Cellnex posts net loss related to buying spree, core earnings rise

Reuters

Published May 07, 2020 16:58

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Cellnex (MC:CLNX), Europe's largest mobile phone towers operator, posted on Thursday a 64% rise in first-quarter core earnings, slightly beating forecasts, even as it swung to a net loss of 30 million euros(26.18 million pounds)due to acquisitions.

The Barcelona-based company said its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose to 260 million euros, while its operating revenues grew 49%, to 358 million euros.

A poll of analysts provided by Cellnex had put EBITDA at 259 million euros and operating income at 360 million euros.

The company turned to a net loss due to higher amortizations and financial costs related to its ambitious expansion throughout Europe, Chief Financial Officer Jose Manuel Aisa told Reuters.