MONTABAUR (dpa-AFX) - United Internet increased its sales in the past year and earned more in operating terms despite higher costs for the 1&1 network expansion. Revenues climbed by five percent year-on-year to 6.2 billion euros in 2023, as the MDax-listed company announced in Montabaur on Thursday. Despite increased expenses for the network expansion of the mobile subsidiary 1&1, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) adjusted for one-off effects rose by 2.2% to EUR 1.3 billion. In contrast, 1&1 earned less operationally than in the previous year. Both companies roughly matched analysts' mid-range estimates.

Start-up costs in the 1&1 mobile network segment led to a decline in 1&1's operating result before special effects of just under six percent to EUR 654 million. Sales rose by 3.4 percent to just under EUR 4.1 billion, although the more lucrative service sales did not grow quite as strongly. Both companies confirmed the forecasts made in mid-December, according to which operating results are expected to increase in 2024. United Internet subsidiary Ionos, which specializes in internet services, is targeting further growth and aims to become more profitable./ngu/mis/zb