Bosnia's BH Telecom reports 1.3 pct rise in 2015 profit (updated)

Mtel ad Banja Luka

03/03/2016 11:12

(Updates with revenue, quote) 
    SARAJEVO, March 3 (Reuters) - Bosnia's BH Telecom  BHTS.SJ  
on Thursday reported a 2015 pre-tax net profit of 89.9 million 
Bosnian marka ($50 million) up 1.3 percent from a year earlier 
on revenue down 4.8 percent to 542 million marka. 
    The majority state-owned company said at a news conference 
that earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and 
amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 5 percent to 209.8 million marka 
while costs fell by 32 percent to 334.1 million. 
    "We achieved a better result last year thanks to more 
effective cost managing and we are again Bosnia's telecoms 
market leader," said General Manager Mirsad Zaimovic. "Our goal 
this year is to stabilise and maintain the leader's position." 
    The Sarajevo-based company is one of three Bosnian telecoms 
firms along with HT Mostar  HTKM.SJ , based in the southern town 
of Mostar and Banja Luka-based m:tel  TKLM.BJ .  
    BH Telecom shares were up 0.11 percent at 17.19 marka on 
Thursday. 
    (1$ = 1.802 Bosnian marka) 
 
 (Reporting by Maja Zuvela; writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; editing 
by Jason Neely) 
 ((daria.sito-sucic@thomsonreuters.com; +38733 295 484; Reuters 
Messaging: daria.sito-sucic.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) 
 
Keywords: BH TELECOM RESULTS/