By Alex Scroxton
12 November 2008
Vodafone has vowed to head off the credit crunch at the pass
after unveiling a pre-emptive restructuring programme in the wake of a 35%
profit slump in the first half.
Newly-installed chief executive Vittorio Colao said he would
reduce operating costs by around £1bn per annum by 2011 in an attempt to offset
growing pressure from the macro-economic environment.
He also called a halt to Vodafone’s buy-and-build growth
strategy, saying that while Vodafone would continue to “support consolidation”
where appropriate, its focus would be realigned on its existing businesses and
any future buys would need to be funded through portfolio disposals in other
areas.
Vodafone maintained silence on the question of whether or
not any jobs would be lost in the UK as a result of the cost-cutting
moves, but Colao’s pronouncements were well received as Vodafone stock jumped
on the announcement.
Overall, first half revenue was up 17.1% on the same period
last year, hitting £19.9bn, although as stated profits fell 35% to £2.1bn.
Rallying his troops, Colao said: “We will pursue growth opportunities
in total communications, specifically mobile data, enterprise and broadband. In
our emerging markets, the priority will be execution and we intend to further
strengthen capital discipline.”
He insisted Vodafone still had the “right assets and
strategy” to continue to dominate the mobile industry.
