(Telecompaper) Russian mobile operator MTS reported fourth-quarter revenues up 6 percent from a year earlier to USD 3.17 billion, while EBITDA rose a slower 1 percent to USD 1.29 billion. MTS said profit growth was held back by investments in its retail distribution and provisions for the shutdown of its operations in Uzbekistan. Net income was still up 39.1 percent to USD 547.3 million, thanks to lower financing costs and forex gains. Over the full year, the company missed its target for 7 percent revenue growth, with sales up just 0.9 percent due to a stronger dollar and the Uzbekistan withdrawal. The target for an OIBDA margin over 42 percent was met with a result of 42.6 percent, helped by tighter cost controls. Group capex rose to USD 2.90 billion last year, or 23.3 percent of revenues, in line with guidance. With its 3G roll-out nearly complete, capex will drop this year, but still remain at about 20 percent of revenues as the LTE roll-out starts. MTS expects capex of 18-19 percent of sales over the period 2013-2015. The company again targets 5-7 percent revenue growth this year, in local currencies, while the EBITDA margin is estimated at 41-42 percent.