Vodafone tipped for £3.7bn profit
Despite a year of huge changes for Vodafone, analysts say they'll be concentrating on prospects for medium-term performance rather than history when the company announces year-end results next week.
They're predicting pre-tax profits of £3.7bn for the group, which currently has more than 80 million subscribers.
Vodafone's acquisition of European 3G licences, albeit at huge cost, is expected to strengthen its long-term appeal for investors.
The company will reap synergy benefits from acquisitions, and cost savings from its increased size and global reach.
Analysts will be examining Vodafone's average revenue per unit growth, which is seen as a key indicator in its medium-term performance.
ARPU has been falling as prices have been cut to stimulate demand to generate overall revenue growth.
There's also expected to be an update on the company's introduction of GPRS services.
Peter Caldwell, of Gerrard Stockbrokers, said: "News on this technology's performance and its take up will not gather momentum until at least the end of the year and this will be a significant driver of the share price.
"Given fears of a stock overhang as some lock-ups expire, there will be some guidance sought on whether initiatives will be put in place to soften the effect on the share price."
