoneZiggo 自 2024 年以來首次恢復營收成長。寬頻淨增用戶數達 12,000 戶,創七年多來最佳單季表現,而後付費行動淨增用戶數為 31,000 戶。
  • Liberty Global 在第三季實施庫藏股買回 1 億美元股票,註銷了該公司 2.9% 的股份。在視市場狀況而定的情況下,計劃在第四季完成另外 1 億美元的買回。
  • 季末企業現金約為 20 億美元,而 Liberty Growth 投資組合的公允價值約為 29 億美元。假設完成全額 2 億美元的買回計畫,年底企業現金目標為 18 億美元。

關鍵財務數據

業務或指標2026 年第三季結果關鍵驅動因素或背景
VodafoneZiggo 營收恢復正成長價格指數化調整、ESPN 附加費和客戶成長抵銷了新客戶優惠定價與 B2B 行動業務營收下降的影響
VodafoneZiggo 調整後 EBITDA下降 6.9%How We Win 計畫以及預期的單次網路韌性與安全投資
Telenet 營收大致穩定較高的 Wyre TSA 營收、手機銷售與節目營收
VMO2 調整後 EBITDA下降 2.6%營收下降,部分被成本效益與一次性收益抵銷
Virgin Media Ireland 服務營收溫和下降Virgin Media 電視營收下降
Virgin Media Ireland 調整後 EBITDA受 900 萬歐元一次性因素影響與電視內容攤銷相關的調整,加上營收下降
Liberty Growth 投資組合公允價值約 29 億美元第三季變動主要反映對 Formulary 與 Bloom 的溫和投資
企業現金約 20 億美元包含向 Vodafone 支付其持有的 50% VodafoneZiggo 股權的 12 億美元款項,以及 1 億美元的股票買回
年初至今融資活動115 億美元包含 Liberty Telecom 約 100 億美元

業務與營運表現

Ziggo Group 與荷蘭

VodafoneZiggo 錄得 12,000 戶寬頻淨增用戶與 31,000 戶後付費行動淨增用戶。固網 ARPU 成長 1%,受到價格指數化調整和 ESPN 附加費的支撐,儘管新客戶優惠定價下降。

該公司推出了具備 4 Gbps 與 8 Gbps 服務的 DOCSIS 4。管理層表示,該技術最終可涵蓋 800 萬戶家庭,且成本約比在荷蘭市場鋪設光纖低 10 倍。

VodafoneZiggo 電信塔的出售預計近期完成,將產生 6.7 億歐元的總收益。管理層表示該交易將有助於降低槓桿。預計計畫中的 Wyre 減持也將把 Telenet 的槓桿率降至 4.5 倍。

Telenet 增加了約 4,000 戶寬頻客戶和 4,000 戶住宅行動客戶。隨著其 5G 與數位升級計畫接近完成,資本支出有所下降。

Virgin Media O2 與英國

VMO2 報告寬頻和行動淨流失戶數較上一季與去年同期均有所改善。行動 ARPU 增加,而固網 ARPU 仍受到促銷強度與主動客戶留存定價的壓力。

新的轉型計畫目標是在 2027 年實現 4 億英鎊的年化運行率成本削減,並在 2029 年前達到 8 億英鎊。VMO2 還計畫裁員 30%,並將資金重新分配至回報率較高的項目。

VMO2 已停止在其資產負債表上進行進一步的光纖建設。相反地,它計畫在 2027 年將其近 70% 的 HFC 網路升級至 2 Gbps 的速度。管理層表示,該業務可以繼續透過其現有的約 900 萬戶家庭的光纖覆蓋範圍(包括 Nexfibre)銷售服務,並可能在具備經濟吸引力時使用第三方網路。

管理層表示,VMO2 不會在英國部署 DOCSIS 4,因為其管道網路使得升級 DOCSIS 4 的成本與建設光纖相當。該公司將繼續投資於行動業務,其 5G 獨立組網 (SA) 覆蓋率已接近 90%。

資本配置與資產負債表

Liberty Global 表示其企業資產負債表無債務。管理層目前無意將企業現金注入其電信營運公司,並稱這些公司具備正向自由現金流且能夠獨立融資。

扣除預期非核心資產處分後,該公司預計 VodafoneZiggo 或 Telenet 的信用融資群在 2029 年之前沒有重大到期債務。根據管理層的說法,VMO2 在 2029 年之前也沒有到期債務,儘管其槓桿率高於 4 倍至 5 倍的目標區間。

管理層指引

  • Liberty Global 重申,Ziggo Group 拆分計畫定於 2027 年第二季進行,但仍需視該公司無法控制的事項而定。
  • 管理層繼續以 2028 年 Ziggo Group 約 5 億美元的自由現金流和 4.5 倍槓桿率為目標。預計將在 2027 年第一季的資本市場日提供詳細的分析橋接。
  • VodafoneZiggo 管理層預計,在預算編製程序完成的前提下,其商業改善將在 2027 年開始支撐 EBITDA。
  • VMO2 預計 2027 年年化運行率成本節約將達 4 億英鎊,到 2029 年增加至 8 億英鎊。
  • Liberty Global 的其他 2026 年指引指標均按預期進行。該公司正在審查 VMO2 計畫於 2026 年進行的股東分紅,並預計在 2027 年第一季隨全年財報提供最新資訊。
  • 假設完成總計 2 億美元的股票買回,預計 2026 年底企業現金約為 18 億美元。

風險與關注焦點

英國仍是一個具挑戰性的營運市場,管理層提及激烈的固網價格競爭、較低的行動定價以及來自替代光纖營運商和 MVNO(虛擬行動網路電信商)的壓力。

英國競爭暨市場管理局 (CMA) 的中期報告為提議的 Netomnia 交易帶來了不確定性。Liberty Global 表示仍致力於該交易,並預計在 2026 年 12 月中旬左右發布最終報告。該結果也將影響有關 VMO2 計畫股東分紅的決定。

VMO2 的槓桿率高於該公司 4 倍至 5 倍的目標區間。管理層預計在 2026 年第四季財報前後提供更多有關去槓桿與再融資計畫的細節,同時強調 2029 年之前沒有債務到期。

VodafoneZiggo 和 Telenet 必須實現營運改善、資本支出減少以及預期的協同效應,以使 Ziggo Group 達到其 2028 年的槓桿率與自由現金流目標。

分析師問答焦點

  • 英國光纖策略:管理層表示,停止資產負債表上的光纖建設並不妨礙 VMO2 批發其現有的光纖網路或租用第三方基礎設施,以擴大其可涵蓋的服務範圍。
  • VMO2 營收前景:管理層並未假設英國市場短期內會復甦。其中期計畫旨在透過商業舉措與成本削減來穩定營收,並實現可持續的營運自由現金流成長。
  • 資產出售:Liberty Global 在適當情況下對變現電信塔、HFC 或光纖資產保持開放態度,但尚未宣布任何額外交易。
  • Ziggo Group 去槓桿化:管理層表示,高於原先預期的協同效應、EBITDA 改善以及 Telenet 資本支出的降低,為在 2028 年實現 4.5 倍槓桿率和 5 億美元自由現金流提供了途徑。
  • VodafoneZiggo 商業策略:在恢復寬頻用戶正成長後,該公司計畫透過更高速度的方案層級、產品優化以及來自現有客戶群的額外營收,在客戶成長與提高收益率之間取得平衡。
  • CMA 程序:Liberty Global 請求提供補充中期報告,並主張 BT 對 TalkTalk 的收購需要 CMA 重新評估其潛在的英國市場假設。

完整法說會逐字稿


完整財報電話會議逐字稿

管理層陳述

Operator

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to Liberty Global's Third Quarter 2026 Investor Call. This call and the associated webcast are the property of Liberty Global and any redistribution, retransmission or rebroadcast of this call or webcast in any form without the express written consent of Liberty Global is strictly prohibited.

[Operator Instructions]

Today's formal presentation materials can be found under the Investor Relations section of Liberty Global's website at libertyglobal.com. After today's formal presentation, instructions will be given for questions. Page 2 of the slides details the company's safe harbor statement regarding forward-looking statements. Today's presentation may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the company's expectations with respect to its outlook and future growth prospects and other information and statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These risks include those detailed in Liberty Global's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recently filed forms 10-Q and 10-K as amended.

Liberty Global disclaims any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements reflect any change in its expectations or in the conditions on which any such statement is based. I would now like to turn the call over to Mr. Mike Fries.

Michael Fries

All right. Welcome. Good afternoon or good morning wherever you may be. We certainly appreciate you dialing in to our third quarter call. I've got the broader team with me for Q&A, as I usually do, but I'm going to jump right in with prepared remarks that largely track the investor deck that we've put together for you.

Hopefully, you're following along there on Slide 4. And we continue to lead with this slide because we think it helps both frame our current operating model and separate us from other European telecom platforms. The first point here is at Liberty Global itself, is an operator and investor across both telecom and other growth sectors with $2 billion in cash, no debt and a nearly breakeven corporate cost center. Second, we set the top 2 unique asset groups. The telecom portfolio, you know well, national champions, where our primary focus has been and remains on unlocking equity value for shareholders. You know the playbook, right? We delivered with the Sunrise spin-off, which now trades at an equivalent of around $11 per Liberty share. It has paid dividends totaling $600 million since its Swiss listing in November 2024. As you know, we remain focused on doing the exact same thing next year with the newly created Ziggo Group in the Benelux.

Meanwhile, [indiscernible] O2 in the U.K. announced today a new strategic plan that will radically reduce cost and simplify its operating model to drive growth and cash generation. So more on both of these developments in a moment. But we also control a portfolio of growth assets, reasonably valued by external parties at $2.9 billion, where 2/3s of that value resides in 5 clear investments.

Two things to remember about this portfolio: First, we have a track record of realizing fair value for these investments typically at or above the marks you see each quarter in our filings. Just in the last 5 years alone, we've exited investments in this portfolio trailing approximately $2 billion, nearly all of them with positive return to shareholders; and then secondly, this growth portfolio has largely funded itself as we've recycled that $2 billion of cash back into our growth portfolio typically into more scale-based platforms or growth assets in infrastructure, sports and tech. And each of those, we think, will yield better returns over time.

Now with that as background, we move on to slide to have Q3 highlights. And I think there's just 3 core takeaways from today's call, and I'm going to dig into them both largely here at the top line level and then into more detail. But first of all, we are on track to spin off the Ziggo Group in the second quarter of next year. I'll get into this in more detail, I promise, but our confidence is supported by significant progress at the transaction, leadership and operating level. I referenced the strategic plan at VMO2 published to calls from among other things, run rate cost savings of GBP 800 million within 36 months.

Of course, we totally support have encouraged the goal of becoming a leaner, more agile business to both drive growth and cash generation. This Program is already underway, and it includes head count reduction, a simpler operating model and changes to capital allocation, which I'll discuss. Finally, we bought back 2.9% of the company in Q3, and we intend to continue at that pace in Q4. At current prices, that means the additional $100 million buyback would result in another 3.7% of the shares being retired, so nearly 7% in the second half of the year. Now it's difficult to not see the value here. And for what it's worth, I will be in the market buying shares tomorrow, my window opens as well. I've seen this movie before.

If you look at the sum of the parts analysis on the right-hand side of the slide, at $8 per share, plus or minus where we are, we're trading at a near 50% discount to the combined value of our unencumbered corporate cash and growth portfolio I just went through. Of course, by definition, that attributes 0 value, perhaps even negative equity value to the entirety of our telecom business.

Just to make a couple of points clear here. First, we do not intend at this time to put any cash currently on our balance sheet into our telecom businesses and why would we? These businesses are all free cash flow positive, have strong market positions and our set up demand is their investment plans and balance sheets entirely on their own. That's why they were put together the way they were. So the notion that some investors might be applying negative equity value is misguided.

Second, you don't need to make your [indiscernible] assumptions to arrive at positive equity value for the Ziggo group. We previously guided you towards $500 million of free cash flow and 4.5x leverage multiple in 2028. And we suggested that the Sunrise free cash flow yield of roughly 12% might be appropriate. By the way, that would result in a $13 tax-free dividend to shareholders that spend implying a $21 stock price today, just adding our $8 on top of that.

But just to be conservative, you assume $400 million of free cash flow and a 16% yield to reflect either more leverage or less growth or market conditions you arrive at an $8 tax-free dividend. Even with $300 million of free cash flow, and let's get extreme, a 20% yield on that free cash, you're talking about $5 per share, a 62% premium to our current stock price. So just a reminder, this is not an IPO. Yes, we will host a Capital Markets Day in Q1. Yes, management will go on a global roadshow to generate awareness and interest in the stock, just as we did with Sunrise, but we are not building a book or relying on banks to underwrite an equity offering.

The new Ziggo Group stock will be distributed tax-free to shareholders and will trade at the outset wherever the market determines fair value resides. And in our estimation, it will appreciate from that point as synergies, growth and deleveraging continued to unfold. This is why we remain committed to the transaction and the timing.

So let's dive into the Ziggo Group spinoff. The progress we've made thus far on Slide 6. First of all, I'm excited about the leadership team. How can it not be? Stephen has done an incredible job at Vodafone Ziggo, of course, and he's built a great team at Ziggo Group. Jany Fruytier is familiar to many of you, I hope, as the CFO of Sunrise. By the way, before, during and after that successful spin, he's actually Dutch and has returned to Amsterdam as CFO of Ziggo Group to work with Liberty on the pre-spin process and importantly, execute the synergies. And Rocio Lorenzo was a very senior executive at Liberty Latin America, most recently running the Panama business. She just started this week as CEO of Telenet replacing John Porter, who as you saw announced his retirement after over 30 years, outstanding years with me at Liberty. And John will be around until year-end and undoubtedly an important source of advice for us going forward. And of course, there's a host of other senior executives rounding out a very strong Ziggo Group team, and it all starts with the people on the ground. And from that point of view, we are in very, very good shape. And we've continuously updated you on all those building blocks.

So let's cover a few more. First of all, we have finalized a lead banking team. Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas and ABN AMRO are all going to do an outstanding job for us. They provide really strong coverage across all equity markets and each of them remains very encouraged and positive about both deal and the timing. Second, we can report that due to several factors, we will realize over $700 million in tax assets in the combined group structure. Those tax benefits will constitute a significant part of the synergies which are now expected to be well in excess of EUR 1 billion. That's the target we previously provided.

Third, the deleveraging of Ziggo Group continues. The sale of the Vodafone Ziggo towers is expected to close imminently, delivering gross proceeds of EUR 670 million. That will delever Vodafone Ziggo and the wire sell-down will further deleverage Telenet to 4.5x. And then finally, we expect to be filing initial confidential prospectus with both the SEC and AFM in December next month, which should provide more than enough time to meet the Q2 '27 spin timing.

As you can see, this is a full court inspired in part by the confidence we see in the businesses themselves, but also by that sum of the parts chart that I just showed you, which is a great segue to the next slide, highlighting operating progress in Ziggo Group's biggest market, the Netherlands. The VodafoneZiggo is becoming a much, much stronger competitor in this market. That much should be clear to everybody. Revenue was back to growth for the first time since 2024 with the best broadband results since 2019, perhaps the most exciting recent development is the world's first major launch of DOCSIS 4, which is now delivering 4 and 8 gigabit speeds today and will ultimately reach 8 million homes. This strategy have to say, validates both the quality of our HFC networks and the decision not to build fiber in this market. DOCSIS 4 future proofs the network for any demand scenarios. DOCSIS 4 avoids disruption to customers and communities since we're not digging up streets and DOCSIS 4 costs 10x less than building fiber. So that means we're achieving this network-wide transformation, best-in-market speeds with in a current CapEx envelope, and that's going to provide greater flexibility for future capital allocation decisions around leverage and dividends post spin.

Now moving to actual operating results for the Netherlands and Belgium on Slide 8, you'll see on the left-hand side, but I've already said, VodafoneZiggo continues to deliver strong and improving broadband performance with 12,000 net adds and its best quarterly result in over 7 years. That was helped in part by an expanded footprint, but also by new loyalty programs that are making a big difference. Meanwhile, fixed ARPU improved 1% and that's despite lower front book pricing because we saw price indexation kick in and an ESP and surcharge because Dutch football is now available on all TV packages.

Mobile postpaid additions were strong, 31,000 in the quarter, that's driven by renewed tenure-based loyalty program. I think it's a very positive move for Stephen, with strong early customer engagement and new FMC proposition and faster broadband speeds. Telenet also had a good quarter about 4,000 broadband net adds supported by strong base FMC growth and residential mobile of about 4,000 net adds and that's driven by premium handsets and a new mobile promotion on 15 gigabit tariffs. Just the sort of momentum you want to see from both of these businesses going into Q4 in 2027.

Now let's switch gears to the U.K. I know this is a market and a topic on everybody's minds here. Let me start with some context on Slide 9. I know we talk about it every quarter, and many of you are following the market as closely as we are, but the U.K. has been and remains one of the most challenging operating environments in Europe for telcos. Since the formation of our JV 5 years ago, retail revenue market-wide and fixed to mobile has declined over 5 billion or 13%, and that's according to [indiscernible].

In fixed, this is explained by following home telephony subscriptions and more recently, intense price competition with the arrival of unsustainable fiber players. And in mobile, we've seen rapid erosion in pricing with delayed MNO consolidation way too long and the arrival of MVNO and branded competitors. So despite these headwinds, as you can see on the chart, BMO 2 has produced stable EBITDA growing from GBP 3.6 billion in 2020, a year before our JV started, to GBP 4 billion in 2023, and and then remaining largely steady since then at about GBP 3.9 billion. So while Lutz and the team have struggled historically to drive customer growth and revenue in this difficult market, they have been able to stabilize profitability with synergies and the commitment to cost efficiencies.

It's also worth pointing out that as the slide does here, over that same 5-year period, VMO2 invested heavily in its networks brands and digital platforms, an investment that has produced 4 of the most recognizable brands in the market, a #1 position in mobile connections, a strong broadband base with faster average speeds far faster than those that are delivered by BT and a #2 position in B2B.

So 2 points here. While VMO2 is a strong scale-based national champion, which in the face of serious headwinds has delivered a steady financial performance over the last 5 years, it has not been enough, which is why we asked for and management has delivered the new transformation program announced today, and you can see the core elements of that plan on Slide 10 including GBP 400 million of run rate cost reductions next year, growing to GBP 800 million by 2029. That's funded in part by a leaner, simpler organization and a 30% headcount reduction. They've already been changes at the senior operating level here, including the appointment of Lisa McAllen, who now oversees the entire B2C division, putting customers first, organizing around key brands, launching simpler products and propositions. She's off to a great, great start.

Importantly, the team is already redirecting CapEx to clearer higher return projects. which has prompted the decision by the way, saying it today that we aren't going to build any more fiber on the VMO2 balance sheet regardless of the outcome on the [indiscernible]. Instead, we see a big opportunity to upgrade nearly 70% of the HFC network to 2 gigs speeds next year. That will have a huge impact and give Lisa a tremendous asset to start marketing. So given the significance of this entire program, VMO2 is going to provide a capital markets update for debt and equity investors in the first quarter of next year, hopefully around our year-end results. And that will certainly run through the progress on cost reductions and provide a deep dive into the commercial business.

Now regarding the Netomnia transaction, we remain committed to this deal. I made a decision to keep our remarks today short and to the point. I'm sure you've seen our public statements, and they're fully aware of the debate. All I'll say is that we are deeply disappointed by the CMA's interim report. It is so fundamentally flawed with conclusions and counterfactuals that do not reflect the commercial and financial reality of the U.K. market, in particular, the assumption that Citi fiber, another operator would have or will have acquired Netomnia is not a credible basis to judge our transaction. I think you're well aware of City Fiber's financial condition, nor is the assumption that the billions of pounds of investment enabled by this deal would simply happen. Anyway, as I've just indicated to you, we're helping the fiber build on VMO2's balance sheet. So this is a big moment for the U.K. telecom sector for sure. But I think it's even a bigger moment for the U.K. Investors are watching to see whether or not U.K. regulators are prepared to apply the law in a fair and reasonable manner, particularly one that does not pick winners or prop but failing bidders.

So stay tuned, it isn't over. During the Q3 or bring results in the U.K. and Ireland, briefly wrap up my section here. VMO2 delivered year-over-year sequential improvement in both broadband and mobile net losses in the quarter despite the highly competitive environment we just spoke about? Mobile ARPU has been growing while fixed ARPU declined over the last few quarters reflect promotional intensity. Despite the headwinds, the team remains on its front foot. This is key with improved AI-supported customer service metrics. We just extended the naming rights for the O2 arena, a tremendous asset, and we've continued network investment, particularly in 5G plus, where coverage is approaching 90%. And then finally, Virgin Media Ireland delivered its strongest total broadband result in 7 quarters alongside continued positive mobile net adds. So you can read about that. So with that, I'll hand it over to Charlie, and then the team and I will happily address any of your questions. Charlie, over to you.

Charles Bracken

Thanks, Mike. Turning to our Q3 financial highlights. Performance across our operating companies continues to be on track against our full year guidance, which I will cover in more detail over the next few slides. As you've heard, VMO2 is focused on reducing leverage, and we are encouraged by the direction of a new strategic plan to simplify the business and reduce the cost base. At Ziggo Group, the balance sheet is supported by a long-dated maturity profile with no material maturities expected until 2029. And deleveraging across the Ziggo Group, Credit Sales remains on track as we've demonstrated with the recently announced tower sale.

The next slide sets out the Q3 financial results for VodafoneZiggo and Telenet. VodafoneZiggo returned to positive revenue growth for the first time since 2024 supported by price indexation, the ESPN surcharge and customer growth, which more than offset the pressure from front book repricing and lower B2B mobile revenues. Adjusted EBITDA declined 6.9%, in line with our guidance reflecting the in-year impact of the how we win plan and budgeted one-off investments in network resilience and security.

Adjusted EBITDA less property and equipment additions also continued to be impacted by the one-off investments reflected in higher CapEx during the quarter. At Telenet, revenue was broadly stable, supported by higher Wyre wire TSA revenues, increased handset sales and higher programming revenues associated with the new [indiscernible] Pro League agreement with [indiscernible]. Adjusted EBITDA declined mainly due to lower subscription revenues and higher programming costs related to the new design deal. Adjusted EBITDA less property and equipment additions benefited from CapEx phasing and lower 5G CapEx spend.

Turning to the U.K. and Ireland. VMO2 total service revenue was broadly in line with our expectations, driven by continued pressure in the consumer fixed market and the planned rationalizing of the O2 business portfolio to support long-term growth. Adjusted EBITDA declined 2.6%, driven by the lower headline revenues, offset by cost efficiency measures and certain one-off benefits during the quarter in relation to legal matters and a reduction in sales commission expenses. Virgin Media Ireland service revenues declined modestly, driven by lower Virgin Media TV revenue and adjusted EBITDA was impacted by a EUR 9 million one-off adjustment related to Virgin Media TV content amortization as well as the flow-through from lower revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA less property equipment additions reflect to the last major quarter of fiber CapEx spend as we near the completion of our fiber rollout program.

Turning to capital allocation. Our operating companies continue to invest in their networks and digital transformations that broadly capital intensity is moderating through the cycle. During the quarter, investment of Virgin Media O2 continued across the fiber upgrade program, mobile capacity and spectrum integration as well as IT and digital transformation. VodafoneZiggo investment reflected DOCSIS 4.0 network upgrades and the CapEx one-offs related to the network resilience program. And Telenet CapEx has stepped down as its 5G and digital upgrades complete while Virgin Media Island is approaching the end of its fiber upgrade across approximately 1 million premises.

Now on the top right, the fair value of the Liberty growth portfolio was approximately $2.9 billion at quarter end. The movement from Q2 primarily reflected modest investments in Formulary and Bloom. On corporate cash, we ended the quarter with around $2 billion, the biggest movements during the quarter related to the $1.2 billion payment of Vodafone for the 50% stake in VodafoneZiggo, the modest investments in Liberty growth and $100 million in share repurchases. We're now targeting to end the year with $1.8 billion of corporate cash, assuming that the full $200 million of share buybacks is completed.

Now moving to the treasury slide. We remain focused on disciplined refinancing and a higher for longer interest rate environment. Our siloed capital structures are fully swapped with a fixed cost of debt and base rate hedges remain in place through 2030. Despite challenges in the macro environment, we've actually completed $11.5 billion of financings year-to-date, including approximately $10 billion across Liberty Telecom. This activity has materially reduced near-term maturities compared with our position at the end of 2025. As Ziggo grew net of expected noncore asset disposals, we do not expect any material maturities in VodafoneZiggo or Telenet credit silos until 2029. Telenet recently closed a EUR 427.5 million term loan A., the proceeds of which will be used to refinance an existing facility and other near-term maturities.

And finally, turning to our full year guidance for 2026. We are reviewing our options with respect to VMO2's planned cash distribution to shareholders in 2026 and we'll provide an update in Q1 2027 when we announce the full year results and know the outcome of the Netomnia transaction. Otherwise, we remain on track across all other guidance metrics across Liberty Telecom and Corporate. Now that concludes our prepared remarks, and I would now like to hand over to the operator for Q&A.

Operator

[Operator Instructions]

Our first question is from Robert J. Grindle with Deutsche Bank.

分析師問答

Robert Grindle

My question is about the U.K. you're suspending the U.K. fiber build and saving a good chunk of money there. Does that imply anything with regard to your ambition to wholesale on the existing 10 million or so fiber footprint, 10 million homes. Do you have the CapEx capacity within your target to connect the VMO2 or wholesale customers to that existing fiber network.

Michael Fries

I'll let Lutz chime in here, I think the main takeaway, Robert, from our decision to halt the fiber build on the balance sheet is that we remain opportunistic number one, the HSE network as we're demonstrating in Holland is a powerful network. And the 2 gig, we will be in a great position across the market. By the way, the 2 gig upgrade is tiny in comparison 100 kind of number to get the entire footprint ready and able to deliver 2 gig speed. That's a huge step in the right direction. And we'll see how the fiber situation unfolds, but we see no reason to be upgrading fiber today in the footprint that we operate. That doesn't mean we won't use other people's fiber. It doesn't mean we won't wholesale where we have fiber -- doesn't mean we won't access fiber, our own or others where it makes operating economic sense.

Simply means we don't see the need at this point to follow along, if you will, fiber is a valuable asset, but not the only way to deliver broadband. And in our case, not the best use of capital today. Lutz, do you want to add anything to that?

Lutz Schüler

Yes. So I mean, so far, we have the opportunity to sell our existing fiber network, which is together with next fiber around 9 million homes. Final decision how to progress with it will done when the new plan is decided by the board end of November. But so far, the technology is there, the platform is there and the cost could be handled in the plan for the next 3 years, Robert.

Operator

Our next question is from Andrew Lee with Goldman Sachs.

Andrew Lee

Just a follow-up to Robert's question. So obviously, you're presenting a good counterfactual argument for CMA today that may cause it to adjust its view, but that rental scenario needs to be credible for that. So I just wanted to digging a bit on the rental now, what changed to make you are building is not the best use of capital and HFC upgrades will be enough? And just in terms of renting, would the rental rather than building renting rather than building scenario, which you're positioning is a hypothetical approach should it only not go through? Would renting give you the confidence to deliver and guide to service revenue growth on a medium-term basis?

Michael Fries

I'll just say on one point, Lutz, and you take the question. Remember, renting versus building is not the only question. We are always looking to extend our footprint, and that, by definition, will require renting. So the idea that we will use other fiber networks, where available to extend the reach of our brands is a foreground completion. So that's something we should do that would obviously drive marketable homes, revenue and opportunity for the core business. Lutz, if you can try to address the first question.

Lutz Schüler

Yes. So I mean, our assumption was always that our HFC network will serve customers in a very good way for the time being, right? I mean when you -- when the question is, and this is more in the perspective of in the next 10 or 20 years, when higher speeds than DOCSIS 3.1 required, which will give us the 2 gig. And for that, we have started to build fiber. And for that, we have also entered also this. Now it's very simple that during the course of the years when we build fiber, yes, we could clearly see where you see 3 fiber networks it is not economically viable for any of them. So therefore, we have already before stopped to overbuild [indiscernible]. And now we have stopped it entirely. So the question now is yes, for the next couple of years, we are safe with HFC. And then of footprint, it's a huge opportunity. And on footprint we might get on other networks or there are lots of inorganic opportunities still around the corner, and we will find a way to roll out fiber with partners where there are no 2 existing fiber networks. This is very important. We would never build anywhere fiber as a [indiscernible] fiber net and of course, we can't give you at this time, an outlook of service revenue, right? I mean, Mike announced that we will have a Capital Markets Day in Q1 next year. So be assured we are having a plan that is also considering the development of the service revenues that is showing growing operating free cash flow, but the details around that first need to be approved by the Board. and then will be shared with all of you in Q1.

By the way, [indiscernible] regulatory [indiscernible]. Rob, let me add one thing. It's a bit of a wake-up call to us this regulatory posture that were faced with here. Never did we anticipate that this transaction with Netomnia would encounter such fierce resistance. It is a reflection of, as I mentioned deeply flawed perspective and understanding of where this market is going.

So we have, to some degree, been pushed into this direction as well. It's unclear to us how this market evolves over the long term and I'm certain that the powers that be in government have no idea of what's going to unfold. So this is a bit disconcerting for us and for Telefonica, which is why we need to buckle down and do what we can do and do what we know we can do and drive growth in the business, which is and not believe a 2 gig product is going to do wonders for us, and there's so much untapped opportunity, we can't wait around for the government to figure itself out. ahead to

Andrew Lee

Yes. I think share price from prices show that people didn't didn't anticipate the CMA response either. Can I just ask 1 quick follow-up. So do you think that your -- this new approach in terms of or this clearer, maybe more straightforward approach in terms of ceasing fiber build makes it more or less possible that you could sell assets to help reduce your debt part? And is that on the agenda at the moment.

Michael Fries

Well, we've referenced in the past the remaining tower portfolio that we have an interest in, that is something we've always considered. Other transactions involving our HFC network or fiber network, we always remain opportunistic, and you should assume we are looking at all sorts of opportunities here to raise cash. And so that's on the table. We just can't speak about it today.

Operator

Our next question is from Matthew Harrigan with StoneX.

Matthew Harrigan

Especially with the commonality on the HSC side now between the U.K. and Ziggo Group, and the very dramatic reductions in the cost plan that was submitted. Is there a fair amount of sharing in terms of the strategic planning and the technology road map. I mean you talked a lot about AI, pretty substantial cost reductions in the prior call, but just curious as to whether there's a lot of talk between the 2 companies?

Michael Fries

Thanks, Matt. Absolutely, that's always been our approach, to running these businesses, whether we own 50% or 100%, there's an open dialogue, Enrique and the team, whether it's AI or network decisions. The CEOs of the various operating businesses are together frequently with me and our team. So there's as much information and knowledge sharing as can happen. And when it comes to something like DOCSIS 4, there are very few people in the world as up-to-date on that as we are in Comcast and Charter and Vodafone. Probably the 4 of us would be the most knowledgeable companies on the planet on this technology, which has proven to be robust -- remains robust. And I think as the Dutch market will demonstrate at 8-gig is outstanding product for customers and very effective and efficient to build. So yes, lots of sharing common planning, and that's what makes, I think our approach to this pretty special.

Matthew Harrigan

So obviously, you're seeing a lot of new usage growth with the new 2 gig product.

Michael Fries

Sorry, go ahead, one more time, Matt.

Matthew Harrigan

I assume you're seeing a lot of usage growth and functionality with the new 2 gig product.

Michael Fries

Yes. I mean, look, whenever we've raised and Lutz can address that more specifically, but whenever we've increased speed or sort of make technological leaps in the quality of broadband we see more usage. That's for sure. I mean even today, VMO2, given the size of its broadband base, the average speed received by BMO customers multiples, what the average U.K. customer is getting today because our network has always been the most robust. And whenever we have leaps and speed offerings, of course, there's more usage and just half of your customers. So there's a marketing component to it as well, no question, but there's also a fundamental technology component to it, and we can continue to expect to see that.

Operator

Our next question is from Ulrich Rathe with Bernstein Societe General Group.

Ulrich Rathe

I wanted to ask about the VMO2 cost cut announcements. Could you talk a little bit how how this came about in terms of did you identify inefficiencies and decide, therefore, it's time now for this? Or is it driven by the situation on the debt stack how would you position your thoughts at the moment about the situation, how the debt is trading with regards to the possibility of that restructuring?

Michael Fries

A lot of questions there. I'll let Lutz speak a bit more about the organic evolution of this plan. I'll just add that from a shareholder point of view, and as I said in my remarks, I think the team has always been quite good at managing an efficient business in the face of headwinds, revenue headwinds and growth headwinds. And so looking out and understanding the market as we do, it seemed to us to be a great opportunity and a great moment to rethink the operating model.

Now what's driving that, lots of things, just running a more efficient business, bringing in new senior leadership, benefits of AI, et cetera, et cetera. I'll let Lutz address that more [indiscernible]. And Charlie, you can take the last question. Go ahead, Lutz.

Lutz Schüler

Yes. I think 3 things came together, Ulrich. So one is what we hired Lisa, our new consumer CO and she clearly came with a new strategy coming from the brands and a clear prioritization. So we have found a few things that will make the biggest difference for customers and aligned our resources behind that. Lisa also has started already earlier than the rest of the company to dramatically simplify consumer operating model, and now we are enlarging this across the company. So that's one.

The second thing is, of course, as Mike said, that our shareholders told us over summer to come up with a plan to generate a certain cost savings. And so this came quite nicely together, and we challenged us across the company in operating model and other costs.

And then thirdly, as discussed before, we made a strategic decision on fiber, which is also helping on the costing. So I would say these 3 things came together. Charlie?

Charles Bracken

And just on the debt, look, I think we recognize that the debt is -- as a multiple is trending above our 4 to 5x target. And we also are committed to getting the leverage down towards our targets. I think we have to wait to see what the plan bottoms out at. I think Lutz has done a lot of good things with the cost savings, with lots of other elements, and he's still working through his budgeting cycle. So I think we'll have more news on the debt and how we plan to refinance it in February around the Q4 results. I mean, again, I would reemphasize there is no maturity before 2029. So we have time to see how the market conditions evolve over the next few months and obviously how the company's performance above. So keep stay tuned, and we'll come back to you in February and March.

Operator

Our next question is from James Ratzer with New Street Research.

James Ratzer

Yes. I mean hard to keep it to just one question. But the one I would have today, if possible. I mean, Mike, for equity holders in Liberty Global, you've made a pretty powerful statement today that you would put no cash from the Topco into the telecom assets. So just to kind of reconfirm that. I was wondering if I could kind of stress test to potential scenarios. One is it becomes clear before the Ziggo Group spin actually happens that it's going to be difficult to reach leverage target? And the second one is, I mean, given where the Virgin Media bonds are trading, clearly, everyone on the credit side is expecting some kind of debt restructuring to happen there.

So there could be an amend and extend proposal and that can often involve sponsors potentially putting capital into companies as part of that process. So just to be crystal clear, could you kind of confirm that in either of those 2 scenarios, you still wouldn't be putting any cash from the corporate company down into the telecom assets?

Michael Fries

Well, yes, in the first instance, we stand by the statement, obviously, and I think it's the right thing for us -- position for us to have. In the first example, where there's a spin-off pending, and as I mentioned about that spin-off, it's happening, I should make that clear again, it's happening. And if we're not waiting for all the stars to align, there's no need to wait for all the stars to align with the stock where it is today. It's all good. So it's happening. And now the only reason we would consider potentially putting money into a spin-off, not into the company to reduce -- or to keep it humming on any other basis. Is this essentially a dividend to shareholders?

In the case of Sunrise, you put money in there, but that was effectively a dividend to shareholders, tax-free. So as if we were handing cash to shareholders, that is a different scenario. That's a very optimistic, positive moment where we are unlocking value unleashing value for shareholders. we may think about that, but that is not on the table because I think this business is trending in a manner that it doesn't require any boost or a kick in the pants.

On VMO2, no comment. We made it clear, Charlie, I just made it clear, we have nothing to add to where we sit today. The business is generating free cash flow. Yes, it's a little bit up and above the high end of our leverage marks. Yes, we are -- I think Lutz and the team are making extraordinary efforts to bring operating free cash flow, meaningful operating free cash flow to the business. We need to wait and see where the market sits. Our interest rates are low with base-grade rate hedging through the '29 period. But this is in our minds anyway, not a crisis. And so I'm not prepared to address that hypothetical at all. I think there's no need to.

On the first one, I view that as a very positive moment. The only reason we do that is if we thought we can get the stock out at 12 instead of 10 or something. And you should view that as a dividend to shareholders, not as an investment in the telco business per se because immediately, the value of that equity injection would be realized to the benefit of shareholders, which we all like. So that's how I'd answer that question. I don't know Charlie, you might add into that, but I think I've made the point.

Charles Bracken

I wouldn't I mean ...

James Ratzer

Mike on that -- on that point, Mike, wouldn't -- I mean, given you're trying to steer the market to value the Ziggo Group on a cash flow yield basis, wouldn't cash in the Ziggo Group on a cash flow yield basis be valued at a lower value than cash that sits in the corporate company. So I'm wondering why you would consider doing that.

Michael Fries

The only reason is, you're right, and that's why it's not a very -- not a very likely scenario. The only reason might be that the yield itself would come down, right? So if I'm if the business is trading at a certain leverage ratio, the yield might be closer to KPN yield of 5%, right? So Sunrise is up at 10% or 12%. So to me, it's less about the actual economic results or accounting result within the P&L or the balance sheet, it's about market perception of what is the right free cash flow yield.

Having said that, trust me, this spin-off, absent some force majeure we can't control is happening. Shareholders will have a share of stock with Ziggo Group written on it in the second quarter, and they'll value it where they choose to value it. And so the main answer is we don't think it's necessary, unlikely to do it, but you should perceive it as a -- if it were ever to happen as a very positive day, a very happy day for investors and only on that basis, would we consider it.

James Ratzer

And would there be any kind of threshold that would make you consider that? Is it if it's kind of -- I'm just trying to think about -- because I think this is an important scenario for shareholders to consider. So I'm just trying to think about what could be those variables that might make you put a cash dividend into the Ziggo Group before the spend?

Michael Fries

I don't want to get into those, James. I appreciate the question. It's the right one, but I don't think it's appropriate for us to get into all those notes. We've got a Capital Markets Day, we got 6 to 8 months to see how this unfolds. You're going to have plenty of time, I think, to run the scenarios that would be my response.

Operator

Our next question is from Polo Tang with UBS.

Polo Tang

Just a question for Stephen, in terms of VodafoneZiggo. So operationally, the company is seeing a turnaround that's clear. But can you maybe talk through the deleveraging profile and the moving parts to get to 4.5x leverage from 6x currently. I think most investors in terms of their maths are going to get down to around about 5x. But can you also talk about the bridge and the moving parts to get to $500 million of equity free cash flow in 2028. And is this number $500 million sustainable longer term given you've got longer-term debt maturities, but the bond yields are higher than your current cost of financing.

Maybe a quick follow-up for Lutz, if that's possible on VMO2. You've outlined plans for significant cost savings. But can you give some detail about the measures you're taking to improve subscriber trends and revenues. So are you looking to grow VMO2 longer term? Or alternatively, is this turnaround plan more focused on having a stable top line and boosting operating free cash flow for cost savings?

Charles Bracken

[indiscernible] talk about financial [indiscernible].

Michael Fries

[indiscernible] Leverage point. Yes, go ahead, Charlie.

Charles Bracken

Yes. Sorry, just I mean, Stephen, obviously, the master who's driving all this. But look, I think, first of all, we've given this medium-term target. We're going through a detailed budgeting process. Mike just indicated that our synergies are actually looking substantially higher than the $1 billion we told you about, but we're just not in a position to give you the integrated numbers. But you should assume that we see a road map to the $4.5 million and the $500 million. So you should assume that's there. In terms of the actual details on the bridge, clearly, there'll be some EBITDA turnaround. I think that's been pretty clear. And Stephen set the foundations. I think he's guided as a very strong chance of EBITDA growth next year, but let's wait for the final budgeting and the synergies to come through, so we can give you an exact number there. We're still getting our feed. We'll see [indiscernible] just started on exactly what the final plan is for Telenet. But based on the plan we have today, we feel pretty good about that.

And then in terms of the cash flow, I think we've indicated these synergies are pretty material and would underpin a big part of that, about $500 million. So I'm not trying to dot the question, but I think it's a little bit early for us to give you a line-by-line bridge, but I can assure you, you will be seeing that in the Capital Markets Day come whenever it is. And we recognize that's a key question on everyone's mind.

Michael Fries

Yes. And CapEx reduction, particularly at Telenet, where the mobile upgrade is complete, and you're going to see a big turnaround in free cash flow in '27 and '28. At Telenet, that's a big chunk of the $500 million. Stephen, we didn't give you a chance to say anything there. Do you want to add anything?

Stephen van Rooyen

I think that was -- well, firstly, thanks, Paul, for the question. I think it was handled pretty well by Charlie. I mean, I do is I would reemphasize as you've seen, our turnaround take route through this year that my expectation is that the financials, which are a lagging indicator for the commercial staff [indiscernible] through next year. So trying to say we're in the budgeting process, but I fully expect us to see the EBITDA line to improving, which goes some way alongside the synergies towards getting to that target.

Michael Fries

And the CapEx result.

Polo Tang

VMO2?.

Michael Fries

Lutz?

Lutz Schüler

Yes. I mean we -- Polo, we are not giving top line guidance today, right? So we are also having our Capital Markets Day contribution around in Q1 next year. But I think clear is we see not really a short-term recovery of the market. So we are not planning with that. Number 2 is, of course, midterm, right, we see a stabilized also top line, right? And we will give you details for that. So it's not that we are only working on cost saving, and we forget about gross margin and top line. Both things will come together that we can show you sustainable growth in operating free cash flow, right? And we will give you details for that in Q1.

Operator

Our next question is from Joshua Joshua Mills BNP Paribas.

Joshua Mills

First one, just for Stephen. Obviously, a lot of the focus this year has been about turning around the negative subscriber trends in broadband, which you've now done for 2 quarters in a row. I was just wondering if you could comment a bit about how you think about the balance in value and volume and commercial strategy as you push into next year. You've raised prices already de facto by putting the ESPN product in. Is that the kind of pricing move we should expect to see more of going forward? Or do you still believe that volume gains and the necessary price discounts, which says in detail would be your focus? And then maybe if I can squeeze the second one in quickly. You've made the point very clearly on the call that you distributed the CMA decision and will be challenging it. Can you just explain to us the mechanisms by which you will be making that challenge because based on the CMA disclosure, I think they said you hadn't till last Tuesday to submit remedies, you did in [indiscernible]. Now you're challenging them on the basis of their methodology is flawed. So what is the legal route that you can explore there? And when should we expect to get an update on whether route is successful.

Stephen van Rooyen

Yes. So let me see if I can -- so let me see if I can respond to the first part of your question and hand to Lutz for a second. So look, you're right, we have spent the balance of the last 18 months focusing on getting the decay in the broadband base, which contributes significantly to the financials back to positive growth. And we've achieved up for 2 quarters in a row and my expectation is we'll be able to continue to see that for a while. Our plan longer term is once we're in positive territory, which we're in, is to sustain it at a reasonable level.

I mean the markets mature there's only so much growth that comes from the market. And so getting positive and staying positive is where we like to play. I think a healthy business is a growing business. Having said that, I think you'll see a lot more focus on working on yield. I mean a couple of things on that. So number one is we'll be lapping the repricing that we did pretty soon. We'll put that through almost 2 years ago now. So that will trade out of the numbers. We've introduced the highest speeds. We've got tiering plans on the higher speeds, which [indiscernible] slightly better yield. We have further plans like the one that we've executed for ESPN to find new ways of growing revenue through through our existing base. And you see that in the fixed ARPU that you've got that we delivered today. We've been able to execute the repricing change as well as getting back to growth without disturbing ARPU as much as most people would have expected when we put through an entire repricing.

So I see more of the balance coming between the volume, which we have now achieved and positive volume growth, which we've achieved and managing the financials through the product portfolio that we have and I think more that we can do on optimizing the product portfolio that we've still got. And I think you'll see that play out in '27. Lutz?

Lutz Schüler

On the CMA process -- yes, on the CMA process, obviously, we submitted to the CMA, our view of their interim report as did most of the market. There is a hearing this week or we'll have an opportunity to engage in CMA, I understand what they're saying. We have also asked them to issue a supplemental interim report, not unprecedented, asking them to revise their report may or may not happen. Either way, we expect some kind of final report from them mid-December, and we'll react and have an update once that occurs.

Unknown Executive

The only thing I would add to that is the only thing I would add to that is, right, that also during the process now. TalkTalk got acquired by BT. So the entire underlying market assessment of the CMA has to be reviewed, right? So it's not a really straightforward process and there are some questions also coming from that.

Operator

Our next question from David Wright with Bank of America.

David Wright

So yes, just back to the U.K., when you do -- given that the fiber build has halted, what sort of CapEx more sustainable CapEx would we be thinking about? And also whether you think there is a need for a little bit more expenditure on mobile given the clear momentum or investment Vodafone is making? And I just wondered, you mentioned about the U.K. HFC upgrades, but it's not DOCSIS 4. Can you just confirm why it's not DOCSIS 4? And actually, in the Netherlands, do you -- how many DOCSIS 4 customers do you currently have?

Michael Fries

I'll let Lutz answer all the questions, but DOCSIS 4 customers in the Netherlands, Steve, I imagine we have a handful. We just launched essentially. So I don't think there's much there. And go ahead. And Enrique, do you want to jump in on the why not DOCSIS 4 in the U.K. and welcome to Lutz, go ahead.

Lutz Schüler

So on fiber investment, I think we disclosed before a number that we are right paying a bit more than 100 pounds per home passed. So I think, David, you can run the math yourself. On mobile, Well, we are the fastest improving network in Europe. So we are the ones who have done big steps. We have close to 90% 5G stand-alone coverage, the highest in this market, and we are putting now all the spectrum to work that we acquired on the back of the merger, Vodafone 3. So we are sitting on a very good mobile network now again, it took a long time, but we are and we will -- we have the money in our 3-year plan to really have that position. And on why do we don't we build DOCSIS 4.0? Well, here, it is simply cheaper to build fiber because difference to the Netherlands is that this country is [indiscernible]. So therefore, to build fiber is much cheaper. But we talked about it, right? There has been built so much fiber that they -- it will be either whole buying or it will be any inorganic way of merger, whatever to get to higher fiber coverage than the EUR 9 million we have.

David Wright

But unless I'm wrong, you're not upgrading -- or are you upgrading the residual HFC to DOCSIS 4.0 in the U.K. or not?

Lutz Schüler

No, we are not. I tried to say, David...

David Wright

At this point?

Lutz Schüler

That is pretty much same cost like building fiber in our case, not in the Netherlands case because our network is ducted, Therefore, we will not do that.

Operator

Our next question is from Maurice Patrick with Barclays.

Maurice Patrick

Just a quick one for me. On the U.K. market, sorry to come back to it, your fixed ARPU is down 5% year-on-year. Just curious to understand how much of that was driven by the front book pricing pressure versus the backward repricing? I saw some press article earlier this week talking about how you were more going after the back book customers and repricing them maybe more than you were beforehand? So just curious as to, of that 5% ARPU decline, how much of its front book, back book, whether it should continue? And then maybe just a very quick sort of follow-on. I don't think you've really given your views on the BT TalkTalk acquisition yet in terms of your -- the extent to which you can would challenge it all your views about it.

Michael Fries

Well, I think Lutz just mentioned it. We obviously are surprised to say the least, but that transaction is being rushed through -- wouldn't be a surprise to you to know we were also looking at that asset as were many others. So the idea that there was only one buyer or one solution for those customers or that those customers were truly at risk, we think is wrong. So it should require the exact same scrutiny as any transaction, including ours, all they're doing here as far as we can tell, strengthening the incumbent and their monopoly position without review, that's got to be a concern to anybody in the marketplace. Did you want to address the ARPU question?

Lutz Schüler

Yes. I mean the only talk to, right, the decision hasn't been taken finally, right? So I mean the state secretary now has to decide will the CMA undertake a clear review process or not, and that decision is due in the next coming weeks. We agree with maybe a quick decision was needed to ensure business continuity for vulnerable customers and others. We strongly disagree with the fact that, that means that now process and some actions can be taken. And so we are waiting for that. And of course, we are interested in customers where we have the network. On your ARPU question, I think it's hard to say. So to quantify, I mean, high level, we are doing both, right? We have to be competitive in acquisition pricing and of course, the acquisition price, especially for higher speeds have gone down.

And the other one is that we've done a lot of prevention. So we have identified segments with a higher likelihood to churn and we have proactively lowered the price and invited them to stay for another 2 years with us. So therefore, I think the overall amount of customers who are now within the minimum contract land with us is very, very high.

And I think maybe the second one has driven directed the ARPU a bit more. I mean you haven't asked for the outlook. And as I said before, is we don't expect that the market will recover in the near term. We're not factoring that in. But Lisa is coming with a strategy that, for sure, will stabilize value for customers using video, using higher speeds and using adjacent services. So we are going to share that with you in Q1.

Michael Fries

I think we're at time, everybody. So yes, thanks, Lutz. We're out of time. So just a quick thank you from all of us. I appreciate you jumping on. Lots of information to process. Obviously, we're around to chat. Stay tuned for in early next year, some moments to engage with both VMO2 and Ziggo Group directly in an extended period, I think it will be very helpful for you and we maintain our laser focus on driving value for shareholders, that should be clear. So thanks for joining us. Speak soon.

Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes Liberty Global's Third Quarter 2026 Investor Call. As a reminder, a replay of the call will be available in the Investor Relations section of Liberty Global's website. There you can also find a copy of today's presentation materials. Thank you all.

本文部分內容由 AI 生成和翻譯,並經人工審核,僅供參考且做為一般資訊用途,不構成投資建議。

免責聲明:本網站提供的資訊僅供教育和參考之用,不應視為財務或投資建議。

推薦文章

tradingkey.logo
風險提示:我們的網站和行動應用程式僅提供關於某些投資產品的一般資訊。Finsights 不提供財務建議或對任何投資產品的推薦,且提供此類資訊不應被解釋為 Finsights 提供財務建議或推薦。
投資產品存在重大投資風險,包括可能損失投資的本金,且可能並不適合所有人。投資產品的過去表現並不代表其未來表現。
Finsights 可能允許第三方廣告商或關聯公司在我們的網站或行動應用程式的任何部分放置或投放廣告,並可能根據您與廣告的互動情況獲得報酬。
© 版權所有: FINSIGHTS MEDIA PTE. LTD. 版權所有