Cell C has announced its financial and operational performance for the full year ending May 2025, marking a return to profitability alongside broad-based growth across its core business lines. The results reflect the success of the company’s transformation strategy and strengthen confidence in its readiness for the next phase of growth.
Financial Performance HighlightsTotal net revenue rose 4% to R11.14 billion, supported by momentum in priority segments. Service revenue climbed 6% to R11.97 billion, while wholesale revenue surged 13%, reinforcing Cell C’s leadership in the MVNO market. Prepaid broadband was a standout, growing 18% year-on-year as mobile data traffic increased 31%.
Operating discipline continued to deliver results. EBIT improved 5% to R1.58 billion, lifting margins to 14%. EBITDA remained stable at R2.09 billion, with stronger topline growth offsetting higher operating expenses. Profit before tax rose to R280 million, a swing of more than 200% from R9 million the previous year, aided by reduced finance costs.
Strategic Growth DriversCell C’s wholesale business, anchored by MVNO partnerships, continued to scale, growing its share of service revenue from 12% to 13%. The prepaid broadband segment also accelerated, confirming its role as a key growth pillar. The company maintained a stable customer base of 7.6 million while prioritising higher-value subscribers. Data usage soared, with prepaid traffic up 20% and postpaid traffic rising 23%.
Transformation in ActionThe year saw significant progress in customer and network experience. Cell C was recognised for offering South Africa’s best overall video experience in the Opensignal Awards, underlining the success of its Multi-Operator Carrier Network (MOCN) strategy. The company also achieved Africa’s first cloud-native VoLTE call via AWS, positioning it at the forefront of innovation.
Customer engagement was boosted by a redesigned mobile app, refurbished retail stores, and a refreshed brand presence. Cell C also gained recognition in the Kantar BrandZ Top 30 South African brands. Diversification beyond prepaid gathered pace, with enterprise, fibre, digital and wholesale revenues contributing an increasing share of the mix.
Looking AheadIn FY26, Cell C will focus on accelerating MVNO and wholesale growth, scaling enterprise and fibre services, and completing postpaid integration to unlock efficiencies. CEO Jorge Mendes commented:
“This year’s results prove that Cell C is back in profit and with momentum. We have reshaped our business, strengthened our brand, and secured growth in wholesale, broadband and postpaid. Our transformation has laid the right foundations to accelerate growth.”
//Staff writer