Belgian telco Proximus' annual core profit exceeds market estimates

Feb 27 (Reuters) - Belgian telecom operator Proximus reported a 15.5% rise in its yearly core profit on Friday, beating market expectations, driven by strong performance in its home market.

Reported group earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) came in at 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion), ahead of analysts' average estimate of 2.1 billion euros in a company-compiled consensus.

Proximus expects its core domestic business to hold steady in 2026, while its international unit should generate between 100 million and 130 million euros in operating profit.

It plans to spend up to 1.25 billion euros on infrastructure and aims to increase its annual dividends from 0.30 euro per share to 0.50 euro per share through 2028, as it works to keep its debt levels under control.

($1 = 0.8470 euros)

(Reporting by Leo Marchandon in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)