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Investing.com -- Deutsche Telekom (ETR:DTEGn) shares fell by over 2% on Wednesday following its fourth-quarter results, as investor sentiment was dampened by weaker-than-expected performance in certain segments and adjustments to U.S. guidance.
Despite an overall solid outlook for 2025, the stock faced pressure amid concerns about foreign exchange impacts and one-off expenses.
Deutsche Telekom’s fourth-quarter performance was affected by two key one-off factors. The German service revenue was impacted by deferred public sector spending around the general election, while central costs included one-time healthcare-related expenses for civil servants.
These elements led to mixed results, with Germany’s fixed-service revenue growth slowing more than expected, even as the mobile segment remained resilient.
The company’s U.S. business, which contributes a significant portion of its earnings, also presented some challenges.
While Deutsche Telekom’s majority stake in T-Mobile US (NASDAQ:TMUS) has been a strong driver of its valuation, the latest guidance factored in foreign exchange and accounting adjustments that led to a downward revision of expectations.
This development appears to have weighed on investor confidence, contributing to the share price decline.
Despite the initial market reaction, UBS analysts maintained a positive long-term view on Deutsche Telekom (OTC:DTEGY), emphasizing its defensive qualities and earnings growth potential.
The report projected an annual earnings per share growth of 11%, supported by a stable dividend yield of 3% and potential share buybacks of up to €15 billion.
With more than 65% of its EBITDA stemming from the U.S. and Germany accounting for approximately 25%, Deutsche Telekom remains well-positioned to navigate market fluctuations.
While the weaker Q4 results prompted some immediate selling, UBS noted that similar trends in the European telecom sector have often been followed by recoveries, as valuations remain undemanding and capital expenditures are peaking.
The brokerage expects the company to maintain its guidance for steady growth in Germany, particularly as deferred public sector spending normalizes in the first quarter of 2025.