For the third quarter of 2008, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization were AED101 million, up from a loss of AED186 million from the same period of 2007. Gross margin was 63%, compared to 53% in the third quarter of 2007. In the third quarter, du’s mobile revenue reported of AED 819m, an increase of 233% year on year and 22% quarter on quarter.
The company’s fixed line revenue accounted for AED212m in the quarter, a 54% year on year increase and 2% increase quarter on quarter reflecting seasonality while broadcasting revenues remained stable in the period in line with forecasts.
The report said that, the proportion of overheads to revenue continues to decline, underlining company’s commitment to keeping control of costs. Overheads to revenue fell to 54%, down from 59% in Q2 2008. Capital expenditure continued in the period, with a total of AED 347m million being invested into the development of du’s fixed and mobile networks in the UAE.
Chairman of du, said: “This result is a real endorsement of du’s strategy of focusing on delivering what our customer base in the UAE wants most.”
