PTCL eyes growth with Rs.20 billion Capex

July 17, 2021

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PTCL management in a briefing has disclosed that its revenue base in 2021 increased across all the segments with wireline data experiencing highest growth of 15%. Furthermore, wireless data posted 13%YoY revenue increase, corporate 11% while international segment posted growth of 3%YoY.

PTCL has previously reported a revenue of Rs. 19.3 billion in 2nd quarter of 2021, posting a 9% growth over same period last year.

Despite higher revenues, Gross margins declined by 0.133pts to 21.95%. PTCL mentioned that margin decline was due to higher human resource related cost, energy cost and other operating expenses.

For Half year period ending June-2021, PTCL posted an unconsolidated Profit of Rs.3.7billion as compared to Rs. 2.7billion in
the same period of 2020.

During 2021, PTCL increased their product portfolio by launching flash fiber, acquiring contract of UBL data
center, and upgradation of its IT infrastructure.

At consolidated level, fresh breath of air came from Ufone which posted a 104% YoY growth in new sales in 2QCY21 while Ufone 4G subscribers increased by 8% YoY in 2QCY21.

U Microfinance bank is providing much needed support to PTCL where Bank’s profitability increased by
203% YoY in 2QCY21 to Rs202 million. Ubank revenue has increased by 8% YoY in 2QCY21 amid rise in deposits by Rs19bn and its loan portfolio increased by Rs9.6bn in 2QCY21.

It is also revealed that U Microfinance bank is moving forward towards digitalization as it processed 24% of its fresh loans through Digital Loan acquisition application.

Amid competition in the sector, PTCL is eyeing growth through Huawei-PTCL partnership and upgrading legacy networking to modern networking. The contract with Huawei Technologies Pakistan will revolutionize IP Edge and Optical Transport Network (OTN) in Pakistan and will strengthen PTCL’s position as high speed data services provider.

Furthermore, PTCL aims to increase its outreach and has planned capital expenditure of Rs. 20 billion by next year, with 30% of it (Rs.6 billion) going towards expansion of FTTH network.