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VOD - Vodacom Group Limited - Interim results for the six months ended 30

Release Date: 07/11/2011 07:10
Code(s): VOD
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VOD - Vodacom Group Limited - Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2011 Vodacom Group Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) Registration number: 1993/005461/06 (ISIN: ZAE000132577 Share Code: VOD) (ISIN: ZAG000088659 JSE Code: VOD001) (`Vodacom`) Interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2011 Salient features Strong financial performance * Group service revenue up 6.0% (6.9%*) * Group EBITDA up 7.6% (9.8%*) * Group operating free cash flow up 5.6% to R6 930 million * Headline earnings per share up 6.9% to 324 cents * 44.4% increase in interim dividend per share to 260 cents Mobile data is the key growth driver * Group data revenue growth of 31.1% * Group data revenue represents 14.1% of service revenue * 38.1% increase in Group active data customers to 12.4 million Investing for data growth * Group capital expenditure of R3 462 million * Expansion of 3G and fibre networks * Focus on network stability and improved customer experience Value focus boosts South African performance * Effective price per minute reduced by 23.9% * Customers up 21.1% to 28.9 million * Outgoing voice traffic up 34.1% Building momentum in International operations * Customers up 22.5% to 19.0 million * Service revenue up 13.3% (20.0%*) * M-Pesa gains traction; 2.2 million active customers in Tanzania "I`m really pleased with what we`ve achieved in the first six months of trading as the new red Vodacom. Starting with the simple premise that to succeed over the long-term we need to make every customer smile, we`ve focused on the customer experience by improving our value proposition, network and customer service. In South Africa, increased promotional activity and reduced data prices were well received, driving significant gains in both usage and customer numbers. Our average effective price per minute fell 24% and we also implemented a 22% reduction in average data prices. We`ve invested just under R3.5 billion on our networks, making tangible improvements to both coverage and stability. We`ve also laid the groundwork for a focused programme to ramp up our customer service. The impact of these changes is visible in our results. Group customers increased 22% to 48 million, with active data customers growing 38%. This more than offset continued price reductions, and overall service revenue increased 6%. The positive momentum in the International mobile network operations continued, with service revenue in local currency increasing 20%. The turnaround in the International mobile operators helped contribute to the 6% increase in Group operating free cash flow to R6.9 billion. In the second half of the year we aim to capitalise on all the steps taken to improve the customer experience, and prove to our customers that the change in colour really is just the beginning." - Pieter Uys, Vodacom Group CEO Operating review South Africa South Africa delivered a strong performance with service revenue growing 4.7% to R23 505 million (7.0% excluding the impact of cuts in mobile termination rates). Equipment sales were particularly strong, growing 20.3%, contributing to overall revenue growth of 6.7%. Gross connections increased sharply to approximately 8.0 million, with the brand refresh and numerous promotions and handset deals the primary drivers of the 56.5% change. Customers increased 21.1% year on year to 28.9 million, a net increase of 2.4 million in the six month period. This was achieved despite the accelerated disconnection of approximately 537 000 SIMs that were locked at the RICA deadline. Churn also increased in the second quarter as a result of these RICA disconnections. Total ARPU was down 9.0% to R141, largely due to lower interconnect rates and the higher prevalence of lower usage customers in the mix. Data revenue growth was again an important feature of the results, increasing 29.4% to R3 720 million. Data revenue now represents 15.8% of service revenue. Active data customers grew 32.3% to 10.5 million, representing 36.2% of customers. Customers regularly purchasing data bundles grew by 89.7% to 3.5 million. While mobile broadband devices still accounts for the majority of data traffic on our network, the growth rate of smartphone data traffic is ten times higher than that of dongles and other modems. The appetite for smartphones amongst our customer base is very strong, with active smartphones on the network increasing by approximately 870 000 in the six months to 4.1 million. We reduced our data prices in order to maintain our competitive position and drive greater adoption and usage. EBITDA for South Africa increased 6.6%, with the EBITDA margin maintained at 35.9%. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, EBITDA increased 8.7% and the EBITDA margin expanded to 36.5%, reflecting an improved contribution margin from lower average customer acquisition and retention costs. While we realised savings from our various cost efficiency initiatives, these were partially offset by increased investment in network performance, call centres and our new on-line store. Capital expenditure increased 83.4% to R3 015 million (11.0% of revenue) as we made substantial investments to increase capacity and enhance quality. A large portion of capital spend was for transmission, where we made steady progress against our plan of self-providing transmission to our high data traffic sites. We expanded our 3G network with 352 new sites bringing the total to 4 642 sites. 68.4% of 3G sites have been activated with HSPA+ (21.6 mbps) software and of these around 30% have been migrated to high capacity IP transmission backhaul. Dual-carrier HSPA+ (43.2 mbps) is now active on 52.1% of our 3G sites. International The positive momentum in International continued, with service revenue increasing by 13.3% (20.0%*) to R4 390 million due to strong growth in customers and relatively stable macro environments. Our brand presence and approach to smarter price offerings underpinned strong relative market performance. Customers increased 22.5% year on year to 19.0 million, adding 2.0 million in the six months. While still a relatively small portion of overall revenue, data revenue growth was very strong at 71.4% as we saw more customers using data and mobile financial services. Active data customers increased 82.4% to 1.9 million as we expanded network coverage and introduced more affordable data offerings. Take up of our M-Pesa service in Tanzania accelerated with active customers reaching 2.2 million, penetrating 21.0% of the customer base. Despite the cost pressures from fuel and foreign-denominated operational costs, International EBITDA increased by 12.4% (14.8%*) to R660 million and the EBITDA margin remained stable at 14.6%. The International operating profit was negatively impacted by impairment losses of R318 million, mainly for Gateway given their weak performance. We invested R444 million in the period (2010: R421 million) and expect to spend substantially more in the remainder of the year as we continue to expand our voice and data network coverage and capacity. Strategy update Grow passionate promoters by dramatically improving the customer experience One of the keys to improving the customer experience is to ensure that we`re getting things right at all touchpoints, including the crucial interactions in- store and via our call centres. With this in mind, we have piloted a programme of closed loop feedback at several call centres and stores. This process entails asking customers for feedback immediately post their interaction with Vodacom. This information is then fed back to the employee who dealt with the customer, giving an unfiltered picture of how their service was received and useful insights into where we need to make improvements. We have also rolled out technical experts in many of our shops to help our customers leave fully connected to the internet and email. We have invested in a fully fledged social media customer support team and with the launch of our new on-line shop in South Africa (www.vodacom.co.za/shop) it is now easy to transact with Vodacom on- line. Actively create an environment for our people to excel and grow Our brand refresh was not just a change in colour but also a renewed focus on how we run our business. We are empowering our employees to be customer and service obsessed. We have launched an employee hotline to enable staff to resolve customer problems as and when they become aware of it. Employees now have the opportunity to experience all of our services first hand; in return we request feedback to better the services to our customers. We believe we are making good progress, having been ranked as the best telecommunications company to work for in South Africa by the Corporate Research Foundation Institute. Put the power of the internet in people`s hands The key elements to increasing mobile and internet access are affordable devices and usage charges and relevant content. On the devices front, we introduced a smartphone for less than R1 000 (the full touch screen Vodafone 858 Smart running Android), the Vodafone WebBox which converts any TV into an internet terminal, and more recently launched the Vodafone WebBook which is a netbook running Ubuntu Linux. On the pricing front, we recently reduced data pricing in South Africa by on average 22.0%. We also launched the Vodacom App Store, complemented by our own app developers` programme, to give talented people the chance to develop locally relevant apps and in so doing provide both training and a source of income. Together drive operational excellence across the Group One of the key focus areas with respect to operational excellence in the last six months has been our networks. The 67.7% increase in capital expenditure has supported the installation of hundreds of new base stations and hundreds of kilometres of self-provided fibre transmission. On top of this, the new equipment we are installing in all our operations is considerably more efficient and allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint by 12% per base station site across the Group1. During this period we started constructing the Site Solutions Innovation Centre (`SSIC`), which is a 100% carbon neutral building located at our headquarters in Midrand. The aim of the SSIC is to investigate ways for the Group to reduce both operating and capital costs by developing, testing and applying innovative technical solutions. Proactively partner with our stakeholders At all of our operating companies we have stepped up our engagement on key industry matters, particularly relating to rural coverage and broadband inclusion for all. In South Africa we signed the ICT industry competitiveness and job creation compact which sets out 2020 goals to have 100% broadband population coverage and create one million new jobs. We also recently launched the Vodacom Mobile Education programme in South Africa. This programme comprises three elements: nine countrywide resource centres, 1 800 connected schools and an education content portal with high quality teaching resources to support the curriculum. Financial review The Group has reclassified certain numbers previously reported to align with reporting practices of its ultimate parent. Refer to note 7 of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements. Service revenue Group revenue and service revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2011 increased by 7.6% and 6.0% respectively (8.4%* and 6.9%*), underpinned by continued growth in Group data and voice revenue offset by a decline in interconnect revenue from South Africa. Strong growth in customers in the International operations supported revenue growth of 12.8% (19.7%*) and service revenue growth of 13.3% (20.0%*). Operating expenses2 Group operating expenses increased 7.8% to R21 291 million. These expenses include a net foreign exchange loss on the revaluation of foreign-denominated trading items of R156 million (2010: R1 million loss). Group operating expenses increased 8.0%* below revenue growth of 8.4%*. EBITDA Group EBITDA increased 7.6% (9.8%*) to R10 535 million, and the EBITDA margin remained stable at 33.2%. South Africa contributed 93.3% (2010: 94.2%) to Group EBITDA, increasing 6.6% with a stable margin at 35.9%. Excluding the trading foreign exchange loss of R181 million, South Africa`s EBITDA increased 8.7%. International EBITDA increased 12.4% (14.8%*) with margins relatively stable at 14.6%. The improved profitability of the International mobile network operators was offset by reduced profitability in Gateway. Operating profit Group operating profit increased 3.4% to R7 302 million. The operating profit in South Africa increased 5.1% due to the growth in EBITDA, partially offset by the 9.0% increase in depreciation and amortisation arising from higher capital expenditure. International operating profit was negatively impacted by impairment losses of R318 million mainly relating to Gateway. Net finance charges Net finance charges reduced from R558 million in the prior period to R247 million for the six months ended 30 September 2011, mainly due to the gain on derivatives relating to our forward exchange contracts. Finance costs for the period reduced by R107 million compared to the prior period as a result of a R1 487 million reduction in average debt coupled with the benefit of lower interest rates. The average cost of debt reduced from 7.9% to 7.3%. Taxation The tax expense of R2 668 million for the period increased by 19.4% compared to September 2010 due to higher profits and the secondary tax on companies (`STC`) paid on higher dividends paid. The effective tax rate increased from 34.4% to 37.8% mainly due to an increase in non-deductible interest of R78 million and an increase in STC of R159 million. Earnings Headline earnings per share increased 6.9% to 324 cents mainly due to growth in operating profit before impairments and reduction in finance charges offset by increased taxation. Basic earnings per share of 301 cents (2010: 300 cents) was impacted by impairment losses of R318 million. Cash flow Operating free cash flow increased by 5.6% to R6 930 million for the period. The cash generated from operations grew by R770 million and was mainly due to positive trading performance. Net cash additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets increased from R2 779 million to R3 179 million. The lower growth of 3.0% in Group free cash flow to R3 921 million was due to higher tax paid partially offset by lower net finance charges. Capital expenditure The Group`s capital expenditure for the period was R3 462 million, 67.7% higher than a year ago. The 83.4% growth in the South African capital expenditure is largely due to the limited infrastructure deployment during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTrade Mark. Statement of financial position Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets were positively impacted by foreign currency translation adjustments of R814 million and R97 million, respectively. Net debt decreased to R10 654 million, compared to R11 785 million a year ago. The Group`s financial gearing reduced slightly, with the net debt to EBITDA ratio at 0.5 times at 30 September 2011 (2010: 0.6 times). 87.0% (2010: 89.0%) of the debt3 is denominated in rand. R5 378 million (2010: R4 115 million) of the debt3 matures in the next 12 months and 59.1% (2010: 98.0%) of interest bearing debt (including bank overdrafts) is at floating rates. During the period the Group diversified its sources of funding by establishing a R10 billion domestic medium-term note programme (`DMTN`). As part of this programme, we issued our inaugural R750 million three month commercial paper in August 2011. Declaration of interim dividend No. 5 Notice is hereby given that interim dividend number 5 of 260 cents per ordinary share in respect of the financial year ending 31 March 2012 has been declared payable on Monday 5 December 2011 to shareholders recorded in the register at the close of business on Friday 2 December 2011: Last day to trade shares cum dividend Friday 25 November 2011 Shares commence trading ex dividend Monday 28 November 2011 Record date Friday 2 December 2011 Payment date Monday 5 December 2011 Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday 28 November 2011 and Friday 2 December 2011, both days inclusive. On Monday 5 December 2011, the interim dividend will be electronically transferred into the bank accounts of all certificated shareholders where this facility is available. Where electronic funds transfer is not available, cheques will be dated and posted on or about Monday 5 December 2011. Shareholders who hold dematerialised shares will have their accounts at their CSDP or broker credited on Monday 5 December 2011. Outlook Our medium-term guidance remains unchanged. Although our service revenue growth for the first half was ahead of our "low single digit" guidance we expect growth to slow in the second half as a result of further pressure in both voice and data prices. Our continued focus on cost efficiency is delivering results, with notable successes in managing acquisition and retention costs in the first six months. The EBITDA margin, excluding foreign exchange movements, for the year ending March 2012 is expected to improve from 2011 4. While capital expenditure is expected to accelerate in the second half and our full year forecast of R7.7 billion5 remains unchanged. For and on behalf of the Board Peter Moyo Non-executive Chairman Pieter Uys Chief Executive Officer Rob Shuter Chief Financial Officer 4 November 2011 Midrand * Represents normalised growth excluding foreign exchange gains/losses and at a constant currency. 1. Compound annual reduction in Group`s carbon footprint (March 2009 vs. March 2011). 2. Excluding depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses. 3. Debt includes interest bearing debt, non-interest bearing debt and bank overdrafts. 4. This general profit forecast has not been reviewed or reported on by the Group`s auditors. 5. Excluding the accounting for RAN swaps. Condensed consolidated income statement for the six months ended 30 September 2011 Six months ended30 Year
September ended 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Rm Notes Reviewed Reviewed Audited Revenue 3 31 747 29 516 61 197 Direct expenses 7 (14 (13 (27 275) 344) 600) Staff expenses 7 (2 (2 (4 060) 047) 024) Publicity expenses 7 (1 (982) (2 056) 086) Other operating 7 (3 (3 (6 expenses 900) 376) 928) Depreciation and (2 (2 (5 amortisation 836) 673) 355) Impairment losses 4 (318) (33) (1 508) Operating profit 7 302 7 061 13 696 Finance income 90 83 109 Finance costs (340) (447) (864) Net gain/(loss) on 3 (194) (303) remeasurement and disposal of financial instruments Profit before tax 7 055 6 503 12 638 Taxation (2 (2 (4 668) 234) 659)
Net profit 4 387 4 269 7 979 Attributable to: Equity shareholders 4 403 4 416 8 245 Non-controlling (16) (147) (266) interests 4 387 4 269 7 979 Six months ended Year 30 September ended
31 March 2011 2010 2011 Cents Notes Reviewed Reviewed Audited Basic earnings per 5 301.0 300.0 561.5 share Diluted earnings 5 299.9 299.7 560.4 per share Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the six months ended 30 September 2011 Six months ended Year ended 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011
Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited Net profit 4 387 4 269 7 979 Other comprehensive income 598 (497) (449) Foreign currency 679 (497) (502) translation differences, net of tax (Loss)/Gain on hedging (81) - 53 instruments in cash flow hedges, net of tax Total comprehensive income 4 985 3 772 7 530 Attributable to: Equity shareholders 5 155 3 891 7 739 Non-controlling interests (170) (119) (209) 4 985 3 772 7 530 Condensed consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 September 2011 As at As at 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Rm Notes Reviewed Reviewed Audited Assets Non-current assets 28 820 27 769 27 982 Property, plant and 9 22 885 20 233 21 577 equipment Intangible assets 9 4 942 6 376 5 215 Financial assets 213 184 189 Trade and other 212 205 264 receivables Finance lease 333 450 307 receivables Deferred tax 235 321 430 Current assets 15 389 13 330 13 453 Financial assets 458 196 273 Inventory 994 890 799 Trade and other 11 978 10 681 10 773 receivables Finance lease 499 294 462 receivables Tax receivable 388 318 276 Non-current assets held - 13 - for sale Cash and cash 1 072 938 870 equivalents Total assets 44 209 41 099 41 435 Equity and liabilities Fully paid share capital * * * Treasury shares (1 (1 (1 533) 384) 384) Retained earnings 18 170 16 672 17 864 Other reserves 168 (1 (858) 056)
Equity attributable to 16 805 14 232 15 622 owners of the parent Non-controlling 191 763 558 interests Total equity 16 996 14 995 16 180 Non-current liabilities 7 807 10 262 8 743 Borrowings 11 6 290 8 604 7 280 Trade and other payables 333 282 258 Provisions 526 433 510 Deferred tax 658 943 695 Current liabilities 19 406 15 842 16 512 Borrowings 11 5 378 4 115 2 783 Trade and other payables 13 524 11 260 13 005 Provisions 309 242 298 Tax payable 116 220 87 Dividends payable 6 3 8 Bank overdrafts 73 2 331 Total equity and 44 209 41 099 41 435 liabilities * Fully paid share capital of R100. Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity for the six months ended 30 September 2011 Rm Equity Non- Total attributable controlling equity
to owners interests of the parent 1 April 2011 15 622 558 16 180 Total comprehensive income 5 155 (170) 4 985 Dividends (4 096) (25) (4 121) Partial disposal of 191 (172) 19 interests in subsidiaries Repurchase and sale of (145) - (145) shares Share-based payment 78 - 78 expense 30 September 2011 - 16 805 191 16 996 Reviewed 1 April 2010 13 738 898 14 636 Total comprehensive income 3 891 (119) 3 772 Dividends (2 576) (38) (2 614) Partial disposal of 68 22 90 interests in subsidiaries Repurchase of shares (962) - (962) Share-based payment 73 - 73 expense 30 September 2010 - 14 232 763 14 995 Reviewed 1 April 2010 13 738 898 14 636 Total comprehensive income 7 739 (209) 7 530 Dividends (5 212) (71) (5 283) Partial disposal of 156 (60) 96 interests in subsidiaries Repurchase of shares (962) - (962) Share-based payment 163 - 163 expense 31 March 2011 - Audited 15 622 558 16 180 Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended 30 September 2011 Six months ended Year
30 September ended 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Rm Notes Reviewed Reviewed Audited Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from 10 109 9 339 21 385 operations Tax paid (2 (2 (4 982) 713) 154) Net cash flows from 7 396 7 185 16 403 operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Net additions to (3 (2 (6 548) property, plant and 179) 779) equipment and intangible assets Business combinations, 7 - (24) (24) net of cash acquired Other investing 7 (105) 35 (9) activities Net cash flows utilised 7 (3 (2 (6 581) in investing activities 284) 768) Cash flows from financing activities Movement in borrowings, 485 (843) (3 949) including finance costs paid Dividends paid (4 (2 (5 283) 123) 617) Repurchase of shares (145) (984) (984) Partial disposal of 7 19 90 98 interests in subsidiaries, net of cash disposed Non-controlling interests - - (1) Net cash flows utilised 7 (3 (4 (10 in financing activities 764) 354) 119) Net increase/(decrease) 348 63 (297) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the 539 951 951 beginning of the period/year Effect of changes in 112 (78) (115) foreign exchange rates Cash and cash equivalents at 999 936 539 the end of the period/year Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements 1. Basis of preparation These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the framework concepts, the recognition and measurement criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards (`IFRS`) and the International Accounting Standard 34: Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (`IASB`), the AC 500 standards as issued by the Accounting Practices Board, the JSE Listings Requirements and the requirements of the Companies Act No 71 of 2008, as amended. They have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments which are measured at fair value or at amortised cost, and are presented in South African rand, which is the parent Company`s functional and presentation currency. The significant accounting policies and methods of computation are consistent in all material respects with those applied in the previous financial year, except as disclosed in Note 2. The significant accounting policies are available for inspection at the Group`s registered office. There have been no material changes in judgements or estimates of amounts reported in prior reporting periods. Certain items, pertaining to the six months ended 30 September 2010, have been reclassified as disclosed in Note 7. The preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements was supervised by the Chief Financial Officer RA Shuter CA(SA). The financial information has been reviewed by the independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche, whose unmodified review report is available for inspection at the Group`s registered office. 2. Changes in accounting policies The Group adopted the new, revised or amended accounting pronouncements as issued by the IASB, which were effective and applicable to the Group from 1 April 2011. The adoption of IFRS 3: Business Combinations (Amended), impacted the Group`s accounting policies by introducing changes to the measurement bases for different components of non-controlling interests at the acquisition date in a business combination. The change in accounting policy, however, had no impact on the Group`s financial results for the period. Full details on changes in accounting policies will be disclosed in the Group`s integrated report for the year ending 31 March 2012. Six months ended Year ended 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited 3. Segment analysis External customers segment 31 747 29 516 61 197 revenue South Africa 27 305 25 612 53 193 International 4 421 3 895 7 984 Corporate 21 9 20 EBITDA 10 535 9 788 20 594 South Africa 9 832 9 225 19 653 International 660 587 840 Corporate and eliminations 43 (24) 101 Reconciliation of segment results EBITDA 10 535 9 788 20 594 Depreciation, amortisation (3 (2 (6 863) and impairment losses 154) 706) Other (79) (21) (35) Operating profit 7 302 7 061 13 696 Net finance charges (247) (558) (1 058) Finance income 90 83 109 Finance costs (340) (447) (864) Net gain/(loss) on 3 (194) (303) remeasurement and disposal of financial instruments Profit before tax 7 055 6 503 12 638 Taxation (2 (2 (4 659) 668) 234) Net profit 4 387 4 269 7 979 Total assets 44 209 41 099 41 435 South Africa 32 673 28 873 31 076 International 11 246 10 847 9 743 Corporate and eliminations 290 1 379 616 Six months ended Year
30 September ended 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited 4. Impairment losses Impairment losses recognised are as follows: Intangible assets (298) (1) (1 500) Property, plant and (20) (32) (8) equipment (318) (33) (1 508) Included in the impairment losses for the current period is a goodwill impairment of R131 million and customer base impairments of R166 million, relating to the Group`s International reportable segment, which is as a result of increased price competition in increasingly competitive markets and poorer trading conditions. Six months ended Year 30 September ended 31 March 2011 2010 2011
Cents Reviewed Reviewed Audited 5. Per share information 5.1 Earnings and dividends per share Basic earnings per share 301.0 300.0 561.5 Diluted earnings per share 299.9 299.7 560.4 Headline earnings per share 323.5 303.2 655.5 Diluted headline earnings per 322.3 303.0 654.3 share Dividends per share 280.0 175.0 355.0 2011 2010 2011 Million Reviewed Reviewed Audited 5.2 Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the purpose of calculating: Basic and headline earnings 1 463 1 472 1 468 per share Diluted earnings and diluted 1 469 1 473 1 471 headline earnings per share 5.3 Ordinary shares for the purpose of calculating: Dividends per share 1 488 1 488 1 488 Vodacom Group Limited acquired 1 898 271 shares in the market during the period at an average price of R85.07 per share. Share repurchases did not exceed 1% of Vodacom Group Limited`s issued share capital. The current period dividend per share calculation is based on a final dividend declared during May 2011 for the year ended 31 March 2011 of R4 166 million of which R25 million was offset against the forfeitable share plan reserve, R2 million expensed as staff expenses and R43 million paid to Wheatfields Investments 276 (Pty) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary holding treasury shares on behalf of the Group. Six months ended Year 30 September ended 31 March
2011 2010 2011 Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited 5.4 Headline earnings reconciliation Earnings, attributable to equity 4 403 4 416 8 245 shareholders, for basic and diluted earnings per share Adjusted for: Net loss on disposal of 79 20 35 property, plant and equipment and intangible assets Impairment losses (Note 4) 318 33 1 508 4 800 4 469 9 788
Tax impact of adjustments (65) (6) (165) Non-controlling interests in (2) - 3 adjustments Headline earnings for headline 4 733 4 463 9 626 and diluted headline earnings per share 6. Forfeitable share plan (`FSP`) During the current period the Group allocated 1 896 351 shares to eligible employees under its FSP, an equity-settled share-based payment scheme in terms of IFRS 2: Share-based Payment. During the current period, the Group amended the rules of the FSP, whereby Vodacom Group Limited is now responsible to procure the settlement of the benefits in terms of the FSP to the participants employed by the employer companies on award date. Previously each employer company was responsible to procure the settlement of the benefits of its participating employees. The amendment resulted in future awards no longer being fair valued in the individual employee companies. The amendment did not have an impact on the consolidated financial results of the Group. 7. Reclassifications Certain items for the six months ended 30 September 2010 were retrospectively reclassified. In the income statement the Vodafone global alliance fee has been reclassified from direct expenses to other operating expenses, franchise fees have been reclassified from other operating expenses to publicity expenses, expenses not relating to payroll have been reclassified from staff expenses to other operating expenses and certain operating lease expenses have been reclassified from other operating expenses to direct expenses, so as to align with practices of the Group`s ultimate parent Vodafone Group Plc and to be consistent with the consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 March 2011. In the cash flow statement the cash flow resulting from the partial disposal of interests in subsidiaries has been reclassified from investing to financing activities, so as to be consistent with the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 March 2011. Rm Balance as Reclassification Balance as previously reclassified reported Reconciliation 30 September 2010 - Reviewed Income statement Direct expenses (13 495) 151 (13 344) Staff expenses (2 242) 195 (2 047) Publicity expenses (929) (53) (982) Other operating expenses (3 083) (293) (3 376) Statement of cash flows Cash flows from investing activities Business combinations, 64 (88) (24) net of cash acquired Other investing 37 (2) 35 activities Net cash flows utilised (2 678) (90) (2 768) in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities Partial disposal of - 90 90 interests in subsidiaries, net of cash disposed Net cash flows utilised (4 444) 90 (4 354) in financing activities 8. Related parties The amounts disclosed in Notes 8.1 and 8.2 include balances and transactions with the Group`s parent and entities in its group, joint venture and associate. Six months ended Year ended 30 September 31 March
2011 2010 2011 Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited 8.1 Balances with related parties Accounts receivable 219 228 278 Accounts payable (337) (313) (265) 8.2 Transactions with related parties Revenue 114 112 167 Expenses (457) (291) (478) Dividends declared (2 (1 (3 433) 708) 693) 8.3 Post-employment benefits Current contributions to (89) (89) (179) defined contribution plans 8.4 Directors and key management personnel Compensation paid to the Group`s Board and other key management personnel will be disclosed in the Group`s integrated report for the year ending 31 March 2012. SN Maseko was appointed as managing director of Vodacom (Pty) Limited and as an executive director of the Group`s Board on 1 September 2011. Six months ended Year ended 30 September 31 March 2011 2010 2011 Rm Reviewed Reviewed Audited 9. Capital expenditure incurred Capital expenditure additions, 3 462 2 065 6 311 including software Effective 1 April 2011 the Group commenced with the capitalisation of staff expenses relating to capital expenditure, so as to align with practices of the Group`s ultimate parent Vodafone Group Plc. Staff expenses were not retrospectively capitalised as data was not collected in prior periods in a way that allows retrospective application. During the period staff expenses of R96 million were capitalised. 10. Capital commitments Commitments for the purchase of 7 315 6 613 11 018 property, plant and equipment, including software 11. Borrowings 11.1 Domestic medium-term note programme During the period the Group established and registered a domestic medium-term note programme on the interest rate market of the JSE Limited, under which notes including commercial paper, may be issued by the Group from time to time. The maximum aggregate nominal amount of all notes outstanding may not exceed R10 billion. During the period unsecured three month commercial paper with a nominal value of R750 million, bearing interest at three month JIBAR plus 10 basis points, with a final redemption date of 28 November 2011 was issued at full value, and the funds were used to repay short-term bank borrowings classified as financing activities. 11.2 Dark Fibre Africa (Pty) Limited The Group increased its finance lease liability relating to access transmission links by R395 million. 11.3 ABSA Bank Limited The loan with a nominal value of R1 250 million was repaid on 30 September 2011 using short-term bank borrowings classified as financing activities. 11.4 Short-term bank borrowings classified as financing activities In addition to the movements disclosed in Notes 11.1 and 11.3, the Group further increased its short-term bank borrowings classified as financing activities with R1 021 million mainly to fund capital expenditure. 12. Contingent liabilities 12.1 Guarantees The Group issued various guarantees relating to the financial obligations of its subsidiaries, which amounted to R59 million (30 September 2010: R10 million; 31 March 2011: R53 million). Vodacom (Pty) Limited provides an unlimited guarantee for borrowings entered into by Vodacom Group Limited. The related outstanding borrowings on the statement of financial position are R3 283 million (30 September 2010: R3 212 million; 31 March 2011: R1 655 million). 12.2 Tax matters The Group is regularly subject to an evaluation, by tax authorities, of its direct and indirect tax filings. The consequence of such reviews is that disputes can arise with tax authorities over the interpretation or application of certain tax rules applicable to the Group`s business. These disputes may not necessarily be resolved in a manner that is favourable to the Group. Additionally, the resolution of the disputes could result in an obligation to the Group. 13. Regulatory matters 13.1 Consumer Protection Act (`CP Act`) During the period, the National Consumer Commission (`NCC`) undertook an investigation into the terms and conditions of the Group`s customer airtime agreements in South Africa. The NCC subsequently requested the Group to accept a consent order prior to the date that the Group had given as the date on which it would align its customer airtime agreements to the CP Act. The Group did not accept the consent order as it did not agree with its terms and conditions. Subsequent thereto, the NCC served the Group with a compliance notice requesting the amendment of certain clauses in the customer airtime agreements and the distribution of amended agreements to customers. The Group has applied to the National Consumer Tribunal to vary the notice or to set it aside. 14. Other significant matters 14.1 Vodacom Congo (RDC) s.p.r.l. (`Vodacom Congo`) The Group continues to participate in the International Chamber of Commerce arbitration with Congolese Wireless Network s.p.r.l. (`CWN`), relating to various funding and operational agreements and co-operation in the manner in which the Vodacom Congo business is run. Notwithstanding the arbitration, the Group continues to pursue an amicable and constructive resolution with CWN. A possible resolution may include an exit from this investment. During the period CWN applied for a court order against a possible sale of this investment by the Group to third parties. 14.2 Vodacom International Limited (`VIL`) The claim brought by Namemco against VIL for approximately US$41 million, relating to alleged consulting fees due and the ancillary action for the annulment of the ex parte order relating to the attachment of VIL`s shares in Vodacom Congo to satisfy the claim, was heard before the Congolese commercial court and judgement is still pending. Namemco`s claim was initially brought in South African courts, where it is also being challenged. 15. Partial disposal of interest in subsidiary During the period the Group recognised the effect of the sale, originally entered into during March 2007 and May 2008, of 9% of its stake in VM, SA to the non-controlling parties for a consideration of US$2.7 million. As at the reporting date the Group owned 85% of the issued share capital in VM, SA. 16. Events after the reporting period The Board is not aware of any matter or circumstance arising since the end of the reporting period, not otherwise dealt with herein, which significantly affects the financial position of the Group or the results of its operations or cash flows for the period, other than the following: 16.1 Dividend declared after the reporting date and not recognised as a liability An interim dividend of R3 869 million (260 cents per ordinary share) for the year ending 31 March 2012, was declared on 3 November 2011, payable on Monday 5 December 2011 to shareholders recorded in the register at the close of business on Friday 2 December 2011. The secondary tax on companies payable on this dividend amounts to R387 million. 16.2 Acquisitions of businesses Details on acquisitions of businesses, none of which were material, will be disclosed in the Group`s integrated report for the year ending 31 March 2012. 16.3 Changes to the Group`s Board TA Boardman and M Lundal resigned from the Group`s Board on 30 October 2011 and 3 November 2011 respectively. K Witts was appointed as a non- executive director on 4 November 2011 replacing M Lundal. In March 2012 RA Shuter will be seconded to Vodafone Netherlands as Chief Executive Officer and will then step down from the Group`s Board. Directors MP Moyo (Chairman), PJ Uys (CEO), P Bertoluzzo1, M Joseph2, A Kekana, SN Maseko, T Mokgosi-Mwantembe, PJ Moleketi, NJ Read3, RAW Schellekens4, RA Shuter, K Witts3 Alternate director TJ Harrabin3 Company secretary SF Linford Registered office Vodacom Corporate Park, 082 Vodacom Boulevard, Midrand 1685 (Private Bag X9904, Sandton 2146) Transfer secretary Computershare Investor Services (Proprietary) Limited (Registration number: 2004/003647/07) 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg 2001 (PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107) 1. Italian 2. American 3. British 4. Dutch 7 November 2011 JSE sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd Debt Sponsor: Absa Capital(the investment banking division of Absa Bank Limited, affiliated with Barclays Capital) Non-GAAP information This announcement contains certain non-GAAP financial information which has not been reviewed or reported on by the Group`s auditors. The Group`s management believes these measures provide valuable additional information in understanding the performance of the Group or the Group`s businesses because they provide measures used by the Group to assess performance. However, this additional information presented is not uniformly defined by all companies, including those in the Group`s industry. Accordingly, it may not be comparable with similarly titled measures and disclosures by other companies. Additionally, although these measures are important in the management of the business, they should not be viewed in isolation or as replacements for or alternatives to, but rather as complementary to the comparable GAAP measures. Trademarks Vodafone, the Vodafone logo, Vodafone Mobile Broadband, Vodafone WebBox, Vodafone Passport, Vodafone live!, Power to You, Vodacom, Vodacom M-Pesa, Vodacom Millionaires, Vodacom 4 Less and Vodacom Change the World are trademarks of Vodafone Group Plc (or have applications pending). The trademarks RIMRegistered, BlackBerryRegistered, are owned by Research in Motion Limited and are registered in the US and may be pending or registered in other countries. JavaRegistered is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Microsoft, Windows Mobile and ActiveSync are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the US and/or other countries. Google, Google Maps and Android are trademarks of Google Inc. Apple, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Forward-looking statements This announcement which sets out the interim results for Vodacom Group Limited for the six months ended 30 September 2011 contains `forward-looking statements`, which have not been reviewed or reported on by the Group`s auditors, with respect to the Group`s financial condition, results of operations and businesses and certain of the Group`s plans and objectives. In particular, such forward-looking statements include statements relating to: the Group`s future performance; future capital expenditures, acquisitions, divestitures, expenses, revenues, financial conditions, dividend policy and future prospects; business and management strategies relating to the expansion and growth of the Group; the effects of regulation of the Group`s businesses by governments in the countries in which it operates; the Group`s expectations as to the launch and roll out dates for products, services or technologies; expectations regarding the operating environment and market conditions; growth in customers and usage; and the rate of dividend growth by the Group. Forward-looking statements are sometimes, but not always, identified by their use of a date in the future or such words as `will`, `anticipates`, `aims`, `could`, `may`, `should`, `expects`, `believes`, `intends`, `plans` or `targets`. By their nature, forward-looking statements are inherently predictive, speculative and involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other facts or factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Group, or its industry to be materially different from any results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based on assumptions regarding the Group`s present and future business strategies and the environments in which it operates now and in the future. www.vodacom.com Date: 07/11/2011 07:10:01 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on, information disseminated through SENS.

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